Chapter 560: All of Them: The Huge Difference Between Passive and Active

Buy winter bamboo shoots and stir-fry them with cured pork, garlic greens, and green peppers.

Buy eel; she plans to make Liangxi Crispy Eel.

She bought a duck and prepared it as Dry Pot Duck according to his taste.

She also bought two pounds of mandarin fish to braise.

She originally intended to make Squirrel Mandarin Fish, but suddenly wanted to try the spicy flavor of southern Hunan.

After buying the four dishes Suisui requested, Zhou Shihe later purchased tofu, radish, eggs, and a variety of side ingredients.

Wei Xiaozhu accompanied her the entire time, and by the end, she couldn't help asking: "You bought all this—can you even finish it?"

Zhou Shihe smiled gently and said: "He hasn't eaten today; I estimate his appetite equals three people's."

Hearing this, Wei Xiaozhu suddenly remembered the question she had wanted to ask Li Heng at Xuhui Hospital.

But Li Heng had refused to answer and avoided it.

She was pondering a question: Over time, would Li Heng fall for such an all-capable Shihe?

After buying the last bunch of scallions, Zhou Shihe invited: "Xiaozhu, it's been a while since you went to Lushan Village—why not come over for a gathering?"

Wei Xiaozhu was tempted but declined: "No, not today. My aunt has guests over; I need to go back and help her."

Zhou Shihe glanced at Wei Quan, who was selecting beef in the middle of the market, and didn't press: "Then I'll leave first—Li Heng might wake up soon."

"Alright." Wei Xiaozhu personally saw her to the market entrance and helped place the groceries into her bicycle basket.

Zhou Shihe rode off on her bicycle. Her delicate figure in the cold wind was like a ray of sunshine, warming the heart.

Moments later, Wei Quan came over. He looked at the retreating, frail back and sighed: "A pianist cooking? If I had a daughter like this, I'd never let her. Not even for Li Heng—I'd firmly forbid it."

Wei Xiaozhu strongly agreed, but added: "Everyone has different thoughts and pursuits—we can't impose ours on Shihe."

Wei Quan nodded, then uttered two profound words: "Dangerous."

Wei Xiaozhu was confused. "Dangerous? Who?"

Wei Quan said: "Many people. Either Li Heng is dangerous, or Zhou Shihe is dangerous—Xiao Han and Mai Sui are dangerous too."

Wei Xiaozhu was utterly baffled.

Wei Quan explained: "People like Li Heng and Zhou Shihe—calling them one in a million is still too modest. When two such exceptional people spend time together, both risk falling."

If Li Heng falls, it's fine.

But if Zhou Shihe falls in love, then Xiao Han and Mai Sui—each and every one of them—won't be able to stop her."

Wei Xiaozhu fell silent. After a long while, she said: "Shihe and Mai Sui are close friends. Even if your words come true and she falls for Li Heng, she won't make it obvious."

Wei Quan cut in bluntly: "Li Heng isn't Mai Sui's alone. If she takes him, she takes him. In love, what's friendship worth?"

Wei Xiaozhu had no reply.

…

Back in Lushan Village.

Zhou Shihe first walked through the second-floor living room. Finding no movement from the master bedroom, she took the lunchbox from the coffee table.

She copied Mai Sui's habit and left a note.

Then she went straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Around 4: 0 p. ., Li Heng opened his eyes.

When he saw the hour hand on his watch, he was stunned—how could he have slept an entire day? Over eight hours.

But he had no time to dwell on it. He quickly dressed, clutching his stomach, and rushed out of the bedroom. Damn, he was starving!

After a quick wash, just as he was about to go out for food, he noticed a note on the coffee table.

It read: I'm cooking downstairs. If you're hungry, come down.

The handwriting was elegant and ethereal, like a mountain stream—he recognized it instantly as Zhou Shihe's.

Cooking?

No hesitation—he immediately bolted toward the stairway, the hungry beast in him roaring.

Sure enough, as soon as he turned the corner, the rich aroma of meat hit him. Damn, his stomach growled louder than ever.

