Chapter 571: Mastering the Art of Diplomacy: A Grand Gift Package!

When passing the Pentagon Square, Li Heng led a group into the Blue Sky Restaurant for lunch.

A series of big, good things had happened to him these past few months, and the two dorms had long been clamoring for him to treat them to a feast. He'd been too busy to do it before.

Today was the perfect chance to do it all at once.

This semester's inter-dorm social event had seen many ups and downs; since Wei Xiaozhu slapped Hu Ping twice, this was the first time both dorms had gathered together so neatly.

They entered the private room.

As usual, Zhou Zhangming and Liu Yanling squeezed together.

Although Liu Yanling often spoke without filter and loved crude jokes, her relationship with Zhou Zhangming was going very well; their romance progressed steadily.

Wei Sisi and Tang Daoling were now a model couple; as soon as they sat down, they clung together like one person, whispering sweet nothings as if no one else existed.

Cai Yuanyuan and Zhang Bing paired up.

Surprisingly, Li Guang took the initiative to approach Yue Yao, constantly making silly faces to cheer her up.

Hu Ping deliberately avoided Wei Xiaozhu and sat temporarily with Zhao Meng.

Zhao Meng had always secretly liked Old Hu and was far more tolerant of Hu Ping than most people; their seating together created a pleasant atmosphere.

Under everyone's gaze, Wei Xiaozhu pulled Dai Qing straight to Li Heng's side and said playfully: "We two will keep you company—welcome?"

Li Heng straightened his posture: "Welcome, two great beauties."

Because they'd been training together often lately, Dai Qing had become somewhat more outgoing; she sat down and said:

"I'm no great beauty—Xiaozhu is. Xiaozhu, let's get him drunk today."

Wei Xiaozhu laughed: "Drunk's fine, but who's carrying him back?"

Hearing this, Zhou Zhangming, Li Guang, Tang Daoling, and Zhang Bing all raised their hands, shouting loudly: "Me! Me! Me me me!"

Li Heng asked Tang Daoling: "Old Tang, why are you joining in? You're so skinny—are you sure you can carry me?"

Tang Daoling bristled, rolled up his sleeves, and punched his arm hard: "Heng-ge, what's this? Muscle! Real muscle! You've got to believe me."

"I won't allow it!"

Wei Sisi spoke up: "If you go carry Li the Rich Man, who's going to carry me when I'm drunk? Let some other guy do it?"

"Hahaha…"

One sentence instantly turned the slightly tense atmosphere in the room electric; they were all young, and their spirits opened up at once.

Zhou Zhangming volunteered: "Sisi, I'll carry you back to campus."

Tang Daoling was annoyed: "She's my wife, Zhou—you go chill somewhere else, or Liu Yanling will kick you."

Liu Yanling placed her 36D on the table, her eyes flickering: "I won't kick him. But if he dares to carry Sisi, I'll find a man to give him a green hat and drive him crazy."

"Hahaha!"

No sooner had they finished laughing than they burst into another round of laughter.

Liu Yanling was still Liu Yanling—in front of close friends, she said anything, even that heart-stabbing line about green hats; she truly lived by "dare to speak."

Zhou Zhangming seemed to have been hardened by Liu Yanling; he wasn't angry, just opened two beers, handed one to Tang Daoling and kept the other:

"Come on, Old Tang, we're both stuck with tigresses—worth a toast."

Knowing the two dorms' relationship had deteriorated, Tang Daoling willingly played the role of mood-lifter; he grabbed the beer, stood up, and said: "Fine, who's afraid of whom!"

At that moment, Sun Xiaoye, eagerly holding the menu, asked the same old question: "Master Li! Can we order whatever we want today?"

Well, the girls had once called him Li the Rich Man or Li the Writer; now they called him Master Li—clearly trying to take him for all he was worth.

Li Heng gave the same old reply, waving his hand grandly: "Of course—order whatever you like."

Zhao Meng glanced at the menu and shrieked: "Wow! These dishes are all so expensive!"

Wei Sisi leaned over and said: "They are! Ridiculously expensive! But we've got our anchor here—so what? Order freely, pick the tasty ones."

"If you feel guilty, after dinner we'll just give Qingqing to him."

