Chapter 530: The Divine Woman Has Intentions (Request Subscription!)

As Yu Shuheng said, Li Heng really struck it rich this time!

After waiting nearly two hours, Li Wang finally arrived.

As soon as he entered the room, Li Wang, drenched in sweat from exhaustion, first apologized to the two, then grabbed Li Heng's hand and exclaimed excitedly:

"Olympics + front-page headline + CCTV ad + your fame, all four forces combined—our Anta Shoes is soaring! Sales alone have broken 30 million in just half a month!"

Li Heng asked: "That intense?"

Li Wang nodded: "Not just distributors rushing to order—our direct stores in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing are all skyrocketing. One flagship store in Beijing sold 800 pairs in a single day."

The good news Li Wang brought nearly overwhelmed Li Heng; it took him a good while to recover.

Later, the two held a detailed discussion on expanding the shoe factory.

Li Heng asked: "How many employees does the factory have now?"

Li Wang said: "Excluding management, there are 763 workers in the workshops. The HR department is recruiting daily from the public."

Li Heng asked with concern: "Are there many applicants?"

Li Wang replied: "Plenty—because we pay high wages. Meanwhile, many state-owned enterprises are struggling, operating at half-capacity, so skilled workers are flooding into the private sector. We have zero trouble finding labor."

To boost production capacity, Li Wang proposed building new factory facilities, and Li Heng agreed.

Li Wang said: "Boss, the company plans to hold a national distributor conference in mid-October. Will you be available then?"

Li Heng checked his schedule and shook his head: "I'll be in Aba then—I doubt I can make it back. But here's my suggestion: while things are good, we must settle channel profit distribution from the start and decisively implement the joint sales system."

First-tier distributors must pay in advance to the company as a deposit. Lower tiers follow the same rule. The deposit ratio is 12% of sales revenue.

We'll also establish a strict tiered pricing system: only one first-tier distributor per region. Second- and third-tier distributors answer to the first-tier and source all goods from them.

Cross-regional resale is strictly forbidden. Violators lose their distributor status and forfeit their deposit. Sales targets will be tied directly to performance, with underperformers dynamically eliminated."

In truth, the joint sales system was a last resort for Anta Shoes—there simply wasn't enough time or manpower to operate direct stores in every provincial capital.

To seize the market quickly, this was the only option.

But once conditions mature, we'll gradually reclaim operational rights in major cities and implement a hybrid model of direct operation and distributor networks nationwide.

To be honest, this distributor system is harsh—Li Heng learned it from Zong, the boss of Wahaha.

Supposedly, when Zong's Wahaha first started, annual sales reached hundreds of millions, but only a few million ever made it into the company's account—the rest was never recovered. Distributors kept delaying payments under every excuse imaginable, directly crippling production.

So Zong, after much soul-searching, created the joint sales system and the deposit requirement.

Though it angered many distributors at first, the results were outstanding, securing Wahaha's future boom.

Now it's 1988; China's entire business system is still in its infancy, chaotic and unstructured. Taking advantage of Anta Shoes' explosive growth, Li Heng is rolling out the joint sales system now—distributors who accept it stay, those who don't can leave, replaced by newcomers.

Li Wang had heard Li Heng mention the joint sales system before; this time he wrote it down in his notebook: "Right now, following Anta is like picking up money. Implementation shouldn't be hard."

Li Heng nodded, then discussed with her the establishment of a corporate R&D center focused on materials for uppers and soles, aiming to break dependence on external suppliers and achieve self-reliance as soon as possible.

"To improve competitiveness and cut costs, this is urgent. I've been thinking about it repeatedly. How much should we invest initially?" Li Wang asked.

Li Heng thought for a moment and suggested: "Start with one million. We'll add more later as needed. My vision is that R&D spending should eventually account for 2% to 5% of sales revenue—adjust based on actual conditions."

This idea aligned perfectly with Li Wang's; they had no major disagreements.

Due to the overwhelming demand, Li Wang rushed off immediately after the meeting without even inviting them to dinner.

