[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-1987-my-era":3,"chapter-1987-my-era-1987-my-era-chapter-573":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","1987: My Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2259733,4409,"Chapter 573: Xiao Han and Mai Sui, Divining the Future (Subscription Request!)","1987-my-era-chapter-573",573,"\u003Cp>Departed from Lushan Village at 4:30 a.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 7 a.m., the group of six boarded the plane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the plane tickets were seated together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han sat naturally beside Li Heng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning silently sneered, pulled Mai Sui to the other side of the aisle, and tried to put as much distance as possible between them and that couple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Zhang Haiyan and Yang Cheng ended up sitting together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had she sat down than Zhang Haiyan whispered slyly to Yang Cheng: “Hey, what’s going on? Why does the atmosphere feel so weird?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng exaggeratedly replied: “Oh my! We’re all adults. Your college entrance exam score was way higher than mine—stop pretending you don’t get it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Haiyan glanced covertly at Mai Sui: “I heard rumors that Li Heng and Mai Sui are close?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng shook his head: “I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Haiyan snapped: “Then what did you mean by that just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng shook his head again: “I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Haiyan sneered: “No wonder you’re fat as a ball—you’re clueless about everything. Mind is broad, body is fat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You say that to me? I’m not a ball—I’m blessed. My body naturally attracts senior sisters to sleep on my belly. Better than you drugging boys.” As long as it wasn’t a stunning beauty, Yang Cheng wouldn’t hold back—he fired right back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Haiyan frowned: “You heard that too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng patted his butt: “Your glorious deeds have become legend. Let me tell you—you’re famous in our school.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han magically pulled out a piece of dark chocolate from her pocket, unwrapped it, and held it to his lips, crisp and clear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My husband, take a bite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked curiously: “I thought you didn’t like snacks. When did you buy this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han smiled: “Buy? I didn’t buy it. I took it from the cabinet under the TV.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I found a bunch of them there, even a whole unopened box. I figured you like it, so I just grabbed some.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This dark chocolate was the one I gave to Mai Sui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I never expected my wife to be this cunning—she just casually turned it into a ploy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under her smiling gaze, Li Heng had no choice but to take a big bite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Xiao Han shoved the other half into her own mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, like magic, she pulled out another eight pieces of chocolate from her pocket and handed them out to Yang Cheng, Zhang Haiyan, Sun Manning, and Mai Sui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng and Zhang Haiyan, confused but delighted, accepted them. After all, dark chocolate wasn’t cheap—it was a small luxury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it came to Sun Manning, the girl frowned slightly, ready to refuse outright—but considering Li Heng was there, she reluctantly took it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui, however, remained calm, said thank you, and accepted it too. But she didn’t eat it—she set it aside and closed her eyes to sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t slept a wink last night and was now exhausted, desperately needing rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Mai Sui also didn’t want to watch that man and woman showing affection—she’d rather just close her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After distributing all the chocolate, Xiao Han sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Why sigh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han whispered softly in his ear: “Look at Mai Fu Ren’s eyelids—she’s utterly drained. She probably didn’t sleep a wink last night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh, I was just reflecting—Mai Fu Ren seems so worn out. Did I hit too hard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng felt a chill run down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this cunning wife didn’t even bother pretending anymore—she directly called her “Mai Fu Ren”!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept his eyes down, his mind steady, showing no sign of disturbance: “Don’t be so combative every day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having shown off, Xiao Han quickly switched to a fawning tone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes yes yes! Mai Fu Ren is smart and beautiful, and very polite—every time I go to Lushan Village, she leaves her room empty for me. I really shouldn’t bully her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Li Heng opened his mouth to speak, she suddenly kissed him with lightning speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was stunned, incredulous: “Heaven! Are you bold enough to kiss me here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han blushed, lowered her head, bit her lip, then buried her face in his chest like an ostrich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Internally, she screamed: I’ve been acting all sarcastic for so long—if I don’t kiss you now, I’ll get scolded! Better to be shameless than to be scolded by my husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, this is the typical behavior of a cunning wife—whimsical and unpredictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t outwit