"Haha! Great idea!" Cai Yuanyuan called from across the table: "Qingqing, our happiness rests on you—we won't be polite, just suffer a little."

After getting close to Li Heng, Dai Qing had grown bolder; blushing, she said: "Go ahead and order—it's free food anyway; Li Heng won't dare do anything to me."

Liu Yanling added: "Not so sure—today we get our handsome Li drunk, and he might mistake you for Xiao Han."

"Qingqing, a night like this is worth a thousand gold—don't cry tonight, just endure it, and it won't hurt."

At these words, everyone's expressions twisted for a second, then erupted into roaring laughter.

Sun Xiaoye seized the moment to ask Zhou Zhangming: "Zhou Zhangming, tell me—have you already hurt Yanling?"

Zhou Zhangming was instantly flustered, scratching his head, unsure how to answer.

If he said no, he'd prove himself a man without balls.

If he said yes, what did that make Yanling?

Finally, Liu Yanling came to his rescue: "What? Jealous? If Qingqing gets hurt by Li the Rich Man, that's a good thing—we can start calling her Mrs. Li."

They say three women make a play.

And sure enough, once the conversation started, it never stopped.

The dishes arrived; everyone put aside their reservations, stood up, raised their glasses, and clinked them together for a reunion toast.

After the reunion toast, they drank casually.

Wei Xiaozhu pulled Dai Qing over and said to Li Heng: "Li Heng, let's three drink one."

Li Heng agreed readily: "Fine."

"Crack!" All three tilted their heads back and downed their drinks in one gulp.

Soon after, Dai Qing continued pouring wine into the three empty glasses.

Wei Xiaozhu asked: "Mai Sui is going back with you tomorrow?"

Li Heng said yes.

Wei Xiaozhu whispered: "What about Xiao Han?"

Li Heng understood her meaning and said calmly: "We're all going together."

Wei Xiaozhu said: "When we get back to campus, I'll drop by your place to visit Mai Sui and Shihe."

Li Heng said: "Sure, Dai Qing, you come too."

Dai Qing hesitated, then declined: "I have to pack this afternoon—my hometown friends are coming to see me."

Hearing this, Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu said nothing more.

In truth, all three knew: Dai Qing's words were true—but also an excuse.

Because Dai Qing's secret crush on Li Heng was no secret in their circle; Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe already knew.

So she didn't want to show up in Lushan Village, didn't want to meet Mai Sui at Li Heng's home—after all, Mai Sui was his confidante.

Since some people were leaving tonight, this meal didn't turn into a drinking contest; everyone ate their fill and then dispersed.

Passing a braised dish shop, Li Heng glanced inside and saw Bai Wanying running it.

Li Xian and Chen Guifen were helping out.

Seeing Hu Ping from afar, Chen Guifen slipped into the back room; seeing this, Hu Ping didn't dare enter and headed straight back to campus with Zhao Meng, Li Guang, and Yue Yao.

Li Heng said: "Wanying, give me two jin of braised dishes."

Bai Wanying quickly weighed them out and handed them to him.

Li Heng laid coins on the counter; Bai Wanying took them without hesitation. After so long together, they both knew each other's nature and never haggled over money.

Bai Wanying invited them in for a sit.

But Li Heng checked his watch and said: "I have to rush to the Medical University—I don't have time. Let's get together after the New Year."

Hearing this, Bai Wanying wished him: "Then I'll wish you and Xiao Han a happy New Year in advance!"

Li Heng smiled: "You too—happy New Year."

As he turned to leave, Bai Wanying called after him: "Oh, by the way, Li Heng—do you have a phone at home?"

Li Heng waved: "Nope. Don't even have a TV."

Bai Wanying joked: "That bad? Unthinkable! A big celebrity like you doesn't even have a landline?"

Li Heng shrugged: "I'd love to, but it's deep in the mountains—installing a phone isn't easy."

Back on campus, everyone went their separate ways.

Li Heng and Wei Xiaozhu walked side by side toward Lushan Village.

Wei Xiaozhu asked: "Are you going to pick up Xiao Han later? Won't she and Zhang Haiyan come themselves?"

