Chapter 550: You Step Back Three Paces, I Step Forward Three

"Old Li, can I ask you a question?" Zhang Bing asked.

Li Heng put down his beer bottle: "Go ahead."

Zhang Bing lowered his head, then hesitated for a long while before asking: "Do you look down on me?"

Li Heng asked: "Why say that?"

Zhang Bing wore a pained expression: "I have a child and a wife. My wife stays in the mountains, caring for the elderly and raising the young—life is that hard. Both kids are healthy and lively. Yet here I am, drawn to another woman. I feel I've lost all conscience, become utterly wicked."

Li Heng asked, feigning ignorance: "Bai Wanying?"

Zhang Bing muttered: "At this point, I can't hide it from you anymore—it's her."

Li Heng asked: "Did you fall for her at first sight, or did it grow over time?"

Zhang Bing thought deeply for a long while, then shook his head: "Don't laugh at me—I'm old, but in matters of the heart, I'm clueless. I don't understand much, only that something about her deeply drew me in. When Li Guang pulled out that letter today, I was happy for her, yet my heart ached a little."

At this, Zhang Bing took another sip of bitter wine and said softly: "Do you think I've lost my conscience? Am I the second Chen Shimei?"

Li Heng comforted him: "A graceful lady is the ideal match for a gentleman. If Bai Wanying weren't in a wheelchair, her beauty could rival Liu Yue's—she'd rank second in class. She's intelligent and capable, stronger than many men. It's understandable you've grown fond of her after spending time together."

"They say judge by deeds, not intentions—judging by intentions, no one is perfect. Have you ever thought of marrying Bai Wanying?"

Zhang Bing shook his head like a rattle, hastily denying: "Never. I dare not. My wife holds up our home, so I can study here in peace. Every time I return home, I've never heard her complain—she always encourages me to focus on my studies, not to worry about home."

"Though she has little education, she understands life better than I, a scholar. If I abandoned her, I—I—I'd deserve to die."

By the end, the inarticulate Zhang Bing's neck turned red.

Li Heng asked: "Then what's troubling you?"

Zhang Bing sighed, then slumped: "Wanying has helped me greatly. I've been saving money for her treatment. Every time I earn money, I put sixty percent into the bank for surgery fees, forty percent to my family. I never spend recklessly—I once ate out once, and the guilt haunted me for two months."

Li Heng asked: "Does Bai Wanying know about this?"

Zhang Bing hesitated: "She… probably knows deep down, but pretends not to."

Li Heng asked the core question: "Has she developed feelings for you?"

Zhang Bing scratched the back of his head, staring at the table: "I'm stupid—I can't read her."

Li Heng asked: "Are you worried she'll marry Li Guang?"

Zhang Bing nodded, then shook his head, mumbling: "Li Guang is a good man—sincere and kind. If Wanying marries him, her life won't be bad. I just fear she might refuse."

Li Heng understood: "You're afraid she'll refuse this once-in-a-lifetime chance out of concern for your feelings?"

Zhang Bing whispered "Mm," then: "That's it. I'm terrified—I'm afraid I'll become a sinner."

Li Heng pondered: "Do you want me to act as a go-between and persuade her?"

Zhang Bing nodded heavily, then said "Mm" again: "She usually critiques people behind their backs, but she deeply respects you and holds Wei Xiaozhu in high regard. Your words might carry more weight than mine."

Li Heng asked: "Have you talked to Xiaozhu yet?"

Zhang Bing said: "Not yet. I planned to wash up first, then go to Lushan Village to ask you."

Li Heng thought for a while, then put down his chopsticks: "Women often understand each other better. Let's go find Wei Xiaozhu now, then talk to Bai Wanying together."

Zhang Bing looked at the food on the table: "Now?"

Li Heng stood up, teasing: "If you don't go now, will you even sleep tonight?"

Zhang Bing gave a sheepish smile and stood up.

Zhang Bing insisted on paying the bill; Li Heng didn't stop him. They hurried out of the restaurant and rushed toward Dormitory 12, only to be told Wei Xiaozhu wasn't there.

They immediately headed to Yan Garden—and this time, they found her.