As they left the Anta factory, Yu Shuheng glanced back at the bustling entrance and praised: "This joint sales system is solid. It might upset a few distributors, but short-term pain beats long-term suffering—it ensures the company's long-term health."

Li Heng fully agreed.

Inside the Mercedes, Yu Shuheng asked curiously: "Little man, where did you learn this?"

Li Heng replied without blinking: "I thought of it myself."

Yu Shuheng looked at him, then looked again, lips curling slightly but saying nothing.

Because she had no counterargument—no precedent existed.

Yu Shuheng said: "You drive."

Li Heng said fine.

They switched seats inside the car.

But as they moved, things grew awkward—two tall people in a cramped space inevitably touched.

When a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around her, when the yellow bamboo shoot broke through the soil, Yu Shuheng turned her head with a half-smile and murmured softly: "You really dare to do this in broad daylight?"

Li Heng said nothing; their contact grew even tighter.

They say sudden intimacy is most intoxicating. Yu Shuheng stared into his face up close, and in one instant, she closed her eyes, gripping his arms tightly.

In the indescribable, hazy atmosphere, time stretched endlessly. Yu Shuheng, breathing heavily, leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth, whispering: "Little boy, this isn't the place—let go, Teacher."

Li Heng murmured "Mm," reluctantly releasing her.

He focused on driving. Yu Shuheng sat in the driver's seat, gazing out the window, lost in thought. For a long while, neither spoke.

As they neared Fudan University's gate, Li Heng pulled over: "Teacher, let's grab a bite at Old Li's Restaurant."

To his surprise, Yu Shuheng refused: "I'm leaving Shanghai in two days—I have things to handle at home. Have dinner with Mai Sui instead."

Li Heng said okay, opened the door, and walked toward the campus gate.

Watching his back through the window, Yu Shuheng finally started the car and headed home.

Wang Ye had arrived—from Hong Kong.

Back at Lushan Village, he found Wang Ye on the sofa of Building 26, accompanied by Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe.

Seeing him, Wang Ye immediately stood and greeted: "Boss."

Li Heng smiled and warmly asked: "Have you had dinner?"

Wang Ye said: "Not yet."

Li Heng waved his hand to the three women: "Let's go eat out."

The four descended and headed to Old Li's Restaurant.

To his surprise, the restaurant was packed today.

Looking closer—heavens! The new recruits had just finished military training and returned to campus, which explained why they were all so dark—they'd been sunburned.

After searching for a seat in vain, just as he was about to take the three women to Fuchun Xiaoyuan, the restaurant owner rushed over, beaming: "Room 201 upstairs is free, Mr. Li—feel free to bring your friends there."

Li Heng blinked. The owner was clever—the waitress had just said all private rooms were full.

But since the man was being thoughtful, Li Heng didn't press further and happily went upstairs.

As soon as they sat, Li Heng said: "Boss, no need to order—just bring your best dishes, one full set."

"Yes sir! Please wait a moment—I'll get it ready right away." Since September 15, who in the neighborhood didn't know Li Heng? This man was a famous writer—rumored to be a celestial literary star descended to earth. Just speaking with him made the owner feel honored.

Wang Ye, watching the young boss across the table, thought: Indeed, status follows him everywhere.

Li Heng asked Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe: "Where are Man Ning and Ye Ning?"

Mai Sui shook her head—she'd been home all afternoon cleaning and washing bedding.

Zhou Shihe said: "They went out for dinner together."

Li Heng asked casually: "You two didn't go?"

Zhou Shihe smiled gently but didn't answer.

As for Mai Sui, she'd long been branded "Li Heng's woman"—no one would dare invite her, and even if they did, she wouldn't go.

After chatting with the two women for a while, Li Heng shifted focus to Wang Ye, detailing the New Future Tutoring School over dinner, covering every point.

After nearly half an hour of nonstop explanation, he finished: "Once you reach Beijing, meet Liu Bei to hand over responsibilities. New Future is now yours."

Wang Ye nodded solemnly: "Understood."

While Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe went to the restroom, Wang Ye abandoned her earlier composure, fixing Li Heng with an intense gaze: "Mr. Li, have you heard of a bet?"

Li Heng paused, then nodded: "I've heard of it. You mean…?"

Wang Ye leaned forward slightly, hesitated, then said: "Within ten years, if I grow New Future to over 200 million in annual net profit, will you grant me one condition?"

Li Heng was surprised: "Oh? You're that confident?"

Wang Ye said: "Though I've been in Hong Kong, I haven't been idle. Through contacts, I've gained a clear understanding of mainland education—poor and underdeveloped, but with enormous potential. New Future arrived at the perfect moment. If managed well, it will reach heights beyond anyone's imagination."

No one understood the future tutoring market better than Li Heng. Two hundred million sounded staggering, but if seized right, it wasn't even much.

After a pause, when Li Heng still didn't speak, Wang Ye ventured: "Too low?"

Li Heng said: "Tell me your condition."

Wang Ye looked away: "If I say it now, it won't work."

She added: "But don't worry—it's legal, and you'll find it effortless to fulfill."

His gaze swept over her, and suddenly, a strange thought struck him: "Could it be… a child?"

Wang Ye froze, then said, slightly shy: "I'm a lifelong bachelor—I don't plan to marry. I know this is unreasonable. What if I raise the profit target to 500 million?"

Li Heng: "..."

Damn it!

He'd guessed it right on the nose!

It wasn't hard to guess—she had no money problems, no lack of status, yet she suddenly volunteered to work under him—she must want something.

After thinking it over, Li Heng concluded she wanted him.

But he never expected her to be so blunt—she admitted it outright. Clearly raised on Western ideas, she operated beyond his imagination.

Li Heng was stuck. He wanted to refuse outright, but the meal wasn't even finished—would he ruin it all?

After a long silence, Li Heng broke the tension: "What do you think of those two girls just now?"

"Dragon among men, phoenix among women—one in a million," Wang Ye replied honestly.

Li Heng squeezed his chopsticks tightly, his expression serious: "Mai Sui is my woman. Miss Zhou is the one I fell for at first sight."

What a coincidence!

Just then, Zhou Shihe, walking lightly, reached the door of the private room. Hearing the conversation inside, she froze, her hand hovering over the door handle, then slowly lowered it—she didn't push open the door.

Then she remembered something and glanced down the corridor behind her. There was Mai Sui's figure.

At that moment, Mai Sui was chatting with three women and one man in the middle of the corridor; all five were alumni of Shaodong County No. 1 High School, and having run into each other, they were exchanging a few words.

Seeing that Mai Sui didn't immediately come over, Zhou Shihe calmed herself for a moment and stopped at the doorway, neither entering nor retreating.

The conversation inside continued.

Wang Ye was completely unfazed by the news that Mai Sui was Li Heng's woman—as if she had known it all along.

But Zhou Shihe—Wang Ye's expression changed, becoming subtly complex as she probed:

"Mr. Li, do you plan to marry Miss Zhou?"

Li Heng countered: "Why ask that?"

Wang Ye offered her own answer: "Mr. Cha had an extremely strong impression of Miss Zhou. He once told me privately that he could never write a woman as breathtakingly beautiful as her."

Judging by Miss Zhou's demeanor and extraordinary bearing, she must come from a distinguished family.

In my understanding, women from such families rarely become concubines. If Mr. Li doesn't pursue her, he must marry her—there is no middle ground."

Li Heng fell silent, at a loss for words.

He had deliberately brought Zhou Shihe along to deter Wang Ye's unrealistic notions. He hadn't expected her to analyze it so incisively.

Who the hell was he supposed to argue with now?

Wang Ye asked: "Wrong?"

Li Heng evaded: "You have plenty of social experience—what's your impression of Zhou Shihe?"

Wang Ye paused to choose her words: "Externally soft, internally firm. She appears frail, yet she's deeply proud and aloof—hard for most people to get close to her heart."

"If Mr. Li wants to marry her, he'll find it very difficult to keep a concubine."

