Chapter 214: The Favored Are Often Reckless (Request Subscription)

First time ever!

Never in my life have I seen Xiao Han be this forward!

Li Heng was ecstatic—he held the rose around her waist with his left hand and gently cradled the back of her head with his right, returning her embrace with deep intimacy.

In an instant, the entire cafeteria froze; everyone stared, dumbfounded.

Wow! That's Xiao Han!

A goddess in so many hearts!

Though rumors had long circulated that Xiao Han had a boyfriend, those who had never met Li Heng had clung to a foolish hope—deceiving themselves into thinking: such a beautiful girl, who could possibly be worthy of her?

But now, that hope was shattered; their dreams crumbled, leaving only the sweetness between them and the scent of roses—suddenly, their hearts turned sour.

Her roommates in 303—Liu Liu Liu Xinyue, Chen Yi, and Liu Xin—were utterly envious; Li Heng was not only handsome and radiant, but also so romantic—no woman could resist, their very breath quickening.

What college student in this era had ever witnessed such a spectacle? Their gazes remained locked on the two, unable to look away.

Unaccustomed to such attention, Xiao Han grew even more shy, burying her face in his arms, torn between joy and distress!

A Happiness's Trouble!

Held tightly! Embraced tightly!

After a long while, Xiao Han bit her lower lip with her white teeth, gathered her courage, and pulled away from him, facing him; the girl who had been so nervous instantly smiled sweetly as their eyes met: "Mr. Li, why are you here today?"

"I missed you so much—I felt if I didn't see you today, I'd go mad tonight."

Seizing the moment, with hundreds of eyes watching, Li Heng cleanly kissed her forehead, then presented the roses: "Here, for you. They're not as beautiful as you, but don't reject them—peel them open, and you'll find all my heart inside."

In broad daylight, Xiao Han couldn't bear such blunt endearments—but she loved them, and her hands reached out unconsciously to take them.

After accepting them, she comforted herself inwardly: Play the part in public, no matter how reserved you are, you must smile—he came all this way for you, it's not easy; I'm just giving him face—who wants their honey to be laughed at?

Li Heng's kiss and Xiao Han's acceptance of the roses sent a wave of heartbreak echoing through the vast cafeteria.

Knowing her delicate nature, Li Heng greeted the girls from 303 and his old classmate Zhang Zhang Zhang Haiyan, then directly led his wife out of the cafeteria.

They had to leave—Xiao Han's shyness had grown so intense, her legs trembling so badly she could barely stand.

Once pulled out of the cafeteria and into a quieter outdoor spot, Xiao Han finally dared to lift her head! Finally dared to breathe fresh air openly!

Her face burned, her whole body tense to the point of suffocation, her palms slick with fine sweat from gripping the roses.

Seeing her endlessly inhaling the rose's fragrance, Li Heng leaned in and asked: "Wife, do you like them?"

Unexpectedly, Xiao Han said outright: "I don't like them!"

"Ah!" Li Heng promptly wore a clueless, innocent expression.

Xiao Han tilted her head, teasing him with eyes full of honeyed warmth.

Li Heng seized the moment to confess: "Be my girlfriend."

Xiao Han steadied herself, looked up, and smiled faintly: "What did you just say?"

Li Heng said with utmost seriousness: "Be my girlfriend."

Their eyes met; the air grew strangely still as Xiao Han stared directly into his:

"Mr. Li, I truly do like you—being your girlfriend has always been my deepest wish. But there's something I must clarify first."

Li Heng asked instinctively: "What's that?"

Xiao Han spoke clearly: "When you went to Beijing, did you see them?"

He knew it wouldn't be this simple—apparently, nothing had escaped her notice; Li Heng's mind buzzed with panic.

Seeing him speechless, Xiao Han lowered her head and sniffed the roses again: "They say cats have their ways, mice have theirs—don't ask how I know. But—"

She paused, her eyes lifting slightly, narrowing into crescent moons: "But next time you say those five words—'Be my girlfriend'—please think much more carefully."

Think through the consequences, think through your strategy to win me, think through the weight between us—are you truly more fond of me, or of someone else?

Make your decision only after you've thought it all through.

