RIRW – Chapter 118

Some Chapters are password protected, please use - rirw2025c to unlock these chapters. This is to top theft of translations.

_{It was only after reading this chapter did I understand what Yiming meant by “Sun Has Set”.}

At this time, the speed of information spread was nowhere near the overwhelming networks of later generations. By the time the provincial capital received the news, another day had already passed. The entire city was steeped in a gloomy atmosphere; pedestrians on the streets wore sorrowful expressions, and even the normally energetic workers in the factories walked around with slumped shoulders, looking completely hopeless.

Shen Yiming and Grandma were both feeling very downhearted, barely eating a few bites at meals. After dinner that evening, Grandma sighed heavily and returned to her room.

Zuo Dan held Shen Yiming’s hand as the two of them squeezed into the rocking chair. She rested her head against his chest. Seeing that Shen Yiming remained silent, deep in thought, she asked, “Comrade Yiming, what are you thinking about?”

“My feelings are complicated,” Shen Yiming said in a low voice. “I feel sad and grieving, but at the same time, it feels like some earth-shaking change is about to happen.” As he spoke, he gently stroked Zuo Dan’s hair. “Dandan, I might be really busy for a while and won’t be able to take care of you.”

Zuo Dan replied, “When have you ever needed to look after me? Just focus on your work. I’m planning to head back to the village tomorrow.”

Shen Yiming lowered his head and kissed her. “Alright, I’ll come pick you up during the National Day holidays and formally marry you into our family.”

Zuo Dan understood that Shen Yiming was about to put into action the plan he had previously mentioned. She couldn’t help but ask, “When do you think will be the right time?”

She worried that Shen Yiming might misjudge the timing and get into trouble.

Shen Yiming thought for a moment. “I wasn’t sure before, but now I can roughly guess. Let’s wait until after our wedding. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Zuo Dan hadn’t realized Shen Yiming’s political sensitivity was so sharp — he could even predict the timing pretty accurately. So she didn’t press further.

She had to admit that when it came to matters involving political situations, she really was no match for Shen Yiming. Some things truly depended on innate talent, and Shen Yiming was a natural-born politician.

The next morning, Zuo Dan told Grandma about her plan to return home.

She had mentioned it before, so it wasn’t sudden.

Although Grandma was reluctant to let her go, she knew that it wouldn’t be long before Dandan would marry into their family. She said, “It’s good to go back and prepare. I’ll get things ready here too. I promise you won’t be treated badly. Take this time to be with your parents.”

Zuo Dan hugged Grandma and acted a bit spoiled before getting on Shen Yiming’s bicycle to head to the station.

This time, besides feeling reluctant, both their hearts were filled with the anticipation of reunion.

After all, the next time they saw each other would be for their wedding. Once they were married, they would be officially and inseparably husband and wife, never needing to part again.

At the station, Shen Yiming clutched her braid, unwilling to let go. “Comrade Zuo Dan, go home and wait for me.”

Zuo Dan laughed. “Comrade Shen, if I don’t wait for you, where else could I possibly go? Go back to work. I can board the train by myself.”

Shen Yiming glanced at the train and felt a wave of reluctance. He wished Dandan could stay a few more days, but he knew it wasn’t possible. Comrade Zuo was not that easy to coax.

Seeing his disappointed expression, Zuo Dan suddenly felt she should comfort him a little. When no one was paying attention, she quickly tapped her finger against her own lips, then lightly touched Shen Yiming’s lips.

“Comrade Yiming, I’ll wait for you to marry me.” Under Shen Yiming’s fiery gaze, Zuo Dan hurriedly said this and ran away. She was afraid that if she didn’t run, Shen Yiming might really drag her back.

After she boarded the train, she waved out the window. Shen Yiming was still touching his lips and smiling. He seemed a little shy, bowing his head slightly, then lifting it again to beam at her.

When Zuo Dan returned to her hometown, news of the great leader’s passing had clearly already reached the commune and production team.

