Chapter 694

Dinner was set on two tables, each with sixteen dishes.

Li Heng worked for three hours before finishing.

The results were obvious—everyone praised his cooking, and they also lavished compliments on Jiang Yue and Song Shi, saying the couple was blessed to have a daughter of both talent and beauty, and such a wonderful son-in-law; throughout the neighborhood, they were the envy of all.

Good words are always welcome. Not only did Song Shi and Jiang Yue relish them, even the grandparents, who were used to plain tea and simple meals, couldn’t stop smiling.

Grandpa Wine Bug, in high spirits, accepted every drink offered, downing several bowls of strong liquor until he got drunk.

Sun Manning raised her wine cup to Li Heng and Song Yu and said: “Is this the betrothal wine? Come, I’ll drink with you—may your marriage be harmonious and last a hundred years.”

Li Heng and Song Yu exchanged a glance and drank deeply with the girl.

Setting down the cup, Sun Manning leaned close to Song Yu’s ear and whispered, so only the two could hear: “Song Yu, you’re amazing—I actually worried about you at first.”

Song Yu smiled and said: “It’s not that I’m amazing—it’s just that his heart is still with me for now.”

The word “for now” revealed the uncertainty ahead, showing Song Yu’s practicality—she hadn’t grown arrogant because of her current lead.

She knew that for women like Zhou Shihe, Yu Shuheng, and Xiao Han, one opportunity could turn the tide; she was far from secure.

Sun Manning had wanted to offer comforting words to her friend, but then she thought of Shihe’s excellence and character, and remembered how many times Master Yu had visited Li’s home—suddenly, Song Yu didn’t seem so far ahead.

Back in the bedroom that night, Song Yu asked him: “You drank so much—do you have a headache?”

Li Heng exhaled a breath of alcohol: “At first it was fine, no feeling. But this liquor has a strong aftereffect—now I’m a little dizzy.”

Song Yu propped a pillow against the headboard, then sat half-upright against it and said: “Lie on my lap—I’ll massage your temples.”

Li Heng’s eyes lit up: “Lie in your arms instead.”

Before she could reply, he had already settled into her lap, his head resting on her chest, lazily stretching out with a yawn.

Song Yu smiled and didn’t push him away; she placed her hands on his temples and began gently, carefully massaging.

“How’s the pressure?” she asked.

Li Heng replied comfortably: “Very nice.”

Then he remembered something and told her about the four properties he’d bought in Changshi—two apartments and two commercial shops.

Song Yu said nothing in response.

Li Heng said: “Your parents just arrived in Changshi and haven’t been assigned housing yet—just move in. Two of the units are near Hunan University; commuting will be convenient.”

Song Yu remained silent.

Li Heng grew anxious, rolled over in her lap, and looked straight into her eyes: “Wife, say something—please?”

Song Yu met his gaze quietly, then spoke with a calm, fragrant tone: “We haven’t officially married yet. Given Mother’s nature, she won’t move in—and she won’t accept it.”

Li Heng asked: “Can’t you persuade her?”

Song Yu shook her head lightly: “I can’t. She’s not like me—her heart isn’t soft.”

Her meaning was clear: when it came to the Sihe Academy on Xila Hutong, she hadn’t planned to accept it either—only because this man had relentlessly pursued her had she reluctantly taken the keys, moving in under the pretense of tending the courtyard’s flowers and plants.

Li Heng asked: “Where are your parents staying now?”

Song Yu said: “Your aunt’s in-laws own a house near Hunan University—they’re staying there. Hunan University does have faculty housing, but it’s cramped and basic; Mother can’t stand it, so she’s staying where your aunt’s husband arranged.”

Li Heng understood his in-laws’ temperament well—he’d originally hoped Song Yu could help, giving him a sliver of hope.

Now that even Song Yu refused to help, all hope was gone.