1987 My Era

Chapter 576, An Unexpected Encounter
On a rainy day, the ten-mile stretch of bumpy, dirt road in the countryside took the two of them more than 80 minutes to reach the town.

Teacher Yu hadn't been to the market before, but looking at the stalls lining the streets, the bustling scene reminiscent of wildebeest migration, and the ubiquitous sales of New Year's items like firecrackers and couplets, she exclaimed with delight:
"The festive atmosphere is very strong; it's much more interesting than when I was in Shanghai."

Li Heng had never witnessed how large families celebrated the New Year. Without a comparison, it was difficult to respond. But he figured that even if they were struggling to make ends meet, they were still much better off than the villagers who toiled for their daily bread.

Ms. Yu was full of curiosity about the rural market. She would stop and take a look at even a stall selling rat poison or a mobile vendor selling Japanese red flowers.

She asked, "What do you usually buy for Chinese New Year?"

“In previous years, we would save up money to buy firecrackers, new shoes, and new clothes. It’s the New Year, so everything has to be new from head to toe, and these things are essential. But now our Li family has enough to eat and wear, and we have most things at home. I guess if we were to buy anything else, it would be something trendy,” Li Heng said.

The two walked and strolled along, and even encountered Xiao Feng along the way.

Upon seeing Yu Shuheng, Xiao Feng was stunned for several seconds before she reacted and greeted her, "Li Heng, you're here to the market too?"

Li Heng smiled and nodded, then introduced them to the two:

"This is my university professor, Professor Yu."

"This is my high school classmate, Xiao Feng."

Yu Shuheng smiled at Xiao Feng, recognizing her. She had once secretly visited Song Yu at Peking University and happened to see the girl in front of her eating with Song Yu in the cafeteria.

However, this was Xiao Feng's first time meeting Yu Shuheng. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she found an opportunity to speak privately with Li Heng:

"Li Heng, you're really bold to bring such a beautiful female teacher home. Aren't you afraid that Xiao Han and Chen Zijin will have a falling out with you?"

Li Heng said without batting an eye, "What's the big deal? She's my teacher."

Xiao Feng was not easily fooled: "Come on, I've heard all the rumors about you and the beautiful university teacher."

Although those rumors are probably just people gossiping about you behind your back, you still need to be careful about how they affect you. If Song Yu finds out, it could cause quite a stir.

Knowing she meant well, Li Heng blinked, not wanting to bring it up, and changed the subject, asking, "Why didn't you go find Xiao Han?"

Xiao Feng told him, "I've looked for them, but none of them are home. I asked the neighbors, and it seems they went to visit relatives."

Then, looking puzzled, she asked, "She's your girlfriend, and you don't know where she is?"

Li Heng said, "I went to another city and only got home last night. I haven't had time to go to her house yet."

"Oh, I see. You go ahead and get busy, I'm leaving." Xiao Feng glanced at Teacher Yu, who was learning to bargain for vegetables not far away, and said this.

"Wait."

Li Heng stopped her and asked, "Has Yingwen returned yet? Or is he spending the New Year in the capital?"

"I spent the New Year at New Future School with Wang Ye. Before coming back, I also stayed at your training school for two days as a part-time worker. The second batch of students was so successful! You're going to make a fortune again, you big spender!" Xiao Feng's eyes were full of envy.

After saying goodbye to Xiao Feng, Li Heng led Teacher Yu on a tour of the entire town. It wasn't until evening that the two of them returned home carrying large bags and small packages.

Upon reaching the second floor, Teacher Yu remarked with lingering enthusiasm, "I love this atmosphere. I wish we could spend the Lunar New Year here someday."

Li Heng, walking behind her, had a sudden thought. His gaze lingered on her tall figure for a moment, then he hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear:
"Teacher, there is a chance."

Yu Shuheng turned her head and stared intently into his eyes.

They stared at each other for a while without saying a word.

Silence speaks louder than words; everything is understood without being said.

As time went by, an indescribable ambiguous atmosphere filled the space between them. Li Heng couldn't resist and leaned over to kiss her.

This time, overwhelmed by emotion, she surprisingly didn't flinch and kissed him, her red lips slightly parted.

Her lips opened and closed, their two mouths merging in a passionate embrace.

However, being a teacher, she was somewhat reserved about this matter.

After her red lips had taken a tentative sip, and as his red tongue tried to break through the Great Wall and enter the heart of the Central Plains, she somewhat uncomfortably withdrew and left the man's mouth.

This was the closest I'd ever had to go; I was almost there for a French kiss, but she backed out at the crucial moment, letting me down.

Li Heng looked extremely frustrated. "Teacher, are you fishing for me?"

Yu Shuheng chuckled upon hearing this, a hint of smugness flashing in her deep eyes: "Yes."

Then she asked gently, "Do you like it?"

Li Heng nodded: "I do like it, but this..."

Yu Shuheng covered his mouth with her hand, interrupting him. After looking at each other for a moment, she removed her hand and kissed his lips with her red lips.

Their mouths were pressed together, and they remained motionless.

After a while, she let go of him, turned her head back, and said softly, "Little man, your teacher will be yours sooner or later."

Upon hearing these deeply moving words, Li Heng had a thought and wisely refrained from asking any further questions.

After dinner, Li Heng took Teacher Yu to his older sister's house.

As soon as I entered the main room, I saw wood shavings flying everywhere, and my brother-in-law, Wu Shusheng, was breaking up a pig feed trough. Several neighbors were watching with great interest, and a young child was playing with small pieces of wood on the floor.

Upon seeing Li Heng appear, the people in the main room dared not put on airs and all stood up to greet him. This was the village's God of Literature, who had long been hailed as a deity by everyone, to the point that they themselves believed it. They believed that Li Heng was truly the God of Literature descended to earth and dared not be negligent.

