Chapter 299: The Best Ear of Wheat (Request Subscription!)

In the darkness.

Li Heng listened intently for a while, hearing no regular breathing from the bed next to him, nor any other movement.

He suddenly wondered: Could Zhou Gu Niang not be asleep?

If that were true, then everything he'd just done—having a erotic dream, taking a shower, washing his underwear—she would have known perfectly well?

And there was another troubling question: Had he called out a name in his dream?

Like Song Yu?

Like Xiao Han?

Like Yu Laoshi?

Last time he had a dream about Yu Laoshi and shouted her name, he got caught red-handed—what if it happened again?

Then?

Thinking of this, Li Heng's head felt like it was splitting open. He paused, then cautiously whispered:

"Who's there? Who's standing by the bed? Zhou Zhou Shihe, is that you?"

In the deep silence of night, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe's body instantly stiffened, her scalp prickling with cold sweat; she instinctively turned to look toward the head of the bed.

But the next second, she forced herself to stay still, lying flat, motionless—yet her eyes unconsciously drifted toward the right side of the bed, wondering if something truly stood there.

After waiting a while and hearing no movement, Li Heng dared to hope: Maybe she really was asleep.

Forget it. Whether she's asleep or not, I'm treating her as asleep. As long as I'm not embarrassed, someone else will be.

Gradually overcome by drowsiness, Li Heng slipped into unconscious sleep.

Long, long after, when the regular breathing from the next bed finally came, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe exhaled softly—now she could turn over. She rolled from head to foot, then back again, checking multiple times, and only after confirming nothing was amiss did she quietly relax.

She had barely closed her eyes; dawn was still far off, but she forced herself to sleep a little longer.

The night passed.

The next day, when Li Heng opened his eyes, Zhou Gu Niang was already dressed, half-reclined against the headboard, reading.

He stared at her for two seconds, blinked, and said: "You've learned to behave? You even brought a book in to wait for me to wake up?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe smiled faintly, revealing half her face from behind the book: "It's already nine."

"What? Nine?"

Li Heng jumped—wasn't the flight scheduled for ten? It was already nine, and they hadn't even left home? What the hell was the point of catching this flight?!

Sensing his thoughts, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe said: "There's a blizzard outside. Yu Laoshi received a call saying today's flights are grounded—no one can leave."

"Really?"

"Mm."

Li Heng sat up, then flopped back into the blankets, turning to look out the window—outside, everything was a blinding white, snowflakes swirling thickly through the air, far denser than in the past two storms.

He couldn't help asking: "Why did I sleep so late?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe glanced at him, then pulled her head back behind the book, unsure how to answer.

"Hey, you're reading my book—'A Bitter Journey Through Culture'."

"Mm."

"How is it?" Li Heng stretched and yawned, making small talk to ease the tension.

"It's very good. I'm reviewing it," Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe replied, her voice soft and delicate.

After a while, she asked curiously: "You wrote 'To Live' before—why suddenly switch to essays?"

Li Heng answered: "If I said it was a sudden whim, would you believe me?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe put down the book and looked at him.

Li Heng explained: "After the Gaokao, I had nothing to do, so I went to Gansu to visit Aunt Zhao on behalf of my parents. Aunt Zhao is a renowned scholar in China, specializing in cultural preservation and archaeology. Over the years, she's amassed countless valuable materials and documents. I idly flipped through some—and got hooked. Before I knew it, I was completely absorbed."

Hearing Li Heng recount the creation of 'A Bitter Journey Through Culture', Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe recalled a saying: Success belongs to those who are prepared—but talent surpasses all.

One half-sitting on the bed, the other reclining on the sofa, they chatted about 'A Bitter Journey Through Culture' for nearly half an hour. Finally, Li Heng couldn't hold back any longer and gently hinted: "You keep reading—I'm getting up."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe froze, then picked up the book on the bed, lifted it slightly to cover her entire face, blocking her view completely.

But she couldn't focus on the book anymore—she listened instead to the continuous, faint sounds coming from the sofa.

A few minutes later, Li Heng spoke: "I'm done. You can get up now."

"Mm."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe murmured, but didn't move until he had returned the sofa to its original spot, left the room, and closed the door—only then did she place the book on the nightstand, pulled back the covers, and began searching for her shoes.

