Chapter 553: The Chain of Deceit, True Feelings

On the way to the Peking University cafeteria, Li Heng stared at the girl walking ahead, lost in thought.

Was Song Yu's true intention in suggesting they go to Lushan Village next Dragon Boat Festival to celebrate his birthday?

Celebrating his birthday, that was certainly genuine.

But it couldn't possibly be that simple.

Logically, given Song Yu's detached nature, she rarely clashed with his other romantic interests.

Even when she first learned that Mai Sui had developed feelings for him, she never scolded him harshly—not a single cruel word.

Yet now she was actively proposing to go to Lushan Village to celebrate his birthday. It was unprecedented, shattering everything he thought he knew about her.

The old saying goes: kindness invites exploitation; a gentle horse is ridden by all.

When someone is too kind, their rivals don't show respect or stop at a point—they only press harder. Perhaps Song Yu had finally realized this, and decided to strike back against Zijin and Xiao Han's alliance.

Isn't there an old saying that the best defense is offense? She wanted peace in her own little corner, wanted her future life undisturbed—Song Yu knew she had to make a proper counterattack.

So she crossed the river, went straight to Shanghai, to Xiao Han's stronghold.

As for her purpose—obvious.

They had once promised a three-way alliance, to jointly resist new romantic rivals. But she never imagined that merely receiving Li Heng's favor would trigger Zijin and Xiao Han uniting against her.

The first shot in their alliance wasn't fired at outside rivals—but at "one of their own." Even clay figures have three parts of temper, let alone Song Yu, who was always proud and reserved.

Song Yu had long suspected: Zijin and Xiao Han had once courted her, perhaps only to push her out as a decoy, drawing fire from other rivals, while they hid behind and reaped the benefits.

And that was exactly what had happened.

Song Yu had the best temperament, the most beautiful appearance, and was Li Heng's favorite. In Xiao Han's eyes: Song Yu was a natural target, the perfect weapon to counter Yu Laoshi, Mai Sui, and Zhou Shihe.

In fact, Xiao Han had hit the nail on the head this time:

For example, Yu Laoshi had delayed resigning and delaying any further relationship with Li Heng precisely because she wanted Song Yu's status.

And Song Yu and Mai Sui had been inseparable best friends since high school; Song Yu naturally held a psychological advantage over Mai Sui.

As for Zhou Shihe, Zijin and Xiao Han weren't sure—they only trusted Song Yu to match wits with her, to restrain or even suppress Zhou Shihe.

To crush the budding romance between Li Heng and Zhou Shihe in its cradle.

To make Zhou Shihe give up.

Of course, this "difficulty" didn't mean forcing Zhou Shihe with Song Yu's absolute strength—Song Yu and Zhou Shihe were evenly matched; neither had overwhelming superiority.

In Xiao Han's mind, this "difficulty" meant creating a situation: make Zhou Shihe see clearly who Li Heng truly loved—who else stood beside him, a woman who could rival her? Zhou Shihe was not unique.

According to Xiao Han's assumption: upon seeing Song Yu in person, Zhou Shihe would either reject Li Heng's advances, proudly refusing to enter the game.

Or she would directly confront Song Yu—the two women would fight to the death.

In truth, Song Yu had always been wary: Was Zijin and Xiao Han's alliance against her, forcing her to retaliate, forcing her to Shanghai, also part of their plan? Was their goal to make her face Zhou Shihe directly?

But no matter what?

Even if this was another open stratagem by Zijin and Xiao Han, a layered trap within a trap, Song Yu was unafraid—and she accepted it.

Simply because her love was pure, her heart was already full, and she truly cared for this man.

And because of her family, she had no retreat left.

As for whether she would follow Zijin and Xiao Han's planned path? Song Yu had her own ideas.

…

Peking University cafeteria.

Twenty minutes remained until the end of the eighth class; the cafeteria was nearly empty.

After getting his meal, Li Heng followed Song Yu to a corner of the cafeteria.

At that moment, Xiao Feng was already there. Judging by the food in her container, she had just arrived.

