Double happiness
The autumn night brought a dry, cool breeze, blowing down a few trembling yellow leaves. It was dinnertime, and the alley was extremely quiet, though the aroma of delicious food could be smelled from the stairwell.
A car came to a steady stop in the alley. Wang Renyong, overjoyed, opened the car door to greet his bride, Ai Ruirui, but to outsiders it looked like Mrs. Wang had just returned from the countryside.
As soon as the two entered the house, they were showered with colorful confetti by their waiting relatives and friends. Jiang Yun tied a big red flower around Wang Renyong's neck, Qingcheng covered Rui Rui with a red handkerchief, and Uncle Qin lit the dragon and phoenix candles.
Even though the work behind enemy lines was difficult, getting married was still a joyous occasion. The house had been cleaned, red ribbons hung on the walls, and candies and oranges were everywhere, making it look like a New Year celebration.
The wedding was rather simple, with only about ten attendees. There were no red "double happiness" characters, no drums or gongs, no sedan chair carried by eight men, no flowers or firecrackers, and family members couldn't be invited. All that was there was the sincere blessing from the attendees.
Uncle Qin, as the officiant, read the wedding congratulatory speech written by Comrade Qi for the two of them. After bowing to heaven and earth and their parents, he shouted the most ceremonial line: "Husband and wife bow to each other... The ceremony is complete, escort them to the bridal chamber."
Wang Renyong, who had just finished the wedding ceremony, couldn't stop smiling: "Wait a minute, wait a minute, we haven't eaten yet, and we haven't drunk the nuptial wine. How did we end up in the bridal chamber?"
"A moment of spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold, young Wang, are you perhaps shy?" Uncle Qin, the oldest elder present, took the lead in making a joke.
Wang Renyong was always the one teasing others, so he had never been the one being joked with before. He immediately retorted, "The sublimation of revolutionary friendship is worth a fortune, but we don't follow the rules of a thousand pieces of gold. We have to eat first, right, wife?"
Wang Renyong smiled and lifted the red handkerchief. Underneath, Ai Ruirui had her head down, her face flushed. The crowd became even more boisterous, pushing the two together and insisting that they kiss.
"Hey, you unmarried girls, watch out! If you mess with me now, I'll mess with your weddings later." Wang Renyong warned with a sidelong glance, his comical smile undiminished, looking utterly harmless.
Besides, there's no such thing as a superior or inferior at a wedding. Amidst the cheers and jeers, Jiang Yun poured wine while teasing Old Wang: "Come on, are you afraid of me? This is Comrade Da Ni's treasured 20-year-old baijiu. You two drink the nuptial wine first, get your feelings in, and then continue kissing later. What do you all say?"
The suggestion was supported by everyone, and Kiyosumi also clapped and cheered. If she could, she really wanted to use her camera to record this moment of happiness.
However, due to their special identities, Lao Wang repeatedly reminded everyone not to leave any video or photographic records. The wedding guests all disguised themselves before attending, including Qingcheng herself, who changed into men's clothing and used a pseudonym.
Kiyosumi gazed enviously at the newlyweds drinking the nuptial wine before her. How wonderful it is to be revolutionary partners! In them, Kiyosumi could see the kind of fairytale love that only existed in books, a perfect match of talent and beauty, like-minded and with a solid foundation of affection.
Sigh~ No matter how good it is, it's someone else's love. Qingcheng sighed secretly. With her master's help, she talked a lot with Uncle Gao and considered her worries in detail. Actually, there are solutions. Marriage is not a guarantee of love, but she really has no way to get a marriage permit.
Over there, Wang Renyong, in his usual loud voice, declared affectionately, "Wife, my mission is to protect you for the rest of my life."
"No, your mission is to contribute to the rejuvenation of the motherland." Even on her joyous day, Rui Rui still couldn't resist taking it too seriously.
Amidst the exciting and festive atmosphere, everyone burst into laughter. Wang Renyong stood at attention and saluted Ai Ruirui: "Yes, my dear wife, let's make a contribution together."
