1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Summer evening.

The sun had not yet set in the distance, and fiery clouds hung in the azure sky, with wisps of smoke carrying the scent of cooking fires.

The living room lights were off, but the light streaming in from the window made the room feel exceptionally soft and warm.

Colorful balloons were scattered on the sofa in the house, along with a red double happiness character that once made her think she had accidentally stumbled into a wedding. Pink ribbons fluttered in the wind by the window, and there were smiling faces and an exquisite three-tiered cake...

Jiang Ting stood at the doorway, the setting sun shining through the balcony, casting a dreamy and hazy glow on her beautiful eyes, which were even darker and clearer than the most perfect black pearl.

She quietly looked at everything before her, feeling her heart filled with warmth, emotion, and happiness.

But hot, glistening tears, like rain, silently fall and cover the entire world.

If she remembers correctly.

That morning when I was six years old, which was twenty-eight years ago.

My mother would get up early before dawn and make her a bowl of longevity noodles with two eggs, bringing it to her bedside. Although it was far less lavish and exquisite than today's three-tiered cake, it was still quite precious back then.

Her mother's soft cheers woke her from her sleep. While she was still dazed from just waking up, her mother smiled and cupped her face, giving her a birthday blessing full of joy and love. Then, she gently kissed her forehead, giving her the final birthday gift.

This was a rather simple birthday celebration, not a grand one.

But even now, the vivid and unforgettable memories of her hazy childhood remain clear in her mind.

She will always remember it in her heart and never forget it.

Her mother's gentle, warm smile and tender kisses would always seep into her dreams in the quiet of the night, carried by the moonlight and the evening breeze.

Twenty-eight years later...

Once again, someone meticulously prepared a birthday celebration for her, including a cake and a surprise, to send her the most sincere and loving blessings.

That person knew perfectly well that she was cold-hearted, cold-mouthed, and indifferent to the bone.

Yet he still didn't mind, willing to bear her like a block of ice, enduring the biting cold, just wanting to see her smile, just hoping she was happy.

Jiang Ting thought she wouldn't be too moved, but seeing the lively and festive birthday party in front of her...

I felt my previously cold and quiet emotions shatter like a pillar of heaven shaking.

"call……"

Jiang Ting tightened her cold, trembling hands, took a deep breath, and slowly raised her sore, red eyes, fixing them on the young man pushing the cake, meeting his gaze.

Happy birthday, A-Ting!

The man winked at her, his eyes and mouth conveying a silent blessing.

Those gentle and peaceful eyes, that smiling and joyful face.

For a fleeting moment, the beautiful woman had the illusion of seeing her mother.

Realizing this, she felt a sudden buzzing in her heart and a violent tremor.

Immediately afterwards, something inside her shattered, and her beautiful, sore eyes instantly overflowed with hot, glistening tears.

"Whoosh..."

"Xiao Yan, thank you, thank you everyone for doing so much... I, I'm very happy."

Jiang Ting's heart was pounding. She tried her best to control her emotions, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she was startled by her own hoarse and choked voice, and quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth tightly.

"As long as you're happy, that's good. But we didn't do anything; it was all arranged by Kaiyan, Xiaoli, and Jiajia."

"Xiaoli made the cake herself, Kaiyan prepared the birthday party and surprise, Jiajia did the venue decoration, and we just bought groceries and cooked a meal."

Everyone smiled as they looked at this icy beauty who seemed somewhat different from usual.

Her phoenix eyes were misty and tearful, and her face and exposed skin were flushed pink from crying. Just looking at her made one feel heartbroken and tender, and one had the urge to hold her in one's arms.

It's hard to imagine that this is the same icy, cold-hearted, and beautiful woman who is so cold to the bone that everyone was a little stunned just now.

"Okay, okay~"

"Today is the happiest day, little birthday girl, you mustn't cry anymore! If you cry again, our dignified and elegant aunt will turn into a little kitten!"

Liu Xiaoli stepped forward and put her arm around Jiang Ting's shoulder, gently wiping away the tears on the beautiful woman's face with her warm fingertips, and whispered comfortingly in her ear with a touch of playfulness.

"Ah."

Hearing her niece's comforting words and teasing, Jiang Ting's lips curved into a smile. Instead of glancing at her coldly as usual, she obediently hummed in agreement.

Seeing her aunt's obedient, adorable, and pitiful appearance, Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but feel excited and eager to tease and play with her aunt a little more.

These kinds of opportunities are rare!

However, Cheng Kaiyan quickly suggested, "Let's light the candles and make a wish quickly so we can celebrate the birthday soon!"

