Chapter 612: Social Death, Dry Tinder Meets Fiery Flame

From the shower to the bedroom bed, the two redefined what it meant to be dry tinder meeting fierce flame.

In this moment, Mai Sui’s innate seductiveness exploded like never before, stirring Li Heng’s desires and stirring his heart.

Just as their passionate kiss reached its peak, just as they were about to bare their souls, Mai Sui suddenly faltered.

She pulled away from his lips and whispered, breathless: “No, please, not like this?”

Li Heng said nothing, his eyes filled with surging lust and longing, staring at her without moving.

Mai Sui reached out her right hand and traced his face, shyly saying: “I know this isn’t fair to you, but I promised Song Yu.”

What did she promise?

She had promised her best friend Song Yu: as long as Song Yu didn’t get together with him, she would keep her body pure.

It was her guilt toward Song Yu.

It was her way of respecting Song Yu, repaying her.

Repaying Song Yu for never making things hard for her, for never blaming her for falling in love with her best friend’s man.

Hearing the name “Song Yu,” Li Heng froze for a long moment, then rolled off her and lay flat on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Mai Sui pulled her torn nightgown back together, apologizing softly: “I’m sorry.”

Her voice was so quiet it was nearly inaudible.

But the bedroom was too silent; Li Heng heard every word clearly—and said nothing.

Time and air inside the room seemed frozen, still, silent for a long while, sinking into deathly quiet.

After who knew how long, Li Heng sighed and turned to gaze at her.

Long moments passed before he reached out and tied the sash of her nightgown.

Amid her nervousness, Li Heng leaned in and kissed her forehead, then spoke slowly and deeply: “Don’t say sorry. It’s my fault—I fell in love with Song Yu, and I fell in love with you too. The fault lies in my greed.”

Mai Sui gazed at him with tender eyes, her gaze suddenly shimmering with tears.

Li Heng couldn’t bear to see his woman like this; he pulled her into his arms and comforted her: “Don’t think too much tonight. Let’s sleep.”

“Okay,” Mai Sui nestled into his embrace, finding a comfortable spot and closing her eyes obediently.

Their love began quietly; now it surged fiercely, deeply overwhelming—but what of the future? Li Heng had never made solemn promises, yet Mai Sui had already planned her entire life.

As long as she lived, no matter where he went, she would never leave his side, loving and caring for him devotedly.

That night, the two descended abruptly from the peak of desire to serene calm—no abruptness, no torment, no discomfort, only warmth.

Mai Sui was deeply content, falling asleep with her head on the man’s chest, utterly happy.

…

The next day, Zhou Shihe’s family left.

So did Sun Man, shameless as ever. Before departing, she shouted: “I’m going to explore the big world! Even single dogs have spring! I’m sick of you two lovebirds showing off!”

Li Heng grimaced, thoroughly annoyed, and kicked her straight in the face—turning her face green with shock before she bolted away.

In the days that followed, Li Heng spent his time reading and writing, recovering his foot, jogging every morning to strengthen his body, and taking walks after meals.

Mai Sui, like a devoted wife, remained by his side always.

When he played basketball, she sat on the steps watching, occasionally picking up the ball for him.

When he jogged in the morning, she ran beside him.

When he wrote, she sat with him in the study, bringing him tea and water; when he grew tired, she massaged him and chatted to keep him company.

Their companionship was effortless, blending friendship, kinship, and love seamlessly—deeply soothing.

Days passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was the fourteenth day of the lunar month—the eve of Lantern Festival.

Today was clear, perfect for outings, strolls, and photography.

In the evening, as Li Heng and Mai Sui wandered the empty campus, they were drawn to the sunset view of the Xi Garden’s stream and bridge.

Mai Sui looked up and gazed far off: “The evening clouds are so beautiful, Li Heng—let’s go take a photo together on the bridge.”

Without waiting for his reply, she grabbed her newly bought camera and tugged his wrist toward the stream and bridge. As she ran, she kept glancing back with a smile, melting his heart like spring breeze.

Li Heng couldn’t help but call out into the wind: “Mai Sui, you’re so beautiful!”

Ahead of him, Mai Sui smiled softly: “Really? Say it again.”

Li Heng shouted: “Mai Sui, be my woman.”

Hearing this, Mai Sui stopped, turned, and leaned close to his ear, whispering gently: “Can we wait a few years? I’ll be yours eventually.”

Li Heng, enchanted by her charm, couldn’t resist kissing her—once, then again, then again…

Mai Sui responded willingly, lips slightly parted, returning his kisses several times.

