Chapter 44

“Are you free in the next few days? Let’s go take our wedding photos.”

Shen Yumo’s froze for a moment and she stared at Jiang Ziquan. After a few seconds, she then took out her phone, checked her calendar, and said, “En, I see.”

“Huh, Teacher Shen, how are you so calm?” Jiang Ziquan was surprised that Shen Yumo was not showing more shock and couldn’t help but feel a little curious. If it was like before, Shen Yumo would’ve probably used it.

“Not at all, I’m actually very happy.” Shen Yumo brushed a stray hair behind her air as she answered casually. She had taken wedding photos before with Chen Ruoguang, so she had experienced this before. She felt a little awkward in her heart, but for Jiang Ziquan, this will be her first time. Every woman has had dreams of taking photos in their wedding dress. Thinking like that, she was kinda looking forward to it and smiled, “Where are we taking the pictures?”

“I looked up a few locations, and you can choose from them later.” Seeing her smile, Jiang Ziquan didn’t ask further and felt a little relieved. Her heart was full of joy at the thought of taking their wedding photos together.

“Ok.”

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“Old Yu, isn’t that the mother of your daughter’s wife?”

Mrs. Shen wiped the sweat on her forehead and looked up to see Mrs. Jiang in a red dress, carrying an armful of gifts. She nodded, “Old Qin, that is indeed her. I will go greet her first.”

“Yes, yes. Go.”

“Co-mother-in-law! Co-mother-in-law!” [1]

The music from the neighborhood’s dance group was a little loud and Mrs. Shen could only hurry over to Mrs. Jiang. She lightly patted Mrs. Jiang, gasping as she said, “Co….Co-mother-in-law.”

Lin Yunn’s eyes widened as she realized the woman in dance clothing in front of her was the Co-mother-in-law and hurriedly went after her to support her, “Careful there,” she chuckled, “Have you just finished dancing?”

After a moment to recover her breathing, Mrs. Shen finally recovered and smiled embarrassedly, “Let’s go, come over to our place.”

When the two arrived at the door, Mrs. Shen said, “Old man Shen went out for a walk and will be back later. Meanwhile, would you like something to drink?” She looked at the gifts still in Lin Yun’s hands and smiled, “If you want to visit, you can just come. Why did you bring so many gifts?”

Lin Yun only smiled but did not say anything.

“So, is there anything you need for you to come today? Something about the two children, perhaps?” Mrs. Shen could guess the rough idea, and for Liu Yun to personally come then that must mean something big has happened. Thinking the worst possible scenario, her heart tightened a little.

“It’s about the kids, but it’s good news.” Mrs. Jiang continued with a smile on her face, “We’ve watched the two kids’ relationship progress recently and I thought it’s time they had a proper wedding. Let the kids have fun and hold a nice, loud wedding celebration.”

Mrs. Shen’s eyes lit up. Her daughter had recently married, but few knew about it. However, everyone knew that Shen Yumo had terminated the engagement with Chen Ruoguguang. They thought that Shen Yumo was single and that she was an old maid, as she was turning thirty in a few months. The words she had received from her friends and some distant relatives had been quite unkind recently. Hearing that they’ll finally hold a proper wedding, she let out a sigh of relief in her heart.

Although she saw that the two children were getting along and were polite to each other, she understood her daughter’s temperament more than anybody else. She never dared to mention the topic of holding a wedding, however, recently she felt something had changed. When she talked with Yumo on the phone, she could tell that her daughter had finally let that Jiang girl into her heart.

“That’s a great idea.” Mrs. Shen responded happily and asked, “Do the two of them have any specific plans in mind?”

“Ziquan said she wanted to wait until summer, after the college entrance exams because Yumo needs to focus on her third-years. But, because we don’t have much time left, we need to start preparing for that day as soon as possible. The kids are still young and don’t have any experience in the matter, so we must help them with the preparations.”

“What you said is correct.” Mrs. Shen nodded. Both children were opinionated and independent adults, but when it comes to something big like a wedding, they should just rely on their parents.

The two discussed the matter for a while and finally set the date for the day of the Qixi Festival [2]. They believed that the young couple would approve of this date.

