[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-1987-my-era":3,"chapter-1987-my-era-1987-my-era-chapter-119":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","1987: My Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2259279,4409,"Chapter 119: Chen Xiaomi Takes the Initiative to Show Goodwill (Request Subscription!)","1987-my-era-chapter-119",119,"\u003Cp>The English teacher and Fatty didn’t want to go out for late-night snacks, so after Li Heng washed his hair, he propped a pillow behind his back and leaned half-sitting against the headboard, reviewing every move he’d made since arriving in Jingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a habit he’d formed during his civil service days—whenever something happened, he’d take time at night to reflect on whether his actions that day had been inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his relationship with Chen Zijin had already reached this point, logically he should visit the Chen household to pay respects. But thinking of how the Chen women had treated his mother, he could only stop short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered the relationship between the Chen and Li families, he recalled a saying: the hardest thing to grasp in this world is human hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little too much advance, a little too much retreat—either would unbalance the relationship; even after two lifetimes, he found it daunting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reflecting on his actions that day, he began drafting his next novel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To Live” made him famous overnight, but his next novel mattered even more—after all, his divine aura had just taken shape; if it collapsed before stabilizing, people would compare him to Fang Zhongyong, rejoice among those who hated him, and mock “Harvest” magazine and Old Ba’s judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d even question whether his royalties were justified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To decisively counter the public storm over his royalties, he had to strike back with undeniable strength—so whether for himself, to honor Old Ba’s deep trust, or to avoid disappointing his supporters, his next novel had to be handled with care and maintain its high standard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should he write?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several novel ideas flickered through his mind; he weighed them again and again, until the night grew deep and he gradually fell asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d just woken up when the English teacher knocked on his door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, Wang Run stood with arms crossed: “Hurry and freshen up—Chen Zijin and her father are already here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng glanced out the window: “They’ve arrived?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Run said: “Almost—they’ve just come. I saw all three of them from the window.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen Xiaomi, the girl who came to your school last time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, okay, thanks, Teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying that, Li Heng, though puzzled why Chen Xiaomi had come, quickly slipped into the bathroom to brush his teeth and rinse his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The English teacher paused, then entered, tidied his messy bed slightly, and opened the window to let in fresh air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing, she swiftly left and returned to her room, determined not to let the Chen family misunderstand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the English teacher outwardly remained cold, she was acutely aware of her own allure and full figure—many men secretly stole glances; if she appeared in Li Heng’s room early in the morning, too much would be impossible to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Chen Zijin appeared at the door and knocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Heng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng hastily wiped his hair and opened the door—only to find Chen Zijin standing alone outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met; she smiled sweetly: “Dad and Aunt are downstairs in the lobby waiting. I didn’t want them to see your room in chaos, so I kept them from coming up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You truly know me, wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng happily pulled her inside, shut the door, and kissed her deeply, only pulling away after a long while: “A whole night apart—your lips are even sweeter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Smooth talker,” Chen Zijin said, delighted by these small romantic surprises, then urged him: “Hurry and get ready—we’re going downstairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng pointed to the neat, clean bed and said without a blush: “Knowing I’d eat breakfast with you, I already tidied it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zijin was startled—she’d known this man for over a decade; when had he become so fastidious? Wasn’t he always careless about everything except personal hygiene and bathing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he changed significantly during the year she’d been away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though surprised, she didn’t dwell on it and asked: “Is the English teacher next door? I haven’t seen her in a long time—I’ll go call her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng opened his bag and counted his cash and belongings:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ahead—call the teacher. I’ll wake up Fatty. Don’t keep Uncle waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They split up—one went to the English teacher’s room, the other knocked on Zhang Zhiyong’s door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, it’s been so long—I still think you’re just as beautiful.” Because of Li Heng, Chen Zijin and the English teacher had always gotten along well, and she occasionally joined them for meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women weren’t strangers—they were quite familiar with each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zijin, come in, sit a bit—I’m just putting on makeup.” The English teacher wore makeup every day she went out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She disliked heavy makeup; she preferred a subtle look that wasn’t immediately noticeable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she put it: though aging, one must live elegantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After learning makeup from her college friend Yu Shuheng, she’d kept this habit of light makeup for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay,” Chen Zijin said, naturally beautiful herself, yet watched curiously as the teacher drew her eyebrows and touched up her powder—until, suddenly, her peripheral vision caught sight of the teacher’s bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, she froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was it the same?