This struck him exactly as he wished. He seized the chance to gently refuse: "In the Yuan Dynasty, there was a poem called 'Mō Yú'er: Wild Goose Mound.'"

"One line might be familiar to you: 'Ask the world what love is—it makes life and death a vow.'"

Wang Ye pondered the words, then her gaze dimmed. "I understand. I wish Mr. Li success in winning the lady's heart."

Li Heng thought to himself: You understand nothing—you think I want to marry Song Yu. But since you've never met her, using Zhou Shihe as a shield works fine.

After all, Zhou Shihe isn't here to hear it, right?

And Wang Ye isn't the type to blab.

Actually, Wang Ye was curious how he'd handle Teacher Yu Shuheng—but since Li Heng had refused the wager, she wisely didn't press.

Wang Ye understood his meaning, and so did Zhou Shihe outside the door. She felt her chest rise and fall several times, then turned and walked back, heading downstairs.

Just then, Mai Sui had just parted from her high school classmates and intercepted her: "Shihe, where are you going?"

Afraid her emotions might betray her, Zhou Shihe smiled gently: "Suddenly felt like drinking soda."

Mai Sui reached out and linked arms with her. "I'll come with you."

Zhou Shihe said okay.

…

The private room fell into stiff silence.

There was no choice—Li Heng dared not make empty promises on such matters, so refusing outright from the start was best.

After a long pause, Wang Ye forced a smile: "I knew it—once you say it out loud, it won't come true. I should've achieved something with Xin Weilai first, then hinted at you."

"But Mr. Li is smarter than I thought—you guessed it right away."

She had raised the wager today only to test the waters.

Had Li Heng foolishly agreed, once Xin Weilai reached a certain height, she would've used Xin Weilai as leverage—citing her effort, if not her merit—and subtly suggested he give her a child.

But fate had other plans: Li Heng saw through her intentions today, leaving her empty-handed.

Why had she insisted on a "condition" today?

Because once this moment passes, it won't come again. If she didn't mention it now, she never could later—any future attempt would seem like blackmailing him with Xin Weilai, and that would only ruin their relationship.

With things as they were, Li Heng no longer hid his intent: "So what exactly do you mean, Miss Wang?"

Wang Ye pulled a plane ticket from her bag and placed it on the table: "Mr. Li, don't worry—I'll leave for Jingcheng tonight."

Hearing this, Li Heng finally let out the breath he'd been holding.

Before she mentioned the wager, he would've insisted she stay overnight at Building 26.

But now, he skipped that step entirely.

Not long after, voices came from outside the door, then Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe entered one after the other.

Zhou Shihe, walking behind, instinctively glanced quickly at someone, then sat down gracefully, opened a soda, and drank quietly.

Mai Sui held three sodas and handed one each to Li Heng and Wang Ye.

Wang Ye thanked her, took a sip, found the soda pleasant, and sipped slowly while observing Zhou Shihe discreetly.

Just now, it was this Miss Zhou who caused Mr. Li to reject her.

Zhou Shihe was far too perceptive. When Wang Ye's gaze subtly settled on her, she sensed it immediately—and knew why: it was because of Li Heng's line: "Ask the world what love is—it makes life and death a vow."

Mai Sui asked softly: "Your favorite flavor's sold out—can you tolerate this one?"

Li Heng grunted: "It's fine. You were gone so long, I was about to come out looking for you."

Mai Sui explained: "I ran into Chen Xiao from the class next to ours in high school. By the way, I've got news—Wang Hui and Chen Xiao are together."

Wang Hui was the only man in the corridor earlier; Chen Xiao was among the women.

Li Heng wasn't surprised: "Really? I suspected it back in high school. Once during an exam, they kept sneaking glances at each other."

Mai Sui smiled sweetly: "They're studying at Tongji University. Today they came to visit Pei Qian."

Pei Qian was also from Shaodong County No. 1 High School, studying Chinese Language and Literature at Fudan. They weren't in the same class back then and rarely spoke, but since they all excelled academically, they often met in Exam Room One.

