Chapter 834 Graduation is approaching. The night is deep, and the courtyard is quiet.
Aunt Liu had already coaxed the tired stones and fish into a deep sleep, and the other nanny had also packed up and gone home.
In the vast courtyard, only the main house still had its warm lights on.
With the children not around and the nanny off duty, this rare, quiet time entirely for the couple seemed to fill the air with an intimate atmosphere unlike anything they usually experience.
The passion and intimacy they shared on the outskirts of Kyoto still linger gently in their minds.
Lu Qingyang looked at Shen Mo, who was combing her long hair in front of the dressing table, his eyes showing obvious lingering interest.
He walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin resting on the top of her fragrant hair. He whispered, "You've been busy all day, you're all sweaty. Let's go take a bath together to relax."
Shen Mo met his burning gaze through the mirror, her face slightly flushed, but she did not refuse, only nodding gently.
In the bathroom, the huge white porcelain bathtub was filled with warm water, the steam blurring the glass window.
Lu Qingyang first tested the water temperature, and then led Chen Mo to carefully step into the water before stepping in himself.
The bathtub was a bit cramped for two people, but that also meant their skin was inevitably pressed tightly together.
The warm water enveloped my body, dispelling the slight chill of the late summer night and relaxing my tense nerves.
Shen Mo turned her back to Lu Qingyang with a touch of shyness, feeling his broad chest pressed against her back, his arms naturally wrapped around her waist.
Lu Qingyang picked up the soap pod and carefully and slowly wiped her smooth shoulders and back with gentle movements, filled with endless tenderness.
The water swayed gently with his movements, lapping against their bodies.
He didn't say much, but occasionally lowered his head and placed light kisses on the back of her neck and shoulder blades, like feathers brushing against her, bringing a slight shiver.
At first, Shen Mo's body was slightly stiff, but as he silently comforted her and she soaked in the warm pool water, she gradually softened, relaxed, and leaned against him, closing her eyes and enjoying this moment of tenderness and peace.
The madness and excitement of riding motorcycles during the day transform into the silent intimacy and tenderness in the bathroom at this moment.
In the misty air, their bodies and breaths were very close, their breaths mingling, and even their heartbeats seemed to blend together.
Occasionally, a glance exchanged between them, and without a word, a thousand words were spoken.
This little world, isolated from the outside world, is where only our silent love flows quietly between us.
...
Liu Hua's dilemma about her wedding attire somehow reached Lu Qingyang's ears.
That evening after dinner, he specifically called Liu Dong and Ma Hongxia aside and said with a smile:
"I heard that Kim Hwa is worried about what to wear for her wedding. Don't let her worry about this. It just so happens that our Jasmine Clothing designers are researching modern women's clothing. Let them design a few outfits for Kim Hwa."
A week later, when the design was laid out on the octagonal table, not only did Liu Qianhua's eyes light up, but even Ma Hongxia couldn't help but admire it.
These designs completely broke free from the then-prevailing trend of wearing only red or only cheongsams or suits.
One of the designs is particularly unique: the top is a short red velvet jacket with a stand-up collar, with a clean cut and simple cloud patterns embroidered only in gold thread on the collar and sleeves; the bottom is paired with an ankle-length A-line burgundy wool skirt, which is both dignified and easy to move in.
The other outfit is a modified cheongsam style, retaining the elegant silhouette of the cheongsam, but changing the traditional wide sleeves to wrap sleeves for easier movement, and the skirt is also slightly enlarged.
The fabric is a draped jacquard silk with a subtle pattern, and the color is a more elegant crimson.
"This...this is so beautiful!" Liu Hua gently ran her fingers over the exquisite details on the design drawing, admiring it with delight. "It's even more beautiful than what I've seen in department stores, and it feels...it feels so different!"
The designer explained with a smile, "Director Lu specifically instructed us to design these wedding dresses for modern women. They should not only reflect the joy of the occasion but also meet the needs of modern women in their work and life. These designs are appropriate for the wedding and can also be worn on important occasions in the future, so they won't go to waste."
Ma Hongxia was initially worried that the design was too outdated, but looking at the elegant and novel style on the drawing, she couldn't help but nod in approval: "It's more spirited than those old styles, and it looks refreshing!"
Ultimately, Liu Hanhua chose the velvet coat and long skirt design.
Jasmine Garments' master tailor personally measured her body, selected the best fabrics, and worked intensively to finish the garment.
When the finished garment was delivered to Liu Hua, she tried it on and stood in front of the mirror, almost unable to recognize herself.
The well-fitting cut accentuated her youthful figure, while the velvet fabric shimmered softly in the light. The red hue was neither gaudy nor overly festive, making her appear both gentle and elegant, yet exuding an unprecedented air of competence.
"It fits perfectly! I love it so much!" Liu Hua pulled at the hem of her skirt, twirled in front of the mirror, her face radiating happiness and confidence.
Even the usually serious Liu Dong couldn't help but show a relieved smile.
When Zhao Rui came to pick her up, he stared wide-eyed at his newly transformed fiancée. After a long while, he said in a silly voice, "Gonghua, you look...so beautiful."
...
As the sycamore leaves began to turn yellow, Lu Qingyang, Zhao Rui, Zhou Zhe, and the others also reached their last autumn at university.
With graduation and job hunting imminent, everyone faces crucial choices.
The four of them rarely gathered in Lu Qingyang's courtyard house, but the atmosphere was not as relaxed as usual.
Zhou Zhe spoke first, and he was much more composed than a few years ago: "Qingyang, thanks to your help these past few years, the orchards and specialty crops back home have really taken off, and the villagers' lives have improved a lot. Logically, I should go back and continue, but I've thought it through. I'd rather obey your assignment first, secure my job, and have the status and experience of a work unit. Maybe I can better give back to my hometown in the future. I always feel that just relying on myself working in the fields isn't enough to broaden my horizons."
He chose a pragmatic and long-term approach, and everyone nodded in understanding.
Zhao Rui pushed up his glasses, his tone calm but his goal clear: "I plan to continue my studies in graduate school. My parents also support me. They think that knowledge is updated so quickly now, and it's never a bad thing to learn more. Moreover, I've learned a lot from Qingyang, and I feel more and more that I know too little. I want to delve deeper into my professional field."
With Lu Qingyang's grades and abilities, it wouldn't be difficult for him to stay at the university or get into a research institute or ministry.
Everyone privately advised him that having a "legitimate" job would make things much easier.
"I'm still considering it. To be honest, things are getting a bit too big right now. Clothing, beverages, medicine, and Xinweiju all require my energy. If I really work regular hours, I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of either. If I work for a public institution, there are many restrictions. If I continue studying, I'm afraid I won't have enough energy."
Professor Qian also called to advise him: "Qingyang, how's your decision? I've already reserved a place for you. Your talent and comprehension are among the best I've mentored in the past few years. Follow me for your master's degree, and then go straight to your doctorate. If you steadily pursue an academic career, your future is limitless."
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