Wei Xiaozhu was hanging clothes on the corridor. Seeing them rush over, she turned and asked: "Why are you here so late? What happened?"

Afraid Zhang Bing's shyness would hinder him, Li Heng spoke first: "Hey, nothing serious—we just need a favor."

Wei Xiaozhu finished hanging the clothes: "What favor?"

Li Heng explained their purpose concisely, then looked at her.

Wei Xiaozhu listened patiently, glanced at Zhang Bing for a moment, then agreed readily.

After all the running around, the three finally met Bai Wanying at the entrance of Dormitory 9—Chen Guifen had pushed her down.

Due to Hu Ping, Chen Guifen now avoided Wei Xiaozhu—she felt envy and admiration, some resentment, mostly inferiority. She turned her back to Wei Xiaozhu and asked Zhang Bing: "Should I wait nearby?"

Zhang Bing looked at Li Heng.

Li Heng said: "Chen Guifen, go back to your dorm. If you can't get in later, I'll take Wanying to Lushan Village for the night—Mai Sui and the others are there—they'll take good care of her."

Chen Guifen returned to her dorm.

The three pushed Bai Wanying away from the dormitory and stopped at Xi Garden.

As soon as they stopped, Zhang Bing shrank away, retreating far onto the grass, rolling white paper cigarettes one after another, the glowing embers bright in the dark, never extinguished.

Bai Wanying was sharp—she saw the scene and guessed everything. She looked up at Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu: "Are you two the messengers Zhang Bing sent? Here about Li Guang?"

Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu exchanged a glance and admitted it plainly.

Before they could react, Bai Wanying shouted directly at Zhang Bing: "Come here!"

Zhang Bing trembled as he approached, bending low, face tense.

Bai Wanying's expression wasn't stern—she smiled: "Are you trying to marry me off?"

Hearing this, Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu felt her smile held no warmth—only coldness.

Zhang Bing waved his hands frantically: "I—I…"

Bai Wanying cut him off: "Who are you to me? Who gave you the right to decide who I marry?"

Zhang Bing instantly fell silent, head nearly touching the ground.

Seeing his state, Bai Wanying softened: "Go back. Rest well. Tomorrow you have class and your stall—you need your strength."

Zhang Bing turned to leave, then took a few steps and looked back.

Seeing this, Bai Wanying called out: "Would you dare abandon your wife and child to marry me?"

Zhang Bing shuddered, head lower still, silent.

Bai Wanying continued: "If you'd abandon your family for me, you'd abandon me later for another woman when you're successful—I won't marry you."

Zhang Bing exhaled in relief, then his spirit sagged further. After a long pause, he walked away without looking back.

As his footsteps faded into the night, Xi Garden was left with only the three of them.

Wei Xiaozhu stared at Bai Wanying in surprise, then said: "I've never seen you so fierce."

Bai Wanying smiled: "Everyone has two sides. You're demure around Li Heng, yet you slapped Liu Quan right after."

Li Heng stretched: "Women arguing? Fine. Don't drag me into it."

Wei Xiaozhu didn't mind, smiling: "I treat most people this way. Li Heng gets no special treatment from me."

Bai Wanying's gaze drifted between the two, curious: "Tell me—how were you planning to persuade me?"

Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu both laughed.

He began: "Old Zhang really cares about you."

Bai Wanying said: "I know. He doesn't just care—he's in love with me."

The bluntness stunned the two persuaders into silence.

Li Heng subtly elbowed Wei Xiaozhu.

Wei Xiaozhu understood: "Do you love Zhang Bing?"

At this question, the previously bold Bai Wanying fell silent. After a long while, she said: "My feelings for Zhang Bing are complicated. Since my injury, I've stopped longing for romance. I help him, go to the stall with him daily, because he's sincere—I have someone to ease my loneliness, without fearing gossip."

Those with physical disabilities cannot socialize like others—their inner loneliness is known only to themselves.

Li Heng asked: "So your feelings for Old Zhang are more friendship than love?"

Bai Wanying said nothing.

Wei Xiaozhu asked: "What about Li Guang?"

Bai Wanying thought a moment: "If I were normal, Li Guang wouldn't be my type—but I don't reject him."

Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu caught the implication: if Bai Wanying were normal, she wouldn't choose Li Guang.

If she were normal, she had the right and the confidence to refuse.

At this, the three fell silent.

Because her stance was clear—she had no emotional dependence on Li Guang. It was hard to persuade her.

Bai Wanying, sensing their discomfort, sighed and voiced her concern: "Reality is cruel—I have no right to be picky. Even if I married Li Guang, I'd accept it."

"But my greatest fear isn't love—it's that the surgery fails and all that money is wasted, leaving me unable to marry Li Guang. I can almost picture his despair."

Wei Xiaozhu comforted: "Li Guang's parents are Buddhist—in their letter…"

Bai Wanying interrupted: "Xiaozhu, if you were me, and Li Heng cured my illness—would you marry him?"

Wei Xiaozhu had no answer.

Bai Wanying said: "There's no love without reason. Every gift has a price tag. I know this well. Li Guang's parents say what they do only to spare me pressure—but they don't realize my pressure is greater."

"If they'd clearly said: 'Cure her, and she'll marry Li Guang,' I might not hesitate. I crave freedom to walk."

Wei Xiaozhu asked: "So you plan to refuse Li Guang?"

Bai Wanying reached out, plucked a dry twig from the path, and snapped it into several pieces: "If I accept Li Guang, no one will look after Zhang Bing anymore."

Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu exchanged glances—they understood, yet felt more confused.

But they could confirm one thing: Bai Wanying strongly resisted Li Guang's parents' letter.

Wei Xiaozhu asked with her eyes: Should we still try to persuade her?

Li Heng replied with his eyes: Her stance is clear—how can we persuade her?

At that moment, Bai Wanying laughed: "Is this what they call silent communication?"

Li Heng turned his head, struck by a sudden thought: "You said earlier that earlier treatment means higher success. How about I lend you the money for surgery? I have plenty of female friends—I won't guilt-trip you."

Bai Wanying rested her chin on her hand: "Li the Scholar, are you serious?"

Li Heng nodded: "Of course. I never make empty promises."

Hearing this, Bai Wanying asked: "What do you want me to give in return?"

Li Heng said: "I lack nothing. No conditions attached."

Bai Wanying turned to Wei Xiaozhu and joked: "Too bad I'm not as beautiful as Xiaozhu—if I were, I'd accept your sponsorship right away. Once I'm cured, I'll come work for you as your secretary: handle your daily tasks, and when you're lonely, I'll be your woman."

"Hey hey! Look at me—you're getting way out of line." Li Heng rolled his eyes several times.

Bai Wanying ignored him, only smiling at Wei Xiaozhu.

Wei Xiaozhu shifted her gaze away, walked around behind the wheelchair, and pushed it forward: "It's raining."

Rain had indeed begun to fall—light at first, but growing thicker. Li Heng glanced at his watch and said, "The dormitory gates closed long ago. Let's head back to Lushan Village. Xiaozhu, you should come too."

As they walked, Wei Xiaozhu asked: "Has Xiao Han left?"

Li Heng: "She's gone. She has class tomorrow."

While heading toward Lushan Village, Bai Wanying looked up from her wheelchair: "Li Heng, can I ask you a question?"

"Better not. Last time Old Zhang asked me a question, it ended with you yelling at him and him hiding under the covers, heartbroken." Li Heng said.

Bai Wanying asked anyway: "Why do I feel Professor Yu likes you?"

Wei Xiaozhu froze, staring at Li Heng in disbelief.

Bai Wanying fixed her gaze on Wei Xiaozhu and teased: "Xiaozhu, why are you reacting so strongly?"

Wei Xiaozhu kept pushing the wheelchair: "It's just so unexpected. How did you figure that out?"

Bai Wanying said: "I'm not guessing. Once, I accidentally saw Professor Yu fixing Li Heng's shirt collar."

Li Heng asked: "Where?"

Bai Wanying replied: "At Beijing Airport. I went there for a follow-up check-up and saw it by accident. Don't worry—I've never told anyone."

Then she added: "Of course, Xiaozhu isn't an outsider."

Li Heng explained: "Oh, I remember now. That time, coffee spilled on my shirt. She helped me wipe it off."

