[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-1987-my-era":3,"chapter-1987-my-era-1987-my-era-chapter-531":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","1987: My Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2259691,4409,"Chapter 531: The Incident Happened Suddenly—This Is About Face (Request Subscription!)","1987-my-era-chapter-531",531,"\u003Cp>Watching him walk away, Huang Ziyue pulled out a love letter from her pocket, stared at it for a long while, having nearly handed it to him several times, but always faltered at the last moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had written it during her military training, three letters in total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at her grandfather’s house, she walked in and saw him sitting on the chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandpa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang hesitated a moment, then asked: “Did you see that boy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ziyue sat down on the chair beside him: “He’s a famous writer—he gets respect just as much as you do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang lifted his eyelid slightly: “More than I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ziyue turned sideways: “Aren’t you being too harsh? How can you treat someone like that on first meeting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang spoke solemnly: “You’re still young—you don’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ziyue asked: “What don’t I understand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang thought for a moment, then decided to give her a warning: “He’s the man chosen by Yu family’s only daughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ziyue pondered a moment: “That Yu teacher from the Management College?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ziyue asked: “Isn’t his girlfriend Xiao Han?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang said: “She still is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said only half, but Huang Ziyue understood: she still is—doesn’t mean she always will be, especially since he’s been chosen by a Yu woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ziyue asked: “So if a woman from the Yu family sets her sights on something, no one else can compete for it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiaozhang felt a pang of chest tightness, stood up, and returned to his study, thinking: that boy isn’t much of a person, but his handwriting is truly excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>….\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lushan Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the alley, Li Heng saw that the doors and windows of buildings 26 and 27 were tightly shut; after thinking, he turned and walked back toward the school gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Yu isn’t home tonight—he returned to the Yu household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wants to make a call, he’ll have to go outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the general store, someone was still on the phone at this hour, so he had to wait in line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Li Heng, is that really you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stood in line lost in thought, a female voice came from beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng turned and saw Teacher Wei Quan, dressed stylishly in emerald green, quite feminine—she carried bags full of snacks and braised meats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He called out: “Teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Quan asked: “Are you making a call?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Quan glanced at the four people ahead of him and invited: “Come call at my place—Mai sui and Shihe are there too, with Xiaozhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was tempted, but soon declined: “No thanks, Teacher. After I finish calling, I still have things to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Wei Quan nodded and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These days, phone calls cost a fortune—few people dared make them casually. Though four people were ahead, their total call time didn’t exceed fifteen minutes, and soon it was his turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His first call was to Liao the editor-in-chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, who’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, it’s me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s this late—are you calling because something happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the weariness in his voice, Li Heng asked: “Still working?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liao the editor-in-chief said: “In a meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng cut to the point: “I’m going to Jingcheng tomorrow morning, flying to Shudou the day after.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liao understood: “Alright, I’ll meet you in Shudou the day after tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After arranging the meeting spot, they ended the call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His second call was to the Li family home on Drum Tower in Jingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding ling ling…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding ling ling…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phone rang twice, then was answered by Li Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, it’s me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you looking for Zijin?” Li Lan cut straight to the point, skipping pleasantries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied: “Sis is practically divine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, last time someone promised to visit Zijin during National Day—you think I’d forget that fast?” Li Lan rolled her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Is Zijin home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan replied: “No, she’s in her Renmin University dorm. Tell me when you’re coming, and I’ll notify her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said: “I’m flying in tomorrow morning, arriving around noon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I’ll make lunch for you,” Li Lan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng happily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan thought of something and asked: “No annoying followers this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. You owe Zijin too much—if there’s another follower, I won’t even speak to you,” Li Lan scolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng smiled awkwardly and changed the subject: “How are Mom and Dad?