1979: My fiancée is a goddess

"Squeak~"

"Guaguagua~"

It's seven o'clock on a summer night.

The bamboo grove behind the teachers' compound was filled with the incessant chirping of cicadas and frogs.

A crescent moon hung in the night sky outside the window, bright and clear, its silvery light surrounded by starlight, falling obliquely onto the wooden floor.

The bedroom lights were off, but it was bright and quiet.

A graceful figure sat quietly on a small stool in front of a small solid wood dressing table by the bed.

She stood tall with a slender waist and straight, fragrant shoulders.

A clump of thick, long, black hair, reaching past her snow-white swan neck, draped neatly over her slender back, gently swaying in the cool evening breeze flowing in from the window.

As the wind rippled, it carried not only strands of hair and the pleated hem of her skirt, but also the woman's cool, rich fragrance...

And the trembling hearts of the two people behind them.

"rustle……"

Cheng Kaiyan took a deep breath, raised her hand and let her fingertips sink deep into her hair, touching her warm scalp.

Then, with gentle movements, she used her fingers to comb through the slightly messy strands of hair that had just been untied from the bun.

The jet-black hair flowed smoothly through the gaps between her fingers, so smooth that Cheng Kaiyan could feel its delicate texture, like silk or satin.

But in just a few strokes, the messy hair became neat.

Even if Cheng Kaiyan was deeply immersed in the situation, she had no choice but to give up.

at this time.

As the fingertips gently and softly combed through their hair, the two of them slowly adapted to this tranquil and simple yet ambiguous experience that made their bodies and hearts tremble slightly.

"Then I start?"

Cheng Kaiyan lowered her eyes and quietly looked at her stunning profile, which shimmered with a pearly luster under the moonlight.

He tucked his sideburns behind his ear as he asked in a slightly hoarse voice.

"Ah."

As his fingertips touched her face, Jiang Ting subtly tensed up, took a short breath, and nodded lightly with her back to him, feigning calm indifference.

However, when she spoke, one could hear a hint of nervousness, unease, and anticipation in her slightly trembling voice.

Combing your hair is a rather intimate activity.

In the old days, women had a "hair-tying" ceremony before getting married.

Combing your lover's hair carries the meaning of "untying the hair and showing you the most private side," and is full of a classical, commitment-like ritual.

"Hehe, don't be nervous, Auntie."

Cheng Kaiyan understood this principle and also understood Jiang Ting's shyness and nervousness, so she comforted her with a light laugh.

"Ah."

Hearing this address, Jiang Ting felt visibly calmer and hummed in response, biting her lip.

"rustle……"

Cheng Kaiyan began to comb her hair, holding the cool, smooth wooden comb in her hand and slowly lowering it.

Thick strands of hair flowed along the teeth of the wooden comb engraved with scriptures.

In the quiet air, where only their slightly heavy breathing could be heard, the delicate and touching rustling sound was amplified infinitely, stirring the sensitive strings of their hearts.

Combing one's hair from head to toe is an important tradition, and it also symbolizes a lifelong love that lasts until death, a love that will never be broken.

Cheng Kaiyan gently held the ends of her hair with one hand, and slowly and gently combed her hair from root to tip with the other.

Those beautiful, moist peach blossom eyes gazed intently at the person before them, as if looking at the most precious treasure in the world.

He saw that the beautiful woman's hair, under the moonlight, had a deep, reflective, pearly luster.

I saw her hair flow as it was combed with the wooden comb.

I noticed her snow-white neck peeking out from her occasional strands of hair, and her shy, pale pink ears.

Cheng Kaiyan could feel the smoothness and frizz of the hair, the temperature of the scalp, and the slight tremor that the beautiful woman produced when touched.

"Yes, she is my treasure..."

The thought that flashed through Cheng Kaiyan's mind made him pause for a moment.

At this moment, Jiang Ting's heart was completely devoted to Cheng Kaiyan, and she could sense even the slightest movement he made.