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was Li Heng’s bedding arranged exactly like the teacher’s? Even the quilt’s position matched—could it be the same hand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling Li Heng’s past habits, could it be that the teacher had tidied his bed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought startled her—but she kept her composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she thought she was overthinking—weren’t Xiao Han and Song Yu both breathtaking beauties, the most stunning girls she’d ever seen? If he were to be unfaithful, it’d be them, not the teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, the English teacher had always treated him kindly—since first and second year, she’d often brought him breakfast, given him private English tutoring, and even invited her to join meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the teacher’s genuine generosity, Chen Zijin suppressed her last trace of doubt, then walked to the window and gazed outward toward the direction she’d come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, while riding her bike, she’d thought she’d seen the English teacher standing there—had she noticed her, Dad, and Aunt arriving, then gone to wake Li Heng and help tidy his bed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng’s window had been closed before; now it was open, and he’d washed up quickly—this must be it: he’d feared Dad and Aunt seeing a messy room, so the teacher had tidied his bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, the English teacher tucked her eyebrow pencil into her bag and smiled at Chen Zijin beside her: “Let’s go—Zhang Zhiyong should be ready too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay,” Chen Zijin replied, following Wang Run out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Li Heng and Zhang Zhiyong appeared in the hallway, coming to call the two women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fatty, long time no see—you’re still as sharp and lively as ever,” Chen Zijin greeted warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister-in-law,” Zhang Zhiyong said. Though he often acted cheeky and had fought Yang Yingwen as a child, he’d always been slightly afraid of Chen Zijin—like a mouse seeing a cat, he always behaved obediently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps this was what they called “one thing taming another.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four of them laughed as they went downstairs; Li Heng walked straight toward Chen Gaoyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle, good morning—I didn’t expect you to come so early. I was just discussing with Zijin about finding a chance to visit you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing how to speak to whom—this was a necessary survival skill for every mature man. Even if the other already sensed his reluctance to visit the Chen household soon, he still had to show full respect verbally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Gaoyuan wore a warm, amiable smile: “Last night, when I got home and heard Zijin say you’d arrived, I came today to see you. How’s your first time in Jingcheng? Are you adjusting well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied: “Uncle, though I’ve never been to Jingcheng before, I’ve longed for it spiritually for years. Everything’s fine—better than I expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Chen Xiaomi think of the quintessentially Beijing novel “Wan Tao”—she believed Li Heng’s words were genuine; he must have read many books on Beijing’s local customs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few pleasantries, they introduced each other—though they all knew one another, the main purpose was to introduce the English teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breakfast was paid for by Chen Gaoyuan, who led them to a nearby time-honored restaurant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the table, no formalities—Chen Gaoyuan, raised in a rural family, was considerate, shed his official demeanor, and blended easily with everyone. He especially asked Li Heng many caring questions, treating him like a son-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shift surprised Li Heng inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Uncle Chen had always been gentle toward him in his past life, such heartfelt kindness had only come years later then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in this life, the massive success of “To Live” and his identity as a writer seemed to have accelerated their relationship—directly elevating Uncle Chen’s treatment of him to its highest level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng didn’t know that Chen Gaoyuan’s behavior today stemmed not only from Li Heng’s own achievements and writer status, but also from Old Master Chen’s words the night before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially that cryptic phrase: “Let your little sister deliver it”—Chen Gaoyuan had sensed something profoundly different from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the one who enjoyed the meal most was Chen Zijin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her father had come, her beloved had come, and even her former hostile aunt had come—all of it seemed to signal something: after a dark, icy period, her relationship with Li Heng had finally entered a major turning point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you think she didn’t love her mother?