When Zuo Cong came with the old horse cart to pick her up, he didn’t look happy either, sighing all the way. When they got home, Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui were also sighing heavily.

The next day, as Zuo Dan walked around the village, she noticed the somber mood everywhere. Even Xu Fengxia, usually so feisty, was quiet and listless. When she saw Zuo Dan, she didn’t pick a fight as usual — instead, she quickly avoided her.

Some of the elderly villagers who had lived through the hard years were gathered together, wiping away tears and reminiscing about the hardships of the past and the happiness the great leader had brought them.

The only ones who were still carefree were the two “silly” ones from the Wei family.

When they heard that Zuo Dan had gone to the provincial capital, they worried that she wouldn’t come back and no one would take care of them anymore.

They had waited all summer, and finally, Zuo Dan returned.

So after finishing work, they came looking for her.

“Accountant Zuo, are you going to move to the provincial capital for good? What will happen to us then?” Wei Xiaohong asked worriedly.

Zuo Dan said, “Getting married is bound to happen sooner or later. Besides, after I move to the city, I can still keep an eye out for opportunities to help you two return to the city. Don’t worry, I won’t forget you. As long as there’s a chance to go back, I’ll definitely seize it for you.”

“Really?” Wei Xiaojun asked in surprise.

“Of course,” Zuo Dan promised. Anyway, it didn’t hurt to brag a little now—who knew what the future would bring? “You two just focus on working hard here and doing your best.”

“Of course we will.” Wei Xiaojun grinned and then said happily, “Good thing I didn’t agree to that girl next door.”

Hearing that, Zuo Dan was surprised. Who had such poor taste to like Wei Xiaojun?

“Who wanted to date you?”

Wei Xiaojun said smugly, “It’s that family next door to our educated youth spot. I wasn’t interested at all. That girl tried giving gifts to every male comrade in our educated youth group—started with me first…” As he spoke, he suddenly realized something—the neighbor was probably related to Zuo Dan’s family.

Wei Xiaohong quickly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to stop talking before he offended Zuo Dan and lost his chance of getting back to the city.

Hearing what Wei Xiaojun said, Zuo Dan was stunned. As far as she remembered, only one unmarried girl was left in the Zuo Hongjun family—Zuo Qing. Could she really have gone around trying to curry favor with all the male educated youths?

Seeing that Zuo Dan didn’t look happy, Wei Xiaojun quickly added, “But now it seems like she’s set her sights on Comrade Su Dai. Every day she brings things for him. And judging from Comrade Su Dai’s reaction, he seems to be wavering. Maybe something good will come out of it.”

He gave an awkward laugh.

Zuo Dan also forced a dry laugh. What on earth had happened while she was gone these past few months?

After seeing off the Wei siblings, Zuo Dan hurried home to ask Zuo Cong about it.

Since Zuo Cong and Su Dai now worked together as teachers at the elementary school, he would definitely know the latest news. And sure enough, he confirmed it.

“Yeah, it’s true. I didn’t expect Sister Qing to be so proactive either. She secretly gave Su Dai a boiled egg once, and it moved him to tears. After all, Su Dai knows she hasn’t had an easy life at home.”

“…”

Zuo Dan didn’t know what to say—this world really was strange.

Regardless of what was going on with Zuo Qing’s love life, Third Uncle Zuo’s situation was making progress too.

As soon as he got back from the county town and heard that Zuo Dan had returned, he immediately came to find her.

He was wearing a green army uniform and had a buzz cut, exuding a rugged and manly aura. But the moment he smiled, it all fell apart. “My dear niece, you really gave me a great idea. After I dressed like this and went to see Comrade Li Suli, she actually looked at me a few times. Now we can actually talk!”

Zuo Dan was eating when she heard that they had just gotten to the “talking” stage. She couldn’t help casting a disdainful glance at him. Look at Zuo Qing—without saying a word, she was almost there already.

Third Uncle’s progress seemed pathetically slow.

