Chapter 580: The Lost Youth

Inside the Mercedes-Benz.

Li Heng asked: "Teacher, have you finished everything in Jingcheng?"

"Mm." Yu Shuheng softly murmured in agreement.

Li Heng teased: "Why did Jiaojiao and Xu Jie start arguing on the phone?"

Yu Shuheng said: "They fight all the time—several times a year. This time, the spark was Jiaojiao saying that Liao the editor-in-chief is older than Su Yun's mother."

"By the way, Su Yun has returned to Shanghai."

Li Heng was surprised: "Is she spending New Year's at my senior's house this year?"

Yu Shuheng said: "Probably."

Li Heng asked: "Then which surname will the child take?"

Yu Shuheng said: "The first child takes your senior's surname; the rest take Xu's."

Li Heng asked: "What if my senior stops after one child?"

Yu Shuheng smiled meaningfully: "He'll have more. Your senior isn't like you—he can endure."

Li Heng fell silent.

Clearly, the teacher was a troublemaker, using her own past words—"I won't suffer injustice in front of your big family"—to tease him.

After driving dozens of miles forward, Yu Shuheng asked: "Two big grass carp again, and a bag of winter bamboo shoots—you went to Shao Dong's Mai Sui's place?"

Li Heng didn't hide it: "I stayed there two nights."

Yu Shuheng glanced at him, paused, then asked: "What are you planning to do about Mai Sui in the future?"

Li Heng looked out the window: "Do you dislike her, Teacher?"

Yu Shuheng didn't answer right away. She stared ahead for a long while before speaking softly: "Young man, if I disliked her, would you abandon her?"

Li Heng didn't hesitate: "No."

Yu Shuheng sighed lightly. After driving another twenty or thirty miles, she murmured: "I'm generous—I allow you two concubines."

The implication: she accepted Mai Sui.

It matched her earlier statements.

Li Heng thought for a long time, then admitted honestly: "Mai Sui treats me well—gentle and never causing trouble. I can't seem to let her go."

Yu Shuheng understood the subtext: the core was "never causing trouble."

She thought for a moment, then warned: "Don't underestimate heroes of the world, or their parents. This is your second time in Shao Dong, right? Once something happens, traces appear. For now, still control your outward emotions."

Li Heng stayed silent.

He fully agreed: once something happens, traces appear. Just now, Mai Sui had unintentionally revealed a flaw. Would Mai Dong, her future father-in-law, suspect anything? Had he already noticed something odd?

Seeing his silence, Yu Shuheng asked worriedly: "Has it already been exposed?"

Li Heng shook his head firmly: "No. I went with Sun Manning. She covered for me. These two days, I didn't act improperly around Mai Sui."

Yu Shuheng fell into thought.

The Mercedes drove north. When passing Hui County, they stopped to buy things, then passed Hua Men, He Xiang Qiao, Liudouzhai, Qijiang, and Yanggu'ao, arriving at Qian Town by evening.

As they passed Shimen Station, she glanced at Qian Yuejin's wonton shop and asked: "Did the old shop close? Why is the sign changed?"

It still sold wontons, but the owner and sign were new—and business had plummeted.

Li Heng said: "The old owner now runs a shop in Shaoshi. Her husband runs this one now."

"It used to be so successful—why move to Shaoshi? This place can't compare," Yu Shuheng said, puzzled.

Li Heng said: "There's a hidden story."

Yu Shuheng asked curiously: "What hidden story?"

Li Heng told her about Zhang Zhiyong's father and the owner's affair, then pointed to the girl cooking wontons inside: "That's the owner's daughter. She's a senior at Hunan University and came home for winter break to help her father."

Yu Shuheng frowned slightly, studying the girl: "This girl is quite pretty. Her mother got pregnant before divorcing."

Li Heng said: "Correct."

Yu Shuheng asked: "Didn't her father confront them?"

Li Heng said: "He did. But Old Yong's father has a complicated social background—he runs a sand-mining company in Shaoshi with many men. After one violent clash that got him beaten badly, he reportedly swallowed his anger for his daughter's safety."

Yu Shuheng asked: "How is Zhang Zhiyong's relationship with his father?"

