[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-1987-my-era":3,"chapter-1987-my-era-1987-my-era-chapter-534":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},2259694,4409,"Chapter 534: Did You Know You Ate Something You Shouldn","1987-my-era-chapter-534",534,"\u003Cp>Aba is an autonomous prefecture under Sichuan Province, located in the northwest of Sichuan, at the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, bordering the Chengdu Plain, with a typical plateau terrain averaging over 3,000 meters in elevation and highly variable climate zones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the altitude reached 2,500 meters, everyone stopped to rest at a relatively flat spot—to eat something and replenish energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, to check if anyone had altitude sickness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, to give the body time to adjust gradually to the constantly changing climate and temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the break, Doctor Gu Yao explained a simple fact to everyone: at high altitudes, it’s not advisable to bathe or wash your hair with hot water, and bathing must be done in a well-ventilated area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since none of them were locals, their bodies hadn’t yet adapted to the local natural environment; the thin air at high altitudes causes blood vessels to dilate during bathing, increasing cardiac strain and easily triggering altitude sickness symptoms like shortness of breath and chest tightness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Doctor Gu added: “Once we get higher up, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous exercise, rest often, and try to drink little or no alcohol.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Li Heng was stunned. He turned to look at Yu Shuheng, thinking: This teacher is usually so fastidious—doesn’t this feel like a death sentence to her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, he was fine—he’d grown up in the snow-capped mountains, where the altitude was just as high; altitude sickness simply didn’t affect him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if reading his gaze, Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng whispered: “Living conditions here are harsh. Can you adapt? Maybe you should just go back to Shanghai. Don’t suffer up there with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng thought for a moment and said: “Let’s see how it goes—if I really can’t adapt, I’ll leave early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing she had her own plan, Li Heng offered a few more words of advice but didn’t press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After resting about half an hour, they continued on their way and finally arrived at their destination—Mal Kang Town, the seat of Aba Prefecture government—at around 7 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, Mal Kang Town was far more backward than he’d imagined—no tall buildings, sparse nighttime lights. Zeng Yun had arranged their lodging in a three-story building just across from the prefecture government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, calling it a prefecture government was misleading—it was no larger than a small county town in Xiangnan, possibly even less prosperous than those.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing that caught Li Heng’s attention was the several Miya Luo red-leaf trees in the courtyard, which he examined for a long time with his flashlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said to Yu Teacher beside him: “The living quarters are humble, but with these trees, they’ve gained some depth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already autumn, and the leaves blazed red like fire. Yu Shuheng was quite pleased: “When morning comes, let’s take a photo together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, sure,” Li Heng nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The house was a classic old-style tongzi building. Li Heng and Yu Shuheng stayed on the second floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun and Editor Liao also stayed on the second floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone else stayed on the first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone’s surprise, Xu Suyun—who had barely spoken on the journey—had somehow started talking to Editor Liao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After putting down their luggage and washing up thoroughly, Li Heng asked Editor Liao: “Brother, how many days do you plan to stay here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Editor Liao replied: “About three to four days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked: “Are you feeling okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng shook his head: “This altitude? What’s there to worry about? If you all hadn’t kept asking after me, I’d feel no different from home. The only real change is it’s colder—autumn feels like winter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting a while, they entered the study, filled with various materials and local county records—Zeng Yun’s findings from arriving half a month earlier, prepared in advance for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he flipped through the documents, absorbed in reading, Yu Shuheng, freshly washed, walked in and came beside him: “How’s it going? Satisfied?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng didn’t turn his head: “Good. The materials are more complete than I expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Yu Shuheng was glad for him and didn’t disturb him further. She sat on a chair and began reading a newspaper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, after everyone had settled, they went to a restaurant next door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this hour, the restaurant owner normally wouldn’t be open—but Zeng Yun had paid well in advance. Seeing the money, the owner happily prepared a full table of local specialties, including a charcoal-brass hot pot with authentic mountain lamb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The owner asked enthusiastically: “Would you like some alcohol? Our local specialty is highland barley wine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared to accept—it was precisely because Doctor Gu Yao had warned them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the dishes were wild game, and the cured meat was especially delicious. Li Heng, having skipped proper meals all day to keep pace, was starving. He ate three full bowls of rice before stopping, then sat beside Editor Liao, smoking and chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Where’s your college classmate? Far from here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Editor Liao said: “Not far—he’s the president of the Normal University.