He went downstairs, entered the kitchen, and saw Zhou, the girl, preparing Liangxi Crispy Eel at the stove. Her focused demeanor carried quiet grace, perfectly embodying the ideal virtuous wife—graceful in the parlor, capable in the kitchen.

Hearing the door, she turned her head, saw him clutching his stomach, and said: "The rice is cooked and in the pot. The steamer has cured pork with winter bamboo shoots and Dry Pot Duck."

Half-dead from hunger, Li Heng had no energy to speak. He grabbed a bowl, grabbed chopsticks, lifted the lid of the steamer, and began eating—picking up dishes while shoveling rice.

He ate heartily, leaning against the cabinet.

Zhou Shihe glanced at him, lit an alcohol burner, placed the Dry Pot Duck on it, then returned her attention to the stove.

After devouring half a bowl of rice, his stomach finally settled. He felt alive again, strong enough to speak: "Why didn't you make the mandarin fish first?"

It was his first words since entering the kitchen.

Zhou Shihe replied simply: "Next dish."

Li Heng muttered: "By the time the next dish is ready, I'll be full."

Zhou Shihe's gaze stayed on the pot, silent.

Li Heng shoveled another bite of rice into his mouth and asked: "This eel looks delicious—can I eat it yet?"

Zhou Shihe didn't answer. She seasoned the eel, stir-fried it swiftly until the pieces were coated in thick sauce, sprinkled scallions on top, then plated it.

"This smell's almost making me faint." As soon as she scooped out half, Li Heng grabbed two pieces with serving chopsticks and devoured them.

Zhou Shihe placed all the eel into his bowl and watched quietly as he ate one piece after another.

When he reached the fifth piece, lost in bliss, Li Heng finally realized: "Am I eating too roughly?"

Zhou Shihe replied: "It's fine."

Li Heng pressed: "Fine? That means it's wild, right?"

Zhou Shihe blinked, said nothing.

Li Heng defended himself: "I'm usually not like this—I'm refined, gentlemanly. But your food is just too good—it turned me back into a primitive man. Just now I was thinking—if anyone marries you, they must've earned it in a past life."

Zhou Shihe asked: "Can Xiao Han cook?"

Li Heng glanced at her, hesitated two seconds, then said: "I shouldn't badmouth my future wife, but she can barely make eggs—and even then, poorly. A fried egg? The yolk runs. A scrambled egg? Either burnt or shattered when flipped. Honestly, her husband needs an iron stomach."

Recalling his past-life suffering, he felt like crying—words couldn't describe it.

Zhou Shihe smiled lightly and asked: "Calling yourself husband—you're clearly determined to marry her."

Li Heng replied: "Besides not cooking, she's great in every other way."

She truly was—sly, family-oriented, sensible, skilled at handling relationships, always making Tian Run'e comfortable, and witty to boot.

Zhou Shihe suddenly asked: "What about Yu Laoshi?"

"Huh?"

Li Heng feigned deafness: "What did you say? I didn't hear."

Seeing this, Zhou Shihe turned away, began washing the pot, and started preparing Braised Mandarin Fish.

Li Heng watched her lovely profile for a moment, swallowed the cured pork, then asked: "If you were me, how would you handle your relationship with Yu Laoshi?"

Zhou Shihe didn't turn around, replied softly: "Really? You want me to say?"

Li Heng said: "With us like this—speak freely. Whatever you say, I won't blame you."

Zhou Shihe said: "Marry her."

"Huh?"

Li Heng involuntarily exclaimed again—this answer was completely unexpected.

Zhou Shihe analyzed calmly: "Long-term, the Yu family is powerful and wealthy. Yu Laoshi is beautiful and cultured, and uniquely, she deeply cares for you. Marrying her means gaining both person and wealth—you'd live a life of ease, and your descendants would benefit."

Li Heng froze, then said after a long pause: "I thought you'd suggest I marry Mai Sui."

Zhou Shihe countered: "If I suggest it, will you marry Mai Sui?"

Li Heng was speechless, unsure how to respond.

He ate three more pieces of eel before saying seriously: "Mai Sui is more than enough as my wife. To have her affection is my fortune in three lifetimes. But I'm sentimental—the longer I'm with someone, the harder I find it to let go."