Amidst everyone's cheers, Old Wang, like a thief, pecked Rui Rui's cheek. Rui Rui immediately blushed bright red. However, the others didn't let them off the hook. Two young comrades grabbed Wang Renyong's head and forced his mouth to the bride's wet lips. After the kiss, the two shyly lowered their heads, not daring to look at each other.
In an instant, everyone started chattering away, offering blessings and sharing their experiences. Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "The ceremony is complete! Time to drink! Time to drink! The newlyweds, come and toast us!"
It turned out that Uncle Qin wanted everyone to tone it down, as the house was too noisy and might attract the attention of the surrounding police. That's why everyone was reluctant to leave and sat around the table waiting to drink.
Amidst suppressed laughter, rhythmic knocking came from outside the door; Qingcheng recognized the sound as coming from her own people.
When the door opened, it was Ouyang Qiang and Father Tong. They had also finished their own business and rushed to attend the wedding. Father Tong's usually serious face showed a rare slight smile. He was usually the officiant at weddings and rarely sat quietly as an ordinary guest.
The comrades sitting around the table all stood up and politely offered each other seats. The harmonious and friendly atmosphere touched Qingcheng, and she pulled Father Tong to sit in her original seat. She was already very happy to be able to squeeze in and share in the good fortune of Old Wang and his wife.
However, Qingcheng found it strange. Section Chief Ouyang from the Fourth Section had arrived, and Section Chief Ding from the First Section had also entrusted Jiang Yun to bring a gift and monetary donation, but Section Chief Zhang from the Third Section was nowhere to be seen, nor had he brought a gift or monetary donation. She asked Jiang Yun beside her worriedly if something had happened to the Third Section Chief on his way here.
Jiang Yun replied mysteriously, "Ren Yong didn't invite them at all. If the section chief doesn't come, the people below him are even less likely to come. Only a few action team members who are particularly close to Ren Yong secretly asked Lao Qin to bring them congratulatory gifts."
“It’s normal to have some disagreements on the road to revolution. We’re all comrades, so let’s not make things so tense. Xiaoyun, let’s find a chance to talk things out.” Qingcheng wanted to mediate, adhering to the principle of unity above all else.
"No thanks. Although I've never met Section Chief Zhang of the Third Section, I don't have a good impression of him." Jiang Yun shook her head, a hint of disdain in her eyes.
How can you say that you don't feel good even though you've never met the person? Jiang Yun also realized that his words were contradictory, and explained that he was currently in a department, helping the department head with some reimbursement matters. Other departments were buying necessities and were trying to stretch every penny.
Only the Third Section was in a state of chaos, especially the things that Section Chief Zhang reimbursed—it was truly eye-opening. The organization was short of funds, yet they still indulged in extravagance and waste; they were truly unworthy of being revolutionaries.
Some reimbursements for dance halls and brothels are one thing, barely considered as necessary for covert work, but some expensive jewelry, cigarettes and alcohol, and even high-end women's underwear and skincare products were reimbursed, clearly indicating that the organization's money was being used to support a mistress.
Finally, our new company's head steward, Section Chief Ding, could no longer tolerate it and reported to his superiors. The higher-ups required that all reimbursements from Section Three must specify the actual purpose, otherwise they would not be reimbursed. However, after the new rule was issued, several people from Section Three actually brought weapons and threatened our accountant, saying they would kill them if they didn't get reimbursed.
Fortunately, Wang Renyong was also there that day. He gave the people from the Third Section a good talking-to on the spot and then gave them all a major demerit. The cadres of the Third Section immediately stepped in to play the good guy, took the troublemakers back, and told them to study the Party Program again behind closed doors.
Without anyone backing them up, how could the people in the Third Section be so audacious? Moreover, the Third Section cadres appeared too timely. Jiang Yun suspected that the Third Section Chief was using his subordinates to cause trouble and test the limits of the new regulations. Qingcheng lamented how such scoundrels could remain in the revolutionary ranks.
