Chapter 578: The Parents Discover Xiao Han

At one moment.

Li Heng caught sight of her from the corner of his eye and asked, "Awake? When did you wake up?"

Huang Zhaoyi spoke up: "Didn't check the watch, probably about half an hour."

Li Heng put down his book and asked, "The condoms on the nightstand—did you specifically prepare them?"

Bringing up the matter, Huang Zhaoyi grew uneasy and whispered, "I was afraid you might need them."

Li Heng turned his head to stare into her eyes and said calmly, "You're afraid I'll change my mind, aren't you? Afraid I won't let you get pregnant."

He guessed it all—Huang Zhaoyi looked uneasy.

Li Heng didn't move, just kept looking at her.

After a long while, unable to hold back, Huang Zhaoyi gathered courage and kissed him, then waited a moment; seeing he didn't resist, she cautiously rolled over and climbed onto him.

She waited again; seeing he still didn't resist, she kissed him deeply.

Li Heng said, "You used this trick last night."

Huang Zhaoyi kissed him passionately until they nearly suffocated before pulling apart.

She leaned close and said, "Huo Qubing was twenty when he first campaigned against the Xiongnu—he used the lightning flanking maneuver behind enemy lines, and it succeeded brilliantly. On his second campaign, he used the same tactic; the Xiongnu still couldn't defend against it, and he achieved even greater victories."

Li Heng laughed. "Aren't you a Peking opera performer? Even in bed you're quizzing me on historical anecdotes."

Huang Zhaoyi's face flushed. "I did well in school—I graduated from Fudan. I just loved Peking opera and pursued it."

"Oh, so we're alumni?"

"Yes."

"No wonder your mind's so sharp—no wonder you can ride me." Li Heng said.

Huang Zhaoyi's face burned hot; under his unwavering gaze, she kissed his lips again.

After ten minutes of passionate kissing, she trailed down his chin, finally disappearing beneath the covers…

Watching the bulge under the quilt, Li Heng rested his head on the headboard, staring at the white ceiling, his mind blank, not thinking of anything in particular.

Over an hour passed; Huang Zhaoyi, bones nearly broken, lay limp beside him, eyes closed, regulating her ragged breath.

Li Heng reached out and pinched her earring. "Why didn't you take these off before sleeping?"

"Too tired last night—forgot," Huang Zhaoyi replied, breath uneven.

Then she shifted her body, summoned courage, and whispered beside his ear: "Did you like this breakfast?"

Li Heng lightly patted her shoulder. "Full marks."

Then he asked, "Still got energy?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "Are you hungry?"

Li Heng nodded.

Hearing that, Huang Zhaoyi pushed back against the bed, half-sitting up, then, under his gaze, began dressing and tying her hair.

His eyes wandered over her body for a moment. "Your figure is perfectly maintained—your skin is as fair as a woman in her early twenties. How do you keep it like this?"

Huang Zhaoyi felt a flicker of delight. "My skin really is that good?"

Li Heng said, "No false flattery—if I didn't know your age, I'd swear you were eighteen if I said so in public."

Huang Zhaoyi shook her head. "Eighteen still can't compare—I'm over thirty, lost that girlhood innocence. But my skin is mostly natural. I've spent a lot on upkeep too."

She got out of bed, found his new outfit for the day in the wardrobe, and laid it on the chair at the foot of the bed. Then she took her own clothes into the shower.

Passing the bathroom mirror, she paused, staring at her vivid red lips, and unconsciously touched her cheeks.

She realized—he loved this kind of relaxation.

She quietly examined her own figure; just as he said, it was flawless—something she took great pride in. And it was precisely why Li Heng had been so relentless last night.

She washed quickly, then went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Breakfast was simple: though they ate rice according to his hometown habits, she only cooked three dishes and one soup.

While eating, Li Heng spoke: "Remember how you made the braised pork last time?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "I remember—I practice every dish I learn."

Li Heng said, "That last one suited my taste perfectly. I want braised pork for lunch."

