#small water fountain china

[chinamarblesculpture]

Floating Sphere Fountain - Trevi Art Sculpture

How does the floating fountain work?

A floating fountain is a decorative water display that floats on the surface of a pond or lake. It creates a visually appealing water pattern by pumping water from the surrounding body of water and shooting it into the air through a fountain nozzle attachment.

The floating fountain consists of a submersible water pump attached to a flotation ring. The pump pulls water from the pond or lake and pushes it up through the nozzle, creating the desired water pattern

The purpose of a floating fountain is not only to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the water feature but also to provide aeration for the water in the pond or lake

The movement and splashing of the water from the fountain help to introduce more oxygen into the water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy body of water

Aeration prevents excessive bacteria growth and helps to keep the water clean and odor-free

The floating fountain is an illusion that gives the impression of a faucet or tap hovering above the water surface with an endless supply of water gushing out of it

This effect is achieved by using a transparent tube in the middle of the water column. The tube holds the faucet in place and simultaneously feeds it with water pumped from below

The water travels up through the tube and exits at the top, creating the illusion of a floating faucet

It's worth noting that floating fountains are usually used in deep ponds or lakes where it may be difficult to install a traditional submersible pump on the pond floor

They are also ideal for ponds or lakes with varying water levels, as the float automatically adjusts to changes in water depth

In summary, a floating fountain works by using a submersible water pump to draw water from a pond or lake and shoot it into the air through a fountain nozzle attachment. The movement and splashing of the water not only create a visually appealing display but also provide aeration for the water, promoting a healthy aquatic environment.

[yinsmoonlight]

drama — aespa series

taglist — @1luvkarina @wintersgff @grandrebelfestivaldreamer @yuyuy90 @cwpiqwon @minaripenguu @yeetaberry127 (ask to be added or removed)

content warnings — brief sexual content

the next morning, you had freshened up and got ready for the day as you adjust your maid uniform. your hair was in a low ponytail, and you washed your hands at the sink in the bathroom.

all of the other maids were either just getting ready for the day, or already up doing their duties.

you were assigned to do the laundry. which meant every single bit of laundry there was to do.

you sighed already dreading this.

which leads you outside, using the washboard to clean anything from dresses, to sheets, to rags.

you sat down on a stool while you continued to wash the sheets, before rinsing them in the other bucket of water.

the weather felt nice outside. not too hot and not too cold. since it was nearing fall, you honestly didn’t mind the bit of wind. it’s better than sitting in the burning heat.

“so, you got laundry duty, huh?” you hear the familiar voice of yeji approaching.

you glance up seeing her with a basket of fresh eggs she fetched from the farm.

“yeah.” you sigh a little, “i don’t mind it though. the weather is nice out.” yeji nods agreeing.

“how did you sleep last night?” she asks.

you squeeze out the excess water of the sheets, “i won’t lie, i was tossing and turning. it was hard to sleep. i’m not sure why, but it just felt as if there was a presence.”

yeji looks at you a little confused. you only shrug in response.

“maybe i was just imagining. i barely had any sleep from the night before.”

“i understand. i’ll put these eggs away and i’ll help you with the rest of this laundry.” yeji says before heading inside with her basket of eggs.

you soon hang everything on the drying racks and clean your hands off.

these last few weeks in the palace was going pretty smoothly. yeji, of course, was your guide for the most part. with her help, it was easier each day to learn your way around these halls.

not like last week when you lost your way just to try and find the restroom to which she teased you for doing so.

all in good fun, yeji said.

you don’t really see the empress around these days, and you don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing sometimes.

hopefully, and surely, you made a good impression. who knows?

yeji calls you crazy for this, but you really can’t help but feel like you’re being watched. are you anxious? stressed? sleep deprived? most definitely.

but it brings on a weird feeling in your gut. you didn’t know, and tried to brush it off as best you can.

“how’re you liking it here so far?” yeji asks as you mop the halls, and she dusts.

“it’s lovely, i’ll say. definitely much warmer than in town. in this autumn weather, i’m surprised i haven’t caught a cold.” you answer.

the taller girl nods with a small giggle, “i agree. i always catch a cold in this cold weather, unfortunately.”

“i heard that other empresses are visiting her highness’s palace in a couple of days. we must keep this palace practically spotless.” yeji suggests.

“do you know who they will be?” yeji shakes her head.

“no idea.” you were curious of who they’d be, “but from rumors from the other maids said two of them are from china and japan.” she explains.

you nod in curiosity.

as yeji said, you had to keep this palace spotless, and so you did along with the maids.

later that afternoon, you had some free time after your lunch, leading you back outside into the royal garden you adored so.

the fountain sculpture was very magnificent, as well as the water that poured from it, to the beautiful flowers planted alongside.

you sat down on a bench to soak in the sunlight, when a familiar voice was heard.

“i suppose your lunch was fulfilling?” the empress asks as approached you in her beautiful hanbok.

you gave her a small shy smile, “yes, your highness.”

“may i sit?” she asks nodding to the spot beside you. you simply nodded and moved a few inches so she could have room.

“i see you love my garden, yes? i always see you wandering here on your breaks.” the empress says.

“yes, your highness. it’s quite peaceful.” she nods with a small chuckle.

“oh, please don’t with the formalities. just call me jimin.” this made your eyebrows go up in shock.

never did you think the empress would ever allow this, let alone let a maid call her informally.

“i mean, that is your choice, darling.” she adds.

you were left in a bit of shock, until jimin broke the silence.

“i notice your uniform is a bit tight. does it chafe?” her highness asks.

you nod, “just a little, your highness, but it is alright. i can still work with it.”

jimin simply waved her hand in dismissal, “nonsense. you should have a uniform that properly fits, and not make you uncomfortable. i insist. i’ll have it handmade.”

the shock hits you all over again, you were just too speechless at this point.

it felt as if jimin was giving you some sort of special treatment? try not to think about it too much, you thought.

“where are you from may i ask?” she asks.

“itaewon, your highness.” you reply.

she chuckles, “no wonder you’ve got a beauty to you. i will say you are most definitely gorgeous.”

you gulp nervously, feeling flustered, “t-thank you, your highness, but i cannot compare to your beauty ever.”

jimin smiles, “nonsense. i mean what i said.”

soon, hearing the chiming of the clock, you stood up, “i must head back to my duties. your highness.” you stood up with a soft bow.

“of course, darling.” she smiles looking at you as you head back inside the palace.

-

the evening time came quickly.

you were carrying the empress’ basket filled with her newly washed and dried bedsheets, ones that felt so silky smooth. you definitely wished that the maids were offered this kind of bedding.

as you reach the empress’ door to her room, raising your fist to knock on the door when you heard what sounded like crying coming from her room.

your first feeling was concern for the empress. was she okay? was she hurt?

a guard wasn’t around to check. you were the only one on her side of the palace currently.

you don’t know what compelled you to, but with some slight hesitation, you opened the door full swing, “is everything okay, your high-” you freeze and pause instantly.

heat rose to your cheeks as you saw the sight in front of you.

a sight you wishes you could wash from your mind forever; the empress on her bed with her legs spread, her hand between her legs.

the only thing snapping you from your frozen stance was when the empress gasped looking up to which you stutter out a ‘sorry’, dropping the laundry basket, and quickly shutting the door behind you.

your heart was pounding fast, your eyes wide.

she would surely have you killed. you even rubbed your eyes harshly to try and get the sight from your mind.

all you could think to do was book it back down the hall away from the empress’ room.

all while her highness slightly groaned throwing her head back, her cheeks flushed red.

if it were anyone else, she would’ve snapped at them.

but when she saw it was you, the pressure built up in her stomach snapped and the pleasure crashed over her body just in that small second eye contact was made.

she couldn’t help but smile a little, her eyes closed as she was breathless. having your undergarments really helped in the process.

[crazycatsiren]

Oh mighty cat witch! What would you consider the definition of magic to be? Like, what is magic? Sorry if you've already answered I'm just a baby witch and your content is vvv inspirational 🤍

I think, anything that brings me awe and a sense of wonder is magical to me. And it's not just my witchcraft and religions. Magic is all around me, all over place.

The critters in my backyard, liquid nitrogen, antibiotics, my 4-legged children, the woods behind my house, books, fountain pens, pretty notebooks.

Magic is far from a nebulous, amorphous concept, in my opinion. Think about it: modern medicine, electricity, running water, indoor plumbing, pasteurization, automobiles, all would probably be considered "magical" 200 years ago. The fact that humans can take to the skies, to outer space; the fact that we have a powerful, high speed computer small enough to fit into the palm of one hand that's also a camera, a video recorder, a TV, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a photo album, and a telephone that can do long distance calls for free. Back in 1999, if I wanted to talk to my family in China from the United States, we had to write letters!

We live in magical times, if you ask me.

[comfortplant]

The Cultural Significance and Care of Chinese Money Plants

In the world of indoor plants, few species seize the creativeness, just like the chinese money plant. Known scientifically as Pilea peperomioides, this captivating plant has earned its colloquial name now not only for its coin-shaped leaves but also for its affiliation with prosperity and exact fortune in Chinese subculture.

Let's check out into the fascinating world of Chinese money plant life, exploring their cultural importance, care necessities, and the artwork of incorporating them into your area through the use of Feng Shui ideas.

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Chinese Money Plants

The Chinese cash plant, local to the southwestern provinces of China, has a rich record steeped in folklore and tradition. In Chinese culture, those plants are believed to convey wealth and prosperity to their owners. The round, flat leaves resemble coins, symbolizing economic abundance. This association has made money plants famous items for enterprise openings, housewarmings, and other events wherein needs for prosperity are appropriate.

Beyond their economic symbolism, Chinese money vegetation is also referred to as "friendship vegetation" because of their ease of propagation. It's commonplace for plant enthusiasts to percentage cuttings with friends and family, spreading each greenery and precise fortune.

Feng Shui and Money Plants

In the practice of Feng Shui, the historical Chinese art of harmonizing people with their surrounding surroundings, cash plant life plays an extensive role. According to Feng Shui principles, those plant life are believed to attract nice electricity, or "chi," and promote the waft of wealth and abundance.

To get the most out of your money plants' Feng Shui benefits:

On the Feng Shui Bagua map, place it in the southeast corner of your private residence or place of business, which is linked to success and fortune.

Ensure the plant is healthy and properly maintained, as a thriving plant symbolizes growing wealth.

Avoid placing money vegetation in bedrooms or toilets, as these areas are considered less auspicious for wealth-associated symbols.

Pair your cash plant with different wealth-attracting elements, like a small fountain or a crystal.

Remember, while those practices are rooted in lifestyle, the proper fee of a money plant lies in the joy and splendor it brings to your space.

Caring for Your Chinese Money Plant

Despite their affiliation with wealth, Chinese money flora are exceptionally low-preservation. Here's how to keep your cash plant thriving:

Light: Money vegetation picks are vivid, oblique, and mild. Too much direct daylight can scorch their sensitive leaves, while too little light can result in leggy growth.

Water: Allow the soil to dry out among waterings. These vegetation are prone to root rot, so it is higher to be underwater than overwater. An accurate rule of thumb is to water while the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil: Use a nicely-draining potting mix. A mixture of ordinary potting soil with perlite or sand works nicely.

Temperature: Chinese cash plant life thrives in temperatures between 55 and 85°F (13 and 29°C). They can tolerate cooler temperatures but must be included in drafts.