At one moment, they looked at each other and smiled, joyfully rushing toward the stream and bridge to begin taking photos.

They had already scouted the spot earlier; the vast campus was nearly empty, save for a few teachers. In this secluded corner, even fewer people were around—they could be more open than usual.

They took individual shots, used the point-and-shoot mode for couple photos, changed backgrounds repeatedly, and played with unrestrained delight.

During one moment, as Li Heng hugged her from behind for an intimate shot, two people suddenly turned onto the nearby path: Wei Quan and Wei Xiaozhu.

Seeing the affectionate pair, the aunt and niece froze, instinctively halting in place.

Li Heng and Mai Sui reacted just as quickly; the instant the aunt and niece appeared, they immediately broke apart.

They stared across the distance. Mai Sui, with her thin skin, couldn’t handle it. Though everyone at Fudan University—from faculty to students—knew their ambiguous relationship, being caught so openly by a professor still made her flustered.

Even though this professor was someone familiar, Mai Sui hesitated, not greeting Wei Xiaozhu as she normally would.

Wei Xiaozhu seemed to sense her friend’s discomfort and walked over with a smile: “Mai Sui, Li Heng—it really is you two! When you walked past the Red Building earlier, I was by the window and thought I’d mistaken you.”

Wei Xiaozhu was offering them a way out.

Li Heng, thick-skinned, rolled his eyes: “How far is the Red Building from that path? Can’t you even see us? Or have you forgotten what we look like?”

Wei Xiaozhu smiled and explained: “I couldn’t. I only saw your backs—I would’ve called out if I’d recognized you.”

With this interruption, Mai Sui’s tense body relaxed somewhat.

Wei Xiaozhu teased: “Suisui, after spending the New Year at home, you’ve gotten even prettier. No wonder Li Heng was kissing your earlobe just now—he’s utterly smitten.”

A faint blush crept across Mai Sui’s cheeks as she murmured: “Your aunt’s here.”

Wei Xiaozhu understood; as her aunt drew near, she immediately stopped joking with her friend.

Li Heng greeted: “Teacher.”

Mai Sui followed with a greeting.

Wei Quan nodded with a smile, glancing between them, sincerely praising: “The photo you just took was so beautiful—it reminded me of my university days. Youth is wonderful. You two are perfectly matched.”

Hearing “perfectly matched,” Mai Sui felt a mix of joy and unease, stealing a glance at Li Heng’s profile.

Wei Quan asked them: “Have you had dinner yet?”

Li Heng replied: “Yes, we ate before coming out for a walk.”

Hearing this, Wei Quan glanced at her niece, then said: “Then go ahead and chat—I ate too much tonight, I’ll take another walk.”

Without waiting for her niece’s reply, she walked past the three and left.

As soon as her aunt was gone, Wei Xiaozhu teased: “Should I leave too? Don’t want to interrupt your lovey-dovey moment?”

Mai Sui wouldn’t let her go; she grabbed her hand: “The point-and-shoot mode doesn’t do justice—take a few photos for us.”

Wei Xiaozhu gladly agreed: “Sure, hand me the camera.”

Wei Xiaozhu came from a wealthy family; she’d owned her own camera since high school. Her photography skills were naturally excellent—composition, positioning, expression guidance—all professional. After a series of shots, the success and satisfaction rate was high.

As the sun set and darkness gradually fell, the light had grown poor. After packing away the camera, the three sat on the grass and chatted.

Wei Xiaozhu asked Mai Sui: “When did you arrive?”

Mai Sui said: “The eighth.”

Wei Xiaozhu thought for a moment and guessed the truth: “You came specifically to be with him?”

Mai Sui nodded silently.

Wei Xiaozhu smiled at Li Heng: “Li Heng, a beautiful woman by your side, utterly devoted—what luck.”

Li Heng grinned and asked: “Why’d you come? Didn’t you stay home for Lantern Festival?”

Wei Xiaozhu said: “My aunt called me. She said she was lonely and asked me to come keep her company—I couldn’t refuse.”

Mai Sui asked: “Couldn’t your aunt have stayed in Lianyungang until after Lantern Festival?”

Wei Xiaozhu lowered her voice: “She had a huge fight with my grandmother. On the morning of the sixth, before dawn, she stormed out in anger.”

Mai Sui was surprised—she never imagined Wei Quan, always so gentle, had such a temper. “Why?”

Wei Xiaozhu thought a moment: “Marriage pressure. Grandma set her up with someone who liked her, but my aunt is still stuck in her past relationship. She has no interest—she says she wants to be childfree. So…”

She didn’t finish, but everyone understood.

