Chapter 575: The Wheat Ears and Song Yu

Wang Run watched his back until the sound of the door closing reached her, and suddenly she felt an inexplicable emptiness inside.

She sat listlessly on the sofa for a while.

Later, she rose and went to the door to collect the gifts he had brought, examining each one curiously, like a child.

They turned out to be nothing but alcohol or cheap candies.

She instantly bristled: "A man worth tens of millions, and this is what he brings? Trash you can find anywhere?"

She instantly lost the will to tidy up, deciding to just leave everything where it was.

But after walking ten or so steps away, she suddenly stopped, standing frozen in place for a long moment, then turned back and returned to the door to neatly arrange all the gifts.

After finishing, her gaze settled on a bottle of baijiu; she opened the cap and drank two large gulps straight from the bottle.

It was no different—just the same taste. After drinking, she turned the bottle in her hand, muttering to herself.

After a while, she took a third sip.

Then she remembered something and hurried to the sofa with the bottle of baijiu in hand.

She called Beijing, dialing Yu Shuheng.

They had spoken that morning, and it was through that call she learned the man had returned from Shanghai the day before.

"Ding ling ling…"

"Ding ling ling…"

The phone rang three times before connecting, and Yu Shuheng's lazy voice came through: "Who is this?"

"It's me, Wang Runwen," the English teacher announced.

Yu Shuheng asked: "We just talked this morning. Why are you calling again?"

Wang Runwen said: "Guess."

Yu Shuheng glanced at the receiver in her hand, thought for a moment, then asked: "He came to see you? Are you this eager to show off to me?"

Wang Runwen laughed: "Haha, correct! He came straight from home this afternoon—doesn't that deserve boasting?"

Yu Shuheng smiled coolly: "Don't get too confident—he didn't come here specifically for you."

Wang Runwen sneered: "Forget that for now—he stared at my chest the moment he walked in, then tried to kiss me on the sofa…"

Yu Shuheng wanted to hang up.

But halfway through placing the white receiver back, she picked it up again, gripping it tightly, took a moment to calm herself, then laughed: "Looks like Xiao Han didn't satisfy him last night—he's this starved."

Their banter was nothing short of cutting.

One said: Your beloved Li Heng can't even wait until he sees you—he's already trying to grope you.

The other retorted: Li Heng slept with Xiao Han last night; at best, you're fantasizing about washing his feet. And by calling him "starved," she implied Wang Runwen wasn't even worthy to compete with her for the man.

Once inseparable best friends, they were now at war over a student—their old pretense of civility torn away, each word now a blade drawing blood.

Wang Runwen narrowed her eyes, flashing a dangerous glint: "What are you implying?"

Yu Shuheng smiled: "You're just logistics—he went to Shaoshan for Song Yu and Mai Sui. By the way, I'm visiting his home in a few days. Want to come with me?"

The first half was a continued strike.

The second half? Pure psychological annihilation.

Yu Shuheng's hidden meaning: I can come and go freely to his hometown—you can't. If you're willing to humble yourself, I might take you along.

Wang Runwen's ample chest heaved over a dozen times before she threatened:

"Yu Shuheng, if you keep provoking me, I'll get pregnant by him tonight—we'll burn the whole game down and end it."

Yu Shuheng remained calm: "Go ahead. When the baby's born, let it call him Father and me Mother—I'll raise it for you."

In ancient times, many concubines' children called the principal wife "Mother."

Wang Runwen fumed: "I'm bigger than you—why would I need you to raise it?"

"Bigger?"

Yu Shuheng smiled: "Is bigger always better for women? Beauty lies in shape. You just like wearing tight clothes to flirt.

I bet, just now on the sofa, he wanted to kiss you because you deliberately teased him—but you didn't dare let him. Right? Weakling?"

"Weakling? Where did a refined lady like you learn such a vulgar word?" Wang Runwen snapped.

Yu Shuheng said: "I heard it from the idiot—I thought it fit you perfectly, so I remembered it."