"The head of the Third Section returned from studying in the Cheka in the Soviet Union in his early years. He has some real skills. Several assassination attempts were handled by the head of the Third Section single-handedly. The higher-ups just thought he was a bit of a gangster and criticized him several times." Jiang Yun spat and said, "This kind of corrupt scoundrel will never withstand the test of revolution. Sooner or later, he will betray the organization like Nine Ears."
Perhaps due to painful lessons learned, Jiang Yun deeply despised this type of person. Qingcheng could only tug at his sleeve, reminding him not to get too agitated. Old Wang was a leader and couldn't act based on personal likes or dislikes, thus disrupting the overall situation. He could only draw a clear line outside of work and show through his actions that he didn't think highly of that person, after all, he was still a comrade.
“My sixth sense is very accurate. From now on, whenever you go out on a mission or to a meeting, you must wear men’s clothing, especially when you are in a meeting with people from the Third Division. Protecting yourself is also protecting your comrades on your line.” Although Jiang Yun is about the same age as Qingcheng, he is a veteran of working behind enemy lines.
Kiyosumi nodded solemnly in response to his instructions.
After a few rounds of drinks, everything was filled with a lazy, languid, and pleasant atmosphere. The refreshing scent of oranges mixed with the aroma of wine filled the space, captivating and enchanting everyone.
Several comrades who lived far away got up to say goodbye, and Qingcheng also planned to go home, leaving the rest to Old Wang to pack up. At this moment, Father Tong called her back, then took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Qingcheng.
"Hehe, I know what it is! Open it and see, there's a surprise!" Old Wang suddenly popped up from the side, startling Qingcheng.
"What is this?" Qingcheng asked疑惑地, pulling out the letter inside. It contained only a short comment: "The organization approves the marriage application of Comrade He Qingcheng and Comrade Gao Junxiao." A bright red seal stamped it, proving its validity.
Ah! Qingcheng excitedly hugged the serious Father Tong, then turned to hug the laughing Wang Renyong. Her hand holding the annotation trembled slightly. She felt her blood was soaring as her emotions were soaring.
Amidst the blessings of others, Qingcheng dashed out the door to share her joy with Gao Junxiao. The report confirmed her deepest suspicions, and she could now accept the proposal with a clear conscience.
A beautiful woman dressed as a man, accompanied by the rustling of the sycamore trees, ran towards her love on a wonderful autumn night.
The cold moon was frosty, and a few stars twinkled in the sky.
Inside the house, Old Master Gao was inspecting someone's doghouse. Gao Junxiao stood to the side, ready to defend himself. The old man would occasionally touch the corners and seams, and after getting some dust on them, he would sneer, "Damn, this is really tough."
Gao Junxiao maintained a smile while dealing with the old man's difficult questions. If he hadn't been so talkative at dinner, saying the villa was too big to clean properly, the old man wouldn't have come to his room so eagerly to nitpick. Sigh~ why was he so cheeky? He brought it on himself.
After checking the living room, the old man went to inspect the bedroom. Gao Junxiao quickly followed and stopped him, afraid that the old man would see something bad: "Dad, don't tire yourself out while you're criticizing me. Why don't you go back and rest early?"
"What, keeping a mistress in a golden house?" Master Gao barged into the bedroom and looked around without paying any attention.
Unable to stop his father, Gao Junxiao hung his arms limply and said, "Don't let my girlfriend hear this nonsense. If you want to see it, go ahead, there's nothing special about it."
Just then, Mr. Gao asked out of the blue, "Was the soup good tonight?"
"Not bad, I drank several bowls, but it got a bit greasy after a while," Gao Junxiao replied honestly.
"Hehe, if you drink so much in one go, even the best soup will get boring." The old man sat down in the chair and said something that was hard to understand. "But there are so many kinds of dishes, there are eight major cuisines, it depends on how you choose."
His father's words were too vague, so Gao Junxiao could only take them literally: "Dad, were you not full just now? I don't have any snacks either. How about I treat you to a late-night snack?"
"Don't interrupt. After spending the last few days with her, I've realized that Miss He doesn't need you at all. Analyze it yourself, what benefits can you bring her? Why would she marry you, to help the poor?" The old man rebuked her.