her with words, couldn’t bear to scold her, and certainly wouldn’t hit her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng had absolutely no way to deal with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning had been secretly watching Xiao Han and Li Heng. Seeing Xiao Han kiss Li Heng’s lips, she immediately puffed up and whispered to Mai Sui:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Han’s seductive tricks are too powerful—she’s too cruel. Mai Sui, say the word and I’ll go punch her right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui softly asked: “You’d dare hit her in front of Li Heng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning gestured wildly: “Are you made of paper? Hold onto Li Heng, and I’ll punch her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui felt dizzy: “You two are about the same height—you might not beat her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning asked: “So she’s 166 too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui nodded: “When you stand together, you look about the same height.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning grumbled: “I can’t stand it anymore—she’s too good at seducing men. When are you going to stand up for yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If all else fails, just sleep with Li Heng. With your charm, he’ll be glued to you every day—then where will that fox be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these wolfish words, Mai Sui blushed, turned her head toward the window, and decided to pretend she didn’t hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exhausted from lack of sleep and weighed down by thoughts, Mai Sui eventually succumbed to fatigue and drifted into sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she was shaken awake, the plane was already above Huanghua Airport, and the flight attendant’s voice came over the intercom: the plane was descending...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weather in Xiangnan had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the airport, the winter sky blurred the horizon—only a gray expanse of land remained, with scraps of cigarette packs swirling wildly in the icy wind. This year’s temperature seemed even colder than last year’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to his cunning wife’s sharpness, he dared not ask Huang Zhao Yi to pick them up in Changsha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group had to take a bus to the South Bus Station, hastily eat lunch, then hurry to the waiting area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bus station was packed. Despite the cold, everyone sweated profusely, their eyes gleaming with excitement—only among returning travelers could you feel such bustling joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, returning home was hard. New Year became the only wish of those far from home—like migratory birds or fish swimming upstream, no matter how many mountains and rivers lay between, they had to return to their birthplace, see their parents, their wives and children, smoke a few cigarettes with neighbors, set off a few firecrackers, and eat a New Year’s Eve dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter where you were in the world, no matter who you were, no matter your position or how much money you had—when you stepped onto the journey home, only one thought filled your mind: I’m going home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the slow-moving crowd, the six of them finally made it through the waiting area and boarded the bus back to Shaoshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my god! Every time I go home, I lose two pounds—there are just too many people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they boarded, Sun Manning sighed in relief—and immediately launched into her daily rant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer they got to home, the heavier Mai Sui’s heart grew. She sat quietly by the window, gazing at the bleak scenery outside, her whole demeanor dull and lifeless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Sun Manning, usually so carefree, noticed her friend’s odd silence. She put an arm around her shoulder: “What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet the whole trip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I tell you, the more you stay silent, the happier your rival will be.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you see? Xiao Han’s been so forward the whole way—Li Heng has no chance to comfort you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui unconsciously glanced at Li Heng, whose hand Xiao Han was holding, and softly said: “I don’t blame him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning stared hard at her friend, then sighed in frustration:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t count on you to deal with Xiao the Fox. I hope Song Yu isn’t as weak as you—if she is, I’ll die of worry for you both.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning Song Yu made Mai Sui even less inclined to speak: “I’m still tired. I’ll nap again. Watch our luggage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sleep, sleep. With me here, I dare any thief to try stealing—my chest will crush him.” Sun Manning tried to cheer her friend up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trip from Changsha to Shaoshan took three or four hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway there, Xiao Han, feeling cold, pulled a blue scarf from her bag, tied half around her own neck, and the other half around Li Heng’s. She rested her head on his shoulder, chatting idly with him—time passed quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While talking to his cunning wife, Li Heng occasionally glanced at Mai Sui’s reflection in the window, watching her every move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before arriving in Shaoshan, Xiao Han suddenly whispered crisply in his ear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Li, in the window reflection—isn’t your wife the most beautiful person on the whole bus?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught red-handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to ask: Are you a monkey? How are you so sharp?