"Yes, lighting candles and making a wish. That's the important thing!"

"Qingshui, Xiaoli, close the curtains and light all the candles in the room. It will create a better atmosphere."

"Jiajia, turn on the tape recorder and play the birthday song."

Everyone made arrangements in an orderly manner, and then surrounded today's protagonist, Jiang Ting, as she entered the center of the living room.

Cheng Kaiyan followed closely behind, pushing a cart full of cakes.

Jiang Ting stood in the middle, and everyone surrounded her, forming a circle.

"Here you go~ the candles are here, and they're number candles!"

Cheng Kaiyan pulled out two white number candles and said with a smile.

"Thank you, Xiaoyan. Auntie likes it very much."

Jiang Ting smiled sweetly. Of course, these number candles weren't sold outside; they were obviously made by her using molds and ordinary candles.

She placed two candles on the cake and took the matches Ning Wanjia handed her.

With a snap, the flames ignited, followed by music and everyone singing.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

Jiang Ting closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and silently made a wish in her heart.

I hope... I hope everyone is well, I hope happiness and joy continue, I hope Xiao Yan is always safe and sound, and happy every day... I hope I can be by everyone's side, I hope...

She opened her eyes after a long time, a faint sense of guilt and embarrassment flashing in her phoenix eyes.

Jiang Ting, oh Jiang Ting, you're so greedy...

How can I make all the wishes I've never made before, all at once?
The beautiful woman silently blamed herself.

But she is willing to pay the price if it can be achieved.

"Happy birthday!"

The final, loud, joyful "Happy Birthday" rang in her ears, bringing her back to her senses. Her gentle phoenix eyes carefully scanned everyone surrounding her.

Cheng Kaiyan, Liu Xiaoli, Ning Wanjia, Lin Qingshui, Xu Yuxiu, Tang Minghua, and Ning Qiuyue...

She memorized everyone's appearance.

"Alright, let's start cutting the cake! Who wants the first slice?"

Jiang Ting picked up the small knife next to her and asked with a smile.

"I!"

"I me me!"

Liu Xiaoli and Ning Wanjia, not wanting to be outdone, began to fight over the birthday cake, as it was said that the person who got the first piece would have good luck.

In the end, it was given to Cheng Kaiyan, but Cheng Kaiyan then divided it into several small pieces for them and Sister Qingshui.

"This is Qingshui's, this is Minghua's, this is Yuxiu's..."

Jiang Ting watched the young people whispering to each other with a smile in her eyes as she divided the remaining cake.

"These guys are such a nuisance! They're all in their mid-twenties, but they act like kids! They're probably plotting something bad right now!"

Tang Minghua took the cake, looking at the young people with a mixture of helplessness and amusement.

"Everyone is happy today."

Xu Yuxiu shook her head, took a bite of the cake, and said, "It tastes pretty good. Xiaoli is a really good cook."

"Mom, it's your birthday tomorrow, I'll make one for you too."

Hearing the praise, Liu Xiaoli happily came over and said.

"I'm very satisfied that you have this intention..."

Xu Yuxiu smiled gently and ruffled her hair, thinking to herself that girls are indeed more considerate than boys.

Jiang Ting distributed a large piece of cake to everyone, but the three-tiered cake was still too big and too much for everyone.

There's still the largest layer and a half left untouched; we definitely can't finish it all.

Jiang Ting was a little worried about wasting the cake, but after thinking about it, she realized that today was her first birthday in many years, and these cakes carried the best wishes for her birthday, so she decided to share them with her neighbors.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ting instructed the four young people: "Kaiyan, you four cut these cakes into smaller pieces and give them to the neighbors so they don't go to waste."

"Okay, we'll send it to them."

Cheng Kaiyan and the other three cut the cake into small pieces and carried it out.

"Aunt Lin, open the door."

Liu Xiaoli carried several pieces of cake to the apartment across the hall.

"Xiaoli? What's up?"

The Lin family was having dinner when they heard the commotion and ran out to ask what was going on.

"It's my aunt's birthday today, so I'm treating everyone to birthday cake."

Liu Xiaoli smiled and handed the cake to her.

"Oh! Professor Jiang, it's your birthday today! Thank you so much!"

Aunt Lin was very surprised to hear this. She took the cake and quickly thanked him, saying, "I'll put the cake down for a moment and give Professor Jiang my blessings."

Aunt Lin turned back.

Lin Xiaohong asked, "Where did the cake come from?"

"It's Professor Jiang's birthday today. Xiaoli just brought this. I'm going to go and wish her a happy birthday."

