Chapter 577: Those Things That Happened in the Garage (Requesting Base Monthly Support)

After breakfast, Song Yu and her family hurried to the train station.

Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Sun Manning personally saw them off at the station.

Before leaving, Li Heng, ignoring Song Shi and Jiang Yue's presence, slipped a red envelope into Song Yu's pocket and held her hand as he said, "This envelope is my gift for her seventieth birthday. When you get home, write me a letter."

Song Yu said okay.

After a moment of silent gazing, Song Yu slowly spoke: "During the New Year, remember to relax properly. Don't overwork yourself—you're still young."

Li Heng nodded.

Song Yu said, "Then I'm off. Take care of yourself."

Li Heng made a sound of acknowledgment but still didn't let go of her hand.

Helplessly, Song Yu smiled faintly and said, "If you won't let go, how am I supposed to leave?"

Li Heng remained silent.

Seeing this, Song Yu tiptoed slightly and whispered softly by his ear, "I've figured out who the man with the knife is in your dreams."

Li Heng startled and released her.

Song Yu smiled warmly, gazed into his eyes for a moment longer, then turned and walked toward the ticket checkpoint.

Li Heng stood frozen, watching her get her ticket, watching her vanish from sight.

"Hey! She's gone already—stop staring!" After Song Yu's family left, Sun Manning waved her hand in front of his face to snap him out of it.

Li Heng's eyelids fluttered, slowly returning to awareness.

Sun Manning pushed Mai Sui closer to him: "I know you're reluctant to let Song Yu go. Here—there's another one right here. The best way to forget a woman is to jump into another woman's arms. Both are top-tier beauties. Go take Mai Sui to a corner and spoil her—you're getting lucky."

Mai Sui's face flushed red from her words.

Li Heng rolled his eyes and deliberately said to Mai Sui, "Ignore her. She's too noisy. Let's go."

Mai Sui smiled sweetly and readily agreed.

"Hey! Hey hey hey! You two lovebirds—you've got milk and forgotten your mother! Cross the river and break the bridge! Ungrateful bastards!" Seeing the pair actually walk off together, Sun Manning fumed and rushed after them.

Back at the teachers' college, Li Heng asked Mai Sui, "When are you going back to Shaodong?"

Mai Sui's sultry eyes sparkled at him, as if saying: It's up to you.

Beside them, Sun Manning surprisingly spoke rationally: "The weather's turned drastic—it'll definitely snow today. If you have urgent matters at home, you'd better leave this morning. If not, you can stay in Shaoshi with Mai Sui for three or four days."

Li Heng checked his schedule and realized it was too tight; he apologized: "I still have some matters to handle. After I finish, I'll come to Shaodong before the New Year to see you."

Mai Sui was initially a little disappointed—she'd already made excuses with her family and planned to stay with him for several days. But hearing his last words, an unexpected joy surged in her heart, and she nodded eagerly twice.

Sun Manning asked beside them, "When are you going to Shaodong? Do you want me to come with you? Or are you going to face the mountain of knives and sea of fire alone?"

Li Heng and Mai Sui exchanged glances. "Yes. I'll come to you on the twenty-sixth of the twelfth lunar month."

Sun Manning patted her chest: "Two big meals at Lantian Restaurant. No haggling."

Li Heng readily agreed: "Fine."

Back at No. 1 High School, Li Heng headed straight to the English teacher's home.

Mai Sui and Sun Manning didn't follow—they'd already visited that morning and often met Teacher Wang. Now they were buying sour powder snacks at a general store, claiming they were savoring childhood memories.

"Knock knock knock!"

"Knock knock knock!"

The door opened after two knocks—this time, Teacher Wang didn't even ask who was outside.

Through the crack, Wang Runwen glanced at him sideways: "You saw Song Yu? You're leaving?"

Li Heng smiled awkwardly: "Snow will block the mountains—I need to get back quickly."

"Then get out!"

The English teacher flung the door wide open, stepped aside, crossed her arms, and leaned against the frame, studying him.

Li Heng said, "No need to rush—I can stay and chat with you for a while."