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said: “You’re doing well. Tomorrow I’ll go with you to visit him, get to know the place—might need to ask for a favor someday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Editor Liao didn’t refuse—or rather, he’d already intended to. After all, they’d traveled thousands of miles to Aba to learn about local customs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to learn about local customs, you naturally need to find locals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, everyone was exhausted and went to rest—except Li Heng, who couldn’t sleep and slipped back into the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around 11:30 p.m., Yu Shuheng came from Xu Suyun’s room into the study. She’d intended to urge him to sleep, but seeing him utterly absorbed in his books, she swallowed her words, quietly closed the door, and sat quietly beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another two hours passed. Feeling his feet grow cold, Li Heng finally put down the book and turned to look at Yu Teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw her, and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow! Yu Teacher had fallen asleep in her chair, the book open on her chest, peaceful and charming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at her for a long moment. Just as he rose to wake her, she opened her eyes herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Teacher slowly opened her eyes, gazing at him with soft, sleepy eyes: “Little boy, do I look good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I like the scent of books on you—it’s deeply refined,” Li Heng said, unusually honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They gazed at each other for a long time. In the quiet atmosphere, Yu Shuheng suddenly reached out, wrapped her arms around his neck, and leaned in to kiss his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Li Heng gasped, frozen, thinking he’d misheard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled slightly: “Carry me to bed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng gasped again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng’s smile deepened. She stopped teasing him: “Carry me to the bedroom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay.” This time, Li Heng didn’t hesitate. He bent down, scooped her up in his arms, and walked toward the bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as soon as he stepped out of the study, he stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng followed his gaze and turned her head—just in time to meet Xu Suyun’s eyes as she was heading to the bathroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Xu Suyun had long sensed her friend’s odd feelings toward Li Heng, seeing them in such an intimate pose left her momentarily stunned, eyes wide and vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stared at each other across the space for a long while. Then Yu Shuheng gave her friend a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun snapped back to herself and turned into the bathroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Li Heng stepped forward, carried Yu Teacher into the bedroom, and laid her gently on the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay and talk with me a while,” she said, holding his neck tightly as he moved to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s this late—aren’t you going to rest?” Li Heng asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said nothing, but didn’t loosen her grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no other option, Li Heng shut the door with his foot, kicked off his shoes, and got into bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little boy, come on top of me,” Yu Shuheng sensed his stiffness and her playful mood flared up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Li Heng ignored her, lying still beside her, staring at the ceiling. But as an indescribable atmosphere filled the room, he grew increasingly restless, until, almost against his will, he rolled over onto her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng showed no surprise or resistance. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck again and quietly studied the face of the young man so close to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lying atop her, Li Heng made no further move—only rested his hands on the bed, silently meeting her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither spoke. They savored the silence, neither willing to break it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As time passed, their breathing grew quicker. Their bodies, without a word, became more yielding, intimately embracing each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At one moment, Li Heng lowered his head, intending to kiss her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yu Shuheng turned her head slightly, letting his lips brush past hers and land on her earlobe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nibbled her soft earlobe, leaving several sharp tooth marks to show his displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng sensed his inner frustration. She let him bite, let him vent, only holding him tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this intimate atmosphere, Li Heng didn’t ask why she avoided him. She didn’t explain why she’d evaded his kiss. Their faces pressed together, bodies rubbing, sinking deeper into desire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Yu Shuheng’s body suddenly stiffened, her ten toes curling tightly, her right hand lightly tapping his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng, experienced in such matters, immediately understood and responded accordingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After another ten minutes, Yu Shuheng calmed down. Her hazy eyes slowly opened, her dark pupils reflecting his image, brimming with affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She traced her finger along his lips—from left to right, then right to left—then finally spoke: “Little man, do you know why I didn’t kiss you? Why I didn’t let you take off your clothes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied casually: “Because you’re my teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng didn’t deny it—but clearly, that wasn’t the main reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said: “I want one day for you to choose me willingly—not because your body controls your mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, she wanted his heart, not just his desire-driven submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng fell silent, then reached out and held her tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They embraced each other. The bedroom fell completely still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about twenty minutes, she loosened her hold: “Sleep now. Tomorrow you’re going with Editor Liao to the Normal University—don’t oversleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, okay,” Li Heng slid off her and lay beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, Yu Shuheng asked: “Aren’t you going back to your own room?