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan said: “They’re fine—sitting outside the alleyway cooling off. Since coming to Jingcheng a year ago, they’ve made plenty of neighbors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good. Neighbors should visit each other often,” Li Heng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan asked: “Anything else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then hang up—phone bills are expensive. Save your money.” With that, Li Lan hung up without a second thought, then tidied up and headed to the pastry shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For his third call, Li Heng thought a moment, then decided to call Huang Zhaoyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could press the numbers, someone lightly tapped him on the right shoulder from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng turned and exclaimed in surprise: “Old Yong, what are you doing here at this hour?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong looked troubled, far less lively than usual, and got straight to the point: “Something happened—I need to borrow money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked urgently: “What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong struggled to speak: “Damn it, don’t ask—what matters is Old Master needs money now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him curse in frustration, Li Heng quickly paid for his call and pulled him aside: “How much do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong said: “A thousand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was stunned: “That much? Did you get some girl pregnant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost! I’m devoted to Chunhua—do you think I’d look at any other woman?” Zhang Zhiyong spat in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng probed: “For Zhang Chunhua?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name was too sensitive—Zhang Zhiyong instantly deflated, yet still refused to elaborate: “Just give me the money—I’ll pay you back later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he wouldn’t reveal anything after several attempts, Li Heng wisely fell silent: “I don’t have that much on me—it’s at home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way back to Lushan Village, Zhang Zhiyong mentioned Li Ran: “By the way, Big Brother Li, Li Ran came to see me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng frowned: “I was wondering where she’d disappeared to—so she went to you? Where is she now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong told him: “She rented an apartment in the alley behind our school—staying there for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stopped walking, frowned, and asked: “Why didn’t she come find me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong smirked: “She says some enemy is chasing her, and she doesn’t want to drag you into it—so she’s lying low until things calm down, then she’ll come find you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s how it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng muttered inwardly, returned home, emptied his savings—about 2,300 yuan—and stuffed it all into his pocket: “Back at school, give 1,000 to Li Ran first—she probably has almost no cash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong reached into his pocket, felt the bills, and instantly felt relieved: “I won’t thank you—it’s too much. Old Master’s leaving now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng chased him to the door: “Won’t you stay the night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay? Pfft—I’ve got to catch a train.” By the time he spoke, Zhang Zhiyong was already sprinting ten meters away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a few breaths, he vanished from sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stood in the center of the alley, thought for a moment, locked the door, and ran after him—but by the time he reached the school gate, the fool was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking, he went back to the general store and called again—this time, Huang Zhaoyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding ling ling…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phone rang once, then connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi picked up and asked: “Li Heng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This number, besides Li Heng, was known only to her family and Liao the editor-in-chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So naturally, she asked if it was him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her familiar voice, Li Heng smiled: “I thought you weren’t home—luckily, you are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his light tone, Huang Zhaoyi’s face broke into a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked, “Busy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi said, “Not busy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng glanced at the convenience store owner chatting with the owner of the neighboring restaurant, then lowered his voice: “I came to see you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi was instantly filled with joy. “Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hanging up, Li Heng placed a bill on the counter and slipped away, heading toward Wujiaochang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his way to Wujiaochang, Li Heng encountered Zhang Bing and Bai Wanying returning from packing up their stall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing them, he couldn’t help recalling Zhou Shihe’s remark: Maybe Bai Wanying has no thoughts, but Zhang Bing might be different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Wanying asked, “Great writer, where are you going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied, “To buy something. You’re packing up so early today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The braised dishes sold out,” Bai Wanying said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worried for his safety, Zhang Bing asked, “Old Li, want us to go with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng shook his head with a smile. “No need. I’ll be quick. You take care of Bai Wanying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing Wujiaochang, he thought he’d imagined it—rubbed his eyes, confirmed he wasn’t mistaken—he saw Hu Ping and Chen Guifen walking into a guesthouse together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Guifen used to be best friends with Zhou Min and Liu Yue. Who would’ve thought that after Zhou Min and Liu Yue went abroad, she’d grow so close to Old Hu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng instinctively glanced at his left wrist: 8:24.