After dinner, as they stepped out of Lao Li Restaurant, Wang Ye bid Li Heng farewell on the spot: "Mr. Li, I'll take my leave now—I'll contact you once I reach Jingcheng."

Li Heng offered to see her off, but Wang Ye firmly refused.

With no choice, Li Heng flagged down a taxi for her and memorized the license plate and driver's face.

The driver, unnerved by his stare, grinned nervously: "Mr. Li, I'm no criminal—I'm a good man! I've elderly parents and young children—I'd never do anything illegal. Please rest easy."

Li Heng: "..."

He hadn't expected to be recognized even here—damn, this was so awkward.

Zhou Shihe gave a faint smile; when his gaze swept over her, she subtly looked away, her smile fading slowly.

Mai Sui smiled too, helping Wang Ye load her luggage into the trunk and chatting warmly: "Sister Wang, take care, have a safe trip."

Wang Ye, impressed by Mai Sui, replied politely: "Thank you. Come visit me in Jingcheng sometime with Mr. Li."

Mai Sui waved cheerfully.

Wang Ye waved back as the taxi pulled away.

After the long journey to Jingcheng, Wang Ye didn't rush to meet Liu Bei for work handover—she checked into a high-end hotel first.

She called Li Heng to report her safe arrival, then dialed Xiangjiang—where Jin Yong himself answered.

As soon as the line connected, Wang Ye said: "Mr. Cha, good evening."

Jin Yong replied: "Good evening. Are you in Jingcheng or Hushì?"

Wang Ye sat down: "In Jingcheng."

Jin Yong paused thoughtfully: "So he turned you down?"

Wang Ye sighed: "Yes. Mr. Li is too clever—I mentioned the condition and he saw right through it. Then he said it outright to my face. I had no room to maneuver."

Jin Yong asked: "Was it deliberate?"

Wang Ye answered: "Yes—it was meant to cut off all my hopes."

"What a pity."

Jin Yong sighed: "You took to him instantly. What a shame—she loves, but he doesn't care."

When Wang Ye first proposed working under Li Heng, Jin Yong, ever perceptive, sensed the undercurrent. After returning to Xiangjiang, the two had openly discussed it like old friends over tea.

When he learned she was determined to try, he encouraged her.

Jin Yong asked: "And now…?"

Wang Ye fell silent for a long while, then said: "Tomorrow I'll take over Xin Weilai. I'll give it my all to bring it to its peak, then step down and return to Xiangjiang."

Jin Yong nodded in approval: "Good. Once you decide, don't look back."

Wang Ye said: "Thank you, Mr. Cha, for your understanding."

Jin Yong truly hated to let her go—but her mind was made up, and there was nothing more he could do.

…

On the other side, Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Zhou Shihe entered the campus but didn't head home immediately—they walked slowly to digest their meal.

Halfway through, he suddenly remembered something: "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow—I realized I haven't done one thing yet."

Mai Sui asked anxiously: "What's that?"

Li Heng explained about delivering the signed book to Principal Sun: "I'll go deliver it now—I won't join your walk."

Mai Sui said okay, and the two women continued walking through campus.

After walking about a hundred meters, Mai Sui linked arms with her friend and asked: "Why are you so quiet? Something on your mind?"

Zhou Shihe smiled lightly: "Nothing. Just idly thinking about Wang Ye."

Mai Sui frowned: "Wang Ye?"

Zhou Shihe gazed ahead, her voice calm as water: "Don't you find her behavior odd? She abandons her old employer after just meeting Mr. Li."

Mai Sui wasn't foolish—she instantly understood her friend's implication. After thinking, she shook her head: "Wang Ye isn't in his hunting range."

Zhou Shihe looked puzzled: "Hunting?"

Mai Sui realized she'd slipped: "When Sun Man talks to me privately, she always uses 'hunting' to describe him. I heard it so often, I didn't notice I'd said it."