Bai Wanying gave him a knowing look but didn't call him out, instead nodding along: "Maybe. But Professor Yu treats you too well—she's always looking out for you. Even the day your writer identity went public, she ran around helping you receive guests and see them off."

Li Heng said: "I have no experience with this. I'm truly grateful to Professor Yu."

Listening to their back-and-forth, Wei Xiaozhu stayed silent through the second half, her mind buzzing with Bai Wanying's words: "Professor Yu likes you?"

Back in Lushan Village, Wei Xiaozhu instinctively glanced toward No. 25. The lights were out. Professor Yu was gone.

Li Heng pulled out his keys, opened the door, and told the two women: "Rest for a bit. I'm going next door."

The two women seemed to know where he was going. They said nothing.

Only after he left did Bai Wanying shed her earlier carefree demeanor and ask seriously: "Xiaozhu, if you were me, would you accept Li Guang?"

Wei Xiaozhu thought long and hard, then shook her head: "Emotionally, I can't settle for less."

Bai Wanying scoffed: "If I were healthy, we'd be the same kind of person."

Wei Xiaozhu said: "Since you won't accept Li Guang, maybe you should consider Li Heng. He's worth hundreds of millions—he doesn't care about your surgery costs."

Bai Wanying was tempted, but finally closed her eyes and said: "I'll work with Zhang Bing for a few more years. If I still haven't saved enough for surgery by graduation, I'll beg him. Once I'm healed, I'll spend the rest of my life working for him."

Wei Xiaozhu asked: "Wait until graduation? Won't that delay your treatment?"

Bai Wanying remained unmoved: "That's fate."

Hearing this, Wei Xiaozhu dropped the subject. She sensed, vaguely, that it wasn't just about money.

…

No. 27.

Li Heng knocked on the door in the rain and found Zhou Shihe opening it.

He asked: "Why are you here?"

Through the door, their eyes met. Zhou Shihe's delicate lips pouted slightly: "Who did you hope it was? If it were Mai Sui, she's in the shower."

Li Heng's mouth twitched. "You're really mad at me today. What did I do to offend you, Zhou the Great?"

Zhou Shihe smiled gently, stepping aside to let him in.

As he changed his shoes, he asked: "Just the two of you home?"

Zhou Shihe nodded.

On the way upstairs, Li Heng asked: "How's Mai Sui feeling?"

Behind him, Zhou Shihe's gaze settled on his back: "Why don't you ask her yourself?"

Li Heng stopped abruptly, turning halfway to look at her.

He stopped too suddenly—Zhou Shihe nearly collided with him.

She stepped back silently, looking up at him with composed dignity.

For a moment, they stared at each other, neither speaking. An indescribable tension rose between them.

Suddenly, Li Heng stepped down one stair—on impulse.

She instinctively stepped back.

After two seconds of stalemate, Li Heng stepped back again.

Zhou Shihe, startled, stepped back once more.

As he prepared to step down a third time, Zhou Shihe whispered, barely audible: "I'll call Mai Sui."

Hearing this, Li Heng immediately retracted his raised foot, leaning against the railing, eyes fixed on her.

They stared silently. Then, in one subtle motion, Zhou Shihe turned her head slightly away, offering only her profile. Time froze. Neither spoke. Neither dared break the fragile balance.

After what felt like an eternity, Li Heng tore his gaze from her and turned to continue upstairs.

Hearing his footsteps fade, Zhou Shihe slowly came back to herself. A moment later, her eyes lifted—just in time to catch the last trace of his silhouette.

But she didn't rush upstairs. She stood still for a long while, then moved with quiet grace, step by deliberate step, to the second-floor hallway.

There, someone was sitting on the sofa, using her phone without a hint of courtesy.

Hearing him call out "Mom," Zhou Shihe walked straight to the bedroom, closed the door behind her, sat on the bed, and her gaze accidentally fell on the vanity mirror. She stared at her reflection.

Gazing at her image, she remembered the look Xiao Han's mother had given her last night.

She remembered the way he had looked at her just now on the stairs.

It left her unsettled. Worried.

A soft "creak" came from the living room—the bathroom door opening.

Zhou Shihe gathered herself, walked to the bedroom door, opened it—and her troubled expression vanished. She was calm again.