Seeing them appear, Xiao Feng greeted them cheerfully: "Song Yu, you're here! I thought you weren't coming."

Song Yu smiled faintly and sat down.

Li Heng asked curiously: "You knew I was coming?"

Xiao Feng said: "How big's your reputation? Don't you know? You walked into Peking University holding roses, and within fifteen minutes, my roommate told me about you."

Li Heng thought silently: with this speed of gossip, Zijin must have heard too.

Should he go find Zijin on this trip north?

Actually, his original plan was: every time he came to Beijing, he'd visit only one person—either Song Yu or Zijin, alternating.

After chatting with Song Yu for a while, Xiao Feng turned to Li Heng: "Didn't you just return from Aba? How do you have time to come to Peking University now? Haven't you read the papers? Everyone's guessing the theme of your new book."

Li Heng silenced her with one sentence, grinning: "Why ask that? No matter how busy I am, nothing matters more than Song Yu—she's worth putting everything down at any moment."

Xiao Feng looked from Song Yu to him, stammering: "No wonder you're a great writer—you're something else!"

Not wanting this girl to pry into his romantic affairs, Li Heng took control of the conversation: "You've been at Peking University for a year and a half—have you met anyone you like?"

Song Yu, sensing his intent, smiled and chimed in: "Two guys have been chasing Xiao Feng."

Li Heng widened his eyes, intrigued: "Really? Tell me about them."

Xiao Feng stuck her chopsticks in the bottom of her bowl, hesitated, then said: "Compared to your countless admirers, mine aren't worth mentioning. One's a senior, third year, from Tianjin; the other's my classmate, Li Yang, from Sichuan."

After hearing the basics, Li Heng asked: "Do you like either of them?"

Xiao Feng shook her head: "The senior's too lively; Li Yang's the opposite—stiff, a math major."

Li Heng understood: "The senior's too lively—you feel unsafe; Li Yang's an academic type, dull and uninteresting? Right?"

Xiao Feng nodded: "Exactly."

Li Heng sighed, joking: "Looks like neither stands a chance. Next time you introduce someone, if they're hopeless, don't even name them—I don't want to remember."

Xiao Feng laughed: "Liu Li will be here soon."

Li Heng was startled—he immediately thought of Zijin. Would she come too?

Song Yu shared his thought, raising her eyes to Xiao Feng.

The atmosphere grew tense. Xiao Feng quickly added: "Liu Li came specifically for you. He's alone."

Hearing this, Song Yu spooned half her steamed egg onto Li Heng's plate and continued eating calmly.

Li Heng asked: "What does he want?"

Suddenly, Xiao Feng waved toward the entrance, then stood up to help Liu Li get his meal: "There—he's here. Ask him yourself."

Liu Li looked exactly the same—thin, bony. He sat down heavily and greeted Song Yu: "Song Yu, you're still the most charming. Word of the great writer coming to see you reached Renmin University too."

Song Yu smiled prettily, answering off-topic: "You came alone today? Your senior didn't come?"

The senior she meant was the Beijing native who had feelings for Liu Li.

Liu Li rubbed his forehead, earnestly: "Don't tease me, Song Yu. I know my place. She's a local—even if she likes me, her family would never approve."

Song Yu mused: "I heard her father treated you well. Was it someone else in her family giving you trouble?"

Liu Li smiled bitterly: "Her father was fine, but her mother constantly gave me cold looks. I gave up long ago."

Song Yu felt sorry for him, about to offer comfort, when her peripheral vision caught an unexpected figure—Chen Zitong.

Yes, the newcomer was Chen Zitong, Chen Zijin's younger sister.

Song Yu saw her. Soon after, Li Heng and Liu Li noticed too, watching Chen Zitong walk slowly through the cafeteria toward them.

Liu Li looked uneasy and whispered: "Li Heng, I didn't know she'd follow me. If I had, I wouldn't have come today."

Li Heng knew Liu Li's character—he didn't doubt him, waved it off: "It's fine."