Zhou Shihe paused thoughtfully and asked, "Hunting usually implies taking the initiative, but from what I've observed, he's mostly reactive when facing Xiao Han and Teacher Yu. Could there be someone he actively pursues?"

She didn't mention her best friend Sui Sui.

Because Sui Sui had secretly loved him for over three years already said everything—"hunting" didn't fit either.

Mai Sui's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected her friend to be this perceptive, reading so much into just one word.

But like Song Yu, she was a kind-hearted person who wouldn't casually speculate about her best friend.

Mai Sui didn't answer directly; instead, she spoke softly, "I'm not Xiao Han—I can't pry into his romantic affairs."

What she meant was: she wasn't his publicly acknowledged girlfriend, so she had no right to interfere in his private feelings.

Saying this was her only option—she had once promised him not to interfere in his private emotions or speak publicly about Song Yu and Chen Zijin.

She had always kept her silence before. And now that Li Heng's status was no longer what it once was, she was even more determined to protect his reputation—even with her closest college friend, she could only offer vague, evasive answers.

Zhou Shihe stopped walking, turned, and gazed at her best friend. After a long silence, she said gently, "Sui Sui, you're the kindest person I've ever met."

The two women skillfully changed the subject, never mentioning Li Heng again.

Back home, Li Heng walked straight into his study, took down two sample copies of Bai Luyuan from the bookshelf, and began signing them.

But after signing his name, he paused, hesitating whether to add Principal Sun's joke: I won't pursue Huang Ziyue?

After some thought, he ultimately abandoned the principal's jest and wrote only the date at the end.

In this era, Fudan faculty housing was known as "Three Villages, Four Villages," with Lushan Village and Xuhui Village offering the best conditions. But they differed: Lushan Village had standalone villas with attics, balconies, and storage rooms, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and flush toilets. Xuhui Village mostly consisted of Japanese-style bungalows, with interior conditions matching Lushan Village's.

Principal Sun lived in Xuhui Village.

Although Li Heng had never been here before, he had a mouth—he quickly found the house by asking for directions.

He raised his hand and knocked.

"Dong dong dong…"

"Dong dong dong…"

As the second knock ended, the door cracked open, revealing a strikingly beautiful unfamiliar face.

But "unfamiliar" was relative—Li Heng didn't know her.

Yet the girl in yellow recognized him at once.

Li Heng politely asked, "Hello, may I ask if Principal Sun is home?"

Upon hearing this, the girl in yellow opened the door fully and stepped aside. "He's home."

Seeing him about to bend down to change shoes, she said, "Senior, no need to change shoes."

Senior?

Hearing the term, Li Heng glanced at her quickly—and suddenly a name popped into his mind: Huang Ziyue?

Could she be Principal Sun's granddaughter?

He asked, "Are you also studying at Fudan?"

The girl in yellow smiled sweetly and introduced herself, "Senior, hello, I'm Huang Ziyue. I just entered Fudan this year."

Sure enough—it was her name. She was truly beautiful; no wonder that old principal had been so smug in front of him.

Li Heng nodded. "I'm here to see the principal about something."

Huang Ziyue said, "He's practicing calligraphy in the study. Follow me."

Upstairs in the study, Li Heng saw Principal Sun wielding a brush, writing the "Lantingji Xu," already nearing its conclusion.

Interrupting calligraphy practice was taboo; Li Heng stood quietly beside him, observing.

Huang Ziyue didn't leave—she lingered behind and to his left, watching him with curious eyes.

When the final character was finished, Principal Sun didn't turn around but laughed loudly, "How's that? I heard you write calligraphy too—is mine decent?"

Li Heng replied instantly, "The brushwork is forceful and vigorous, like a sword cleaving water; the ink's rhythm is rich and harmonious, like clouds rolling and unfolding. Excellent handwriting."

Principal Sun frowned. "You're a sycophant too? It's not that good."

Li Heng kept his expression calm. "Then let me try a plain compliment: Good! Very good! Extremely good!"

Principal Sun laughed, laid out fresh rice paper, and shoved the brush into Li Heng's hand. "Shu Heng said your calligraphy is bold and original. Show me."