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What were they doing at the guesthouse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spending the night?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renting a room?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, his brain felt overloaded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just over ten days ago, Hu Ping had confessed to Wei Xiaozhu at Xi Yuan—and got slapped three times in anger. Had love turned to hatred? Now he was already dating Chen Guifen from their class?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even if they were dating, it couldn’t have happened this fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many days had even passed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Chen Guifen’s retreating back, Li Heng sighed but said nothing more, didn’t pry. They were adults now—everyone had the right to choose how they lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the guesthouse’s signboard, then kept walking. After twenty minutes of rushing, he finally stopped before a three-story building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could knock, the courtyard gate opened automatically, revealing a tall figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the gate, their eyes met. Li Heng asked, “Waiting for me on purpose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi smiled faintly, tossed the stick aside, and let him in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She locked the gate, and the two walked side by side into the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he changed shoes, he suddenly turned and stared at her abdomen. After a long pause, he asked, “It’s been several days since the 26th. No reaction?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of it, Huang Zhaoyi’s eyes dimmed slightly. “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked, “Is it your period now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi said yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid he might turn away, she lowered her head, gathered courage, and added, “If you need it, I can help you another way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another way?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Self-evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stared at her crimson lips for a moment, stirred—but didn’t act. He put on his shoes, walked to the sofa, and sat down, then patted the space beside him. “Come sit with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi obeyed, sitting gently beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked carefully, “A… A… how’s your mom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word “Auntie” always felt awkward—he never said it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi said, “She was discharged a few days ago. She’s doing okay for now. The doctor told me not to let her get upset again, so I’m not staying at home—I’m here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked, “Does she not want to see you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi nodded, then shook her head. “I’m afraid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng fell silent. After half a minute, he reached out, lifted her into his arms, laid her gently across his lap, and stared at her quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time he’d been so gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lying warmly in his arms, Huang Zhaoyi felt an indescribable emotion wash over her—she wanted to cry, but held back the tears, hiding them at the corners of her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After gazing at each other, Huang Zhaoyi asked, “Can I kiss you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said, “I’m your man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi smiled at him, her eyes full of tenderness. Long moments passed before she propped herself up, turned sideways, and kissed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng watched her movements without blinking. When she extended her red tongue, he parted his lips slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a passionate kiss, she wasn’t satisfied—she knelt on his thighs, kissed his neck, bit his collarbone and shoulder blades, then trailed downward…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng wanted to sigh in pleasure but held back. Finally, he stopped her from going lower. “Not yet. Stay and talk with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Huang Zhaoyi tied her loose hair into a knot with a rubber band, then lay back against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said, “I need your help with something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Huang Zhaoyi felt an inexplicable sense of stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man she loved asked her for help—what did that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant he trusted her more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant he felt safer with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant he saw her as his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had Yu Shuheng behind him—he didn’t go to Yu Shuheng, but came to her. Huang Zhaoyi didn’t feel burdened; she felt fulfilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi answered, “Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was surprised. “You won’t even ask what it is? Or whether you can do it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said I’m your woman,” Huang Zhaoyi replied, mimicking his tone. Her eyes sparkled with quiet pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng studied her silently, then suddenly smiled, and told her about Zhang Zhiyong borrowing a thousand yuan from him and leaving in a hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi asked, “Are you worried he’s in trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi sat up from his lap. “A thousand yuan isn’t small change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She picked up the landline on the coffee table, dialed, and after it connected, gave instructions: “Keep an eye on someone…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About three minutes later, she hung up and turned to him. “I’ll make a few dishes. Let’s have some wine tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng frowned. “You’re on your period. Can you drink?