Zhou Shihe stared at him strangely—he'd just uttered something absurd for the first time: "You want both Xiao Han and Mai Sui?"

Li Heng lifted his eyelids: "Not wanting both? Am I supposed to play house with them?"

Zhou Shihe was stunned. She stared at his eyes for a moment, then said nothing more, focusing entirely on the Braised Mandarin Fish.

Suddenly, Li Heng remembered: "You two bathed yesterday. Now you're cooking in greasy smoke—won't you have to bathe again?"

Zhou Shihe gave a flat "Mm."

Li Heng felt embarrassed: "That's too much trouble for you."

Zhou Shihe said calmly: "It's no trouble. I usually bathe every other day—or daily. Don't you bathe daily too?"

Li Heng agreed.

The conversation ended abruptly.

Li Heng could sense that when he said "I want both Xiao Han and Mai Sui," Zhou's worldview had been shaken—and her attitude had shifted.

The kitchen's warm atmosphere turned cold. Half-full, Li Heng took the hint and quietly left the kitchen to tidy the dining table and chairs.

Zhou Shihe glanced at him with the corner of her eye, then returned to her work.

At exactly 5: 0 p. ., Mai Sui arrived home.

Li Heng glanced behind her: "Hey, why are you alone? Where are Sun Man and Ye Ning?"

Mai Sui replied softly: "There's a banquet—Student Union Chair He Xiao invited them to dinner."

Li Heng asked casually: "Didn't they invite you?"

Mai Sui smiled sweetly: "They did. I didn't go."

She looked around and asked: "Where's Shihe?"

Li Heng said: "After finishing the cooking, she went home to bathe—probably done with the bath and now washing clothes."

Mai Sui turned around: "I'll go check on her."

Li Heng nodded, stayed seated on the sofa, and cheerfully flipped through the newspaper in his hands, reading the praise from outsiders.

Honestly, being praised by a crowd of famous figures was exhilarating, was joyful.

After about ten minutes, Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe returned.

Facing the full table of delicious dishes—far too much to finish—the three decided to have some alcohol with their meal.

Mai Sui slipped into the kitchen, pulled out two bottles of beer and one bottle of Erguotou: "No more beer left—this is all we've got."

Li Heng said: "Drink first. Drink as much as you want."

Mai Sui followed his lead, filling three empty glasses, then asked with concern: "What time did you wake up?"

Li Heng replied: "Around four-thirty in the afternoon."

Mai Sui asked: "Do you have a headache?"

Li Heng said: "Feeling great, fully alert—don't worry. Come on, let's all three raise our glasses!"

Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe picked up their cups and clinked them politely.

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation remained between Mai Sui and Li Heng—discussing the sports meet, writing, and the coming lunar December.

Zhou Shihe said nothing, quietly focused on her dinner.

Mai Sui noticed this and asked her friend: "Shihe, are you feeling unwell? Why aren't you speaking?"

Zhou Shihe smiled brightly and shook her head lightly: "No, I'm just listening to you two."

Across the table, Li Heng and Zhou Shihe exchanged a silent glance—he knew exactly where the problem lay. This "Queen Zhou" clearly hadn't recovered from his grand declaration: "I want it all."

Seeing her friend was fine, Mai Sui turned back to Li Heng: "How's the new book coming along?"

Li Heng replied: "Fine. I stayed up all night writing Chapter Two, and I've started Chapter Three. I'm still quite satisfied."

Mai Sui glanced at her friend and asked for her: "Is the manuscript on the desk?"

Li Heng understood at once: "It's there. If you want to read it, go to the study."

During the conversation, he remembered something and put down his chopsticks to ask Mai Sui: "When are you moving your things over?"

At this, Zhou Shihe reacted for the first time, looking up at him, then at Mai Sui.

Receiving her friend's glance, Mai Sui immediately stammered and changed the subject: "Are you scared living alone?"

Li Heng frowned: "What do you mean? So you're not planning to move back?"

Mai Sui said: "Man Ning and Ye Ning are often away now. Shihe's all alone—it's lonely. I need to spend more time with her."

His gaze drifted between the two women several times. Li Heng seemed to grasp something, but not fully. He turned to Zhou Shihe: "Comrade Shihe, if you feel lonely living alone, you can sleep over here too."