Zuo Chengcai didn’t notice Zuo Dan’s disdain. He happily said, “Hey, Dandan, give me another idea. How do I actually get into a relationship with her? Honestly, I’m just a guy with little education. When I talk to someone as educated as her, I get nervous.”

Hearing that, Zuo Dan immediately pulled Zuo Cong over. “Uncle, look at your nephew—he graduated high school, was an outstanding student, and ranked first in the entire school. A truly educated person. You don’t get nervous talking to him, right?”

Zuo Chengcai pushed Zuo Cong aside in disgust. “He’s my nephew. I’ve seen him running around in split pants as a kid—what’s there to be nervous about?”

Zuo Cong smiled awkwardly and went off to water the fruit trees.

Zuo Dan said, “Uncle, then I really can’t help you.”

“Then tell me how you and Little Shen got together—maybe I can learn something,” Zuo Chengcai said, finally revealing his true motive. He trusted Shen Yiming and figured that any method he used to woo a girl had to be effective.

Zuo Dan pursed her lips. She couldn’t exactly say that it had started with a bet that she lost, right? That would be too embarrassing.

So she said, “Little Shen was really bold. He came right up to me and said, ‘Comrade Zuo Dan, I’ve set my sights on you. In this life, I’ll marry no one but you! You can reject me, but you can’t stop me from pursuing you!'”

Zuo Chengcai was stunned. Zuo Cong even dropped the ladle into the water.

Zuo Chengcai said, “Little Shen really said that?”

“Of course. Otherwise, why would I agree to be with him? I saw how sincere he was and eventually gave in,” Zuo Dan said.

“Little Shen’s not simple at all,” Zuo Chengcai said with admiration. He himself would never be able to say something so shameless.

Zuo Dan patted his shoulder. “Uncle, you’ll have to figure it out yourself. When it comes to matters of the heart, I really can’t help you much.”

Love was complicated, and Zuo Dan thought it was best to stay out of it.

But to her surprise, after a moment of silence, Zuo Chengcai’s face took on a determined, sacrificial expression. “I think Little Shen’s method is actually pretty good. It’s a bit shameless, but it has a proven success rate.”

Zuo Dan: “…”

“Uncle, maybe you should think it over again. It’s not a great idea. Or ask Zuo Cong for advice?” Zuo Dan hurriedly suggested.

Zuo Cong immediately waved his hands, “Don’t drag me into this—I’ve never even dated anyone!”

Zuo Chengcai said, “No need to persuade me. I’m going to give it a shot. After all, Little Shen gets things done. I trust him.”

Zuo Dan had no choice but to admit, “…Uncle, I was lying to you.”

But Zuo Chengcai just thought she was shy and patted his chest reassuringly. “Don’t worry, niece. I won’t tell anyone.”

After leaving Zuo Dan’s house, Zuo Chengcai went home, washed his face, practiced his lines a few times, and then marched proudly toward the brigade accounting office.

Meanwhile, Zuo Dan and Zuo Cong stood in the courtyard, anxiously watching him leave.

“Big sis, do you think Third Uncle will succeed?” Zuo Cong asked.

Zuo Dan listlessly replied, “Who knows?” After all, that kind of domineering love confession had a high success rate—ninety-nine percent, even. Though, if it had been her, she would’ve poured a bucket of water over his head.

Over at the office, Zuo Chengcai didn’t hesitate at all and went straight in.

Li Suli was working. Hearing someone come in, she thought it was a local villager. But when she looked up and saw Zuo Chengcai, she immediately felt a bit awkward.

Recently, rumors about them had been circulating in the village. Even though she knew nothing had happened, hearing it again and again inevitably made things uncomfortable.

She braced herself and said, “Hello, what can I help you with?”

Zuo Chengcai walked straight over and looked at Li Suli with a solemn expression. “Comrade Li Suli, there’s something I must tell you.”

Li Suli looked at him and asked, “What is it?”