She smiled at Mai Sui: "You look beautiful in that red coat. You should wear it more often."

Mai Sui had heard this before—from him. She smiled softly and asked: "Did he chase you to the bedroom just to hog your phone?"

Zhou Shihe blinked calmly: "He brought two women back."

Mai Sui glanced at Li Heng on the phone and whispered: "Xiao Han and the others?"

Zhou Shihe looked at her strangely.

Mai Sui couldn't bear the look. "Don't stare—I'm not jealous."

Zhou Shihe smiled lightly: "Wei Xiaozhu and Bai Wanying."

"Huh? How did they get here?" Mai Sui was surprised, then said: "Come with me, let's go see."

Zhou Shihe didn't refuse. She followed her downstairs.

As for the man upstairs on the phone, neither woman paid him any attention. They weren't worried he'd cause trouble—he was perfectly safe.

After calling his mother to check on his parents' health and his sister's business, he dialed Wang Ye next.

The call connected. He said: "I read your letter. You've done well. I'm satisfied."

"Thank you, boss."

Wang Ye politely thanked him, then added: "I've found directors for the Tianjin and Yangcheng branches. He Wen will lead Tianjin. Zhao Li will lead Yangcheng."

Li Heng knew both professors well—he remembered them teaching trial classes for New Future. He asked: "Did they both quit?"

Wang Ye explained: "Professor He Wen was reported for taking outside jobs. Beihang's leadership called him in for a talk. There was a conflict—he resigned in anger. Professor Zhao Li from Renmin University submitted her resignation voluntarily. She has great faith in New Future and wants to devote herself fully."

Regardless of how they left their schools, landing two such talents made him happy.

Wang Ye said: "Our tentative plan is to open enrollment for the second session on January 1st. Any suggestions, Mr. Li?"

Li Heng said: "I've read your proposal thoroughly. It's perfect. I have no objections. Proceed as planned."

Wang Ye brought up another matter: "What about Li Ran for the Shanghai branch?"

Li Heng asked: "What's your opinion?"

Wang Ye answered honestly: "I originally had someone else in mind. But after Li Ran called, I reconsidered. She's the most reliable choice—she's a veteran of New Future, experienced. With her in charge, I can reduce my own involvement in Shanghai."

Li Heng warned: "Her situation is unusual. Prepare for contingencies. Stay alert—she might walk out at any moment."

Wang Ye said: "Understood. I'll assign a deputy to act as her backup."

Li Heng nodded.

Then Wang Ye mentioned the final major issue: "Starting with the second session, New Future will undergo rapid expansion. Boss, please send someone to handle HR and finance."

Hearing this, Li Heng understood: she truly needed staff—but she also wanted to prove her loyalty. A company can't be controlled unless HR and finance are firmly in hand.

This was too important to brush off. He said: "Alright. I'll arrange it as soon as possible."

After ending the call with Wang Ye, Li Heng paused, then dialed again.

This time, he called Huang Zhaoyi.

Lucky—he got through on the first try, despite only trying out of hope.

"It's me," Li Heng said.

"Mm." Hearing his familiar voice, Huang Zhaoyi's mood instantly brightened.

"I'm calling from Xiao Han's house," Li Heng said.

"Alright, I'll be more careful with my words," Huang Zhaoyi paused, then immediately understood and replied as such.

Li Heng turned back to glance at the stairwell entrance and lowered his voice: "What are you doing at this hour?"

Huang Zhaoyi said: "I'm meditating."

Li Heng was surprised: "Meditating?"

Huang Zhaoyi explained: "I learned it from my grandfather. He had this habit—meditating for a while every morning and before bed. I picked it up without even realizing."

Li Heng said: "You never do this when I come over."

Huang Zhaoyi hesitated, then spoke awkwardly: "No time."

It was true—she had no time. Every time he came, she was busy serving him: cooking for him, or kneeling on the floor to serve him in bed. Where was the energy or time for meditation?

Recalling the image of her eating ice cream, Li Heng felt a restless itch inside. He suppressed the urge to go find her now and brought up the real matter: "I need two people. Do you have…?"

He quickly explained the New Future project, then waited.