"I'm used to having Mai Sui beside me. Without her, I feel like I've lost my soul. Don't try to compete with me for her."

Mai Sui's face flushed crimson. She lowered her head and picked up several pieces of spicy braised duck for him, then added two pieces for Shihe.

Hearing his words, Zhou Shihe merely smiled faintly, offering no reply.

Li Heng refused to give up. He pressed further, exhausting his words, but Mai Sui still wouldn't budge on moving back to Building 26.

He gradually realized: the two cutting questions his "sly wife" had asked that day had deeply wounded Mai Sui's heart. For now, she likely didn't want to return to Building 26.

Meanwhile, Wei Shiman's visit to Lushan Village had also disrupted the progress of Mai Sui and Li Heng cohabiting.

Li Heng felt frustrated. His "sly wife" had struck a devastating blow—Song Yu had been affected, and now Mai Sui had retreated.

The dinner, due to the exceptional food, left them slightly overfull. Afterward, Li Heng chose to take a walk to aid digestion—and to write a letter to Song Yu.

This time, Mai Sui unexpectedly didn't accompany him. Seeing the letter in his hand, she seemed to be avoiding anything related to Song Yu.

After washing the dishes and clearing the table, Mai Sui said to her friend: "Shihe, let's go upstairs."

Hearing this, Zhou Shihe, who had been waiting on the sofa, immediately put down the newspaper and stood up: "Alright."

Upstairs, Mai Sui, ever perceptive, went nowhere else—she walked straight into the study.

Zhou Shihe's eyes followed her friend's back until she stood frozen at the hallway entrance. Finally, she couldn't resist and followed inside.

Entering the study, Zhou Shihe, as before, touched and examined everything—until two minutes passed, when she reached the desk, picked up the manuscript, and began reading intently.

Mai Sui silently observed it all. She had a hunch: the moment Zhou Shihe picked up the manuscript, her entire spirit changed.

She seemed to sense, implicitly, what it meant to be ravenously hungry for knowledge, what it meant to be itchingly eager, what it meant to be joyfully overwhelmed.

Completely oblivious to Mai Sui's attention, Zhou Shihe's mind was entirely immersed in the world of "Dust Settles."

Every time she encountered a beautifully crafted line, she would chew over it repeatedly, gaining a fresh appreciation for the author's literary skill.

This wasn't idle flattery. Li Heng had lived for decades in his past life, read ten thousand volumes, experienced countless events. His experience, insight, and breadth of knowledge far surpassed ordinary people. He had poured immense effort into this new book—so classic lines flowed naturally, and its writing, themes, humor, literary quality, and philosophical depth had all significantly surpassed the original.

This transformed "Dust Settles" into something entirely reborn.

This was precisely why Zhou Shihe was utterly captivated.

This was also why, while Mai Sui cleared the dinner table, Zhou Shihe had quietly waited on the sofa.

Zhou Shihe read Chapter Two. Mai Sui didn't stop—she pulled out Chapter One from the drawer, sat on the chair, and began reading slowly.

The two women now shared many interests; reading was one of them. Even without speaking, each found quiet contentment.

Each chapter was only a few thousand characters. Even reading slowly, it didn't take long. When they finished reading twice, Zhou Shihe placed the manuscript back on the desk—but her gaze lingered on it, reluctant to leave.

At this point, Mai Sui had already finished Chapter One. She couldn't help but sigh: "From every line, I can feel how much thought he put into this book."

Zhou Shihe said: "This book has more substance than 'The Bitter Journey Through Culture.' The writing has undergone a qualitative leap."

After speaking, the two women looked at each other, silent.

After a short while, Zhou Shihe realized she had been standing the whole time—her feet ached. She sat down on the nearby chair: "He wants you, Xiao Han, and you—he wants it all."

Mai Sui shifted her gaze away, set down Chapter One, and reached for Chapter Two.

Seeing this, Zhou Shihe's cherry-red lips opened slightly, then closed. She opened them again, then closed them. This cycle repeated five or six times before she finally asked ten words: "Did you know his ambitions all along?"

Mai Sui, with thin skin, didn't know how to respond. She simply avoided eye contact with her friend and remained silent.

