[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981":3,"chapter-that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-156":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year, the Flowers Bloomed in 1981",{"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},2294574,4489,"Chapter 156: Brother, What Kind of Girl Should I Chase?","that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-156",156,"\u003Cp>Sunday, by Weiminghu Lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Leyu panted as she trailed behind Li Ye, straining to drag her two short legs, stubbornly maintaining a “running” posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her running was barely distinguishable from walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye slowed his pace gradually, doing chest expansions, naturally ending today’s morning run.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Leyu felt as if freed from prison, quietly pulled out a handkerchief, swiftly wiped the sweat from her forehead, and mimicked the same movements behind Li Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye stole two glances and noticed that with each flex and extension of her small arms, the slight curves beneath her loose sportswear had finally developed into a pleasing shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【This child was wasted! Luckily, I’m here to save her.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In previous years, Wen Leyu’s nutrition was insufficient, and her body rushed to grow taller—her height caught up, but everything else suffered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, she met Li Ye at the tail end of her development phase, and after a barrage of high-fat, high-calorie, high-nutrition meals, she finally made up the deficit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she’s mostly caught up, Li Ye finally dared to take her out for exercise, to improve her physical function—he never dared before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you still hold on? Let’s take a stroll, then head to Zaojunmiao—Hu Man and the others are coming over for dinner today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Leyu tilted her head up, thought for a moment, then said: “I need to shower first, then nap for a bit—I’ll get there by noon, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure, why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye had run too fast earlier and exhausted the girl—how could he not indulge her now? Not just a nap—if she wanted to ride on his shoulders to see the view, he’d lift her up right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Li Ye escorted Wen Leyu to the bathhouse entrance, he was stunned by the long queue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In recent days, whenever he bathed, he either used a basin in the dorm or went to Zaojunmiao’s sihe academy—he’d never seen this beautiful scene at school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A line of girls carried washbasins, moving slowly but persistently forward, all for that moment of freshness and beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye told Wen Leyu: “Zaojunmiao’s building has a shower room—I’ll get someone to refurbish it. From now on, if you need it, go there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl tilted her head, stared sharply at Li Ye for several seconds, then pouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost! Pick me up at the dorm at eleven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye scratched his head and walked off, wondering: “I didn’t show any improper thoughts—why doesn’t she think I’m a good guy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Zaojunmiao’s sihe academy, several girls were bustling in the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Xiaoyan handled the wok, Hu Man chopped vegetables, Han Xia washed them—the three worked with decent coordination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, Hu Man seemed troubled, glancing frequently toward the kitchen entrance, her brow furrowing now and then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Xiaoyan, busy cooking, didn’t notice—but Han Xia, slacking while washing vegetables, did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nudged Hu Man and whispered: “What are you daydreaming about? Watch out you don’t cut your finger off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man smiled, sighed, and kept chopping—“thump-thump-thump”—the sound echoing her frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia wasn’t stupid; she chuckled: “It’s just that you don’t like Li Dayong, right? Just tell him straight. If you won’t, I’ll tell him for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you even say that?” Hu Man sighed gloomily. “He never said anything outright—how can I tell him, ‘Don’t come see us anymore’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if he’s actually here at school to see Xiao Yan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, don’t drag me into this! Even a blind man can tell who Li Dayong likes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Xiaoyan, who had been pretending not to hear, got annoyed, waving her ladle at Hu Man like she was defending her honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man was thoroughly frustrated—she threw down the knife and quit, sitting on a stool sulking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since arriving in Jingcheng, Li Dayong had been visiting the Aviation Academy every few days—sometimes with Fu Yingjie, sometimes alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Hu Man didn’t pay much attention, because they’d lived together at the Second Grain Store for half a year—they were close friends, and after traveling thousands of miles to this big capital, looking out for each other was natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at first, the other girls in the dorm envied Hu Man and Jiang Xiaoyan, since most of them had come alone to Jingcheng with no familiar faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But over time, Hu Man began to sense something was off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong visited the Aviation Academy too frequently—and gradually, he picked up Li Ye’s “luxurious habits,” always bringing things for Hu Man and Jiang Xiaoyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snacks, fruit, then eventually movie tickets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man wasn’t stupid—by now, she knew exactly what Li Dayong was after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she had no feelings for him, no experience with such situations, and because they were so close, she felt lost—didn’t know how to refuse him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had watched Lu Jingyao reject Li Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less than half a year, Li Ye turned from a bright, bold boy into a withdrawn, pitiful shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she and Li Dayong weren’t at the same level as Li Ye and Lu Jingyao, there would still be harm, wouldn’t there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Hu Man’s moment of tenderness had misled Li Dayong—and after dragging it out for two or three months, her worries had accumulated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia was blunt and fiery; seeing her friend sulking, she stepped in: “Alright, when Li Ye comes, I’ll make him handle it—you just pretend you know nothing, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Having Li Ye handle it doesn’t seem right,” Hu Man still hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have a better idea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man nodded helplessly. After half a year together, the eight-member group had developed full trust in Li Ye—whatever he took on, he could accomplish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when Li Ye arrived at Zaojunmiao’s sihe academy with the energetic Wen Leyu, he was handed this headache of a task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately wanted to refuse: “Why push this onto me? Don’t you know the rule—don’t break up a marriage that’s not even formed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia shouted: “What marriage? Has Hu Man promised herself to Li Dayong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lower your voice—don’t let Dayong hear!” Li Ye quickly silenced Han Xia, muttering: “Let me think—should outsiders even get involved in this? Really.