“Comrade Li Suli, I’ve fallen for you. In this life, I will marry no one but you! You can reject me, but you cannot stop me from pursuing you!”

Li Suli was stunned for a moment before she processed what he said. Her mind immediately felt like it exploded, turning into a complete mess. A surge of heat rushed from her neck upwards, her cheeks burning.

Zuo Dan and Zuo Cong waited for half an hour before they saw Zuo Chengcai return.

He looked ecstatic, clearly in a great mood. Zuo Dan quickly called him inside to ask how it went. Zuo Chengcai nearly rushed over to hug her but thought better of it and instead turned and hugged Zuo Cong. “It’s done! It’s done! She said she’ll think about it! Hahahahaha!”

“…” Zuo Dan was puzzled. Was dating in this era really this simple? No need for courtship, just a direct confession?

But then she thought about her own outrageous experience with Shen Yiming and decided she had no room to talk.

Zuo Dan had intended to remind her uncle that if she agreed now, he mustn’t turn bad once he became rich later. But seeing her uncle’s simple and naive expression, she didn’t say anything.

With his level of emotional intelligence…

Two days later, Zuo Chengcai got his answer. Li Suli actually agreed to date him.

Sometimes when Zuo Dan wandered around the village, she could see the two of them strolling about, keeping a meter apart, but still walking together.

Still feeling uneasy, Zuo Dan secretly found time to chat with Li Suli. Li Suli, seeing her, looked very awkward. They used to be equals, but now Li Suli was a generation “lower.”

Zuo Dan smiled and said, “Actually, I’ve long noticed my third uncle’s feelings. I just didn’t dare tell you, worried you’d misunderstand and think we were threatening you with the accountant position.”

Blushing, Li Suli said, “I know you’re not like that.”

“That’s good. I was just afraid you’d misunderstand. My third uncle, while bold, is very simple-hearted. Comrade Li Suli, are you really sure about being with my third uncle? After marrying him, you’ll have a rural household registration and won’t be able to return to the city. Are you sure about this?”

Li Suli bit her lip and lowered her head. “Honestly, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. But I feel your third uncle is a good man. It’s silly to say, but… my family situation isn’t great. No one really cares about me. What your third uncle said that day — that he chose me — really moved me. So I think… it’s not a bad thing.”

Indeed, the power of the “domineering CEO confession” was strong. Zuo Dan sighed inwardly but said no more. As for whether Li Suli would regret giving up her urban status in the future, that would be something to worry about in a few years. By then, she believed her third uncle would have no problem moving into the city himself.

After all, in this world, there’s rarely a love that is truly eternal and unconditional. A couple had to keep growing together. She couldn’t ask someone to stay stagnant just for her uncle. As long as her third uncle kept improving, there’d be no fear of divorce when moving back to the city later.

The happiest person about Zuo Chengcai dating was Grandma Zuo.

Although her third son was marrying a former educated youth and not a local village girl, Grandma Zuo had heard that this girl was capable, good with handicrafts, cooked for the entire educated youth spot, and managed everything inside and out — plus, she was educated and now worked as the brigade accountant.

No matter how you looked at it, it wasn’t a bad match. So she urged Zuo Chengcai to hurry up and get married.

Hearing the word “marriage,” Zuo Chengcai’s face turned as red as a monkey’s butt, and he quickly shoved the matter onto Zuo Dan. “Let’s wait until Dandan gets married first.”

Grandma Zuo tapped his forehead. “How can you say that? Your niece only has a few days left, and you want to get married after her?”

“She’s leaving so soon! Even if I drove a truck, I wouldn’t catch up! Mom, have mercy on me,” Zuo Chengcai said as he fled the house.

He went straight to find Li Suli to tell her he had to go work in the county — he was making a delivery trip but would return just in time for his precious niece’s wedding.

As October 1 approached, the Zuo family became very busy.

Zuo Dan, the apple of everyone’s eye, was about to leave and marry into another family. Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui were both overjoyed and heartbroken at once.