About twenty seconds later, Chen Zitong arrived before the three. She sized up Song Yu, then Li Heng, completely ignoring Liu Li.

Then she sat beside Li Heng and said: "Brother-in-law, I'm out of money for lunch."

Li Heng: "..."

He immediately pulled out the cash he'd withdrawn yesterday and shoved it all into her pocket.

Chen Zitong didn't move, pouting half-playfully: "I'm hungry now."

Hearing this, Song Yu smiled and stood up: "Zitong, wait a moment—I'll get your food." Song Yu and Chen Zitong were no strangers. When Chen Zijin was in her second year of high school, Chen Zitong had just entered Shaoshan No. High.

Because Song Yu and Chen Zijin were close friends then, Chen Zitong naturally interacted with Song Yu.

Watching Song Yu leave, Chen Zitong muttered: "It's been over two years—we haven't seen each other. Sister Song is so much more beautiful now. Seeing her, I feel plain."

Li Heng played along: "You're pretty too, Zitong."

Chen Zitong's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Li Heng nodded: "Ask Liu Li if you don't believe me."

Liu Li agreed: "No need to ask—Zitong's famous as one of the most beautiful freshmen at Renmin. Even my roommates talk about her."

Chen Zitong covered her mouth and laughed: "Liu Li brother knows how to flatter. I didn't even know I was this pretty."

The phrase "Liu Li brother" nearly turned Liu Li's face red.

But Chen Zitong's next sentence made the table's atmosphere unbearably awkward: she said to Li Heng in a strange tone, "Since brother-in-law doesn't like my sister anymore, how about I be your girlfriend?"

Li Heng: "..."

Liu Li: "..."

Li Heng and Liu Li weren't fools—they heard the mockery.

She mocked Li Heng for coming to Peking University to see Song Yu but not visiting his own sister at Renmin. Chen Zitong had come angry.

She had always believed Li Heng was a good man, devoted entirely to her sister.

But since entering Renmin, her worldview shattered—her brother-in-law was cheating on two women.

The problem was: when she confronted her sister, her sister said the situation wasn't as simple as it looked, and told her not to interfere.

Liu Li panicked, scanning the surroundings—thankfully, the eighth class hadn't ended yet. This corner had only their table; no one else nearby. No one had heard Chen Zitong's words.

Li Heng gathered his thoughts and asked: "Where's your sister?"

Chen Zitong shot back: "Brother-in-law, do you want her to come—or not?"

Li Heng fell silent.

Before he could reply, Chen Zitong said: "My sister was taken away by Lanlan, to eat dinner near Gulou."

Lanlan refers to Li Lan.

Li Heng understood clearly—his second sister must have heard he'd come to Peking University, and had stepped in to soothe Zijin on his behalf.

Li Heng asked casually: "Why didn't you go?"

Chen Zitong replied: "If I'd gone, how could I have seen my brother-in-law and Sister Song together, so affectionate?"

At that moment, a group of people approached. Li Heng frowned: "Let's talk privately about this."

Chen Zitong glanced at the girls constantly glancing at her brother-in-law, then reluctantly agreed.

Soon after, Xiao Feng and Song Yu returned, each bringing a meal for Liu Li and Chen Zitong.

With Chen Zitong's unexpected presence, the meal's atmosphere grew strange. Li Heng ate quickly, waiting for Chen Zitong to finish.

Chen Zitong was even more straightforward—once he put down his chopsticks, she put hers down too.

Then, without a word, they walked out of the cafeteria, one behind the other, to a treeless spot.

Standing firm, Li Heng turned and said: "Zitong, if you have questions, ask them."

Chen Zitong didn't beat around the bush. She looked up and asked: "Are you dating Song Yu?"

It was already fact. Li Heng didn't deny it: "Yes."

Chen Zitong asked: "Did it start after my sister came to Jingcheng for her sophomore summer vacation?"

Li Heng replied again: "Yes."

Chen Zitong pressed: "Who pursued whom?"

Li Heng said: "I pursued Song Yu."