Zhou Shihe's expression turned to fresh astonishment. After a long pause, she calmed herself, her gaze drifting to the window's horizon, speaking casually: "I thought love was love, marriage was marriage—two separate things. But for you, Mai Sui, they're one and the same."

Mai Sui flipped through the pages, then said after a moment: "With him, my heart feels at peace."

Zhou Shihe said nothing, quietly gazing out at the distant skyline.

…

Leaving Lushan Village, Li Heng dropped his letter into a military-green mailbox, then wandered aimlessly around campus. But as he walked, habit led him to the sports field.

Many people were exercising, preparing and rehearsing for tomorrow's sports meet finals.

Suddenly, a basketball appeared before him. A young professor called out: "Big Writer Li, come play basketball! Haven't seen you play in ages."

Indeed, it had been ages—since going to Aba, his visits to the field had plummeted.

"Alright."

Li Heng responded, said nothing more, picked up the ball, and joined the 5v5 game.

It's said: a man's name casts a shadow.

Soon, many teachers and students gathered around the court—new students made up a large portion.

He Qian was among them, secretly comparing Li Heng to Hu Ping. Even ignoring talent, Li Heng's appearance and aura utterly surpassed Hu Ping—he was the ideal type for any woman.

A freshman from the Foreign Languages College, Chen Ru, asked a senior beside her: "Senior, is that the Li Heng you guys keep talking about?"

The senior nodded and smiled: "Yes. What? Interested?"

Chen Ru laughed: "No. I heard last year's student union president had an unrequited crush on him. Is that true?"

The senior asked: "You mean Ye Zhanyan?"

Chen Ru replied: "Yes."

The senior watched Li Heng sink a three-pointer and warned: "Among us girls, there's a rumor: Li Heng is a deadly poison with no antidote. If you don't meet the standard of Little Wang, don't get close to him."

Hearing this, Chen Ru glanced at Huang Ziyue, who stood nearby with intense eyes. For days, people had been gossiping: Huang Ziyue had competed with Mai Sui for the host position just to get closer to Senior Li.

The basketball game lasted forty minutes. At first, his hands were rusty from two months without play, but later he regained his rhythm—scoring four three-pointers, three two-pointers, and making three steals. He was clearly the team's backbone.

After the game, drenched in sweat, Li Heng ignored Huang Ziyue approaching him and walked toward Dai Qing, who had been holding his clothes: "Dai Qing, you didn't go to the gathering tonight?"

Dai Qing replied: "I did. Came here after eating."

Li Heng asked: "Here to exercise?"

Dai Qing smiled: "Yes."

Li Heng took his clothes from her: "Thank you. I'm done. Go run now."

Dai Qing didn't move: "Can't run today."

Li Heng followed her gaze and saw someone setting up hurdles on the track, blocking the path.

He chuckled: "I thought so—why were you watching my clothes? Now I get it."

Dai Qing brushed her hair aside: "No more talking. I'm heading back to the dorm."

Li Heng quickly whispered: "Wait—walk with me."

Dai Qing was surprised, then noticed Huang Ziyue following them. She instantly understood and agreed readily: "Alright."

The two walked through the crowd as if no one else was there, heading toward Lushan Village.

After walking a stretch, Dai Qing turned back: "The junior didn't follow."

Then she teased: "Didn't expect there'd be a girl who scares you."

Li Heng said: "Not scared. Huang Ziyue is the granddaughter of Principal Sun—she's like chewing gum. Doesn't care about my status."

Dai Qing found this reasonable. Most freshmen wouldn't dare challenge Mai Sui for the host position—especially not with such confidence, showing no fear toward seniors.

After a brief exchange, he teased: "What's it like being student union president?"

Dai Qing corrected: "Vice president."

Li Heng said: "Come on. Everyone knows one fact: once He Xiao graduates next year, the presidency is yours."

The school leadership was indeed nurturing her; facing Li Heng, Dai Qing did not deny it but replied humbly, "Nothing is settled yet—future outcomes are uncertain, and I fear complications may arise along the way."

Li Heng encouraged her: "Then you must work harder."

Dai Qing said, "Alright."