For days, they prepared for the wedding with red-rimmed eyes.

All the furniture for the dowry — dressing table, three sets of different-sized boxes — was handmade by Zuo Dacheng, despite Dandan saying her new house already had a large wardrobe. Li Hui also managed to trade for cotton and made two quilts herself.

Even though Shen Yiming said the Shen family had everything ready, they refused to let their daughter be shortchanged. Whatever a bride should have, she would have.

Even third uncle Zuo Chengcai added to her dowry — a brand-new Forever brand ladies’ bicycle. That was an impressive item back then.

When Xu Fengxia heard about it, she was furious — her eyes turned red with jealousy — but she didn’t dare make a scene at the Zuo house anymore.

Her husband had warned her: if she caused another scene, they’d divorce. And before the divorce, he’d make sure she learned her lesson.

On the morning of October 1, the Zuo family courtyard was packed with people helping out and watching the festivities.

Back then, people didn’t invite too many guests to weddings because materials were scarce. Only a few village elders and close relatives were invited. But this wasn’t just nosy villagers showing up.

After all, this was the first girl from the village marrying into the provincial capital.

Zuo Dan wore a brand-new green military uniform, with a small red flower pinned to her chest pocket, sitting inside chatting with Zuo Cong.

Zuo Cong’s eyes had been red since the night before, and today they were swollen like walnuts. “Sis, I don’t want you to leave.”

Zuo Dan was cracking sunflower seeds. “Wasn’t it you who said you’d help Shen Yiming take care of me? I still remember that.”

Zuo Cong immediately looked embarrassed. How could he have known he was speaking nonsense back then? He thought Brother Yiming was generous, letting him “help take care” of his sister. But thinking back now, something felt wrong — this was his sister!

“Sis, when will you come back to visit?”

“There’ll be plenty of chances, don’t worry. But you must remember to review your studies. If you slack off, I won’t acknowledge you as my brother anymore!” Zuo Dan deliberately threatened him, worried he’d neglect his studies once she was gone.

Zuo Cong quickly raised his hand and swore, “Don’t worry, sis! I’ll review every day and study hard!”

Only then did Zuo Dan smile and ruffle his hair. “That’s a good boy.”

Just as they were talking, a commotion rose outside.

No need to look — it had to be the wedding pickup team.

Shen Yiming had arranged two vehicles for the wedding. Knowing the bride’s family had prepared dowry items, he brought a small truck and a car.

A few young guys followed behind, loudly calling out to bring the bride home.

The people crowding the gate to watch the excitement wouldn’t let them through.

Shen Yiming glanced at Song Gang, who immediately tossed a handful of candies to the side. Instantly, the crowd rushed for the candy, clearing a path.

By the time they finished grabbing candy, Shen Yiming had already reached Li Hui and Zuo Dacheng.

“Mom, Dad, I’m here to pick up Dandan.”

Hearing this, Li Hui wiped her tears again and choked out toward the window, “Dandan, Yiming is here to pick you up.”

Zuo Dacheng also began wiping his eyes.

The young men who came to help with the wedding wiped sweat for Shen Yiming when they saw the couple’s reaction. Looks like he was really taking home their precious treasure — Shen Yiming had better be extra careful from now on, haha.

Xu Dapeng, being an old acquaintance here, quickly chimed in, “Uncle Dacheng, don’t worry. Shen Yiming will definitely treat Comrade Zuo Dan well. We’ll all be keeping an eye on him back in the provincial city.”

Song Gang added, “That’s right, that’s right. We’ll definitely look out for Comrade Zuo Dan. Yiming has been scared of me since we were kids. He listens when I talk. You can be completely at ease.”

With a solemn face, Shen Yiming said, “Dad, Mom, I swear I’ll treat Dandan well for the rest of my life. I’ll never let her be wronged or suffer. You can watch over me — if I ever fall short, you can come and punish me. I just hope you’ll feel reassured handing Dandan over to me today.”