He Qingcheng earns more than him, but marrying him doesn't mean she has to be poor. He wouldn't allow her quality of life to decline. Gao Junxiao was so angry that he laughed: "Oh, Dad, talking about money is vulgar. I will give her a home."
"Don't speak too confidently. Life's bumps and bruises are like having two chefs cook a pot of food. When adding ingredients, each has their own idea. It's good enough if they don't fight. Who do you think will back down first?" Old Master Gao poured cold water on Gao Junxiao's enthusiasm again.
"I admit there's an adjustment period after marriage. I'm a man, so I'll be the first to back down. But as long as we're in sync, we'll eventually be able to work together seamlessly. She adds the sweetness, and I add the vinegar, and the dish we cook will be delicious and we'll both love it," Gao Junxiao said confidently.
"That's the ideal situation. What if you eventually find that you can't even share the same pot? Do you smash the pot and start over?" Old Master Gao asked in a deep voice, causing the temperature in the room to drop several degrees.
"No, Dad, what exactly are you trying to say?" Gao Junxiao asked, propping himself up on his arm.
Master Gao then began using analogies: "Miss He is a dragon in a pond. Even if you give her a home, she could tear the roof off when she gets angry, and you wouldn't even be able to touch her tail. I just don't understand why you insist on finding a dragon to keep you company. Isn't it good enough for other people to keep a cat or a sparrow?"
To ease the tension, Gao Junxiao jokingly brought up his mother: "Other people keep cats and birds, but what do we keep in our courtyard house, a tigress?"
"Go to hell, your mother is a little white rabbit," Old Master Gao cursed, glancing sideways.
"Heh heh, a little white rabbit that can slap someone three meters away? What a wonder of the world!" Gao Junxiao's smile suddenly froze on his face. Hey! The old man was scolding his little brat.
Forget it, he decided not to argue with the old man: "Don't compare He Qingcheng to vegetables or animals. She is who she is, a unique existence in the world. I'm just following my heart. I just like her. You can just think of me as being a fool."
Perhaps seeing that Gao Junxiao was still stubborn, the old man Gao bluntly said: "You silly boy can only sleep on a cold bed because you are strong. Do you think I don't know your tricks? Coercion, bribery, and pestering. You have always wanted to get what you set your sights on since you were a child. Now that she doesn't want to marry you, forcing her won't work. Why don't you let her go?"
Well, this wasn't the first time he'd been advised to let He Qingcheng go. A bitter feeling welled up inside Gao Junxiao; he hadn't expected even his own father to disagree.
Why doesn't anyone believe his sincerity? Qingcheng was the most beautiful scenery he encountered during his fall. He really wouldn't hurt He Qingcheng, never.
Dodo—
It's so late, who would be knocking on his door? Gao Junxiao opened the door with a puzzled look, and the familiar scent of chamomile mixed with orange wafted in. Qingcheng was hanging softly around his neck, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she still smelled of alcohol. Gao Junxiao touched her oval face with concern; it was a little hot. Could she be drunk and acting crazy?
Gao Junxiao tried to persuade Qingcheng to go back upstairs first, but Qingcheng acted spoiled and fussed in his arms, seemingly very happy.
With the soft jade in his arms, Gao Junxiao's mood improved. Anyway, he was going to live with Qingcheng from now on, as long as she believed that he was sincere.
Normally, he would be happy to play along with the little girl, but his father was still in the inner room, and he couldn't let the old man see Qingcheng drunk, as it would damage her reputation.
Gao Junxiao slammed the door shut behind him, deliberately using a stern tone to silence her. If she woke up the neighbors, she would be the one to suffer. He told her to go upstairs first.
After being warned, Qingcheng obediently pursed her lips, her clear, beautiful eyes revealing deep longing. But the next second, Miss He clung to his back, insisting he carry her upstairs.
This kind of coquettishness pleased Gao Junxiao greatly, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up. She was the kind of person who was as swift as a rabbit in motion and as still as a virgin. Fine, I'll carry her... I finally managed to put Qingcheng on her sofa so I could boil some water for her.