Li Heng said: "I need to stop by my teacher's house on the way."

Wei Xiaozhu understood. Her earlier question had been a test—she wanted to know whether Mai Sui or Xiao Han mattered more to him.

Just as they reached the entrance to Lushan Village, they met Yu Shuheng walking out.

Li Heng stopped. "Teacher, where are you going?"

Yu Shuheng glanced at Wei Xiaozhu, then smiled: "Going to Jingcheng on business, and I'll drop by Jiaojiao and Suyun."

Li Heng frowned: "Xu-jie is still in Jingcheng? Didn't she return to Shanghai with Brother Shi?"

Yu Shuheng said: "That's exactly why I'm going."

Li Heng nodded: "Then I wish you a smooth journey, Teacher."

Yu Shuheng gave a slight nod: "I left your tickets with Mai Sui—flight at 7 a. . tomorrow; Ceng Yun will drive you to the airport."

"Thanks, Teacher."

Li Heng had wanted to ask when she'd be heading to Qianzhen—but with Wei Xiaozhu present, he didn't dare bring it up.

He still remembered the stunned look on Wei Xiaozhu's face the last time she learned of his relationship with Teacher Yu—unforgettable.

Not just then—even now, Wei Xiaozhu beside him was quietly observing them both, her shock no less than it had been back then.

She was deeply confused: Mai Sui falling for Li Heng was understandable—they were peers, naive and inexperienced—but why would Teacher Yu, from such a prestigious family, be drawn to Li Heng—especially when he already had someone?

If Li Heng had no partner and was single, she wouldn't find it strange at all.

But now, Wei Xiaozhu's heart was blank with confusion.

After a few words, Yu Shuheng left.

Watching Teacher Yu disappear down the road, Wei Xiaozhu sighed: "I'm truly envious of Teacher Yu's scholarly grace—elegant, cultured. She gave me a concrete image of what a daughter from a powerful family looks like. Li Heng, you're truly charming."

Li Heng had thick skin and automatically filtered out the awkwardness: "You're looking at the scenery from upstairs, but the person looking at the scenery is also looking at you."

"Don't envy her—you've got that innocent first-love face that's won over countless boys, and many girls are jealous of you too."

Wei Xiaozhu smiled to herself, then suddenly thought that winning Li Heng's love might not be a blessing—Mai Sui and Xiao Han probably couldn't match Teacher Yu.

Walking along the cobblestones to the end of the alley, the two ran into Zhou Shihe just as she stepped out of No. 27.

The three met up and headed toward No. 26.

At this moment, Mai Sui was doing a thorough spring cleaning in preparation for the new year.

Sun Man and Ye Ning, of all people, were surprisingly helpful and lending a hand.

Li Heng pulled Mai Sui into a room and said to her: "We're leaving tomorrow. I need to visit Teacher's house."

Mai Sui asked: "Will you be back tonight?"

Li Heng nodded: "Aren't we catching the flight at 7 a. . tomorrow? I have to get back tonight, or I'll miss it."

"Alright." Mai Sui replied without pressing further.

Because she knew better than anyone that Xiao Han would be coming along tonight.

As she turned to leave, Mai Sui hesitated, then turned back and asked: "Will Song Yu come back to Shaoshan for winter break? Do you know?"

Li Heng was startled: "She told you?"

Mai Sui nodded silently.

Li Heng frowned: "Such a big thing—why didn't she tell me?"

Mai Sui gazed at him, lips parted, then fell silent.

Li Heng grabbed her arm, urgent: "Did you two make plans to meet?"

He guessed it right away.

Song Yu had written to Mai Sui, saying she wanted to meet during winter break.

After agonizing for over a month, Mai Sui had finally replied, deciding to meet Song Yu.

But fearing he'd worry, she didn't admit it—instead she said: "Song Yu's parents work at the Normal College. She said she's been away from Shaoshan for over a year and misses it—wants to come back and visit, and have dinner with me and Manning."

Li Heng stared hard into her eyes: "Is that really all?"

Under immense pressure, Mai Sui still nodded.

After a long silence, seeing she wouldn't reveal more, Li Heng asked: "When are the three of you having dinner?"

Mai Sui said: "The 19th."