Outside, in the main room.

As soon as Li Heng stepped out, he met Yu Laoshi's gaze. He mumbled a greeting: "Yu Laoshi, good morning."

Yu Laoshi glanced at him twice, then returned to her newspaper.

Something felt off. Li Heng stopped, tilted his head: "Did I offend someone by sleeping in?"

Yu Laoshi said: "Next time you go out at night, wear your pants."

Oh—it was about last night.

Li Heng looked around, pursed his lips: "So Miss Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao left?"

Yu Laoshi lifted her head, smiling faintly: "Auntie? Twenty-seven is an auntie? Wang Wang Runwen is twenty-seven too."

Li Heng shrugged: "She looks older—she's nothing compared to our Teacher Wang."

Yu Laoshi stared at him with a sly smile.

Their eyes locked. Li Heng's scalp prickled. Finally, he changed the subject: "Teacher, do you think the snow will stop today?"

Yu Laoshi snapped back: "You're eager to get back to Shanghai?"

Li Heng nodded: "Last time I didn't make it to Master Ba's house. Tomorrow's Sunday—we made plans to go."

Yu Laoshi said: "Someone will inform me the moment flights resume."

"Thanks."

Li Heng thanked her and headed to the bathroom.

With the trip suddenly canceled, the three of them had plenty of time—they slowly found a restaurant for breakfast, then went shopping.

The two women shopped; he accompanied them.

He didn't want to go—but one sentence from Yu Laoshi corrupted him: "Come along, and I'll give you two bottles of red wine."

Li Heng rubbed his hands together, muttering: "Teacher, you can't use sugar-coated bullets like this—it's too cruel to human nature."

Yu Laoshi said: "You can use them as gifts."

Li Heng paused, then understood—he'd mentioned visiting Master Ba, and Yu Laoshi was quietly preparing a gift for him.

He immediately fawned: "Shop! Shop as much as you want! I'll carry everything. If we don't finish today, we'll finish tomorrow!"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe gave him a strange look, pointing ahead to a hat and glove shop: "They sell gloves there."

Li Heng waved his hands: "No need to spend money—your gloves are already stretched out from me wearing them. You can't use them anymore. Give them to me."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe laughed and said okay.

He truly admired how women shopped—those long, straight legs kept moving endlessly, like a perpetual motion machine. He'd never seen her move like that in bed—why didn't she get tired on the street?

But then he remembered the two bottles of wine—and convinced himself again: Damn, it's all because I'm broke. To others, I'm supposed to be rich—but I can't even afford decent bottles of red wine.

Lunch was hastily handled.

Dinner: hot pot with red wine.

Honestly, these past few days eating so closely with the two women, he'd quietly noticed something.

In both his past and present lives, he'd met countless people, interacted with all kinds—yet in terms of poise, none compared to these two women.

The way they delicately picked up a slice of beef, dipped it lightly, and brought it to their lips—every gesture, every motion, every sip and chew was graceful, pleasing to the eye—he couldn't forget it.

He marveled: This—this was the true depth of wealth and nobility. This was the refined, restrained Eastern elegance cultivated by generations of privilege—not some online "ladyhood bootcamp," not the hollow imitation of posture and pretense.

Seeing him stare as she ate, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe quickly checked herself, found nothing amiss, smiled gently, and continued eating, unaffected by his gaze.

After watching Zhou Gu Niang for a while, Li Heng turned to Yu Laoshi, comparing them—both were equally poised.

Later, he asked curiously: "Yu Laoshi, red wine with hot pot feels weird. Do you often eat like this?"

"No. Only since meeting you," Yu Laoshi replied.

Li Heng: "Ah."

Yu Laoshi continued: "Your Hunan hot pot is too oily, too spicy, too salty—it overwhelms the wine's natural aroma, dulls the fruit notes, ruins the taste. Better to just drink Er Guo Tou, like in old Beijing."

Li Heng blurted: "Then why waste the wine? Just drink Er Guo Tou?"

Yu Laoshi sipped her wine slowly: "I have plenty of wine. I can afford to experiment."

Li Heng: "..."

Seeing him speechless, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe smiled knowingly, raised her wine glass, and signaled him to clink.

