Chapter 538: The King

Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Yu Shuheng arrived at the neighboring Building 27.

At this moment, Zhou Shihe, having finished her afternoon chores, had already bathed and washed her clothes, and now sat leisurely on the sofa flipping through one of the Four Great Classical Novels, Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Li Heng looked surprised, glancing again at the book in her hands: "Comrade Shihe, you who are always quiet, refined, and well-educated—still read such violent, scheming books?"

Zhou Shihe smiled understandingly, closing the book and placing it on the coffee table: "I've read all kinds of classic literature, both Chinese and foreign."

Li Heng plopped down on the sofa opposite her, picked up Romance of the Three Kingdoms, flipped through it, and noticed it was filled with handwritten notes from beginning to end—he asked: "This isn't your first time reading it?"

Zhou Shihe replied: "Fifth time."

Li Heng grew even more curious: "After reading it so many times, what insights have you gained?"

Zhou Shihe said: "Two lines stand out to me."

Li Heng asked casually: "Which two?"

Zhou Shihe glanced at Mai Sui, her voice gentle as jade: "Bend your body, accept your place, wait for the right time—do not struggle against fate."

Li Heng also glanced at Mai Sui, falling silent.

He felt Zhou's words were meant for Mai Sui: when the moment isn't right, waiting is the best timing.

Clearly, Zhou Shihe was comforting Mai Sui in another way—urging her to cherish time and opportunity for the sake of her love.

Li Heng asked: "What's the other one?"

Zhou Shihe spoke quietly: "A true hero is one who harbors great ambition, carries wise strategy, possesses the capacity to contain the cosmos, and the will to swallow heaven and earth."

Upon hearing this, Yu Shuheng subtly curled her lips.

A woman's intuition told her: Zhou Shihe's second line was aimed at her.

Indeed, the remark carried two layers of meaning:

The first layer was Zhou Shihe's subtle way of stating her position and warning Yu: she had no intention of intruding into Yu's romantic affairs; don't pressure her unreasonably.

Otherwise, things might turn against you.

This was a powerful counter to Shen Xin's earlier warning shot.

Last time, Shen Xin casually mentioned Yu and Li Heng's trip to Aba, then fretted about their daughter not getting pregnant. Zhou Shihe wasn't foolish—she understood Shen Xin's intent.

But it crossed her red line.

At the same time, Zhou Shihe was expressing dissatisfaction with Yu's repeated, baseless suspicions of her.

Just as she had just said: a true hero must have the discernment to recognize talent, the ambition to reach far, the capacity to contain the cosmos, and the drive to advance—not to envy or suspect those more capable than himself.

Zhou Shihe usually appeared frail and delicate before others, gentle and kind to her friends—but now, her sharp edges flashed, revealing unmatched confidence.

Li Heng's head felt like it was splitting in two.

He never expected that the quiet, paper-thin Zhou girl, when serious, was anything but subtle.

The problem was, she hadn't named anyone, her tone was gentle—she was clearly inviting them to interpret it themselves, to guess, guess, guess?

Most crucially, both lines were direct quotes from Romance of the Three Kingdoms—classic lines from the novel itself. Anyone wanting to retort had no foothold; they could only stay dignified and swallow their frustration.

This was the wisdom of the Fudan King.

Without a single drop of blood shed, she returned the insult—and the other side couldn't retaliate.

Because retaliating would make them look unreasonable. A masterstroke indeed.

If the first meaning was a warning and counterattack against Yu,

the second meaning was the opposite: extending goodwill, signaling reconciliation.

Zhou Shihe hoped Yu would become the "hero" of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a true man of talent—magnanimous and tolerant.

She was offering Yu, and herself, a graceful way out.

She took the initiative because Yu Shuheng had once taught her university English—she was, in the truest sense, her teacher.

So as a student, as a neighbor she'd see every day, Zhou Shihe was willing to yield. She didn't want Mai Sui and Li Heng constantly caught in the middle.

Of course, this was her first step toward reconciliation—and her last. There would be no more.

The entire exchange was courteous and measured: expressing discontent while extending goodwill. Whether to listen or not, accept or not—she left the choice to Yu, the elder.

Well, in this generation's view, teachers were generally considered elders.

Mai Sui finally understood the meaning, and quietly grasped her friend's palm, nervously sweating for Shihe.

Zhou Shihe gave Mai Sui a faint, composed smile, sitting perfectly still, unmoving as a mountain.

Worried the two women might clash and that Yu might stubbornly hold her ground, Li Heng smiled warmly at Yu and quickly changed the subject:

"By the way, Shihe. The reason I came with Teacher Yu is about the royalty split for the pure music album. Do you have any thoughts?"