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi said, “I’ll drink soda. I’ll keep you company.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng agreed. “Fine. Don’t cook too much—just two dishes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi went into the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng went to her bedroom, found a set of clothes in the wardrobe, and took a shower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding ling ling…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding ling ling…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stepped out of the bathroom, the living room phone rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no movement from the kitchen, Li Heng went to the doorway and said, “Your phone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi, meticulously stir-frying, turned off the stove, studied his new clothes carefully, and praised, “Looks good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked down—the clothes were tasteful, exactly his style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, who’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, it’s me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the woman on the line could speak, Liu Yue asked, “Is Li Heng with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi frowned, glancing at Li Heng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked equally confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi asked, “Why ask that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue said, “I had a dream—I saw him mistreating you in bed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue asked, “Did I guess right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi denied it. “No. Today isn’t weekend—he’s at school.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue pressed, “Then how many times a month does he come here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi said, “I refuse to answer that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue remained as bold as ever: “Then let me ask another—everyone says women turn into tigers at thirty. Can he satisfy you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi couldn’t meet Li Heng’s gaze. “Little Liu Yue, that’s not something you should ask. I’m your aunt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, fine. So now you’ve got a man and forgot your niece. Remember who brought you two together? I’m the one who made it happen—and now I’m just forgotten…” Liu Yue kept muttering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi listened patiently, then asked, “Did you call for a reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue complained, “My sister just called and scolded me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi asked, “Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue said, “What else? Because Grandma’s sick in the hospital. I couldn’t argue—I just had to take the scolding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi said: “That’s not like you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue said: “She threatened me—said if I didn’t obey, she’d expel me. Now she doesn’t favor me anymore; she’s at home with her husband trying for another child. I just wonder—she’s forty-two already. How can a withered tree still bloom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi was surprised: “How do you know?” Liu Yue spoke mysteriously: “I have eyes and ears in her circle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi ran through every person close to her elder sister—but couldn’t guess who the spy was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue suddenly changed the subject: “By the way, Auntie, Mom said you and he had relations without protection. Are you pregnant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi lowered her head and fell silent for a while. “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yue asked: “You want to have his child, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was here; she couldn’t speak too bluntly about it, lest he suspect she and Little Liu Yue were colluding to pressure him. Huang Zhaoyi said: “I have something else to attend to. Let’s stop for today…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she finished speaking, Liu Yue cried out: “Let Uncle Li take the call—I know he’s there…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi ignored her and hung up the phone directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, she reconsidered and placed the receiver back on the coffee table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After doing all this, she said awkwardly: “Little Liu Yue is so mischievous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng did nothing, his gaze fixed on her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing his gaze, Huang Zhaoyi blushed slightly—but beneath it, a quiet joy surged. She abandoned her plan to get up and go to the kitchen, remaining seated, letting him look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Li Heng suppressed the restless stirrings within him: “It’s not that early. Go finish cooking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi stood up. “Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her tall figure disappear into the kitchen, Li Heng couldn’t help but sigh: This woman is truly an exquisite lover in bed—next to Mai Sui, she’s the only one so far who can stir his nerves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Mai Sui—that’s another realm entirely, one an ordinary woman cannot comprehend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she lies on the bed, that seductive, half-resistant, half-accepting look makes Li Heng lose control—even through barriers, he can deliver two shots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s unimaginable with any other woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d agreed on two dishes, but she made three meat dishes and one vegetable. Fortunately, Hunan cuisine cooks fast, so it didn’t take long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Red or white?” she asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Red,” Li