"No. Seeing you gives me a headache. The sooner you leave, the better." Her tone was sharply impatient.

Yesterday, she'd spent hours preparing dinner, waited until midnight, and got no one—not even a shadow. Furious, she dumped every dish into the trash.

She hadn't eaten a bite herself—no appetite.

Li Heng turned his head: "You're in a bad mood."

The English teacher tossed her long hair: "All women going through menopause are like this. You've got so many women—you should be used to it."

Li Heng: "..."

Seeing he didn't move, the English teacher couldn't help asking: "When is Yu Shuheng coming?"

Li Heng shook his head: "I don't know. Teacher Yu didn't give a specific date."

Suddenly, the English teacher slammed the door shut, circled him once, sniffed his body with her nose: "I heard you've climbed on her several times?"

Li Heng: "..."

Is Teacher Yu really bragging about this?

Is this still the composed, intellectual Teacher Yu?

Or is Teacher Yu so angry at this woman that she's saying this?

Seeing his silence, the English teacher narrowed her eyes, then opened her coat, straightened her chest, and looked at him with a challenge in her eyes: How do I compare?

Li Heng's lips twitched.

His gaze unconsciously dropped to her chest; he swallowed involuntarily, and memories flooded his mind—countless pairs of shorts he'd sacrificed during his first and second years of high school for her sake.

The teacher was undeniably sexy, but he wasn't an idiot—he wouldn't fall for it.

He knew perfectly well: no matter what he said now, it would reach Teacher Yu's ears.

After a tense standoff, when he still didn't fall into her trap, the English teacher grew impatient, closed her coat, and said: "Since you've been on her, don't come to me anymore. I'm a single female teacher—I must protect my reputation."

Li Heng still didn't move, staring steadily at her.

The English teacher grew even more irritated, waving him off: "Forget what I just said. You can come anytime. I need quiet now—get out quickly!"

As she spoke, she pulled a keychain from her pocket and tossed it precisely into his palm.

Li Heng held the keys in his hand, stunned for a moment, then said: "Then I'll wish you a happy New Year in advance. I'm leaving."

The English teacher turned her back to him, walked toward the sofa, and waved her hand again in the air—clearly saying: Fine, you're too talkative.

He opened the door, slung his backpack on, and stepped out.

In the hallway, he glanced back at her.

All he saw was a side profile—the English teacher now lay sprawled on the sofa, hair disheveled.

After a moment of silence, Li Heng pulled the door shut and walked toward the stairwell.

The English teacher's extreme reaction had surprised him.

Outside the school gate, he met the two women waiting for him.

Li Heng told Mai Sui: "A heavy rain's coming. I'll go to the bus station alone—you don't need to see me off. It's unsafe, and I won't feel at ease."

Mai Sui looked up at the gloomy sky: "Mm. Take care of yourself on the road. Safe travels."

Li Heng nodded. Just then, a bus pulled up; he squeezed aboard. Inside, he waved to the two women.

Mai Sui and Sun Manning waved back, watching the bus drive away.

Sun Manning muttered: "He's gone. Boring now."

Mai Sui asked: "Boring?"

"A guy like him, constantly getting scolded by me—don't you think that's funny? I've got serious satisfaction here. Let me tell you, this unique experience alone is enough for me to brag to my descendants for life. If I ever run out of money, I can even write a book about his dark past." Sun Manning beamed with pride.

Mai Sui rarely spoke sharply: "You dare."

Sun Manning froze, then raised both hands high: "I'm sorry! I won't! Don't look at me like that—I'm nervous! I'm scared!"

Mai Sui smiled gently: "If you ever run out of money, come to me. But don't smear him—or else..."

Sun Manning pressed: "Or else what?"

Mai Sui tilted her head, eyes twinkling with mischief: "Let me think about it."

"Ugh! Don't think! Let's go to Chengnan Park—there's a flower-drum opera show at noon." Sun Manning grabbed her friend's hand and pulled her toward Chengnan Park.

Mai Sui said: "Slow down—I can't keep up."