“Of course, of course, we’re reassured.” The couple quickly responded, though their hearts were heavy with reluctance.

They hurriedly let them into the house to fetch the bride.

Zuo Dan was nervously sitting at the bedside. She hadn’t felt this nervous before, and marriage hadn’t really sunk in for her. But now, hearing Shen Yiming enter the courtyard, her heart was pounding like crazy.

Suddenly, it hit her: today, she and Shen Yiming were really getting married. Besides registering their marriage, this was the other key ceremony. From now on, they would truly be husband and wife.

As the door opened, she immediately saw Shen Yiming leading the group. His grin was so wide, he looked like he had just won a five-million-dollar lottery. When he laid eyes on Zuo Dan, the joy practically radiated from him. “Dandan, I’m here to pick you up.”

It was the first time Shen Yiming had seen Zuo Dan look so shy and demure, sitting quietly inside, waiting for him to come and take her home. From today on, she would be his wife, sharing the same roof, living life together — no one else could compare to the closeness they would share.

Just as Shen Yiming was about to walk over and take her hand, Zuo Cong squeezed in from the side, squatting in front of Zuo Dan. “I’ll carry my sister out the door! Sis, from now on, I’ll be your backup. If anyone bullies you, I’ll help you teach them a lesson!”

“You’re absolutely right, Xiao Cong! If anyone dares to bully you, I’ll help teach them a lesson too!” Shen Yiming laughed as he walked over and scooped Zuo Dan up into his arms. The young guys helping out burst into cheers and laughter.

Zuo Cong’s eyes turned even redder, watching his sister being carried off.

So unfair!

Shen Yiming laughed and said, “Xiao Cong, your sister will be someone I’ll treasure in my hands from now on — only I’m allowed to carry her.”

Zuo Dan was stunned by all the fuss. How did she suddenly become a hot commodity, with people scrambling to carry her?

“Xiao Cong,” Zuo Dan said with a smile, “Shen Yiming is strong enough to handle it. Let him do the heavy lifting. You’re still growing.”

Zuo Cong felt like all his tears had been shed for nothing.

Still holding Zuo Dan, Shen Yiming walked out the door. Outside, Song Gang scattered candy to clear a path, and soon a passage was made. Shen Yiming carefully placed Zuo Dan into the small car.

He then turned back, bowed deeply to Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui, and said, “Mom, Dad, I’m taking Dandan home now.”

Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui wiped their tears again. “Go on, go on. Live a good life.”

From inside the car, Zuo Dan shouted, “Mom, Dad, don’t worry, I’ll live well!”

The two nodded vigorously, holding back their tears.

After Shen Yiming got into the car, the others piled into the vehicles too — the small car in front, the small truck following behind — and they noisily drove out of Zuo Family Village.

Even as the car disappeared down the road, Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui stood there, watching for a long time.

The convoy took the shortcut to the provincial city. What usually took five or six hours only took them four today. When they arrived at the Shen family home, it was lively all over again before they finally got inside the room.

As soon as she entered the room, Zuo Dan was almost blinded.

The bed she and Shen Yiming would share was covered in a vivid red bed set, dazzlingly bright. The walls were plastered with red “Double Happiness” paper cuttings in every style imaginable, looking like a mini art exhibition.

While the outside was still bustling, Shen Yiming slipped inside, hugged her from behind, and whispered, “Do you like it? I made all these by hand. It took me two nights.”

Leaning back against him, Zuo Dan smiled. “Shen Yiming, is there anything you can’t do?”

“Not much — after all, I’m a fast learner…” Shen Yiming whispered ambiguously into her ear.

Zuo Dan reached out and gave him a little push, feeling that Shen Yiming was getting more and more shameless.

Soon, there was a loud commotion outside, calling for Shen Yiming to come out and entertain the guests. Zuo Dan directly shoved him out the door. As soon as he left, Grandma came in with a bowl of egg noodles, worried that Zuo Dan might be hungry.