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stretched: “Don’t feel like moving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled, sat up slightly, got out of bed, and went to the washroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Li Heng waited and waited—until he fell asleep—without Yu Teacher returning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Yu Shuheng slept in his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They switched rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But lying on his bed, she couldn’t sleep. She turned and tossed, unable to rest—her mind filled with his image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that they’d reached this point, she wasn’t in a hurry. If she couldn’t be his first woman, she wouldn’t rush to become his woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, she realized she preferred this vague, elusive, half-distant affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She preferred to quietly stay beside him at a certain distance, accompanying him through storms and sunshine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night was quiet, but she didn’t close her eyes once; in the second half of the night, she half-sat against the headboard, spending her time reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Yu Shuheng got out of bed, took her camera, and ran out to the balcony, joyfully photographing the Miayalo red-leaf trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun appeared behind her without notice; after her friend finished shooting from several angles, she couldn’t help asking, “Are you dating Li Heng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng denied: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun frowned: “After last night, how can you still deny it? Do you think I’m stupid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully, keeping her lens aimed at the Miayalo red leaves, and said warmly, “I don’t think you’re stupid—I’m just carrying feelings on my own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun was stunned, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief, utterly incredulous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, she finally recovered and spoke again: “Say that again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng turned her head. “Didn’t you hear it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “I’m afraid I misheard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “You didn’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with her: “You’re this beautiful, this elegant, this well-connected—still pining alone? Shouldn’t he be begging at your feet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smirked. “You’re wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun gripped the railing. “I’m wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Completely wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun froze, then asked after a long pause: “When did it start?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng gazed at the tree full of red leaves. “I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “Love knows not its origin—it simply runs deep?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng remained silent, acknowledging it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching the red leaves awhile, Xu Suyun sighed: “Fate is cruel—so many men in your circle admire you, so many families want you, yet none caught your eye… and yet you’ve fallen for a man seven years younger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sighed again, speaking slowly: “And he’s your student, seven years younger—hard to imagine. If those admirers of yours found out, they’d go mad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng replied indifferently: “Life is unpredictable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun tilted her head. “I feel you’re enjoying this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Yu Shuheng didn’t deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun asked curiously: “Why is it unrequited? Can’t you even win him over? Logically, shouldn’t he fall madly for you the moment you stand beside him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “If only it were that simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun recalled: “Since I’ve known you, haven’t all men acted that way?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “He’s different from them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun asked: “How?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng put down the camera and gazed into the distance. “He already has someone in his heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun raised her voice: “Someone? Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two names flashed through Yu Shuheng’s mind: Song Yu and Zhou Shihe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not waiting for an answer, Xu Suyun’s curiosity overwhelmed her. “How can he ignore someone as beautiful as you and love someone else? I find it hard to believe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under relentless pressure from her friend, Yu Shuheng finally spoke slowly: “Zhou Shihe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t mention Song Yu—her friend didn’t know her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t want to waste words explaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name “Zhou Shihe” seemed to hold magic; upon hearing it, Xu Suyun froze in place, then said after a long while: “No wonder. If it’s her, I can understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint flashing through. “What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun fell silent. “Don’t be so competitive. Zhou Shihe’s delicate, Lin Daiyu-like aura is naturally a man’s downfall—I doubt any man could see her without being moved, it’s just a matter of courage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling Zhou Shihe’s situation at Fudan, Yu Shuheng agreed: “True. Few male students dare approach her openly. Publicly, those few little princes at Fudan are more popular, and they probably get more love letters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “But those are just letters. If there were a real chance to marry Zhou Shihe, I believe most men would go mad for her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the word “marry,” Yu Shuheng’s mind automatically switched to Song Yu—another woman of infinite charm, the one the young man kept saying he wanted to marry. It left her helpless for the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun asked: “Is Li Heng dating Zhou Shihe now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun nodded. “Of course. If he were dating a daughter of the Zhou family, he wouldn’t have let you come to Aba.