Chapter 45: , with a smile, it was

Constrained by the presence of outsiders, Zhang Zhiyong suppressed the anxiety in his heart and did not ask him about Song Yu.

This guy was genuinely anxious!

Worried for his good friend Chen Zi Jin.

Since the first year of junior high, he had been playing matchmaker for his best brother and Chen Zi Jin, providing every convenience possible for the two to date.

Yet in the blink of an eye, Li Heng had taken a liking to Song Yu. Judging by the expressions of Mai Sui and Chen Lijun just now, it seemed they had known about this for a long time.

They are outsiders, I am your brother, how could they know before me?

Seeing Li Heng chatting happily with Liu Li, Chen Lijun, and Mai Sui, Zhang Zhiyong no longer had the heart to be petty with him over the lunchbox, so he returned it to him.

Mai Sui's talent was an innate, seductive charm. She could sit there naturally without doing anything, and her ink-black eyes would always inadvertently reveal a flirtatious air, like a love potion, seductive by nature.

Mai Sui said delicately, "Li Heng, you are so biased. You asked about Song Yu, but sure enough, you didn't ask about Manning."

The group was too familiar with each other; Li Heng had no reservations and blurted out, "Why ask about her? It would make me seem like a playboy."

Chen Lijun interjected, "Manning has always treated you as a good friend. If she heard you say that, she would be heartbroken."

Li Heng joked, "She won't hear it. If you guys don't tell her, won't that be fine?"

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from behind, "Is that so? Why don't you turn around and see who I am?"

Li Heng was stunned for a moment and turned around quickly.

He saw Sun Manning placing the stir-fried dish she had gotten from the teacher's cafeteria on the table, complaining:

"Li Heng, it's a good thing I helped you get a chicken leg you like. I've decided, I'll eat this chicken leg myself."

Seeing the chicken leg, Li Heng's eyes turned green, and he hurriedly changed his tune: "Don't, don't do that. If you eat two chicken legs by yourself, you'll easily get bloated and affect your slim figure."

Sun Manning picked up the chicken leg with her chopsticks and waved it in front of him, humming, "Then say something nice."

Having meat to eat, and for free—how rare is that these days? Li Heng had never minded wasting a bit of saliva.

He immediately praised her ruthlessly: "Comrade Sun Manning is the most beautiful girl in our No. 1 High School."

Sun Manning had originally stopped caring and intended to put the chicken leg in his bowl, but she caught a glimpse of Xiao Han, Yang Yingwen, and the others coming out of the ninth window with their food. Her eyes rolled, and she asked:

"Hee hee, is that so? Am I prettier than both Xiao Han and Song Yu?"

If it were any other name, Li Heng would certainly have said without any pressure: What's so great about xx? xx isn't very pretty either. Comrade Manning is of course better than both of them.

But Xiao Han and Song Yu were both sensitive words in his heart; Li Heng suddenly went silent.

Not waiting for the sweet words, Sun Manning leaned forward slightly, extending the chicken leg toward him:

"Hey, why did your sweet mouth stop talking? Could it be that you like both Song Yu and Xiao Han at the same time?"

Unable to stand such temptation, Li Heng grabbed the chicken leg with his chopsticks, took a bite, and mumbled, "Nonsense."

But he had only taken one bite, not yet having time to savor the second, when a passing voice came from the side: "Oh! Li Heng, your life is really good."

The speaker was Yang Yingwen, whose rustic smile pierced straight through one's soul.

Xiao Han was beside her, but this girl didn't look at Li Heng—not even a glance. Her gaze lingered on Sun Manning and Mai Sui for a moment before moving away.

As always, she was poised and calm.

Li Heng patted the empty seat beside him, inviting the two girls: "Yingwen, Xiao Han, there are no seats in the cafeteria, let's eat together."

It was strange; the cafeteria was packed with people. Many were squatting outside to eat, many were leaning against the walls, and the few other tables were all full. Only their table had three empty seats, and yet no one dared to come over.

They all understood that it was probably because of Mai Sui; others didn't dare to rashly come over and sit.