Hearing his request, Huang Zhaoyi felt a small surge of excitement. What did this mean?

Was he asking her for people because her status as his woman was growing more secure?

Would he no longer casually kick her aside?

Huang Zhaoyi took two deep breaths, calmed herself, and said: "Yes. What kind are you looking for?"

Li Heng said: "Loyalty first, ability second. Even better if they have both."

Huang Zhaoyi thought for a moment, then immediately had candidates: "I'll have them report to you in two days."

Li Heng said: "No need to come to me. I trust you. Send them straight to Jingcheng."

Huang Zhaoyi was pleased: "Alright."

Then they chatted for a while about the current state of Weihao Company. After more than ten minutes, just before hanging up, she wrestled with herself for a moment, then summoned the courage to ask: "I've learned a few new dishes. When do you have time to come taste them?"

Tasting the food was just an excuse—what she really wanted was to see him.

Li Heng understood instantly: "How long are you staying in Hushi?"

Huang Zhaoyi said: "In two days I'm going to Xiangnan. There are a few business contracts to sign there."

Two days?

Li Heng was uncertain: "How about this—I'll come if I have time. If not, I'll go find you in Xiangnan."

Huang Zhaoyi was used to it. She didn't feel disappointed, and replied obediently: "Alright. I'll wait for you."

"Wait a second," Li Heng called out just as she was about to hang up.

Huang Zhaoyi brought the receiver back to her ear.

Li Heng said: "I haven't been back to my hometown in a while. After you get to Xiangnan, buy me a few gifts and send them to my place— for my grandmother, my eldest sister, and my aunt."

He listed the gifts, specifying what each of them actually needed and liked.

Huang Zhaoyi wrote them down on paper, then added: "I'll send someone to deliver them."

She specifically said "send someone" to show her loyalty—to indicate she wouldn't appear in person, wouldn't expose their private relationship, and wouldn't damage his ties with the Xiao family.

Li Heng was pleased by her thoughtfulness: "You've worked hard."

His happiness lifted her spirits, and they chatted a few more minutes before ending the call.

This call lasted a full twenty-one minutes—the longest they'd ever spoken. Before, their calls were always just a few words and then hung up.

Like: "Are you there?" "I am." "I'm coming." "Alright."

To celebrate this historic breakthrough in call duration, Huang Zhaoyi temporarily set aside meditation. Happily, she opened a bottle of red wine, placed Li Heng's photo on the coffee table, and drank alone, raising her glass to the picture.

She poured a glass, held it before the photo, and said: "Husband, you drink first."

She dreamed of having a child with this man.

After finishing the third call, Li Heng didn't leave. After some thought, he dialed again.

The fourth call went to Shaoshi, to his high school English teacher.

Before going to Aba, Liu Bei had mentioned that Teacher Wang had come to Hushi Airport. Nearly fifty days had passed—he felt uneasy, so he decided to call now.

"Ding ling ling…"

"Ding ling ling…"

"…"

After five rings, the call was answered by a woman's voice, belching slightly: "Hello, who's this?"

"Teacher, it's me," Li Heng introduced himself.

Wang Runwen frowned, instantly waking up: "It's this late? Why aren't you asleep? What do you want?"

"Nothing much. I just haven't talked to you in a long time. Suddenly felt like chatting," Li Heng said.

Wang Runwen crossed her legs: "Then spit it out. I'm drinking."

Li Heng was speechless: "Teacher, if you talk like this, you'll kill the conversation."

Wang Runwen didn't care. She sneered: "I don't care about chatting with you."

Li Heng probed: "Really? Then why did you go to Hushi Airport?"

Wang Runwen exploded: "You're a man—why are you so nagging? No wonder Yu Shuheng is still a virgin! I despise you!"

She hung up.

She got angry that fast?

Li Heng looked at the receiver in his hand and dialed again. This time it rang six times before being answered.

He spoke first: "Teacher, why don't you quit? My company, New Future, has a position perfect for you."

Wang Runwen shook her hair: "You're trying to ship me off to Jingcheng?"

Li Heng said: "There are schools in Hushi, Yangcheng, Tianjin, and Jingcheng. Pick whichever you like."