Jiang Ting didn't know why he was holding his breath and pausing, but she could roughly guess, thinking, 'He's probably doing the same thing as me, right?'

Xiao Yan's heart was also quietly fluttering, just like mine, as she combed her hair.
I combed her hair.

Cheng Kaiyan's gaze was gentle and focused, and her movements were slow and soft.

Any rudeness or impatience will ruin this moment.

This allowed Jiang Ting, who had her back to him, to relax and feel at ease when Cheng Kaiyan's fingers touched her skin and hair.

Because she could sense the careful care and affection conveyed in the other person's actions.

This kind of careful and tender care.

Their relationship was based on taboo; on unspoken emotions; and on a future destined to be unfulfilled...

And the tangible, silent love.

Cheng Kaiyan seemed to be telling her through the comb, "I am treating you with such care and cherishing, with respect and affection, including every single strand of your hair."

Jiang Ting suddenly remembered that before receiving the gift, the thought of hugging and kissing had flashed through her mind.

But everything before her was more convincing than any flowery language she had ever heard, more delicate than an embrace, and more tender than a kiss.

Her hair had long been combed straight, but Cheng Kaiyan continued to comb it anyway.

With each stroke of her comb, Jiang Ting's heart pounded more and more, her innermost feelings deepened, and she became more rational and resolute in her choice.

"Tick tock..."

Their love flowed quietly, like water gently flowing between their hearts under the tranquil moonlight, as the clock in the room ticked by.

After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Ting raised her hand and grasped Cheng Kaiyan's hand, saying calmly, "Alright, help me tie my hair, I have this hairpin."

After saying that, she picked up a wooden hairpin from the dressing table and handed it over.

"Hmm, but I'm not very good at it."

Cheng Kaiyan took it and said somewhat awkwardly.

"It's okay, I'll teach you."

After saying that, Jiang Ting raised her hands high and, with amazing flexibility, reached behind her head to grasp her hair and hairpin, teaching him how to tie her hair into a bun.

Because of Cheng Kaiyan's clumsiness, Jiang Ting patiently demonstrated it three times, then untied it and let him try.

"Yeah! Success!"

Cheng Kaiyan inserted the hairpin into her high bun and smiled.

"Xiao Yan, you do have some talent. Learn more, and you can help Xiao Li comb and tie her hair in the future."

Jiang Ting tilted her head, admiring Cheng Kaiyan's masterpiece in the mirror, and smiled with satisfaction.

"Ah."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded silently, understanding what Jiang Ting meant at that moment.

Even now, the two of them still...

It is essential to maintain an appropriate distance and refrain from any overstepping boundaries or excessive intimacy.

It was impossible between them, and neither of them ever thought it was possible.

All Cheng Kaiyan could do was fulfill Jiang Ting's wish and stay by her side.

……

"The food is ready!"

in the living room.

Xu Yuxiu brought out a plate of braised fish and a plate of sweet and sour pork ribs, the steaming heat hitting her face.

"Finally, I'm starving!"

Ning Wanjiateng stood up abruptly and complained.

Third Aunt and Cheng Kaiyan went into their room, leaving only the younger sister in the living room. She sat with Lin Qingshui, that blockhead, without saying a word, staring blankly at the TV for a long time, bored to death.

"Hehe, Shimizu is indeed a man of few words, he doesn't talk much."

Xu Yuxiu glanced at her with amusement and teased her.

"Aunt Xiu..."

Lin Qingshui then belatedly stood up and said somewhat embarrassedly to Ning Wanjia, "Sorry."

"Oh dear, Shimizu-nee, that's not what I meant."

Ning Wanjia blushed and quickly waved her hand.

This is Cheng Kaiyan's older sister! They spent $250,000 to bring her to the capital and even saved Cheng Kaiyan's life. They must really value her.

We dared not slight her.

"Alright, Jiajia, go and call Cheng Kaiyan and Ating out. It's time to eat."

Xu Yuxiu waved her hand and gave the order.

"it is good!"

Ning Wanjia also wanted to see what the two of them were doing in the room.