Heng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled out a bottle of red wine, poured him a glass, then drank soda herself, staying by his side, attending to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Picking up a piece of braised pork, Li Heng praised: “Excellent. This is the best I’ve had since leaving Xiangnan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A smile appeared on Huang Zhaoyi’s face. After hesitating, she gathered courage and asked him: “Will you stay the night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow he planned to go to Shanghai Medical University to see his sly wife—but the impulsive appearance of Little Liu Yue had disrupted his schedule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since things had come to this, he couldn’t hurt her feelings. He grunted: “Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his condition hadn’t faded and that he still carried the great pendulum within him, Huang Zhaoyi summoned courage and whispered softly by his ear, sweetly: “Do you want me to help you now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng turned his head, startled: “Now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met. Moments later, Huang Zhaoyi pushed back her chair, crouched low, and slid under the dining table…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng drank his wine and ate his food, recalling the classic scene of “tofu rolling in pickled vegetables,” utterly enchanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Li Heng looked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Huang Zhaoyi’s face was slick with sweat, her fine strands of hair damp and clinging to her forehead, her pale, graceful neck rising and falling rhythmically—truly a sight of unique allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knock knock knock…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knock knock knock…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, a knock came from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Huang Zhaoyi finished her technique, drew her hair back into a knot, and looked up at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Who could it be at this hour?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi thought a moment, then guessed: “Probably Elder Sister, or Second Sister. My landline’s unreachable—they must’ve come over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was easy to guess: only a few siblings and Liao the editor knew her address. And even Liao only knew the general area, not the exact location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably here for something. Go see,” Li Heng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi thought the same. She rose—but staggered, nearly falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng caught her swiftly, concerned: “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing. I’m fine,” Huang Zhaoyi said. Her body burned hot—how could she admit her knees were weak?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After catching her breath, she went into the bedroom to change. Her clothes were half-damp from sweat, clinging uncomfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng entered, sat on the edge of the bed, watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi felt shy but didn’t avoid him. She turned sideways and changed her clothes layer by layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she finished, Li Heng reminded: “You should go to the bathroom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi froze, then unconsciously wiped her lips with her finger, staring at it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t face anyone. She fled the bedroom like a thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minutes later, Huang Zhaoyi appeared downstairs, peeked out—and sure enough, it was Second Sister Huang Zhiyun, accompanied by her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened the gate and asked: “Second Sister, Brother-in-law, why are you here so late?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun said: “Your phone wouldn’t ring. I thought something happened, so I rushed over with your brother-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Huang Zhiyun frowned: “What were you doing? Why is your hair so messy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having lived with her younger sister for so long, Huang Zhiyun knew her habits intimately. Normally, Huang Zhaoyi wouldn’t even appear before others with sweat-damp hair, let alone allow dust to gather—she was the neatest person imaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi lacked confidence only before Li Heng. In front of outsiders, she was still a true aristocratic daughter—unflinching, she said: “I was cleaning the kitchen. Didn’t have time to tidy up before you arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun doubted it. Her younger sister never delayed chores. She always cleaned the kitchen immediately after cooking—never waited until this late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Sister asked: “Did you just cook?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi replied coolly: “Suddenly felt hungry, made some late-night snacks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Late-night snacks? You haven’t touched those since you started keeping your figure to hold onto him,” Huang Zhiyun blurted out mercilessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brother-in-law sensed something odd. He quietly turned away, lit a cigarette, and smoked slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi looked embarrassed, then lowered her voice: “Brother-in-law’s here. Leave me some dignity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun glanced at her husband, then strode boldly through the gate, heading inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Huang Zhaoyi panicked, blocking her: “We’re cleaning up. It’s messy. You came rushing over—what’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun grew even more suspicious. She looked up at the brightly lit second floor and blurted: “Is there a man here? Has he come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi repeated the same excuse she’d used with Liu Yue: “It’s not the weekend. Li Heng is at school.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun clearly didn’t believe it: “Li Heng isn’t some ordinary college student. School rules don’t bind him. He comes and goes as he pleases—Fudan has to coddle him. Do you really think I’m a fool?