Gazing at the exquisitely delicate face before him, Li Heng felt curious: "Xiao Zhu mentioned in passing—do you plan to enter politics?"

After some thought, Dai Qing revealed: "Some leaders hope I'll develop toward the Youth League."

Li Heng instantly understood: this Youth League likely meant the Youth League Secretary—Fudan's Youth League Secretary was no trivial post, a bona fide member of the official system, and with proper maneuvering, the future held boundless potential.

Seeing him lost in thought, Dai Qing asked: "Do you dislike women who pursue politics?"

Li Heng asked: "Why say that?"

Dai Qing lowered her head: "I've heard that women who are good-looking but lack family backing don't fare well inside. They rarely get serious promotion."

Li Heng frowned: "Has someone hinted this to you?"

Dai Qing shook her head: "Not yet."

Li Heng probed sharply: "What do you mean, 'not yet'?"

Dai Qing lifted her gaze to meet his, and after a long silence, spoke: "I've had several similar dreams."

Li Heng understood: "Daytime thoughts, nighttime dreams. You're worried. You're afraid."

Dai Qing hesitated: "Maybe I'm just worrying over nothing."

At this, the two fell silent.

After a while, Li Heng said: "We've known each other a while—if you ever face difficulties, come to me."

Dai Qing smiled: "Alright. But I may not enter the system anyway—joining a foreign company could be a good alternative."

Li Heng sensed the firmness in her words: she would not compromise to anyone, would not sell her body.

He was reassured, but before leaving, he warned: "Don't hesitate to trouble me—if I can't handle it, Professor Yu and I are close."

Hearing this, Dai Qing was moved, warmth spreading through her heart; a sudden thought sprouted in her mind, nearly spilling out: Li Heng, let me be your mistress.

But it was only a fleeting thought—she was fundamentally a traditional woman, otherwise she wouldn't have mentioned those subtle issues to Li Heng just now.

Dai Qing left, graceful and carefree.

Watching her figure fade into the distance, Li Heng had a feeling: this petite girl might one day outshine most people, living life on her own terms.

Zhang Zhiyong showed up—he'd just stepped into the alley entrance of Lushan Village when he ran into him.

Startled, Zhang Zhiyong sprinted over, punching him on the shoulder. "Damn! I knew someone was tailing me—turned around and hey! It's you, big shot!"

Li Heng chuckled: "It's so late—why are you here? Aren't you home taking care of Chunhua?"

Mentioning Liu Chunhua, Zhang Zhiyong instantly grew serious, grinning: "Lao Heng, I want to talk to you about something."

Li Heng said: "What is it?"

Zhang Zhiyong said: "We've been in Shanghai two months—Chunhua's getting restless. She says sitting around the rental all day, she's rusting. She wants to find some work."

Li Heng was surprised: "Isn't she pregnant? Why go through all this?"

Zhang Zhiyong sighed: "Chunhua told me: she's in great shape—used to exercise in the army, did farm work since childhood. Pregnancy hasn't slowed her down at all. She wants to work to earn some milk money."

Li Heng asked: "Are you short on cash?"

Zhang Zhiyong shook his head like a rattle drum, shouting: "What the hell are you talking about? I just took a big sum from you—how could I be short?"

Li Heng asked: "Then what does she want to do?"

Zhang Zhiyong said: "She wants to open a breakfast shop—sell wontons, dumplings, noodles, and rice porridge."

Li Heng was stunned: "Can she cook these?"

Zhang Zhiyong slapped his chest hard. "Of course she can—she makes noodles for me every day. Let me tell you, they're delicious."

Li Heng asked: "Where did she learn?"

Zhang Zhiyong just grinned, deliberately stalling.

Seeing that idiot's smug expression, Li Heng wanted to slap him twice—damn it, I'll beat you senseless!

As they entered Lushan Village, Li Heng asked while walking: "It's almost been a year—how's your relationship with your father now? Any improvement?"

"Improvement? Hell no—I'll never recognize him in this lifetime!" At the mention of his biological father, Zhang Zhiyong's temper flared.

Li Heng glanced at him: "Is he still with that wonton shop owner?"