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you think she truly wanted to oppose her family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She cared too deeply about her family—that’s why she resisted them, hoping to win their blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she’d grown indifferent, if her heart had turned cold, she’d respond with silence—even arguing one word with her mother would be defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, everything was improving. Chen Zijin’s mood lifted unexpectedly, and it showed clearly at the table—she served dishes, poured water, smiled warmly, attended to everyone’s emotions, even making sure Fatty felt no slight—she acted like the true hostess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the meal, Chen Xiaomi pulled out a copy of “To Live” and handed it to Li Heng:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This standalone edition was bought by Old Master himself—he’s read it twice already, and wrote his reflections on it. He said he loves your book and asked you to sign it as a keepsake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also handed him a pen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was taken aback, delighted, and accepted the pen to sign his author name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi reminded him: “Your real name might mean more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng glanced at her, then wrote his real name too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Chen Xiaomi pulled out two more books—one “To Live,” one “Zeng Guofan’s Family Letters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said: “This copy of ‘Zeng Guofan’s Family Letters’ is Old Master’s favorite—he asked me to give it to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng knew this book—he’d seen Old Master flip through it constantly in his past life; he never expected it would reach him now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the book and sincerely thanked her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi nodded, then added: “This copy of ‘To Live’ is mine—I’ve read it five times. As a reader, I deeply admire your talent—please sign it for me too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Chen Gaoyuan looked at his younger sister several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zijin, however, was utterly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night, Aunt had said she regretted how she’d treated Li Heng before, admired his comeback, and respected his genius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was only in private!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew she’d make such a public spectacle today—actually acting on those words, openly expressing them before Dad, herself, the English teacher, and Fatty?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a little aunt as proud as a peacock, how much courage did it take?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does this mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t this directly apologizing to Li Heng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though not a single word of “apology” appeared in the text, Chen Xiaomi’s attitude was plain to all—who could fail to see it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Zhang Zhiyong—his mouth gaped wider than a toad’s, his eyes bulged as if about to pop out of his skull, utterly stunned! More stunned than anyone could imagine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The English teacher had heard Li Heng mention the longstanding feud between the two families; she glanced at Li Heng, then at Chen Xiaomi, then back at Li Heng, then again at Chen Xiaomi, smiling faintly and feeling deeply relieved inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, Li Heng was also somewhat surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—he was extremely, extremely surprised!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, even when his net worth neared a hundred million and his bank balance reached tens of millions, Chen Xiaomi had always looked down on him, never once given him a proper glance, never once offered him a kind expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, merely by becoming a renowned writer, he had instantly conquered Chen Xiaomi, triggering a complete 180-degree shift in her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though this apology was subtle, for a mature adult, to act this way in front of family was practically surrendering all pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell could he complain to about this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Li Heng’s dark sense of satisfaction surged—but his heart was also deeply complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps, in the eyes of families like hers, tens of millions meant nothing compared to the status of a writer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under everyone’s gaze, Li Heng met Chen Xiaomi’s eyes for two seconds, then smiled and took the book she held—《Alive》—“Didn’t expect my little aunt reads my books. What a pleasant surprise. Did you write your real name too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing him call her “little aunt,” Chen Gaoyuan smiled warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had noticed carefully: when they met at the hotel earlier, Li Heng had barely smiled at his younger sister, offering only a perfunctory greeting, utterly dismissive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, after his younger sister took the initiative to apologize and make amends, Li Heng didn’t act petty—he followed Zijin’s lead and called her “little aunt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Li Heng wasn’t entirely willing to call her “little aunt”—unless one day she apologized to his mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Heng call her “little aunt,” Chen Xiaomi’s tense heart relaxed—she’d feared he’d be too proud and young to give her any face, which would’ve been awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she’d regretted it before, she’d never been able to bring herself to reach out to Li Heng. Today, she finally dared to gently apologize because of the old man’s inspiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man specifically instructed her to personally deliver the book as a gift—wasn’t that giving her the perfect chance to reconcile with Li Heng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing the old man as she did, she was certain he intended exactly that—so she decided to go all in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Li Heng was smart enough—he must have understood the old man’s meaning, and gave her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi smiled and said, “Your real name holds value—it must be signed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With bold, flowing strokes, Li Heng wrote his real name and pen name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After signing the book, the atmosphere at the table reached a peak—even Chen Xiaomi, who had barely joined the conversation earlier, became more enthusiastic, helping her niece entertain the English teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Gaoyuan asked Li Heng, “How was the college entrance exam? What was your first-choice university?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied honestly, “I think I did well. My first choice is Peking University.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Gaoyuan glanced at his delighted daughter and nodded. “Good. Come home often after you get in, and bring Zijin with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng thought to himself he wasn’t even sure he’d get in—he’d wait until he was accepted before saying anything. But of course, he verbally agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the meal neared its end, Chen Xiaomi suddenly asked, “Zijin said you’re only staying in Jingcheng for four days?