Chapter 524: The Exposed Writer

Jingcheng, Renmin University.

While eating in the cafeteria, Liu Li was suddenly tapped on the shoulder from behind; when he turned around, he found it was the vice-chairwoman of the Student Union.

Liu Li greeted: "Senior sister."

The senior sister asked: "Liu Li, I have a question for you."

Liu Li nodded.

The senior sister asked: "Don't you have a classmate named Li Heng? The one who released a pure music album?"

Liu Li didn't know why she was asking him this, but he still nodded.

Confirming it was that Li Heng, the senior sister sat across from him and asked: "Can you introduce me to him? I especially love his 'Journey Through Cultural Suffering'."

Liu Li was baffled: "What 'Journey Through Cultural Suffering'?"

The senior sister was astonished: "Li Heng became a famous writer in December—surely you didn't know?"

With a clatter, his spoon fell into his bowl; Liu Li stared blankly, then after a long moment asked: "He's a famous writer?"

The senior sister smiled and pulled out a newspaper from her bag, pointing to the illustration on the front-page headline: "Is that him?"

"It's him—even though the paper is blurry, I'd recognize him even if he were reduced to ashes."

After confirming, Liu Li took the newspaper and began reading; by the end, he was utterly stunned—this guy had been hiding so deeply!

This guy was a famous writer!

At this moment, Liu Li was utterly shocked!

The senior sister pressed: "Liu Li, how well do you know him?"

Liu Li finally began to understand, stammering: "We're on decent terms, but… but he has a girlfriend."

The senior sister dismissed it with a laugh: "Someone this outstanding couldn't possibly be single—there's no way all the girls around him are blind. Just tell me: can you introduce me?"

This senior sister had always been on good terms with him, the most down-to-earth junior leader in the Student Union; Liu Li was stuck, and finally blurted: "I'll ask for you, but I can't guarantee anything."

The senior sister grinned slyly: "Don't ask directly—next time he comes over to hang out with you, warn me ahead of time."

She figured asking outright was hopeless; she just wanted a chance to run into him by accident.

Liu Li was about to reply when he noticed Chen Zitong standing beside him, unnoticed.

The senior sister glanced at Chen Zitong and immediately knew who she was—this freshman had been famous since arriving, with rumors swirling about her behind her back.

The senior sister stood up and said to Liu Li: "Don't forget my request—I'll treat you to Peking duck at Quanjude later."

Liu Li forced a bitter smile and nodded; once the senior sister left, he stared longingly at Chen Zitong, who he knew through Chen Zijin and Yang Ying's connection.

Chen Zitong didn't sit down; she asked: "Liu Li, was that girl just trying to steal my sister's boyfriend?"

Liu Li rubbed his head and handed her the newspaper.

Chen Zitong took the paper, read it, and immediately pouted, smugly saying: "No wonder there are fox spirits after him—he's finally exposed."

She flashed her sharp canine teeth and made a threatening face as she left: "Don't you dare introduce her—otherwise, I'll ruin every future relationship you try to start, and you'll be single for life."

Liu Li rubbed his nose, too afraid to offend this mischievous little demon.

Carrying the newspaper, Chen Zitong raced like the wind to her sister's dormitory; upon entering, she asked the occupants: "Huh? Where's my sister? Sister Yun, you're closest to her—where did she go?"

Sister Yun replied: "She went home—your aunt just picked her up."

"What? Aunt picked her up but not me? Favoritism?" Chen Zitong instantly broke down.

Sister Yun asked: "Why are you looking for Zijin?"

Chen Zitong shook her head: "Nothing, nothing—I'm out of money, came to ask her for some. Don't worry about me, Sister Yun."

Given her nature, if the Chen family hadn't suppressed her from broadcasting it, she would've already shouted to the world: Li Heng is my brother-in-law.

The Chen family forbade her from publicizing it because Grandpa Chen had long known about Li Heng's romantic entanglements and wasn't confident that his eldest granddaughter could outcompete the Miss Yu family—so they chose silence.