She learned to cook to please him, to win his affection, to prove her worth, and to stay by his side long-term.

Now, for the first time, her man had made a request—had actually asked for a dish—how could the Great Blue Opera Singer refuse?

Huang Zhaoyi smiled happily. "Alright, I'll go buy groceries later."

After breakfast, they disguised themselves and went out.

Neighbors were all clearing snow from their doorsteps. Li Heng said, "We're the latest to rise—we're lazy."

Huang Zhaoyi turned her head, too embarrassed to reply.

Why were they late?

Wasn't it because she'd been doing her morning exercises?

She said, "I'll call someone to clear the snow."

Li Heng didn't object. He actually thought leaving the snow was fine, but since everyone else was clearing theirs, it would look odd if only they didn't.

It was their first time shopping together at the market. Li Heng deliberately locked eyes with several vendors—none recognized him.

He chuckled. "Your disguise skills are incredible. Teach me a few tricks when we get back."

Huang Zhaoyi had learned them specifically for private meetings with him. "Start with makeup—I'll teach you basic makeup when I have time."

Li Heng said, "Fine. I've got nothing else to do—I've finished one of the books I brought. Might as well learn a new skill."

Huang Zhaoyi asked, "Want to visit Xinhua Bookstore? Buy some new books?"

Li Heng shook his head. "No need. I still have plenty unread in my study. We'll see later."

After buying groceries, they returned home and each went about their own tasks.

Li Heng sat on the sofa reading newspapers and books; tea, fruit, and snacks were promptly replaced—he lived like a master.

Huang Zhaoyi was busy: calling people to clear snow, discussing business with her assistant, doing laundry and cooking.

Of course, her main priority now was seizing every chance to conserve energy—for tonight and the days ahead.

The first day, Li Heng played the master—even in bed, he lounged while the Great Blue Opera Singer took the lead.

The final day, they stayed indoors, immersed in their frantic, grand endeavor.

The grand endeavor could fill a book—rich, varied, no repeats. Li Heng unleashed every trick he had.

In his past life, with Song Yu, Zijin, and Xiao Han, he'd never dared be so unrestrained. Only the Great Blue Opera Singer—always yielding, always accommodating.

Three days passed in a blink. Huang Zhaoyi glowed with renewed vitality, as if reborn—but her body was honest: she could barely walk.

The sky outside brightened again. Li Heng slid off her. "The snow should've melted. I need to leave."

Huang Zhaoyi was reluctant, but knew she couldn't keep him—he didn't belong to anyone.

She struggled to rise. "I'll make breakfast."

Li Heng stopped her. "No need. You're exhausted. Let's eat noodles outside the bus station."

She wanted to push harder, but after struggling, realized her body refused to obey—she gave up.

After resting over half an hour, they went into the bathroom together.

But it took two full hours before they emerged. Huang Zhaoyi pressed her hand to her lower abdomen, wondering: with this intensity over three days, could she be pregnant?

Yet she wasn't sure. These past months, she'd read many books on the subject—they said high psychological stress could prevent conception.

Also, a woman's chances of pregnancy declined with age.

She wanted a child desperately—dreamed of it. The longing had even bred a trace of anxiety.

Leaving the residence, they headed toward the South Bus Station.

Today, Li Heng drove; Huang Zhaoyi rested in the passenger seat.

Watching the man still full of vigor, the Great Blue Opera Singer suddenly recalled a saying: No diamond drill, no porcelain work. His promiscuity, his many women—it made sense.

If it were just her, she couldn't possibly keep up.

At the South Bus Station, Li Heng parked at a crowded shop. "Let's eat here—this place is busy, so the food must be good."

Huang Zhaoyi worried: "Won't this expose your identity? Should I get two portions and eat in the car?"

While he hesitated, Huang Zhaoyi had already stepped out, pulled her scarf up to cover half her face, and entered the shop. She ordered beef noodles and wontons.

She told the owner: "Add spice to the beef noodles, add a fried egg, and include every topping."

