1979: My fiancée is a goddess

"Uuuuuu——"

In December, the north has entered winter, when the wind is like a knife, dry and cold, and people's hands, feet and faces are cracked from the cold.

But on a quiet winter afternoon, sitting at the back of the classroom by the window, surrounded by young people.

On the podium, a beautiful, aloof, and intellectual female professor, holding a pointer, is giving a lecture.

Bathed in the afternoon sun at two o'clock outside the window, it was so warm that I couldn't help but yawn a few times, prop my arms up on the desk, and take a peaceful and comfortable nap.

This is indeed a happy thing, and that's exactly how Cheng Kaiyan was just now.

However, their sweet dream has been disrupted by an unexpected visitor.

"Published on December 31st? That's quite a special day, I understand."

Aside from this matter, I'm afraid you have something else on your mind.

Otherwise, why would Teacher Shuihua come in person? Is there anything else you wanted to see me about?

On the balcony outside the classroom.

Cheng Kaiyan stood in the sunlight, holding onto the railing, and turned her head to look at the famous director, Teacher Shui Hua, in front of her.

I hadn't seen the old gentleman for more than half a year, and he looked much older and more weathered. It wasn't that he had experienced anything, but rather that he had gotten older.

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you. There's one more thing I need to trouble you with, Kaiyan."

Upon hearing this, Teacher Shuihua showed an expression of "I knew it," and looked at the young comrade in front of her with a complex mix of emotions.

In April, although he was a nationally renowned writer and talented scholar, he was only a newcomer. In just eight months, no one expected him to reach even greater heights.

A generous donation of US$250,000, the Women's Federation's Spring Bud Project, the Hope Project, internationally renowned scholars, and famous writers...

Even Shui Hua had to be treated with courtesy and respect, instead of being treated like a young and outstanding junior as before.

As for his deep-seated desire to bring Cheng Kaiyan into the entertainment industry, he had no choice but to give up.

"Why are you being so polite, Teacher Shui? Please just say what's on your mind."

Cheng Kaiyan keenly sensed the politeness in Teacher Shuihua's words and chuckled.

"Yes, Popular Cinema has received news that our film 'Love Letter' will be released at the end of the year."

They came to our Beijing Film Studio today and are currently conducting detailed interviews and promoting the film.

If you have some free time, you could do an interview, which basically involves taking a few photos and answering a few questions.

Upon hearing this, Teacher Shuihua put aside her politeness and got straight to the point.

"Popular cinema?"

Cheng Kaiyan didn't know much about this.

Seeing his confusion, Teacher Shuihua explained it to him in detail.

Popular Cinema is undoubtedly the king of film magazines today, and it is the film magazine with the largest circulation and the widest influence in China.

In 1979, it set a record for the highest monthly circulation of 960 million copies, creating a historical record for Chinese magazine circulation.

The magazine's content is easy to understand and includes color pictures.

The main sections include new film introductions, actor interviews, movie stills, behind-the-scenes footage, and audience comments.

Its Hundred Flowers Awards, organized by Popular Cinema, are currently the most prestigious mass-participation film awards in China.

It's certainly a good thing that Popular Cinema is interviewing the cast and crew of Love Letter. It will benefit the film, the fame of the lead actors, and the box office performance after its release.

"After all, if the female lead isn't there, there has to be a male lead present."

Then Teacher Shuihua joked.

"Okay, I'll talk to the teacher."

Cheng Kaiyan was in class and didn't have much time.

However, upon hearing Teacher Shuihua's last words, he nodded in agreement without hesitation.

This film, starring him and Ruixue, is not only a shared beautiful memory between the two, but also a symbol of their beautiful and innocent first love.

Cheng Kaiyan naturally hopes the movie can be even better.

If Ruixue were in China, she would probably be the one being interviewed and introduced as the male and female protagonists.

Unconsciously, Cheng Kaiyan's thoughts drifted into the distance.

"Yes, it's good that you're free."

Teacher Shuihua nodded in satisfaction. She had come to see him personally because she was worried he wouldn't have time, which also showed that she valued the visit.

"Please wait a moment, I'll go back to the classroom and talk to the teacher."

Cheng Kaiyan turned around and went back to the classroom.

At this moment, Auntie was writing on the blackboard, and the students were taking notes, or looking at Cheng Kaiyan with inquisitive eyes, quite curious about who was suddenly looking for him outside.

Cheng Kaiyan walked up to the podium and gently patted Jiang Ting's shoulder. Jiang Ting turned around and looked at her, "??"

Cheng Kaiyan leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Auntie, I have to go out for a bit."

"What's wrong? Class is still in session."

Jiang Ting continued writing with her pen, asking in a calm voice.

"Teacher Shui Hua from Beijing Film Studio contacted me, saying that the movie 'Love Letter' is about to be released, and today Popular Cinema magazine is doing a movie interview at Beijing Film Studio, so I have to go there."