Of course, silence didn't mean giving up.

The reason the Chen family had fetched Chen Zijin home this morning was precisely for this.

Inside the Santana, Chen Zijin asked her aunt driving: "Auntie, what did Grandpa want with me?"

Chen Xiaomi asked: "Have you read today's newspaper?"

Chen Zijin shook her head: "I was reading this morning."

Chen Xiaomi said: "There's a newspaper in the backseat—take one and read it."

Hearing this, Chen Zijin turned around and saw the backseat piled high with newspapers; she casually picked one up.

When she saw the headline and the interview photo, she immediately understood the reason—and suppressed her excitement as she began reading.

Six minutes later, she finished, looked up, and said: "Li Heng's been exposed."

"Mm. You're a terrible girlfriend—by now, the whole country knows, and you're still clueless," Chen Xiaomi teased.

Chen Zijin turned back and grabbed several more newspapers; she didn't speak the rest of the way, just happily read them, savoring how others praised her husband.

Back at the Chen residence, she met Zhong Lan just inside the door, sweeping the floor.

Zhong Lan looked at her daughter with a complex expression and asked: "Have you had breakfast?"

Chen Zijin shook her head: "Not yet."

Zhong Lan said: "There's some on the table—just bought it. Have some."

Chen Xiaomi smiled and asked: "Sister-in-law, why aren't you at work today?"

Zhong Lan frowned, then sighed: "Xiaomi, are you treating me like an outsider now?"

Chen Xiaomi walked over and linked arms with her sister-in-law: "How could I? I just didn't want you to feel bad, so…"

Zhong Lan fell silent, then after a long while said: "That little brat made quite a splash today—was it Grandpa who told you to bring Zijin back?"

Chen Xiaomi didn't hide it; she nodded.

Zhong Lan glanced at her eldest daughter, picked up the broom, and resumed sweeping—but her movements were no longer swift or meticulous; her anger was obvious.

At this moment, Zhong Lan was seething inside: What right does that little brat have? He slept with my beloved eldest daughter, then rose to fame—does heaven even have eyes?

In her view: her past actions weren't wrong—she just couldn't bear that the Li family's rotten brat had stolen her daughter's purity long ago, ruining her carefully laid plans.

She'd never borne a son, and had always felt guilty toward her husband; she'd planned to raise her eldest daughter properly, so one day she could marry into the Lang family and carry on the Chen lineage.

But no matter how she calculated, she never anticipated Li Heng would crash in and steal her daughter—how could she not be furious?

In her rage, when Tian Rune proposed betrothing the two children, she not only flatly refused, but unleashed all her pent-up fury.

That's how the two families fell apart last year.

But now, that little brat has truly proven himself—he's made Tian Rune proud, leaving her caught between shame and humiliation.

Now, every morning she reads the newspaper: secretly glancing, growing agitated, agitated yet unable to stop—she can't tear her eyes away. By the end, she nearly fell into depression!

Entering the study, closing the door, the aunt and niece sat down facing Grandpa Chen and Chen Gaoyuan.

Chen Zijin, the youngest, broke the silence: "Grandpa, Father, why did you call me back?"

Chen Gaoyuan asked: "You know Li Heng's identity as a writer has been exposed?"

Chen Zijin smiled sweetly: "Auntie told me."

Grandpa Chen interjected: "Go to the Li household and ask Jianguo about the false accusations against him back then."

Chen Gaoyuan understood and left.

Once his footsteps faded, Grandpa Chen turned to his eldest granddaughter; his usually impassive, wrinkled face showed rare emotion: "How much do you know about Li Heng?"

Uncertain of her grandfather's intent, Chen Zijin stayed silent.

Grandpa Chen glanced at his younger daughter; Chen Xiaomi spoke for him: "Zijin, there's something we don't know whether to tell you."

Chen Zijin's heart sank; only now did she begin to guess why Grandpa had summoned her.

Chen Xiaomi carefully asked: "Do you know that besides you, Li Heng has involved other girls?"