Li Heng lifted his glass, tapped it against hers, and sighed: "Some are born in Rome, others are born as beasts. I've decided—I'll just bring two bags of candy to Master Ba's."

Yu Laoshi gave him an approving look: "Good insight. When giving gifts to someone of Master Ba's stature, either choose something rare and valuable—or something utterly ordinary. The former shows your heart; the latter shows your confidence, your ease."

They ate and talked, switching from red wine to Er Guo Tou midway. Unhurried by time, they lingered for nearly two hours before finally breaking up.

"It's 9:34 now, Zhou Zhou Shihe—are you drunk? Still up for cards?" Yu Laoshi asked after clearing the dishes.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe's cheeks were flushed, but tonight's drinking had been casual—no one forced her, and she hadn't overdone it. "I'm fine."

Li Heng stood up: "I'm going to shower. Wait a few minutes."

"You just drank—now you're showering?" Yu Laoshi frowned.

Li Heng waved his hand: "No big deal. I didn't drink much."

He found fresh clothes and headed to the bathroom.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe and Yu Laoshi didn't move—they'd already bathed during the time between dinner and the meal, since neither of them had cooked.

Twenty minutes later, the three gathered around the poker table.

Li Heng dealt the cards while asking, "Teacher, have you become addicted to poker?"

"I rarely play—only with you do I get hooked," Yu Yu Yu Shuheng said.

Li Heng looked at her.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe also turned her gaze toward her.

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng tapped the cards: "Your playing style is full of tricks, quite novel."

Hearing this, Li Heng wondered whether he should cheat a little to show Yu Laoshi how skilled he really was.

But he soon abandoned the thought—it would be like an adult beating a child, utterly without fun.

Besides, his greatest strength wasn't his poker skills—it was his bed skills. He might not master all eighteen martial arts, but he was close enough. He prioritized quality in the bedroom; in his past life, he'd studied it extensively.

Hmm, to quote Yu Laoshi: he had the capital to support trying all kinds of tricks.

At 11 p. m., the gray-clad woman Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect knocked on the door.

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng frowned and opened the door: "Didn't I tell you not to come before the New Year? Why are you here again?"

Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect winked and whispered, "Shh! I'm here to supervise you—afraid you'll sneak off to eat dragon whip alone."

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng stared at her without expression for a moment, then turned and walked inside.

For two consecutive days, he read, took walks, and rehearsed "The Original Landscape of My Hometown" during the day; at night, the four gathered to play poker.

Time passed quickly.

During this time, Yu Yu Yu Shuheng pretended not to notice the two sharing a room.

But once, after eating too much and waking in the middle of the night for water, she found herself inexplicably standing outside the guest room door, pressed against it for a long while—until hearing no movement inside, she left.

She felt quietly happy for her friend: Wang Wang Runwen had good taste—this young boy had more patience than she'd imagined.

Unaware that every move she made had been sensed by Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe inside.

By the faint snowlight from the window, watching the man asleep on the sofa, she thought of Xiao Han, thought of Suishui, and felt her four years of university would be extraordinary.

January 18, 1988.

Early that morning, Li Heng finally woke up first, shaking Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe awake:

"Comrade Zhou Zhou Shihe, get up—we need to catch our flight."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe slowly opened her eyes, gazed at him silently for two seconds, then softly replied, "Okay."

"Hurry up—it's freezing outside, breakfast will get cold. I'll wait for you with Yu Laoshi."

"Mm."

Closing the door, Li Heng joined Yu Yu Yu Shuheng at the tea table for breakfast.

The breakfast had been delivered, along with three plane tickets.

Li Heng ate dumplings while asking, "Teacher, you really won't let me pay for the tickets?"

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng said, "I can get reimbursed."

"Oh, alright." Though he'd suspected it, hearing it confirmed eased his mind.

After all, no one's money comes from the wind—save where you can, claim reimbursement when possible.

Ten minutes later, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe, freshly washed, joined them at the tea table and asked Yu Yu Yu Shuheng: "Teacher, do we still have enough time?"

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng checked her watch and smiled: "Eat first—you've got time."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe said nothing more, lowering her head to focus on her meal.