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng felt a pang but said nothing—her friend was right. What she could do, the Zhou family could do too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun asked: “Then why say your heart belongs to Zhou Shihe? Are you pursuing her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Not even that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun: “???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was utterly baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng pondered: “Maybe he has the thought—but hasn’t acted on it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “I don’t get it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng answered evasively: “Zhou Shihe isn’t easy to pursue. He may never win her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun was surprised: “Setting aside family background, isn’t Li Heng one of the best men out there—talented, good-looking? Is Zhou Shihe really that picky? Or does she want someone of equal status?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng thought for a moment, then shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun asked: “Why shake your head?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said slowly: “I think I’m good at reading people, but I’ve never understood him. Zhou Shihe’s mind is deep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun analyzed: “A fragile, captivating exterior with a hidden depth—that’s a terrifying rival. Hard to deal with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng had always regarded her as her potential number-one rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the current number-one rival—it was obviously Song Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “Still, if Zhou Shihe doesn’t want Li Heng, that’s good for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng didn’t answer directly, but said: “They’re still young.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They” referred to Li Heng and Zhou Shihe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were young; the future held many uncertainties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hoped Zhou Shihe would always remain as she was now—offering no response to Li Heng’s intense feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun suddenly thought of something and turned, lowering her voice: “Did you two sleep together last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun raised her eyebrows: “He held you like that—and nothing happened? Is he even a man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng spoke with meaning: “He’s more of a man than anyone else. He just dares not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More of a man than anyone else?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She believed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Xu Suyun remembered Jiaojiao’s words: “Dragon’s whip! If I could spend one night with him, I’d die happily!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun guessed: “Is he afraid of your status?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng hummed in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun worried for her friend: “Then what will you do? Zhou Shihe still has two more years of college—two more years before she’s out of his sight. Are you just going to wait?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “I need time now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Suyun understood: her friend wanted to slowly, subtly change him, to replace the woman in his heart with herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid Xu Suyun would press further, Yu Shuheng changed the subject: “I noticed you talked a lot with Editor Liao yesterday—feeling better?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “Brother Liao is very considerate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng’s eyes narrowed strangely. “Brother Liao?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun shrugged. “What else should I call him? Uncle Liao?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled faintly. “Calling him Brother Liao isn’t wrong. But I warn you—drop your new bride’s allure. He’s fifty. Don’t make him blossom again—that’d be a disaster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun said: “If you say that, I’ll leave today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her surprise, Yu Shuheng made no effort to stop her: “Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Axiang” was her deceased husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng teased: “But don’t go after Editor Liao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun fell silent, then said after a long pause: “Normal friendship turns strange in your hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Editor Liao arrived; the two women fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Editor Liao asked Yu Laoshi: “Has your junior brother woken up yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He stayed up late reading last night—he’s still sleeping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng replied, then asked: “Are you going to the Normal University?