Chapter 657: Here Comes Another Troublesome One

Hearing Xiao Han’s words, Li Heng was caught off guard.

There are so many people here watching—Zhou family relatives, friends, classmates—Xiao Han, what are you trying to pull?

Meeting Xiao Han’s smiling gaze, Li Heng suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; he sensed this girl was playing a move—not just against him, but against herself too.

Playing him a move was easy to understand: just now at Building 26, he chose Song Yu. And some things can’t be repeated twice—Xiao Han wanted to see if Li Heng had the guts to ignore her twice in a row.

What would happen if he ignored her twice?

The answer was almost self-evident.

At the same time, Xiao Han was also playing herself a move.

Or put another way—it was breaking the cauldron and sinking the boat, placing herself in mortal peril to find renewal.

At this moment, having been deceived once, she had nothing left to lose; she simply wanted to measure how much weight she held in Li Heng’s heart.

If Li Heng still didn’t care for her, she could give up early, and never speak to him again.

If Li Heng compromised, taking a middle path, then her struggle with Song Yu had only just begun—future victory or defeat would depend on each woman’s own strength.

In this setting, Xiao Han didn’t expect Li Heng to fully favor her—that was unrealistic. She only wanted to shatter Song Yu’s sense of superiority, to pierce the golden armor of love surrounding her.

In short, Xiao Han’s all-in was an open strategy: either you choose to follow me, or you don’t. Having gone this far, she could accept any outcome calmly.

The choice now rested in Li Heng’s hands.

The pressure did too.

All eyes in the room fixed on Li Heng.

Song Yu watched him with a faint smile, showing no sign of urgency.

Xiao Han remained composed, enduring the complex glances of relatives and friends like a cultivated monk who had reached the lofty state of being unmoved by gain or loss.

The most relaxed was Yu Shuheng—she was delighted to see Song Yu and Xiao Han clashing, delighted to see Xiao Han backed into a corner; as for which of the two women lost or won, to her it was all gain.

The heaviest heart belonged to Zhou’s mother—her gaze flickered between her daughter and Li Heng, finally settling on Li Heng’s face; she wanted to know: what would Li Heng do?

What would Li Heng do?

Just what would he do?

Li Heng reached out his right hand, grasped Song Yu’s wrist, and smiled at Xiao Han: “Fine, this is your stage—you’re in charge. You decide.”

With that, Li Heng led Song Yu over and sat beside Xiao Han.

At that moment, a strange scene emerged.

Li Heng sat in the center, Xiao Han to his left, Song Yu to his right.

One man, two women—sitting there, visually pleasing, harmonious, drawing involuntary admiration.

But those who knew the truth understood: where was the harmony? Only blade-light and sword-shadow.

Seeing Li Heng act exactly as she’d predicted—choosing compromise—Xiao Han smiled knowingly; her goal was achieved. Her confidence returned.

Song Yu gave Li Heng a long, meaningful look; she wasn’t surprised by this outcome—after all, Xiao Han’s charm was undeniable; few men in the world could resist it.

Sandwiched between the two women, Li Heng sat on pins and needles, yet still smiled and urged everyone to take their seats and begin the meal.

Zhou’s mother sat beside her daughter; others sat wherever they pleased—no strict rules. Soon the table was full, lively chatter filling the air, reignited by the antics of Ye Ning and Sun Man.

But Xiao Han’s next move made everyone’s eyelids twitch.

As the birthday girl, she was to take the first bite—but instead of placing the dish in her own bowl, she openly, deliberately picked up a piece and placed it directly into Li Heng’s bowl.

It was Liangxi Crispy Eel—his favorite dish.

Xiao Han spoke gently: “This dish I made myself. Try it.”

Yesterday she had asked Li Heng: “Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

Li Heng replied: “Dry pot duck, Liangxi Crispy Eel, and Wensi Tofu.”

Seeing her daughter’s action, Zhou’s mother took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm; her gaze lingered on Li Heng’s face once more, then she smiled warmly and urged everyone to eat, treating each guest with warmth, addressing each person by name, attending to every mood.

While Zhou’s mother was busy urging guests to eat and drink, Li Heng quickly placed a bite of food into Song Yu’s bowl, then another into Xiao Han’s.

Xiao Han glanced at Song Yu; Song Yu glanced back—both women seemed to share an unspoken understanding, lowering their heads to eat simultaneously.

Seeing the two ladies had calmed down, Li Heng exhaled in relief, then quietly placed a bite into Yu’s bowl and struck up a light conversation with her.

Yu Shuheng was surprised; her gaze toward him carried clear meaning: take good care of the two beside you—I don’t need you to worry about me.

Li Heng pretended not to notice Yu’s teasing, popped a piece of crispy eel into his mouth, chewed slowly, and whispered to Xiao Han: “Xiao Han, thank you—this dish is delicious.”

Xiao Han gave a flat, indifferent “Mm.”

Li Heng scanned the table, then spoke in a voice only the two could hear: “Today’s your birthday—please, let it pass.”

Let what pass?

They both knew.

Hearing his plea, Xiao Han’s delicate lips pouted slightly, held back, then couldn’t resist—she smiled knowingly and asked: “Want me to help cook dinner?”

Li Heng thought: No, I’m already terrified of you—how could I let you go to Building 26? If you and Song Yu start fighting again, the kitchen might get torn apart.

Li Heng said: “Today’s your birthday—you’ve been busy all day. Rest this afternoon. I cook fast—it’s all simple farm dishes, won’t take long.”

Hearing this, Xiao Han glanced at him—some things are better left unspoken—and turned to chat casually with her aunt and others.

Li Heng picked out several dishes Song Yu liked, placing them in her bowl as he said: “Come with me to the market later—we’ll eat at home.”

Song Yu said yes.

Li Heng asked: “How many days of leave did you take?”

Song Yu replied: “You should’ve read the newspaper—if it doesn’t interfere with your work, I can stay here a few more days.”

Hearing this, Li Heng felt both joy and worry.

Joy: he could spend time with Song Yu.

Worry: there was Xiao Han, Mai Sui, Yu Shuheng, and that terrifying Wang of Fudan—his days were going to be rough.

He didn’t know if Xiao Han would even come today—or when.

If that cunning wife showed up, Building 26 would be utterly chaotic.

Perhaps Li Heng’s plea of “let it pass” had been heard—afterward, the birthday banquet proceeded smoothly; Xiao Han caused no more trouble, leaving Li Heng deeply relieved.

After dinner came the birthday cake.

When Xiao Han made her wish and blew out the candles, everyone secretly wondered: who would she give the first slice to? Her mother? Or Li Heng?

Under everyone’s gaze, Xiao Han picked up the cake knife and fork, cut the first slice quietly, then turned her head toward Li Heng.

Hearts tightened: here we go again?

True enough—the next second, she placed the slice before Li Heng and said gently: “Li Heng, your pure music album brought me great benefit—I never thanked you. This is my twentieth-birthday cake, deeply meaningful to me. I give you the first slice.”

Seeing Xiao Han repeatedly show favor to Li Heng today, no one was foolish—they all sensed something unusual in the air.