8:30

A plane departed Jingcheng on schedule, heading for Hushi.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe, apparently sleep-deprived, fell asleep as soon as they boarded.

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng read her book, ignoring everything else.

Li Heng, bored, glanced around aimlessly, then closed his eyes too.

At one moment, Yu Yu Yu Shuheng suddenly closed her book, turned her head toward the young boy beside her—just as she had that night upon waking—and her gaze traced his brow, eyes, nose, and lips.

As she watched, she recalled her mother's words: "My proud daughter won't lower her head to look three steps ahead, but I can see seven."

Just then, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe woke, slowly opening her eyes—but seeing the scene before her, she froze for a moment, then quietly shut them again, pretending to sleep.

Yu Yu Yu Shuheng sensed something, turned back to Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe, observed for a while, then reopened her book and resumed reading.

At 10:50 a. m., the plane landed in Hushi.

As always, Li Heng reached for Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe's luggage and followed Yu Laoshi toward the exit.

"Paper doll" was Ye Ning's teasing nickname for Zhou, comparing her frail, delicate appearance to Lin Lin Lin Daiyu—heartbreakingly pitiful.

Two cars waited outside to pick them up. Yu Yu Yu Shuheng told them: "I have something to attend to—I'll have someone drive you straight back to campus."

"Alright, thank you, Teacher."

Li Heng thanked her, then led Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe toward the second Mercedes.

Opening the door, closing it, once the car started moving, he asked curiously: "Comrade Zhou Zhou Shihe, why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe smiled lightly and shook her head, then asked: "When did you meet Yu Laoshi?"

Li Heng answered without thinking: "This September, around the start of term."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe nodded quietly and reminded him: "Remember to take off your gloves later."

Li Heng looked down at the gloves Zhou had given him, thought for a moment, then smiled: "Alright—I'm someone who listens."

They chatted idly until the car stopped. They thanked the driver, then walked one after the other into the alley.

He asked: "It's Monday—do you have classes today?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe said: "There's an exam coming—classes have probably been suspended."

"Damn, look at my memory—I completely forgot such a big thing."

Li Heng slapped his forehead, then added, "It's mealtime now—go put your luggage away, I'll call you later."

Before he finished speaking, the door of Building 26 suddenly opened, revealing a graceful figure.

Who else but Seeing Mai Sui?

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe smiled at her friend, pulled out her key, and opened the door to Building 27, stepping inside.

Seeing Mai Sui called out: "Zhou Zhou Shihe, I've cooked food—come eat."

"Okay, I'll be right there," came the voice from inside.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe had gone. The end of the alley now held only two people.

One inside, one outside—their glances touched, tangled, and could not be separated.

After a long silent gaze, Li Heng stepped forward, entered the gate, and said, "I'm back."

"Mm, give me your things," Seeing Mai Sui reached out to take them.

Li Heng didn't hand them over—he stepped closer instead.

Seeing Mai Sui startled, instinctively trying to pull away—but seeing he made no further move, she calmed, smiling softly:

"What are you doing? I can't catch you."

Li Heng kicked the door shut and fixed his gaze on her eyes.

Seeing Mai Sui's eyes flickered, her delicate double eyelids blinking rapidly before she quietly looked away.

"You're afraid."

Before Li Heng could finish his sentence, Seeing Mai Sui's hands moved like lightning, clamping over his mouth.

Face to face, she shook her head, then, under his gaze, opened her arms and embraced him, pressing her head against his chest, whispering softly: "Li Heng, let's stop here, okay?"

Li Heng stood motionless, silent.

After a while, Seeing Mai Sui tilted her head slightly, gazing up at him with pleading eyes, on the verge of tears.

They stared at each other for a long time. Finally, Li Heng reached out and gently stroked her hair, then pinched her butterfly-shaped gold earring and said: "Alright, I agree."

Hearing this, Seeing Mai Sui exhaled sharply, then closed her eyes, letting him touch her earring, let him caress her cheek—until half a minute later, when he slowly withdrew his hand, she gradually opened her long eyelashes again.

Step back, step back, step back again—she pulled away from his arms, wiped her tears, and smiled: "Go wash up and eat upstairs—I cooked your favorite dishes. I'll go call Zhou Zhou Shihe."