Li Heng didn't take the brush. He looked concerned. "Teacher, don't do this. Reaching this level in calligraphy isn't easy—it's meant for cultivating virtue and nourishing the kidneys."

Principal Sun immediately grabbed his eyebrows and beard, forcing the brush into Li Heng's hand. "Your mouth is sharp—let me see what you've got."

With the brush now in his hand, Li Heng stopped pretending. "What should I write?"

Principal Sun, slightly offended, folded his arms. "Write the 'Lantingji Xu.'"

Li Heng refused. "Too long. I have a date to get back to."

Principal Sun's old teeth clicked. "Aren't your girlfriend at Shanghai Medical University?"

Li Heng gave him a look full of meaning.

Principal Sun fell silent. "Then write the first paragraph."

Hearing this, Li Heng dipped his brush in ink, held his breath, and began writing.

The moment he wrote the first character, Principal Sun stopped speaking.

After the first sentence, he no longer crossed his arms—he leaned forward, eyes fixed on each character appearing on the paper.

When the first paragraph was done, Principal Sun, still captivated, urged, "Finish it. Finish it—I'll give you my granddaughter as your wife."

Li Heng: "..."

Damn, this old man had no boundaries—just to trick him into finishing the "Lantingji Xu," he was spouting nonsense.

Are you trying to take the postgraduate exam?

Huang Ziyue said, "Grandpa, I'm still in the study."

Principal Sun snapped, "Don't butt in. Let me finish coaxing this kid."

Before Li Heng could set the brush down, he rushed over to grind the ink himself.

Seeing this, Li Heng felt dizzy. "You're the president of Fudan—high-ranking and powerful. Why go to such lengths?"

"You've got a date, right? Write fast. Don't waste time—I'm waiting for this scroll to be placed on my coffin." Principal Sun didn't care.

Li Heng said, "Calligraphy? I'm just an unknown nobody."

Principal Sun chewed his lip. "Sign your name. A hundred years from now, you'll crush those so-called masters."

Well, since he'd gone this far, Li Heng couldn't refuse. He settled back in and continued writing.

The study fell silent, save for the faint whisper of the brush gliding across rice paper.

How long passed like this…

When his wrist began to ache, he finally finished. He looked out the window.

Whoa! It was already dark.

Principal Sun stared at the calligraphy for a long while, then sighed, "Are you some kind of prodigy? I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes."

Li Heng hit him where it hurt: "Not that impressive. Our handwriting is about equal."

"Nonsense," Principal Sun retorted, then turned to Huang Ziyue. "Tell your mom to make late-night snacks. We have a distinguished guest. Make sure there are two spicy dishes."

Huang Ziyue turned and left.

Li Heng said, "No, I really have to go on my date. No time to eat."

"Right. You're living in Building 26—you're not going anywhere. Try fooling a child, but don't try it on me. Your tricks are too shallow." Principal Sun didn't believe a word.

Clearly, the old principal was referring to Mai Sui.

Li Heng denied it outright: "Don't slander me. We're just friends. Besides, she doesn't live with me—she's staying with the Zhou girl."

Principal Sun tilted his head, scanning Li Heng up and down, then dropped one line: "Your face is as thick as your calligraphy. After this snack, don't come back to Xuhui Village."

Li Heng frowned. "You're throwing me away after using me. Why?"

They were close, their temperaments matched—they spoke freely, without pretense.

Principal Sun clasped his hands behind his back. "Why? Because I'm the president of this university—does that count?"

Li Heng muttered, "I'll transfer schools."

Principal Sun wasn't fazed. "Can Teacher Yu let you transfer?"

Li Heng: "..."

Damn. So the old bastard knew everything.

After staring at the calligraphy some more, Principal Sun finally remembered to ask, "Why did you come today?"

Li Heng pointed to the two copies of Bai Luyuan on the desk. "I came to say goodbye—and to request a one-month leave."

Knowing Li Heng was about to do something serious, Principal Sun happily agreed, then picked up Bai Luyuan and opened the title page.