The noise outside continued until late afternoon. By the time the sky darkened, the elder relatives had all finished their meals and started to leave. Only the younger crowd wanted to stay and mess around with the wedding night pranks. However, Shen Yiming had already been drunk under the table.

“Who got him drunk? If the bride comes after you all for ruining her wedding night, don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Song Gang shouted outside.

The others glanced at each other, confused. Who got him drunk? Seemed like everyone did, and yet no one did — they couldn’t even figure it out themselves.

Sigh, better slip away quickly. Getting the groom drunk on his wedding night was a surefire way to ruin the big moment. Once Shen Yiming sobered up tomorrow, he was bound to come after them for revenge.

And so, everyone hurriedly cleared out, leaving only Song Gang awkwardly facing Grandma’s kind smile.

“Well, uh, Teacher Zhao, Yiming was just too happy and drank a little too much. I’ll help him inside to rest,” Song Gang said, hastily carrying Shen Yiming into the bridal room.

He hurriedly exchanged a brief greeting with Zuo Dan and ran off.

At the doorway, Grandma smiled and said, “Dandan, I’m off to rest now. Yiming’s in your care.”

Once everyone had left, Zuo Dan pinched Shen Yiming, “Alright, enough. Get up.”

Shen Yiming flipped over and pinned her beneath him with a laugh.

Zuo Dan cupped his face and said, “If those guys find out you were faking being drunk, they won’t let you off. Remember how bad they messed with Song Gang at his wedding?”

Shen Yiming softly kissed the corner of her mouth. “Why let them mess around? I’d much rather we have our fun, just the two of us. On our wedding night, I only want to be with you.”

Just as Zuo Dan thought he was about to take things further, Shen Yiming suddenly got up, walked to the lower compartment of the wardrobe, and pulled out a cloth bundle.

He carefully spread it out on the bed — a bright red, hand-embroidered traditional dragon-and-phoenix wedding outfit.

Zuo Dan exclaimed in surprise, “Where did you get this?”

Shen Yiming wrapped his arms around her and said, “Only you would think your man’s useless enough to make you wait fifty years for a pretty dress. After you mentioned it that day, I kept an eye out. I secretly had an old master tailor I know make it.”

Zuo Dan hadn’t thought much of it when she casually said it back then, but Shen Yiming had kept it in his heart.

She cradled the outfit in her hands and smiled sweetly. “Turn around. I’ll go change.”

Shen Yiming immediately grinned and turned around obediently.

A while later, he heard the sounds of clothes being taken off and put on. It made him feel like a fire was surging up inside him.

“All done,” Zuo Dan’s soft voice called.

Only then did Shen Yiming turn around. The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up.

Zuo Dan spun around once. “How do I look?” The dress fit her perfectly — the craftsmanship was exquisite, the fabric top-quality. It was good enough to be a family heirloom.

“You look beautiful,” Shen Yiming said, his smile curving gently, full of satisfaction.

Zuo Dan smiled shyly, two small dimples appearing on her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m only wearing this for you to see.”

Heat surged through Shen Yiming’s heart. He was just about to make his move when Zuo Dan pushed him onto the bed and pinned him down, mimicking what he had done earlier — kissing his face and neck, tugging at his clothes, ripping the buttons right off his shirt.

Shen Yiming’s head was burning from her teasing. Seeing her struggling with his belt, he simply flipped her over and took the lead.

…

“Shen Yiming… if you rip my dress, I’ll fight you to the death…”

“Mm… then we’ll just leave it on…”

…

When everything finally calmed down, Zuo Dan lay on Shen Yiming’s chest, panting softly.

Shen Yiming gently patted her back to soothe her. “I promised I’d take you to Shanghai to play. But it might have to wait a little while. Once things are settled, we’ll go.”

Zuo Dan looked up at him in a daze, then nodded. Anyway, she was so tired now she didn’t even want to move.