"Mm, mm," Li Heng murmured twice, passed her, and headed straight upstairs.

Thump-thump-thump—the footsteps faded. The moment they were gone, Seeing Mai Sui's forced smile collapsed. Tears poured down her face. She slumped against the door, limp as boneless meat, her heart pierced by knives.

Her shoulders trembled violently. This love she could not name—burned like a volcano, obsessed like a moth, and terrified her like a hurricane.

She dared not cry out, pressing her hand tightly over her mouth, forehead pressed against the door, overwhelmed by chaos—hurt, confusion, injustice, anxiety, guilt—all swirling, silent, suffocating sobs.

At this moment, her heart was agonizingly, impossibly complex.

After putting away her luggage and washing her hands, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe calculated the time and headed toward Building 26.

But as soon as she entered the alley, she stopped dead—through the half-open door, she saw her friend curled against the door, weeping.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe froze, then silently retreated, slipping back into Building 27, moving with feather-light care to make no sound.

Back inside, it still didn't feel safe. After a moment's thought, she retreated upstairs to the bathroom.

She raised her right wrist and began counting.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Three minutes.

Four minutes.

When the timer reached four minutes and ten seconds, footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe immediately lowered her wrist, took a towel from the rack, and began wiping her hands slowly.

"Zhou Zhou Shihe, Zhou Zhou Shihe, are you there?"

"I'm here—in the bathroom."

Mai Sui took three steps to the bathroom door and urged, "Hurry up and eat—your food's going cold."

"Mm, okay."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe calmly hung up her towel, picked up her watch from the sink, and put it on as she walked toward the door, saying:

"Didn't sleep well last night—felt tired, so I warmed my face with a hot towel. Much better now."

Mai Sui studied her for a moment. "You do look exhausted. Want to nap this afternoon?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe shook her head. "No. I've already missed two days of class. Finals are coming—I need to catch up."

Without giving her friend time to respond, she shifted the topic: "Where's Ningning? Didn't she come with you?"

Mai Sui's attention immediately diverted: "A fellow townsman needed her, so she stayed behind. How was the rehearsal in Beijing?"

"He didn't tell you?" Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe asked knowingly.

She knew because Mai Sui's earlier demeanor clearly showed she hadn't had time for casual chatter.

Mai Sui said, "I haven't asked yet."

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe then recounted everything that had happened in Beijing—but omitted the matter of Huang Zhao's restaurant, the incident with Yu Laoshi, and the fact that she'd shared a room with him.

"You met so many big names—I'm so jealous," Mai Sui said after listening.

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe had briefly considered inviting her to Beijing for winter break, but she crushed the thought immediately. After all, she was just helping out; Li Heng was the main focus, and she was staying at Yu Laoshi's home—some things were better left unoverstepped.

As they chatted, the two reached the second floor of Building 27.

At that moment, Li Heng was in his study, opening a letter from Song Yu—Mai Sui had brought it back and placed it on the desk.

"Li Heng, Zhou Zhou Shihe's here—come out and eat."

"Alright, coming."

After reading the letter twice, Li Heng learned Song Yu would return to Dongting Lake for the New Year—and all his thoughts vanished.

Besides, he was bound to spend the New Year in Beijing anyway. Even if Song Yu had stayed in Shaoshan, there was no way he could go.

Li Jianguo and Tian Run'e were still undecided—whether to return to their hometown or stay in Beijing.

Carrying these thoughts, Li Heng stepped out of his study and sat down beside the coffee table.

Three meat dishes and one vegetable—just enough for three people.

Halfway through the meal, Li Heng asked Mai Sui: "Only a week until exams. Will you go straight home for winter break, or come with me and Zhou Zhou Shihe to Beijing?"

Hearing this, Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe was slightly surprised—if he'd asked Xiao Han, she'd understand.

But asking Mai Sui?

She glanced at him subtly, then at her friend, and quietly resumed eating.

Mai Sui didn't hesitate: "Home. That dream I had last time—I'm uneasy. I need to go back and see for myself."

At the mention of the dream, Li Heng recalled the fate of Mai Sui's family in his past life—so he didn't press further:

"Alright. I'll give you Beijing's phone number. Once you're home, call me and Zhou Zhou Shihe when you have time."