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Huang Zhiyun—also over 1.7 meters tall—shoved past her sister and strode straight into the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi tried to grab her, pulled several times to no avail, and finally could only stare helplessly as she followed her upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the brother-in-law glanced at his wife, then at his sister-in-law, and finally looked up at the second-floor window. He chose not to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During their exchange, he’d spotted a shadow at the window. He guessed the man inside, worried for Zhaoyi’s safety, was keeping watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brother-in-law was right. Li Heng had indeed been checking the outside for safety. When he saw it was Huang Zhiyun, he returned to the sofa and picked up a newspaper to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tap tap tap…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hurried footsteps, the two sisters appeared at the stairwell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun’s gaze swept the room, then locked precisely on the sofa—and Li Heng’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, she turned to her sister, thinking: So it’s true—he’s hidden here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi turned her head away, avoiding eye contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun took two deep breaths, walked over, and faced Li Heng for the first time in earnest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing a shadow in her peripheral vision, Li Heng lifted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of eye contact, he spoke: “Second Sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said “Second Sister” not for any other reason—only to give Huang Zhaoyi face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun nodded, then sat across from him on the sofa, her gaze fixed on him, examining him without restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was flawless—in appearance, demeanor, physique. No wonder he’d completely bewitched her sister, who’d always been proud and aloof since childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly had the goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she knew her angelic sister’s cheeks had gone stiff from longing for him, what would she think?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng sat like a stone dog—motionless, expression unchanged, letting her gaze roam over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi, fiercely protective, sat right beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After studying him, Huang Zhiyun instinctively glanced toward the dining table—yes, dishes and chopsticks were piled up. Her sister had truly been cooking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, Second Sister felt puzzled. How deeply did her sister love this man? The family knew better than anyone. Why was she appearing before him like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouldn’t she have dressed beautifully, applied light makeup?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why look like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As someone who’d been there, Huang Zhiyun immediately thought of lovemaking. The more she thought, the more it made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her sister stare unblinkingly at her and Li Heng, Huang Zhaoyi’s nerves frayed. She broke the silence: “Just say it—what do you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun snapped back to reality, her eyes fixed on the unreturned receiver on the coffee table: “Mom and Dad suddenly want to see you. Your phone wouldn’t ring, so they called me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Huang Zhaoyi felt frustrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng had come to her only once in a long while. He’d finally agreed to stay the night—and now all this had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi looked hesitantly at Li Heng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng casually reached out his right hand and patted her left thigh—as if to say: Go ahead. Don’t worry about me. I’ll come again next time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun stared, eyes fixed on Li Heng’s hand resting on her younger sister’s thigh, her heart a tangle of emotions. So many outstanding men had pursued her sister; so many respectable families had sought to ally with the Huang family—yet she had rejected them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she had chosen a boy fourteen years younger—and insisted on becoming his mistress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This, not even their mother could tolerate—and as the elder sister, she was furious too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Heng’s status was too extraordinary; she dared not confront him, forced to watch helplessly as it all unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi understood his intentions, then rose and went to the shower, planning to wash up before returning home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Huang Zhaoyi gone, the room was left with only Li Heng and Huang Zhiyun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances. Huang Zhiyun held back, but finally couldn’t—she spoke as calmly as she could: “I know your sister is much older than you, and I know we’re in the wrong—we have no right, and shouldn’t demand anything of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhaoyi truly loves you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her elder sister, I still hope she finds a good future. Can’t you… just consider marrying her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His demeanor was respectful; Li Heng felt no aversion. After a moment’s thought, he said: “Second sister, from your perspective, you’re right. If I were you, I’d think the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng paused, then continued: “If Zhaoyi and I had met years earlier, none of this would need to be said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were subtle, veiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Huang Zhiyun understood clearly: if he had no one else, he would have married her sister. But now he had someone—he couldn’t abandon his legitimate girlfriend to marry Zhaoyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun fell silent. His reasoning was sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet immediately she felt he was dodging. Someone? You have so many? Who