Chapter 446: The Double Strike: Right Eye Twitches with Misfortune

Open the window.

After bathing and changing into clean clothes, Xiao Han came before the mirror to comb her hair.

Li Heng sat nearby, watching her.

After a while, she cleared her throat and asked, "Is your wife pretty?"

Li Heng replied from the heart: "Pretty."

"Who's pretty?" she asked.

"My wife," Li Heng answered.

"Who's my wife?" she asked, smiling broadly as she combed her temples.

Li Heng said: "Xiao Han."

Hearing this, Xiao Han glanced at him through the mirror, a tiny dimple appearing as she asked:

"Then, dear Mr. Li, how many of these—wife, spouse, lady, missus, darling, baby, sweetheart—do I hold in your heart?"

Li Heng answered without hesitation: "All of them."

Xiao Han's eyes darted around, bright with curiosity: "Then how do you usually address Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Song? Little wife? Concubine? Sweetie-pie? Bed warmer? Sleeping maid?"

Sweat began to bead on Li Heng's forehead.

These words seemed like jokes.

But he knew well—his wife was testing him, subtly demanding status.

What kind of status?

Of course, the position of legitimate wife.

The problem was, he couldn't refuse.

Though due to his past life's marriage to her, this life he wished more to make up for Song Yu.

Yet she, Chen Chen Zijin, and Song Yu—all three held equal weight in his heart, no matter his personal preferences or partiality; there was no serious imbalance.

Seeing his silence, Xiao Han wasn't in a hurry; she combed her hair slowly, deliberately.

Under his gaze, she combed her hair, then ruffled it, ruffled it again, then combed it once more…

When she reached the fourth combing, Li Heng took a deep breath: "Wife, enough. If you comb any more, I'll pass out."

Xiao Han smiled sweetly at him, stopped immediately, then pointed to some gifts in the corner: "These are all the gifts I bought by saving every penny—take a look, are you satisfied?"

Li Heng turned his head toward the right corner of the room.

On the floor lay a thick layer of cardboard, bearing three premium tonic items: donkey-hide gelatin, deer antler, and ginseng.

Beside them were two bottles of Maotai, a box of chocolate, and a mink coat.

Also two large crates of bright red apples.

Li Heng stared in shock: "Where did you get the money to buy all this?"

Xiao Han explained: "The three tonics and the mink coat were bought at cost price through my teacher's connections; the two bottles of Maotai were a gift from my teacher."

His gaze drifted among the gifts, and a thought quietly surfaced in his mind: "You're…?"

Xiao Han teased back: "What do you think?"

Li Heng looked at her.

Xiao Han's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled: "I've been having the same dream lately—in it, my husband tells me to buy these things."

Honestly, I don't even know what they're for."

But the old saying goes: marry a rooster, follow the rooster; marry a dog, follow the dog. Since I'm yours, Mr. Li, I just had to buy them."

With that, Xiao Han adjusted her bangs with the comb, her voice crisp: "After waiting over a month, you've finally come—so tell me, husband, how do you plan to use these gifts?"

Hearing this, Li Heng finally understood.

He finally grasped his ever-changing wife's intentions.

But precisely because he understood, he nearly fainted.

If her earlier questions about wife, spouse, etc., were the first movement of an assault.

Then this last speech was the second movement!

Who is donkey-hide gelatin usually for?

Answer: women.

Who are deer antler and ginseng suitable for?

Answer: middle-aged and elderly, the weak, those recovering from serious illness.

Combined, these three tonics clearly aren't meant for him—they're meant for the Li family.

Specifically, for Li Jianguo and Tian Rune.

The implication was now unmistakable: she wanted to meet his parents.

She wanted Li Heng to take her to meet his future in-laws.

And the most brilliant part: she never once said the words "meet my in-laws," never made a direct plea, never pressured him.

She just made him guess.

If he guessed right, he'd take her to meet the Li family.

If he guessed wrong, it proved he didn't value her much—perhaps Mr. Li had only been playing with her, never intending to marry her.

Of course, she wouldn't say any of this aloud.

Even if Li Heng didn't take her to meet his family, she wouldn't show any dissatisfaction—she'd simply shift her focus to studying, to medicine.

Since beauty couldn't outshine Song Yu, family background couldn't rival Chen Chen Chen Zijin, and she lacked Mei Sui's allure or Yu Yu Yu Shuheng's ferocity, she wouldn't give up. She'd yield the spotlight for now, retreat quietly, hide, strengthen herself, bide her time, and wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Her life creed: don't believe in fate, never give up, strive for what's within human control—patience is supreme wisdom.

In truth, today's actions were forced upon her.

During the New Year, Chen Chen Chen Zijin openly stayed overnight at Li's home, sleeping with him—a fact known to both families.