He was politely asking her first—if she had specific ideas, they could discuss them amicably together.

If she had no opinion, then they could present Yu's proposed split and discuss it face-to-face.

He was fully respecting his partner's views and freedom, safeguarding the partner's rights.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Shihe didn't hesitate, speaking softly: "I don't want any share…"

Before she could finish, Li Heng waved his hand to interrupt: "No way! That won't do! This isn't a small amount—it's not a few thousand yuan to play around with. We're talking about millions in profit.

Even if I have the biggest face in the world, I can't take it all—I'd never be able to look you in the eye again if I did. I just can't."

Seeing his seriousness, Zhou Shihe swallowed her next words and simply watched him quietly.

Yu Shuheng glanced at Li Heng, realizing some things were better said by her—she spoke up: "Shihe, I have a preliminary allocation plan. Listen, and if you have objections, we can discuss."

Zhou Shihe nodded gently: "Alright."

Hearing they were about to discuss money, Mai Sui stood up, preparing to leave.

But Li Heng held her back, smiling: "Where are you going? We're all family—stay right here."

Mai Sui looked at Yu and Zhou; both women urged her to stay, so she sat back down properly.

Yu Shuheng then repeated in detail the allocation plan she'd discussed with Li Heng in Aba, concluding: "Under this plan, you and I each get two million in profit share.

Of course, this is only for the first one and a half months after the album's release—there will be more later, possibly even larger amounts."

After listening patiently, Zhou Shihe said directly: "Too much. I don't need this much."

Yu Shuheng exchanged a glance with Li Heng and urged: "It's not about too much or too little—it's your rightful share.

Back when we composed and practiced, you, me, and Li Heng all worked together—only then did we achieve this success."

Li Heng added: "Exactly. Teacher Yu is right. This album is the result of all three of our efforts—none of us could be missing.

Comrade Shihe, we're not strangers—we eat from the same pot, and we'll likely collaborate again. Don't be so formal."

Zhou Shihe shook her head: "That's not how it works. Money is only part of it. The fame and influence this album brings are the truest wealth—beyond monetary value. When you invited me to collaborate, it was my honor."

Seeing Li Heng and Yu about to argue again, Zhou Shihe cut in with a number: "Then give me five hundred thousand.

Teacher, Li Heng—please don't try to persuade me anymore.

She meant every word—no false politeness.

As the only daughter of the Zhou family, she'd never worried about money, nor had she ever intended to earn money at this stage of her life. The fame and influence from the pure music album were her true gains.

Moreover, she believed Li Heng was the core of the entire album, its soul—if he'd invited anyone else, the result would've been the same.

In truth, she was a deeply content person, always thinking of others. She felt she'd been struck by fortune, and had gained far more than she deserved.

Hearing this, Yu Shuheng's eyes flickered with barely noticeable admiration, and she smiled warmly: "Five hundred thousand is still too little. How about this—I take 1. million, and you take 1. million?"

"Huh?" Li Heng was stunned. "That can't be right—I'm getting too big a share…"

Yu Shuheng smiled, cutting him off: "Don't refuse. It's decided."

Recognizing the principle that excess is as bad as deficiency, Zhou Shihe agreed: "Alright."

And so, the two rivals were the first to agree—and both turned to look at him.

Li Heng frowned: "I'm taking too big a share—it's not right…"

Yu Shuheng didn't want to waste more words over money—she stood and walked toward the stairwell, saying as she went: "The allocation remains as agreed. Li Heng, see me out."

Li Heng was speechless, glancing at Zhou Shihe.

Zhou Shihe mimicked his usual playful gesture—winking, her face glowing with gentle warmth, like spring breeze, instantly beautiful.

At that moment, something strange happened: Li Heng was instantly warmed by her smile, his emotions calming, his heart suddenly serene.

After a silent moment of mutual gaze, he turned and walked toward the stairwell.

Arriving together in the courtyard of Building 25, Li Heng looked up at the sky and sighed: "That surprised me."

Yu Shuheng felt the same: "It makes me seem narrow-minded. For music, she's the one who loves it most purely—her ambitions are vast, not limited to these petty gains."

She turned her head, half-smiling, locking eyes with him, teasing: "Zhou Shihe is truly formidable—her method of striking then offering a jujube is flawless. Even I can only swallow my frustration. Young man, marry Song Yu? Better marry her. With a wife like this holding the home together, everything runs smoothly—you'll have no worries outside."

Li Heng: "..."

He didn't know if his teacher was trying to sow discord between Song Yu and Zhou Shihe—or simply mocking his fickleness.

He chose to ignore it, pretending not to hear.