“But, in the end, we should let the two have the final say. Otherwise, they will say we are interfering in their lives and should mind our own business.”

“You’re right. I understand.” Mrs.Shen guessed that the Jiang family has not discussed this with their daughter yet but hope they can hold their wedding soon. The marriage was considered improper until the wedding was held and as a teacher, it would be bad for Yumo’s reputation.

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Jiang Ziquan had no idea that her mother and her mother-in-law had decided on the date of their wedding and was instead happily taking their wedding photos.

“The two of you really are a match made in heaven.” Little Chen stared at the bright stars in front of her, “You two must give me an autograph later.”

Shen Yumo chose a photography studio that only took photos for same-sex couples. The studio was opened long before the marriage law was passed and was considered an old favorite now. The shop was full of pictures of happy couples and the employees at the studio were all on the young side, so that meant they were more positive when it came to same-sex couples.

Shen Yumo and Jiang Ziquan gave each other a look, a faint smile on both of their faces.

“Will do. Got any recommendations before we begin?” Jiang Ziquan didn’t mind the little employee’s eyes as her hands wrapped around the waist of the beauty beside her, “Something that will suit our personalities?”

Little Chen gulped as she was dazed by their beauty and said, “Yes, I have a few recommendations.” quickly took out a thick album, “Here.”

Jiang Ziquan and Shen Yumo sat down on a nearby sofa and opened the photo album. They looked at a few photos and both had the same thought: This little girl sure likes to play. Each photo had one common theme: uniforms. From the army to schoolteacher, each one was a testament to the interesting world of uniform fetishism. [3]

Jiang Ziquan glanced at Teacher Shen. Now that she was thinking about it, Teacher Shen is really suitable for this type of roleplay. Not only are the uniforms tempting, but she would be a natural at playing the schoolteacher. Before she could say anything, however, she felt something pinch her waist and she let out a groan. I knew it, they even have bugs here to torment me!

“Miss Jiang, what do you think?” Little Chen couldn’t control her excitement and ask. She tried to look more serious but when she thought about the two beautiful and young women in front of her in uniform roleplay, her mouth couldn’t help twitching a little.

“I…” Think it’s a great idea!

“You go ahead and work, we need to discuss this for a little while.” Shen Yumo saw the overeager expression on Jiang Ziquan’s face and hurriedly interrupted the flow of conversation. She had a sinking feeling that Jiang Ziquan might want to try everything in this thick album.

“Ok. If you need anything, just call me.” Little Chen gave Jiang Ziquan a reluctant look and unwillingly retreated.

Ignoring the sad gaze from Little Chen and then looking at the sad person in front of her and asked helplessly, “Do you really want to try these things?”

“What do you mean things? This is an expression of art and we should devote ourselves to the spirit of art.” Jiang Ziquan looked at her seriously, trying to hold back a smile.

Shen Yumo’s eyes married, then turned a few more pages, her face blushing red, “Be more serious.”

Jiang Ziquan patted her knee and comforted her softly, “I’m kidding, I know that you don’t like to shoot these kinds of things.” Saying so, she waved Little Chen over and prepared to order the standard package.

“But you like it.”

“Ah?” Jiang Ziquan felt confused. Did she mean that because I like it, she is willing to take some photos with me? Looking at Shen Yumo’s face carefully and saw that beautiful face was stained red. She could hear the quiet heartbeat get louder, presumably because the woman in front of her was summoning the courage to speak.

“I’ll take two sets if it’s with you.” Shen Yumo whispered, feeling shame creep up her neck in the form of a blush. Her hands felt warm and she looked down to see that the other party was holding her hand with a smile.

“Teacher Shen, you are so cute.”

Shen Yumo looked up at her, forcing herself to calm down as she turned back towards the album, “Hurry up and choose.”

Although she tried to sound a little colder, she didn’t expect that her voice would sound so soft and like she was just being shy. For once, she felt annoyed at the sound of her own voice.

“Ok.” Jiang Ziquan stopped teasing her and carefully looked through the album.

Shen Yumo took the opportunity to study Jiang Ziquan’s face. Neither of them had worn makeup because the studio would apply it for them. Their faces were as clear and pure as they could be. Therefore, apart from some dark eyebags, Jiang Ziquan’s face can be considered perfectly beautiful. Especially when she was serious. At certain times, like when she was drawing, Jiang Ziquan would have this aura around her and her eyes, they lit up with a different light that seemed to consume everything.