Humidity: While they are able to adapt to average indoor humidity, cash plant life respects higher humidity degrees. Misting or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water can assist.

Fertilizer: Feed your money plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

Pruning: Regular pruning enables the plant to hold its compact form. You can use the cuttings for propagation.

Propagation

One of the most pleasant aspects of Chinese money flowers is how easily they propagate. Small plantlets frequently sprout from the bottom of the primary plant. These may be carefully eliminated and potted one after the other once they increase their personal roots. Alternatively, you can propagate leaf cuttings in water or moist soil. Sharing this propagated plant life with friends and family isn't always the best  kind of gesture, but it also aligns with the plant's reputation as a spreader of wealth and fortune.

Conclusion

While the Chinese money plant's association with wealth and prosperity provides an interesting layer to its enchantment, its authentic fee extends a long way beyond superstition. These vegetations carry a hint of nature indoors, purify the air, and may notably increase your mood and productivity.

So why no longer carry a Chinese money plant into your house? Whether it brings you wealth or actually brightens your day, it is positive to have a valuable addition to your indoor lawn.

[k00293511]

Primary sources/research:

Tuesday 9th January,

1. Dandelions

-It's still a few more months before the dandelions grow. I took the photos from the previous summer when I spotted a dandelion.

-"In addition to granting wishes, many people believe that dandelion seeds will carry your thoughts and dreams to loved ones when you blow them into the air." www.wonderpolis.org

2. Stars

-I learned to make paper stars from my Mum, it's a bit tricky at the start but once I get it, it's fun to make. The jar of paper stars is gifted to me from her too.

-People might also write their wishes inside them before folding it and when you make 1000 of them your wish may be granted.

-"It could be that the tradition of making a wish upon a (shooting) star came about because these are beautiful and very rare. Since stars in ancient times have been associated with divine powers." www.daytranslations.com

3. Balloons

-The balloons in the photo were from a birthday party and at that time I remember they were accidentally blown away into the sky.

-"When you can't see the balloons anymore it means your wish is sent to the universe, then don't stress or think about it or your wish won't come true" www.thesecret.tv

4. Wishing Well

-The well was a photo I took when we went on a family trip to the river in Ireland some years ago.

-"According to European folklore, many gods were connected to wells and water. To thank the deities for fresh water, people drop small appreciation into the spring" www.artsandculture.google.com

-"The Trevi fountain in Rome has more than 3,000 coins tossed each day. All money in all wells/fountains are used for charity" www.historydaily.org

5. Red envelope (China)

- The red envelopes with money in the photos were given to me by my family on lunar New years.

-The red colour of the envelope symbolises good luck and prosperity for the children for the coming year.

[junichiroishii]

Ondulation

今日、わたし達の発展した社会を見渡した際、わたし達は競い合いながら物事を大げさにすることに慣れ、日々ますますそのように加速してゆくようにも見えます。しかし今一度、自身の周囲を等身大の世界として眺めた場合、例えば静かな泉の表面を打つ水の一滴は、その様相をすっかり変えてしまう程の充分な力を持っているのかもしれません。

カジノの町マカオの豪華な噴水は、もっと目立つように、もっと壮大であるように��、日々競い合っているように見えます。しかし、人々の生活が密集する住宅街で、路地裏の上空に干された洗濯物から、或はクーラーの室外機から飛んで来た一滴の水の雫がわたしの首筋にあたった時、それは盛大な作り物の水芸よりも、わたしの思考を変化させるのに十分な驚きを持っていました。

本作は愉快な楽しみの何事をも提供しません。覗き込んだ水面に移るわずかな像が、繰り返し繰り返し、退屈に壊されてゆくばかりです。

ユートピア像水鏡に似たり－－ 明日がいつも今日より良いなら、その良さの意味は失われます。ひと雫の露から滝の咆哮を知る。水面に走る静かな波紋に、崩れる像に己を見つける。わたしはこれが最も肯定的な面の東洋思考だと考えています。

Ondulation © 2009 Jun'ichiro ISHII

Today, when we look out over our modern society, it seems we all got used to exaggerating things competitively and are accelerating the situation. However, if you turn back to your human-size reality, a water drop tapping a calm pond is sometimes enough to change its images.

The lavish fountains of Macau, the city of casinos, seem to be in daily competition to be more prominent and more spectacular. However, when a water drop from hanged up laundries or an outdoor unit of air conditioners at a back alley in a residential area unexpectedly tapped my neck, I realized that such a small droplet was much more powerful to change my vision.

This work doesn't offer any pleasant enjoyment. Only reflected image on the surface repeatedly and tediously flickers.

The utopian vision is your own reflection. If tomorrow were always better than today, the meaning of "the better" would be lost. Imagine the roar of a waterfall from a droplet, and find oneself from a collapsing image in calm undulation, I trust that this is the most positive aspect of Oriental thought.

----------

Exhibition : 2009.06.13 - 08.09 "Utopia - Interpretation of New Era" OX warehouse, Macau SAR, China

Curated by : Gigi Lee Yee Kee (MO) Supported by : OX warehouse / St.Paul Fine Art

[pangurlban]

My husband who is not my husband

by Ed Madden

His priestly gestures, consecrating the broken eggs, hands moving over the stove, slabs of meat

skittering in grease, drop biscuits big as a cat’s head, threaded with cheese.

Him, making the fountain, making lantana, acanthus, making bloom and ripple, song, making the birds.

My husband, the blue room, the bright room, best china, best silver lifted from a box in the closet,

its red beds of best silver, put back later for later. My husband who is not my husband who is still mine.

See him, crying in the Dublin airport— he doesn’t want you to see. Can you see

the eucomis, its waxy leaves, its stalk blossoming in the hot sun, pushing up among the marigolds?

Scars from this or that on shin or back, wrist or hand, the way the garden loves him, the bees.

Him among the lilies, his hands lilies, his mouth a twist of quince, his scent.

My husband among the lilies.

My husband, sauntering down the aisles. Him, sauntering down the aisles at the flea market, dust settling

on everything, his small flashlight, his blue eyes, his sound of geese, a train. Look,

something glitters and is gone. My husband, the gold in the trees, falling, and him, a coverlet of mulch

across the beds, or asleep, the heat of him, the hot water bottle of him, the cat purring at our feet.

My husband who is not my husband who is still mine. The blue walls say so, the orchid deciding to bloom again.

Copyright © 2014 by Ed Madden.

[megcheese]

How to keep your kitty warm this winter

My latest exploit in combination domesticity and creativity is ... Radiator Cozy!

With the temperatures dropping, and our heat pump only serving the living room downstairs, it is cold enough for the boiler in our 100-year-old house to kick on. Not long after the radiators began delivering via hot steam, Charlie realized they may be a nice spot to sit.

I caught him having a nice sit as I got out of the shower one evening. He likes to be around me but does not want to get soaked in the shower. So if the water's running, he'll have to wait somewhere dry.

The very first night Charlie spent in the house was after a six-hour car ride from Syracuse. The house didn't have any furniture yet, the thermostat had been set way low to 50 while we were gone all weekend, and the upstairs was even colder because the bathroom window was open a crack at the top where it was covered by the blinds.

I wanted to ease him into the new space a little at a time, which is often recommended for bringing cats into a new space. It is also part from my recent memory of when we adopted Charlie in 2022 and he hid in an impossibly small space below the china cabinet. I basically watched him dislocate his own shoulder to get in and out of that space. So the plan was to start in 1 room and expand slowly.

The first room would be the bathroom. Back in Syracuse we kept the litterbox in the bathroom since it was a 2 bedroom apartment without a better space for it. It seemed like a good start for the litterbox, at least until we were ready to introduce Charlie to the basement. I purchased a disposable box and litter and set them up the week before so we'd be ready to go.

The plan was to get Charlie out of the car and out of his crate as soon as we made it to the house since car rides are very stressful for him. I had a "go bag" plus a more robust catkit with the automatic feeder and water fountain handy for our dismount.

Michael packed us Ducky Blanket, which had been Circe's favorite. I folded it and placed it atop the radiator hoping it would make the cold bathroom seem a little comfier, at least until I was done unpacking the rest of the car.

When I returned to Charlie alone in the bathroom I found him curled up on the Ducky Blanket on the radiator. He was not happy to be alone in a cold and strange place so he shouted at me as I entered.

I thought the blankie on a radiator would be a regular hangout for him, but once he was freed from the bathroom I didn't see him enjoying it ever again. Folding the blanket so many times to fit on the radiator did make it extra thick. You couldn't really feel the heat through it.

That got me thinking... what if we had a blanket made JUST for the radiator?

And so, the radiator cozy was born!

I lucked out when I went fabric shopping that there happened to be some pre-black Friday sales going on and Blizzard Fleece was on sale for $3.99/yd. The first patterned I selected was a print of colorful gummi bears!

To make the cozy, I measured the length and width of the radiator top and then added eight inches to each dimension. I cut a rectangle of the fleece that was (W + 8) x (L + 8) in^2.

Next, I cut into each corner at a 45 degree angle and 4*rad(2) in. That is, I cut into the diagonal of a 4 in x 4 in square at each corner.

From there, I trimmed away most of the triangle flaps leaving 1/2 inch seam allowance.

I sewed up my four corners and was left with the fitted fleece blanket that has four inches of overhang on each edge.

I can't leave those edges bare, so I selected a yarn from my stash to add a nice blanket stitch. This isn't my first time blanket stitching fleece. Last time I was working with a yarn needle that was fairly large and difficult to punch through the fleece. This time I grabbed an upholstery needle which is sharper, has an eye large enough for yarn, and is a higher gauge. Unfortunately, that didn't make stitching through the fleece easier. The yarn was thicker than the hole produced by the needle, so the last pull was tough. I used a small pair of ESD pliers on most of the cozy.

The last step of cozy creation is the sit-and-wait. Wait to catch the cozy in action! I knew exactly what conditions would get me there: when the heat kicks on while I'm in the shower. Sure enough, Tuesday evening all of my dreams came alive. Mr. Charlie Danbo was lounging on the cozy.

I'd like to make a few more. Most of the radiators in our house have these flat white covers but they're all different sizes. Where can I tempt Charlie to sit next? Living room? Kitchen? Dining room? Michael's office?

[moraricardo19]

Modern History: Aqueducts

The aqueduct system is an incredible feat of engineering that has stood the test of time and required careful planning. Essentially, these structures are like bridges used to transport fresh water to populated areas across valleys or lowlands to meet their basic needs. Although in modern technology, an aqueduct is a system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels and support structures used to transport water from the source to the main distribution point.

From 850 BC BC the first long-distance water canal system was built in the Assyrian Empire. These great engineering feats made it possible to build aqueducts on a more direct path between source and outlet. The first large-scale water management projects in Greece took place in the 7th century BC. and often includes the provision of public drinking fountains. From the 6th century BC both Samos and Athens were supplied with water by long-distance aqueducts. Another innovation in water management is rope. Qanat is an underground tunnel system that transports water that percolates through the soil, surface or spring water to the earth's surface using gravity alone. The qanats were used for irrigation and drinking water, helping to feed and sustain the population. Rope was present throughout the ancient world, from Egypt to China.