As soon as they entered the house, Yu Shuheng stopped, her back to him.

Looking at her tall, graceful figure, Li Heng smiled knowingly, stepping behind her and wrapping his arms around her, whispering into her ear: "No wonder you wanted me to see you off—you're upset."

Yu Shuheng leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes lazily: "Do you think I'm this petty?"

Li Heng kissed her earlobe: "Then what's this…?"

Yu Shuheng reached back with her right hand, gently stroking his cheek, then murmured softly after a long silence: "For you, I've been changing myself."

She truly had been adjusting, transforming herself.

Back then, to win a complete love, to win a complete man, she'd sent people to investigate Da Qingyi. But halfway through, she abruptly recalled Liu Bei. As a woman, as a woman of the powerful Yu family, seeking complete love wasn't wrong.

It was natural. Human instinct.

But fearing he'd dislike her, she immediately reversed her decision—she withdrew the investigation into Huang Zhaoyi.

Even later, when she knew for certain Li Heng and Da Qingyi had become lovers, she silently endured it—because it had already happened. She didn't want to dredge up the past, didn't want to embarrass everyone.

Dignity was best.

Such concessions, compromises, and tolerance are hard for an ordinary woman to achieve, yet as the eldest daughter of the Yu family—with advantages beyond compare—she has reached this point, which is truly remarkable.

If she hadn't truly stirred her human emotions, she would never have lowered her pride or shown such deference.

Feeling his arms tighten around her, sensing the changes in his body, Yu Shuheng smiled gently and said softly, "Man, that's enough. Go call Maisui down—your teacher is taking her somewhere."

Li Heng asked curiously, "Where are you going at this hour?"

Yu Shuheng replied, "Women's matters—don't ask."

Li Heng asked, "Will you be back tonight?"

Yu Shuheng turned her head and smiled with meaning, "Why? Afraid I'll take her away and leave you without company tonight?"

That was exactly what he meant, but Li Heng could never admit it: "No, I'm just concerned about you both."

She gazed intently at him for a moment, then withdrew her hand from his face, rose from his embrace, and swept her dark hair back with her right hand: "Go on, it's not early anymore."

"Ah, alright," Li Heng replied, turning to leave.

"Wait," she called after him.

Li Heng turned back: "What is it?"

Yu Shuheng's gaze drifted somewhere, then she stretched and said, "Go cool off in the courtyard first before going up—don't scare them."

Li Heng: "..."

Miss Yu, are you still the cold, distant teacher I first met?

How can you praise yourself like that?

After breathing in the cold night air in the courtyard until his body returned to normal, Li Heng re-entered Building 27.

He went up to the second floor.

He reminded Maisui: "Miss Yu is waiting for you."

"Alright."

Maisui stood up and told her friend, "Shihe, I'm going out with my teacher—I'll be back soon."

Zhou Shihe gave a soft hum.

Standing on the upper balcony, watching Miss Yu and Maisui depart, Li Heng returned to the living room, plopped down on the sofa with a sigh, and let out several long, heavy breaths.

Seeing this, Zhou Shihe, who had been reading, glanced at him oddly, then rose to pour two cups of hot tea, placing one before him.

Li Heng took the tea and sighed, "Shihe, how can there still be fools in this world who don't know how to grab wealth when it's right in front of them?"

Zhou Shihe's delicate lips pouted slightly; she cupped her tea between both palms and turned it slowly, speaking calmly, "Aren't you going to support three women? Wouldn't more money be better?"

Li Heng was speechless, utterly silenced.

One sentence killed him.

And it was one he couldn't even fight back against.

He couldn't openly admit he had ulterior motives—even though he did. To speak it aloud would ruin everything.

Li Heng feigned a cough and shifted to a serious matter: "Do you have time next February?"

Zhou Shihe's gaze turned toward him.

He asked again: "You're familiar with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, right?"

Zhou Shihe nodded.

Li Heng explained: "Recently, the orchestra reached out to Miss Yu through her overseas contacts, inviting the three of us to perform live in the Netherlands next February. She asked me to check with you."

Zhou Shihe asked, "Which pieces?"

Li Heng said, "'With the Orchid' and 'The Original Breeze of My Hometown.'"

Zhou Shihe hesitated: "Can you confirm the exact date?"

Li Heng replied, "February 21st next year."

Hearing this, Zhou Shihe set down her tea cup, picked up the calendar on the table, flipped to next February, and said, "Alright."

Li Heng frowned: "You're not busy next February?"

Zhou Shihe answered, "No. My teacher has a concert too—she invited us to attend. Fortunately, the dates don't clash; hers is on February 12th."

Then she added, "Could you please ask Miss Yu on my behalf?"