Wang Runwen sneered: "Hah! Are you not a weakling? You've been running around for him for so long—yet you've got nothing."

Yu Shuheng murmured softly: "He's lain on me several times. What do you think?"

A loud *pia! —the call ended. Wang Runwen's mind churned with irritation.

The more calm and detached Yu Shuheng remained, the more she stoked Wang Runwen's nerves.

She believed it—after all, Shuheng was beautiful and intellectual, her scholarly aura unique. She couldn't believe Li Heng could resist her.

Yu Shuheng stared at the white receiver, wanting to laugh. If she'd truly pursued him, he'd have been hers long ago—why wait till now?

But one thing couldn't be ignored: the boy had genuinely wanted to kiss Runwen just now.

Though she mocked Runwen relentlessly, Runwen's sensuality was undeniable—few men could refuse it. If they were alone together under certain conditions, it could be dangerous.

As she thought, Yu Shuheng stood up, ready to book a flight to Changsha, then Shaoshan.

But then she remembered Runwen's nature, sighed deeply: if Runwen truly wanted to climb into his bed, she'd have done it long ago—she wouldn't wait till now.

After all, long ago, out of guilt, she'd given Runwen many chances—but Runwen herself had refused.

With that thought, Yu Shuheng sat back down gracefully.

She sat on the sofa.

…

On the third floor, at the opposite end of the corridor to the left.

Li Heng knocked on the high school principal's door.

Coincidentally, the one who opened it was Sun Manning.

The big girl burst out: "Oh my! I thought it was someone else—it's you, Li Heng!

Didn't you just go home yesterday? Why are you back today? Did I hallucinate?"

Sun Manning muttered, rubbing her eyes, then, seeing it was truly Li Heng, still unconvinced, reached out to pinch him.

Li Heng brushed her hand away, leaned in, and asked: "You weren't home when I called this afternoon—where are Song Yu and Mai Sui?"

Sun Manning pouted: "You're looking for them?"

"Of course. Do you think I'd make such a long trip just to see you?" Li Heng raised an eyebrow.

Hearing this, Sun Manning grabbed his head and shoved him out, then slammed the door shut with a *bang*.

Li Heng was speechless, and knocked again.

"Dong dong dong!"

"Dong dong dong!"

"Who is it?" came the voice from inside.

Li Heng's lips twitched: "It's almost New Year—are you itching for a beating?"

"Who are you?" Sun Manning teased him further.

Li Heng called out: "It's getting dark—are Song Yu and Mai Sui with you?"

Sun Manning inside ignored him, silent.

After waiting a while without reply, Li Heng turned and walked away, heading toward the stairwell, deciding to first check Song's family at the Normal College—maybe he'd find them there?

Hearing his footsteps fade, Sun Manning ran to the kitchen and told her mother cooking there: "Mom, eat dinner without me—I've got something to do, I'll be back later." Then she rushed out to chase after Li Heng.

Li Heng had just reached the first floor when Sun Manning sprinted up behind him.

The girl complained: "You can't take a joke—why didn't you keep knocking?"

Li Heng rolled his eyes: "Where are they?"

Sun Manning grinned: "Ask nicely."

Li Heng strode forward, passed the guardhouse, stepped onto the street, paused, then turned right toward the Normal College.

Sun Manning called from behind: "Hey! Wait up! Don't walk so fast—they're not at the Normal College."

"Then where are they?" Li Heng turned, forcing patience.

Seeing his serious expression, Sun Manning stopped teasing and blurted everything she knew: "I don't know where Song Yu and Mai Sui are.

But they're definitely not at Song's place—we had lunch together, then spent the afternoon shopping."

"About half an hour ago, Song Yu told me she needed to talk to Mai Sui, and asked me to head back."

Li Heng asked: "You just listened? You came back right away?"

"What else could I do? This is Song Yu—I joke with her all the time, but when she's serious, I get nervous." Sun Manning spoke awkwardly.