Chen Zijin lowered her head, overwhelmed by the question; after a long pause, she slowly raised it again: "So Auntie already knows."

Chen Xiaomi was startled: "You already knew?"

Chen Zijin bit her lower lip: "Are you talking about Song Yu and Xiao Han?"

Chen Xiaomi looked at Grandpa Chen.

Grandpa Chen remained unmoved, idly turning a walnut in his hand.

Seeing this, Chen Xiaomi asked: "How could you bear it?"

Chen Zijin, voice trembling: "What difference does it make? Whether I bear it or not—Xiao Han has been competing with me since middle school, secretly in love with him."

Song Yu is so beautiful—nine out of ten boys in our class secretly admired her; the moment they met, she stole Li Heng's soul. When I was in Shaoshan, I could still hold them back."

"But once I left, I gave them room to breathe—and now I can't control them anymore."

As she spoke, tears welled in Chen Zijin's eyes; she was heartbroken—if only her family hadn't forced her away, none of this would've happened.

Xiao Han would never have had a chance. Song Yu would never have had a chance.

They would've attended the same university; no other woman would've had an opening.

A tiny misstep, a world of difference.

This was her greatest regret—and her most helpless failure.

Chen Xiaomi felt a pang of pity, but finally said: "Besides Song Yu and Xiao Han, there might be…"

Chen Zijin asked: "Are you referring to Yu Shuheng?"

Chen Xiaomi was stunned: "You know about her too?"

Chen Zijin said: "Someone told me Yu Shuheng visited Shangwan Village this summer."

Chen Xiaomi fell silent, heart aching; she turned to Grandpa Chen.

Grandpa Chen slowly set down the walnut, lifted the teacup lid, and sipped quietly: "Have you ever thought of going to Fudan University?"

The implication of this question was enormous!

Chen Zijin instantly understood her grandfather's meaning—but after weighing it, she shook her head.

Chen Laoyezi was surprised, and Chen Xiaomi was surprised too.

Chen Xiaomi pulled her niece's hand: "You like Li Heng so much—why not go see him?"

Chen Zijin's gaze drifted to the window and saw her mother sweeping the corridor outside; she instantly understood—their conversation inside had surely been overheard.

Chen Laoyezi had long noticed his daughter-in-law but didn't stop her; after all, she was Zijin's biological mother. He didn't invite her in to join the discussion because he knew it would only lead to another blowup between mother and daughter, so he chose to pretend he didn't hear.

After a long silence, Chen Zijin gave her answer: "Unless he invites me over."

Chen Xiaomi understood deeply: on Fudan's side, Xiao Han was officially Li Heng's girlfriend; if Zijin went, she'd only tarnish Li Heng's reputation and cement his image as a heartless playboy. Plus, there was Yu Shuheng—showing up uninvited might not help, and could only damage her standing in Li Heng's eyes.

Chen Xiaomi had no more options.

Chen Laoyezi spoke slowly: "Next time Li Heng comes to Jingcheng, invite his whole family over for dinner."

The old man's words were meant for his eldest granddaughter—to test Li Heng's reaction to her and the Chen family.

They were also meant to probe the true feelings of the Li family.

At the same time, they were meant for Zhong Lan listening outside the window—next time the harmony between the Chen and Li families is at stake, and Zijin's future hangs in the balance, Zhong Lan must not stir up trouble.

Moreover, Chen Laoyezi's words carried two unspoken implications: if the Li family and Li Heng show no regard for Zijin, then the meaning is obvious—he hoped Zijin would have her own sense of measure. By now, Chen Laoyezi had his own scale: the Chen family had already missed its best chance to mend ties with the Li family.

He had once held all the cards, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

But he never expected Yu's only daughter to interfere—this left him hesitant, unable to follow his original plan, forced to settle for second best.

Chen Laoyezi knew: last year's summer incident, the Chen family had lost big.

If Li Heng were just an ordinary man, it would be fine—if the Chen family wished, Zijin could still be his lawful wife.