Some boys might have had ideas, some might have been itching to act, but in the end, they all stopped at their hearts and didn't dare to take real action.

This was a unique characteristic of the 80s.

Thoughts were guaranteed to be extremely active, but when seeing girls who were both good at studying and pretty, they were more reserved and unable to let go, only daring to fantasize secretly while hiding away.

For example, Liu Li and Zhang Zhiyong—if you say they are lively, they would stutter and blush when answering questions in class, let alone making eye contact with pretty female classmates.

And if you say the two guys are shy and introverted, that's not the case at all. In the boys' dormitory, they could chatter endlessly, from astronomy and geography to economic current events. They could even talk endlessly about girls' measurements and the different colored underwear on the balconies. There was no nonsense they didn't dare to spout; they were unscrupulous.

In fact, Li Heng used to be this type of repressed person. If it weren't for Chen Zi Jin pulling him to meet Xiao Han, Song Yu, and the others, if he had been left to contact them alone, he might have remained just a "classmate" for his whole life.

After all, time flies, and the three years of high school pass in a flash. Everyone was busy with their studies; where would they find the heart and means to deliberately approach the opposite sex? By the time they had the idea and the courage, they would have already graduated, damn it.

And in this era where communication basically relied on shouting, contact was inconvenient. Most admiration couldn't withstand the passage of time and eventually flowed away like water.

Yang Yingwen was somewhat moved, but after catching a glimpse of Xiao Han, who showed no reaction, she still politely declined.

"No, let's just go back to the dormitory. Li Heng, you guys eat."

Li Heng wanted to say something more, but after his gaze fell on Xiao Han, he instantly lost his fire.

Watching the two girls leave, Zhang Zhiyong, who hadn't said much, suddenly spoke up to share the good news: "Damn! I almost forgot, Li Heng, let me tell you some good news."

Li Heng collected his thoughts, "What good news?"

Mentioning this, Zhang Zhiyong became incredibly excited, gesturing wildly:

"Liu Shuiwen is dead, ha! Liu Shuiwen's cousin is also dead, ha! Died this morning, still fresh."

Liu Li, seeing someone so happy about a death for the first time, couldn't help but ask: "Why are you so happy? Who are they to you?"

Zhang Zhiyong blurted out: "My classmates, from the same village."

Sun Manning raised an eyebrow: "So excited about a classmate dying, would you be even more excited if a few more died?"

"Bullshit! They are the enemies of us two brothers, the kind with a blood feud! Of course I'm happy they're dead. I was even planning to buy some firecrackers this weekend to celebrate by the river."

Usually, Zhang Zhiyong wouldn't dare to talk to city girls like this, but now he couldn't care less. He stiffened his neck, and even the bullshit came out.

Li Heng recalled it for a moment; he seemed to have an impression of this, but because it was too long ago, it was still a bit blurry. He asked: "How did they die?"

Zhang Zhiyong held his head high: "How else could they die? The two thugs weren't studying properly at the No. 12 Middle School and got hacked to death by someone in a fight.

My aunt's husband came to deliver money at noon and told me that Liu Shuiwen died miserably, stabbed more than 20 times. His parents were crying and begging my aunt's husband to help them with the lawsuit."

Hmm, now that he mentioned it, Li Heng remembered immediately.

He asked: "Did your aunt's husband agree?"

Zhang Zhiyong shook his head vigorously: "How could he? No possibility of that. People were doing a service for the public. If the money isn't right, my aunt's husband wouldn't even bother to look at them."

Seeing this naked turn of events, the group was collectively speechless.

After lunch, the 5th and 6th periods in the afternoon were geography. The teacher's surname was Li, same as Li Heng. He was bald early on, and his hairline formed a crescent shape around the back of his ears, leaving a deep impression that one could remember at a glance.

Teacher Li's face was slightly crooked; he was a legendary facial paralysis patient, but his speaking speed in class was extremely fast. This was a knowledge point, that was a key point; if you weren't careful, you wouldn't keep up.

