[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-1987-my-era":3,"chapter-1987-my-era-1987-my-era-chapter-646":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","1987: My Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2259806,4409,"Chapter 646: Those Things on the Piano","1987-my-era-chapter-646",646,"\u003Cp>For several days straight, Li Heng didn’t go anywhere, just holed up in his study reading manuscripts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He read through all fifty-eight pages of \"Dust Settles\" from beginning to end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To avoid distraction and save time, he’d nearly gone mad—ate buns for breakfast, then bought a bag of buns to eat for lunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, he ran into Wei Xiaozhu outside campus; upon learning of his situation, she specifically brought him dinner twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the first read-through, he reorganized his thoughts again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading the manuscript a second time, he stirred up his emotions, spread out his notebook, uncapped his pen, and prepared to write Chapter 59.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet ten minutes had passed, and the pen tip still hovered above the white paper, Chichiweiluo .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After another tense pause, Li Heng frowned deeply, finally sighed, set the pen down on the desk, and slumped back in his chair, limp as a pile of cotton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he still not found that writing feeling again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where had he gone wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because he was too eager?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, Li Heng rose, left his study, and walked out of Building 26.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He planned to take a walk outside, stretch his limbs, and clear his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are the windows and doors of Building 27 open? Has Zhou Shihe returned?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stood at the courtyard gate, peering inside for a long while—but saw not a soul. Just as he wondered whether to enter, a group appeared down the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Men and women, old and young—likely a family of six, each carrying large bundles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked over and saw them stop in front of Building 23.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Building 23’s professor had just gone abroad—is this a new neighbor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought this, the woman professor leading the group smiled at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng returned the smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This interruption dispelled his urge to enter Building 27; he turned and walked toward the alley’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked, he mused: Building 24 has been empty for so long—why hasn’t the school assigned anyone yet?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving Lushan Village, Li Heng pondered a while, then bought fruit and items for pregnant women and infants, heading straight for the hospital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Yong, how’s your wife and daughter?” Li Heng, familiar with the layout, found himself bumping into Zhang Zhiyong just as he stepped out of the private ward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong placed a finger to his lips, bent low, and whispered with furtive eyes: “Little Master Heng, keep your voice down—Miss Chunhua just fell asleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng nodded, understood, and handed him the gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong took the gifts, slipped back into the ward, then came out again, leading him outside: “The doctor says Miss Chunhua’s condition has stabilized, but the baby still needs observation—so far, no major issues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Heng exhaled in relief and said cheerfully: “As long as she’s fine, they’ve made it through this ordeal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong grinned: “We’ve had dinner already—how about we grab a drink, brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Won’t drinking interfere? Aren’t you going back to care for your wife and child?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong replied: “Old Heng, don’t worry—I’m not that clueless. My mom’s inside keeping watch—nothing’ll happen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng chuckled inwardly: Your nickname is literally “Clueless,” and you’re telling me you’re not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They found a roadside eatery, ordered a few of the owner’s specialties, and started drinking beer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a bottle, Clueless said: “Little Master Heng, this time we owe it all to Professor Yu—if not for her, I wouldn’t have made it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clueless glanced around furtively, leaned across the table, and whispered: “Are you really planning to marry Professor Yu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng rolled his eyes: “You’re a traitor—she helps you, and you instantly switch sides.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clueless scratched the back of his head, grinning foolishly: “Professor Yu’s beautiful and elegant—she’s perfect. Marrying her? You’d be winning big.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said: “Say that to Xiao Han and Song Yu’s faces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of Xiao Han and Song Yu—especially Song Yu—Clueless shuddered and fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While eating with Old Yong, heavy rain began to fall; only then did Li Heng realize he’d unconsciously reached May—the rainy season in the Jiangnan region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, he bought an umbrella and took the bus back to campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By chance, he encountered Wu Siyao from the neighboring Tongji University on the bus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Siyao saw him too, but didn’t approach and sit beside him as usual—only occasionally stole glances his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng pretended not to notice her covert glances, turned his head to gaze out the window, and didn’t even notice when she got off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned to Lushan Village, the rain had eased; from afar, he could already hear piano music drifting through the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Liszt’s piano piece “The Bells.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng listened, entranced, and unconsciously stopped at the gate of Building 27. Only after the piece ended did he suddenly knock on the courtyard door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong dong dong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong dong dong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knocks were quiet, yet starkly audible at the quiet end of the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Zhou Shihe appeared on the balcony, leaning down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met for two seconds; before he could speak, she turned away—and within half a minute, she stood in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a soft clink of the latch, the gate opened just a crack; she stood behind it, holding a black umbrella, silently watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Have you had dinner?