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Editor Liao glanced at his watch: “No rush. Wait until he wakes up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he exchanged a glance with Xu Suyun, then went downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng’s deep eyes flickered, and she teased: “Leave today. Don’t let the old tree sprout new buds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with her friend’s teasing, Xu Suyun felt powerless. “You’ve changed so much since falling in love—once you were so strict. When did you become this playful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled lazily, raised her camera again, adjusted the angle, and clicked several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 8:20 a.m., Li Heng opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped out of the bedroom and immediately saw Yu Laoshi on the living room sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked over and asked: “Teacher, are you alone? Where are the others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng put down today’s newly bought newspaper: “They’re strolling outside. Are you hungry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m a bit hungry,” Li Heng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng instructed: “Go freshen up first; I’ll take you to eat later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright,” Li Heng entered the bathroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his back, Yu Shuheng couldn’t help recalling last night’s scene—him lying atop her, her whole body awash in strange, wonderful sensations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Suyun had said, this little boy was truly her nemesis; she knew full well he was a flirt, yet she found herself willingly lost in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the breakfast shop, seeing many patrons with bowls of butter tea before them, Li Heng and Yu Shuheng, both curious, ordered a bowl too. Yu Shuheng didn’t swallow a single sip—she discreetly spat it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Can’t get used to it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “It’s salty and stinks. I can’t stand it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked at her with skeptical eyes: “Teacher, are you having taste problems?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng looked puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng showed her—he lowered his head, took a sip of butter tea, then another, then another, then yet another, and finally licked his lips: “It’s quite tasty. Sweet aftertaste. Far more potent than your precious teas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng didn’t believe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng urged: “Don’t believe me? Try another sip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the bowl of butter tea, Yu Shuheng fell silent for a moment, then finally picked it up with both hands, took another sip, and fixed him with a strange look. After a long pause, she pressed her lips together and rose to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng grinned, a small, mischievous joy bubbling inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a minute later, she returned, sat down, and whispered a threat: “Little boy, if you dare trick me again, I’ll go see Song Yu and lay everything out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they ate breakfast, they chatted idly; Li Heng’s attention was entirely on the shop, listening to the other patrons’ chatter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad—everyone spoke the local dialect, and after listening for ages, he still understood barely a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the breakfast shop, Yu Shuheng said: “By the way, the other day in Jingcheng, I heard something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Because of your sharp remarks in the newspaper half a month ago, Old Wang from Jingcheng fled overseas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stopped walking: “He couldn’t take the gossip and ran away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled and nodded. “Something like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing each other, Li Heng chuckled: “That’s karma!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng mentioned another thing: “This morning, Liu Bei brought me news—I think you’ll like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng eagerly asked: “What good news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “The instrumental album topped the UK album charts this week.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was overjoyed: “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Absolutely true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She added: “Moreover, the album has entered the top 20 of the US Billboard album chart and is still gaining momentum.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Heng excitedly lifted her off her feet: “Incredible! So impressive! So much face!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hovering midair, Yu Shuheng looked down at him with a smile, her hand unconsciously stroking his left cheek, utterly delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their display was loud enough to draw glances from Liao, the chief editor, and Xu Suyun, who walked ahead side by side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liao said: “Looks like there’ll be a wedding feast soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Suyun spoke up: “I heard from Shuheng that Li Heng loves Zhou Shihe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liao mentally scoffed, but wasn’t surprised at all—he thought: Probably not just Zhou Shihe! Hah! My junior comes from a prestigious family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since it concerned Li Heng’s reputation, Liao kept his distance—he wouldn’t reveal his junior’s romantic history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ceng Yun and Liu Bei were unfazed, showing no reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomers, Liu Ying and Gu Yao, were utterly bewildered—could a teacher and student really be this intimate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ying glanced at Ceng Yun and Liu Bei, then reassessed Li Heng’s status—he’d have to be treated as a future son-in-law from now on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yao, a middle-aged woman with no ties to the Yu family, had come to Aba solely because Yu Shuheng paid well. Now her gaze toward Li Heng and Yu Shuheng held more amusement than anything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing everyone staring at them, Li Heng calmly set her down and walked off with Yu Shuheng, calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng smiled at him, walking gracefully beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking two hundred meters, Yu Shuheng said: “The album is selling better overseas—revenue so far is 850,000 pounds. When should I give it to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng’s mouth opened slightly: “That much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Income will keep coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “What’s the current exchange rate from pounds to RMB?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng recited: “Around 14.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Before or after tax?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “I handled the taxes for you—this is after tax.