Li Heng circled her once: "That's not like you at all—this is so unfamiliar."

Sun Manning didn't argue: "Maybe it's because they're so beautiful—Song Yu like this, I sometimes feel the same around Zhou Shihe."

Recalling her year at Fudan University, it sounded true.

This girl and Ye Ning always teased and joked with everyone, but they never pushed Zhou Shihe too far—even teasing her was always restrained.

Oh, and one more thing: they were also well-behaved around Yu Shuheng.

But that was different—Zhou Shihe was a student, Yu Shuheng was a teacher; teachers naturally held higher status, and with Yu Shuheng's personal qualities and family background, their restraint made sense.

Li Heng asked: "Where did you part ways with them?"

Sun Manning said: "Chengnan Park."

Li Heng turned: "Then let's go to Chengnan Park."

But Song Yu and Mai Sui were not at Chengnan Park at that moment.

After parting with Sun Man, Mai Sui brought Song Yu to her uncle's house near Chengnan Park.

Mai Sui's uncle was the chief of the local police station; since his mother-in-law was celebrating her eightieth birthday, the entire family of four was away.

This actually gave the two girls the perfect opportunity.

After all, Chengnan Park was brutally cold in winter.

And whether it was Mai Sui's grandmother's house or the Song family home, there were people around—no privacy.

Upon entering the house, the two girls who had been cheerfully shopping moments earlier fell silent instantly.

Both knew what was coming next.

If things went badly, their sisterly bond would end today.

The atmosphere was heavy.

"This bedroom on the left," Mai Sui said, "is where I sometimes stay overnight—my aunt specifically saved it for me. Let's talk inside."

Song Yu said okay.

They entered the bedroom and closed the door. One sat at the head of the bed, the other on a chair, silently meeting each other's gaze.

The air grew suddenly still, yet neither spoke.

This was the first time the two women had faced each other openly since both fell for the same man.

Song Yu wore white as pure as snow, her grace natural, her brows like autumn water, her skin glowing with a light breeze—her beauty beyond words.

Mai Sui, by contrast, wore crimson, her eyes soft with shyness, every smile and frown radiating feminine charm—an allure shaped by time.

Sitting north and south, they embodied two utterly distinct kinds of beauty.

After long silence, Song Yu spoke with a faint smile: "Mai Sui, you've changed a lot since high school—you've become even more beautiful."

If anyone else had said that, Mai Sui might have dismissed it as empty flattery.

But it was Song Yu—the stunning Song Yu—who spoke, and Mai Sui's heart stirred.

Before meeting Song Yu, Mai Sui had always been the most admired among her peers.

But after meeting Song Yu in high school, her halo dimmed slightly. Yet she was a child of fate, blessed with extraordinary gifts, transforming almost daily.

Now, barely halfway through university, she was already showing signs of surpassing Fudan's Xiao Wang.

And that trend was growing more obvious by the day.

Meeting her best friend's admiring gaze, Mai Sui said: "You too."

The stalemate broke. Song Yu glanced at her watch—it was nearly dark. She no longer delayed, and began the purpose of today's meeting.

Song Yu asked quietly: "Do you love him?"

"Him"—no explanation needed.

Their eyes met. This time, Mai Sui did not lie or evade—she spoke, halting but certain: "Yes."

Song Yu showed no surprise. Calmly, she said: "I love him too."

Mai Sui nodded.

After a while, Song Yu recalled: "In love, I'm slow to warm up.

From freshman year until now, it took me five full years to fully process that first heart-flutter when I saw him."

Mai Sui asked: "You fell for him at first sight in freshman year?"

Song Yu smiled faintly and said yes.

Then she asked: "What about you? Did you also fall for him at first sight?"

Mai Sui couldn't meet her friend's eyes—she nodded silently.

Both women had fallen for Li Heng at first sight.

The difference: Li Heng fell for Song Yu at first sight, but for Mai Sui, it was gradual.