Li Heng said: "Completely broken. His clueless mother is now pushing for divorce."

Hearing this, Yu Shuheng pulled over: "I'm a bit hungry. Let's get some wontons."

Li Heng looked up at the darkening sky, realizing he hadn't warned home to prepare food for the teacher, so he got out too.

The girl inside instantly recognized Li Heng—she remembered how Xiao Han, the former town beauty, used to come here.

She also knew his close bond with Zhang Zhiyong. So when she looked at him again, her former admiration was gone—she was indifferent, even didn't greet them when they entered.

Yu Shuheng sensed the girl's mood almost perfectly and smiled: "Two bowls of wontons—one medium, slightly spicy; one large, extra spicy."

Yu Shuheng was too beautiful, her scholarly aura overwhelming. The girl couldn't help staring several times before lowering her head to cook.

After waiting several minutes, the wontons arrived. Li Heng took a bite immediately—then lost interest. The taste wasn't bad, but it lacked the former magic—that's why business had collapsed.

The girl watched his expression closely, and finally, lacking composure, asked: "Taste bad?"

"It's fine," Li Heng said, surprised she spoke to him—he'd expected blame by association with Old Yong.

The girl said: "'Fine' means mediocre. I didn't learn my mother's secret broth recipe, so the flavor's off—and so is business."

She instinctively said "my mother," then corrected herself—clearly, she deeply resented her mother abandoning family.

Before Li Heng could reply, she asked: "How is Zhang Zhiyong's relationship with his father now?"

"Broken. Just like yours," Li Heng answered honestly.

Hearing this, the girl said: "Today's wontons are on me."

Li Heng smiled. Her attitude had shifted drastically—and the reason was obvious.

Yu Shuheng, hungry, slowly ate all fifteen wontons.

Small bowl: ten wontons; medium: fifteen; large: twenty. Large cost double the small.

After eating, they left. Li Heng quietly slipped money under the bowl.

Perhaps to the girl, the money meant nothing—she was glad Zhang Zhiyong had broken with his father.

But Li Heng had eaten. He couldn't leave without paying.

The Mercedes started again, heading toward Shangwan Village.

Halfway there, night fell completely. Yu Shuheng, unaccustomed to the winding mountain road, slowed to 20 kph.

Li Heng said: "Teacher, let me drive."

Yu Shuheng hesitated, then refused: "You've only held a steering wheel for less than a year. This road is dangerous. Wait a few years before I let you drive."

Got it—he heard her clear lack of trust.

I was a seasoned driver for decades in my last life—I've driven three cars!

Li Heng didn't argue. Instead, he became a guide, constantly calling out from the passenger seat: "Curve ahead! Honk here! Slow down there!"

Driving this mountain road at night was a huge challenge for Yu Shuheng. She stayed tense the whole way—but finally arrived at the village unharmed.

In this era, a small car was rare—let alone a luxury Mercedes. As soon as it entered the village, it caused a sensation. Many followed behind, staring.

Someone said: "Hey, the noise—must be Li's literary star returned."

Another said: "This grandeur! This prestige! Even the town mayor's car isn't this nice. It's not just the literary star—he must be with that university teacher!"

Someone agreed: "It's not 'must be'—I guarantee it! Don't you remember? Last time, that fairy-like female teacher came in this exact black shell!"

"..."

The village had many rumors about Yu Shuheng and Li Heng's relationship. But due to the Li family's rising status and the Chen family's high position, people only whispered behind their backs—publicly, they praised them.

Yet every rumor agreed: Li Heng had incredible romantic luck. This teacher rivaled Xiao's daughter from the town—so beautiful, everyone envied him.

Watching the gleaming Mercedes pass, hearing the flattery around her, Fat Aunt felt worse than catching her husband and daughter-in-law in bed. Her sunflower seeds lost flavor. She stood up and rushed home.

An aunt called out: "Fat Aunt, why leave so soon? Stay a while!"

A man chuckled: "Li Heng's back, shining bright. Fat Aunt can't stay—she'd be embarrassed. She's not waiting to be laughed at, is she?"