"It's your birthday today? No wonder Professor Jiang isn't as cold as usual. I'll go with you."

Lin Xiaohong and Aunt Lin came out and followed Liu Xiaoli into the house.

Happy birthday, Professor Jiang!

The two congratulated each other with broad smiles.

"Thank you. There are still cakes here, all made by Xiaoli herself. They're delicious, please take some more."

Jiang Ting greeted him with a light laugh.

After Cheng Kaiyan and his three companions returned with the cake, the neighbors, having learned that it was Jiang Ting's birthday, came over to offer their congratulations.

……

After the lively atmosphere subsided, the living room returned to tranquility.

Now that the birthday song has been sung, the cake eaten, and the blessings given, it's time to give a birthday present. "Auntie, this is my birthday present for you. I hope you like it."

Ning Wanjia pulled a small box out of her pocket and presented it to Jiang Ting with both hands as if it were a treasure.

"Thank you, Jiajia, I like any gift."

Jiang Ting took it and opened it, finding a fountain pen inside, with a paper label next to it clearly stating "Mont Blanc".

Picking up the pen, it feels cool to the touch and heavy in the hand; the iconic six-pointed white star on the top of the pen signifies its identity.

Montblanc.

"I like it very much, thank you."

Jiang Ting unscrewed the pen cap, held the pen, and wrote something on the draft paper on the coffee table, then said with a smile.

"Hehe, I noticed that your old fountain pen had been used for many years and the paint was chipped off, so I gave you this one. That way, whenever you write, Auntie, you'll think of me."

When asked about the reason she gave him the pen, Ning Wanjia turned her head away shyly and chuckled, but she looked as smug as a cunning and proud little fox.

"You little fox! You've been using all your energy on this!"

The beautiful woman poked the girl's chubby cheek and scolded her playfully.

"Hmph... scheming woman!"

Liu Xiaoli stood to the side, gave a soft snort, and thought to herself.

She turned to the sofa, picked up a cardboard box, and confidently said, "Alright, alright, it's my turn! This is the gift I prepared, Auntie, please see if you like it."

Jiang Ting opened it, and her eyes were suddenly lit up.

The living room light shone on the surface of the gift, reflecting a soft and delicate pearly luster.

Upon closer inspection, everyone realized that the garment before them was a dark blue cheongsam made entirely of fine silk, embroidered with simple yet elegant camellias.

Jiang Ting was pleasantly surprised and gently touched the cheongsam. It was cool and silky to the touch. When she picked it up and shook it, the pearly luster on the surface of the cheongsam rippled like waves.

"What a beautiful cheongsam! The quality is so good, it's no wonder it's made of silk. Xiaoli wore this to her engagement, didn't she?"

Xu Yuxiu covered her mouth slightly and exclaimed in surprise.

Beautiful clothes always attract the attention of women.

Not only Xu Yuxiu, Jiang Ting, and Tang Minghua, but even Lin Qingshui, who was usually dull and taciturn, stared wide-eyed at the cheongsam, admiring it without blinking.

"How is it? Don't you like it? I made it myself, it took me a long time! It's perfect for my figure!"

Liu Xiaoli smiled quietly and said, then crossed her arms and glanced at Ning Wanjia, who was also engrossed in watching.

"Thank you, Xiaoli. You've worked hard. Auntie likes it very much."

Jiang Ting put the clothes down and handed them to someone nearby, then gave Liu Xiaoli a light hug.

Then everyone presented their gifts together.

Tang Minghua gave her a pair of earrings, while Ning Qiuyue gave her a handbag, which seemed to be from a major international brand.

Xu Yuxiu gave her a talisman she had obtained from a temple, saying, "Speaking of which, Kaiyan also has one."

"Yes, my mom prayed for it when I went to the front lines last year, and it worked really well."

Jiang Ting looked at Cheng Kaiyan curiously, and the latter nodded with a smile.

"It really works."

Jiang Ting nodded in deep agreement and put the amulet on behind her back.

When it was Lin Qingshui's turn, she stood there blankly for a moment before Cheng Kai nudged her and she whispered, "Um... this is what I'm giving you. It's good for beauty and skin."

This large jar of beauty and skin-nourishing ointment, made with a family secret recipe, immediately attracted everyone's attention.

"Shimizu-nee, I want one too!"

Liu Xiaoli was standing to the side, holding onto Lin Qingshui's arm and shaking it back and forth.

"Xiaoli, I still have some."

Lin Qingshui was somewhat unaccustomed to her enthusiasm and spoke stiffly.

Tang Minghua and Ning Wanjia both perked up.

