Chapter 588: First Days of the New Year

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, every household opens their doors wide, to welcome and send off ancestral spirits and deities of all realms.

The Li family went to the back mountain, each gathering a small bundle of dry twigs and fallen leaves, which was called "bringing in firewood," colloquially known as "bringing in wealth."

It is said that on the first day, it's for daughters; on the second, for sons-in-law.

On the morning of the second day, Li Heng paid a formal visit to the Chen household to offer New Year greetings.

At noon, under the pretense of visiting his aunt Wei's place in Duan Village, he went to the Xiao household.

At that time, the Xiao household was packed with relatives and friends; he entered as a classmate passing by to pay a quick visit.

Seizing a moment alone, Xiao Han pulled him into a deserted corner, cleared her throat, and asked: "Mr. Li, are you leaving tomorrow?"

Li Heng nodded: "I'm going to Singapore; tomorrow I need to head to Shanghai to practice the repertoire."

Then he asked: "Would you like to come with me to Shanghai?"

Xiao Han was tempted, but still shook her head: "Never mind. Once you're in Singapore, I'll be so lonely. I'll come with my sister on the twelfth of the first lunar month."

Li Heng knew Xiao Qing was going to Shanghai for further exchange and study, so he replied: "That's fine. By then I'll be back in China—I'll meet you at the station."

As they chatted, Xiao Han kept circling around, subtly probing about Teacher Yu.

When she learned that Yu Shuheng had left before the New Year, she didn't know whether to be relieved or to cry.

All that effort to stage such a grand drama had ended in nothing.

She couldn't help screaming inwardly: Teacher Yu! Is this even acceptable? Are you really this incompetent?

But this time, Xiao Han wasn't empty-handed—she had precisely identified one of Yu Shuheng's traits: putting the bigger picture first.

It was a great strength, yet under certain circumstances, it became a fatal weakness.

Looking at the man before her, Xiao Han suddenly felt emotionally drained. Yu's family was so powerful, and Teacher Yu himself so formidable, yet he still carried himself with such grace—it left her feeling powerless.

If she could marry Mr. Li, which woman would willingly be his mistress?

She thought: even Mai Sui might have entertained the thought of being with him openly?

To avoid drawing too much attention, Li Heng did not eat dinner at the Xiao household; he dined at his aunt's place. By the time he returned to Shangwan Village from Wei's Duan Village, it was very late.

The Chen household across the way had many guests today; Chen Zijin had been helping at home. Li Heng wandered around briefly before entering his own study.

The moment he sat down, Li Lan followed him in.

He looked up and asked: "Second sister, what do you want?"

Li Lan hesitated, then said: "I'm going to Shaoshan with you tomorrow."

Li Heng grew wary. "Why are you coming with me to Shaoshan?"

Li Lan replied: "To find him."

Hearing this, Li Heng exhaled in relief. "You're still in contact?"

Li Lan said: "Always have been."

He had been about to tease her, but the malicious glint in her eyes instantly killed the urge.

Sure enough, the next second she asked: "Mom said during the divination before the New Year, a female teacher kept failing to turn up—I'm guessing that teacher is Wang Runwen from No. 1 High School?"

Li Heng's eyelid twitched. "You know it's just a guess. Can you base facts on guesses? Can you fabricate accusations out of thin air?"

Li Lan ignored his words and continued: "Teacher Wang is quite sexy. I bet most men go for that type."

Li Heng defended himself: "Not me. I've had countless beauties around me—none of them less beautiful than her."

"But she's a teacher. That's so much more thrilling," Li Lan said, not believing his lies, her eyes locked on him.

Li Heng stared at his nose, then his heart: "You've got a dirty mind—you see filth everywhere."

"Teacher Yu and Teacher Wang are best friends. Do you think Teacher Yu would allow such a thing to happen?"

"Oh! You know they're best friends? Aren't Xiao Han and Chen Zijin best friends? Aren't Chen Zijin and Song Yu best friends? Aren't Song Yu and Mai Sui best friends? Aren't you the one who loves best friends the most? I was just a little suspicious and trying to bluff you—but now, after what you just said, I'm eighty percent sure that teacher is Wang Runwen," Li Lan declared confidently.

Li Heng was speechless—he wanted to slap her dead.

It's just coincidence!

Do you understand coincidence?

On the third day of the New Year, early in the morning, Li Heng packed his backpack lightly—Lushan Village had everything; there was no need to bring so many clothes.

After embracing Chen Zijin for a long time and giving her detailed instructions, he set off for Shaoshan with his second sister.