An old man added cruelly: "Fat Aunt, I say stay a bit longer. Your son-in-law, Liang Master, is currently kissing your daughter-in-law. Don't interrupt their good time."

Liang Master—the man whose reputation for seducing daughters-in-law spread for miles.

Surprisingly, the old Liu man had guessed right—Liang the seducer was indeed in the bedroom with his daughter-in-law.

Just then, a piercing scream rang out, followed by the sound of hoes and bamboo poles smashing the door. Then Fat Aunt dragged her daughter-in-law out by the hair, screaming insults so vicious and vile the woman hadn't even had time to dress.

Someone yelled wildly. People at the crossroads rushed over to watch. Suddenly, Li's front gate fell silent.

Seeing Yu Shuheng enter, Li Jianguo and Tian Rune scrambled. They brought tea, asked after her health, then rushed to the kitchen to cook dinner. Even when Li Heng said they'd eaten wontons in town, the couple wouldn't listen—they insisted dinner must be rice.

After dinner!

Yu Shuheng smiled and whispered to Li Heng: "Let them cook. I'll eat a little later."

Hearing this, Li Heng stepped out of the kitchen: "Then I'll have a drink with Teacher."

Yu Shuheng nodded, then added: "Check if there's hot water—I want to bathe."

"Yes." Li Heng responded and went to prepare hot water.

For a moment, the main room held only Yu Shuheng and Li's grandmother.

Li's grandmother studied Yu Shuheng repeatedly. She thought of the village rumors—but still couldn't believe it: such a beautiful university teacher? Li Jianguo said her family's status was impossibly high—even Li's family couldn't reach it. She was much older than her precious grandson. How could she possibly favor him?

But if she didn't believe it, she was confused: this was her second visit, and New Year was near. Could it really just be good teacher-student relations?

Sensing the grandmother's quiet observation, Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully and politely said: "Grandma."

Li's grandmother beamed warmly: "Ah, Teacher, sit down. You've traveled all day—have some coarse tea."

Yu Shuheng sat down and patiently chatted with the elderly woman.

Grandma, though a true rural woman with little formal education, had children who all turned out well.

Her son was a college graduate who had once held a department-level position; his wife was also a college graduate; her eldest daughter had married well; her youngest daughter worked at the supply and marketing cooperative, and her son-in-law was a full-level cadre in Lengjiang, soon to be promoted—having been immersed in such surroundings, her insight far surpassed that of ordinary people. The two of them managed to carry on a strained conversation.

Suddenly, Grandma ventured: "Teacher, are you married?"

As clever as Yu Shuheng, how could she not grasp the implication? After a brief pause, she replied: "No."

Grandma asked again: "Then do you have someone in your heart now?"

Yu Shuheng paused a moment: "Yes."

Grandma's heart skipped—a thought struck her: Could the village gossip be true? She watched her anxiously.

Facing each other, Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully, then asked: "Grandma, have you heard some bad rumors?"

Grandma denied it: "No, Teacher, don't overthink it. Everyone's saying you've helped our Li Heng tremendously—he's where he is today thanks to half your efforts."

Flowers are carried by all who pass—they clearly understood this social game.

Yu Shuheng said: "I can't claim credit—it was just a small favor. He simply appealed to me."

Grandma asked: "What's 'appeal to you'?"

Yu Shuheng smiled slightly and explained: "It means I have a good impression of Li Heng—I find him pleasant to look at, comfortable to be around."

Grandma leaned forward, whispering: "Teacher, are you taken with our eldest grandson?"

Yu Shuheng froze—she hadn't expected the old woman to be so blunt.

She wanted to admit it, but felt it would be improper.

She didn't want to admit it, but felt that was worse.

In that instant, she was stuck.

After a long silence, Yu Shuheng finally decided to take a bold step: "Grandma, how about I become your granddaughter-in-law?"

Now it was Grandma's turn to be flustered—her eyes widened, caught between surprise and not-surprise, utterly astonished.

Grandma instinctively wanted to ask, "Aren't you his college teacher?" but she couldn't say it aloud; instead, she smiled warmly and murmured: "Good! Good!"