Until you've weighed it clearly, let's keep things as they are—I'm afraid that if you later discover the one you truly love isn't me, yet you're already with me, already giving me roses, holding my hand, hugging me close, you'll regret it and kick me out, finding fault with everything about me.

As she spoke, she walked forward, clutching the roses, whispering pitifully:

"Phew! Take your time thinking—I won't run away. Don't rush. If you can't figure it out this lifetime, think about it in the next—I'll wait for you forever."

Hearing these words that sounded cruel yet brimmed with deep affection, Li Heng stood frozen, his heart aching painfully.

After a long while, he caught up from behind, took her hand, and said: "There are things I'll tell you slowly later—just walk with me for now."

Xiao Han struggled inwardly, lowering her head in silence.

Quietly, the two walked a hundred meters, one behind the other.

Suddenly, Xiao Han broke the silence, hugging the roses: "You came all this way to give me roses—surely there's more to it?"

Li Heng stopped, smiling: "What? Do you feel you were too cruel just now, and now you're trying to make it up?"

"No way!"

Her secret thought was guessed; Xiao Han turned her head, blushing: "I'm just curious—how capable is Mr. Li, who wants both fish and bear's paw? How good are you at charming women? How romantic are you really?"

Li Heng turned her face toward his, gazing deeply: "True romance? The essential ingredient is always a kiss."

He finished speaking; they stared at each other, silent.

In that silence, all sounds vanished—only their breathing and heartbeats remained; an indescribable atmosphere began to linger between them, less than half a meter apart.

They say the most lethal thing is ambiguous, half-formed longing; Xiao Han's heart began pounding wildly, and she nervously said: "You must be hungry by now—I'll take you to eat."

Li Heng stayed silent until he leaned close to her lips, then spoke softly: "I am hungry—but I don't crave rice."

He finished, his gaze burning as he fixed it on her cherry lips.

*Duang! * Xiao Han's heart leapt straight to her throat; she couldn't escape, and whimpered:

"Why do I feel you gave me roses just to trick me into kissing you?"

"Yes, and no."

Before she could react, Li Heng closed the distance and kissed her firmly.

The moment their lips met, Xiao Han's eyes flew wide open—helpless, heartbroken, and strangely amused.

The one you favor always acts with impunity—always so infuriating!

Seeing him grow more absorbed, more greedy, unsure what to do, Xiao Han finally pulled the roses from between their chests; a tender helplessness rose in her heart. She stepped closer, slipped into his arms, and slowly closed her eyes, gently returning his embrace.

"Hey! You two! What are you doing?"

Just as Xiao Han was indulging him, ready to yield, a voice suddenly erupted from the corner of the small grove!

It was loud—almost a shout—extremely stern!

Xiao Han jumped, snapping her eyes open; catching sight of an old man approaching, she forgot everything and yanked Li Heng's hand, sprinting away as fast as she could.

One breath!

Two breaths!

Three breaths!

They ran without stopping, changing breaths four times, only slowing when they were exhausted.

Only then did they realize they had left Shanghai Medical University and reached a desolate corner.

After deep breaths, still shaken, Xiao Han pressed her hand to her chest, cleared her throat, and said:

"That was one of our school's leaders—if I get expelled now, what will you do? Will you still want a girlfriend who dropped out of college?"

"Of course I will! Why wouldn't I? I don't care what kind of girl you are—I only care that you're Xiao Han." Li Heng answered without hesitation, almost instinctively.

He then patted his chest, boldly adding: "Besides, would he dare? If he does, I'll use my status as a famous writer to go straight to your school's leadership and make a scene."

Hearing this, Xiao Han looked up at the clear blue sky and white clouds, her dimple faintly appearing: "Mr. Li, I feel like a fish caught in a net."

Li Heng hugged her from behind: "That's because you're a mermaid—enchanted me."

Xiao Han glanced at the large arms wrapped around her waist, fell silent for nearly ten seconds, then sighed softly: "Ah."

Li Heng asked: "Why sigh?"

Xiao Han said dejectedly: "I'm wondering why there's always such a stark contrast—just a moment ago I was threatening you, and now my threatening lips are kissed swollen."

What did I do wrong in my past life that in this one, the more I try to escape, the closer I get—almost cooked duck already? So unfair."

