In their limited view, Liu Lanying becoming an official was a way for the Liu family to bring honor to their ancestors. At least in their understanding, Liu Lanying, as the village chief, was a minor official, similar to a magistrate in ancient times, someone who could make decisions.
"If only I had encouraged my daughter to go to university. Look at her now, she's found such a wealthy husband. Even if Liu Dajun, that prodigal son, continues to squander money, there shouldn't be too many problems. With such a capable brother-in-law, there's no fear of him wasting too much money."
Another woman shook her head, clicking her tongue.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, that's not necessarily true. That's what they say. You know Old Mrs. Liu's personality. If her son-in-law were really that capable, why would she be so secretive about it and not just reveal his name? In this day and age, you can just search online. Then we wouldn't have to guess around here."
What these rural old women were saying was entirely correct. Ye Tiancheng, overhearing their conversation from the side, did not offer any opinion. As soon as the Liu family mentioned Ye Tiancheng's name, a quick online search would reveal a flood of gossip.
The so-called gossip included Ye Tiancheng's past as a farmer-turned-entrepreneur, his subsequent bankruptcy, and then his becoming a son-in-law to Hou Mingzhu and the Su family. None of these were glorious affairs. He estimated that if these rural women found out, it would surely lead to extreme embarrassment.
"I'm outta here..."
Ye Tiancheng whispered, then ran off. For Ye Tiancheng, reputation wasn't that important. He just couldn't stand these people chattering incessantly in his ear, like flies.
"What's wrong? Brother Ye, you don't need to listen to those gossips. They never have anything good to say. They don't mind their own business but are always focused on others. I don't know what great achievements people like that can have. What's the difference between them and the chickens and ducks in the village?"
When this was brought up, Liu Lanying became particularly angry. Liu Lanying truly couldn't stand these villagers. She didn't know how she had endured living with them for so many years. Ever since Liu Lanying was eighteen and still in school, and then went to university without getting married, she had become the talk of the neighbors.
They all said Liu Lanying was an old maid and would never get married. They believed that for a woman, the most important thing was to marry a reliable man, and that schooling was useless, only making oneself more foolish.
It was only after Liu Lanying became the village chief that those people stopped talking nonsense. Otherwise, they would have had plenty to say, and they would never have let Liu Lanying off the hook.
"I don't even pay attention to what they say. They're not on the same level as me. If I worried about what they said every day, I would feel extremely tired and it would be meaningless, just stressing myself out unnecessarily. That would be asking for trouble."
Sometimes Liu Lanying had to admire Ye Tiancheng's broad-mindedness. He saw through many things so clearly, saving Liu Lanying the trouble of worrying.
"Right, let's not talk about this. Go try on the wedding dress. I've also found a professional makeup artist to do your makeup. Even though it's fake, it's your first time as a bride, so we can't leave any bad impressions."
Ye Tiancheng was quite thoughtful in this regard. Although they had agreed it was fake, Liu Lanying couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Even though they couldn't get a marriage certificate, having this ceremony was considered a marriage in ancient times.
"Okay, I'll go take a look."
The wedding day was very hot. The Liu family did their best to invite all their relatives and friends, setting up tables all over the yard. Ye Tiancheng and Liu Lanying, one in a groom's suit and the other in a bride's dress, walked hand in hand. It felt wonderful. A gentle breeze blew, and at that moment, they truly felt like carefree newlyweds, not needing to care about anyone else's opinions, just being happy.
"Brother Ye, it seems everyone is looking at me. I'm a bit nervous. Say a few words to me. I don't even know where to look. Everyone is staring at me. What do you think they're thinking?"
"Because they think the bride is beautiful and they all like the bride, that's why they keep staring at you. This is very normal. You look truly beautiful today."
Liu Lanying naturally had a sophisticated look, not like a typical village girl. It wasn't that he thought being from the countryside was bad, but village girls often had an inherent simplicity. However, Liu Lanying lacked that. This was why Ye Tiancheng found her so special, perhaps truly outstanding in every way.
"Really? Am I really that beautiful?"
Liu Lanying had already seen herself in the mirror and knew she was indeed very beautiful. But hearing it from Ye Tiancheng's mouth felt different.
"Of course, I wouldn't lie to you. You look exceptionally good. You're as beautiful as a woman in a painting right now. While every bride is beautiful, I think you are the most uniquely and specially beautiful one."
Ye Tiancheng's words were so endearing that Liu Lanying became shy, her face flushing intensely. She didn't know how to respond to Ye Tiancheng's praise. After a long pause, her face red, she finally managed to say,
"Brother Ye, you look so handsome in a suit too. You're the most handsome groom I've ever seen."
As the two spoke sweetly, others began to tease them.
"They're getting married! This young couple is so sweet. Their affection is truly enviable."
