Chapter 645: Night

Everyone who eats snails knows that sucking them out requires skill.

Li Heng likes to hold one snail in his left hand and another in his right, put them in his mouth, suck hard, and when the meat pops out, gently flick it with his tongue so it curls into his mouth.

Mai Sui stared half-closed at the ceiling for a while, then, unable to resist the itch in her heart, lowered her gaze again, dazedly watching him—she felt her whole body burn, tingling and limp.

Just as the living room buzzed with lively energy, a shout suddenly erupted from below:

“Lao Heng! Lao Heng! Open the door! Open the door!”

The shouts were mixed with frantic knocking—clearly, the visitor was in a panic.

Mai Sui reacted most sharply, snapping awake from her bliss, and said softly, “That sounds like Zhang Zhiyong.”

“Mm.” Li Heng was deeply annoyed—he was just enjoying himself, and now he was interrupted.

Damn it, he felt like dying.

Mai Sui said, “Go open the door quickly—Zhang Zhiyong is this frantic, something must have happened.”

As she spoke, Mai Sui rose from him, then shyly turned her back, pulling down her lifted clothes one by one and smoothing them out.

Li Heng murmured softly by her ear, “It really feels amazing—I could never get tired of it in my whole life.”

Hearing this, and recalling his earlier movements, Mai Sui’s ears burned fiercely; she dared not look at him.

Li Heng rushed to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and quickly splashed several handfuls of cold water on his face to cool down, then slipped his shirt over his waist to cover the terrifyingly massive dragon whip before hurrying downstairs.

Since it was around 10 p.m., the corner at the end of the alley was quiet; Zhang Zhiyong’s yelling instantly drew out nearby neighbors, all rushing to their balconies to check what was happening.

Including Teacher Yu.

Including Zhou Shihe, her mother, and her aunt from the neighboring 27-number villa.

With a creak, Li Heng opened the courtyard gate and asked with concern, “Lao Yong, what happened?”

“Sister Chunhua’s stomach hurts, my wife’s stomach hurts—she’s bleeding,” Zhang Zhiyong cried.

Li Heng immediately raised his voice: “Did you call an ambulance?”

Zhang Zhiyong shook his head violently; his expression suggested he was terrified.

Li Heng immediately pushed past the clueless man and shouted toward the second-floor balcony of No. 25: “Teacher Yu, call an ambulance—Zhang Zhiyong’s wife is in labor and bleeding!”

Upon hearing this, Yu Shuheng rushed back to the living room to make the call, then grabbed her bag and headed with Li Heng, Zhang Zhiyong, and Mai Sui toward Chunhua Noodle Shop.

Zeng Yun arrived in a Mercedes, but the ambulance hadn’t come yet.

Yu Shuheng immediately told Zeng Yun, “She’s bleeding—this can’t wait. We must get her to the hospital as fast as possible. Get in the car.”

Amid the chaos, Liu Chunhua was helped into the back seat of the Mercedes; Yu Shuheng sat in the front passenger seat, while Zhiyong sat in the back to stay with his wife.

On the way, the Mercedes met the ambulance; with Yu Shuheng’s intervention, Liu Chunhua was quickly transferred onto the ambulance.

Li Heng, Mai Sui, and Zhang Zhiyong’s mother arrived at the hospital later.

Now only Zhiyong and Zeng Yun waited in the hospital corridor; Teacher Yu was nowhere to be seen.

Li Heng walked over and asked, “Where’s Teacher Yu?”

Zeng Yun lowered his voice: “Miss Yu is on the phone—the pregnant woman’s condition isn’t good.”

Li Heng asked anxiously, “What did the doctor say?”

Zeng Yun replied, “The baby is likely to be born prematurely; the mother is also at risk of massive hemorrhage. She’s been inside for a while now—we still don’t know the situation.”

Hearing “premature birth” and “massive hemorrhage,” Li Heng went numb, his mind blank; he sat beside Zhiyong and patted his shoulder.