Could it be that they're doing something shady...?

Thinking of this, the girl's heart skipped a beat, and the scene she had encountered in the office that day suddenly flashed through her mind, causing her to frown.

Then she walked briskly and lightly towards the bedroom.

The closer she got to the door, the more serious and tense the girl's expression became. She reached for the doorknob, carefully turned the knob, and slowly pushed the door open a crack. She crouched in front of the door, peeking inside with only one eye.

The room lights were off, but the moonlight illuminated the room, allowing Ning Wanjia to see clearly with difficulty.

She looked up and what she saw made her hold her breath.

All I could see was the dressing table beside the bed.

Third Aunt sat on a stool with her hair down, and Cheng Kaiyan stood behind her, gently combing her hair with a comb.

Combing your hair?
Ning Wanjia felt a little strange for a moment, but it didn't seem like there was anything wrong with it.

However, after he had been combing his hair for a while, he then saw his aunt teaching him how to tie his hair up, while she whispered something that was hard to hear.

The girl's expression gradually changed, and she slowly took a deep breath.

Although she hadn't found anything, she knew she couldn't continue like this.

"Third Aunt! Cheng Kaiyan! Dinner's ready!"

She deliberately made a series of footsteps at the door, then called out lightly as she opened the door.

Ning Wanjia then carefully observed the two men's movements, but unfortunately they were very natural and proper, showing no signs of panic.

At most, they would suddenly hear a noise, pause in their movements, and turn their heads.

"coming!"

Cheng Kaiyan turned around and called out, and saw Ning Wanjia walk in.

"What are you doing?"

Ning Wanjia walked in openly, hands on her hips, and asked with a suspicious look on her face.

"Combing her hair."

Cheng Kaiyan raised the comb in her hand and said with a smile, "I also learned how to tie my hair into a bun from my aunt. Come and see if it looks good?"

"Why are you combing your hair with the lights off?"

Ning Wanjia gave a light snort and questioned her.

"The light is broken. You'll know if you press it yourself."

Cheng Kaiyan said irritably.

They're not stupid. Isn't it obvious that there's something wrong with leaving the room dark at night?
"what?"

Ning Wanjia was stunned for a moment, then reached out and touched the switch on the wall and pressed it.

"Clap clap clap!"

I looked up, and sure enough, the light bulb didn't move at all.

"It's really broken."

Ning Wanjia's suspicions lessened considerably. She walked up to the two of them and first took a close look at her third aunt, who was leaning to the side to look at her. There was nothing unusual about her; at most, she had a smile on her face.

"It probably burned out because it was used for too long."

Jiang Ting said in a calm tone.

"I'll have Cheng Kaiyan change it for you in a bit..."

Ning Wanjia looked at Cheng Kaiyan and smiled.

"Hey! That comb you're holding is so pretty! Is it a birthday present from you? No wonder Auntie asked you to comb my hair! Let me see!"

Her eyes caught sight of the comb in Cheng Kaiyan's hand. The comb was reflecting pale gold lines in the moonlight, and it was clear at a glance that it was no ordinary item.

She quickly guessed that this was probably the birthday gift Cheng Kaiyan had given to her third aunt, and casually reached out and took it from Cheng Kaiyan's hand.

This scene made both Cheng Kaiyan and Jiang Ting frown.

"Wait a minute, this is a comb made of sandalwood core, a birthday gift from my aunt! It was also the last thing she kept."

Cheng Kaiyan shouted in an annoyed tone.

"Oh, is that so? Did you send it to me?"

Ning Wanjia was startled and quickly cupped her hands, her eyes becoming more serious.

"It broke before, but I had someone fix it."

Cheng Kaiyan explained.

"Alright, it's just a comb. Let's go out to eat so we don't keep everyone waiting."

Jiang Ting gently shook her head, smoothed her skirt, and stood up.

"oh oh."

Ning Wanjia carefully handed it back.

Jiang Ting held it tightly in her hand.

……

"Finally out! What were you doing in there?"