In this regard, Chen Chen Chen Zijin held a huge advantage.

And now, Li Heng went to Dongting Lake to find Song Yu—he'd inevitably meet Song's family, and given Xiao Han's deep affection for Song Yu, she'd surely strive to win their approval.

In this regard, Song Yu also held an advantage.

Only she—Xiao Han—had no connection to Li's family, and Li's family knew nothing of her; she was caught between neither side, awkwardly neglected.

Now, with Chen Chen Chen Zijin and Song Yu ahead, and Yu Yu Yu Shuheng and Mei Sui charging in from behind—especially since Yu Yu Yu Shuheng had already followed him home—she felt overwhelming crisis.

So she had to change, had to break the deadlock.

After careful consideration, Xiao Han devised today's second movement.

She didn't speak plainly because she understood one truth: if a man truly loves you, truly cares, he won't need you to spell it out—he'll understand at a glance.

If you must spell it out, it's meaningless—not only does it pressure him and make him uncomfortable, but what's gained through pleading is never sweet.

Because she loved him, because she wanted to be with him, she needed to change her current disadvantage.

And because she loved him, she handed all initiative to him—whether she ascended to paradise or was cast into hell rested entirely on his whim.

The room fell quiet.

As time passed, beneath her calm exterior, Xiao Han grew increasingly anxious—she feared she'd made a terrible mistake, that she'd overestimated herself.

She thought miserably: In middle school, he loved Chen Chen Chen Zijin; in high school, his greatest love was Song Yu; I'd merely adored him for six years. If his college entrance score had truly gotten him into Peking University, I'd have had no chance at all.

She blamed herself silently: Xiao Han! You're too full of yourself! He took you three times in the shower today, and you're already floating.

Fine, I admit I was a little carried away.

Thinking this, Xiao Han bit her lip, gazing at her reflection in the mirror—she looked pitiful.

Just as she was about to burst into tears, Li Heng slipped silently behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

He whispered in her ear: "What were you just thinking?"

Xiao Han pouted: "I wasn't thinking anything."

"Really?"

"Mm."

Li Heng said: "I just thought my wife might want more."

Hearing this, Xiao Han smiled—worse than crying: "Mr. Li, please spare me."

Li Heng nibbled her earlobe: "Three times isn't your limit."

Xiao Han's face twisted in misery; she stayed silent.

Li Heng chuckled: "So afraid of me? Who was it who couldn't help singing in the shower?"

Xiao Han's ears burned; she bit her lip, turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze in the mirror.

"Sleep with me tonight?" Li Heng held her tighter.

"No." She refused.

"Then where will I sleep?"

"On the floor."

"On the floor? I'm your husband—sleep on the floor? Are you heartless?"

Xiao Han smirked faintly.

Li Heng stood, took her hand: "Come on, I'll take you somewhere."

Xiao Han looked up, her wise eyes brimming with anticipation: "Where?"

Li Heng pulled her toward the door: "First, we'll have dinner with Professor Wen. What happens after—keep it secret."

Xiao Han watched his back, obediently following him out the door.

Familiar with the route, they arrived at Xieheyi Academy's Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Professor Wen Yan, upon seeing them, couldn't help studying Xiao Han closely—seeing her flushed cheeks and dewy skin, as a doctor she instantly understood what had happened.

But seeing without speaking of it, Professor Wen put down his pen, locked the drawer, and said to the two, "Let's go, I'll take you to eat."

Yet as they walked, Professor Wen instructed Li Heng: "Li Heng, go across the street and buy three bottles of soda from the general store."

"Yeah, sure," Li Heng replied promptly, glanced left and right at the traffic, and ran over.

As soon as he left, Professor Wen reached out to adjust Xiao Han's collar, covering the strawberry mark on the back of his neck, and teased softly: "Next time, tell Li Heng not to be so rough—or pick a different spot."

Xiao Han's face instantly fell, head drooping, his entire body glowing red as burning coals.

This is so embarrassing! A remarried man! You've ruined me, you beast!

Seeing his student's shy demeanor, Professor Wen sighed: "Ah, truly refined, truly beautiful—no wonder he couldn't hold back."

"Professor!" Xiao Han bit his lower lip, utterly embarrassed, wishing he could dig a hole and vanish.

Professor Wen smiled, letting it drop, then changed the subject: "When are you going to meet your in-laws?"

Xiao Han lied kindly: "I haven't told him yet."

He was naturally reserved; he never announced anything before it was certain. This trait had been forged over six years of silent longing.

Professor Wen had no reason to doubt him.

After all, they'd only just reunited this afternoon; a short separation was like a new courtship, and both were young and full of vigor—when they met, it was dry tinder meeting flame. What time was there for anything else?