In 750 BCE, the Babylonians also implemented this sophisticated and extensive system of water canals. Around 312 BCE Rome's first aqueduct was constructed. Thanks to engineering advances and ambitious Roman projects, they were able to overcome challenging terrain and led to the creation of magnificent aqueducts, supplying the cities of the Roman Empire not only for basic needs, but also the great Roman public baths, decorative fountains (nymphaea) and private villas.

During the Middle Ages, people were forced to go back to water supply through wells and local rivers, as the development of aqueducts had come to a complete halt. The population during that time had to make do with other alternatives anyway, so much so that during the 14th century in Brugge they elaborated a system that used a large collecting cistern from which water was pumped, by means of a wheel with buckets on a chain, through subway conduits to public places. The most recognizable feature of Roman aqueducts may be the bridges constructed using rounded stone arches. Some of these can still be seen today traversing European valleys. However, these bridged structures made up only a small portion of the hundreds of kilometers of aqueducts throughout the empire. Thanks to the invention of the arch, they discovered materials such as concrete or waterproof cement, which prevented the unfavorable characteristics of the terrain and allowed them to conduct the water in a route as straight as possible through a slope.

Aqueducts freed Roman cities from dependence on nearby water sources and proved invaluable in promoting public health and hygiene. Aqueducts were and still are an important means of transporting water from one place to another. Whether it was 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome, Italy or today in California, aqueducts were and are essential for transporting water from where it was available in sufficient quantities to places where it was scarce.

We can conclude that the creation of aqueducts was another miracle of hydraulic works that supplied water to society and gradually developed its infrastructure until today, where some This ancient water aqueduct remains stable and useful to meet human needs. population. population. population. Thanks to Roman society, many alternatives were implemented to modernize these structures to the point where they became more sustainable

[floresjostyn]

Modern history: How have aqueducts evolved in water conservation?

Aqueducts were amazing feats of engineering that provided benefits for the time, these required a great deal of planning. Basically, these structures are like bridges that serve to transport fresh water courses to dense populations through valleys or hollows, so that it can satisfy its basic needs. Although, in modern engineering, we refer to an aqueduct as a system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels and support structures used to transport water from its source to its main distribution point.

Beginning in 850 BCE, the first long-distance water canal systems were built in the Assyrian Empire. These great engineering feats allowed aqueducts to be built in a more direct line between source and outlet. The first Greek large-scale water management projects occurred in the 7th century BCE and were usually to supply communal drinking fountains. Both Samos and Athens were supplied by long-distance aqueducts from the 6th century BCE. Another innovation in water management that was present were the qanats. Qanats are underground tunnel systems that bring infiltrated groundwater, surface water or spring water to the earth's surface using gravitational force alone. The qanats have been used for irrigation and drinking water that helped supply and maintain the population. Qanats were present throughout the ancient world from Egypt to China.

In 750 BCE, the Babylonians also implemented this sophisticated and extensive system of water canals.  Around 312 BCE Rome's first aqueduct was constructed. Thanks to engineering advances and ambitious Roman projects, they were able to overcome challenging terrain and led to the creation of magnificent aqueducts, supplying the cities of the Roman Empire not only for basic needs, but also the great Roman public baths, decorative fountains (nymphaea) and private villas. 

During the Middle Ages, people were forced to go back to water supply through wells and local rivers, as the development of aqueducts had come to a complete halt. The population during that time had to make do with other alternatives anyway, so much so that during the 14th century in Brugge they elaborated a system that used a large collecting cistern from which water was pumped, by means of a wheel with buckets on a chain, through subway conduits to public places. The most recognizable feature of Roman aqueducts may be the bridges constructed using rounded stone arches. Some of these can still be seen today traversing European valleys. However, these bridged structures made up only a small portion of the hundreds of kilometers of aqueducts throughout the empire. Thanks to the invention of the arch, they discovered materials such as concrete or waterproof cement, which prevented the unfavorable characteristics of the terrain and allowed them to conduct the water in a route as straight as possible through a slope.

Aqueducts liberated Roman cities from a reliance on nearby water supplies and proved priceless in promoting public health and sanitation. An aqueduct has been and continues to be an important way to get water from one place to another. Be it 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome, Italy or today in California, aqueducts were and are essential to get water from a place where it exists in ample supply to where it is scarce.

We can conclude that the creation of the aqueducts was another marvel of hydraulic engineering works that supplied and supplied water to societies and that evolved progressively in its infrastructure until the present times where some of these ancient aqueducts are still stable and useful to supply the needs of the population. Thanks to the society of the Romans, more alternatives were implemented that innovated these structures to the point of making them more resistant.

[my-weird-news]

20 Mind-Blowing Hacks That'll Change Your Life 🚀

#IngeniousInnovations In a world where we often focus on our own issues, it's a breath of fresh air to discover people who've stepped up to solve problems we never even knew we had. You know, those pesky problems that are like that distant relative at family gatherings—annoying, yet you can't quite put your finger on why they bother you so much. Well, fret not, for here's a collection of solutions that are so brilliantly ridiculous, they'll have you scratching your head and laughing all the way to the "that's-so-strange-it-just-might-work" bank. 1. Bag Holding Chair: The Chair-Raiser Extraordinaire! Ever found yourself juggling your morning coffee, your bag, and your sanity? Fear not! Behold, the Chair-Raiser Extraordinaire! This majestic creation combines the comfort of a chair with the convenience of a bag holder. No more coffee spills or awkward bag balancing acts. You can sit back, sip, and bask in the glory of human ingenuity. 2. "Where's Wally" Dentist: Cavities and Hide-and-Seek Dentists have a way of making you feel like a hostage to their probing hands. But guess what? There's a dental hero among us! A local dentist had the genius idea of installing a "Where's Wally" on the ceiling. Now, you can play hide-and-seek with a tiny, bespectacled man while your mouth plays host to dental instruments. Peak entertainment, I tell you. 3. Plastic Bottle Payday: Recycle Your Way to Riches China has turned recycling into a full-blown economic venture with Plastic Bottle Payday. Imagine riding the subway, sipping your drink, and then—bam!—collecting actual money by recycling the bottle. It's like winning the recycling lottery! Your pocket change just got a whole lot greener. 4. Freedom of Shopping: Staff-Free Shopping Spree Ever felt like a detective was tailing you during your shopping escapades? Enter the Freedom of Shopping store. They let you decide whether you want to be followed or not. Imagine the power! Will they follow? Won't they? The suspense is almost as exhilarating as finding that perfect pair of socks. 5. Rotating Bench: Dry Bum Solution Rain-soaked benches have haunted us all at some point. But behold, the Rotating Bench! One side stays dry no matter the weather. No more awkward towel dances before sitting. Just plop down and revel in your dry-bottomed victory. 6. Winter Simulator: "Icy" Shopping Experience Ever bought winter clothes that were about as effective as a paper umbrella in a monsoon? Welcome to the Winter Simulator. Experience subzero temperatures and test winter wear before you commit to it. Shopping just turned into an extreme sport, and you're the champion. 7. Elevator Pedal Power: A Leg Up on Elevator Etiquette Picture this: you're in an elevator loaded down with bags, yet you're one hand short to press the button. No worries! The Elevator Pedal Power has got your back—well, your foot, actually. Just tap the button with your fancy footwork and ascend to elevator-button-pushing glory. 8. Seatbelt Serenade: Crooning for Safety Seatbelts can be annoyingly insistent, but they're like that clingy friend who actually has your best interests at heart. Introducing the Seatbelt Serenade! If you dare to drive without buckling up, you'll be serenaded with a soundtrack of silence. Safety first, and silence second. 9. Doggo-Human Hydration Station: Quenching Thirsts, Two Species at a Time Dogs are always panting for a cool drink, and humans are—well, let's just say we appreciate hydration too. The Doggo-Human Hydration Station is a fountain of goodwill, catering to parched pooches and thirsty people alike. It's like a water cooler, but cooler. 10. Toilet Paper Surprise: When Small Packages Are a Big Deal Ah, the infamous empty toilet paper roll—bane of bathrooms everywhere. But wait! Behold the Toilet Paper Surprise—a smaller roll tucked away, ready to save the day. It's like the hidden snack stash you wish your office desk had. 11. Multi-Tasking Tie: Sartorial Elegance Meets Gadgetry Ties are supposed to be fancy, right? Well, not anymore! This tie moonlights as a gadget cleaner. With its built-in microfiber lining, you can now stylishly buff your screens, leaving them pristine and tie-tanic. 12. Skateboard Sanctuary: The "Skate Safe" School Skateboards aren't just wheeled planks; they're expressions of your inner Tony Hawk. And this school gets it. They've built a Skate Safe zone, protecting beloved boards from disappearing into the abyss of skateboard thieves. School's in session, tricks included. 13. Sign Language: Non-Verbal "Closed for Business" Typical "Closed for Business" signs are boring. But not this one! It's practically dancing. The Sign Language sign shimmies its "N" to let you know they're closed. A twist on the classics—one twirl at a time. 14. Serenading Stall: Symphony of Privacy We've all been there: bathroom noises that are louder than your internal panic. Say hello to the Serenading Stall! This Japanese toilet comes with a privacy button that serenades your business, muffling the potentially embarrassing sounds. Music to our ears—and other parts. 15. Pump Overhead: Gas Pump Liberation Worried about pulling up to the gas pump on the wrong side? Fear not! In Seoul, the gas pump dangles from the ceiling like an automotive trapeze artist. Now you can fuel up with confidence, regardless of which side your petrol cap calls home. 16. All-Ages Picnic: Where Adults and Kids Play in Harmony Picnic tables: the great segregators of our parks. But not anymore! Welcome to the All-Ages Picnic zone, where adults and kids can finally break bread together. It's a utopia of hotdogs, laughter, and no more "kids' table." 17. Toilet Paper Trials: The Great TP Taste Test Toilet paper is a serious business—softness, strength, and other factors that might require a spreadsheet. But rejoice, for there are Toilet Paper Trials! A supermarket that lets you test-drive your TP, making sure it's a perfect match for your posterior. 18. Makeup Magic: Towels That Keep Secrets Ladies, removing makeup can feel like a CSI episode. But behold the Makeup Magic towels! They'll soak up the smudges without broadcasting your colorful secrets to the world. Your face# #IngeniousInnovations In a world where we often focus on our own issues, it's a breath of fresh air to discover people who've stepped up to solve problems we never even knew we had. You know, those pesky problems that are like that distant relative at family gatherings—annoying, yet you can't quite put your finger on why they bother you so much. Well, fret not, for here's a collection of solutions that are so brilliantly ridiculous, they'll have you scratching your head and laughing all the way to the "that's-so-strange-it-just-might-work" bank. 1. Bag Holding Chair: The Chair-Raiser Extraordinaire! Ever found yourself juggling your morning coffee, your bag, and your sanity? Fear not! Behold, the Chair-Raiser Extraordinaire! This majestic creation combines the comfort of a chair with the convenience of a bag holder. No more coffee spills or awkward bag balancing acts. You can sit back, sip, and bask in the glory of human ingenuity. 2. "Where's Wally" Dentist: Cavities and Hide-and-Seek Dentists have a way of making you feel like a hostage to their probing hands. But guess what? There's a dental hero among us! A local dentist had the genius idea of installing a "Where's Wally" on the ceiling. Now, you can play hide-and-seek with a tiny, bespectacled man while your mouth plays host to dental instruments. Peak entertainment, I tell you. 3. Plastic Bottle Payday: Recycle Your Way to Riches China has turned recycling into a full-blown economic venture with Plastic Bottle Payday. Imagine riding the subway, sipping your drink, and then—bam!—collecting actual money by recycling the bottle. It's like winning the recycling lottery! Your pocket change just got a whole lot greener. 4. Freedom of Shopping: Staff-Free Shopping Spree Ever felt like a detective was tailing you during your shopping escapades? Enter the Freedom of Shopping store. They let you decide whether you want to be followed or not. Imagine the power! Will they follow? Won't they? The suspense is almost as exhilarating as finding that perfect pair of socks. 5. Rotating Bench: Dry Bum Solution Rain-soaked benches have haunted us all at some point. But behold, the Rotating Bench! One side stays dry no matter the weather. No more awkward towel dances before sitting. Just plop down and revel in your dry-bottomed victory. 6. Winter Simulator: "Icy" Shopping Experience Ever bought winter clothes that were about as effective as a paper umbrella in a monsoon? Welcome to the Winter Simulator. Experience subzero temperatures and test winter wear before you commit to it. Shopping just turned into an extreme sport, and you're the champion. 7. Elevator Pedal Power: A Leg Up on Elevator Etiquette Picture this: you're in an elevator loaded down with bags, yet you're one hand short to press the button. No worries! The Elevator Pedal Power has got your back—well, your foot, actually. Just tap the button with your fancy footwork and ascend to elevator-button-pushing glory. 8. Seatbelt Serenade: Crooning for Safety Seatbelts can be annoyingly insistent, but they're like that clingy friend who actually has your best interests at heart. Introducing the Seatbelt Serenade! If you dare to drive without buckling up, you'll be serenaded with a soundtrack of silence. Safety first, and silence second. 9. Doggo-Human Hydration Station: Quenching Thirsts, Two Species at a Time Dogs are always panting for a cool drink, and humans are—well, let's just say we appreciate hydration too. The Doggo-Human Hydration Station is a fountain of goodwill, catering to parched pooches and thirsty people alike. It's like a water cooler, but cooler. 10. Toilet Paper Surprise: When Small Packages Are a Big Deal Ah, the infamous empty toilet paper roll—bane of bathrooms everywhere. But wait! Behold the Toilet Paper Surprise—a smaller roll tucked away, ready to save the day. It's like the hidden snack stash you wish your office desk had. 11. Multi-Tasking Tie: Sartorial Elegance Meets Gadgetry Ties are supposed to be fancy, right? Well, not anymore! This tie moonlights as a gadget cleaner. With its built-in microfiber lining, you can now stylishly buff your screens, leaving them pristine and tie-tanic. 12. Skateboard Sanctuary: The "Skate Safe" School Skateboards aren't just wheeled planks; they're expressions of your inner Tony Hawk. And this school gets it. They've built a Skate Safe zone, protecting beloved boards from disappearing into the abyss of skateboard thieves. School's in session, tricks included. 13. Sign Language: Non-Verbal "Closed for Business" Typical "Closed for Business" signs are boring. But not this one! It's practically dancing. The Sign Language sign shimmies its "N" to let you know they're closed. A twist on the classics—one twirl at a time. 14. Serenading Stall: Symphony of Privacy We've all been there: bathroom noises that are louder than your internal panic. Say hello to the Serenading Stall! This Japanese toilet comes with a privacy button that serenades your business, muffling the potentially embarrassing sounds. Music to our ears—and other parts. 15. Pump Overhead: Gas Pump Liberation Worried about pulling up to the gas pump on the wrong side? Fear not! In Seoul, the gas pump dangles from the ceiling like an automotive trapeze artist. Now you can fuel up with confidence, regardless of which side your petrol cap calls home. 16. All-Ages Picnic: Where Adults and Kids Play in Harmony Picnic tables: the great segregators of our parks. But not anymore! Welcome to the All-Ages Picnic zone, where adults and kids can finally break bread together. It's a utopia of hotdogs, laughter, and no more "kids' table." 17. Toilet Paper Trials: The Great TP Taste Test Toilet paper is a serious business—softness, strength, and other factors that might require a spreadsheet. But rejoice, for there are Toilet Paper Trials! A supermarket that lets you test-drive your TP, making sure it's a perfect match for your posterior. 18. Makeup Magic: Towels That Keep Secrets Ladies, removing makeup can feel like a CSI episode. But behold the Makeup Magic towels! They'll soak up the smudges without broadcasting your colorful secrets to the world. Your face Read the full article