But now, facing a Li Heng who had soared beyond all expectations, even Chen Laoyezi dared not hold high hopes. He sighed—he was old, lacking the boldness to gamble the entire Chen family's future for his eldest granddaughter.

After all, the Chen family was not just a surface-level family; behind it lay tangled interests with many factions—he couldn't decide lightly.

In truth, Chen Laoyezi had speculated that the Yu family was unlikely to suppress the Chen family over personal feelings—but unlikely didn't mean impossible. He had enjoyed power too long, lost his original edge, his early daring and resolve.

In truth, didn't he want to advise his eldest granddaughter to let go?

But after observing just now, Chen Laoyezi reached a conclusion: fate cannot be defied.

….

Still in Jingcheng.

Da Yagang, Lao Mo, and Jiang Wen came together to visit Lao Wang of Jingcheng, but the doors and windows were shut; they called for a long time with no answer.

After asking a neighbor, they learned Lao Wang of Jingcheng had left early that morning—with luggage.

Da Yagang stared at the windows and doors, grinning: "Hey, you don't think he's run off, do you?"

Jiang Wen chuckled: "If it were me, I'd run too. A 19-year-old famous writer? Too awesome—Lao Wang would look pathetic!"

Lao Mo turned around: "No show left. Let's go drink soy milk."

….

Still in Jingcheng.

After returning from the publishing house, Mr. Huang shut himself in, sulking in his study, occasionally hearing the sound of books and teacups smashing.

His wife couldn't bear it anymore, pushed the door open, and said: "He never offended you—why are you being so unforgiving? Now look—he's 19 and already achieved this. You finally see how formidable he is."

Mr. Huang remained silent, fuming.

His wife asked: "I heard from Secretary Sun that the newspaper rejected your article and won't publish it?"

Mr. Huang snorted: "Hmph! This isn't over. He hasn't even grown facial hair—does he think he can cover the sky with one hand?"

His wife sat beside him, cautiously asking: "If the newspaper won't even publish your article, does he have someone behind him?"

Mr. Huang remained silent—his silence was confirmation.

His wife asked: "Is it Old Ba himself who's stepped forward?"

Mr. Huang frowned: "I don't know, but I doubt Old Ba's reach extends this far."

His wife grew more worried: "So you don't even know who your enemy is?"

Mr. Huang opened his mouth but stopped himself.

Before coming home, he'd called several friends with connections—each one was evasive; when he mentioned the matter, they changed the subject or made excuses and hung up.

His wife urged: "Old Huang, just calm down. This man is not someone to provoke—leave him be, or you'll drag Pingting and the others into trouble."

Pingting and the others referred to their three daughters.

Mr. Huang waved his hand impatiently: "You don't understand scholarly matters."

"I don't understand—I can barely read or write, I only have a vocational diploma. When will you stop this stubborn pride that only brings you pain? If you drag Pingting and the others down, I won't forgive you—I'll divorce you!" His wife slammed her palm on the desk and stormed out.

Hearing the word "divorce," Mr. Huang exploded, leapt up, grabbed a chair, and hurled it against the wall, shouting: "Divorce? Fine! Go! Leave today!"

The commotion was loud; soon neighbors peeked from corners, whispering: that Mrs. Huang had a lover outside, that she'd put a green hat on Mr. Huang, that the couple couldn't get along and were divorcing…

….

Shaoshi.

Jiang Yue had just returned from buying groceries and was about to prepare breakfast when the living room phone rang.

She hurried to answer.

The moment she picked up, Song Yushu's voice came through: "Sister-in-law, did you read the newspaper today?"

Jiang Yue replied: "Yes. Your brother reads the paper every day."

Song Yushu gushed over the phone: "Sister-in-law, Li Heng is incredible! I've got to tell you—before I even got up, a colleague rushed over asking me, 'Yushu, is your nephew-in-law really a famous writer? I just saw the morning news—said the musician and the famous writer are the same person! How is that even possible? When can you take me to meet him in person?'…"

Listening to her sister-in-law's excited chatter, Jiang Yue remained quiet; after patiently hearing her out, she said: "They haven't even officially gotten together—why did you already tell your colleagues?"

