Abstinence Pei, don't be too sweet when chasing your wife

The news of Pei Luonan's successful marriage proposal was delivered to the Pei family via video call during dinner.

At that time, the living room of the Pei family was brightly lit, and on the dining table were sweet and sour pork ribs made by Pei's father, chicken soup stewed by Pei's mother, and cola chicken wings that Pei Luochuan loved the most. The family was having a happy meal together.

Pei Luochuan ate his rice, muttering, "Brother finally got his wish! Last time he brought his wife back, I felt that the two of them were settled—especially after hearing his wife talk about the archaeological discoveries at Qingning Kiln, how she cleaned the pottery shards bit by bit and determined the age of the kiln site. I felt that she was both professional and passionate. Now I've finally received the definite news I've been waiting for."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Pei Luonan's video call came in.

The moment the screen lit up, the celadon lanterns hanging on the branches behind Pei Luonan came into view first, their warm yellow light reflecting off the fallen petals on the ground, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Immediately afterwards, Gu Fanxing peeked in with a shy smile, her pale blue ring on her ring finger particularly eye-catching under the light—it was a design specially inspired by Qingning kiln celadon by Pei Luonan, with the ring setting mimicking the curvature of the kiln wall, the ring face inlaid with pale blue jade, and the edges engraved with fine pine needle patterns.

"Dad, Mom, Grandma, Luochuan, I have good news for you."

Pei Luonan's voice was filled with excitement as he tightly grasped Gu Fanxing's hand, his fingertips gently stroking the back of her hand. "Fanxing has agreed to marry me."

A hearty laugh instantly filled the living room. Grandma Pei gently tapped the rim of her bowl with her chopsticks, then quickly leaned closer to the screen. Her reading glasses slipped down to the tip of her nose, but she didn't bother to adjust them. Her eyes were full of unwavering joy.

“Fanxing, you’re so good! Last time you came to our house with Luonan, you told us how you discovered the Qingning Kiln site on the barren slope and how you cleaned up pottery shards under the scorching sun. I told your late grandfather that you are a reliable, down-to-earth, and ambitious good child. Luonan is stubborn and used to be single-minded in everything he did. Only you can make him more considerate. It’s his blessing that he can be with you.” She turned around and took out a red cloth package from the mahogany cabinet behind her, waving it at the screen.

“These silver bracelets are my mother-in-law’s family heirloom. I wanted to give them to you when I saw you last time. Now that you are the Pei family’s prospective daughter-in-law, these heirlooms should be handed over to you to bless you with peace and prosperity, and to protect the Qingning Kiln’s craftsmanship.”

Pei's mother also came closer to the screen, her face full of a gratified smile.

"Xingxing, your uncle and I have been looking forward to this day for a long time."

Last time you said you liked simple and elegant items, so we asked someone to find a piece of high-quality Hetian jade to make a safety buckle, which is warm and understated.

There's also a set of hand-embroidered cotton and linen bedding with orchid patterns. It was hand-embroidered by an old craftsman, stitch by stitch, with exceptionally fine stitches. It's exactly the style you prefer. I'll bring it back for you next time I go to Qinglongpo.

She paused, then added, "You'll be exposed to the wind and sun at the kiln site, so I've prepared gentle sunscreen and moisturizing products, as well as nourishing ingredients. I'll make you some soup to replenish your blood and energy—no matter how busy a girl is, she has to take good care of herself."

"Thank you, Auntie. You're so thoughtful. It really didn't have to go to so much trouble."

Gu Fanxing quickly replied, her heart filled with gratitude.

When she visited the Pei family last time, she casually mentioned that the ultraviolet rays at the archaeological site were strong and that the skin was prone to dryness. She didn't expect that her aunt would keep it in mind.

Mr. Pei sat on the sofa beside him, watching the two people on the screen with a calm smile on his face.

"Fanxing, Luonan used to focus on work and neglect his life. After meeting you, he has become more thoughtful and responsible. It's clear that he truly cherishes you."

Your work in archaeology and intangible cultural heritage preservation is very meaningful in protecting our cultural roots, and our whole family supports you.

"In the future, please don't hesitate to ask for help from experienced archaeologists or to search for historical documents; we will do our best."

"Thank you uncle."

Gu Fanxing nodded, feeling even warmer inside.

The last time I visited the Pei family, my uncle specially found archaeological data on Song Dynasty kiln sites for her and also helped her contact Professor Li from the Provincial Institute of Archaeology, which saved her a lot of trouble.