[basawards]

NATIONAL HVAC TECH DAY

NATIONAL HVAC TECH DAY-JUNE 22, 2023

Now that summer is coming up quickly, you will certainly be engaging your ACs a lot, and therefore, to honor the men and women who work hard to repair and keep the ACs working, the National HVAC Tech Day is in place. In the brutal summer heat (especially around the equator), it is crucial to keep your AC functioning well. At times, as we enjoy the luxury offered by the ACs, we need to sit back and imagine how it looked when air conditioning never existed so that we may appreciate the local HVAC tech. Remember that your HVAC professional helps reduce your carbon footprint when they help you select and maintain efficient heating and cooling systems.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL HVAC TECH DAY

ARS/Rescue Rooter, a national provider of home services, founded the National HVAC Tech Day in 2016 to appreciate all HVAC technicians in the industry as we explore the history behind the development of air conditioning.

Romans were the first to have a central heating system that channeled hot air from a furnace through pipes inside walls and beneath floors. Early Korea also had a similar system of heating the air using excess heat from cooking stoves. Moreover, Muslim architects have constructed underground pipes to warm the entire building.

On cooling, Ancient Egyptians hung cold towels in the windows to let air come into contact with them and cool off inside residents. China invented fans near water fountains in 200CE that blew cold air through the room. In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin advanced this when experimenting with chemical evaporation by discovering how to frozen surfaces. Immediately after the turn of the century, Chromel (an alloy of Chromium and Nickel), 300 times stronger than other similar materials at the time, was discovered by Albert Marsh, regarded as “the father of the electrical heating industry.” Finally, Willis Carrier invented the first modern air conditioning unit by reversing the heating process.

FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HVAC

Cold Theaters

Cinema throughout all theaters was the first industry ever to use air conditioning.

Air Conditioned White House

Ironically, the first president to use air conditioning in the Oval Office was Herbert Hoover, who invented the first vacuum cleaner that sucks air rather than blows it.

Cash Unit

Over 1 million AC units were sold in the US in 1953.

The Cost of Keeping Cool

The average family today spends $2,000 annually on energy bills, with half spent on keeping the house warm or cool.

Weakened Humans

WHY NATIONAL HVAC TECH DAY IS SPECIAL

Brave Techs

These techs crawl spaces, attics, and all places in between.

Extreme Conditions

Working in the heat daily is a harrowing experience, but our techs must work through such harsh conditions to fix our Ac.

Less Money

By helping you to select and maintain efficient heating and cooling systems, HVAC techs also help you reduce your carbon footprint.

HVAC Industry Statistics

Are you a small business operating in the HVAC Industry?

It’s time to get the recognition you deserve. For years most business awards have been focused on celebrating big corporations, but the Best of America Small Business Awards is the only business award for small businesses. Small businesses make up 99% of U.S. companies; this shows how big small companies are for our economy.

BASA is the real deal, as it is prestigiously independent and was created with an unwavering love for small businesses. The award aims to showcase the best small businesses’ notable efforts in growing and building economies, communities, and a better working world while encouraging more small businesses to get excited about new opportunities.

With over 100+ categories to choose from, the award is not influenced by big corporations and has no nepotism, vetting process, or big guys, always winning nature. BASA’s independent council of judges only cares about one thing- your work!

The BASA statuette is a hand-made work of art uniquely created in Italy by the internationally acclaimed artist Ithaca. Learn more at www.bbsawards.com.

[stormy333]

Home Sweet Home

“Home is not a place... it’s a feeling” Unkown

Friday or friYAY? Hello my Lovlies Welcome back! Or if you’re new welcome to the Realm of Nothing! Where everyone is royalty and though I say I am queen the truth is we’re all queens and kings or for all I care you can be a friggin ogre if you want! No hating and no negative vibes! Anyways back to today's prompt which is drum roll please...

Describing our dream home... I’ll go first!

So, for one I am sure you all know by now I am not a person that likes being in the city or anywhere near a bunch of people, like even where I live currently, I still live to close to people. If I could live further out than where I am now and still get food delivered for like days when I can't drive than I would literally be in heaven. I love living in the woods and having plenty of outdoors area. So now that you know that lets get to the description of my dream home. Of course, I would want my significant other to be happy as well but that’s another story.

Starting with the outside. Like I said I love the woods and would honestly love to have a HUGE property completely wooded. We are talking like 30 acres (about half the area of a large shopping mall) plus. Have a nice driveway leading off the main road to the house, but you are driving through the woods then once far enough away from the road (for privacy and safety of the animals) you come to a nice clearing kinda deal with the parking and house and main yard for the kids and animals. In other words, the actual lawn. You Park at a cutesy gravel parking, then there's a walkway leading to the walk-through gate where the doggo can run when I’m not home (but he get’s to run in and out any other time as long as he’s supervised). Inside the gate the walkway continues to the wrap around porch. Out on the front lawn from the porch you can see a playground for the kiddos and some flowers and a water fountain. On the front of the porch is a nice little porch swing. Then taking it to the backyard the back of the porch extends to a deck to the pool and an outdoor entertaining area with a fire pit, grill, seating area and just an outdoor haven. Then out in the distance a bit you can see the edge of the fence and the start of our woods. With a garage for the toys and then an outdoor doghouse for the pup. From the outside the house has a cottage feel. You know cottage in the woods fairy tale type? That.

Now let’s take it inside. When you walk in the front door (a hunter green door with a small window) you're in the living room which has a very open and clean vibe. The house is a five-bedroom three-bathroom house. A separate dining area. After walking into the house and as I mentioned you're in the living room where the couch is against the wall the loveseat is kinda by where you walk in at and then there's a rocking chair angled at the other side of the loveseat and on the opposite side of the wall is where the TV is cattycornered. Standing in the ‘foyer’ one side is the living room then to the right of you is the dining room. Which has a nice modern walnut dining table. And a nice China cabinet as well with my great aunt's China in it for special occasions (walnut as well). The floors throughout the whole house are the grey oak. Walk through both the dining and living they open to the kitchen which is decent sized with an island that has seating for breakfast and our cabinetry is definitely two toned with marble counter tops (the sink is also in the island). I should also mention PLENTY and I mean LOADS of natural lighting in every room! The top cabinets are white and the bottom are navy blue. The curtains through the dining, living, and kitchen are matching or at least flow together. In the kitchen there's the back door which is the typical farmhouse back door the big square window at the top of the door. And the door is navy blue. Now we keep walking through the kitchen and end up in a hallway that leads to the rest of the house. The first room and bathroom you come to are the guest bathroom and the guest bedroom/home office. Guest bathroom has a nice standing shower not super big but also not claustrophobic as well. Now each bathroom will definitely have a theme. So, guest bathroom will be blush and navy. The shower is one of those showers that doesn’t need a curtain so were in luck! The walls will be a pale blue/sun shower-yellow/green/pink which would end up being the ‘safe colors’ to use when I’m at a loss.

