[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-1987-my-era":3,"chapter-1987-my-era-1987-my-era-chapter-94":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},2259254,4409,"Chapter 94: Achieving Fame and Success (Requesting Subscriptions!)","1987-my-era-chapter-94",94,"\u003Cp>Watching Xiao Han and her mother depart, Yang Yingwen took a long while to snap out of it, still staring at Li Heng in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Heng, are you skilled in casting love charms?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng rolled his eyes. “If I knew how to cast love charms, I’d give you and a boar a matching pair.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good good good!” Zhang Zhiyong jumped up, clapping enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng covered her mouth and laughed—every time she traveled with them, the best part was their bickering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen glared at Zhang Zhiyong. “So what’s your relationship? Are you two dating?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If holding hands counted as dating, Li Heng would gladly agree a hundred times over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Xiao Han, that sly girl, got scared afterward, today was still a huge step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In pursuing Xiao Han, Li Heng never played by the rules—he relied on spontaneity and surprise, denying her any chance to predict or react, thus maximizing his chances of success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said seriously: “Holding hands means she’s my woman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Yang Yingwen fell unusually silent, then finally spoke with honesty: “I hope you don’t let Xiao Han down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, your relationship should stay hidden for now. Wait until you’ve truly accomplished something—it’ll be better that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng understood: Old Mop was giving this advice based on rumors about him and Chen Zijin, and it wasn’t wrong—it was the sincere counsel of a true friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded. “Don’t worry—I know what I’m doing. Tonight’s a happy night, I’m treating you to noodles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xiao Feng shake her head, he added quickly: “Don’t feel bad for spending money on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong, who knew him well, let out a dramatic yell: “Save your damn pennies—I’ve been sour all the way! I’m having two bowls!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen didn’t understand. “You treat us every day? Did you really find money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re just spending your scholarship, I’ve got my own money—I don’t need yours. Save it for your parents. Your dad’s been taking medicine daily for years—it adds up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng strongly agreed: “Li Heng, don’t think being a man means you have to shoulder everything. We’ve known each other for years—we know each other inside out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you make it big, me and Yingwen will come over every day to mooch off you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng felt warmth in his chest. After a pause, he said: “Since we know each other so well, don’t you know me? I wouldn’t pretend to be rich if I wasn’t. Ask Zhiyong if you don’t believe me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong puffed out his chest proudly. “Of course—I’ve been mooching off him for two months without guilt, didn’t I? He’s got the money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xiao Feng and Yang Yingwen still confused, Zhang Zhiyong couldn’t hold back. “Big Brother Heng! Just tell them already—they’re family! I’m bursting from keeping this secret!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng asked: “Tell us what? Is there a secret?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng thought it over. He’d have to tell his parents tonight anyway, and soon the whole village would find out. Since he couldn’t hide it, he nodded decisively:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yingwen and Xiao Feng aren’t outsiders. Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong’s grin stretched to his ears. “Really? You’re letting me say it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen glanced between them, exasperated. “Stop playing cryptic games—what are you hiding? Just spit it out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong dropped his backpack, planted his hands on his hips, and stood before the two girls with a smug grin. “Listen up—don’t scream!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen was ready to hit him. “Ugh, are you annoying or what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong chuckled. “My brother’s a famous writer! He earned four thousand yuan in royalties from one book.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng didn’t react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen didn’t either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong’s eyes nearly crossed. “Wait—why aren’t you reacting? Aren’t you excited?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen said: “Because you’re treating us like fools.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng didn’t speak, but that was exactly what she meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh! Huh!” Zhang Zhiyong nearly fainted. He spilled everything—every detail of Li Heng’s writing—like beans pouring from a sack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took a full five minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, after listening, Xiao Feng whirled around to find Li Heng—only to see him buying newspapers and the magazine “Shouhuo” at a newsstand across the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two girls exchanged glances, then asked in unison: “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong nodded like a chick. “Absolutely true. Otherwise, why would he keep going to the English teacher’s house? For writing and making calls!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng asked in surprise: “So the English teacher knows too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong, for once, beamed with pride. “Isn’t that obvious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng turned left, Yang Yingwen turned right—their gazes met again, filled with shock! Shock! Shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stood frozen for a long time, until Li Heng returned with the newspaper and magazine. Then both girls turned to him at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, they saw such an exaggerated expression on Xiao Feng’s face: “Li Heng, you’re the author of ‘To Live’? Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng handed them each a newspaper. “It’s true. But keep it secret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two girls took the papers, leaned close—and\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then there was nothing else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until they reached Qian Yuejin’s noodle shop, they stared at Li Heng without speaking—like he was a monster—dumbfounded, blank, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng waved his hand in front of them and grinned. “Still insisting on paying?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen took a deep breath, then another. “No way. You think I’m stupid? I’m not paying—I’m eating like a rich man, two bowls!