Zhiyong whispered hoarsely, “Big Brother Heng, you got any cigarettes?”

Li Heng shook his head—he didn’t smoke, so why would he carry any?

Still, he stood up and got a pack of cigarettes from the on-duty doctor.

The two slipped into a corner of the hallway, opened the window, lit their cigarettes, and began smoking.

Zhiyong was weighed down by worry; even his usually cheerful self stayed silent.

Li Heng silently smoked beside him.

After five cigarettes, his lips cracked, Zhiyong finally choked back tears and shouted, “Damn heavens! I’ll f*** you! If Sister Chunhua doesn’t make it, I’ll kill you!”

Li Heng comforted him: “It’ll be fine, Lao Yong—don’t say such gloomy things in a hospital. Sister Chunhua clearly has good fortune—she’ll pull through. As her husband, you need to stay strong now.”

Yu Shuheng returned from her call and found them: “The best obstetrician in Shanghai is on his way—he’s saved countless mothers from massive hemorrhage; his experience is unmatched.”

Less than ten minutes later, the sound of a helicopter echoed outside the hospital; a doctor in his fifties, accompanied by several nurses and doctors, strode swiftly toward the delivery room.

Yu Shuheng stood aside, not greeting the newcomer—she wanted to save every second.

The hospital director had been dragged from his bed; he first spoke privately with Teacher Yu, then politely shook hands with Li Heng, and finally told Zhiyong and Zhang’s mother: “Rest assured—we’ve brought in Shanghai’s top obstetrician and mobilized our best staff. We’ll do everything to ensure mother and child are safe.”

At that moment, Zhiyong had no words—he just held back tears, bowing repeatedly in thanks.

Time dragged on, but finally, the obstetrics door opened.

The lead doctor stepping out was the very one Yu Shuheng had called—he removed his mask and announced to all: “Thankfully, mother and daughter are both safe.”

Those eight simple words instantly revived Zhiyong and Zhang’s mother—they embraced and burst into tears.

Behind those eight words lay Liu Chunhua’s brush with death—had the doctor arrived even three minutes later, she would have bled out.

According to the doctor, if he’d arrived three minutes later, he couldn’t have saved her.

Three minutes saved her life—Yu Shuheng quietly slipped the doctor a large red envelope.

But the doctor refused it, smiling at Yu Shuheng: “Teacher Yu, don’t humiliate me—I need to rest now.”

Hearing this, Yu Shuheng had no choice but to take back the envelope, smiling as she saw the doctor to the door.

After seeing the baby and his wife, Zhiyong suddenly walked up to Yu Shuheng and, before everyone’s stunned silence, dropped to his knees: “Thank you, Teacher Yu, for your immense grace—I can never repay you. If you ever need anything from me, no matter what, I’ll give my life to fulfill it.”

Yu Shuheng was torn between laughter and tears; she rushed to help him up, but couldn’t budge him—she could only look to Li Heng for help.

Li Heng knelt beside him and whispered in his ear: “A man’s knees hold gold—get up. Besides, she’s your future sister-in-law; no need for such formality.”

Li Heng’s voice was quiet, but the private room was silent—everyone inside heard it clearly.

Yu Shuheng heard it too, and smiled gently—she felt everything she’d done tonight was more than worth it.

Though she’d never expected anything in return for such a small favor, having done it purely out of goodwill, Li Heng’s use of the word “sister-in-law” made her heart soar.

Mai Sui heard it too, but reacted indifferently—as if she’d long expected it.

Mai Sui had indeed long expected it; she’d already prepared herself. She’d once told Shihe: “Li Heng’s future cannot exist without Teacher Yu.”

That one sentence proved Mai Sui had a crystal-clear understanding of Li Heng’s emotional landscape—he could lose anyone, but he absolutely could not lose Song Yu or Teacher Yu.