After reading one, he flipped to the second. "Something's missing."

Li Heng understood what he meant. "You really want me to write that line?"

At that moment, footsteps sounded outside the study. Principal Sun immediately pulled out his usual fountain pen and shoved it into Li Heng's hand. "Write."

Li Heng blinked. "You're not joking?"

"Who's joking? With your face, your status—who'd dare joke with you?" Principal Sun turned cold.

Li Heng was speechless. "I just realized you're even more..."

"Hey! Thanks for the compliment. You mean more shameless than you? Kid, you're still green." Principal Sun grinned.

Li Heng took the pen and bent over, writing on one book: I won't pursue Huang Ziyue.

Principal Sun timed it perfectly.

The moment he finished, Huang Ziyue returned, pushed the door open—and saw the inked line on Bai Luyuan.

The ink was still wet, faintly fragrant.

Huang Ziyue stared at the fountain pen script—and her expression vanished.

Li Heng acted as if nothing had happened, handed the pen to Principal Sun, and casually said, "Don't use your position as principal to pressure me next time…"

Seeing this, Principal Sun deliberately cleared his throat to cut him off, taking the pen without a hint of embarrassment.

The atmosphere between the old and the young grew awkward, but Li Heng stood aside like a bystander enjoying the show.

Finally, Huang Ziyue stared at her grandfather for a few moments, then turned and walked away.

As soon as she left, Principal Sun's expression changed instantly: "You can use this trick on your own kids later. By the way, why aren't you leaving yet?"

Li Heng widened his eyes in disbelief. "Didn't you say you were treating me to late-night snacks?"

"Plans have changed. I don't want to ruin your date," Principal Sun said calmly.

He'd seen shameless people before, but never this shameless—Li Heng retreated, heading toward the study's exit.

Principal Sun followed closely behind, speaking kindly all the way, personally escorting him out of Xuhui Village.

"Teacher, that's far enough. I'm leaving," Li Heng said.

Principal Sun nodded, standing by the roadside as he watched Li Heng fade into the night.

Now that Li Heng was gone, Principal Sun grew even more troubled, gazing up at the moon and stars, thinking: With this tormenting ghost around, I never should've let Ziyue come to Fudan University.

Originally, his earlier remark had been nothing but a joke.

But after his granddaughter stared at him without blinking for over half an hour in the study, Principal Sun was genuinely worried.

As someone who'd been there, the old man knew better than anyone what glittered in his granddaughter's eyes.

Back home, his daughter asked Principal Sun: "Dad, didn't you say a distinguished guest was coming and told me to prepare late-night snacks? Why did you send him off?"

Principal Sun's daughter was also a professor at Fudan, in the School of Journalism. Her husband was a judge.

Principal Sun replied: "Li Heng had an emergency and left early. We'll eat together next time."

Then he looked around the house and asked, "Where's Ziyue?"

His daughter answered: "Right after you two stepped out, she followed right behind you."

Principal Sun froze, a voice instantly ringing in his head: Oh no!

Seeing her father's expression, his daughter worriedly asked, "What's wrong, Dad?"

Principal Sun waved his hand. "Go back to cooking. I'll have some wine tonight."

His daughter went into the kitchen.

Principal Sun pulled over a bamboo chair, sat facing the front gate, feeling the frustration of a wise man who'd overlooked something.

Meanwhile, shortly after leaving Xuhui Village, Li Heng was blocked by a figure on the narrow path ahead.

Li Heng stopped. "Classmate, is something wrong?"

Huang Ziyue stepped forward with small, quick steps. "Was that line you wrote forced on you by my grandfather?"

Li Heng neither denied nor admitted it.

Huang Ziyue circled him once, then again, then suddenly lifted her chin. "Senior, my grandfather has bullied you too much—want to get back at him?"

Li Heng asked casually, "How?"

Huang Ziyue said, "Go back home first. I'll tell you later."

Li Heng glanced at her, then walked off briskly, taking her words as nothing serious.

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(End of Chapter)