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng let out a soft laugh, fully agreeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meal was peaceful, the atmosphere warm. The two girls had so many questions for Li Heng, but dared not ask—every table around them was full. They feared leaking such a huge secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the two girls almost felt sorry for Zhang Zhiyong—carrying such a secret alone must’ve been unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong really ate two bowls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen and Xiao Feng were both car-sick and starving—they shared three bowls, roughly one and a half each.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, as a true foodie, Li Heng couldn’t eat less—he polished off two large bowls himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eating their fill, Xiao Feng, whose home was in the Gold Mine, left first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked up at the sky. “It’s getting dark. Walking home will take hours. Why not stay at Yingwen’s tonight? We’ll take you there tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Feng declined. “No need. My second brother will wait for me at the entrance of Shiqiaopu Central Primary School.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the others relaxed. Xiao Feng’s family was relatively well-off—both her parents worked at the mine and had a phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the three of them—still no landline in Shangwan Village. To send word home, they had to write letters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Xiao Feng off, Li Heng took them to the farmers’ market—but it was too late; vendors had all packed up. He had to abandon his plan to buy something for his parents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The road from town to Shangwan Village was ten miles long. Though much of it was uphill, the past few dry days had left the path firm—walking wasn’t hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since learning Li Heng was a famous writer, Yang Yingwen had remained silent, trudging quietly behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking most of the way, Zhang Zhiyong couldn’t help asking: “Hey, are you feeling a huge gap? Can’t accept it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, Yang Yingwen was brutally honest: “Yeah, a bit. Before, I despised him—except for looking half-decent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng’s face twitched. “I never did anything to you. Why did you despise me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen immediately adopted a combative stance. “Why did I despise you? Don’t you know? Song Yu, Xiao Han, Chen Zijin—if you’d ever chosen one and treated her sincerely, would I have looked down on you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng defended himself: “I’m a man of letters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yingwen scoffed. “So what? Being a man of letters gives you license to be a playboy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-sentence, she choked up, cheeks puffed, unable to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Yang Yingwen exploded: “Who the hell coined that phrase—linking ‘man of letters’ with ‘playboy’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng and Zhang Zhiyong burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breaking the silence, the three walked under the moonlight, chatting and laughing, finally reaching Shangwan Village just after eight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the village entrance, someone was tossing fish feed into the pond; a couple carried baskets full of corn; an old man who lost at card games cursed as he trudged home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the crossroads, people and dogs mingled—people chatted, dogs mated, each going about their business, lively and noisy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone spotted them from afar and called out cheerfully: “Hey! The three future college students are back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the speaker was an elder, Li Heng and the others had no choice but to bow respectfully: “Fifth Grandpa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone else shouted at Li Heng: “Li Heng, where’s your wife? Why didn’t you bring her home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng now carried himself with confidence. He strolled slowly and asked: “Uncle Zou, I’m about to be a college student—got any more daughters?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the crossroads, two or three dozen people burst into laughter, howling. What’s the saying? Trying to steal a chicken and losing your rice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s exactly it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her son’s voice, Tian Rune tied her apron and stepped out of the main room, holding a wooden ladle full of bran—she’d clearly just been feeding the pigs in the backyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, happy to see your precious son?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng beamed and skipped over, spinning around in front of her like a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Rune adored this son—she’d spoiled him since birth. Seeing him play like a kid, her weathered face lit up with wave after wave of smiles:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re back—that’s good. You’ve gotten a bit fatter, but still too thin. Go wash up—I’ll cook for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he hadn’t returned for the last few breaks and hadn’t called, Tian Rune assumed he wouldn’t come this time—so she hadn’t prepared dinner for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rice was precious back then. She measured every grain precisely—never adding a single extra grain—to save money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the rice had to be cooked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng washed quickly—under ten minutes. As for clothes? Well, only his underwear needed washing now—the rest could wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked around the house. “Where’s my dear dad? Why isn’t he home yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Rune shoved another stick of firewood into the stove and looked up. “Your dad and your older sisters are picking corn in the field. They’ll be back in about half an hour.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked: “Is your second daughter home too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Rune nodded. “She came home last night—around this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng immediately asked, “Has Second Sister changed? Did she tell you anything unusual?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e looked confused. “What change? Her mouth never stops moving—she’s always sneaking sugar cubes into it. I don’t know where that little devil got the money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng chuckled. If Second Sister didn’t snack, was she even Second Sister?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, she’d chewed candy all her life and never gained weight—strange, really.