Li Heng replied readily, "Don't worry—Miss Yu will agree."

Then he realized something and asked plaintively, "Hey, why don't you ever ask me?"

Zhou Shihe smiled sweetly: "Mr. Li, are you free on February 12th next year?"

Li Heng took a sip of tea and replied solemnly, "I am, Miss Zhou."

Zhou Shihe suddenly remembered something and paused, then said, "I'm planning to install a landline phone—would you like to join me?"

Was she asking if he wanted one installed in Building 26 as well?

She asked because she believed Li Heng was no ordinary man—not just a writer and musician, but also the owner of Anta Shoes and the New Future Tutoring School, surely busy enough to need a landline.

But Li Heng refused: "No need. I'm about to write a new book—if the living room phone keeps ringing, it'll ruin my writing flow."

What nonsense—was he stupid? Having a landline at home was like putting a magic headband on himself.

Or worse—on Maisui.

What if Zijin called and Maisui answered by accident?

Zijin was manageable—but what if it was Song Yu? Their friendship could collapse instantly, and Maisui might even move out of Building 26.

That would be a huge loss—he wouldn't do anything so foolish.

Besides, if there was a landline at home, his scheming wife could call to check up on him—he'd have to lie constantly, and his freedom would vanish.

And Miss Yu occasionally visits Building 26—another landmine.

Seeing him refuse so decisively, Zhou Shihe glanced at him oddly, as if she'd guessed his hidden thoughts.

But she only thought of Xiao Han.

Of the moment when Xiao Han's phone call interrupted him and Maisui kissing…

Thinking of this, Zhou Shihe dropped the subject of the phone. After sipping half her tea, she raised her wrist to check the time: "Don't you have something else to ask me?"

Hearing this, Li Heng reacted sharply—his crossed leg snapped upright like a spring, eyes wide in disbelief: "What? Are you kicking me out?"

Zhou Shihe gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, lowered her head, and hesitated briefly: "I'm… not quite comfortable."

Not comfortable?

Li Heng immediately thought of her menstrual cycle—was she going to change clothes in the bathroom? He set the tea cup on the table and walked out without looking back.

Hearing his footsteps fade, Zhou Shihe remained seated on the sofa, unmoving.

She was indeed uncomfortable—but not urgently so.

The real issue was being alone with a man whose gaze was shifting in ways she couldn't bear.

She knew, fundamentally, it wasn't his fault. Many boys stared at her, and over time, their glances grew heavier, filled with something more.

She'd long grown used to such admiring looks—but this boy was different. He was Li Heng.

He had held her in the snow of Northeast China, accidentally brushed his lips against hers.

He had shared a room with her in Jingcheng for forty-three straight days.

He had called out her name in his dreams three times.

In the shower room of Building 26, he had nearly seen her entire body.

In the music room, as the piano melody spread, he had stared at her countless times, lost in thought without realizing it.

The two things he'd said to Wang Ye still echoed vividly in her mind—as if they'd happened yesterday.

He was Maisui's beloved, yet not a man devoted to one.

Memories flooded her mind uncontrollably. Finally, Zhou Shihe rose and entered the music room, turned off the lights, sat down at the piano, and soon, a haunting melody drifted through the darkness.

At that moment, Chen Siya in Building 24 was feeding her child. Hearing the moving "Butterfly Lovers," she looked up toward Building 27—only to find the entire building dark, not a single light on.

"Huh? Is Zhou's daughter playing the piano at this hour? She never practiced at night before," said the fake Daoist Fu Yanjie, stepping out of the house in surprise to his wife.

Chen Siya said, "Seems so."

The fake Daoist gazed across the distance: "No lights on? Is she playing blind?"

Chen Siya thought for a moment: "She's calming her mind."

The fake Daoist turned, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, and grinned skeptically: "Don't talk nonsense—how can you tell that just by listening? That's too mystical."

Chen Siya shot him a sharp glare: "Did you forget what I do? 'Butterfly Lovers' is a piece Shihe has practiced countless times—I've heard it countless times too. Today, she was off her game."

But she added, "Still, she's getting better now—she's found her rhythm again."

The couple fell silent, listening until the piece ended. Then Chen Siya broke the quiet: "Have you decided about the Hengyuan Investment Company?"

"Bah, borrowing a few million from Miss Yu—I'm afraid you and the child will suffer later."

"If you're under pressure, maybe wait a bit longer?"

The fake Daoist clenched his teeth, then made up his mind: "Opportunity knocks but once—I'll go speak to the principal tomorrow about leaving the school."

PS: Posted first, edited later. These are the last three days of the month—please cast your monthly votes, everyone! Thank you!

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