Therefore, under the condition of mental tension, the two periods passed by in a flash.

The 7th period was the physical education class that everyone loved to see.

Teacher Zhou was a very good person. He only let everyone gather on the playground, then went through the motions of doing a set of radio gymnastics, and then ordered the dismissal, taking less than 10 minutes in total.

"Li Heng, I need to go to the bathroom, are you going?"

As soon as the assembly was dismissed, Zhang Zhiyong came over.

In the student era, especially the middle school era, you had to have a group to eat, a companion to walk, and even had to call someone to go to the bathroom.

Otherwise, walking on the road alone was too awkward, always feeling like others were staring at your butt.

Li Heng said: "No, I went right after the 6th period ended."

Zhang Zhiyong was unhappy, "Who did you go with? Why didn't you call me?"

Li Heng felt dizzy.

What kind of person is this? Even counting over taking a piss, he was a bit unable to adapt for a moment.

Seeing him unmoved, Zhang Zhiyong threw out his usual trump card, "Don't pretend. You accompany me to pee, and I'll treat you to a soda."

Li Heng turned his head: "Bottled?"

Zhang Zhiyong jumped in anger: "Your grandpa! Bottled! Do you think my money is blown in by the wind?

I also had to throw a tantrum, threaten, and lure it out of the old man. It's not easy for him either; after all, it's money skimmed from his prostitution fees."

Li Heng was amused, "Doesn't your mom care?"

Zhang Zhiyong spat and cursed: "How could she not? But she can't control him. In the first half of the night he's sleeping with my mom, and in the second half he's in the neighbor widow's bed. He's been caught many times, but he never changes."

At this point, the simple-minded guy gritted his teeth and swore fiercely: "When I can earn money and don't have to rely on him, I must tie him up and castrate him."

Forget it, your old man will always be your old man. If memory serves, the guy was over 60 and still full of vigor, living freely.

The small playground was a bit far from the bathroom; you had to pass the rockery and pass the canteen, walking another few dozen meters to get there.

Entering the bathroom, Zhang Zhiyong looked down at his own, then turned to look at Li Heng's, and said with great annoyance: "Can you not stand next to me every time?"

Li Heng said: "The bathroom doesn't have your name on it. I go where I want; you want to control this too?"

After speaking, he deliberately shook it.

"Damn! It's actually twice as big as mine. Were you fed urea to grow?" Zhang Zhiyong turned his head away, so angry he wanted to curse.

Coming out of the bathroom, the two washed their hands, then went to the canteen to buy two bags of soda. Each took one, bit off a corner with their mouths, and started gulping it down.

Passing the rockery, the two felt inspired and found a stone bench inside to sit on.

Just after sitting down, Zhang Zhiyong suddenly said: "I'll ask you something, you must answer me cautiously."

Li Heng glanced at him: "Mysterious and strange, what is it?"

Zhang Zhiyong asked: "What Chen Lijun said at noon is true? You really like Song Yu?"

If it were anyone else, Li Heng would have played tai chi and brushed it off.

But old Yong...

Thinking for a moment, he gave a neither light nor heavy "Hmm."

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiyong couldn't care about drinking soda anymore, holding his head up and looking at him: "Then what about Chen Zi Jin? What about her? You don't like her anymore?"

Knowing this idiot was particularly loyal and sincerely thinking for his friend, Li Heng sighed and said: "That's not it either."

Zhang Zhiyong asked urgently: "What do you mean?"

Li Heng said: "Old Yong, what if I said I like them both at the same time."

Zhang Zhiyong's eyes widened: "My dad often says that to my mom too."

Li Heng was unhappy, "Your dad is your dad, I am me, don't mention us in the same breath."

Zhang Zhiyong let out a rough breath, wanting to hit someone, but knowing he couldn't win, he had to hold back: "When did you start liking Song Yu?"

Li Heng said: "First year of high school, I guess."

Zhang Zhiyong shouted: "Love at first sight?"

Li Heng shook his head and nodded: "Don't know, should be about the same."