But Qingcheng clung to his arm and wouldn't let go. Gao Junxiao felt that this scene was familiar, and raised an eyebrow to remind her: "You already said that I am not a gentleman. If you keep teasing me, don't blame me for being ruthless if something happens. I'm full today and just looking for something to do."
To everyone's surprise, He Qingcheng was not intimidated at all. She pounced on Gao Junxiao and pinned him down on the sofa. She playfully raised her index finger and made a shushing gesture on his lips: "Don't say anything now, just listen to what I have to say."
The last time Miss He took the initiative to provoke him was in Xuzhou City. What has triggered her this time? Gao Junxiao nodded slightly, patiently waiting for He Qingcheng to say something shocking.
"I'm actually a bit childish and have a strong sense of pride, I hope you don't mind." Qingcheng pouted and admitted to herself, "But I also have many advantages. I have good adaptability and am good at socializing. I can help you deal with all kinds of social occasions and build connections. Moreover, I am well-versed in various classics, so you will definitely not be bored in the future."
There was no sound in his ears, only the clear thud of his heart being struck. Gao Junxiao suppressed a laugh as he listened to Miss He trying hard to promote herself. When she talked about "the future," did she want to discuss married life with him? He was really looking forward to it!
Qingcheng's eyes darted around nimbly. After a pause, she said, "Now I can... I want to marry you, not because you proposed, but because I've confirmed my feelings and I want to spend my whole life with you."
In an instant, all reason was shattered. Gao Junxiao suddenly kissed Qingcheng's cool lips, silencing her voice. If he couldn't speak, he could only express his joy through actions.
The two looked at each other in the room. Qingcheng turned her face away shyly, revealing her crescent-shaped dimples to him. Gao Junxiao couldn't help but trace the shape of the dimples, wanting to imprint it in his heart.
"Don't get cocky yet, I haven't finished speaking." Qingcheng slapped him away angrily. "My emotions are biased towards you, but my reason tells me—you are not the right person for me, I cannot marry you."
Falling from heaven to hell is nothing more than this. Gao Junxiao snorted to express his grievance, casting a resentful glance at Qingcheng. She had better smooth things over, or he would get angry.
"As far as I know, your rotations happen about once every three years, so you can stay in Shanghai until next December at the latest." Kiyosumi rested her chin on her hand, pretending to think.
The timing was correct. Gao Junxiao nodded to confirm Miss He's information. So what? He still had a whole year to prepare for the wedding.
“My main job is as a writer, and I don’t care where I write. I can go with you after we get married, but there are a few conditions. Let’s be discreet first and then talk things out.” Qingcheng’s words cheered Gao Junxiao up, and he waited for her to continue.
Qingcheng slowly raised her eyes, her sharp gaze fixed on Gao Junxiao: "First, you must guarantee that your thoughts and conduct are highly consistent with mine. If I find that you no longer work for the well-being of the people and collude with others, I will divorce you, and all children born in this marriage, regardless of gender, will be changed to my surname to continue the lineage of my He family."
"Nonsense! What do you take him for? A live-in son-in-law or a sperm donor?" Gao Junxiao immediately denied, "No way! You're being too ruthless. How can you determine if I'm truly complicit or just using social tactics? What if I accidentally get hurt?"
"You deserve to be injured by accident, it's your own fault for not informing me beforehand. But it won't be my problem then, I'll publish a statement in the newspaper declaring that we're no longer related," Kiyosumi said casually.
“Okay, I’ll report it! You mustn’t act impulsively.” Gao Junxiao said earnestly with his eyes wide open, “Actually, I’m not that feudal. If you really want to continue the He family’s lineage, our second son can be adopted.”
"Oh, I almost forgot, I only have children for myself, not many. I'll give you one quota for now. If you think it's not enough, you can find someone else, but..." Qingcheng didn't finish her threatening words.
Instantly, Gao Junxiao covered her mouth: "That's enough, that's enough. Whether it's a boy or a girl, the important thing is that it's yours, He Qingcheng's, and I like it. My parents already have a grandson, so you can do whatever you want."