Pei Luochuan put down his chopsticks, leaned closer to the screen, his eyes full of curiosity.

"Sister-in-law, congratulations! I have always admired your ability to calm down and do archaeology and revive the intangible cultural heritage of Qingning Kiln."

Last time you mentioned that the pottery shards had unique diagonal kiln patterns. Have you made any new discoveries? Can you reconstruct the division of labor among the old kiln workers and the tools used for shaping the pottery?

Gu Fanxing was touched by his enthusiasm and answered with a smile.

"Thank you, Luochuan. We cleared out the living area of ​​Song Dynasty artisans on the east side of the kiln site and found pottery making tools, glazed bowls and tableware."

Judging from the shape of the tools, the kiln workers at that time had a very specialized division of labor, including kneading clay, shaping blanks, and carving patterns. When you have time, I can show you some of the newly unearthed pottery tools, and you can even try cleaning pottery shards with a soft-bristled brush—just be gentle, as the shards are very fragile.”

"That would be great!"

Pei Luochuan said excitedly, "I've been wanting to see Song Dynasty pottery shards with my own eyes for a long time. I've prepared a mini archaeological tool model and the latest edition of 'A History of Chinese Ceramic Archaeology' for you. It has many examples of Song Dynasty kiln sites, which you'll definitely find useful. I also want my sister-in-law to tell me the stories behind the kiln patterns on the pottery shards, and I'd like to try carving a simple kiln pattern on the clay body!"

Gu Fanxing's eyes lit up: "You put so much thought into this! Luo Chuan, thank you. This book is a lifesaver, and the tool models are adorable. We can use them as decorations in our studio later."

The video call lasted for nearly an hour. The Pei family inquired in detail about the progress of the archaeological work and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, repeatedly reminded Gu Fanxing not to overwork herself, and even discussed wedding ideas together.

Pei Luonan smiled at Gu Fanxing: "Everything will be based on Xingxing's wishes. I will fully cooperate. Whatever kind of wedding she wants, I will do everything in my power to satisfy her. If she is willing, I will even pluck the stars from the sky for her." His eyes were full of doting and happiness.

Even after hanging up the phone, the Pei family's living room remained lively.

Grandma Pei put the silver bracelet into her jewelry box and took out the recipe for Suzhou-style osmanthus cake.

“Fanxing loves sweet but not greasy food, so I practiced my skills in advance and brought it over for her and her friends in Qinglongpo to try.”

Pei's mother made a list of things to pack for Fanxing: "Pack a light cashmere coat for Fanxing, a wooden storage box lined with soft cloth, and her favorite simple teacup."

Mr. Pei called an old friend to help connect him with archaeological resources and Song Dynasty ceramic literature.

Pei Luochuan repackaged the gifts, planning to go to Qinglongpo to experience cleaning pottery shards and learning how to knead clay and fire pottery shards.

The whole family was busy preparing to "go to Qinglongpo to see Gu Fanxing," and the air was filled with anticipation and joy.

They already considered Gu Fanxing as family and were looking forward to going to Qinglongpo as soon as possible to see the Qingning Kiln she was protecting, the archaeological site, finalize the wedding details, witness her and Pei Luonan's happiness, and give them a surprise.

At the same time, Gu Fanxing from Qinglongpo leaned on Pei Luonan's shoulder and said with a smile, "Your brother is actually so interested in archaeology, and he even specially prepared a book on the history of ceramic archaeology. I'm so touched."

Pei Luonan said with a smile, "My family admires your ambition and resilience. Luochuan talked about Qingning Kiln for several days after you finished talking about it. They admire your ability to calm down and do academic research and preserve the heritage."

He held Gu Fanxing's hand, his eyes full of anticipation.

“I want to show them the Qingning Kiln you’ve been protecting, the archaeological site, and the entire kiln-making process, so they can better understand your work and perseverance. I hope they will admire you even more and that you can feel their care and love.”

Gu Fanxing nodded, her eyes shining.

"Okay, let them see the archaeological site, the intangible cultural heritage education base, and Master Chen's porcelain workshop. Let them see the current state of archaeological preservation and let them rest assured that I am living a fulfilling and happy life in Qinglongpo."

As night deepened, the kiln fires at Qinglongpo remained bright, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms mingled with the sweet scent of pine resin permeated the air.

Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing sat side by side by the kiln, holding hands, eagerly anticipating that their love, blessed by their families and witnessed by the Qingning Kiln, would shine with the most brilliant and enduring light.