Cheng Kaiyan explained in a low voice.

"Love Letter is about to be released? Popular Cinema wants to interview you..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ting was about to jokingly tease him about becoming a big star, but soon her eyebrows furrowed slightly and her dark phoenix eyes narrowed.

She was very familiar with "Love Letter" and had read it many times. Now that the movie version was going to be released, she was naturally excited and looking forward to it, and she was also happy for Cheng Kaiyan.

However, this movie was filmed by Cheng Kaiyan and Zhao Ruixue in Japan; they were the male and female leads, and it was a romance film...

Fortunately, one of them is abroad.

Jiang Ting's mind was racing, but she quickly looked at Cheng Kaiyan and said calmly, "Come back to class early. We'll discuss this in detail when we get home tonight."

"Uh……"

Cheng Kaiyan's lips twitched. What do you mean, "we'll talk about it in detail when we get home tonight"? Are you going to criticize me with Sister Xiaoli?

However, my aunt seems a little jealous.

This is a small vinegar jar; there's a big vinegar jar in the house.

Thinking of this, Cheng Kaiyan couldn't help but smile, waved her hand and said, "Okay, I'll be going now."

After saying that, he turned around and left with Teacher Shuihua, leaving the students in the classroom with an inscrutable back view.

……

In a classroom next door, senior Chinese literature students were having a class.

Ji Qinglan and her roommates were also sitting by the window and had noticed Cheng Kaiyan talking to someone on the balcony a long time ago.

"Cheng Kaiyan? Who was he talking to outside?"

Ji Qinglan rested her chin on her hand, watching the two people gradually disappear from the balcony, and murmured softly.

Since Ji Qinglan and Cheng Kaiyan had their last conversation, the distance and estrangement between them has lessened considerably. Although they don't run into each other often, they still greet each other with smiles when they do.

"Isn't that Teacher Shui Hua from Beijing Film Studio? I saw her there once before. Teacher Shui's films are very artistic and emotionally nuanced."

Meng Liwen, who was also paying attention to the commotion outside the window, said with great interest.

Some students in the classroom were not paying attention to the lesson and were peeking out of the classroom, especially the girls.

"What does Teacher Shuihua want with him?"

Yang Mengshan asked curiously, but she quickly realized something and exclaimed, "Wait a minute! Could it be because of the movie 'Love Letter'?!"

She accidentally spoke too loudly, and most of the people in the classroom heard her and turned to look at her.

"Woooo..."

Yang Mengshan blushed instantly, covered her mouth, and lowered her head.

"I guess it's true. Cheng Kaiyan went to Japan to film a movie at the end of March. It's been eight or nine months, so it should be ready for release soon."

After listening, Ji Qinglan realized that it was indeed true.

Wow! Love Letter is finally going to be released! I really want to see it!

Meng Liwen was overjoyed and exclaimed, "When will it be released? Is there a specific date? I'm so anxious!"

A girl in the back row overheard their conversation, her eyes lit up, and she quickly leaned over to ask.

"I do not know."

Ji Qinglan shook her head.

"Who are the male and female leads? I really like Shu in the novel, a melancholy, aloof, and taciturn handsome young man."

To be honest, most people couldn't pull this off. I'm worried I'll mess it up. Even the famous actors from the Beijing Film Studio don't fit the bill!

Next to her, a long-haired girl clutched her chest and asked with great concern.

"Cheng Kaiyan is the male lead! The female lead is our Ruixue!"

Ji Qinglan proudly puffed out her thin chest and said with a sense of honor.

"Teacher Cheng is absolutely perfect for the male lead, isn't he? I ran into him at the library last time, and he was sunbathing on the balcony with a book in his hand. It immediately reminded me of that scene from Love Letter!"

“Zhao Ruixue, the very pretty girl from our class who went abroad to study, would also be a good fit.”

"Yeah!"

Let's go see it together then!

Before the teacher could even reprimand them, the students in the classroom started chattering excitedly.

Without a doubt, this work, which captures the innocent beauty and bittersweet melancholy of youth, has deeply resonated with readers over the course of two years and has become a literary classic.

Even the teacher on the podium looked on with curiosity and anticipation.

It took me a long time to realize that I was still in class, so I slammed my fist on the desk and yelled for quiet.

……

the other side.

Cheng Kaiyan and Teacher Shuihua had already left the school gate and were walking on the bluestone street covered with soft sunlight and fallen leaves.

The Beijing Film Studio is very close; it only takes about ten minutes to walk there.

The two walked and talked, mainly about what happened after Cheng Kaiyan left the film crew at the end of April after finishing filming.

"After that day, it snowed heavily for a week, so much so that it completely covered the distant mountain, and it took a long time to melt..."

The rest of the filming took place entirely in the snow, but unfortunately, Comrade Ruixue didn't seem to be in very good condition. They filmed many takes in the snow, and she even fell ill later.