Liu Lanying's mother watched from the side with a constant smile of happiness. The usually unreliable Liu Dajun was also busy making arrangements, showing some brotherly responsibility at a crucial moment. He wasn't as muddled as before, seeming silly and only knowing how to waste money.
The wedding concluded. Ye Tiancheng felt that weddings in the countryside were quite tiring because there were so many things to handle. Under the guidance of the emcee, one ritual followed another, leaving him overwhelmed. Ye Tiancheng was utterly exhausted, in a daze, and didn't want to move even after lying down on the kang.
"Brother Ye, you must be exhausted. Get some rest early tonight."
"Everyone is watching. We have to rest together tonight, but don't worry, I absolutely won't touch you."
Ye Tiancheng had given his word, but Liu Lanying felt a little disappointed. When you truly like someone, you naturally desire physical contact; this is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Liu Lanying didn't mind if the fake marriage became real, but she hadn't expected that the fleeting deep affection in Ye Tiancheng's eyes was just an act. Ye Tiancheng didn't seem to consider getting involved with Liu Lanying in reality. Thinking about this, Liu Lanying felt a slight pang of heartache.
However, no matter what, Liu Lanying remained psychologically stable. Since they had agreed from the beginning that it was fake, there was no need to make everyone unhappy over such a matter. That would be wrong.
"Alright, then we'll see this act through to the end. We'll sleep together tonight too."
They had been busy all day, and by evening, it was finally over. However, many relatives and friends of the Liu family came to "闹洞房" (nao dong fang - a wedding custom where guests tease the newlyweds). This completely confused Ye Tiancheng. He tried his best to cooperate, biting apples and chopsticks. Ye Tiancheng even ate half a tube of mustard, tears and snot streaming down his face.
When those people finally left, Ye Tiancheng and Liu Lanying exchanged a smile. Liu Lanying quickly grabbed tissues to wipe the unknown liquid from Ye Tiancheng's face.
"You've worked hard. This is how it is in the countryside. There's a lot of teasing during the wedding night, which can drive people crazy. These people have no bottom line, so don't blame them. It's just a custom."
Ye Tiancheng had made many sacrifices to help her, first with the fake marriage and then enduring the wedding night teasing and being roughed up. Liu Lanying felt quite bad about it. Ye Tiancheng was fine, and it was all for her that so many complications had arisen.
"It's okay, I actually found it quite interesting, like playing a game. As long as we're happy, there's no need to worry too much."
Ye Tiancheng had a very open mind. After the commotion, he was indeed quite tired and had no energy for anything else.
"Let's go to sleep quickly. I feel like my eyelids are fighting each other. If this continues, I might just pass out."
Ye Tiancheng was speaking the truth. As soon as he finished speaking, he burrowed into the quilt and fell asleep. He slept so soundly that it felt like even thunder couldn't wake him.
"Brother Ye, are you asleep?"
"Mmm, I'm too tired. No matter what happens, we can talk about it later. I really can't hold on any longer."
After Ye Tiancheng finished speaking, he fell asleep. Throughout the process, he didn't snore as loudly as other men, like thunder; instead, he slept soundly and sweetly, as if he were in a warm and comfortable environment.
"Then I'll wash my face and go to sleep too."
Looking at herself in the mirror, she was indeed a great beauty. Perhaps the makeup artist was very professional, as she had applied the makeup beautifully. Liu Lanying was almost reluctant to remove it, as if the play would end once the makeup was gone.
Meanwhile, Ye Tiancheng was already asleep, but Liu Lanying couldn't bear for it all to end. Knowing it was a dream, she wished the dream could last longer.
If only it could last a little longer. Liu Lanying truly wished she could have a new future, a new beginning.
If it were real, and she had married Ye Tiancheng, then her future path wouldn't be walked alone, but by two people. The thought warmed her heart. Unfortunately, it was fake. No matter what she did, her hopes for reality wouldn't change the fake into the real.
When a dream truly ends, no one can stop it. They say all good things must come to an end. No matter how unhappy Liu Lanying was, it would eventually conclude. It was unavoidable. Perhaps the most important thing was to try and accept it, rather than getting lost in fantasies.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Liu Lanying forced a smile and used makeup remover to wipe off all the makeup. After removing the makeup, Liu Lanying returned to her usual simple appearance, as if she had instantly returned to reality. Her heart sank, feeling as if it had shattered.
To prevent herself from getting lost in it further, Liu Lanying quickly rinsed her face with clean water to remove any remaining makeup. Liu Lanying looked at her refreshed self, patted her face, and flashed a pure smile at the mirror.
As Liu Lanying lay in bed, Ye Tiancheng was still sound asleep...
In his deep sleep, Ye Tiancheng shed his usual maturity, looking more like a child, a pure person who wouldn't change with age. It only made one feel more sympathetic.
Liu Lanying couldn't help but reach out and touch Ye Tiancheng's face, wondering why men's skin was so good. They didn't apply anything daily, yet their collagen levels were so full. Liu Lanying was quite envious.