The difference between love at first sight and love grown over time was vast—and Mai Sui felt a pang of bitterness.

Song Yu seemed to sense her friend's inner turmoil. She said solemnly: "Suisui, loving someone can't be hidden.

Li Heng's looks and aura are exactly what we both adore—he struck our softest places with just one glance. I don't blame you. I've always considered you my best sister."

Mai Sui lowered her head, feeling guilty. After a long pause, she replied: "I feel the same—I've always seen you as my elder sister."

Song Yu nodded gently: "I know. Otherwise, you wouldn't have preserved your purity until now."

Mai Sui was startled, then blushed and looked up.

Song Yu explained: "I didn't guess. I asked him. You know—he wouldn't lie to me."

Hearing this, Mai Sui relaxed. Li Heng loved Song Yu most—he wouldn't deceive her.

Song Yu sighed softly: "Do you know why I chose to meet you this winter break?"

Mai Sui said: "I've been thinking about this question for over half a month."

Song Yu asked: "Since the day you received my letter?"

Mai Sui said yes.

Song Yu said: "Then guess."

Mai Sui ventured: "Did Xiao Han force you to come?"

Song Yu didn't deny it: "Sort of. If I'm not mistaken, Xiao Han and Zijin set this trap together."

Then she asked: "Guess again—why would Xiao Han and Zijin go to such lengths to set this trap?"

Mai Sui fell into deep thought, then spoke slowly: "I have some idea… but I'm not sure if I'm right."

Song Yu watched her with encouraging eyes, urging her to continue.

Mai Sui asked: "Are they trying to 'drive the tiger to devour the wolf'—push us into opposition?"

Song Yu nodded, then shook her head: "Partly. But Xiao Han wants to net all five of us."

Mai Sui was confused: "You, me, and Teacher Yu—that's only three. Who else?"

Song Yu said one name with deep meaning: "Zhou Shihe."

Mai Sui was utterly stunned, then sank into long silence.

Seeing this, Song Yu asked: "Have you never suspected him and Zhou Shihe?"

Mai Sui shook her head, still reluctant to believe: "They're both gentlemen in public—always restrained, never overstepping."

Song Yu nodded thoughtfully: "Perhaps this is the blind spot under the lamp.

You're in the middle of it, and you trust them both completely—it's natural to think that. But there might be two other possibilities…"

Mai Sui asked: "What two?"

Song Yu said: "One: Li Heng and Zhou Shihe understand each other perfectly, sharing an unspoken rapport that lets them hide everything in public."

She paused, then continued: "The other: as you said, there's nothing between them—nothing at all. That's why there are no signs.

Perhaps Li Heng has unknowingly fallen under Zhou Shihe's emotional poison, but Zhou Shihe is avoiding him."

Mai Sui asked: "Understand each other perfectly?"

Song Yu said: "If that's the case, their feelings are deeply buried—and equally profound—just not yet revealed."

Mai Sui added: "If that bond ever breaks through, it'll be terrifying."

Song Yu nodded.

Mai Sui asked: "Emotional poison?"

Song Yu said: "I met Xiao Han. Using her words: our Mr. Li adores beauties—the more beautiful, the more he can't let go, the easier he falls."

Mai Sui asked: "Do you agree?"

Song Yu said: "He does love beautiful women."

Mai Sui had known Li Heng long enough to understand his tendencies. Finally, she asked: "Of these three—nothing between them, perfect understanding, or deeply poisoned— which do you believe most?"

Song Yu thought for a moment: "One-third each. All are possible. But perfect understanding and deep emotional poison are more likely—I'll need to meet Zhou Shihe in person to judge."

Mai Sui stared: "You're going to Fudan University?"

From her friend's words, Song Yu realized Li Heng had not told Mai Sui about his plan to visit Lushan Village during the Dragon Boat Festival.

So Song Yu replied vaguely: "Zhou Shihe has collaborated with him on music many times. I'll meet her eventually."