Li Heng laughed heartily, pulling her even tighter.

As they whispered to each other, a rustling from a corner of the nearby wall caught their attention.

"Those two look like high schoolers—high schoolers this bold?" Li Heng exclaimed.

"What's new?" Xiao Han smiled faintly: "I've seen junior high students dating."

Hearing her pointed remark, Li Heng paused, defending: "What do junior highers know? They're just kids, clueless."

"Oh, they know plenty!" Xiao Han's eyes sparkled cheerfully: "Children's love is the purest—they always swear eternal vows, 'till the sea dries up, till the rocks crumble, till—'"

Li Heng asked casually: "Till what?"

Xiao Han lowered her eyes, staring at her toes, mumbling: "Till they go to bed together."

Li Heng's face darkened; faced with this absurd truth, he was left speechless.

After a moment, Xiao Han half-turned, gazing at him with an encouraging look: "Mr. Li, your eloquence is always impressive—why not share your thoughts?"

Only a fool would dwell on this topic; Li Heng grumbled: "I'm hungry—let's go eat."

As if on cue, his stomach growled loudly.

Xiao Han had intended to press further, but ultimately shrank back; she stepped away from him and asked: "What do you want to eat today? Chenzhou restaurant? Or Shanghai local dishes?"

Li Heng didn't hesitate: "Hunan cuisine—there's chili. Since coming here, I've been craving it."

The two returned the way they came and entered the Chenzhou restaurant.

Having secretly loved him for years, Xiao Han knew his tastes perfectly—ordered fried yellow tofu, dry pot duck, and yam greens.

Then she asked: "Anything else?"

Li Heng ordered her favorite: chopped pepper fish head.

Seeing the dishes he ordered for her, Xiao Han felt a sweetness in her heart—sweeter than being held or kissed. Honey really does care about her.

During their time together, she had ordered fish head with chili only once, and that was the only time she ate half a bowl more rice—yet he remembered.

After ordering, the owner asked, "Would you two like drinks or alcohol?"

Xiao Han looked at him.

Li Heng said, "Two bottles of soda."

Once the owner left, Xiao Han asked with concern, "Your eyes look tired—didn't you sleep well last night?"

"Mm, got carried away writing," Li Heng explained, recounting how he'd stayed up all night writing.

Xiao Han listened, her heart aching. "The weather's nice today. After we eat, why don't you take a nap on the grass at our campus?"

Li Heng stretched his neck and asked, "Will you nap with me?"

Xiao Han nearly cried. She spoke clearly, "Fine. I'll keep watch while you sleep."

Li Heng was satisfied. "Alright. I'll sleep until dark, then leave."

Aside from the disagreement over "being girlfriends," their hearts were pressed close together—almost merging into each other's bodies. The meal's atmosphere was exceptionally warm; they chatted about school and daily life for over an hour and a half.

If the owner hadn't gently reminded them, they'd have stayed longer, still talking and laughing in the restaurant, oblivious to time.

Xiao Han tried to pay, but Li Heng stopped her. "I've already taken too many advantages today. Let you take one from me now."

Hearing this, Xiao Han lowered her head, biting her lower lip as she smiled, her right foot lightly scuffing the ground.

Inside the campus gate, she glanced around—seeing no trace of the official—and finally exhaled in relief. Then she led him to a clean patch of grass, sat down, and patted the ground.

"Mr. Li, sleep. I'll guard you."

Li Heng had no concept of politeness—he plopped down right away, then, in her stunned gaze, stretched his head onto her thighs, settled comfortably, and closed his eyes.

Watching classmates pass along the shaded path nearby, Xiao Han's face twisted into a knot. She whispered frantically, "I'm just a freshman—please, spare me."

Li Heng remained unmoved, calm and composed: "You were hugged under the dorm building. I sent you roses in the cafeteria. Who doesn't know I'm your fiancé? What are you afraid of?"

Xiao Han's face fell completely. "I'm not afraid—I'm just… you're bullying me…"

After speaking, she looked at him shyly and hopefully.

【122】 She gazed at him helplessly, cheeks flushed.

Their eyes locked. Li Heng held up two fingers. "Twenty minutes."