The office would be painted green with an accent wall that has white flowers up it at an angle. There's a black and white area rug in the center of the room covering the majority of the room. A sleeper sofa against the wall that the door is on with an end table on the side closest to the door and on the other end of the couch there's a tall corner bookcase. On the wall directly across from the couch is a very nice white desk in front of the window, on the other end of the room near the closet is the standing dresser which has some cute little Knick knacks in it to add to the homey effect.

The other three bedrooms are similarly set up minus the desk. They're all quaintly fit to the needs and desires. The second bathroom has a shower/tub not too big and not too small. Perfectly sized to work for kids or bathing doggos. Then we come to the master bedroom.

A step down and the biggest bedroom. A walk-in closet with plenty of storage on the furthest wall while if you turn to your right you walk into the bathroom with a massive soaker tub and a separate standing shower, double vanity sinks and a door leading to the laundry room. The walls all a greyish blue with a white accent wall. Never forget the bedroom set that I’ve always dreamed of having with the bed frame, dresser, nightstands, and bench at the foot of the bed.

So, this is my dream home and not even fully depicted! Honestly, I don’t care how big the house is or what kind of furniture we have as long as we are happy together! These are dreams not needs. Anyways, what does your dream home look like?

See you all soon!

[libidomechanica]

“Early: I ‘scotchd not known, and noble heart, as’”

Icebergs, or pierce the Paradise!     Make hasted hym þere, for if the door making? His left over,     from them, feelings as a flute plucked and on her pale rage,     who all the whole soul out to thee afar behind. And þus     he comez with her

spectacles at last; for mine nor me,     thought of foes, the moon or ladies even my Muse’s worship     to hip Her hand that he walked the shirt since thou art descents     contrayez straunge, what an intelligible, with him on     a mission, she sate, who

wag’d content, misdoubting mucks at     ever doubt this—when I see Calliope speede her tongue,     for if Sins will set their death without thy heart, I known: and     al with carp he coȝed ful jolilé þise gentylest knyȝt     with all her music, music,

words, of love, the ever-beating     past me spede! Admitted effluence cannot chuse to     dille your pain, the wilderness of inclination, and wytez     on þe launde, on þis ilk rake bi ȝon rokke syde, rocherez     rungen. And at our

entreaty or negotiation,     gave way to her goodness, haunts not any incubus     but hears, which must away, for never in the suppliant should     rech yow schal se hit on lofte, and learn how existence     could not tell you thinke I

then dressed to know one things below,     are over: Here’s a health but from singing in the water;     þe worch bi my wytte, ȝe worþed an end. Mother, tho’     but incontinental oaths are but put out when splendour     on his fyrye face of silver

spills across that are twirl’d; they     have their man. To þe body, þat is ho þat is gode halȝez,     as passion rooted in the night, but to sette hymseluen—     his cote wyth worse, begets a base degenerate breed.     Early: I scotch’d not known,

and noble heart, as time shall     displeses yow lykez þat buskkez after þe helme, and bisoȝt     of your siluer song. Stars twire not a moral country     ants the January photo in my love, beloved     is my chamberlayn, þat

conable fairy looks as lilies,     thy waiters, and my locks. And move like a star, beacons     from Lebanon, excellent as glem of þe payttrure of     an immortal clothing, sweet dreams I sorrows know? Of life     in a dream, yet it can’t

know what men couþe avyse; such glory     as may þat waltered on his honde, he on through the     daughter, whom she seem’d the trouble with mony braþ houndez     and layked longe; as he saw ten thousand new knight a sudden     guest, in hope where the

sun, resort to karp yow wyth wormez     he went aboute, and Dryȝtyn schapes hem þe schelde and     motions lovers gone, like Banquo’s glass, call’d Paradise she     didn’t want to find, which all the spheres been raveled and boxing;     and my bowels were on a

bent þeralofte; his schulde: hit is     with inharmonious sighs, and land: the maps the secrets we     carue, and wynter to worthé as Wawan schulderez with his     murth’ring dawn, behold, thou art welcomest wyȝe of þe best.     Quicksilver fountain and

legs, and many as skies are number     of bryȝt brode paumez; for þe mon fyndez, hit is time,     O passion fill which shrink to a Saturn. I have seen small-     eyed China’s crockery- ware metropolis, or seen     Timbuctoo, or hath taken

tea in small items costly. And     þay token. The king sitteth at his desire is—     SOVEREIGNTY. His hands moved over the last of a’ the town. I     light is pass’d, or catch this odd labyrinth; or as a lover’s     head! When a manger,

’ and lenged echo clear; but that     in state was a time when with heavy cheer, wandering dawn,     behold, he standeth behind, the chance might do their virtue     up, as from them, that he myȝt keuer may. Late scatter crumbs upon     me: my mother, to

a companions heart of majesty.     Don Juan was bounden bi hor dedez, bremly broþe on     a broken in carriage of trifles ful quaynt derf men vpon     his icy lips; and look’d down his back, and I’ll take his part,     where thou up his body

close, and ferde as freke were in the     sun, even young roes that was going on while thou fairest     among þe freke þer-byside, sir Boos, and the statue warm.     Man, midst royal riddle’s fully read, the daisies     A mere philanthropy?

[kitaychan]

Nerium Oleander

Chapter 15: Mushrooms

Rating: E

Warnings: Blood, Violence, smut, it's a Hannibal AU so yeah

Pairing: America/Russia/China

Summary: Alfred is the new investigator in the small town of Adelfa, his days will turn into a spiral of sleepless nights and bloody murder scenes as he has to look for a serial killer whose work exceeds the years of training he's had.

Chapter Preview: There were no sounds coming from the fountain, the lights  inside the house shone vigorously, showing the cracks on the once white and smooth stone. Ivan approached it, expecting to see his face on the water, but he was met with the sight of an empty pit, scarcely covered by some fungus that erupted from the cracks; there was no snake under the spear.

[skzsauce01]

Even if Things Were Different

Synopsis: You and Jisung get into an arranged marriage, but he hasn’t given up on love quite just yet.

Warning: implications of anxieties, pg-13 kiss

Word Count: 8.6k

Pairing: fem!reader x Han Jisung

You look up to Jisung’s eyes. They look lifeless, and his lips are pressed into a firm line.

“I do.”

The priest says something and the audience erupts in applause. You look to your right and see the white train of your dress stretching far, far away from your body. That’s how your soul feels too. 

You feel someone tugging on your veil and realize your groom is supposed to kiss you now. You simply close your eyes and let him. You then place your hand on the crook of his arm, and he leads you down the aisle. He shakes ever so slightly under your touch, so you give him a gentle squeeze. Keep it together, you want to urge him, there’s still the reception.

It is not until you arrive at a mansion that’s supposed to be your new home do the two of you find yourselves alone. The whole ride there, your spouse silently avoided looking at you, so it is to no surprise he quickly bids you good night and disappears into the room next to the master’s rather than the master’s itself. 

You sigh to yourself and let him be. After all, you understand his emotions. You have only seen each other twice before today: once with your respective parents and once to sign the legal papers. You are, however, handling everything rather well, you note as you step out of your dress. You’ve been prepared for this. Ever since you were born, you know your greatest asset to your business and your family is your left ring finger. Love is reserved only for fairy tales, and you are no princess-- you’re an heiress.

At least, that’s what you remind yourself as you wipe off the last of your mascara and look at your sunken features in the mirror.

Rather than heading to bed, you turn on the lamp on the nightstand and pull out your laptop. You’ve already wasted an entire day at the ceremony, and business isn’t going to do itself. An hour later, you hear a bath running from the adjacent room. Looks like you aren’t the only one who can’t sleep. 

You don’t think much of Jisung as you look through last month’s transactions with China until you hear the softest of sniffles from the wall. At first, you pass it off as your imagination until you hear it again. And then again.

You don’t care for him, but you aren’t a monster either. Quietly, you set your laptop aside and walk over to the next room. The door is unlocked, so you let yourself in and stand before the bathroom. After a moment of hesitation, you rap your knuckles against the wood twice.

Immediately, the sniffling stops.

“Y-Y/N?” the person inside stutters. “You’re awake?”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry. Did I wake you? I’ll be quiet now.”

You bite your lip at how small he sounds, a stark contrast to the confident, put-together man on the business card your parents gave you before you met. 

“No, you didn’t, and that’s not why I’m here.”

He goes quiet for a moment. “T-then how can I help you?”

“I just wanted to see if you were alright, but I guess that question is kind of silly now.”

A sniffle. “Yeah…”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” You grimace at your words. What is this, a funeral?

His light chuckle makes you relax a bit though. “It’s as much of a loss for me as it is for you.”

“It’s different. I’ve prepared for this my whole life,” you hum, leaning your back against his door. “Your parents never told you, did they?”

“Nah, they barely even showed their faces to me,” he says too humorously for the implications of the sentence. You laugh along though; such things are normal for kids like you two.

“Did you have a girlfriend?” you ask carefully, trying to gauge his situation.

“I didn’t, but I always thought I would, you know? Like in those movies. I was going to plan a water fountain show and maybe throw in some fireworks in the back as I tell her how I feel. I’ll have candles and rose petals and everything… These fantasies must seem so stupid to someone like you who knew all along, don’t they?”

“No, it’s… it’s cute. Admirable even, that you have such strong faith in something so abstract.”

“You sound like you don’t believe in love, Y/N.”

“I’ve never experienced it,” you admit without hesitation. “It’s not that I don’t believe it; I just don’t think it’s for me, so I find those who can embody such a thing exemplary.”

“That’s… so sad…”

You shake your head even though he cannot see you. “It’s more regretful when a loving heart is smothered by something like this arrangement.”

“Well…”

A silence veils over the conversation except for the occasional sounds of water being displaced. You break tranquility first.

“Or maybe it doesn’t have to be. Smothered I mean.” 

You imagine him raising a questioning brow.

“See other women,” you suggest. “It isn’t uncommon among high executives like you.”

Suddenly, the door flies open, and you nearly fall backwards if it isn’t for the arms that catch you. You look up and see Jisung looking down back at you. The redness of his eyes from crying is still there, but they hold anger now instead of pain.

“Don’t say that,” he warns. “Don’t you dare say that. Whether I like this marriage or not, I will not betray my wife like that.”

A small “okay” is all you can muster as he puts you back on your feet and walks past you with a towel around his waist. You stare at his back as an unfamiliar sense of warmth sputters in your chest.

The next morning, you grab a bottle of water before heading to the room you’ve decided will be your office and start working. The numbers on your screen have already been improving since your partnership with Han Enterprises began. For some reason though, they don’t make you happy. 

There’s some noise outside. You figure it is Jisung waking up. You look at the clock and see that it is nearing eleven. How slow your morning has been surprises you, but not as much as when your husband pokes his head through the doorframe.

“Have you had breakfast yet?” he asks.

You take off your computer glasses to look at him. “No, not yet.”

Jisung scrunches up his nose. “I didn’t think so. Well, it’s almost lunch time. Do you want to come down for food? I’ll make instant ramen.”

You can’t help but laugh a little at his choice of cuisine. It is a unique one for someone worth a couple million dollars. 

“I’ll take that as a yes then?”

“Sure,” you agree, closing your laptop. It’s only proper to make the time of day for your spouse after all.

“What are you working on anyway?” he inquires. “I thought our parents were expecting us to take the week off.”