The owner kindly warned: "Miss, adding everything will cost several times more."

Huang Zhaoyi said, "Add it all."

Seeing her refined speech and fashionable attire, the owner happily added every topping: lean pork, wood ear mushrooms, dried tofu, snails.

Oh my—varied, overflowing, a huge bowl.

Huang Zhaoyi pulled out money and told the owner: "I won't return the bowls and chopsticks—I'll pay you."

The owner glanced at the nearby Mercedes and thought: This is a wealthy young lady.

Back in the car, she said, "This place is too conspicuous. Let's drive a bit further."

Li Heng nodded, started the car, drove slowly searching for a spot, and finally parked in a quiet, deserted corner.

She ate a wonton and said, "No wonder this place is crowded—the flavor really is good. Want to try a few wontons?"

Li Heng shook his head.

He loved Qian Yuejin's wontons best.

Too bad—the old owner's wife was cruel: she abandoned her husband, abandoned her daughter, and ran off with some fool of a father.

He'd been exhausted from last night's efforts, ravenous—he'd devoured nearly half the bowl before recovering. Now Li Heng asked: "Normally, when should your period come?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "In five days."

Li Heng put down his chopsticks. "So, these days aren't safe?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "No."

Li Heng paused, then said, "If you get pregnant, tell me immediately."

Huang Zhaoyi turned her head to look at him, uncertain.

Li Heng seemed to guess her thought: "You're afraid a letter might leak something?"

Huang Zhaoyi remained silent.

Li Heng thought a moment, then asked, "When are you going back to Shanghai?"

Huang Zhaoyi said, "I'm almost done here. I'm leaving the day after tomorrow."

Li Heng said, "Wait for my call in Shanghai. I'll call you in a week."

Huang Zhaoyi memorized it.

After breakfast, Li Heng got out of the car and left.

Huang Zhaoyi watched his figure fade into the distance, a strange feeling rising in her chest—the more she interacted with this man, the more she liked him.

When Li Heng vanished completely from view, she switched to the driver's seat, turned the car around, and headed home.

Li Heng didn't rush to board a bus. After estimating that Da Qingyi had left, he stepped out of the station again, found a public phone, and called Professor Yu in Beijing.

Ding ling ling…

Ding ling ling…

He waited a little too long—only on the final ring did the call connect.

"Hello, who's this?"

"It's me."

After identifying himself, Li Heng asked, "Teacher, when are you coming over?"

Yu Shuheng said, "I have a flight the day after tomorrow morning."

Li Heng considered it, then said, "I'll pick you up at Shaodong that day."

Yu Shuheng smiled. "Alright, I've got something to take care of here—I won't chat longer. We'll talk when we meet."

"Mm." He heard noise on the other end—clearly Jiaojiao and Xu Suyun were having a fierce argument.

He promptly hung up.

A flight the day after tomorrow?

On the bus to Shaodong, Li Heng wondered: maybe he shouldn't rush home—why not head to Shaodong County ahead of time?

With this thought, four hours later, as soon as he stepped off the bus in Shaoshan, he called Sun Manning.

Hearing he wanted to go to Shaodong right away, Sun Manning was unimpressed: "Are you crazy? Why keep changing the date? I was just getting ready to have a baby."

"A baby?" Li Heng looked bewildered.

"Not my baby—my dog! My dog's due to give birth these days," Sun Manning quickly clarified.

Li Heng blurted out: "So, who's more important to you—me or the dog?"

Instantly he regretted it—his mouth had moved too fast, no filter at all.

As expected, the next second, Sun Manning burst into laughter on the phone. "Li Heng, you're pathetic—comparing yourself to a dog? Hahaha, I'm dying laughing…"

Sun's mother, hearing her daughter's crude language, immediately slapped her across the back of the head.

The sound echoed sharply.

"Ow! Old woman, what's wrong with you?!" Sun Manning spun around, teeth bared.

Sun's mother, furious, swung another slap.