Unlike her. Someone once told her that her facial features were amazing except for her eyes. Combined together, they looked beautiful, but her eyes were as if the artist had painted them last, an additional feature that didn’t shine as much.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Ziquan heard her sigh and thought that she was not willing to do this, “You don’t have to force yourself to accommodate me.”

“No, it’s fine, nothing’s wrong. Did you choose what you want?” Shen Yumo would never have admitted that she was entranced with Jiang Ziquan’s face just now.

“I choose these two.”

One was a teacher-student roleplay and the other was a flight attendant/passenger roleplay.

Shen Yumo glanced at her, her eyes sending a sarcastic message, ‘Wow, you sure know how to pick.’

Just these two sets?” Little Chen studied the two sets and then turned to look at them, a little bit surprised.

They had Jiang Ziquan put her hair in a simple high ponytail, but her face was too mature, not at all like a student. She looked more like an art teacher or something. However, Shen Yumo’s long hair and strict aura already captured the teacher’s essence so they only gave her some light makeup/

The first photo.

In a white uniform, Jiang Ziquan the pen in one hand and her head in the other, her eyes full of confusion. In front of her, Shen Yumo stood in a prim and proper suit, her hand holding a pointer and seeming to explain something with ease.

The second photo.

The girl in the blue and white uniform was now frowning at a problem on the board and the teacher moved to the side to let the girl see the board more clearly.

“Get a little closer.” The photographer, Tony, ordered. The two were so photogenic together that he couldn’t help but take a couple of extra shots.

Shen Yumo frowned and whispered, “It’s not like I haven’t taught students before. How will the student see the problem if I get closer?”

Jiang Ziquan smiled and leaned forward instead.

“I’m talking about the teacher getting closer, not the student. Otherwise, the student will fall out of their seat.” Tony chuckled at his own joke.

Jiang Ziquan shrank back and gave Teacher Shen a helpless stare.

It was only when her cheeks burned with heat did Teacher Shen understand why the photographer wanted her to get closer. It was so that the ‘teacher’ can lure in the student with their seductive posturing. So the teacher was trying to trick the student to attack, then did that mean she was going to be the bottom?

The third photo.

The teacher steps it up ‘to the next level.’

Sitting beside Jiang Ziquan, Shen Yumo felt nervous. She had kissed Jiang Ziquan only a few times and now she was going to kiss her in such a sacred place like the classroom with people watching too. She weakly looked at Jiang Ziquan.

“Why don’t you do it instead?”

“Nope.” Jiang Ziquan felt that the atmosphere between them was good and the feeling of Teacher Shen initiating everything for once was great. She then said in a disappointed tone, “Is it because I’m not good-looking enough?”

“N-no, not at all.” Shen Yumo inhaled deeply, looking up at Jiang Ziquan again. She was feeling so ashamed right now.

Tony brought in a fan and a strong wind blew Shen Yumo’s long black hair. Several strands tickled at Jiang Ziquan’s face, making her feel a little itchy. She tried to hold back her laughter, causing her face to go red.

Shen Yumo only thought that Jiang Ziquan was benign shy and her heart was moved. She kissed those red lips gently, but sincerely like Jiang Ziquan had a few times before.

Tony gave them a thumbs up, “Perfect.”

Jiang Ziquan opened her eyes and looked at the shy Shen Yumo, she teased, “Teacher Shen, you shouldn’t do that with your students.”

“….” Shen Yumo pinched her a few times, but she no longer felt ashamed.

“However, the next set caused her shame to come back in full force.

This time Jiang Ziquan wore a flight attendant uniform and with her height, the uniform showed off her long legs. Meanwhile, Shen Yumo would play an elegant and scholarly passenger.

The first phone is a scene when the two meet for the first time. The attendant smiles at the passenger while holding out her drink and the passenger smiles back with a helpless smile.

The second photo was on a totally different level.

The flight attendant’s scarf was tied around the passenger’s hands and while her hat was somewhat crooked as she easily straddled the passenger’s hips, her body pressing against them. The two would then lean in for a steaming french kiss.