Zhang Zhiyong was so envious he cursed: "Your grandpa! I don't even dare to take a second look when I run into Song Yu on the road, and you actually like her.

Tell me, what was your feeling the first time you saw her?"

Li Heng recalled: "Meeting her, it surpassed the spring breeze for ten miles. I searched for spring for half a lifetime, and with one smile from her, it was there. That feeling was very beautiful."

Zhang Zhiyong listened in silence. Even if he were more stupid or slow, he understood more or less that his brother was afraid he had moved real feelings.

In this situation, he didn't know whether to curse or not. He wanted to, but this was his brother.

So after a long time, the simple-minded guy asked the question he cared about most: "Then Chen Zi Jin and Song Yu, who do you like more?"

"Those two, I..." Recalling his past and present lives, Li Heng was a bit dazed. Just as he was about to speak, a heavy coughing sound suddenly came from next door.

Fearing Li Heng wouldn't notice, two more "Cough, cough!" sounds followed closely.

Listening to the voice, it was Sun Manning's, as if she were deliberately interrupting Li Heng from speaking.

Li Heng and Zhang Zhiyong were startled. After staring at each other for two seconds, the next instant they both poked their heads toward the corner next door.

"Oh my mama! Why are you three here?" Zhang Zhiyong subconsciously let out a strange cry, then was so scared he retracted his head.

Li Heng didn't move, blankly staring at the three girls—Song Yu, Sun Manning, and Mai Sui.

Sun Manning blinked at him, comforting him: "It's okay, the three of us just arrived, we didn't hear anything."

The ghost believes that!

There were already several banana peels on the stone table; how could they have just arrived?

After staring at each other for a long time, seeing that he didn't avoid her but instead gazed into her eyes, Song Yu calmed down, then silently moved her gaze away, lowered her head, and started peeling an orange slowly.

"Li Heng, stop standing there, your neck will break like that. Come over and eat some bananas and oranges; these were sent by Song Yu's mom and dad!" Sun Manning broke the stalemate and greeted him enthusiastically.

Mai Sui looked at Song Yu, then at Li Heng, smiled, reached out to break off a few banana slices and a few orange segments, and got up to stuff them into his hand.

And she found an excuse for him: "The head teacher seems to be looking for you, there should be something, you should go and see."

"Oh, okay, thank you!" After Li Heng said thank you, Zhang Zhiyong couldn't hold his breath anymore and pulled him away with force.

Running a hundred meters in one breath, Zhang Zhiyong scratched his head, embarrassed: "I seem to have pushed you into a fire pit."

Li Heng didn't make a sound.

Zhang Zhiyong said: "You have to believe me, I didn't do it on purpose."

Li Heng waved his hand, "It's okay, let's go, let's go to the classroom."

"Really going to find the head teacher?"

"Are you stupid? Of course, it's to read books."

Over the next few days, Li Heng kept working hard at reading and doing problems like nothing had happened, not caring about the glances Sun Manning and Mai Sui threw from the front row from time to time.

He didn't take the initiative to talk to Song Yu, nor did he deliberately avoid her.

And I don't know the reason, but at first, Song Yu was a bit nervous, fearing that while class was going well, he would suddenly pass a note over.

Fearing that he would break the jar and express his feelings to her again.

Many times, when his gaze inadvertently glanced at her, Song Yu, who was calm on the surface, was actually extremely nervous inside. The ten toes hidden in her white sneakers were always secretly curling tightly at this time.

Fortunately, Li Heng was always quiet, neither overly intimate nor overly distant with her, maintaining the most appropriate distance as usual.

This made her breathe a sigh of relief.

February 13th, Friday.

Around 11:00 at noon, when Li Heng was seriously taking notes for Chinese, the classroom door suddenly opened.

The English teacher's figure appeared at the door.

After she smiled and greeted the head of the teaching department who was teaching, she called out to Li Heng:

"Li Heng, come out for a moment, someone is looking for you."

PS: 4600 words, let's make it a two-in-one, that's all for today.

(End of chapter)