Song Yu was his greatest love.

Teacher Yu was his professional safeguard.

One filled his emotional needs; the other compensated for his social shortcomings.

Of course, this was under the assumption that Mai Sui didn’t know about Huang Zhaoyi, nor about Li Heng’s ambiguous relationship with Zhou Shihe, nor that Wang Ye had already elevated the new future to a whole new level—otherwise, she wouldn’t be so certain.

Song Yu truly was irreplaceable.

But as for Teacher Yu, Zhou Shihe’s family could match her perfectly; Huang Zhaoyi’s family was slightly lesser, but not by much.

Zhang Zhiyong had long suspected the nature of Li Heng and Yu Shuheng’s relationship, but had never gotten confirmation from Li Heng—until now, when “sister-in-law” left his mind frozen.

The most stunned were Zhang’s mother and Liu Chunhua in bed—they stared blankly at Yu Shuheng, then at Li Heng, utterly unable to describe their feelings.

Since Liu Chunhua was weak, the group stayed in the room for a while before leaving.

Zhiyong ran back and forth, buying late-night snacks for everyone.

After eating, Li Heng told Teacher Yu and Mai Sui: “Teacher, take Mai Sui back to school—I’ll stay here with Lao Yong tonight.”

Knowing their bond was unbreakable, Yu Shuheng said nothing, stood up, and left with Mai Sui.

Before leaving, Mai Sui added: “I’ll bring breakfast tomorrow morning.”

Li Heng knew she meant well and didn’t refuse—he nodded.

By the Mercedes, Yu Shuheng told Zeng Yun: “I’ll drive—you stay at the hospital to guard him.”

Zeng Yun understood Li Heng’s importance to his boss; he handed over the keys and returned to the hospital.

At that moment, Liu Bei also arrived by car—but she was sharp and didn’t approach; instead, she followed the Mercedes at a calm distance.

After driving a stretch toward Fudan University, Yu Shuheng in the driver’s seat suddenly asked: “Mai Sui, you heard what happened in the room?”

“What happened in the room” referred to Li Heng’s words: “She’s your future sister-in-law.”

Mai Sui didn’t know what Teacher Yu intended to say; after a pause, she nodded.

Yu Shuheng stared ahead, then said softly: “I know your heart belongs entirely to Li Heng. Mine does too.”

Mai Sui stayed silent, her hands folded over her abdomen, forcing herself to remain calm.

Yu Shuheng glanced at her, then spoke gently: “Li Heng’s emotions are chaotic—do you agree with me?”

“Mm.” Mai Sui finally murmured, her voice barely audible.

Satisfied with the response, Yu Shuheng continued: “As a teacher, I truly like students like you; as a future woman in his life, you’re gentle, thoughtful, virtuous, and kind—the perfect wife for any man. You suit him perfectly.”

Mai Sui blushed, embarrassed by the praise; she bit her lower lip and tilted her ears upward—she had a hunch that what Teacher Yu said next was the real point.

Sure enough, Yu Shuheng revealed the purpose of this conversation: “I’m not familiar with his other romantic interests, so I don’t have much tolerance for them—but you, Mai Sui, are different. Being by his side, I feel no discomfort.”

Mai Sui understood: Teacher Yu’s words meant she didn’t reject her, and would accept her as Li Heng’s woman.

Deeper still, it meant: Teacher Yu intended to marry him openly, legally—she was reaching out to her.

She was making a silent promise.

Mai Sui understood—and was utterly stunned.

The noble, elegant, intellectual Teacher Yu—she truly accepted that he could have other women?!

In the past, people had talked, speculated—but Mai Sui, Sun Manning, and others all assumed: Teacher Yu hadn’t yet officially claimed her position, lacked legitimate authority, so she couldn’t immediately purge his other women.

Second, her identity as a university professor restrained her.