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said, “I have to go to Gansu for something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi calculated the days. “So you’re leaving on the 21st. What time? Did you get tickets?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said, “Yesterday, my teacher and Zhiyong already bought train tickets—8 a.m. on the 21st.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing they’d already bought train tickets, Chen Xiaomi suppressed her idea of buying them plane tickets and instead said, “Then let’s have dinner together on the evening of the 20th.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know a very famous traditional Chinese doctor—he has a special ointment for spinal ailments. I’ll get some for you these next two days, and you can take it back. But—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, then suggested, “But if you could bring Jian Guo here to Jingcheng for direct treatment, the results would be better. If you need anything, I can arrange it for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This startled everyone present—including Li Heng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This woman has guts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t just apologize—she bundled it with an apology to Li Jianguo and Tian Rune, using the massive lure of treating Li Jianguo’s illness, striking straight at the Li family’s weakest point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zijin asked worriedly, “Little aunt, if Li Shu comes for direct treatment, can he recover?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi exchanged a glance with Chen Gaoyuan, then said carefully, “I can’t promise anything—only after diagnosis can we draw conclusions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But don’t worry—this old doctor is extremely renowned in Jingcheng. Most people can’t even get an appointment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Gaoyuan now added to Li Heng, “I have a rough idea who she means. She’s close friends with the old doctor’s granddaughter—they’re alumni. She has real advantages here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it—this was a sugar-coated bomb!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, his father’s illness had completely broken him down. He saw countless doctors, visited countless hospitals—none helped. He passed away too early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This concerned life and death—he couldn’t flatly refuse. He said seriously, “I’ll discuss it with my parents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they left the old-style breakfast shop and prepared to part, Chen Xiaomi suddenly probed, “Li Heng, do you have plans for your next novel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Chen Gaoyuan, Chen Zijin, the English teacher, and Zhang Zhiyong all turned to look at him simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Chen Xiaomi’s expectant expression, Li Heng shook his head. “I only have a rough outline so far—nothing settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Chen Xiaomi looked at him as if he were a monster. She’d only asked tentatively, not expecting much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, writing a novel isn’t easy—inspiration, research, plotting, refining details—it all takes a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many authors spend three to five years—or even longer—perfecting a single work. Who writes as prolifically as Li Heng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Chen Xiaomi, Li Heng now resembled a delicious feast. She stared at him, lips parted, desperate to ask: What’s the theme of your new novel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When will you start writing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Have you considered submitting it to a new magazine?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you planning to send it to 《Harvest》 again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flood of questions surged in her mind—but she finally restrained herself, biting back the urge to devour this precious treasure. She knew now wasn’t the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way back, Chen Gaoyuan noticed his sister’s silence and couldn’t help asking, “What? Still thinking about Li Heng’s next novel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi didn’t answer directly, but sighed, “Tian Rune is lucky—she gave birth to such a wonderful son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Gaoyuan nodded, then said after a long pause, “Rune’s stubbornness rivals your sister-in-law’s. It’s a problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The solution lies with the one who tied the knot—both siblings understood this, but neither spoke it aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Chen Xiaomi, she could, out of admiration for Li Heng’s talent and following the old man’s lead, seek reconciliation with Li Heng and the Li family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her sister-in-law, older sister, and second sister were different—they weren’t literati, didn’t work in literature, wouldn’t immediately recognize Li Heng’s talent, wouldn’t be spiritually shaken by it—they’d lag behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if Li Heng consistently maintained the level of 《Alive》 and produced one or two more masterpieces in his lifetime, the situation might be entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how high was the standard of 《Alive》? Everyone saw it. Could Li Heng produce another work to match it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xiaomi silently shook her head—too difficult, far too difficult!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that she looked down on him—she was analyzing objectively, based on facts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, many authors peak at their debut and never write another hit again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Cao Yu’s 《Thunderstorm》—an unclimbable monument in Chinese drama history. Even though Cao Yu kept writing and produced many fine works afterward, the public generally agreed none surpassed 《Thunderstorm》.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: That’s all for today. Please vote for monthly tickets! Please subscribe!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3355,"2026-06-19T15:27:33.982Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8148367ed880cda2c702c9e2e52cb902a1dd0f8509e87c7657636157f4b871df","1987-my-era-chapter-120","1987-my-era-chapter-118",713,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002F1987-my-era-cover.jpg"]