Chapter 166: Wen Leyu: My Mother and I Both Support You

Mu Yunning held her pen, maintaining the gesture of offering it, which made Li Ye feel amused yet pressured.

Mu Yunning had read his original draft before, and now she'd read the official chapters of "Suo Feng Fei Yang"; with the two side by side, how could he hide his "flaws"?

But just as Li Ye smiled, preparing to explain, Mu Yunning retracted the pen.

"Alright, I'm not joking anymore. Let's talk seriously."

Mu Yunning put the magazine back in her bag, her playful expression fading as she regarded Li Ye with solemnity.

"Li Huai and the others have officially formed the Lone Army Literary Society, submitted it to the school, and received approval—both the Youth League Committee and the Propaganda Department have given positive support."

"Your name is at the top of the core members list. Today, the Youth League Committee came to ask me about you—I didn't even know. Do you understand what this means?"

Mu Yunning was clearly angry; she glared at Li Ye and said, "You've caused such a commotion, and yet I, your homeroom teacher, didn't know a thing. Don't you realize this affects my performance evaluation?"

Li Ye chuckled awkwardly. "It wasn't that big a deal. I was just joining in the fun."

"Not a big deal? Joining in the fun? Hmph~"

Mu Yunning laughed bitterly, then rummaged through her bag and pulled out a school magazine, shoving it straight into Li Ye's face.

"'To the best of my ability, let more Chinese people know the unyielding strength of our Huazhong nation, and feel pride in being descendants of the Dragon'—this was written by you, right?"

Li Ye nodded silently. This phrase had been his clear ideological stance during discussions with Li Huai and the others; it had strongly resonated with them, and he never expected they'd published it directly in the school magazine.

Mu Yunning put the magazine away, leaned slightly forward, and drew closer to Li Ye. "Do you know how many literary groups exist on campus?"

Li Ye shook his head—he truly didn't know.

Mu Yunning lowered her voice. "Do you know how many of those groups have received open, positive support from the Youth League Committee and Propaganda Department?"

Li Ye shook his head again.

Mu Yunning lowered her voice further. "Let me tell you—there are very few. That means the Lone Army Literary Society's purpose has been recognized and endorsed."

"Although Li Huai and Yang Yu are still third-years, I can tell you now: next year, when they graduate, they'll get excellent assignments. Do you understand?"

"."

Li Ye paused, then asked, "How good?"

This question genuinely interested him. Though 80 and 82 were only two years apart, the opportunities they faced were worlds apart.

Mu Yunning straightened her posture, as if casually remarking, "I think they'll most likely be assigned to the Propaganda Department."

Li Ye couldn't help smiling. If that were true, he was genuinely happy for Li Huai and the others.

The Propaganda Department sounded like a support unit—just putting up slogans, writing articles, and shouting through megaphones about having fewer children and planting more trees.

But within the system, its position was crucial, its weight substantial. Li Ye couldn't predict what Li Huai and the others would become, but he felt Yang Yu was perfectly suited for navigating the system.

"I really didn't know. I'm sorry, Teacher Mu."

"Now do you understand?"

Seeing Li Ye's receptive expression, Mu Yunning thought the boy had finally woken up.

"I vaguely brushed them off before, but next time—if anything like this happens—please, Great Writer, let me know. I'll arrange things for you."

Mu Yunning spoke rapidly in a whisper: "Pick the right moment soon to publicly reveal your identity as Qichun Dao Feng, then actively cooperate with Li Huai and Yang Yu in the society's promotional activities."

"I'll arrange for you to join the Student Union next week. Before the end of next semester, I'll recommend you for the Youth League Committee."

"When Li Huai and the others get busy with graduation next autumn, you can take over the society's leadership and carry forward the spirit of self-reliance and strength."

"But remember one thing: absolutely no arrogance. Though you've written two decent books and may seem more famous than Li Huai and Yang Yu,"

"every Peking University student has their pride. Right now, in the Lone Army Literary Society, you cannot dominate. You're a freshman, you've just joined, and you lack experience interacting with the school."

"."

Li Ye truly hadn't expected Mu Yunning had already planned everything for him.

Watching her earnest, admonishing expression, Li Ye was reminded of an older cousin from his past life who carefully mapped out his life path.

Even her final instruction went beyond her duties as a homeroom teacher.