“You’re going to crush me to death.” Shen Yumo looked up at her, quickly untying the scarf around her hands, and throwing the scarf back into Jiang Ziquan’s arms. Can these types of wedding photos really be shown to other people?

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” Jiang Ziquan held the scarf and promised.

“Hmph.”

Jiang Ziquan blinked a few times. Did Teacher Shen just ‘hmphed’???!!! TOO CUTE!!!!

The next few sets were more standard. The finale was them in their wedding dresses. Jiang Ziquan’s was longer in the back and both of them wore a white ribbon on their waists with bouquets in their hands.

Jiang Ziquan imagined that today was their actual wedding. She glanced quietly at Shen Yumo who was walking slowly down the aisle and felt that a wedding dress had never looked more beautiful.

“Ziquan, I have something to say to you.” Shen Yumo took two steps forward, she was only one meter away now from Jiang Ziquan.

“En, go ahead.” Jiang Ziquan laughed a little, completely entranced in the other’s beauty, and seemed to have completely forgotten about the photographer next to her.

With a smile on her face, Shen Yumo took out a ring from the bouquet. She lifted the ends of her dress as she bent her legs, more of a curtsey then a kneel as she asked, “Ziquan, will you marry me?”

From the moment Shen Yumo took out the ring, Jiang Ziquan felt her heartbeat furiously and was sure everyone could hear it. When she heard the proposal, she suddenly felt drops of water running down her face and she took a step forward, stumbling a little. She was so close that she could almost touch Shen Yumo if she just reached out a little.

“Marry her! Marry her!” The staff in the shop were as confused as Jiang Ziquan, but quickly reacted and responded with loud chants.

“I do.” Jiang Ziquan’s voice choked a little, she would never have thought that Shen Yumo would propose to her. Such a romantic and formal proposal.

Nothing like her ridiculous and on the spur of the moment proposal.

Shen Yumo was shaking with nervousness and it took a few times for the ring to slide onto the finger. There were tears on her face as well and she embraced the owner of the ring. It was a picture of perfect harmony.

“Well, damn, this shot is just too beautiful!” Tony hugged Little Chen in excitement and pointed at his camera, “I’m going to submit this for my next exhibit!”

Little Chen’s eyes were red as she watched the embracing couple with a blissful expression on her face.

T/N notes:

I’m not crying, you’re crying. Damn, those invisible ninjas are chopping onions again.

*For those who don’t remember: Jiang Ziquan’s mother is named ‘Lin Yun’ and women in China get to keep their last name.

Sidenote: You know, the whole wedding photos thing is such an odd idea in American culture, but apparently it’s a multi-billion industry in China. Everyone gets their photos done there. I mean, some weddings here in America do it too, but mostly they take the photos during the wedding, not before. For more information, see here: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/oct/05/the-fantasy-world-of-pre-wedding-photos-inside-chinas-billion-dollar-industry

[1] Co-mother-in-law: I had to research this, but apparently the in-laws (the parents of the bride and groom) call each other ‘co-in-laws’ like co-mother-in-law or co-father-in-law. Chinese has a simpler term, which is just ‘Qingjia’ and it works for either the father or mother in law. But, as usual, that’s lost in translation and I have to use the English equivalent.

[2] Qixi Festival: Usually a date in August, and is the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. This year it is on Tuesday, August 25th. It is basically Chinese Valentine’s day. There’s a story behind this day as the festival originated from the romantic legend of two lovers, and the general tale is a love story between Zhinü (the weaver girl) and Niulang (the cowherd). Their love was not allowed, thus they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River (symbolizing the Milky Way). Once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, a flock of magpies would form a bridge to reunite the lovers for one day.

[3] Uniform fetishism: Uniform fetishism is a particular type of clothing fetishism in which an individual is sexually aroused by uniforms. Uniform fetishism has been associated with a variety of different uniforms, including schoolgirl and cheerleader uniforms, French maid uniforms, and uniforms associated with police or military organizations. Lol, fetishes, we each have one, don’t try to deny it. If anyone dares to share, comment below. I’ll start, I have a piercing fetish and I’m proud of it.