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied: “Of course. Who else’s wife could be so beautiful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought: Both of you are my wives—I didn’t say anything wrong, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han’s eyes curved into crescents—she saw right through his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a wise woman never bluntly breaks the window—knowing when to stop is the highest art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they got off at Shaoshan Bus Station, Xiao Han turned to Zhang Haiyan: “Haiyan, I’m thirsty. Come buy me a soda.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure,” Zhang Haiyan said without thinking, following her friend to the convenience store.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng, quick on the uptake, hurried after them: “I’m thirsty too—I’ll buy a soda. I’ll be your bodyguard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three left, leaving only Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Sun Manning behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning stared at Xiao Han’s retreating back, her lips twitching, unsure what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng pulled Mai Sui into a quiet corner, then without hesitation, without a word, pulled her into a tight embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that single hug, Mai Sui’s heart warmed—every troubling thought vanished, her soul settled completely, and she wrapped her arms around him in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my goodness! My lord and my lady, how dare you hug here?” Sun Manning rushed over, then quickly stood on tiptoe, blocking them with her body, peering around nervously, afraid a passerby might appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This girl might be sharp-tongued, but she was deeply reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew Li Heng’s reputation—on even a single acre of Shaoshì, he might be recognized, and that would cause quite a spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, despite the risk of being double-teamed by Li Heng and Mai Sui, Sun Manning did her best as a good friend, seeing them off for a stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng ignored the girl, gently stroking Mai Sui’s cheeks and murmuring with concern: “I’ll head back first. On the 20th, I’ll come to Shaoshì to find you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the 19th, he had to go to the Xiao family—he couldn’t be elsewhere. He could only come on the 20th.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui understood his meaning and smiled softly: “Alright, I’ll delay my return to Shaodong for a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng nodded and released her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui pulled her hand back and urged: “Go on, don’t keep Xiao Han waiting too long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng and Mai Sui both understood: Xiao Han buying soda was real, the excuse was real, and giving them space to talk and say goodbye was also real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for why Xiao Han, who had flaunted their affection all day, suddenly made such a sharp turn? Outsiders couldn’t fathom her true thoughts—only she knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning also knew Xiao Han was holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So though she’d cursed all the way behind their backs, her mood now was deeply complicated, hard to put into words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This big girl thought: if she were Xiao Han, to win Li Heng, she’d probably be even more flamboyant, and never let her own man be alone with a rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Manning suddenly understood: no wonder Xiao Han had snatched Li Heng away from Song Yu first—her tactics were terrifyingly brilliant. Mai Sui should have hated Xiao Han, yet this final move was so graceful, so magnanimous—no one could possibly resent her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Xiao Han came first; Mai Sui was the newcomer. In matters of the heart, whoever gets there first holds the legitimate claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Sun Manning thought of her friend Chen Zijin and sighed silently—another useless one, whose man had been seduced away by Xiao Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Li Heng leave, Sun Manning said to her friend: “Let’s go. If we keep watching, my heart will only grow more troubled. I’ve arranged to meet my father at the second restaurant on the right side of the exit. Let’s head there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mai Sui said okay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han returned from the general store and handed him a bottle of soda.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked: “Mr. Li, shall we head home now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her implication: Have you taken care of your old flame? Can we go home now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng had no reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked: “Where’s Haiyan? Did she leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han said: “Haiyan met her family coming to pick her up, so she left directly. She told me to tell you: Happy New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded, glanced at his watch, and said: “It’s getting late—we need to hurry to the bus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, it was late—less than ten minutes remained before the last bus from Shaoshì to the neighboring Jinshi Town departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right—it was to the neighboring Jinshi Town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The midday bus to the previous town had already left; the only option was the bus from the smaller neighboring town, because Jinshi Town was the central hub for the northern part of the county, much larger than surrounding villages, and had once been planned to become the county seat—though for reasons unknown, the plan was shelved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them, carrying their luggage, sprinted desperately toward the familiar corner in their memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luck held—the bus was still there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even better, there weren’t many passengers; including the driver and ticket seller, there were barely twelve people total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ticket seller asked: “Where are you three going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han, at the front, replied: “We get off at Fuxi Temple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were essentially buying full-fare tickets—the ticket seller enthusiastically helped them load their luggage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver glanced at Xiao Han several times, then fixed his gaze on Li Heng, finally couldn't help asking: \"Are you three college students?