"My mom says that bitch is pregnant," Zhang Zhiyong said, neck stiff, looking ready to devour someone.

Li Heng stopped walking: "Really?"

Zhang Zhiyong fumed: "How could it be fake? That pair opened a wonton shop on Hongqi Road—my mom went there and caused a scene."

Li Heng fell into memory.

In his past life, he'd known Zhang Zhiyong's father had several illegitimate children—but he never expected the wonton shop owner was one of them.

He asked: "How did your mom cause a scene? What happened?"

"What else could she do? She smashed up the shop—got beaten up by that bastard, thrown back home. Mom's been trying to kill herself lately—tried pesticide several times. Now my second aunt took her away. Damn it! If I weren't tied up right now, I'd burn that wonton shop to the ground!" Zhang Zhiyong growled.

Before Li Heng could reply, Zhang Zhiyong revealed his purpose: "Lao Heng, I want to open this breakfast shop with Chunhua. Then I'll bring Mom over—she can take care of Chunhua and help run the shop."

Li Heng didn't object, but asked seriously: "This isn't a small matter—are you both sure?"

Zhang Zhiyong swore: "What else can we do? I'm a man—I'm going independent. I won't take a cent from that bitch."

Li Heng joked: "That's not how it works—if you refuse your father's money, he'll just pour it all into his women and bastards. The share that's yours still belongs to you."

"Take it? Hell no! I won't! I've got pride!" Zhang Zhiyong's eyes bulged.

Li Heng fell silent, then asked: "If you're set, then tell me—how can I help?"

Zhang Zhiyong said: "I want to open the shop near your school. And lend me 1, 00 yuan."

Li Heng frowned: "Money's no problem. But why near our school? Won't you two be separated?"

Zhang Zhiyong waved his fingers: "Your school's neighborhood is full of thugs and hoodlums. I've got classes—I can't leave Chunhua alone. But Fudan? Hell, everyone there's a genius—top-notch character. Plus, you're there. Everyone'll respect you."

Li Heng was speechless: "So you're counting me in?"

"Heh—heh," Zhang Zhiyong grinned wickedly. "With a brother as awesome as you, I'm not stupid—I'm going to latch on."

Li Heng studied him for a moment: "Have you discussed this with her?"

Zhang Zhiyong patted his chest: "Of course. If we hadn't settled it, why would I come find you?"

Li Heng said: "Since you've discussed it, do you want me to help find a shop?"

Zhang Zhiyong rubbed his nose: "I already found one—next to Lao Li's Restaurant. The tailor's shop is moving out—I can take it over."

Seeing Zhang Zhiyong's clear plan, Li Heng said nothing more. When he got home, he pulled out 2, 00 yuan and handed it over.

Zhang Zhiyong insisted on writing a IOU. Li Heng refused.

Zhang Zhiyong blew up: "If you won't take the IOU, I won't take the money. We're brothers—bridge is bridge, road is road. Borrowing is borrowing. I mooch meals—that's my skill. This distinction matters."

They argued for a long time until Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe came over.

Seeing Mai Sui, Zhang Zhiyong immediately shifted focus, shoving the IOU into her hands and shouting: "Sister-in-law, hold onto this IOU for me—I'll pay it back within six months!"

Mai Sui felt the paper burn her fingers, glancing at Li Heng.

But in that instant, Zhang Zhiyong had already snatched the money and bolted, vanishing from Lushan Village.

Li Heng called after him: "It's getting dark—stay the night."

"Stay? Hell no—I'm going home to hug my wife!" Zhang Zhiyong's voice drifted from afar.

Mai Sui rushed out after him: "What's going on? Did Zhang Zhiyong run into trouble?"

Facing the two women's eyes, Li Heng recounted Zhang Zhiyong's plan to open a breakfast shop.

Mai Sui said: "That's great—we can go support them often."

Li Heng said: "I hope they're not just acting on impulse—hopefully they've got a real plan."

Back home, Li Heng cleaned himself, then took out the 100, 00 yuan film rights payment from Zhang Yimou, and in front of Zhou Shihe, gave half—50, 00 yuan—to Mai Sui.

Exactly 50, 00 yuan.

Seeing so much money, Mai Sui was flustered.