Sun Manning smirked. "Go ahead, hit me. Kill me. You've only got one daughter—then who'll bury you?"

Sun's mother said, "If I kill you, I'll just have another."

Sun Manning widened her eyes. "Aren't you past menopause? How are you going to have another? Birth it with your mouth?"

On the other end of the line, Li Heng struggled to hold back his laughter, nearly doubling over from the pain.

He'd thought this big fool was already wild with him—but at home, she was even wilder!

Sun's mother, beside herself, grabbed the feather duster from the coffee table and swung it at her.

Sun Manning leapt up, scrambled onto the sofa, and yelled into the phone: "Li Heng, help! My adoptive mother's trying to kill me! Come to Shaoshan and take me away—I'll be your and Song Yu's bed warmer!"

Hearing "adoptive mother," Sun's mother's vision blurred—she felt the sky was falling. How could she have given birth to such a stubborn brat? All nine months of pregnancy wasted!

But worse still was that phrase—"bed warmer." Sun's mother gritted her teeth and chased her daughter with the feather duster.

Only when Sun's father rushed in from his study did the mother-daughter battle finally end.

Sun's mother, seething, turned to her husband: "I carried her for ten months—was that easy? And she calls me 'adoptive mother'!"

Sun Manning crossed her arms, defiant. "What mother treats her own daughter like this? You dare hit me—I dare call you that. That's called filial piety. Perfect match!"

Sun's father looked at his daughter with indulgence, his head throbbing. He changed the subject: "Is Li Heng coming to Shaoshan again?"

"Oh, I forgot the main thing!" Hearing this, Sun Manning grabbed the receiver again. "Hey! Hey! Li Heng, are you still there?"

Li Heng said, "Still here. I'm heading to the bus station—we'll meet in the waiting room."

Sun Manning asked, "It's almost New Year—everything's chaotic. Aren't you afraid I'll get lost on the way? You sure you won't come pick me up?"

Li Heng thought: this big fool isn't exactly a beauty—maybe a little cute, nothing more. What's the worst that could happen? But he said aloud: "Fine, I'll come to No. 1 High School."

At once, Sun Manning hung up, replaced the receiver, and turned to her mother: "You hit me? Fine! Keep hitting me! I'm going out with a guy—I'll come back pregnant, and you can cry yourself to death at home!"

Then she marched into her bedroom and started packing.

Sun's mother pointed the feather duster at her daughter's room. "You just let her get away with this? You've spoiled her since she was a child—look what she's become!"

Sun's father lit a cigarette. "I got her into Fudan University—aren't you satisfied?"

"She's out of control! Girls shouldn't talk like that—'old woman,' 'fuck'—I've heard it dozens of times. I've wanted to hit her for ages."

Sun's father shrugged. "She's only like that with close friends. In public, our daughter is still reserved."

Besides, it's a good thing—it shows how close she is to Li Heng.

People would kill to get close to someone like Li Heng. But our daughter can hang out with him freely—that's her strength. If saying 'old woman' and 'fuck' could win Li Heng's favor, everyone in Shaoshan would say it all day."

Sun's mother laughed bitterly. "Nonsense! Keep spoiling her. Just wait and see what kind of person she'll turn into. Didn't you hear her? She said she'll come back pregnant—aren't you worried she'll get into trouble with Li Heng?"

Sun's father smoked, shaking his head.

Sun's mother was confused.

Sun's father whispered: "If our daughter were more beautiful, I'd worry. But Li Heng is completely focused on Song Yu—and Chen Zijin. Those two girls are stunning. Frankly, even if he had wandering eyes, he wouldn't look at our daughter."

Though Principal Sun didn't fully understand the relationship between Li Heng, Song Yu, and Chen Zijin, he could guess. After all, Chen Zijin and Li Heng had been a couple since first and second grade. Rumors from their hometown said the Chen family's ties to the Li family hadn't been severed. As for Li Heng's pursuit of Song Yu, the couple had accidentally overheard it from their daughter.