"What do you mean 'not together'? Li Heng and our Yubao have slept in the same bed—right under my nose! Sister-in-law, you've always been vague about this—do you still look down on him?" Song Yushu said.

About Chen Zijin, Jiang Yue had painful secrets: "They're not married yet—I'm afraid something might change later."

Song Yushu said: "I don't care—I'm not in charge. The news came from Junshan Island; now, whether in small towns, or in Yueyang No. High School where your brother and sister-in-law work, or even at my office, everyone knows Yubao and Li Heng are dating."

Jiang Yue fell silent.

Song Yushu pressed: "Sister-in-law, tell me honestly—why have you and my brother been so ambiguous about this? I can see Yubao herself really likes Li Heng."

Jiang Yue sighed, weighed her words, then whispered: "Don't spread this around, and don't tell Mom and Dad—Li Heng is very popular with women. Many girls are chasing him. Your brother and I are afraid something might go wrong later."

To protect both her daughter's and Li Heng's dignity, Jiang Yue spoke vaguely, never directly accusing him of cheating—only hinting that women pursued him.

Song Yushu laughed: "I thought it was something serious. Li Heng is so outstanding—if no women were chasing him, I'd find it suspicious."

"Sister-in-law, you've got to believe in Yubao's charm—I can tell Li Heng is crazy about her. Every time he looks at Yubao, his eyes are full of honey."

Jiang Yue believed this—she had observed him closely for a long time and was certain Li Heng truly cared for her daughter.

But his level of infidelity was precisely what the couple couldn't accept—it was a thorn in their hearts.

Whether Jiang Yue or Song Shi, neither had grand ambitions; they only wanted family harmony, a quiet, peaceful life. Li Heng's flirtations outside would inevitably bring chaos—contrary to their values.

That's why Shen Xin didn't care much about how many women Li Heng had, while Jiang Yue couldn't let it go.

Because their horizons, heights, families, and pursuits were different.

Shen Xin had seen too many men with concubines—it was commonplace. In big families, not every man did it, but a small number, due to power and wealth, couldn't control their lust. As long as the man kept some restraint, as long as he didn't bring concubines home or cross the line, many women chose to pretend they didn't see.

But Jiang Yue was different—she was romantic, sentimental, with her own taste and standards. She and her husband believed in love, in fidelity—naturally, she held prejudice against Li Heng's fickleness.

….

Shaoshi.

"Maidong, did you hear? The boy your daughter brought home last time—he's incredible! A famous writer!"

Just after dismissing a customer, the owner of the neighboring convenience store called out.

Maidong walked over, lit a cigarette, and feigned ignorance: "I've been busy—haven't read the news or papers. What writer?"

"Oh my! You don't know? Quick, look at this newspaper—it'll knock your jaw off!" The convenience store owner handed him the paper.

Maidong took it, read carefully, then said through his cigarette: "I didn't recognize a mountain when I saw one—truly impressive."

At that moment, the convenience store owner's wife chimed in: "Maidong, your daughter is so beautiful and a top university student—could you maybe make him your son-in-law? He's talented in music, chess, calligraphy, painting—so smart. Their children would be brilliant too."

Before Maidong could answer, his wife stepped out of the house and smiled: "Auntie, our Suibao and he are just classmates and friends. We heard he already has a girlfriend."

"Has a girlfriend? That's too bad," the convenience store owner's wife lamented.

From the next-door noodle shop, the owner raised his thumb: "So what if he has a girlfriend? In ancient times, your daughter's fate would be empress! I say there's still a chance."

"Such a young man is hard to find. If your daughter gives birth to his child, even one son or daughter, he could give one to your family to carry on the lineage—then every descendant would be brilliant. Perfect!"

Because of the topic of Li Heng as a famous writer, and because Ma Sui had once brought him home, neighbors quickly gathered—over a dozen people offering advice, urging Maidong and his wife to persuade their daughter to win back this famous writer as a Shaodong son-in-law.