Mai Sui agreed.

After eating, the three took a walk toward the campus gate—he needed to call Sister Sister Liao the editor-in-chief.

He knew the place well, but one glance made him reconsider—there were way too many people.

How long would he have to wait?

At that moment, he missed Yu Laoshi desperately—missed the days when he could call whenever he wanted, for as long as he liked.

Too bad Yu Laoshi hadn't returned with them—he couldn't just use Mai Sui's spare key to go over and make a call.

One must know one's limits. Consent and trespassing are two entirely different things.

Li Heng handed his books to the two girls: "Go ahead to the library and save me a seat. I'll join you after I make the call."

After a brief discussion, Mai Sui and Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe agreed and returned to campus with the books.

This was Fudan University—every student was a scholar, and with finals approaching, if you were even a second late to claim a seat, there wouldn't be one left for you.

Standing patiently in the cold wind, he waited over twenty minutes before his turn. Everyone seemed frugal—each call was brief, strictly kept under a minute.

Fortunately, Zhang Bing, the man selling roasted sweet potatoes nearby, handed him a warm one. Even if he didn't eat it, the heat in his hands was comforting.

As the senior student ahead of him finished, Li Heng stepped forward and dialed.

"Dong dong dong!"

"Dong dong dong!"

After a long wait, the line finally connected—Sister Sister Liao's voice came through.

"Hello, who's this?"

"Uncle Sister Sister Liao, it's me. I'm calling from outside—I just got back from Beijing."

Behind him, a crowd of people clamored to use the phone. Li Heng spoke quickly, giving Sister Sister Liao a hint.

Sister Sister Liao, an old fox, understood instantly and changed his words:

"I've been waiting for your call these past two days. I even went to your school, but the gate was locked. When are you free?"

Li Heng replied succinctly: "Any day this week."

Sister Sister Liao checked his calendar. "Then how about Thursday? I'll come pick you up."

"Fine, no problem."

The call was short—ended before even a minute passed.

Better to cut it short. Say too much, and you might mention the book, or his writer identity—better to hang up early.

He hung up the receiver, pulled out money, and handed it to the vendor, then turned to leave.

"Master! My dear master!"

Before he even crossed the street, a figure dashed from a side alley, sprinting toward him like an arrow, grabbing his arm and speaking in halting Chinese: "Master, you're finally back! A day apart feels like three autumns—I've missed you so much!"

Li Heng's lip twitched, but he calmly pulled his arm free.

Seeing his expression, Li Xian burst out laughing. "Ah! What's there to fear? In broad daylight, do you think I'll eat you? Look—how's my Mandarin?

I just used two idioms: 'A day apart feels like three autumns,' 'in broad daylight'—no, wait, one more: 'Your disciple misses Master so much!'"

As she spoke, Li Xian spread her hands like flower petals, beaming with delight.

"You're such a mischievous little thing!"

Li Heng scolded playfully. "Your Mandarin has improved, but there's still room to grow."

"I know, I know—don't be hard on me. I'm just a cute little thing, too. Oh! By the way, two boys gave me love letters today. Want me to read them to you?" She rummaged through her bag, pulled out two letters, and waved them in front of him, clearly showing off.

Li Heng shoved her aside and nodded to Liu Yue and Zhou Min as they approached.

After a few pleasantries, Liu Yue said: "Li Heng, come here—I need to talk to you."

Li Xian and Zhou Min were unfazed, watching as the two walked aside.

Li Heng asked: "What's up?"

Liu Yue, hands behind her back, circled him once, then again, then suddenly dropped: "My aunt asked you out—why didn't you go?"

Li Heng said: "I thought it was something big. That's it? Everyone asks me out every day—I can't say yes to all of them."

Liu Yue tilted her head. "Fair enough. But have you seen what my aunt looks like?"

Li Heng: "I have."

"A Great Blue Role? That face, those breasts, those perfect curves, those long legs—didn't you get even a little spark?" Liu Yue leaned in.

Li Heng: "."

Liu Yue's gaze drifted downward. "You're not… impotent, are you? Can't get it up?"

Li Heng raised an eyebrow, irritated: "Want to test it?"