Professor Wen spoke to him in confidence: "These next two days, you have no major surgeries—don't come to the hospital. Stay with him. He's outstanding. Even if you're more beautiful and more to his liking than ever, you must nurture this relationship with care."

She said this because she'd seen too much, felt too deeply.

Back then, she'd been too devoted to her career, had too little time for family, too little time for her husband—until he ran off to America with a female student.

It was a wound that never healed. She didn't want her beloved student to repeat her mistake.

Seeing her teacher lost in memory, Xiao Han reached out and took her arm, not disturbing her, his eyes glancing toward the street across.

Soon, Li Heng returned with three bottles of soda, took a few sips, and the three continued toward the restaurant.

It wasn't far—they arrived quickly.

Professor Wen had reserved a private room; though it was dinnertime, they didn't wait, and sat down immediately.

After ordering, watching the handsome couple so perfectly matched, Professor Wen broke her usual silence and asked Li Heng about his family.

Li Heng answered honestly, revealing everything—his parents, his grandmother, and the status of his two older sisters.

After patiently listening, Professor Wen raised her evaluation of him another notch: rising from nothing, coming from a remote place, achieving what he had now—it was truly remarkable.

After dinner, Li Heng asked Professor Wen: "Professor, is Xiao Han busy these next two days? I want to take him to handle some matters—it might take time."

Hearing this, Professor Wen gave her beloved student a knowing, congratulatory look.

Xiao Han's joy flashed briefly, then he feigned a silly, vacant expression—as if he had no idea what Mr. Li was talking about.

Professor Wen waved her hand: "Go. He's not just my student—he's your partner. You have every right to take him."

Then she added, concerned: "Do you want me to arrange a car for you?"

Li Heng had wanted to refuse, but thinking of the man beside him, he agreed: "Alright, thank you, Professor."

Back at the dormitory building, Li Heng glanced at his watch and said to him: "Go up and get ready. I'll come up in a bit."

Honey's definitely calling—oh no! As soon as I show up, Chen Chen Zijin, you'll have to step aside. That'd be so awkward. From now on, my man is my man—and I'm claiming yours too. Xiao Han's inner monologue was overflowing, yet his face remained composed, cool, and arrogantly serene as he gave a crisp reply and ascended to the second floor.

Watching him vanish from sight, Li Heng went to the alley's mouth, found a small shop, and made a call.

He dialed his home in Gulu District.

"Dong dong dong"

"Dong dong dong"

Before long, the phone rang twice and was answered—by someone unexpected.

"Hello, who's this?" A woman's voice came through.

Li Heng paused, then spoke: "Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect?"

"Li Heng?" Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect asked.

Li Heng asked: "Are my parents home?"

Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect replied: "They're out watching opera."

Li Heng asked: "What about my second sister?"

Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect answered: "She's in the shower. After she's done, we're going to the pastry shop. Are you looking for her?"

Li Heng thought a moment, then asked: "Is Chen Chen Zijin there?"

Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect replied: "Oh, you mean your wife? She was here for a while, but left two days ago—heard there was family business."

Hearing Chen Chen Zijin wasn't there, Li Heng exhaled in relief and said: "Tell my second sister I'll come by later."

Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect asked: "Are you in Beijing now?"

Li Heng said yes.

"Alright, I won't forget," Jiao Jiao Jiao Jiao Sect promised.

After ending the call, he immediately dialed the Song family.

He'd been busy all afternoon shelling chestnuts, and then his scheming husband had been glued to his side—he simply hadn't had a moment to check in.

This time, the phone took a long while to be answered—it was a cousin who picked up, telling him: Song Yu and Sun Manning, along with several other cousins, had gone for a walk by the lake; the adults had returned to the city for work; his grandparents and uncle-auntie were at a neighbor's house, discussing road repairs.

Good grief, this cousin was a chatterbox—she rattled on and on until his ears were full of wax.

Li Heng said: "Tell Song Yu I've arrived safely."

"Got it, got it! Today your wife sat by the phone all afternoon. She sat there, and even when she went for a walk, she forced me to stay home waiting for your call. Brother-in-law, since I've suffered so much, next time bring me a box of dark chocolate—no, two boxes." The cousin grumbled, securing her own benefit.

Li Heng readily agreed: "Alright, no problem."

After finishing the second call, as Li Heng paid and stepped out of the shop, his right eyelid suddenly twitched over twenty times.

Damn it, what's going on?

His eyelid twitched for no reason—he was baffled.

They say left eye means wealth, right eye means disaster—was disaster waiting for him?

Li Heng looked up at the star-strewn sky, a bad premonition rising in his chest.

Damn it, could taking this scheming husband home lead to trouble?

PS: Posted first, will edit later.

Already posted 10,600 characters.

(End of chapter)