The three of them came out, and everyone was already sitting at the dining table waiting for them.

"The lamp is broken?"

"Is Kaiyan's gift a comb? Or was it left by Ating's mother?"

"So this is ah."

After a brief explanation, everyone focused their attention on dinner.

Tonight's dinner was very sumptuous, with a total of ten dishes, representing perfection.

Everyone also bought chilled beer, fruit juice, and sweet red wine.

"Come on! It's A-Ting's birthday today, let's drink until we drop!"

Ning Qiuyue raised her glass first, smiling as she called out.

"You won't come home until you're drunk!"

"cheers!"

"Ding!"

As eight transparent glasses filled with different colored liquids collided together, they produced a crisp and pleasant sound.

Everyone's emotions soared along with the splashing drinks.

By the time dinner was over, everyone was dazed and flushed from drinking.

Even Jiang Ting drank several glasses.

After the meal, the group of women, quite drunk, leaned back on the sofa, chatting lazily and casually while watching TV.

Only Cheng Kaiyan and Liu Xiaoli were sober.

"I'll do it. You've already worked hard cooking. Xiaoli, you go and keep an eye on them."

Cheng Kaiyan took the bowl and chopsticks from Liu Xiaoli and gave her some instructions.

"Well, then today Comrade Cheng from the bank will wash the dishes and clean up the funeral arrangements."

Liu Xiaoli smiled gently, knowing that Cheng Kaiyan was showing her affection. She then tiptoed and gave Cheng Kaiyan a light peck on the lips before turning away, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Ugh……"

Cheng Kaiyan, holding a plate and bowl in her hands, looked at the girl's retreating figure and sighed apologetically.

Regardless, he and his aunt now understand each other's feelings and plans.

For people like my aunt and him who lost their children at a young age, whether lovers can be together is secondary; what matters most is whether they can provide each other with long-term companionship and a sense of security.

It is indeed necessary to maintain distance from now on, and to act with propriety while remaining true to one's feelings.

He could not and would not let Xiaoli down, and he did not want his peaceful and happy life to be disrupted in any way.

"Let it be like this, Cheng Kaiyan, don't be greedy."

Having figured everything out, Cheng Kaiyan's heart, which had been hanging in suspense since last year's Spring Festival, finally settled down.

He carried the dishes and chopsticks into the kitchen to wash and tidy them up, and his back view once again returned to its former carefree and leisurely appearance.

Because they were drunk and worried about their safety, none of them went home that night.

After sobering up, the women, in order to save water, went into the bathroom in pairs, each carrying a change of clothes belonging to their aunt and Xiaoli.

Cheng Kaiyan was the last to shower, and sure enough, there was no hot water left.

Fortunately, it's summer now, so rinsing it with cold water is fine.

The sleeping arrangement was simple: everyone moved the coffee table aside, took out the mattresses and sheets from the cabinet, and made beds on the floor.

No one was sleeping in the rooms; all eight of them slept in the living room.

The moon and stars outside the window are bright at night, and the evening breeze is cool.

After that, everyone drifted off to sleep.

Jiang Ting stared at the ceiling until very late before finally falling into a deep sleep.

In her dream, she saw her mother sitting beside her again.

It wasn't in that old house that had long since burned down, but in this living room filled with sleeping people.

The mother gently stroked her face, her gentle, watery eyes looking at her with a smile and a touch of reluctance.

"My Ting has finally grown up! Happy birthday, Mom!"

"Goodbye, Mommy's baby. I hope you will always be happy and joyful. Mommy can leave you alone in this world with peace of mind now..."

Then, her mother's warm and gentle kiss landed on her forehead.

"Mother……"

Tears streamed down Jiang Ting's face as she stared blankly at her mother's figure, which gradually transformed into a cluster of brilliant lights and slowly disappeared before her eyes.

"goodbye……"

The mother waved goodbye reluctantly, her last glance falling on the spot where Cheng Kaiyan and Liu Xiaoli lay sleeping in each other's arms. (End of Chapter)