"The day after tomorrow?"

"Yes."

Li Heng narrowed his eyes—he felt this date had been carefully calculated by Song Yu.

Because on the 19th, he was going to Xiao's house.

But the problem was—he'd only discussed going to Xiao's with Xiao Han. How did Song Yu know?

Was it that scheming wife again, passing the word through Chen Zijin—or through Xiao Feng?

Damn it!

His two wives were coordinating attacks—dual fronts—he couldn't split himself.

After all, Xiao Han had already told Wei Shiman and Xiao Hai he'd be visiting on the 19th. Such a big thing—could he really back out now?

And the distance from Qianzhen to Shaoshan wasn't small; back then, a one-way bus ride took five hours. Round trip meant arriving home after dark—he had no room to maneuver.

Outmaneuvered by a plan he hadn't foreseen, Li Heng was trapped.

Trapped by his own wives!

Li Heng rubbed his temples, then asked Mai Sui: "Can't we skip the 19th? Or push it back a day—wait until I return from home?"

Some things were obvious once spoken.

Mai Sui knew he didn't want to lose her—he feared she couldn't handle Song Yu's pressure, and wanted to be there for the meeting.

Her heart warmed, deeply moved.

But Mai Sui didn't agree. Instead, she rose on her toes and kissed his cheek: "Go to Xuhui now, or you won't have enough time."

After speaking, she feared staying might hinder him or that she might soften, so she left the room decisively to join Shi He and Xiao Zhu in the living room cleaning.

Li Heng stood frozen in the room for about three minutes, then finally left No. 26 and headed for Xuhui.

On the bus passing Tongji University, he spotted another familiar figure boarding: Wu Siyao.

The girl whose appearance most closely resembled the Four Little Kings of Fudan.

Wu Siyao was unusually forward—after boarding, she walked over with a smile and asked about the empty seat beside him: "Is this seat taken?"

Li Heng answered offhandedly: "Yes."

Wu Siyao acted as if she hadn't heard—or perhaps asking was just politeness—and sat down anyway.

Once settled, after the bus had moved a bit further, she asked: "Still going to Xuhui today?"

Li Heng's thoughts were still tangled in Song Yu and Mai Sui's meeting—he was troubled, and his impatience showed: "Didn't you already guess? Why ask?"

For the first time, he'd been so unfriendly toward her. Wu Siyao froze, then lowered her head, staring at her toes, silent for a long, long time.

The sudden quiet was exactly what Li Heng wanted—he closed his eyes and began planning his strategy for the day after tomorrow.

Without a word, the bus quietly passed Yangpu and crossed Hongkou.

When it reached Jing'an, Wu Siyao got off.

Before leaving, she slipped a note into his pocket.

Li Heng noticed.

But he didn't pull it out right away—only when the bus entered Xuhui did his mood lift slightly, and only then did he take the paper from his pocket.

The note was small—no wider than a palm.

The writing was brief, just a few lines: Today, before leaving home, I cast a divination. The omen was yin—unfavorable to go out. But I came anyway. This is my fourteenth "coincidental" encounter with you on this bus. The number four is indeed unlucky. Sorry for disturbing you. For the next six months, I'll vanish quietly.

Li Heng stared at the note, speechless.

From those few lines, he formed his first impression of the stubborn girl: fiercely persistent, and a little mischievous.

He sighed, then unconsciously began recalling their first meeting.

It must have been September 30, 1987—right after military training ended. He'd shed his uniform and rushed to Xuhui to find his scheming wife. When the bus passed Tongji University, Wu Siyao boarded. He remembered she'd come on with three other girls.

At first, the girls chatted and laughed happily—until one of them accidentally caught sight of Li Heng in the corner of the last row. Wu Siyao gradually grew distracted. She kept talking to her roommate, but her eyes kept drifting toward him.

The old saying goes: walk by the river often enough, you'll get your shoes wet. The more often, the more likely you'll slip up.

And sure enough, once, she was caught red-handed staring at him.

Li Heng stared straight at her. She first looked embarrassed, but held her ground—pretending to scan the bus, she slowly turned her gaze away. After about ten seconds, she glanced back at him—only to find him still staring, unblinking.