The gossip lasted over an hour; by the end, Maidong and his wife were nearly brainwashed.

Back inside, Maidong reviewed the four or five new newspapers he'd bought, then sat there smoking one cigarette after another.

His wife noticed and asked: "Why are you zoning out over Li Heng's business?"

Maidong asked: "How long has it been since our daughter called?"

"How long? She called just two days ago," his wife replied.

Maidong asked: "Did she mention Li Heng?"

His wife thought back, then shook her head: "No. Suibao rarely mentions Li Heng—she often talks about Manning."

Then she frowned: "Why are you asking about this?"

Maidong set the newspaper aside: "Nothing. Just curious. I heard Li Heng's girlfriend is Song Yu?"

The couple had a house in Shaoshi and had met Song Yu multiple times; Song Yu, Chen Lijun, and Sun Manning had even visited their home.

His wife said: "Yes, I think so. Last summer, Manning said she went to Dongting Lake with Li Heng—she went to Song Yu's place."

Then she remembered something and asked quietly: "By the way, I heard from my brother that Li Heng once had a girlfriend back home—there was a big scandal. Do you know if it's true?"

Maidong asked: "Where did your brother hear this?"

His wife replied: "My brother was collecting tea in the former town. During idle chat, someone mentioned the famous musician from there, and the tea shop owner casually told Li Heng's past."

Then she recounted the story of Li Heng and Chen Zijin in brief.

"There's more to it than that? So Song Yu is his second girlfriend?" Mai Dong asked, pinching his cigarette butt.

Mai's mother nodded: "Isn't that right? I heard the Chen family once looked down on Li Heng."

Mai Dong thought for a moment, then warned: "Don't mention Li Heng and Song Yu's relationship to anyone outside."

Mai's mother looked puzzled: "It's not something shameful—why can't we talk about it?"

Mai Dong explained: "My gut tells me it's not that simple. I once heard a classmate from Yanggu'ao mention Li Heng's story—apparently, the Chen girl ended up staying with him, but whether it's true or not, I can't verify. So we won't speak of Song Yu and Li Heng's relationship to anyone."

In this patch of Shaoshan, apart from Sun Manning, Wang Runwen, Yang Yingwen, Yang Cheng, and that fool, only Mai Dong and his wife knew about Li Heng and Song Yu's relationship.

Sun Manning had never mentioned it to her family.

Everyone else was even more tight-lipped.

As for Jiang Yue and Song Shi, only people from their hometown on Junshan Island knew the news—in Shaoshan, the couple never spoke of it publicly.

And to prepare for a possible scandal, to avoid being whispered about behind their backs, Song Shi is now seeking connections to get transferred to a university in Changsha.

Mai's mother was startled: "Are you saying Li Heng is entangled with two girls?"

"It's possible," Mai Dong said objectively, "but no one knows the details. Maybe the Chen girl and Li Heng broke up already."

Mai's mother immediately grew uneasy: "If Li Heng plays around with two girls, won't he drag our Sui Bao into trouble too?"

Mai Dong chuckled: "I had that same worry just now, but after thinking it over, it's impossible."

Mai's mother asked: "Why?"

Mai Dong said: "You know how close Song Yu and Sui Bao are—they're like sisters, closer than blood. You have to trust our daughter. She's always been well-behaved, measured in everything she does, not the type to be careless."

Mai's mother raised an eyebrow: "Of course I trust my daughter—I just worry Li Heng will use the same sweet talk he used on the Chen girl, and trick our daughter into bed."

Mai Dong shook his head: "No. If they were truly involved, do you think Sui Bao would bring Li Heng home? If she brought him here openly, it proves it's just friendship."

Mai's mother found her husband's logic somewhat reasonable, but still stood up: "Better not mention it—now that you did, I'm starting to doubt Li Heng's character. I'll call our daughter to put my mind at ease."

They had only one daughter; Mai Dong didn't stop her. He trotted after his wife to the landline.

(End of chapter)