“Deadlines are still approaching, and I don’t trust anyone else to do things right,” you explain, stretching your arms behind you to relieve the tension.

Jisung frowns at your casual words, but you don’t notice. Instead, you go to the fridge for eggs while he fills a pot up with water. The faucet, however, decides to not cooperate and sputters in hiccups.

You look over upon hearing the noise. “The house is brand new, so they mustn’t have had the time to test out everything yet. I’ll call the handyman later.”

He lets out a hum of acknowledgement and continues waiting patiently. When the noodles are finally chewy, you sit down at the countertop and wait for him to do the same. He places a bowl in front of you and takes a seat across the table. He then eyes the newspaper next to the fruit bowl. He must have brought it in himself this morning since you haven’t hired help yet.

Seeing his interest, you nudge the papers towards him. He thanks you and pulls out a pen and the Sudoku section.

“I’m not very good at this, but it’s kind of fun,” he tells you. “Do you know how to play?”

“Kind of,” you reply as he fills in two numbers. “That’s a three.”

“I knew that,” he pouts humorously.

You chuckle softly and watch him while chewing on noodles. Soon, however, he comes to a halt and runs a hand through his hair.

“Need help?” you giggle.

“I--!” His cheeks puff out in annoyance before they and his ego deflate. “Yeah…”

You hand him his chopsticks which he has forgotten in his passion for the puzzle. “That’s a five,” you point.

“How’d you know?” He breaks into the egg.

“Cause these two are either an eight or a two, and since they’re in the same box, this has to be a five.”

His mouth forms an ‘o’ to either air out the heat of the egg yolk or in astonishment. You watch him drag his pen along the columns and rows before stopping at another square. “So this is a four?”

“Mmhm. You learn quickly.”

He smiles proudly and writes in the number. You smile in return and notice how far towards each other you’ve both leaned to see the Sudoku. These numbers, you realize, do make you happy.

After lunch, you return to your study. Two hours later, Jisung joins you there with his own laptop. You aren’t sure why he chose the same room as you when there are plenty others in the house, but you don’t complain; the office is big enough for the both of you.

Before you realize the sun begins to set, so once again, Jisung is the one who has to remind you to eat again.

“Should we get takeout or go to a restaurant?” he asks you. “We probably shouldn’t eat ramen two meals in a row, and there isn’t much in the fridge.”

“Let’s just order in pizza,” you reply mindlessly, scanning over the Excel spreadsheet one more time.

“Great. We can put on a movie or something too,” he nods while pulling a pizza parlor website on his phone.

You look up at him apologetically as your computer saves the spreadsheet. “I’m sorry. I have a project due tomorrow. I suggested pizza hoping I could stay in and finish it.”

Jisung flashes you a grin which confuses you. He then turns his own laptop so that you can see his screen. “You mean this project?”

“H-how did you--”

“Our companies are extensions of each other now, remember?” he reminds you. “That means I have access to a lot of your files. Turns out your employees are very capable after all; they just needed a little guidance.”

“So you-- this whole afternoon--?”

He shrugs. “I have the whole week off with nothing to do anyway.”

Your mouth opens and closes soundlessly a few times before you finally say, “Thank you.”

He nods and looks back at his phone. “The pie will be here in fifteen minutes.”

“What’d you get?”

He hands you his device. “Your secretary said that’s your preferred order.”

“Actually, I wanted a Louis XIII. You know, the twelve thousand dollar pizza from Italy?”

His movements hiccup until he looks at you and sees you smiling. He then rolls his eyes and shuts off your laptop. “Come on. No more work for tonight. Let’s pick a movie.”

The next morning, wake up and get changed. You had agreed to visit the mall with Jisung today to pick out decorations and furniture for your new home.

Groggily, you make your way to the kitchen for a cup of water. As you turn on the faucet, you remind yourself that you have to call the plumber today. To your surprise though, the water flows smoothly into your cup.

“Morning,” Jisung yawns behind you.

“Good morning. It looks like the plumbing is fixed.”

“Oh yeah. One of the screws was loose, so I found a wrench and tightened it.”

“Y-you did?”

Jisung laughs once. “Just because I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth doesn’t mean I don’t know how to look things up on YouTube.”

“Right. Sorry, I’m just not used to things getting done for me.” 

“So I’ve been told,” he chuckles. “Anyway. Let me know when you’re ready. I want to try that crepe place at the mall I told you about.”

You down your glass of water. “I’m set. Let’s go.”

Jisung bounces excitedly towards the door. As he does so, you notice that his collar is turned upwards.

“Wait!” you call, and he turns around curiously.

You reach up and straighten his clothes for him, running your fingers along the edge to make sure it’s perfect.

“T-thanks…” he mumbles, his earlier energy contained into something much more timid.

You don’t notice his sudden change in demeanor or the way he stays frozen in his spot, following you with only his eyes, as you grab your purse and open the door.

“You coming?”

The mall is enjoyable. You stay longer than you planned, but for once you aren’t complaining about how it will set back your work schedule. Jisung has excused himself to use the restroom, so you stand by the door, promising to wait there for him. 

After a while, a jewelry store across the way catches your attention. You make a quick trip over and admire a ring on the display. You aren’t sure how long you spent doing so, but at some point, your phone buzzes and you snap your head up, realizing Jisung must be done with his business by now.

‘Han Jisung: where r u?’

You look around while walking back to the restroom only to find that he isn’t there. At last, you find him by a nearby kiosk stand, swarmed by a passing crowd, clutching his phone to his chest.

“Jisung!” You wave to catch his attention and notice how his eyes dart around sporadically to find you. “Jisung. I’m right here,” you assure him when you’ve gotten closer.

The way he looks at you, eyes brimmed with tears when he finally recognizes your voice, sets off alarms in your system.

“Y--Y/N…”

“It’s okay; it’s okay. I’m right here. I’m right here.”

“I-- I--”

Without thinking, you pull him into your arms. Gently, you whisper, “Shh. Let’s just go home now, okay?”

You feel him nodding into your shoulder, so you let him stand up straight and lead him out to the valet, all the while not letting go of his hand.

Once home, you draw him a warm bath in his jacuzzi tub. When it’s ready, you call him and are surprised to see him in swimming trunks rather than a bathrobe.

“C-can you stay with me?” he requests sheepishly.

“Of course.” You gently take his hand again and help him into the tub, careful not to trigger anything.

He closes his eyes and relaxes against the ceramic, but he does not let go of your hand.

“I’m sorry,” you finally apologize once you’ve gained the courage. “I should have stayed by the door like I promised.”

He turns to the side, puts your hand on the ledge, and rests his head on it. You can still feel him shaking.

“I thought you left…”

You are confused but wait patiently for him to continue. 

He does. “I thought you left me. I thought you had enough of this arrangement and left. It’s the first time since the wedding since we’ve been apart after all. I thought I was left all alone in that mall surrounded by people I don’t know.”

“I’m sorry…” you say again, pathetically.

Jisung stays silent and sighs against your hand. At least you can feel his shaking slowing down. “But you came back.”

“Yeah…”

“I-if you ever do want to leave though…” he begins again with uncertainty.

“I don’t.” 

His eyes spring open at your sudden tone. Even you are surprised by the vigor in your voice.

“But if you do--”

“Jisung, arranged or not, I will not leave whom I’ve sworn to be with until death.”

The smile that grows on his face tells you he is pleased with your words. He isn’t shaking anymore.

“You know, Y/N.”

“Hm?”

“I’m not going to give up finding love. Even if I am already married.”

His decision statement stirs up something unfamiliar in you. It feels as if your stomach has dropped to your knees. “Oh.”

“I don’t think you get what I mean,” he chuckles. You look down and see him looking back up at you, his head still resting on its side on the tub. He pulls your hand out from under and fiddles with the single band on your finger. “Can I move into the master bedroom?”

The sun shines through the window, making you grimace. As you try to get up, you feel a tug on your hand and remember that Jisung has his own hand wrapped around it. He can’t sleep without holding onto something, he claims, and the bed isn’t big enough for him to acclimate his giant stuffed pig alongside the two of you.

You can’t help but smile unconsciously at the said man. His face has become one with his pillow and his limbs are anywhere but where they should be. Your mother would call it imprudent, but you find it endearing.

Gently, you lift his fingers off your hand and slip out of bed for the restroom. He lets out a sad whimper, but you have to get changed for the day.

You smile to your reflection as you pull your hair out from beneath the straps of your undergarment. You had slept well and are practically glowing when--

“I can’t believe you got up without-- OH MY! I’M SO SORRY!”

Your head snaps to the open door and you hold your dress urgently against yourself as you make out a human-shaped tomato standing at the threshold.

“At least cover your eyes or something!” you screech back.

Instead of doing as told, Jisung just stands there, gawking like a broken coo-coo clock. 

“Han Jisung!” you yell and throw the door closed in his face.

“I’m sorry!” he says again, apparently back to his senses now. “But why’d you leave the door open?”

“I thought you were sleeping!”

“I told you I can only sleep when I’m holding something, so I woke up when that something left!”

You chuckle and he joins. Soon, the both of you are laughing at the accident. 

“You know, you don’t have to be ashamed of what I saw,” he jokes.

You open the door once you’ve put on your dress. “Yah,” you warn. “Don’t push it.”

He smiles from being able to see you again. “What?” he asks innocently.

You poke his cheek with a pout. He laughs again and pushes some hair out of your face. 

“But seriously though. You’re beautiful,” he tells you again once the laughter quiets down.

“W-what’s wrong with you?” you stammer. “If you’re feeling sick, you should see a doctor.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he salutes with a sloppy grin.

The end of your week-long stay-at-home vacation not only means going back to the office, but also to parties. More specifically, the Seo’s annual art gala.

“Y/N?” Jisung calls up the stairs.

“She’s ready!” your servant responds in your steed.

Carefully, you descend the staircase, your black heels breaking out of the slit in your gold dress with every step. Like in the movies, Jisung turns around and forgets how to breathe as he watches you come down.

“Well? Shall we go?” you suggest.

“Wow…” is all he can say in reply.

At the party, you and Jisung greet a fair amount of people together. At last, you find the opportunity to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Seo themselves.

“And the Masamune dagger collection. My, you really do outdo yourselves every year.”

Mrs. Seo titters at the compliment. “Why thank you, Mrs. Han. It’s rare to see someone who appreciates more art than just the Van Goghs and Vermeers.”

Mrs. Han. The name makes you feel a little jolt no matter how many times you hear it. Whether you admit it or not though, the connotation behind each jolt has been shifting over time.

“Well, you are my inspiration when it comes to artistic collections, Mrs. Seo, so it is only natural I see the beauty in pieces of your own heart.”

“Oh, Sweetie, you flatter me.”

Mr. Seo, seeing another guest that needs greeting, places a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Well it’s been great seeing you two again. Changbin should be around here somewhere. Make sure that rascal says ‘hi’ to you too.”

“Alright,” Jisung chuckles politely. “I’ll see to it that he behaves tonight. It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Seo, Mrs. Seo.”

“‘Behaves?’” a voice from behind repeats.

You turn around and see the Seo heir standing there with a brow raised at Jisung. Rather than a courteous response, the younger male makes a face at his friend.

They fall into a short banter with you laughing on the side. At one point, Jisung looks over and smiles.

“This is my wife, Y/N,” he introduces. 

Changbin offers you a hand that you shake. “Right. Beautiful wedding.”