Mai Sui and Wei Xiaozhu hadn’t seen each other in a while; tonight’s reunion felt like they had endless things to say. Talking and laughing, they didn’t notice it was already past nine.

Li Heng glanced at his watch and said to the two women: “It’s getting chilly—should we head back to Lushan Village to continue?”

Mai Sui looked at Wei Xiaozhu, hopeful.

Wei Xiaozhu hesitated, half-joking: “If I come along, will I interfere with your lovey-dovey time?”

Li Heng stretched lazily and said calmly: “Come on, Xiaozhu—you’re no stranger. Don’t you know how things are between me and Mai Sui? Even if the Jade Emperor himself showed up, it wouldn’t change a thing.”

Wei Xiaozhu beamed and whispered to Mai Sui: “The clouds have parted, the moon shines through—I’m so happy for you.”

Mai Sui blushed and said nothing, but her gaze lingered on Li Heng’s back with quiet devotion.

Wei Xiaozhu noticed her friend’s expression, thought for a moment, raised her camera, and took a close-up shot of Li Heng walking ahead.

After taking it, she said: “Today’s the fourteenth—the moon’s quite full. He walks under its light, so poetic.”

Mai Sui said: “Print it for me.”

Wei Xiaozhu readily agreed.

The three detoured past the Red Building to greet Wei Quan, then headed straight for Lushan Village.

Just as he was walking, he ran into Zhang Bing and Bai Wanying; the former was pushing the latter’s wheelchair, seemingly also taking a stroll.

With no place to dodge, the optimistic and open-minded Bai Wanying spoke first: “What kind of lucky day is this? We’ve netted all the gems of Fudan University in one go!”

Li Heng flashed a clean, bright smile and asked, “Old Zhang, it’s this late—why aren’t you two still at Wujiaochang? What brings you to campus?”

Zhang Bing, not good with words, scratched the back of his head and said, “Wanying suddenly wanted to walk around campus, and since there are rentals nearby, we came over.”

Hearing this, Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Wei Xiaozhu all had the same thought appear above their foreheads: Zhang Bing really dotes on Bai Wanying.

Mai Sui walked over to chat with Bai Wanying, then extended an invitation: “Xiaozhu is heading back to Lushan Village with us—want to come along?”

Bai Wanying was tempted and asked Li Heng, “Big Writer, is it convenient?”

Li Heng nodded with a smile: “Why ask like that? You’re being too formal—we’ve been there before. Let’s go!”

Without delay, the three became five, and soon they were back in Lushan Village.

They say three women make a play—ancient wisdom never lies. Here they were, the three women together, chattering endlessly, their laughter louder than a bustling market.

Seeing them immersed in women’s talk, Li Heng, unable to join in, asked Zhang Bing: “Did you arrive on the fourth?”

Zhang Bing replied: “Arrived around ten in the morning on the fourth.”

Li Heng asked: “How’s business lately?”

Zhang Bing said: “It was slow before the tenth, but these past two days have been okay.”

Li Heng glanced at Bai Wanying and asked curiously: “Do you two live together all the time?”

Zhang Bing understood his meaning and shook his head, hesitating: “I dare not. Afraid of tarnishing Wanying’s reputation.”

Hearing the word “reputation,” Li Heng involuntarily looked toward Mai Sui, feeling guilty toward her, his mood sinking for no clear reason.

Zhang Bing said: “Yesterday I visited Lü Li at the hospital. He’s lost a lot of weight.”

Li Heng turned his head: “Lost weight? Hasn’t Lü Li recovered yet?”

Zhang Bing said: “Not because of his health—because Leyao left the country and cut off all contact. His mother said Lü Li cried for hours hidden under the covers.”

At that moment, the three women, sensing they’d left the two men out, ended their conversation and gathered around.

Bai Wanying, hearing Zhang Bing’s words, spoke bluntly: “Don’t believe a word of Lü Guoyi’s mother’s nonsense—it’s crocodile tears, no good intentions.”

“Zhang Bing, you must never tell the Lü family anything about Leyao. That’ll only hurt her.”

Wei Xiaozhu chimed in: “Leyao won’t return to China for the next few years.”

Bai Wanying placed her hands on her wheelchair: “Good. Lü Guoyi has always been arrogant. He’s not crying for Leyao because he loves her—he’s crying because she escaped his control, finally abandoned him. That’s why he’s crying.”

I bet, since childhood, only Lü Guoyi has ever dumped others. No one ever dumping him? He can’t handle it. He deserves it.”