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Practicing for the competition?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine—by her demeanor, she had no intention of letting him in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the incident at the library, they hadn’t had a proper conversation in a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief standoff across the threshold, Li Heng suddenly blinked and said: “‘Dust Settles’ has reached Chapter 58.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe instantly understood his bait—she knew his intent. She’d only read up to Chapter 56; two chapters remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe paused, then spoke: “My mother is resting in the bedroom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was gentle and melodic, but the meaning was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was startled: “Your mother is resting, yet you’re playing piano?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe replied calmly: “Since childhood, Mother has grown accustomed to sleeping to my piano music.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well—he had no reply. He said “Good night,” and turned toward his own building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good night?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe tilted her head to gaze at the sky, then checked her watch: 6:34.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be at least an hour before dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze passed through the wooden fence to the figure bending to open the gate next door; after hesitation, she pushed open her courtyard gate, shut it behind her, and walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing footsteps behind him, Li Heng turned—Zhou Gu niang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Face to face, Zhou Shihe thought a moment, then asked softly: “I remember you’d already written to Chapter 58 several days ago—why hasn’t it ended yet? Are you stuck?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe stared into his eyes for a moment, then turned and walked back toward her home, light-footed and silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that moment, Zhou Shihe understood his thoughts—and he understood her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng, relying on their unspoken bond, relocked the gate and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the gate of Building 27 was still open; the first-floor door was open too. Zhou Shihe had taken off her shoes and was placing her damp umbrella on the living room floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng walked in, closed the door behind her, and soon entered the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the front door shut, they exchanged a silent glance, then ascended the stairs—one ahead, one behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, all the second-floor bedroom doors were open; Li Heng glanced left and right—but no one was in any room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where was Zhou’s mother?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered behind her: “When did you learn to lie? Doesn’t your conscience hurt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead, Zhou Shihe smiled faintly, then quickly wiped the smile from her face, said nothing, and walked straight into the music room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, she sat down calmly before the piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng surveyed the room, then stepped to the window and pulled the curtains shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe faintly furrowed her brow—a sudden unease rose in her chest; she knew what might come next. Instinctively, she wanted to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she knew—he wouldn’t listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without much thought, she rose instinctively to flee, aiming to escape the music room as fast as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was fast—but Li Heng was faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her hand reached for the doorknob, a large hand covered hers; their strength was unequal—the knob didn’t budge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tried again to open the door—still no luck. She slumped beside the door, head bowed, motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng slid the bolt shut, turned on the light, and spoke gently: “Don’t overthink it—I just want to hear you play, to calm my mind, to find inspiration for writing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shihe said nothing, but her eyes fixed on the bolt he’d just locked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng seemed to know her worry: “The bolt gives security—no one will disturb us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him speak so seriously while saying nonsense, Zhou Shihe stilled, brushed a strand of dark hair behind her ear, then turned, stepped lightly, and returned to the piano, sitting down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng sat in the chair to her left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, a melodious voice came from her lips: “Which piano piece would you like to hear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied without hesitation: “‘Rain’s Imprint.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Zhou Shihe’s chest rose and fell slightly, her slender fingers lingering over the black and white keys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What piece is ‘Rain’s Imprint’?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was almost their love song, the one that stirred her heart most deeply, imbued with special meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Singapore, in the Netherlands, back in the practice room—each time they played this piece, their hearts drew immeasurably closer, sending endless ripples through them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, under these circumstances, Li Heng asked to hear this piece—it seemed natural, yet she doubted his motive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not hearing the piano sound, Li Heng said: “If you’re tired of ‘Rain’s Imprint,’ play ‘Butterfly Lovers’ instead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he shifted his body, leaning back against the chair, and closed his eyes to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waited a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, instead of ‘Butterfly Lovers,’ she played ‘Rain’s Imprint.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the graceful melody began, Li Heng’s heart tightened as if gripped by a hand; an unusual feeling quietly stirred within him, and countless images involuntarily surfaced in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these images were tied to the young lady before him: living together in Jingcheng, skiing in Northeast China, dancing in Singapore, the piano moment during the concert in the Netherlands, the memory of him kissing her…\u003C\u002Fp>",1766,"2026-06-19T15:27:37.732Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","34ab1e328577b4e64495c8e4af9451c841d2974984571bc4851a588b44538765","1987-my-era-chapter-647","1987-my-era-chapter-645",713,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002F1987-my-era-cover.jpg"]