Li Ye was a young writer, true—but to expect Li Huai and Yang Yu to immediately bow to him and follow his lead? That was impossible.

It's like a new hire entering a workplace: no matter how high your degree or how strong your ability, you can't immediately take center stage—that would make everyone uncomfortable.

So a smart newcomer always stays low-key at first, blends in, shares meals and laughter, becomes friends, then reveals his edge.

Li Ye thought for a moment, then looked at Mu Yunning. "Teacher Mu, I really enjoy how I get along with Li Huai and the others—there's no distance between us."

"They treat me as a friend, as a brother. We argue fiercely over ideas, but afterward, we link arms and head out to the gate for a bowl of meat stew costing eighty cents."

"If I now reveal I'm Qichun Dao Feng, do you think we'd still have this easy, unguarded bond?"

Mu Yunning stared at Li Ye in surprise. "So you plan to keep hiding it from them forever?"

Li Ye shook his head. "Of course not. I think once we're truly close, they won't care who I am."

"When I reveal my identity then, friends will still be friends, brothers will still be brothers."

Li Ye understood human relations better than Mu Yunning. The foundation of intimate relationships is equality.

For example, if a famous writer came to discuss literature with Li Huai and the others, would they become inseparable brothers?

No. It wouldn't feel right at all.

But if you first become good friends, then reveal you're a writer? They'd just curse you, treat you to a few meals, then keep linking arms to watch girls.

Mu Yunning frowned deeply, thinking long and hard, then slowly nodded. "It's your decision. But regarding joining the Student Union and Youth League Committee—you can't keep delaying. One step slow, and you fall behind. There are plenty of outstanding freshmen; you can't afford to be picky."

Li Ye felt he couldn't argue with this beautiful teacher. "Alright, thank you, Teacher Mu. I'll join the Youth League Committee, but I won't join the Student Union—I really don't have the time."

He truly didn't want to get tangled in the Student Union's trivialities, but there might be a future big shot in the Youth League Committee now—worth a visit, just to pay respects.

But Li Ye's "stubbornness" finally enraged the exhausted, overworked homeroom teacher.

Mu Yunning's eyes widened, she took several deep breaths, her chest rising and falling noticeably.

Finally, she declared firmly: "Whether you join is my decision. Once you're in, what you do is none of my business."

"Teacher Mu, I didn't mean—"

Li Ye tried to explain, but Mu Yunning turned and walked away—her pace and stride clearly showed she was angry.

"Sigh… I'm just too busy as a teacher!"

Li Ye sighed softly, when suddenly, a teasing voice came from nearby trees.

"Brother, if you don't want to be busy, just be faithful! Too many flowers confuse the eyes—and can kill you."

Li Ye couldn't help laughing. Handsome men were always misunderstood—it was normal.

But the next moment, Li Ye broke into a run, glancing at his watch.

Nine o'clock—he was supposed to take a lakeside stroll with Wen Leyu.

Far from the library entrance, Li Ye saw Wen Leyu standing gracefully.

She must have feared he wouldn't spot her, so she stood deliberately under the light, quiet, expressionless, neither sad nor happy.

Seeing Li Ye running toward her, her previously blank face softened with warmth.

"You're late~"

The final "~" stretched into a long, playful tone—her pouting, affectionate voice sent waves of emotion through Li Ye.

If a girl like this pouted for you, and you weren't faithful, you deserved to be struck by lightning.

Li Ye smiled apologetically. "My teacher called me over for a talk, so I was delayed."

"It's fine. Only two minutes late. I was just teasing—you don't have to take it seriously."

Wen Leyu giggled, took his hand, and pulled him away, ignoring the students coming and going at the library entrance.

"Ooh~"

A few classmates teased playfully, but Wen Leyu turned sharply, her icy gaze sweeping over them—the teasing died instantly.

A pouting, affectionate girl isn't necessarily weak—she simply doesn't show her armor or blade.

As they strolled by the lake, Wen Leyu suddenly said, "Li Huai and the others reorganized the literary society—you helped, right?"

Li Ye replied, "Sort of. I drop by sometimes to chat—they're quite compatible."

Wen Leyu nodded. "If you get along well, spend more time with them. If you want to join the Student Union, submit an application. Next year, apply for the Youth League Committee."