"Are you sick? Is it nothing serious?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Kaiyan hurriedly asked.

"She probably caught a cold. She got better after resting for a few days, but her complexion has been poor ever since, and she has become much thinner and weaker."

Teacher Shuihua looked thoughtful, recalling memories from more than half a year ago, and sighed.

After speaking, he glanced unexpectedly at the handsome and refined young man beside him.

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan remained silent, thinking she should blame herself.

She left China and went abroad, where she could have found peace of mind.

But he inexplicably barged into her world again, and shamelessly declared that he would give this girl a grand confession, a date, and a brief but sincere love.

But the one who hurt her to this extent was not anyone else, but the person she loved most.

Cheng Kaiyan lowered her eyes, staring blankly at the crumpled yellow leaves under her feet, a sudden, sharp pain piercing her heart.

But he understood that this was nothing compared to what that girl had endured.

Even if those were things that the two of them tacitly agreed upon.

"Crack, click, click..."

The broken leaves made a continuous rustling sound under their feet. The two walked silently and soon arrived in front of the conspicuous iron three-person statue at the Beijing Film Studio.

Upon entering the factory area, it was bustling with activity today.

At first glance, all the officers were wearing military overcoats and cotton-padded jackets.

Following Teacher Shuihua to a large playground, Cheng Kaiyan saw many of her former colleagues from the "Love Letter" film crew.

"Oh my gosh~ Our leading man has arrived!"

As soon as I arrived at the playground, a bright, cheerful, and capable voice rang out.

Looking up, she saw Liu Xiaoqing, dressed in a bright red, festive outfit, smiling broadly as she approached and patted Cheng Kaiyan on the shoulder.

"Sister Xiaoqing!"

Cheng Kaiyan greeted her with a smile; in fact, this woman was quite a forthright person.

"Haha, long time no see, great writer."

Liu Xiaoqing's eyes lit up when she heard this address, feeling that it touched her heart. She warmly and cheerfully pulled him inside: "Come, come, the editors from the magazine are all waiting for you there."

"go Go."

……

"Everyone come quick, our male lead is here!"

"Hey! Long time no see, Comrade Cheng Kaiyan!"

As soon as Cheng Kaiyan arrived, familiar faces from the crew gathered around her, such as Tang Guoqiang and teacher Lu Guilan, who all greeted her warmly.

After greeting everyone, reporters from the magazine came over.

She was a middle-aged woman wearing a military overcoat, black-rimmed glasses, and a woolen hat, with a camera and pen hanging around her neck.

"Nice to meet you, Professor Cheng. I'm an editor from Popular Cinema. You can just call me Sister Li."

"Hello."

After exchanging greetings, the two got down to business and began the interview.

First, we took photos, under the trees on the playground and near the flowerbeds not far away.

"It's so beautiful! In just one month, when you appear on the big screen, countless young women across the country will consider you their dream lover!"

As reporter Sister Li looked through the viewfinder at the tall, handsome man with deep, bright eyes in the sunlight, she couldn't help but sigh.

I took many pictures in a row until I used up all the film in the camera before I gave up with a regretful look on my face.

This was followed by a written interview.

Reporter: "This shoot was particularly special because it was filmed in Japan. Ms. Cheng Kaiyan, what was the most memorable part of the shoot for you?"

Cheng Kaiyan: "The city and economy are very developed, and Hokkaido is extremely cold. I remember that on the night I finished filming all my scenes, at the end of April, it actually snowed heavily..."

Reporter: "As a well-known writer, how have you felt about your transition from literary creation to acting in movies?"

Cheng Kaiyan: "What's interesting is that, in my opinion, there isn't much difference between writers and actors. They both explore the inner world of characters. The difference is that one uses words to express it, while the other uses the body to express it."

"That's an interesting way to put it. Although I haven't actually seen the movie, I'm now quite looking forward to your performance in it."

There's a common saying in literary circles that the character of Fujii Itsuki, or Yang Liu, in "Love Letter" was actually modeled after you.

It is understood that the female protagonist is Comrade Zhao Ruixue. Do you think these two statements are correct?

Reporter Sister Li asked this question in a rather tricky way.

To be honest, Cheng Kaiyan didn't really want to answer, mainly because of the second question.

"You can say that."

"But the first love of youth, dazzling and brilliant like a burst of fireworks, vanishes in an instant. You think that by catching that cicada, you've caught the whole summer; you think that by holding that hand, you've held her..."

After pondering for a moment, Cheng Kaiyan calmly replied.

The reporter asked thoughtfully, "Why not give it a try?"

Cheng Kaiyan smiled but did not answer.

The photo shoot took quite a while, but the interview only lasted about twenty minutes and ended quickly.

After leaving Beijing Film Studio.

Cheng Kaiyan walked alone on the empty street in the afternoon, looking up at the clear sky.

"It was a sunny day she liked, but there was no news from afar..." (End of Chapter)