Li Heng said: "Take this money. For household expenses—groceries, oil, salt, furniture—just deduct from this."

Mai Sui said: "We won't need this much in four years of university."

Li Heng raised an eyebrow: "Who said it's just for four years? After graduation, you're not staying with me? Besides, didn't you say you want to apply for graduate school? We'll be together a long time—just keep it safe."

Mai Sui's ears burned hot, feeling like her friend had witnessed a huge joke.

Zhou Shihe lightly pursed her lips, lowered her head, and flipped through a book, pretending not to hear.

Before Mai Sui could recover, Li Heng placed the other 50, 00 yuan into his travel bag, planning to give it to his scheming wife someday.

Didn't she say she wanted to buy a small house near Shanghai Medical University? This money would cover Xiao Han's daily expenses.

Zipping up the bag, Li Heng checked his watch, then wasted no more time—he entered his study.

He sat quietly for a while, reflecting on his gains and losses over this period.

In just over a month, it would be two years since his rebirth. He'd accomplished a lot.

For example, winning over Xiao Han as his wife.

For example, writing "To Live," "The Bitter Journey of Culture," and "Bai Luyuan"—making his name famous and earning a fortune.

Excluding his startup capital, his bank account now held over 9 million yuan.

What did 9 million mean?

Wow! In thirty years, it would be worth at least 500 million—possibly more.

He'd co-founded Anta Shoes with Li Wang, opened the Xin Weilai Tutoring School, and partnered with Huang Zhaoyi in Weihao Mei Company.

Beyond business, he'd cured his father's illness and restored family harmony.

He'd also gained Huang Zhaoyi, a beautiful woman.

He also maintains an ambiguous relationship with Teacher Yu.

Of course, if asked what the greatest surprise has been since his rebirth, it is undoubtedly Mai Sui—he now loves this girl to the core, to the point of being unable to let her go.

But then again, gains inevitably come with regrets.

No matter how Song Yu attacks, she remains stuck on a single string, neither advancing nor retreating; he has been unable to achieve any substantive breakthrough.

At the same time, as his strength grows, his ambitions and desires continue to swell, and occasionally he harbors thoughts he shouldn't have toward someone.

Whether he admits it or not, the objective fact remains: in both his past and present lives, apart from Song Yu, the one person he fell for at first sight, there is now another.

Another woman whom he actively loves.

Passive and active—though differing by only one character, the implications are vast, the gap enormous.

Take passivity: from middle school to university, countless girls wrote him love letters and confessed their feelings in secret. So many, in fact, that he had long lost much interest in them.

For example, Chen Lijun—two letters that might have been love letters sat in his drawer, yet he never opened them.

He didn't open them not because he was aloof, nor because he looked down on Chen Lijun.

There were two reasons he didn't open the letters:

One was that he felt his desires had swollen too much, and he wanted to deliberately rein himself in, restrain his cravings, and strengthen his willpower.

After all, Chen Lijun was no ordinary girl; they had gotten along wonderfully throughout three years of high school. She often brought him dishes from home and frequently bought him meals. Between them, apart from open romantic affection, nearly every form of friendship had been reached.

Even though Chen Lijun wasn't as beautiful as Ye Zhanyan or Wu Siyao, her place in his heart was incomparable.

So, faced with a girl like Chen, he dared not slack off, fearing his willpower might not be strong enough.

The other reason was a self-deceptive attitude.

How to put it?

It's this: if I don't open your letter, then I won't know what you wrote. Whether it's a confession or something else, I simply don't know.

Then he wouldn't feel guilty, wouldn't be troubled inside, wouldn't have to weigh daily whether to reply to Chen Lijun.

In short, by not opening those two letters, he avoided one more worry, one more inner conflict.

That is passivity.

As for activity, Song Yu has made everything clear.

Teacher Yu's baseless suspicion of someone else has also made everything clear.

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Post first, revise later.

Yesterday I was in agony and only managed to type 3, 00 words on my phone—this chapter was typed on my phone from last night until now.

I'm still in Changsha and will stay two more days before returning. As for updates, I'll do my utmost in the coming month to maintain a daily 10, 00-word output. Thank you all for your support.

(End of chapter)