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng pulled a flashlight from the altar and asked, “Mom, where are they shucking corn? I’ll go pick them up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e said, “Zeng Family Hollow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that he was cowardly—Zeng Family Hollow was infamous throughout the surrounding villages for its eerie aura, long rumored to be haunted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the war, it was the residence of a wealthy Zeng landowner, who was wiped out overnight along with over eighty servants and tenant farmers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elders said that on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, flames lit up the sky, and the hollow echoed with agonized screams—but no one dared approach. A few brave villagers tried to investigate, but were ambushed halfway and shot dead instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her son paralyzed with fear, Tian Run’e smiled gently for once. “Don’t worry about them. Other neighbors are there too. They’ll come back together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Li Heng went. He grabbed the flashlight, called on Zhang Zhiyong, and each of them took a firewood axe, trudging three miles through the mountain path with grim determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they neared, Zhang Zhiyong pointed to a massive ancient tree ahead:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If a red-dressed ghost is standing on the treetop, damn it—I’m turning right around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this desolate wilderness, hearing that out of nowhere startled Li Heng—he kicked Zhang Zhiyong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you say something normal? Say it again and I’ll tie you to that tree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong chuckled but kept staring at the ancient tree. “My second uncle passed here three years ago at night. He said a red-dressed ghost stood right there, making Guilian  at him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked up. “Your second uncle really said that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong replied, “Dunno if it’s true, but he refuses to walk this path now—even in daylight, he takes a detour.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This hollow had no village ahead, no inn behind, no human habitation for three li around. Li Heng felt uneasy. “Zhang Zhiyong, you go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong was scared too and didn’t move. “Rock-paper-scissors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng said, “What if someone shows an extra hand during rock-paper-scissors?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong stepped back. “Fuck your dad! Say that again and I’m running.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng swept the flashlight around, terrified something unclean might perch on a branch. After a long pause, he forced himself forward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s there to fear? I haven’t eaten yet tonight—perfect chance to catch one and roast it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, as they passed the ancient tree, a chill shot straight to the crown of their heads, nearly locking their legs in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, voices came from the other side of the hollow: “Li Heng? Zhang Zhiyong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Sister, it’s me!” Li Heng waved the flashlight beam excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan came over, carrying a bamboo basket. “What are you two dawdling for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng asked, “Why are you alone? Where are Dad and Big Sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re still busy in the cornfield—the harvest’s too big to carry all at once. I’m bringing back the first load,” Li Lan replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong gasped. “You—you’re the only one who dares come through here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan gave him a scornful glance. “If you’re evil enough, even ghosts fear you. Right, Red-Dressed Ghost?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng and Zhang Zhiyong instinctively turned to look behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan set the basket down. “These rumors are all psychological. No need to fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two years ago, our ox didn’t come home. Mom went with Dad to the county hospital. I searched the whole mountain alone for an hour, then brought the ox back—never saw a ghost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhiyong’s lips trembled violently. He couldn’t speak, so he just raised his thumb. “You’re awesome!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Second Sister emboldening them, the three made two smooth round trips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In between, Li Heng asked about Second Sister’s novel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan said, “This is your honor. You tell Mom and Dad yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around 9 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Li family gathered: Li Jianguo, Tian Run’e, Li Yan, and Li Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e set her hoe against the threshold. “Full Zai , what’s so urgent you had to call us all here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spit it out—I’ve got to check the irrigation later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng beamed. “It’s big news. Big good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo peeled corn husks as he asked, “Good news? Won the special scholarship?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his son’s grades—always first prize before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d moved up another level, it would’ve been huge for a student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng answered, “I did win the special scholarship—but that’s not the good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of his parents and two sisters, he spoke slowly, word by word:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dad, Mom—I wrote a novel. I’m a writer. I earned 3,800 yuan in royalties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Tian Run’e reached out, touched her son’s forehead, stood up, and picked up her hoe to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go to bed early. Dreams have everything. Your dad often dreams he’s healthy again, climbing the Great Wall in Jingcheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo smiled awkwardly. In their impoverished home, even leaving the province was hard, let alone going to Jingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his parents didn’t believe him, Li Heng pulled out his ultimate move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took 3,800 yuan from his backpack and laid it on the table. “Mom, count it. 3,800 yuan. Not a cent missing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, cash had the most shocking power—and the strongest persuasive force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e stood frozen for ten full seconds, then slammed the door shut, rushed over, snatched the money, and began counting each bill one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Li Jianguo stopped peeling corn, shifted his small stool closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Tian Run’e finished counting—but fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her husband asked, “How much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She handed him the money. “3,800.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo took the bills, weighed them in his hand, didn’t count, and put them back on the table. After a long silence, he asked, “So… it’s true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng pulled out the magazine “Shouhuo” and newspaper clippings he’d bought, placing them before his parents. Facts spoke louder than words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long time sifting through the newspaper, Tian Run’e asked, “Besides the money, who else can vouch for this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng groaned. “Mom, don’t you trust your own son?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e said, “It’s not that I don’t trust you. My son’s still a few days shy of eighteen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked at Second Sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Li Lan dropped the bomb: “He’s telling the truth. I checked with his English teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng blinked. “Huh???