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye was genuinely pained—he’d done this before in his past life, turning brothers into strangers and best friends into enemies, leaving him caught between both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before Li Ye could come up with a solution, Li Dayong showed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The big, burly boy silently handed Li Ye a cigarette, then pulled out a lighter and lit it for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye took a drag and smiled: “Nice lighter—did Peng Ge give it to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong didn’t answer, took two hard drags, then said: “Did Hu Man ask you about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong, though rough on the outside, was actually very perceptive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye shook his head: “No, Han Xia just mentioned it—this kind of thing can’t be forced. But if you’re truly sincere, it’s still possible—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need, brother,” Li Dayong smiled bitterly. “Don’t comfort me—I’ve known for a while. I just couldn’t give up, so I just dragged it out, day by day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye sighed, pulled Li Dayong out the gate, and found a quiet corner to squat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they sat in silence, smoking—Li Ye finished his entire month’s quota.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, tell me—should you wait for a girl… or chase her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait? Chase? Clarify what you mean—I won’t give a hasty answer to something like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong chuckled awkwardly: “Wait—like you, do nothing, and girls naturally come crawling to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chase—like me, stupidly chasing a cold backside. If you succeed, great; if not, you just become a joke.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye felt embarrassed, his toes curling as if he wanted to dig into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Which eye do you think I’m “waiting”? You think Wen Leyu…】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after careful thought, Li Ye realized—he really had done nothing, and still ended up with Wen Leyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bond between the girl and him had grown like spring rain—silent, invisible, until they were deeply entwined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dayong, I say—chase. After all, chasing means you actively choose someone; the whole forest is quietly waiting for your effort—you have more options, don’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong thought for a moment, then asked hesitantly: “Brother, do you think I even have the right to choose from a whole forest?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course you do!” Li Ye said firmly. “Dayong, don’t underestimate yourself—you’re a student at a top university.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for your wealth, you’ve already crushed 99% of the country. If you’re patient, you’ll definitely find a girl who’s both smart and beautiful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong’s confidence finally returned a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was a minor shareholder in Li Ye’s business team—his net worth had long surpassed six figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingcheng Institute of Industry was the future Jingcheng Polytechnic—a prestigious name. As long as he didn’t turn out utterly useless, calling Li Dayong a young prodigy wasn’t an exaggeration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, give me some advice—what kind of girl should I chase? Two senior girls at school always come looking for me—do you think I should…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t even think about it,” Li Ye cut in sharply. “Whether you wait or chase, the first condition is that you must like her, must be drawn to her—never settle for less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, yeah, I won’t settle—so should I look for a tall girl or a short one? Fat or thin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his emotional state, Li Dayong listened to Li Ye obediently, seeking comfort, pressing for details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye pitied his dead-end buddy, so he shared some advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, Dayong—do you want to spend your whole life with her, or just taste love? If it’s the latter, do whatever you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, what are you saying?” Li Dayong blushed, quickly replying: “I’m not a rogue—I’m looking for a girl to spend my life with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye nodded, patted his brother’s shoulder, and whispered: “Then I suggest you find a tall girl with small feet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tall? Small feet?” Li Dayong frowned. “What do you mean, brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye snapped: “Just listen to me—don’t ask so many questions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, you have to explain,” Li Dayong pressed. “Are you still my brother? How can you give me half an answer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye realized he’d said too much—but his bond with Li Dayong left no room for secrecy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine—I’ll explain, but don’t tell anyone else, or they’ll laugh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye lowered his voice: “Tall—for your future children. Do you want your sons and daughters to be tall or short?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, I get it,” Li Dayong nodded suddenly. “You’re right—I’ll pick someone over 1.7 meters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be so absolute!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye quickly warned him—in this era, girls over 1.7 meters were rare; he didn’t want to ruin his brother’s chances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand, I understand,” Li Dayong whispered, then asked: “And small feet—why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem—it’s for your future happiness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye said something vague and obscure—after all, it was 1982, and one had to mind one’s manners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Happiness? Brother, why are you talking such nonsense? You have to explain this to me clearly today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just listen to me and stop nagging.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye couldn’t elaborate further, because doing so would require referencing knowledge from The Dongxuanzi and The Plum Bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on Li Ye’s experience, some of the ancestors’ knowledge was still very reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tall girls are indeed good, but short girls have their own charm too! Their feet are small!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, in his past life, many people liked tall female models, but those models all wore size 41–43 shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Size 43 shoes, compared to size 36–37, were not just a little different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let me put it this way: a pair of small-sized shoes, even if you wore them three times a day, every day of the week, they’d still remain elastic, snug, and tenderly cradling your feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pair of large-sized shoes? Hmm, best worn only once or twice a week. If you wear them more than three times a week, the laces start to loosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, if you wear them too often and too hard, and you slam the brake while driving, the two sides of the shoe might just “snap” open—you won’t even be able to stop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many older fellows specifically prefer size 35 or 36 shoes, and some with peculiar tastes who love extreme sports still squeeze into size 34, even at their age—truly genuine and devoted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something to attend to at home today; I didn’t slack off or write during lunch or afternoon, so I’m a thousand words short—I’ll make it up tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you to reader “plmm” for the 2000-coin tip, to reader “e ka li” for the 500-coin tip, to reader “bubbling under water” for the tip, and to reader “I, the Emperor, live ten thousand years” for the 500-coin tip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you all, great masters—Old Feng bows to you here!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2130,"2026-06-20T05:04:59.129Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","11a1bce8ebac6261c94fb7272cc87d3eb8c3c7fe2e7cd7f5806013a7a03a2c1b","that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-157","that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-155",884,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-cover.jpg"]