Liu Yue feigned deep thought. "Try it first? Fine. If it works, I'll recommend it to my aunt. Didn't Princess Taiping and Wu Zetian do the same?"

Li Heng: "."

He gave up—he'd never met anyone so brazen.

Seeing him flustered, Liu Yue chuckled and clapped her hands. "How about this: pick one—my bed or my aunt's bed. You've got to choose one."

Li Heng rolled his eyes. "Just tell me what you really want."

Liu Yue pulled two letters from her bag and handed them to him. "I'm hosting an English salon. Your English is excellent, and your reputation is huge—could you come to one or two sessions?"

Li Heng said: "You're using my fame?"

Liu Yue replied: "Not for free—you can sleep with my… aunt."

Li Heng took the letters, glanced at them—one was from Gansu, written in Li Ran's hand.

The other was from his own school—he had no interest.

Liu Yue pointed to the school letter. "I know this girl—she's the daughter of one of our school's administrators."

Li Heng asked: "How do you know who sent it?"

"It wasn't mailed—it was handed to me personally," Liu Yue scoffed. "I was trying to push my aunt on you, and she tried to sneak in? Her chest isn't even as big as mine!"

Li Heng had no reply. "About the English salon—I'll let you know when I have time."

"Fine, I'm not in a rush," Liu Yue nodded, then turned and walked away.

Despite her absurd talk, she always left cleanly—no lingering, no Jiuchan.

He folded the letters and slipped them into his pocket, then walked toward the roasted sweet potato stand, smiling from afar: "Good evening, Old Zhang, Old Bai, Old Hu."

Bai Bai Bai Wanying, in her wheelchair, turned her head and waved. "Big star! Back from rehearsal?"

Li Heng leaned over to look at her. "Bai Bai Bai Wanying, you've been glowing lately. What's your secret? Share it with me."

Bai Bai Bai Wanying said: "Eat well, sleep well, stay happy—that's all."

To be fair, if this girl hadn't had her leg disability, her beauty would've ranked second only to Liu Yue's—she was a true little beauty. Too bad fate was cruel.

Li Heng counted—less than a minute, seven sweet potatoes sold. "Old Zhang, your stall's reputation is solid now. Business is great."

Zhang Bing rubbed his head and smiled broadly. "I don't even know why business is so good—if it weren't for my brothers and Bai Bai Wanying helping out, I couldn't handle it alone."

Li Heng asked: "Final exams are coming up—how's your revision going?"

Hu Ping chimed in: "Heng-ge, that question's outdated—we've all memorized the books. The exam shouldn't be a problem."

Li Heng gazed at the sky, sighing. "Guess I shouldn't have asked—you've already memorized everything, while I'm still stuck in class. I'm off to study too."

Watching Li Heng run off, the three exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

Bai Bai Bai Wanying said: "I've never seen Li Heng flustered before—he used to be the center of attention everywhere. In the girls' dorm, no matter which room you visited, someone was talking about him. He was absolutely the talk of the campus."

Bai Bai Bai Wanying turned to Hu Ping: "Hu Shuaige, you've got your share of gossip too. Many girls are furious, saying you've hit a dead end—so many girls like you, yet you're obsessed with Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu."

Zhang Bing said: "Yeah, Lao Hu, aren't you going to the library tonight to study with Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu?"

"Taking a break—books are worn out, nothing new to find." Hu Ping handed a sweet potato to a customer and collected the money.

Hearing this, Zhang Bing dropped the subject—he figured Lao Hu had been turned down again by Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu and was out here to clear his head.

Entering the campus, Li Heng headed straight for the library.

To be honest, he'd been to Peking University's library, but he'd never even seen the self-study room at Fudan. As a student, he was seriously inadequate.

"Li Heng!"

Halfway up the stairs, Li Heng heard someone call his name. He turned—and wow, just moments ago he'd seen Hu Ping outside, and now here was Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu, with Liu Liu Liu Yanling beside her.

It was Liu Liu Liu Yanling who had called out: "A rare guest, Li Heng! We've never seen you in the library before—what brings you here today to inspect?"

Li Heng grinned. "Final exams are coming—I'm here to buckle down. Can't fail."

Liu Liu Liu Yanling covered her mouth and laughed. "Zhou Zhou Zhou Zhangming told us your attendance grades in several courses were marked zero. Aren't you worried at all?"