Wang Runwen: "What if I choose Hushi?"

Li Heng said: "That's fine too."

Wang Runwen narrowed her eyes, teasing: "If I go to Hushi, are you trying to use my womb to have your child?"

Li Heng's heart skipped: "If you really quit, I'll come get you."

"Get lost!"

Wang Runwen cursed: "You shameless bastard! Isn't Yu Shuheng's identity as your college teacher enough for you? Now you're setting your sights on me?"

Li Heng muttered: "You're the one always bringing this up. I never even thought about it."

"Heh!" Wang Runwen laughed coldly on the other end.

After a pause, Li Heng said: "Forget it. Let's talk seriously. If you're unhappy in Shaoshi, go somewhere else. You're a top graduate from Renmin University—you'll never lack opportunities anywhere."

Wang Runwen didn't want to discuss it. Instead she asked: "When did you get back?"

"Yesterday."

"Was the scenery in Aba beautiful?"

"The scenery was beautiful, but the economy is too backward, and the weather is cold. Not a good season to go."

"Have you and Shuheng… gotten together… yet?"

"Didn't you just call her a virgin? Why ask now?"

"That was just anger. Don't pretend you don't know!"

"Heh…"

"Shut up!"

"No," Li Heng answered.

"Why? Afraid to touch her? Or because of Xiao Han, Song Yu, and Chen Zijin?" Wang Runwen fired off several questions.

"All of the above," Li Heng replied honestly.

Wang Runwen fell silent. After a long while, she switched the receiver from her left hand to her right: "How's your new book coming?"

Li Heng said: "I haven't started yet. I plan to begin soon."

Wang Runwen asked: "Tusi theme?"

Li Heng asked back: "Has Yu Laoshi contacted you?"

Wang Runwen said: "She's right here. I just got her drunk and she's asleep."

"What?"

Li Heng was stunned: "When did Yu Laoshi get there?"

Wang Runwen replied: "Yesterday afternoon. When she heard Xiao Han and her mother were going to Lushan Village, she flew over to drink bitter wine with me."

Li Heng: "..."

Wang Runwen taunted: "So? Are you brave enough to come over tonight? I'll let you sleep with me. Shuheng's right next door. Wouldn't that be thrilling?"

As she spoke, Wang Runwen raised her glass and clinked it against Yu Shuheng's, then took a big sip.

Earlier, her questions about Aba had been a smokescreen.

Yu Shuheng stared intently at the landline, her fingers tightening unconsciously around her wineglass.

Li Heng: "..."

He said: "Teacher, you're drunk. Go to sleep. I'm hanging up."

"Hah! A coward with a dirty mind!" Wang Runwen goaded him.

Li Heng ignored her, said a few more words, and hung up.

Others didn't know Yu Laoshi's drinking capacity, but he did. Even if Wang Runwen was stronger, she wasn't much stronger.

How could one be passed out and the other still sober enough to talk to him?

When the receiver emitted a series of "beep-beep-beep" sounds, Wang Run placed it back down. "That bastard didn't fall for it."

Yu Shuheng gave a refined smile, spinning her wine glass. "Fine then. You dare openly steal my man—really getting out of hand."

"What do you mean 'your man'? Don't put on airs with me. Didn't you just watch Xiao Han and her daughter go to his house?" Wang Run shot back sharply.

Yu Shuheng spoke softly: "We're talking past each other. How would you know what I'm chasing?"

Wang Run set down her wine glass, crossing her arms. "Chasing? I think you're reaching too high. Do you really think replacing Song Yu's position is that easy? You might not even get close to Song Yu before some other woman, pregnant and swaggering, overtakes you."

Yu Shuheng said: "As long as you don't go behind my back to offer yourself up, this won't happen within two years—they're still in school."

Wang Run glanced sideways. "You really have no memory. Did you forget about that leading actress? You're the one who told me about her existence."

For once, Yu Shuheng didn't rebut. She fell into thought.

Seeing her friend like this, Wang Run slowly softened her tongue and said nothing more.

PS: Posted first, revised later.

My lower back aches badly, no energy—I typed this randomly on my phone, don't even know what I wrote, please be gentle with the criticism.

(End of chapter)