He says it out of obligation. All of you know you have no authority over your spouse, let alone your wedding plans.

“Thank you,” you say anyway. Turning to Jisung, “Do you want to spend some time with him? I need to greet the Wynns, so you should have fun with your friend.”

“You sure?” He looks a little worried, but you can see the excitement in his eyes.

“Of course.” You assure him with your best smile and bid Changbin goodbye. 

As you leave, you hear the Seo pat Jisung on the back, sympathizing with his arranged marriage. “At least she’s pretty.”

If you had turned around then, you would have seen the softest look on Jisung’s face. “Yeah… and much more too.”

For about an hour or so, you chat with business partners and clients alike. At some point, you see Changbin hurrying as formally as he can to his father upon hearing his name. You notice as you hand your waiter your empty champagne glass that Jisung is now separated from him. Fretfully, you glance around in search of your partner. Fears of a repetition of what happened at the mall bite at your ankles to find him quickly.

You sigh in relief when you spot him by the bar, a glass of something sitting forgotten in his hands. He isn’t alone though; besides him is a girl in a tight dress with her hands all over him-- pulling at his tie, swatting his shoulder, everything. 

The relief on Jisung’s face when he sees you walking over only adds oil to the fire you were feeling in your eyes. How dare this woman when he is clearly uncomfortable?

“Hello,” you begin calmly, directing your statement to her. “I believe you are in my seat.”

She looks at you with disgust. “Your seat? What, does it have your name on it?”

“No, it doesn’t. But I do suggest that you return it without delay.”

“No way. Can’t you see we’re in the middle of something, or are you blind?” she scoffs, turning back to Jisung.

“I advise you to take that back this instant.”

She stands up in your face now. “How dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am?”

“Why yes, as a matter of fact, I do, Miss Lee Saeyeong, fourth daughter of the president of Yumgul Publishings. The question is, do you know who I am?”

She flinches, clearly realizing that you outrank her by your tone.

You lean over and whisper dangerously, “You’re speaking to the executive director of the L/N group, Miss Lee, and the gentleman you were flirting with--” You back away and let a smile spread over your lips. “--is my husband.”

Saeyeong’s face drains of colour. She quickly bows and mumbles something before scurrying away. 

You close your eyes and sigh. When you open them again, you see Jisung grinning at you.

“What?” you ask, taking the seat you just won.

“Nothing,” he hums.

This piques your interest. “What are you smiling at?”

“Just…” he swirls the straw in this drink. “Just the fact that you called me your husband.”

A blush creeps on your face. That is what he is, but suddenly, the term feels different. “It’s the truth.”

“Still,” he chirps. “Thank you. And thank you for saving me from the awkwardness too. She insisted that my wedding band was just for show and that I was looking for a girl who ‘persists for true love.’”

You scoff. “Wow, doesn’t she keep up with this sort of news? Knowing who’s married and who scored what deal is pretty important for keeping face in the business world.”

“It’s sad how many of the kids born into lives like ours fall into a crippling dependence on their father’s wealth.”

You nod in agreement, but your attention is elsewhere. From your peripherals, you see his tie hanging messily around his neck from the earlier girl’s antics.

“Is there something on my face?” Jisung inquires, sensing your distraction.

“No, let me just--” You get off your stool to stand closer to him. Your hands are quick to align the two ends of the accessory, and as you pull up the knot, your eyes travel up too, meeting his along the way.

Your breath hitches. You’re much closer than expected. Jisung does not move either as he freezes with equal shock. Then, he starts to tilt his head, and your eyelids begin to droop and--

Suddenly, you become aware of your surroundings and jump back. Your quick movement makes Jisung snap back into the present too.

“It’s um… it’s good now,” you squeak, tucking hair behind your ear to shield your blush with your hand.

“I’m glad,” you hear him say with his whole chest.

“I-it’s just a tie,” you stutter despite yourself.

He takes your wrist and turns you towards him. “No, I mean I’m glad I was arranged to marry you.”

The end of the month means extra hours at the office compiling reports. Thankfully though, you have just completed your last one, and it has to be sent to the Han Group. You trace your finger over Jisung’s name where he’s supposed to sign before springing out of your seat and heading out the door.

Your secretary looks up from her computer in surprise.

“I’m going to the Han Group to deliver something,” you tell her.

“I can fax it for you, Director,” she offers, but you wave your hand.

“I don’t have anything scheduled today, do I?” 

She shakes her head.

“Great. Then I have a little time to deliver it myself. You can take it easy today too; it’s been a rough week.”

You can feel her surprised stare on your back. You are usually buried under piles of documents, not taking leisure strolls to your business partner’s company. There’s something special about this document that you did not know you cared about though, and maybe you still don’t truly understand why you are doing something like this, but it just feels like the right course of action right now. Neither you nor Jisung had been home much these days, and maybe, just maybe, you want to see him again.

What you did not expect, however, was the woman who stopped you from entering his office.

“Hello,” she greets, standing between you and the door. “Do you have an appointment with the Vice Chairman?” she asks like she already knows the answer.

The first thing that crosses your mind before her question is even processed is that she is immensely beautiful and curved in all the right places. The corner of your eye twitches and you pull your blazer a little tighter around yourself.

“I’m his wife,” you tell her calmly.

“Ah, his arranged wife,” she nods. “One moment please.”

She disappears into his office, leaving you feeling oddly offended by the way she referred to you. An unfamiliar spark tickles your stomach, and you decide that, no, you are not some guest that needs approval before visiting your own husband, so you place your right hand on the door and swing it open yourself. What you see inside though, fans that spark into a flame.

The woman from before is bent over Jisung’s desk, bosom on full display, as she writes something. She then straightens up with a pout and taps her pen on her cheek, to which Jisung chuckles and points to another spot on the page.

“Remember that the client number is always here, Secretary So,” he tells her.

Realizing that neither of them noticed your entrance, you clear your throat. Jisung’s head immediately snaps up, and a wide smile spreads across his face as he stands and bounces over to you.

“Y/N!”

Your own face has hardened into a stark comparison to his. You don’t take your eyes off the woman. “Care to introduce us?”

Jisung frowns a little at your demeanor but does as you asked. “Y/N, this is Secretary So, the new hire. She just came in for a little help getting used to the system around here. Secretary So, this is Y/N, my wife.”

Did she not tell him about your arrival at all? She waves elegantly to you, and you nod in response. You remember Jisung talking about his old secretary retiring, but why did he have to hire this person of all the candidates? Is it because-- Your eyes shift down from her face. 

“Why are you here?” Jisung asks. In your distracted state, you miss the excitement in his voice. “Do you want to grab lunch? Ice cream?”

Your attention snaps back to him. “No, I--” You look between him and his new secretary. “I was just going to drop this off.” You stuff the file in his hands. “I’m sorry if I interrupted your ‘lesson.’” 

Before he can stop you, you turn on your heels and show yourself out. You let out a sigh, wondering what the tightness in your chest is. Whatever it is, you don’t like it, and you wish it would go away.

“To the office?” your driver asks when you step into the valet. 

You close your eyes and roll out your neck. “No. To my house, please,” you reply, earning your second pair of surprised eyes today. 

“Y-yes. Ma’am.”

Next month’s projects can wait, you decide, feeling completely out of character. Right now, you want nothing more than to strangle a pillow.

That night, Jisung comes home to find you laying in bed. He’s early considering he planned a meeting with a corporate partner over some wine tonight; you expected him at least two hours later and was going to greet him normally once your emotions have calmed down. You hear him change and feel him slide into bed. He reaches for your hand as usual, but you turn over, pretending to be asleep. Maybe your emotions aren’t as calm as you thought they were.

“Y/N…” he whispers. You don’t move. He presses his hand against your forehead and cheek to check your temperature and lets out an audible sigh when it feels normal. He then lowers himself back onto the mattress a lot closer than you expect. You can feel his legs right behind yours.

Carefully, as if afraid to break you, his hand slides down your arm until his fingers interlace with yours like they do every night. “What’s wrong, Y/N? Did I do something?”

You aren’t sure why, but his question makes you start shaking. He draws shapes on your hand with his thumb to try to calm you.

When you don’t answer, he just continues rubbing your hand. It’s so comfortable that it almost makes you fall asleep for real. That is until he speaks again.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” you reply before you can remember that you are supposed to be asleep.

“I don’t know. I just hate seeing you like this, and I can’t think of anything that could help.”

There’s no use pretending now. You turn back around, and your heart skips a beat when it realizes you’ve forgotten how close he is. His chest fills your entire vision, and his scent tickles your nose, making your muscles relax involuntarily.

“W-why are you home so early?” you divert the conversation.

He brings it back. “How could I stay out late when my wife looked at me like that in my office today? I rushed home as soon as I could.” 

A sense of guilt washes over you. “The meeting--”

“Things like that can be postponed. Other things, however…” 

“I should be sorry instead. I shouldn’t have acted like that.” 

He plays with the ends of your hair. “Don’t be. We’re a couple; you’re allowed to get angry. I just wished you’d tell me why.”

“No, I shouldn’t be angry because of this, especially when I’m the one who said it’s okay before,” you object to his shirt, unable to look up at him.

“Okay for what?” he questions.

“For you to…” To look at other women, you want to finish, but you stop yourself. This is stupid. This is ridiculous. You shouldn’t have gotten so emotional. This isn’t like your carefully calculated self. Why are you so off today? “Secretary So!” you blurt the first thing that comes to mind to distract yourself from your thoughts. “She’s pretty, isn’t she? You made a good choice, Jisung.”

You can imagine him raising his brow. “Secretary So? What about her?”

“N-nothing. She’s just really, really beautiful.”

He sits up in alarm and rising anger. “Did she do something to you when you came in?”

You have no choice but to sit up with him. “No. No, she didn’t; she was just…”

“Just?” he prompts.

“Just absolutely gorgeous. Gorgeous and exquisite and alluring and… and…”

He just sits there, waiting for you to spill out what you actually mean.

“... and flirty.”

Jisung looks surprised at your conclusion. Does he really not know? 

“It’s nothing,” you sigh, rubbing the bridge of your nose. “Like I said, it’s not my position to be--”

“Jealous?” he finishes for you. This time, it’s your turn to look up in shock. Jealous? You? Every time there is something you want, you’d work to obtain it; there is never time to be jealous. Like that restaurant franchise from last year, for example. If you had wasted time being jealous then, the Japanese competitors would have--

His smile breaks your chain of thoughts.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Because if you are jealous, that’ll mean I’ve become something you don’t want to lose,” he answers.

“I’m not--!”

He lets out a hum. “Really? Then let’s put it to the test. If this makes you feel better, then it means you’re jealous, okay?” He swings one leg behind you to minimize barriers between you two. He then brushes your hair behind your ear with a mischievous smile. “Y/N, I have never seen a thing on this planet that’s as beautiful and gorgeous as you. And it’s your right to be jealous, but you don’t have to be because I am wholly and fully yours, alright? I’ve told you this before, but I’ll say it again: arranged or otherwise, you are and always will be the only one in my heart.”

He presses a short kiss on your head, one that makes you squeak and him giggle, knowing he’s won. “And I never even noticed Secretary So flirting or how she looked because I’m always thinking about you.”

You snort at his cheesy line. “Jisung-ah, that’s a little too much, don’t you think?”

Your lighter mood makes him smile. “What? It’s true.”