Qingcheng pulled her hand down and continued: "Second, our premarital property will be separated. I will set up a trust fund. If I have no children, it will be transferred to the Guangci Red Cross charity fund. If I have children, they will inherit the fund. Before they reach adulthood, my aunt will manage the property on their behalf, and you will automatically lose custody rights."
“Wait, setting up a fund is fine, I don’t want your money, and I’ll give you all my salary and bonuses after we get married, but why don’t we raise our child ourselves? Where are you? I feel like you’re making your final arrangements.” Gao Junxiao said with a bitter face, feeling increasingly uncomfortable as he listened.
"It's all about what happens after this. Life is unpredictable. I don't know whether a difficult childbirth or an accident will take my life first. Not having children will make it easier for you to find someone else, but whatever you do, don't bring your second wife or concubine to harass my aunt's family, or you can try my methods." Qingcheng grabbed his collar, looking fierce as if she had transformed into a vengeful ghost.
His throat felt like it was blocked by something, and Gao Junxiao hugged Qingcheng tightly, giving in: "Fine, I'm scared of you. Please don't say anything more out of line. I don't want children for now. Just focus on your writing and stay with me until the end. I thank you for your kindness."
Qingcheng's eyes flickered, and she made a three with her hand: "Third, let's go to the hospital for a physical examination first. If the examination is fine, we'll get engaged immediately, and you can take your time to prepare for the wedding."
"Oh my, you finally spoke a word of the living! Congratulations! Let's go for the physical exam tomorrow and get everything done by morning, okay?" Gao Junxiao asked happily, pinching Qingcheng's little face.
"Don't be in such a hurry. All the proper etiquette must be observed. I won't make any additional rules. Besides, your father hasn't given his approval yet." Qingcheng pushed the man away and sat up on her own.
Grandpa? Oh no, he forgot about his father! Gao Junxiao grabbed Qingcheng's hand and ran downstairs, explaining as he ran that his grandfather was downstairs inspecting his room.
Back downstairs, the old man had left the door open for Gao Junxiao, but he had already left. He had only placed a note on a cup, which read: "After discussing with Miss He upstairs, I would like to invite Miss He to our residence for a gathering this weekend. Yours truly."
"How did your dad know I live upstairs? Did he see everything?" Qingcheng covered her face nervously, her cheeks flushed red, making her look incredibly cute.
"I reckon he saw it when I carried you on my back." Gao Junxiao comforted him with a mischievous smile, "It's not a bad thing. It also lets the old man see your affection for me. I'm not just doing this for him."
"It's all your fault," Qingcheng complained, punching Gao Junxiao.
"Huahua, are you being reasonable? You were the one who provoked me first." Gao Junxiao grabbed her hand and argued with her.
"I don't care, it's all your fault! My soup was ruined! Grandpa definitely won't like me now, he'll roll his eyes at me!" Qingcheng hammered even harder.
Actually, you can get used to the old man's eye-rolling; it won't hurt you. However, Miss He's tantrum today gave Gao Junxiao a feeling that as long as she behaves well over the weekend, she will get past the old man.
"Oh dear!" Qingcheng suddenly exclaimed. It turned out that she had made plans with her friends to go stargazing in the suburbs on Saturday night, but she wanted to talk to her grandfather to change the time, as it was inconvenient for her.
“Weekends are important to both of us. Why do you have to go stargazing on a particular night when you can’t? Try to switch times with your friend.” Gao Junxiao pinched Qingcheng’s cheek to show his displeasure.
"I made plans with them a long time ago, and you also had other engagements you couldn't refuse, so please understand. Besides, there might be a meteor shower that night." Kiyosumi took advantage of his inattention and gave him a quick kiss. "It's a once-in-a-century event, do you want to see it?"
Looking at the clear, blooming pear blossoms, Gao Junxiao's heart almost melted. Okay, okay, he'll go and plead for mercy.
Hearing Gao Junxiao change his tune, Qingcheng finally relaxed and leaned on his shoulder, reflecting on how she was becoming increasingly shameless. She resolved to use her charm less often in the future, as it would lose its effectiveness if used too often.
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