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng did a quick calculation: 85 times 14 equals 11.9 million RMB!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing “850,000 pounds,” he’d managed to stay calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But 11.9 million RMB? He instantly lost composure—reached out to lift her again, then remembered something and pulled his hands back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, this isn’t small change!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is real money—11.9 million!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoa! At today’s prices, this instantly surpassed the wealth he’d accumulated in his entire future life—he felt dizzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, foreign pounds are so much easier to earn!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then he remembered the sheer value of this instrumental album, and he relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only someone reborn could release an album where every track was a timeless, world-class classic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who else would dare waste so much genius?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only he had the audacity to be so reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After digesting the news, Li Heng smugly asked: “For earning so much foreign exchange for the country, is there a reward?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng only smiled at him, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking two deep breaths, Li Heng calmed himself and asked: “Teacher, this achievement is ours—three of us. How much should we give Zhou Shihe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng asked: “You really want to give her a share?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said: “One can’t be too greedy. To gain, you must give.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng pondered: “Two million RMB?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng understood instantly—he knew exactly how she’d split it: 11.9 million minus half for production costs left him with 5.95 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divided equally among three, that’s roughly 1.98 million—close enough to two million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng wasn’t sure: “I don’t understand royalty splits—wouldn’t that be too little?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “She might not even want that much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said: “Whether she takes it is her choice. Whether I give it is mine. This is a matter of principle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing “principle,” Yu Shuheng looked at him with clear admiration, smiling: “For her, this album brought immense fame—that’s what matters most. Money is secondary. Two million should be enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking it over, Li Heng agreed: “Fine. What about your share?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng crossed her arms, teasing: “Mine? I don’t want it. Keep it—consider it your dowry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng froze, speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know how to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his constipated expression, Yu Shuheng chuckled: “I’m the same as Shihe—if you say one more word, it’s your dowry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, fine,” Li Heng grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Domestic album sales won’t compare to overseas earnings—I haven’t arranged settlement yet. We’ll handle it after returning from Aba.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright,” Li Heng replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the 7.9 million overseas, Li Heng barely cared about the domestic earnings—he wondered if he’d soon become a millionaire once the first royalties from Bai Luyuan came in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not counting Anta, not counting Weihao Mei, not counting the New Future tutoring school—he already had ten million RMB sitting in his bank account!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten million was the threshold—a turning point—a massive sum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt ecstatic, thrilled beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at their lodging, Yu Shuheng followed him into the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the door closed, she stepped forward, looking at him with a half-smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng sighed, then understood—he reached out and lifted her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng asked with a knowing tone: “Earlier on the street, you nearly hugged me again—why did you pull back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng’s eyelid twitched: “Too conspicuous. Liu Jie’s a single mother—don’t invite gossip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Yu Shuheng laughed softly, pulling his head into her chest: “Fine, I’ll forgive you this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as she held him, she felt something odd—after a long moment, she slapped his occiput and muttered strangely: “You actually dared to kiss me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he wouldn’t stop, Yu Shuheng’s chest heaved violently; she kicked her feet down, eyes locked on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his lips, faint black threads from his wool sweater clung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stared silently for a long time. Finally, Yu Shuheng cracked—grabbed his collar and asked: “How was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was still savoring the tenderness, answering on instinct: “Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng narrowed her eyes into slits: “Compared to Xiao Han’s?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng instantly snapped to attention, then turned and fled, running away in panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the hurried figure retreat, Yu Shuheng looked down at her chest, then touched her clothing with her right hand and found it slightly damp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than ten minutes later, Yu Shuheng found Li Heng and handed him a folded note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng, confused, opened it and saw only this written: “New clothes’ velvet threads damaged; compensation 1000, deducted from your album.