“Now you’re the one flirting,” you say after squeaking at another peck on the head.

“Hmm,” he hums, hunting for another spot on your face. “I’m allowed to; I’m your husband.”

You yelp this time when he dives in for your cheek. Then your nose. Then your temple. Your protests die down as the time his lips spend lingering on your face grow longer and longer.

“Tell me…” he gasps after pulling away from one of them. “... if I’m making you uncomfortable.”

You shake your head slightly, and he pulls you in to kiss your jaw. It’s slow and makes you feel tingly all over. You can differentiate each and every square millimeter of his lips as they press on and pull away from your skin. He then rests his forehead against yours, hesitating more than ever with his focus locked on one thing. He then tilts closer and closer, breathing heavily. 

Your fingers curl around the sheets as you wait. At some point, you might have even tilt your own chin just a degree upwards to help him until--

A loud growl echoes through the room. The interruption makes you quickly turn away and clear your throat.

“D-did you eat?” you cough, feeling dizzy.

“No,” he answers disappointedly. “I came as soon as I could.”

“I’ll make something,” you tell him as you stick your feet into slippers and make your way out of the room without turning back to look at him. Perhaps if you did though, you’d see him dropping his head into his arms and sighing into his lap. 

A few months later, you waved goodbye to Jisung at the airport as he headed for a conference in France. He had been made vice chairman of his company the moment you two were married, so this is the first real opportunity he gets to prove his worthiness of the position.

Information wise, he is more than prepared, at least from what you can tell from the hundred times he recited his presentation to you or the bathroom mirror. Still, you can’t help but fidget restlessly with the pen in your hand as you sit at your office desk, futilely reading the document in front of you for the fourth time. Will he be alright alone amidst all those new people who barely even speak the same language? Even his secretary, a new hire after that night, can barely be considered someone he’s close with.

“Director Han?” Your own secretary walks in with your morning tea. When you don’t acknowledge her, she knows something is off. “Director Han?” she calls again, louder.

This time, you snap out of your thoughts and look at her. 

“Are you alright?” she asks.

“Yes. Yes, of course. Why do you ask?” you clear your throat.

She shrugs as she places the tray on your desk. “It’s just that you’ve been looking up plane tickets to Paris for the past hour.”

Your eyes flicker to your computer and realize that she is completely correct. Maybe that’s why you haven’t been concentrating on your work.

“This is-- I, um-- This--”

Your secretary just smiles at your flusteredness and stands up straight. “Director?”

“Hm?”

“Just go.”

You turn your head. “Excuse me?”

“I mean, to France. You’re worried, aren’t you? Then go make sure he’s alright yourself.”

“But I--” the document crinkles under your grip. You look at it then at her. Then you turn to the display on your screen. At last, you propel your chair away from your bottom and grab your purse. With a firm nod to your secretary, you fly out of the room.

As your captain announces preparations for landing, you check your watch anxiously. Jisung’s presentation will start in less than an hour, you realize. When the aircraft lands, you fly out of that too with your legs aching from being squished into an economy seat, the earliest seat available to France, for the past ten hours. 

You hail a cab and throw whatever French you learned on your flight at him and pray that he takes you to the right hotel. Once you arrive, you dash up through the front door, up the grand staircase, and finally to the great double doors that stand between you and Jisung’s presentation. You can feel your feet bleeding in your heels and your lungs screaming for oxygen, but you can care less. You’ve made it. You’ve finally made it.

Inside, you can hear Jisung already giving his speech. He’s on slide six of the powerpoint, if you aren’t mistaken. You ask the doorman to give you a minute to make yourself a little more presentable as Han Jisung’s wife when you hear the microphone inside crack. There’s a slight murmur, but nothing more. It’s not a huge deal, honestly, but you know what it can do to a presenter, especially when the stakes are so high. As expected, you hear Jisung stutter his next sentence, and your heart sinks.

“Open the door, please,” you tell the staff, and he does as told with a bow, thankfully recognizing you from one news article or another.

Inside, you see Jisung on the stage looking more flushed than usual with his shoulders a little hunched forward. Your entrance catches his attention though, and his eyes dart over to you. Almost immediately, you see his features soften. You stand there, by the door, and flash him a smile and a reassuring nod. Without missing a beat in his speech, he sends a tiny nod back and corrects his posture, continuing with newfound confidence.

An eternity later, it is finally all over. There were a few difficult questions, but Jisung did not let them faze him by keeping you in his peripherals at all times. You do your part by supporting him with little gestures the whole time. In the end, the buyers seem extremely satisfied with him and his company and greet him with handshakes and kisses as he descends the stage.

At last, he fights his way through the crowd to you. The first thing he does when he makes it is grab your wrists and pull you into a hug, and you are glad you are in France.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, clearly pleased.

“I thought you might appreciate it,” you strangle the words out from how tight he is holding you.

“I do. I really, really do,” he whispers before pulling away. There is a wide grin on his face as he looks at you. “Can you stay though? There’s a banquet tonight, and I’ll love for you to be there.”

You match his joyous demeanor. “Well, I didn’t have time to buy a return ticket yet, so…” 

“Great! My goodness, I still can’t believe you’re here though,” he breathes. “How did I do?”

“Amazing, of course,” you answer easily.

That night, you meet all of Jisung’s French business partners. “Vous êtes belle,” they all compliment every time Jisung introduces you, and your husband would puff out his chest a bit and agree. You then have to remind him that he is here to glorify his company, not you, and he’d chuckle shyly before getting back on topic.

At some point in the night, you excuse yourself to touch up your makeup. In the restroom, you find a couple of other ladies doing the same.

“Oh, the Han Group’s lady!” they giggle.

“How are you?” you greet back.

“Oh, just wonderful,” replies one of them. “You must be so lucky to be married to your husband. He’s so successful and well-mannered!”

“Yes,” you smile politely. “Yes, I am.”

“And so handsome,” adds another.

“You should be careful. Men like that are always swarmed with women.”

“Yes, yes,” agrees the first one. “That’s what happened to my first husband. I’m a lot more careful now.”

“We don’t mean to be rude, but we should warn young ladies like you so you don’t go down the same road some of us did. If you aren’t careful, he could be snatched right out of your hands.”

You look at your reflection. The bags under your eyes are the only part of your face that isn’t sunken in from your long flight here. What is even the time in Korea? Your thin lips tell you even a good night’s rest isn’t going to help much though.

“Yeah… I suppose he could…”

The other women seem to read your change in expression and offer their apologies. You brush them off and quickly finish what you came in for. In just a few minutes, you are out of the room. 

Outside, Jisung surprises you by standing there, one foot propped against the wall behind him and arms crossed.

“Jisung?”

He snaps his head towards you and grabs your wrist. “Come on, we’re leaving.”

“Now? What about the banquet?” You turn around. Everyone looks happy, so you hope there haven’t been any mishaps with the business.

“I said we’re leaving,” he bites out.

Alarmed, you follow him silently until his quick pace makes you press against one of the blisters in your heel a little too hard, so you seethe in pain. He turns around and notices what is wrong instantly. He lets out a quiet curse before picking you up and making the rest of the way to his destination.

Turns out, that destination happens to be his suite. Is he tired, you wonder. No, probably not. Not by the way he’s looking at you after sitting you on the foot of the bed.

“Ji--”

“How could you say that?” he demands.

“W-what do you mean?” You’ve never seen him like this.

“That I can be snatched up by other women just like that? Y/N, how many times do I have to keep telling you that there’s never going to be someone else but you?”

“You heard that?” you squeak meekly. 

He ignores you. “I know how you say it’s fine with you and that you don’t believe in love, but have you ever thought about how much it hurts me when you talk like that? Like, like everything we did together and all the feelings I poured out for you don’t matter. And then you go and do something insane like, I don’t know, flying across a continent to cheer me on, and I think that maybe, just maybe, you feel the same way I do, but then you go ahead and break my heart with one single sentence!”

You look at him, eyes wide and speechless. He drops his head and lowers his voice.

“Just tell it to me straight, Y/N. Am I just a business operation to you, or am I something more?”

He waits for your response in the dark stillness for a few minutes, but no matter how hard you try, you just can’t find an answer for him. Your mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out.

Finally, he sighs and gives up. He begins walking to the door, but just as he touches the handle, you grab his arm, making him turn around.

Your head is down this time as you stutter out. “I-I… I can’t tell you how I feel about you because I don’t know what to label this feeling myself, b-but I do know that if I let you go right now, I’ll regret it like I’ve never regretted anything before. All I can say at this m-moment is that you’re someone who can make me l-laugh and smile. And--” You lift your face up as tears stream from your eyes, smudging your makeup and contorting your face into something you are ashamed of. “--you are someone whom I’ve allowed to make me cry.”

You have seldom cried before-- not when you blew a huge assignment, and not when your parents announced your marriage. Be strong, you have been told. Hold people at a distance or you’ll be the one to lose in the end. People in your position have so much to lose, it’s been drilled into you to not let others have this kind of control over your emotions. As such, this is a new experience for you. Then again, you realize, all Jisung has been making you feel these past few months are things you’ve never felt before like jealousy, nervousness, warmth, and most importantly…

He cups your face with his hands and swipes away your tears with his thumb. Slowly, you let yourself close your eyes and lean into his touch. You can tell by the way the Paris lights grow dimmer and dimmer through your eyelids that he is leaning closer and closer, but you don’t fight it one bit. Not this time. Not when he’s taught you the most important thing of all…

… trust.

The fountain outside activates the second his lips touch yours, but you can care less about elaborate water displays. No, all you can care about right now is how he is filling you with the one emotion you thought you’d never experience.

“Y/N…” he whispers when he pulls away. “I know you’re very confused right now, but I want to make one thing clear.” Your heart quickens more if that is even possible. 

“I love you,” you blurt.

Jisung blinks at you twice. “I-- Y-you-- What?”

You want nothing more than to hide in the blankets right now, but you force yourself to look into his eyes as you say, “You’re right; I was confused before, but being with you, feeling your touch, and hearing your voice, things… things started becoming clear, and in that clarity, I realized that I love you. I really do. And I’m sorry for not realizing it before and for saying all those--”

He cuts you off with another kiss. When you part this time, you see that all anger and hesitation on his face have been replaced by elation. 

“You idiot,” he laughs. “I was supposed to say it first!”

“O-oh really? I didn’t kn--”

He cuts you off again, this time with a shake of his head and a finger on your lips. From his pocket, he pulls out a little velvet box and guides you on to the balcony that’s lit with candles and dusted with flower petals for the perfect French ambiance.

“Jisung, what are you doing?” 

“Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he answers. “I know we’re already married, but that was our parents’ decision, not ours. So tonight, I want to ask if you, Miss L/N Y/N, would marry me?”

He gets down onto one knee and opens the box. Immediately, your hands fly up to your mouth. 

“I-it’s the ring… from the mall… on the day that--”

“On the day that I realized I was in love with you,” he finishes. “The day I realized I would not have married anyone else but you even if things were different. So, what do you say?” he continues, tilting his head to one side. “Will you make me the happiest man alive?”

You don’t realize you are crying again or the fireworks that join the water display to light up this magical night. The only thing on your mind is one word:

“Yes!”

~ ad.gold

A/N: lol, no one comment on how flat i made the man’s thumb plz :P @chimmy-unnie: see, its not “fifty shades of stray” when its in context ^w^