Li Heng shrugged. "What can I do? By the way, those teachers are way too strict. I missed only five or six classes—surely they could make an exception."

"Haha, five or six classes isn't much? We lose our attendance grade after missing three! No wonder your dorm mates are panicking for you." Liu Liu Liu Yanling laughed wildly, her 36D chest trembling, her eyes nearly dizzying.

Li Heng shifted his gaze to Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu. "Comrade Wei, haven't seen you in half a month—you look even fresher than before."

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu smiled. "You're exaggerating—it's only been nine days."

Li Heng thought back. "Oh, right—it's been nine days."

"Yes, it rained for nine days—hard to exercise in the morning," Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu said.

She then asked: "How's your rehearsal going?"

Li Heng nodded. "Fine. By February 16th, you'll see all three of us."

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu asked: "What number are you on?"

Li Heng answered: "Sixth."

Liu Liu Liu Yanling asked curiously: "Did you meet many TV stars? Were you nervous when you saw them?"

Li Heng spoke honestly: "I'm not really into TV stars—no nervousness there."

Liu Liu Liu Yanling pulled Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu aside. "That's true—those stars probably aren't even as beautiful as our Wei Wei Xiaozhu. By the way, I've got news: a director recently noticed you—he invited you to star in a movie three times."

Li Heng turned his head. "Really? Who was it?"

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu smiled and nodded. "Zhang Zhang Zhang Yimou. I turned him down—I'm not interested in that world."

Li Heng gave a thumbs-up. "You made the right choice. That industry's a filthy pit. Your looks and aura should stay as pure as morning dew."

As they walked and chatted, they soon entered the self-study room.

He asked: "Did either of you get someone to save you a seat?"

"Yes—Qingqing and Leyao, plus Li Li Li Guoyi and Zhou Zhou Zhou Zhangming already arrived," Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu said.

Liu Liu Liu Yanling asked him: "What about you? Want to join us?"

Li Heng waved off. "No, I'm going to find Mai Sui. I'll be off."

"Alright."

After he left, Liu Liu Liu Yanling whispered: "So charming—every time I see him, I feel something new. I never get tired of looking."

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu glanced at his back and chuckled. "You're dating Zhou Zhou Zhou Zhangming now—you should say less of that. He'd get jealous."

"No problem—Lao Zhou's bigger-hearted than you think, or I wouldn't be with him. Besides, I'm just looking—I'm not eating."

Liu Liu Liu Yanling smirked. "With Xiao Han around, girls at Fudan have practically zero chance of getting close to him—it's harder than climbing to heaven."

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu largely agreed with that view.

As they walked, the two girls spotted Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe. Liu Liu Liu Yanling lowered her voice: "Do you really think pure platonic friendship between men and women exists?"

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu understood who she meant. From across half the self-study room, she watched Li Heng and Mai Sui, then said thoughtfully: "It probably does."

Liu Liu Liu Yanling's lips moved. "I don't know what Li Heng's thinking—if I were him, I couldn't control myself. Mai Sui's eyes and figure are like Su Su Su Daji reincarnated from a book—so alluring!"

Wei Wei Wei Xiaozhu studied Mai Sui again, then said thoughtfully: "Maybe that's the difference between ordinary people and geniuses."

As she handed him the books, Mai Sui asked: "Why do you look so worried?"

Zhou Zhou Zhou Shihe also turned her gaze toward him.

Li Heng told them about his dorm mates memorizing the books: "I've got to hurry up—I can't end up with the lowest score."

"From now on, you two supervise my studying. Drag me to the library more often."

The two girls exchanged glances and nodded in unison.

Mai Sui comforted him: "Don't rush—I've already borrowed your class's books from Zhou Min. I've marked all the key sections: red lines are what the teachers highlighted, blue lines are where your female classmates think questions might appear. Pay attention to those."

"Oh, you're so good to me." Flipping through the book, he saw both red and blue marks—some spots even had Mai Sui's thoughtful notes. He beamed with delight.

Mai Sui smiled, pulled a thermos from her bag, and placed it on his left side.

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Post first, revise later.

Already posted 10,400 characters—will continue tomorrow.

(End of chapter)