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng tucked the note away and immediately chased after her: “Teacher, is your clothing made of gold? So expensive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng turned her head, expressionless: “Is this just about the clothes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stammered, eyes fixed on the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze swept over him from head to toe, then Yu Shuheng’s lips curled slightly as she walked downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng did not follow her downstairs; instead, he returned to the study and began writing letters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wrote four letters—to Xiao Han, Song Yu, Zijin, and Maisui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told them he had safely arrived in Aba, briefly shared his first impressions of the place, and sent his greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Writing these letters was mainly to maintain contact, share fragments of his life, and keep them from worrying about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wrote all four letters with extreme care, tailoring each one to the recipient, avoiding repetitive phrasing, and spending considerable effort to finish them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally planned to write a letter to Da Qingyi too, but then remembered Yu Teacher was present, considered the risk of exposure, and recalled Yu Teacher’s strained relationship with Huang Zhaoyi—he abandoned the idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought it better to call Da Qingyi directly when he got the chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Li Heng was writing letters, Yu Shuheng was on the phone with home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was speaking with Shen Xin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin’s first question was: “How’s Aba?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng gave her honest impression: “Even more backward than I imagined, but the scenery is excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin’s second question: “You’ve traveled thousands of miles to be with him—do you have any chance of winning him this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng, in unusually good spirits, asked one extra question: “What counts as ‘winning’ him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin asked bluntly: “Did you sleep in the same bed with him last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “Mother, that’s private.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin’s eyes lit up: “So you were in the same bed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since she’d guessed it, Yu Shuheng didn’t deny it: “I stayed a little while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin asked: “He didn’t spend the night with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng said: “We slept in separate rooms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin asked: “Then tell me—did anything happen between you two last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng calmly uttered two words: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Xin, furious at her daughter’s lack of initiative, spat out two words in a harsh tone: “Worthless!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After those two words, the receiver emitted a series of “beep-beep-beep” tones; when Yu Shuheng called back, the line wouldn’t connect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shuheng held the receiver and called again—still no connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother had hung up before she could even mention the real matter; standing in the wind, she felt bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the letters, Li Heng searched the second floor but couldn’t find Yu Teacher, so he asked Zeng Yun downstairs: “Where’s Yu Teacher?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeng Yun said: “She went out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Heng said: “Sister Zeng, take me to the post office—I need to mail these letters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeng Yun quickly glanced at the four letters in his hand and instantly understood—they were for his four romantic interests. Sometimes she couldn’t fathom why Miss Yu was so generous toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way to the post office, Li Heng asked: “Have Brother Liao and Su Yun gone out traveling?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeng Yun replied: “Yes. Seeing you’ve been busy, Master Liao asked me to pass on a message: meet at the Normal University around 2 p.m.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you,” Li Heng said, nodding and committing it to memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After mailing the letters, Li Heng didn’t head home immediately; instead, he wandered casually through streets and alleys, pausing often to observe local customs and experience Aba’s native culture up close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a slight regret—he didn’t speak the local dialect; communicating in Mandarin always left him feeling something was missing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking down the street, Li Heng idly asked Zeng Yun: “Sister Zeng, when was the Aba Tusi system abolished?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, Zeng Yun knew: “1951.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked at her and gave a thumbs-up: “Did you learn that from books?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeng Yun said: “I flipped through some county records when I was bored.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intrigued, Li Heng asked another question: “In the Qing Dynasty, what rank was the Tusi of the Aba region usually granted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeng Yun explained smoothly: “When the Qing emperor appointed them, he issued a fifth-rank seal and a map. Records show that during the Ming period, some Tusi still used these two items to file complaints with the Sichuan military government.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng praised: “Sister Zeng, you didn’t waste your month here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeng Yun said: “Miss Yu had given detailed instructions beforehand for gathering these materials.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was attributing the credit to Miss Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Posted first, revised later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already posted ten thousand characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5615,"2026-06-19T15:27:37.100Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0134112cc7bfd2cb0be09261abceeb16f7a52ba1eb49a227bf9d5d2807223502","1987-my-era-chapter-535","1987-my-era-chapter-533",713,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002F1987-my-era-cover.jpg"]