Chen Zitong frowned: "You just slept with my sister, then turned around to pursue Song Yu—how could you do something so shameless?"

Li Heng offered no excuse. He said only four words: "I was wrong."

Seeing his compliance, Chen Zitong felt like she'd punched cotton. She bit her lip and asked again: "You've made your relationship with Song Yu public in Jingcheng, yet hidden my sister from the world—do you plan to marry Song Yu?"

This question was sensitive. He didn't want to elaborate, so he stayed silent.

But Chen Zitong pressed on: "You want to marry Song Yu because she's prettier than my sister, more elegant—is that it?"

Li Heng said softly: "My sister is very beautiful too."

Chen Zitong caught the implication: "It's because my mom and three aunts held you back—when they scolded you and Aunt Tian that summer, you held a grudge, didn't you?"

In part, yes.

Tian Run'e had never forgiven the Chen family for that incident, especially the memory of her kneeling to apologize for her son, only to be viciously berated by the four women.

Chen Zitong asked: "Brother-in-law, let's flip the perspective. Suppose you were female and my sister was male—after what happened, wouldn't your Li family have felt anger?"

Li Heng said: "We would."

Chen Zitong was stunned—he'd admitted it.

After a brief stalemate, she asked again: "Do you resent us Chen family for not helping Uncle Li?"

Li Heng shook his head: "Zitong, you're overthinking. My father lost his iron rice bowl because he was framed—it's not anyone else's fault. He simply wasn't skilled enough."

In that line of work, scheming is normal. Either you win, or you lose—only two outcomes, no third possibility. Once you picked up that bowl, you had to be ready to be discarded at any moment.

As for your family: helping out was kindness; not helping was normal. Everyone has their own struggles. Once you walk this path, resources are traded for advantage—it's understandable."

Hearing this, Chen Zitong fell silent. After a long pause, she pulled a stack of cash from her pocket and slipped it back into his.

She said seriously: "Brother-in-law, don't be fooled by my cheerful act—I'm faking it. I can't stand my mom. I just want to mock her face. But I understand everything."

I didn't come here to confront you. I came because I feel for my sister—she's suffered so much. No support at home, no true future with you. A woman suffering like this—it breaks my heart as her sister."

Li Heng paused, his chest heavy with unease.

Chen Zitong continued: "It's been over two years since I last saw Song Yu—she's stunning, almost unreal. If I were you, I might've been tempted too."

People say scholars are romantic, that they've always been passionate. I can only comfort my sister with that excuse. But I don't blame you."

Everyone has their own position. The Chen family has its way of surviving. From your Li family's view, Aunt Tian's bitterness is entirely understandable."

You and my sister were both willing at first. Honestly, neither side is to blame. But since we Chen are the bride's side, we seemed entitled to vent more—but things often go too far. My mom and the three aunts lost their limits, and that's why we're here now."

She lifted her head, voice low: "Brother-in-law, I'm begging you—please treat my sister well. She loves you deeply. If even you turn cold toward her, she won't be able to go on living."

With that, Chen Zitong walked away, without looking back.

One last, quiet phrase drifted into his ears: "Brother-in-law, don't worry—I'll keep your secrets about Song Yu and my sister."

Li Heng stared after her until the heavy snow swallowed her whole, then slowly came back to himself.

Song Yu came over.

Or rather, she'd been watching nearby all along, afraid they might argue.

Song Yu approached, concerned: "Are you alright?"

Li Heng forced a faint smile: "I'm fine."

Song Yu studied him, then said carefully: "It seems Zitong is more mature than I thought—she left you so lost just now."

Li Heng moved his lips: "Yes."

PS: Posted first, revised later.

(Two more updates coming—third one makes up yesterday's.)

Also, in the first seven days of this month, I posted over 75, 00 characters—averaging over 10, 00 per day (marked with "Daily 10K" on Qidian). Yet some big shots still complain I update too slowly, that one post per day is too little. March, I'm limited—I'm 40, and my hands are disabled. I counted the words—this PS is free.

(End of chapter)