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng, ever the show-off, wanted the whole world to know they were college students—he shouted loudly: “Yes, sir! We’re studying in Hùshì and just came home for winter break.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng and Xiao Han exchanged a glance—both exasperated and amused. This idiot was a show-off wherever he went, never once keeping a low profile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing they were college students from Hùshì, everyone on the bus turned their heads, staring at them with sharp eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, college students were as rare as watching a Western play—extraordinary, and to see three at once? Naturally, everyone was curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver stared at Li Heng, eyes gleaming: “If I’m not mistaken, isn’t this the legendary, world-famous writer? Is that right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Heng could answer, Yang Cheng happily slung an arm around his waist and asked: “Sir, do you know my brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver shook his head: “I don’t know him personally, but I’ve heard fellow drivers talk about him every day for the past two years—I’ve got calluses on my ears.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng patted Li Heng’s chest proudly: “Undisputedly true—he’s the legendary writer featured on the News Broadcast!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the bus fell into dead silence. Everyone stared at Li Heng, scrutinizing him, trying to see what made him different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They said the great writer Li Heng was a celestial literary star descended to earth—said to have three heads and six arms, eloquent beyond measure, and impossibly, impossibly handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew the three-heads-six-arms story was pure rumor—obviously false, or else he’d be a monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Heng’s appearance and demeanor didn’t disappoint—he matched everyone’s expectations perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ticket seller moved to collect payment, but the driver scolded: “You damn woman, always thinking of money. This man is a celestial literary star—just riding our bus is a blessing, a favor to our county chief. Why take money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The driver spoke the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Huí County, he wouldn’t dare boast about Li Heng—after all, Li Heng was from the previous town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once they left Huí County, headed to Shaoshì or elsewhere—oh, then Li Heng became their bragging right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outsiders would often ask: “I heard your Huí County produced some extraordinary person—appeared on the News Broadcast, even in the People’s Daily—have you ever met him in person?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drivers had never met Li Heng before, but at this moment, they had to say they had—because it brought immense face, making their voices louder when speaking to friends and family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stopped by her husband, the ticket seller snapped out of it and laughed: “I forgot—I was bewitched by money. Of course I can’t take money from a celestial literary star.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how Li Heng insisted on paying, they refused—firmly, absolutely refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Xiao Han and Yang Cheng’s fares were waived—they said they were college students, future pillars of the nation. No way would they take a cent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Cheng was overjoyed—he wanted to kiss Li Heng’s face right then and there. My goodness! This was so much face! He wished this trip would last forever—so damn glorious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the journey, Yang Cheng fully unleashed his social butterfly skills, chatting nonstop with every old man and old woman on board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever Li Heng’s name came up, he lavished him with praise, nearly turning him into a god. The passengers didn’t mind—they listened with rapt attention, joining in, talking over each other, spitting with excitement, the atmosphere electric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, cunning Xiao Han remained unusually proper, avoiding any intimacy with Li Heng. After all, rumors of Li Heng and the Chen family’s noble daughter had already spread like wildfire—she dared not, and couldn’t, let her honey get dragged into more scandal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d rather suffer herself than let her man be disgraced—she had to protect his reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: flattery never fails. Yang Cheng, naturally gifted with his tongue, kept talking nonstop—from Shaoshì all the way to Fuxi Temple, never pausing for hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before getting off, Li Heng placed the fare for all three on their seat, then stepped down with the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the bus pulled away, the ticket seller cried out: “That great writer just left his fare on the seat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone leaned forward to look—sure enough, a stack of small bills lay on the seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They counted: exactly twenty yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone said: “The fare for three was only eighteen yuan—you’ve made two yuan profit.”\u003C\u002Fp>",3199,"2026-06-19T15:27:37.100Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","086a50b72fd46a94e31502c8bbc5121bedd2562b6ba08abafcc39070b49d997b","1987-my-era-chapter-574","1987-my-era-chapter-572",713,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002F1987-my-era-cover.jpg"]