Though physically disabled, Bai Wanying had the spirit of a martial heroine—had this been a wuxia novel, she’d surely be a righteous woman who uprooted evil and protected the innocent.

But her words struck home with all of them.

That night, since they talked so late, Wei Xiaozhu, Bai Wanying, and Zhang Bing all stayed overnight in Building 26.

The next morning, Bai Wanying and Zhang Bing left, saying they had to return to Wujiaochang to manage their shop.

Watching their retreating figures, Wei Xiaozhu sighed: “Life is unpredictable. The person you love most is often not the one best suited for you.”

Li Heng and Mai Sui exchanged glances.

Too lazy to cook themselves, the three had breakfast at Chunhua Noodle Shop.

Liu Chunhua’s belly grew bigger each day; her pregnancy bump was now clearly visible. “Duxinxian” doted on his wife, letting her help only with wrapping wontons. All other tasks—cooking noodles, wiping tables, washing dishes—he took on himself.

Li Heng praised Duxinxian: “Ever since Sister Chunhua came with you, you’ve become a completely different person—I can hardly recognize you.”

“Fuck! We grew up in diapers together, and you dare say you don’t recognize Old Master? I’ll peel your skin off!” Zhang Zhiyong kept cursing, but his sly grin showed he was thoroughly pleased.

When no one was around, Duxinxian suddenly changed expression: “Lao Heng, I’ve got something to tell you.”

Li Heng asked: “What is it?”

Duxinxian, indignant, said: “Lao Fuzi keeps having the same dream—always seeing that bastard abusing my mom, beating her up for those sluts. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. I just want to go back to Shaoshan and kill that motherfucker!”

Li Heng understood: this wasn’t a dream—it was the truth of the past. Old Yong was using the dream to express his buried rage and resentment.

He frowned: “You’ve got a wife, a child, a warm bed now—they need you most. Are you really going back to Shaoshan to confront your father now? That’s not wise.”

And frankly, your father’s got too many men under him. On his turf in Shaoshan, you can’t out-muscle him.”

“I’m not going to play brute force with him—only an idiot would. A college grad uses brains.” Duxinxian tapped his own head, eyes full of malice.

Li Heng was speechless.

He’d said that just to scare him, to urge caution—but this guy nicknamed “Duxinxian” was talking about using brains?

Li Heng felt uneasy: “How are you going to use brains?”

Duxinxian licked his lips and chuckled: “Not now. Haven’t figured it out yet. I’ll deal with him after graduation.”

More than two years remained until graduation. Li Heng exhaled in relief, patted his shoulder, and said: “Let me know when the time comes.”

Back on campus, Wei Xiaozhu turned to Li Heng: “Li Heng, can I borrow Mai Sui for a day?”

Li Heng and Mai Sui exchanged glances and laughed warmly: “Sure, but you’ve got to bring her back before sunset.”

Unexpectedly, Wei Xiaozhu smiled: “No need to bring her back. Come pick her up at Xiyuan Honglou this afternoon—we’re celebrating Lantern Festival at my aunt’s place tonight.”

Li Heng asked: “Your aunt…?”

Wei Xiaozhu cut him off: “Don’t overthink it. My aunt loves a good time—just show up.”

She was only half right: Wei Quan was actually a quiet person.

But his aunt had spoken highly of Li Heng in the past, which was why Wei Xiaozhu had invited him.

Li Heng thought for a moment and agreed.

Mai Sui walked over, tiptoed to smooth his hair, and said gently: “I’ll go shopping with Xiaozhu. I’ll bring lunch back. Don’t read too hard—rest your eyes.”

Li Heng said nothing, only watched her quietly.

Sensing his loving gaze, Mai Sui’s heart stirred. She quickly kissed his cheek like a dragonfly touching water, then blushed and turned away.

Wei Xiaozhu beside them stared, stunned. But then she remembered how Li Heng and her friend had once kissed in a quiet corner of the classroom building, and she relaxed.

The two women left. After watching them go, Li Heng headed home. He had many things to do today—he couldn’t afford to waste a single moment.

In the morning, feeling sharp, he read and wrote, working on Chapter 32 of “Dust Settles”:

The Laxiba Tusi came again.

He saw the once-closed fortress transformed into an open, grand structure, and thought he’d wandered into the wrong place.

This time, he no longer called me his uncle. Even though I don’t even have a proper gate… From 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Li Heng wrote over 5,700 characters.

Satisfied enough.

Just as he set down his pen and prepared to rest, he caught the scent of food. He turned—and saw half a head peeking through the doorway.

Mai Sui smiled softly at him: “Finished?”