Xiao Han wanted to argue, but seeing his expression darken, she gripped her left hand tightly with her right and spoke stiffly: "O-okay."

After countless attempts today, Li Heng knew this was her limit. He stopped teasing her and changed the subject:

"When are you free? I'll take you to our campus."

Xiao Han bared her little fangs, her tone darkly sarcastic: "Is our Mr. Li so popular at Fudan? Do I need to stand in for Mrs. Song and Mrs. Chen to keep the crowd in line?"

Li Heng lifted his eyelids, shoved her lightly, annoyed: "Enough! What Mrs. Song, Mrs. Chen? I haven't even won over Mrs. Xiao yet—why would I care about anyone else? Keep provoking me, and you'll face family discipline."

Hearing this, Xiao Han's lips couldn't help but curl upward. She glanced over his body, watching his flustered state—he didn't look at all like the lofty, revered author. Suddenly, she felt their heartbeats sync.

Ignoring her teasing gaze, Li Heng continued: "I'm serious. I've been to your campus many times. It's only fair I take you to Fudan too—so you won't keep suspecting me like this."

Xiao Han smiled sweetly and nodded eagerly: "Yes, yes! I believe you."

I believe you? Ha. You're a heartless flirt. Xiao Han's inner alarm blared. Fudan was unavoidable now—she couldn't let Song Yu and Chen Chen Chen Zijin's armies hold their ground while her own rear collapsed. If that happened, she'd weep herself to death.

Some things were best left unsaid. Xiao Han wisely dropped it, instead inquired about his family: "How's your father's health?"

Li Heng said, "He's arrived in Jingcheng. He's undergoing treatment. The doctors estimate three to six months for recovery."

Jingcheng? Two figures instantly flashed in her mind: Song Yu and Chen Chen Chen Zijin. After a moment's thought, Song Yu faded away, leaving only Chen Chen Chen Zijin.

Is she making a move again? A sudden, unprecedented sense of crisis pierced Xiao Han's heart—but her face remained calm as she asked, "When will you go visit your father?"

Li Heng replied, "New Year's Day. I've made plans with my second sister to go then."

Was it really his second sister? Or was it with Mrs. Chen? Xiao Han seethed. She'd thought moving to Hushi gave her the advantage of time, place, and people—but now this twist.

Yet she was patient. Patience was great wisdom. She'd endured for years—she didn't need to rush now. True wisdom lay in knowing when to wait.

Xiao Han tilted her head, lazily glancing at him. "Go ahead. Next time you go to Jingcheng, don't bother giving me a roundabout update. Since I met you, I've been forced to become a master of endurance."

Li Heng: "..."

Huh. His wife was perfect in every way—except she was too clever, and loved to speak in veiled barbs. It left him with no anger at all.

As they chatted, twenty minutes passed in a flash. When Li Heng's breathing grew steady, the cunning Xiao Han vanished. Her gaze softened immeasurably as she stared down at the man on her lap, feeling a deep, quiet contentment.

You're perfect in every way—except you love beauties.

She stared at honey for half an hour without blinking. Her eyes grew tired. She sighed softly, took off her coat, and gently draped it over him.

At five past five, she didn't wake him.

At six past five, she still couldn't bring herself to wake him.

When the clock neared half past seven, Xiao Han had no choice but to shake the man on her thigh: "Wake up, Mr. Li. Wake up!"

His dream interrupted, Li Heng mumbled, "What time is it?"

"Just one minute before seven-thirty. You should leave, or you'll miss the bus," Xiao Han reminded him.

Hearing this, Li Heng sat up quickly, reached for the spot where he'd slept, and asked, "After all that, is your leg numb?"

In an instant, Xiao Han's face flushed crimson, as if dripping water. She turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze.

Seeing this, Li Heng snatched his hand back, stood up, and laughed it off: "It's already late. I'll go now. Won't join you for dinner—next time, I will."

Xiao Han rose and walked with him all the way to the campus gate.

Li Heng stopped her. "Don't leave campus at this hour—it's unsafe. Just stop here."

Seeing the worry in his eyes, Xiao Han nodded softly and stayed put, watching his figure disappear long before she turned away.

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(End of Chapter)