"."

Li Ye truly hadn't expected even carefree Wen Leyu to give the same advice as Mu Yunning.

But unlike Mu Yunning, Wen Leyu was genuinely offering advice—she had no intention of steering his choices.

It meant: listen if you want, ignore if you don't—I'm fine either way.

"Teacher Mu just said the same thing to me, but I think things are fine as they are."

Li Ye recounted his conversation with Mu Yunning, stripping it of emotion for Wen Leyu.

Wen Leyu glanced at him. "Your homeroom teacher is Mu Yunning?"

Li Ye said, "Yes. You know that?"

Wen Leyu smiled without warmth. "Teacher Mu is quite famous among the younger generation of teachers."

Li Ye: "."

But Wen Leyu quickly added, "Actually, both Teacher Mu's advice and mine may not suit you. My mom says you have your own mind—so no matter what you choose, I'll support you."

Worried he hadn't understood, Wen Leyu leaned close and whispered, "I support you. My mom also thinks highly of you—she even told me to invite you over for dinner more often!"

Sigh… the road ahead is long, but I have this companion—what more could I ask for in life?

……….

In the classroom, Li Ye was using the few minutes before class to write "Suo Feng Fei Yang."

Lately, Hong Kong had been pressing for drafts, so Li Ye was squeezing every spare moment.

"Bro, Big Brother, can you do me a favor?"

Sun Xianjin had been hovering beside him for ages; seeing Li Ye's pen scratching steadily, he finally edged over to interrupt.

Hearing Sun Xianjin's tone, Li Ye immediately stopped writing. "What's wrong, Xianjin? Trouble?"

"It's a bit of a tough matter," Sun Xianjin said with a grimace. "Brother, can you recommend me to the Lone Army Literature Society?"

Li Ye was surprised. "You're not strangers with Li Huai—why not just join directly? Why do you need me to introduce you? Are you that shy?"

"That was before," Sun Xianjin muttered. "When I brought it up to Old Li a couple days ago, he agreed right away. Yesterday, though, he said I need to apply and go through an assessment."

Li Ye thought for a moment, then asked Sun Xianjin seriously: "Xianjin, can you tell me why you want to join the Lone Army Literature Society?"

Sun Xianjin met Li Ye's piercing gaze, his eyes flickering, his face turning bright red.

Li Ye's heart sank. He hadn't cared much about Mu Yunning's words, but others might see the advantages clearly.

Yet this boy, Sun Xianjin, didn't look like a schemer at all.

"I like Bian Jingjing."

"."

Li Ye was stunned for a moment. He looked at the shy Sun Xianjin, fell silent for several seconds, then asked: "Who's Jingjing?"

Sun Xianjin kept his head down, speaking like a mosquito's hum: "The girl who does high jump."

Li Ye finally knew who he meant.

There was a very tall girl in the Literature Society. Li Ye had first met Li Huai when he was arguing with a few poets—and that was when she joined the society.

Li Ye didn't know her well, only heard once that she was the women's high jump champion at this year's freshman sports meet.

Li Ye hesitated. "Little Brother! Isn't that girl pretty close to Li Huai? Aren't you stepping in where it's awkward?"

Sun Xianjin blinked. "No way. Li Huai's dating Zhuang Qiuyun from third year. He and Bian Jingjing are just ordinary society members—I've checked thoroughly."

"But why her? Why did you fall for Bian Jingjing?"

Li Ye glanced at Sun Xianjin's average height and felt grim about his future with Bian Jingjing.

"I fell in love at first sight."

Sun Xianjin's head was nearly buried in his crotch. He'd summoned all his courage just to say this to Li Ye.

"Next time you go to society events, come with me. First, try getting close to Bian Jingjing. If it works, I'll recommend you for membership. If not, at least you'll have an escape route, right?"

Sun Xianjin's face brightened instantly. He grinned. "Thanks, Brother. You thought of everything."

Li Ye looked at the confident Sun Xianjin and, for a moment, saw his own self from a past life.

A boy summoning courage for the first time is a flame full of spirit—it clumsily burns itself, trying to make the other feel the heat of his heart.

The outcome doesn't matter.

A boy who's never experienced love isn't mature. Even if he's heartbroken, at least he learns to cherish himself, right?

Go, brave boy.

(End of Chapter)