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan continued: “When he told me he was a writer, I couldn’t sleep for a week. So last weekend, I went to No. 1 High School.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I saw your brother and his English teacher eating scrambled eggs with rice at a stall by the school gate’s left side, then walked back to the third floor together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng was speechless. “Why didn’t you join us for the scrambled eggs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan gave him a long, knowing look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng stopped asking. He sat aside, quietly melancholy—even as a writer earning money, she still thought he was a womanizer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Second Sister’s testimony, his parents had no choice but to believe. Li Jianguo reread the newspaper article, then asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The article says ‘To Live’ is extraordinary. How did you write it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng nodded toward his bedroom. “I’ve read all your books.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo didn’t believe him. “All of them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo was stunned. After several glances at his wife, he pushed off the table, stood, went to the study, randomly picked five books, and questioned Li Heng on their content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really had read them—many two or three times—even mostly in his past life, but that didn’t hinder Li Heng’s fluent answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After five books, Li Jianguo was breathing heavily. He rushed back to his room and brought out five more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng answered every question—and often understood the texts better than his father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo switched again. This time he took out ten books, deliberately choosing the most complex and difficult ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result was obvious—Tian Run’e’s face glowed with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan tilted her head at her brother, her mind full of ??????\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this what it meant to be born of the same parents but different fates?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a laborer by nature—yet this boy was born to be a scholar?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was simpler than the others. Her eyes sparkled—her brother now looked like the Wealth God on the altar. She didn’t understand literature, only money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo could no longer stay calm. He flipped through the books repeatedly, wondering: I’ve loved books all my life—why couldn’t I grasp what my son sees so clearly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why could my son read hundreds of books and become a writer, while I couldn’t?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s eighteen. I’m forty-eight. At this moment, he felt those extra thirty years were wasted—lived like a dog’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo wanted to ask his final doubt: How did his son manage to read all these books in just a few summer and winter breaks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But remembering how often he’d been proven wrong, he shut his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he keep talking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, as a father, had no talent at all—yet he knew how to doubt his son. Even he felt ashamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her husband fall silent, Tian Run’e asked again: “Full Zai , who else knows you’re a writer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied, “My English teacher, Zhang Zhiyong, and a few close friends like Yingwen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e asked, “What about Chen Zijin across the street?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng replied, “I know. I called her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lan frowned, “You still keep in touch? How spineless!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e glared at her second daughter like a scolding mother, “Don’t interrupt. Wait till I’m done asking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, if her mother dared to favor sons over daughters and scold her, she would have stood up and walked out right away. If she got angry enough, she might even have overturned the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, for the first time, Li Lan felt her mother hadn’t been wrong—had she truly forced her younger brother to labor in the fields and mountains like herself, when would he have had time to read?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When would he have had time to write?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where would the money have come from to buy her clothes and snacks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e continued, “What did Chen Zijin say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng answered, “I plan to go to Jingcheng to see her this summer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e frowned, her expression instantly hardening, “Go to the Chen household? Absolutely not!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Heng looked at his mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Run’e set aside 100 yuan from the pile on the table and gave it to him, then slipped the remaining 3,700 yuan into her pocket:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhong Lan once mocked me to my face, saying she’d rather kill Zijin than let her marry into our Li family. I won’t let you go to the Chen household.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Lan? That bitch?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was stunned. For all these years, this was the first time they’d ever heard Tian Run’e curse. The first time they’d heard her speak ill of someone behind their back. And the first time they’d seen hatred in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back when Fat Aunt spread gossip, Tian Run’e had always held back her anger with personal restraint. But facing Zhong Lan, she’d lost composure—rarely seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much suffering had she endured?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had Zhong Lan done that was so cruel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianguo pondered long, then sighed, “Even if Zhong Lan has a thousand faults, Zijin is innocent. Manzai wronged her. I think you should go see her this summer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his wife was about to speak, Li Jianguo patted her shoulder, “You don’t have to go to the Chen household right away—but you must meet Zijin. Who knows? She might become your daughter-in-law one day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let bygones be bygones—for Zijin’s sake. After all, we were in the wrong first. We’re parents too—we must learn to understand more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone’s surprise, Tian Run’e’s stubbornness flared up: “I don’t oppose Chen Zijin—I oppose the Chen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I nearly knelt down begging them, yet they still cursed me for hours on end. I can’t swallow this humiliation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Please subscribe! Please vote for monthly awards!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Already updated ten thousand characters.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3827,"2026-06-19T15:27:33.982Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","421be0c4195fc80b501a166893cde85f53f749021e516325a610dc956d65ba22","1987-my-era-chapter-95","1987-my-era-chapter-93",713,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002F1987-my-era-cover.jpg"]