exactly are you talking about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yu? Xiao Han? Chen Zijin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or that teacher who clings to you like a shadow—Yu Shuheng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of how many beautiful women he’d entangled himself with—how he even dared to seduce a university professor—Huang Zhiyun suddenly felt her question today had been pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who’s feasted on a full Manchu-Han banquet—you suddenly remove all the other dishes and leave him only one? If he accepts, it’d be a miracle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: when minds don’t align, not a single word is worth saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After one attempt, Huang Zhiyun understood her own limits; she realized no amount of begging could change his mind, so she wisely fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, Huang Zhaoyi finished preparing. The two sisters left the second floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Huang Zhaoyi placed the car keys before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stared at the keys for a moment, but didn’t touch them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he drove straight to Xuhui now, the distance was too great—he’d arrive too late. The dormitory gates were already closed; he wouldn’t see Xiao Han tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun couldn’t bear the suffocating silence. She broke it, asking her sister: “Zhaoyi, didn’t Big Sister say you’ve been trying to conceive? Then why invite him again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While her sister was showering, she’d quietly looked around and noticed a trash bin full of tissues—images flooded her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi kept her gaze lowered: “Didn’t get pregnant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Huang Zhiyun in the passenger seat turned sharply, studying her sister’s expression for a moment, then sighed: “Good you didn’t get pregnant this time—if you had, Mom would use the child as leverage. She’d probably go straight to Li Heng’s parents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi’s face was expressionless: “Even if I had a child, it wouldn’t change anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her sister’s demeanor, Huang Zhiyun knew she couldn’t press further today—it had reached its limit. Too much pressure would only break their bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she changed the subject: “Song Yu, Xiao Han, Chen Zijin, and that Yu teacher—who do you think he favors most?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi hesitated, then said: “Song Yu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun asked: “He wants to marry Song Yu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi, distracted, replied: “Probably.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brother-in-law, who had been silent until now, spoke up: “The Yu family probably won’t let him have his way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun turned to her husband: “What’s your take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brother-in-law, eyes on the road, analyzed: “If Li Heng wants to marry Song Yu—or anyone else—as long as it’s not the Yu family’s daughter, it’s good for your sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhiyun asked: “How’s that good? Isn’t she still just his mistress?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhaoyi gazed through the car window, lost in the night scenery outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brother-in-law glanced at his younger sister-in-law in the rearview mirror, then said: “The girls he tangled with in high school? Their families can’t possibly match the Yu family’s power. If Li Heng doesn’t want to be completely controlled by Yu Shuheng, he’ll need your sister to balance her. At that point, Zhaoyi’s status will rise—even without marriage, she’ll be better off than if she were married.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was said to his wife, to the Huang family, and to his younger sister-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, it was a subtle warning to the Huangs: Li Heng is a man who lives by talent and inspiration. Pressing him too hard won’t work—it’ll only drive him further away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To handle a man like him, you must bind him with emotion and kindness, make him feel guilty—only then will he treat your sister better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, it was advice to his wife: Don’t fan the flames. Instead, support your sister’s wishes. At the very least, even if you don’t speak for her, be a peacemaker in the middle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That way, you offend no one—and still earn your sister’s and Li Heng’s gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, it was a reminder to Zhaoyi: Striving too hard can backfire; total passivity isn’t wise either. In romantic relationships, it’s about give-and-take—retreat when he advances, advance when he retreats. Avoid conflict, and harmony follows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, Li Heng may grow weary of the Yu family’s pressure—and remember Zhaoyi’s kindness, cherish her even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the brother-in-law didn’t fully understand the Yu family’s current situation—but the core principle of any great family never changes: they may turn a blind eye to certain things, but they never have no bottom line. There’s always an invisible rope binding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s your sister’s chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sisters thought for a moment and grasped most of what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the car drove a while, Huang Zhiyun realized belatedly: “So… it’s better if your sister gets pregnant now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brother-in-law had meant to stop there, but seeing his wife ask, he considered a moment and gave his view: “This child can be kept—and the sooner, the better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But your sister shouldn’t bring it up. Let Li Heng have a change of heart on his own, and ask her to conceive. Then her future is secure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This struck a chord deep within Huang Zhaoyi. She desperately wanted a child—recently, she’d dreamed of giving birth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her free time, she even went shopping, deliberately looking at baby clothes and shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she never bought them—she feared Li Heng might see them and think she was pressuring him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two sisters left, Li Heng didn’t linger—he also departed the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing Wujiao Square, he slowed his steps. There, ahead, he saw Hu Ping and Chen Guifen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They seemed to have just left a guesthouse. As soon as they hit the street, they let go of each other’s hands and hurried toward Fudan University.