Mai Sui had even prepared for the worst: if Song Yu couldn’t withstand Teacher Yu’s pressure, and Li Heng was eventually forced to marry Teacher Yu, and Teacher Yu decided to purge his other women—then, to spare Li Heng, she’d quietly seek out Song Yu, and the two would vanish together to live out their lives in solitude.

Mai Sui didn’t know Xiao Han well, and understood Chen Zijin only partially—but she knew Song Yu inside and out. She understood better than anyone that Song Yu was just like her: hard to love, but once she did, it was forever—her heart could never hold another. If both were cast out by power, the two sisters could spend their remaining years together.

It was already very late when they returned to Lushan Village.

As Mai Sui opened the door and stepped inside, Zhou Shihe followed right behind her.

Mai Sui asked, “Shihe, why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Zhou Shihe asked with concern, “Is Zhang Zhiyong’s girlfriend alright?”

“She had severe bleeding, but the rescue was timely—she’s fine now,” Mai Sui said.

Zhou Shihe asked, “What about the baby inside her?”

Mai Sui said, “It came a month early, but its condition is still uncertain—they’re keeping her under observation in the hospital.”

Zhou Shihe nodded, paused thoughtfully, then asked, “Is Li Heng staying with Zhang Zhiyong?”

“Yeah, they’ve been childhood friends since they were little, with deep bonds—he’s afraid something else might happen later tonight, and he doesn’t want Zhang Zhiyong to handle it alone, so he stayed behind,” Mai Sui said.

Zhou Shihe asked, “Did Teacher Yu send Ceng Yun to protect him?”

Mai Sui said, “He did.”

Zhou Shihe fell silent for several seconds, then asked quietly, “Are you still coming with us to Hangcheng tomorrow?”

Mai Sui looked hesitant. “Shihe, I plan to return to Shaoshan with Teacher Yu tomorrow.”

The answer was surprising, yet not entirely unexpected. Zhou Shihe said gently, “That’s fine—family matters most.”

Before her friend could reply, she added, “Li Heng isn’t coming back tonight. This big house feels too quiet alone—come over and sleep with me.”

Their bond was close; Mai Sui didn’t hesitate and agreed: “Okay, let me take a shower first.”

Zhou Shihe nodded again and sat down on the sofa to wait.

While waiting, she suddenly noticed the living room curtains were drawn shut.

She stared at the curtains for a moment, then her gaze drifted to the sofa she was sitting on—and an unbidden thought surfaced in her mind: Could Mai Sui and he have been doing something intimate on that sofa again?

They’d already been passionate downstairs in the evening—could it have happened again?

Is he that obsessed with that sort of thing?

Or is Mai Sui just too alluring—he can’t resist her?

As she thought, her chest rose and fell several times, but she was a highly rational person, and quickly suppressed the thought.

An hour later, the two women lay in the master bedroom of Building No. 27.

Seeing Mai Sui tossing and turning, unable to sleep, Zhou Shihe suddenly asked from her flat position: “Something on your mind?”

Mai Sui asked, “Am I disturbing you?”

Zhou Shihe remained silent—her silence was confirmation.

Mai Sui hugged her and said, “I’m sorry.”

After a long pause, Zhou Shihe spoke again: “Is it about Li Heng? Or about Teacher Yu?”

Mai Sui’s eyes widened. “Amazing! How did you know?”

Zhou Shihe said, “When you returned with Teacher Yu, I happened to be on the upper loft. I immediately sensed your relationship had grown much closer than before.”

Mai Sui asked, “What else did you notice?”

Zhou Shihe said, “Since you came home, your expression has been full of hesitation. I think Teacher Yu said something to you on the way back.”

Mai Sui asked, “Try to guess.”

Zhou Shihe thought for a moment, then probed: “Did she try to win you over today?”

Mai Sui fell silent, then after a long while, said admiringly, “Shihe, your logical thinking is incredible. Thank goodness we’re best friends—if we were rivals for his affection, I wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep.”