Grandma was old, had never traveled far, hadn't seen much of the world, but she wasn't behind others in social savvy—she now fully understood: Li Jianguo and Tian Rune must have known the truth all along, or they wouldn't have been so warm, or Li Heng wouldn't have brought her home.

But the problem is…

The problem is, Tian Rune said this morning that the Chen family would be returning in a few days, and Chen Zijin would come with them.

If Teacher Yu met Chen Zijin, wouldn't they clash?

Grandma said "good" with her mouth, but inside she was comparing Chen Zijin with Teacher Yu.

The comparison made her unexpectedly pity Chen Zijin—she knew well that her daughter-in-law held deep resentment toward the Chen family; it seemed Teacher Yu might truly win out.

But no matter how you looked at it, Grandma also held strong grievances against the Chen family—family loyalty over fairness. Still, the Chens had helped find a doctor who cured her son's illness, and her eldest grandson had indeed slept with their beautiful daughter—good and bad tangled together, leaving the old woman unsure what to do.

Li Heng came out and walked over to Teacher Yu: "Teacher, the hot water's ready—go take a bath."

"Alright." Yu Shuheng rose, and before leaving, told Grandma: "Grandma, I'll freshen up first, then come back to keep you company."

Grandma, missing a few teeth, smiled and nodded.

Watching her eldest grandson and the teacher leave, Grandma went to the kitchen, closed the door, and asked Li Jianguo: "Jianguo, is Teacher Yu going to be family from now on?"

Li Jianguo blinked, glancing at his wife.

Tian Rune, chopping vegetables, turned and asked: "Mom, what do you think of Teacher Yu?"

"Good person, beautiful, and… and noble." After thinking long and hard, Grandma finally found the word "noble" to describe her impression of Teacher Yu.

Hmm—that word came from her youngest daughter's mouth; otherwise she'd never have thought of it.

Lowering her voice, she asked: "Such a wonderful teacher… really taken with our eldest grandson?"

Tian Rune glanced at the kitchen door: "Exactly. Your precious grandson is giving me a headache."

But Grandma replied: "What's there to worry about? Don't make it so complicated. Eat according to your bowl size—if our eldest grandson isn't capable enough, he'll calm down on his own soon enough."

"That's true, but what if he gets her pregnant? That'll be hard to handle," Tian Rune said, deeply troubled.

Grandma remained blunt: "So what if she gets pregnant? Good! Can't our grandson feed one child? Not even one—ten or eight wouldn't be a problem. As long as I'm still able, I'll help raise them."

Tian Rune laughed helplessly: "Mom, it's not just about the child—it's about how to explain it to the girl's family."

Grandma clicked her tongue: "Explain what? Back when we had nothing to eat, we fought over a single sweet potato in the field—win, you took it home; lose, you swallowed your broken teeth. Same logic: our eldest grandson is that sweet potato—let them fight over him."

Tian Rune smiled bitterly: "Mom, the girl's family isn't simple—it won't be easy."

Grandma shook her head, fiercely authoritative: "What's hard about it? Killing someone isn't worse than a scar the size of a bowl. Three years ago, if I'd been home, I wouldn't have let you beg the Chen family. He slept with her—no one was tied down, both willingly. If trouble came, could you blame our grandson alone?"

Tian Rune fell silent. She'd always felt Lanlan wasn't like her—she was more like this mother-in-law, bold and fierce.

But this mother-in-law often helped raise children at her younger daughter's house, spending few days at home each year.

A few years ago, when everyone barely had enough to eat, this mother-in-law had voluntarily gone to her younger daughter's home—calculating: let the younger daughter support her, to ease the burden on her son.

Outside, noise filled the air—Yu Shuheng, after her bath, stood on the second-floor corridor, looking down at the neighbor's fat aunt and daughter-in-law pulling each other's hair, and the Li family's lecherous old man fighting with his son.

Li Heng said beside her: "Teacher, why not go inside? It's cold out here."

Yu Shuheng seemed to see through his thoughts: "You're afraid I'll think your village's customs are crude?"

Li Heng waved his hand: "No. Where there are people, there's a world of factions; where there are people, filth hides. Such violations of decency aren't everywhere, but they certainly exist behind closed doors."