"Can't keep up? That won't do! You need more exercise—otherwise, how will you handle his big package?" Sun Manning grinned mischievously.

Mai Sui's ears burned red; she fell silent. At this moment, she felt she and Manning weren't on the same wavelength.

They rushed to the bus station.

He bought his ticket first, then, with some time left, went to make a phone call.

Perhaps because Shaoshi was a big city, or perhaps because it was too cold today, the payphone at the general store was empty—he picked it up and dialed.

First, he called Huang Zhaoyi.

Lucky—he got through on the first ring; a voice answered: "Hello."

"It's me," Li Heng announced himself.

Huang Zhaoyi, who had been reviewing a contract, immediately stopped writing and snapped to attention: "Are you home?"

"No, I'm in Shaoshi. I'll come to Changshi to see you soon," Li Heng said.

In an instant, Huang Zhaoyi's face lit up with overwhelming joy—like a withered tree blooming in spring. Her delight spilled over, radiant and unmistakable.

She had waited a long time for this call, imagining countless scenarios.

But none of her fantasies carried the power of his simple words—they struck straight to her heart.

Huang Zhaoyi's emotions surged, yet her voice remained steady: "Are you taking the bus?"

Li Heng said yes.

Huang Zhaoyi asked, "What time is the train?"

Li Heng said, "It should arrive at the South Station around 2: 0 p. ."

Huang Zhaoyi checked her watch: "I'll come pick you up."

Li Heng said, "Fine. I'll meet you on the left side of the West Station exit."

Huang Zhaoyi memorized it carefully.

Their call was brief, less than two minutes total.

But as soon as she hung up, Huang Zhaoyi called her assistant, gave final instructions on all important work matters, then could no longer contain her joy. She put on her sunglasses, grabbed her bag, and left the office.

She drove her SUV first to the market and bought many dishes he loved, then rushed home to clean. She wiped the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, balcony—even the curtains—with dry towels.

Then she found her expensive perfume and sprayed it in every corner of the house.

After finishing all that, she checked her watch and immediately went to the kitchen to prepare for today's meal.

Though she was swamped, her mood was light. As she picked and washed vegetables, she hummed tunes—sometimes current pop songs, sometimes military marches, but mostly Peking opera.

At exactly 12: 0 p. ., the alarm rang.

Huang Zhaoyi quickly tidied the kitchen, washed her hands three times thoroughly, then ran to the shower. She scrubbed every inch of her body with meticulous care—especially the neck, collarbone, and chest, places he liked to bite—washing them over and over until she was satisfied.

Dressed in a bathrobe, she stood before the eight-door cabinet, opened all its doors, scanned dozens of outfits, and finally chose a newly bought imported black long coat, paired with a lace-white undershirt.

After putting on the clothes and pants, she paused, wondering: should she wear black stockings?

But after hesitation, she decided against it.

She didn't want to leave him a bad impression. If he wanted something playful, she could change once they got home.

She put on large earrings, tied her long hair into a knot, and made herself look exactly as she had the first time they made love in the car.

Finally, she slipped on a pair of large black sunglasses, balanced elegantly on her nose, grabbed her bag, and stepped out with flair.

But at the door, she hesitated, turned back inside, and placed the largest condom her assistant had bought for her in plain sight on the bedside table.

The condom was new, still sealed.

Even though he had told her last time he'd give her a second chance to get pregnant.

But Huang Zhaoyi didn't fully believe him. She still prepared the condom carefully—in case he changed his mind, she could slip it on instantly.

She stared at the condom for a long while, then Da Qingyi stepped out the door without hesitation.

Around 1: 0 p. ., she arrived at the South Station, her gaze sweeping endlessly across the vast terminal, familiarizing herself with the surroundings until she knew every detail.

At 2: 1 p. ., the bus from Shaoshan arrived at the station, eleven minutes late.

This time, Li Heng had taken excellent precautions: he wore a windproof hat and wrapped his chin in a scarf, completely concealing himself—no one on the journey recognized him.

But no one recognized him also because of the poor clarity of newspapers from this era.