"The ancient remedies of the Shimizu family are truly remarkable. I remember last year when Cheng Kaiyan was so badly injured, she applied her family's ancestral ointment and was completely healed in less than two months!"

Ning Qiuyue, in particular, was so excited that her eyes lit up.

"Thank you, thank you Shimizu."

Jiang Ting was also very interested in this, and hugged Lin Qingshui with a smile.

Finally, it was Cheng Kaiyan's turn.

"Cheng Kaiyan, where's your gift?"

Ning Qiuyue glanced at her sideways and asked with ill intent, "You weren't prepared, were you?"

Hearing this, everyone looked over. Unprepared? That seemed unlikely.

"Of course I prepared one, but this gift is too special, so I have to give it to my aunt separately."

Cheng Kaiyan smiled and shook her head.

"Well, I'm looking forward to it."

Jiang Ting gave him a deep look. A special gift, and it had to be given to her alone?
Could it be that he's thinking...?

In a flash, the beautiful woman's pale face quietly flushed.

Hearing this, everyone let it go.

……

Seven o'clock.

The Jiang family was bustling with activity and exceptionally lively.

In the kitchen, chefs Xu Yuxiu, Liu Xiaoli, and Tang Minghua were cooking, and the clanging and banging sounds filled the air.

The living room was brightly lit, and the television was on, showing a movie.

Cheng Kaiyan, Jiang Ting, Ning Wanjia, Lin Qingshui, and Ning Qiuyue sat together on the sofa watching TV.

Jiang Ting chatted casually with them when she realized that someone had poked her soft side. The beautiful woman turned her head and saw that it was Cheng Kaiyan.

"what happened?"

Her eyes asked a question.

"follow me."

Cheng Kaiyan turned her head and glanced at the bedroom, then got up and walked over.

"You guys chat, I have something to discuss with Xiaoyan."

Jiang Ting called out and followed his back toward the bedroom.

"Crack!"

The door is closed.

Cheng Kaiyan turned on the room lights, and the sudden brightness made the two of them squint.

Happy birthday, A-Ting.

Cheng Kaiyan looked down at the beautiful woman in front of her, who exuded a rich, cool fragrance, and called out softly.

"You've already given your blessings, Xiao Yan."

Jiang Ting, considering it was her birthday, didn't take Cheng Kaiyan's disrespect to heart.

But suddenly she felt her heart beating faster and her emotions subtly leaping with joy.

Her face took on a mature and alluring pale pink hue, which gradually warmed and turned red as Cheng Kaiyan gazed at her.

Am I also expecting something... that shouldn't happen?
Will he hug me? Will he kiss me? Will he...?

Suddenly, some absurd thoughts surged into the beautiful woman's mind. She bit her tongue lightly, suppressing the wild and whimsical ideas that were swirling in her mind.

"This is my gift, take a look."

Cheng Kaiyan took something out of her pocket that was wrapped in a small drawstring cloth bag and handed it to Jiang Ting.

"This is……"

Jiang Ting breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little disappointed as she took the bag, her fingertips reaching into it.

I touched something that felt warm and slightly rough to the touch, and a faint, pure sandalwood scent wafted into my nose.

This thing felt both familiar and strange to him.

Jiang Ting vaguely remembered what it was, and her heart began to pound wildly.

This is a different kind of pulsation than the one before.

She hurriedly pulled open the drawstring and took out the contents.

Upon closer inspection, the object in her hand stunned her, leaving her speechless for a long time.

It really was that... that sandalwood comb her mother gave her, her sixth birthday present, her mother's only keepsake...

"Whoosh..."

After a long moment of stunned silence, Jiang Ting finally snapped out of her emotional turmoil. Her voice trembled with emotion, and she asked, somewhat out of control, "Xiao Yan, how did you get it? How did you get this comb? I remember throwing it away, didn't I? Wasn't it broken? How…"

"Don't rush... listen to me!"

Cheng Kaiyan grasped the beautiful woman's smooth, rounded shoulders with both hands and shook her gently, then gave her a sharp shout to calm her down.

He then recounted the whole story to her, including the reasons and twists and turns.

Upon learning the truth, Jiang Ting held the comb and remained silent.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No one is at fault, it's just a misunderstanding. Let bygones be bygones."

Do you know the meaning behind giving a comb to a woman?

Jiang Ting tilted her pretty face up and asked with a deep look in her eyes.

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded but did not answer.

"Cheng Kaiyan".

"Ah."

"Cheng Kaiyan!"

"Ok!"

"Cheng Kaiyan, would you please comb my hair?"

"Okay, A-Ting." (End of Chapter)