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was baffled. Were they dating? Or just using each other for a quick lay?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two groups entered the campus one after the other. He glanced once more at Hu Ping and Chen Guifen, now walking separately, then returned to Lushan Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was something strange going on today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buildings 24, 25, 26, and 27 were all dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the girls stayed overnight in the female dorm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Li Heng cleaned himself up at home, then headed to Room 325.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his writer identity had been exposed, he hadn’t returned to the dorm. But tomorrow he’d be traveling far—and suddenly, he wanted to spend one last night in his old room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he even reached the door, he heard shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guang and Hu Ping were arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others were trying to calm them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guang, furious, shouted: “There’s no wall without cracks! You think you’re hiding it well? You’ve been renting rooms with Chen Guifen every day this week—even at Wujiao Square! Do you really think we’re blind? Dammit! You’re the one acting recklessly—and now you blame me when Wei Xiaozhu and the others find out? Do I owe you something? Fuck!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, Hu Ping and Chen Guifen’s secret trysts had been discovered by the girls in Dorm 107. When Li Guoyi returned, he asked Hu Ping: “Hu, Sun Ye just asked me—are you really sleeping with Chen Guifen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That single question set Hu Ping off. He and Chen Guifen had only been caught once before—by Li Guang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Hu Ping had treated Li Guang to dinner and bought him cigarettes—to keep him quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Hu Ping believed Li Guang had betrayed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the argument grew fiercer, escalating into physical blows. Luckily, the others held them both back tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng pushed open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the noise, the boys in Room 325 all turned. Seeing it was Da Heng, Li Guang and Hu Ping immediately stopped. The two men who’d been about to fight broke apart and returned to their beds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the dorm had subtly split into two factions due to personality and family background…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Zhang, Tang Dailing, and Zhang Bing were one group. All came from poor rural families, shared similar experiences, and usually ate and lived together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guoyi, Hu Ping, and Li Guang were the other. All came from wealthy homes, lived ostentatiously—each shirt they bought cost more than Zhang Bing’s monthly allowance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to their differing lifestyles, the poor faction and rich faction naturally didn’t eat together daily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imagine forcing these rich boys to eat steamed buns, radishes, cabbage, and tofu every day—they couldn’t stomach it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, actually, Li Guang and the others didn’t mind treating Zhou Zhang and the others—they’d even be happy to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhou Zhang, Tang Dailing, and Zhang Bing had pride. A meal or two was fine—but eating with them every day? That would look like they were their lackeys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who knew understood it was brotherly affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who didn’t would think they were being led around like puppies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though friction inevitably arose among roommates, they all shared one unspoken rule: whenever Da Heng returned and stayed overnight, any past conflicts were forgotten. They’d eat, drink, joke, and smoke together—loud, lively, and warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goal? To give Da Heng face, make him happy, and let him know this dorm wasn’t a pile of trash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guoyi reached into Hu Ping’s pocket, pulled out a pack of Huazhi, and offered Li Heng a cigarette with a sly grin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Da Heng, don’t mind them—Hu and Xiao Guang were just putting on a Mongolian wrestling show.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng chuckled, took the cigarette, then checked his watch: “It’s just past ten. Hu, Zhou—you two are the tallest. You’re the laborers. Let’s go buy some beer. Tonight’s gonna be fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect! I’ve been dying to get properly drunk—these brats never let me have my fill,” Zhou Zhang said cheerfully, heading for the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ping lit a cigarette and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me too! Me too!” Li Guoyi slapped his ass twice and trailed after them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Update first, then revise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already updated eleven thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6270,"2026-06-19T15:27:37.100Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","55417a6d1a2d6eb88d26052cf593bb55eed5baa298c98c141f940a065abb789f","1987-my-era-chapter-532","1987-my-era-chapter-530",713,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002F1987-my-era-cover.jpg"]