Though newspapers had printed his black-and-white photo, it was blurry, full of snowflakes. Even if Li Heng stood right in front of someone, unless they stared closely, a quick glance wouldn't reveal who he was.

He had appeared on the Spring Festival Gala, but that was with heavy makeup, and TV ownership was still low in households back then—giving him excellent anonymity.

Of course, exceptions existed; he had been recognized before in different settings by different people.

After exiting the station, he walked to the left side of the entrance and immediately spotted Da Qingyi standing out like a crane among chickens.

Da Qingyi spotted him at the same moment.

They gazed at each other across the distance for a moment, then she turned and began walking ahead, leading the way.

She didn't go up to greet him directly—afraid someone might recognize them. After all, both were celebrities. Even with disguises, the chance was low, but she couldn't afford to take the risk.

Li Heng understood her thoughts and followed closely behind.

Leaving the South Station, they walked to a quiet corner with little foot traffic. She got into her Mercedes.

Yes—she usually drove her SUV for work, to handle rural dirt roads.

But to welcome her man, she naturally chose the more comfortable Mercedes.

Two minutes later, Li Heng reached the car, opened the passenger door, and got in.

As the door closed, they both turned to look at each other simultaneously.

Their eyes met, and something called "sex" stirred between them—silent, invisible, sparking softly.

Li Heng, at this age, had boundless energy, and with his extraordinary talent, he possessed abilities and needs in bed far beyond ordinary men. Seeing Da Qingyi, ripe with allure, and remembering their past passion, he couldn't help but respond.

Li Heng was affected, but Huang Zhaoyi was even more overwhelmed.

They say a woman at thirty is like a wolf, at forty like a tiger.

She was in the wolf's golden prime, and after months without flesh, the moment she saw her man, desire surged like a flood—rushing from head to toe, flooding her entire body.

His gaze slowly traced over her body, and Li Heng praised: "Your outfit today is tasteful. You're still as captivating as ever."

Huang Zhaoyi's lips, red as cinnabar, bloomed into her most beautiful smile.

Li Heng asked, "Have you been waiting long?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "Not long at all."

She asked, "Are you hungry?"

Li Heng said, "I'm fine. Let's drive first."

Huang Zhaoyi nodded, started the car, and drove off.

After driving a while, Li Heng asked, "Is it far from here?"

Huang Zhaoyi replied, "Our home is in Furong District. We still have a ways to go."

Li Heng glanced at her and smiled: "Our home. Good."

His approval gave Huang Zhaoyi an inexplicable sense of fulfillment.

Li Heng asked, "How many properties do you own in Changsha?"

Huang Zhaoyi answered, "Three. The other two are in Tianxin District and Yuelu District."

Li Heng said, "You've done your homework—two core old districts, one area packed with top schools. You know how to pick."

He guessed right—she had indeed bought them with exactly this strategy.

Li Heng thought for a moment, then asked, "Have you been to Hunan University?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "I've entered the campus twice, and driven past it many times. I know the area well."

Li Heng said, "Buy me four properties there."

Huang Zhaoyi asked, "Any requirements?"

Li Heng said, "Three. First, close to Hunan University; second, safe; third, quiet. Two for residences, side by side; two for prime commercial shops. Costs will be settled with you later."

He knew this woman didn't lack money, so he didn't rush to pay—better to total everything up later, simpler and more convenient.

Huang Zhaoyi's mind raced, wondering which woman he was buying these properties for.

Chen Zijin was in Beijing, Song Yu was in Beijing, Xiao Han was in Shanghai, Yu Guang was in Shanghai, Mai Sui was also in Shanghai. With no information, she couldn't tell who would move into this city.

But she wisely didn't ask.

Asking would cost her dearly with him—not worth it.

Huang Zhaoyi asked again, "Is it urgent?"

Li Heng said, "The commercial shops can wait. The residential townhouses are urgent—ideally before next Lantern Festival. Will the timeline be too tight?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "As long as you're willing to spend, nothing's hard."

Li Heng said, "Then it's yours. When they're ready, tell me—I'll come see them myself."

Huang Zhaoyi agreed.