Upon seeing Yu Shuheng behind him, the group, who had just been chatting and joking without restraint, immediately fell silent, not daring to say a word, and secretly sized up Teacher Yu.

Many villagers have never left the town in their entire lives, let alone seen the outside world, much less a university teacher with a scholarly air. They respect her from the bottom of their hearts, and they are deeply impressed by Teacher Yu's stunning beauty and charisma.

Take the eldest sister, Li Yan, and her husband, for example. In the past, whenever their parents were home, they would visit her parents' home four or five times a day. But now, they don't dare to come over. They feel that they are just peasants who don't know anything, have little education, speak inappropriately, and don't dress well. They don't dare to show their faces in front of Teacher Yu and don't want to embarrass their younger brother.

Li Heng took out his usual pack of cigarettes from his pocket and handed them out to everyone, regardless of age or gender.

He then said to his brother-in-law, Wu Shusheng, "Could you make me a few bookshelves without using nails?"

Wu Shusheng seemed a bit dull, but he was still very confident in his skills: "It's not difficult at all."

"Okay." Li Heng asked, "Are you having the bookshelf made at your own home, or will you come to my place?"

Wu Shusheng was a little intimidated by his brother-in-law. "I'm too lazy to get the tools. This place is more convenient."

Li Heng knew perfectly well what was on his mind. After responding, he immediately took out 1000 yuan and gave it to his nephew who was playing with wood chips on the ground. "Uncle didn't buy anything. Take this and buy some candy."

The little kid was only a little over a year old, had just learned to walk, and was still babbling. He didn't understand anything, but when he saw the money, he reached out his chubby little hand and grabbed it.

1000 yuan is undoubtedly a huge sum of money in a rural area where the daily wage is only 2 yuan.

Those around them looked on with envy and resentment, wishing the money were theirs and that they had a powerful relative like Li Heng. Not only was it prestigious, but the other party was actually giving money—real cash.

The eldest sister, Li Yan, hurriedly snatched the money from the boy's hand and shoved it back, saying, "Brother, this is too much. Your brother-in-law and I have already used a lot of your money. You should take it back. We don't lack food or drink now."

How can you get back money that's been given away?
Li Heng initially made excuses, but then grew impatient and glared at the woman. She immediately froze, looking flustered, and finally put the money in her pocket with an embarrassed expression.

Everyone watched as the two siblings pushed and shoved each other. Even Wu Shusheng and his parents-in-law didn't dare to say a word, just staring at the two of them.

The atmosphere only eased after Li Yan finally accepted the money. Then, the eldest sister's mother-in-law realized what was happening and started serving tea and moving stools. She even ordered Wu's younger sister to catch chickens to prepare a big meal for her daughter-in-law's family.

Li Heng quickly stopped her, "Auntie, don't be so polite. My teacher and I have already eaten before coming here. We only have a small stomach, and we can't eat any more good food. Please don't trouble yourself."

After much persuasion, Li Jianguo and Tian Run'e arrived and finally relented.

It seemed that everyone was a bit reserved with Teacher Yu around, so after sitting for half an hour, he left with the teacher.

After leaving the Wu family, Yu Shuheng glanced at the few dim electric lights in the night and couldn't help but ask, "Do I look like a fierce demon? Why are people so afraid of me?"

Li Heng laughed: "The teacher has such a strong aura. The villagers haven't seen much of the world, it would be a miracle if they weren't afraid."

Yu Shuheng asked, "When we first met, were you afraid of your teacher?"

Li Heng recalled for a moment: "To be honest, I was a little scared. You came to my house to pick up some clothes. I remember there was a pair of underwear pasted on my second-floor window. You were expressionless, dressed in all black, and you were so good-looking and had such a great presence. Plus, you were tall. How could I not be intimidated?"

Yu Shuheng smiled slightly.

She felt embarrassed and somewhat amazed when she recalled the underwear incident. She never imagined that she would later fall hopelessly in love with this student who was 7 years younger than her.

Walking along the village road for a while, the north wind grew stronger and stronger, making her feel like she was being sieved. The wind blowing in was very cold. Yu Shuheng pulled at her collar and said, "The weather has changed again. Let's go home."

"Okay." Li Heng turned around, turned on his flashlight, and walked towards the intersection.

Back home, the two took separate showers before going into the bedroom.

They entered a bedroom quite naturally.

These days, Li Heng would sleep with her from time to time. It wasn't intentional; he would just stay in her room and not leave, sleeping on her bed.

Yu Shuheng didn't react to this at all. She never hinted at it or reminded him that it was time to leave. When he felt sleepy, he would turn off the light, take off his coat, and lie down on the bed.

Occasionally, his large hands would misbehave under the covers. Whenever this happened, Yu Shuheng would hold her breath and endure it, letting him do as he pleased.

Even once or twice, someone would roll onto her. At first, she was quite calm, but later, when she got aroused, she couldn't help but hug the little man back emotionally and clumsily cooperate physically.

Even so, despite the excitement, the two of them always stayed within two red lines and never crossed them.

The first red line, the innermost pants haven't even been taken off.

The second red line meant they didn't dare to kiss deeply.

As for the rest, neither of them said a word.

Tonight, Li Heng began to peruse the documents and examine them carefully.

Seeing this, Yu Shuheng asked, "Do you want to write?"

Li Heng nodded: "I've been home for a week and haven't touched a pen yet. I'm afraid if I delay any longer, I'll lose my feel for it and become rusty."

Yu Shuheng was well-read and knew the truth of what he was saying, so she immediately stayed quietly to the side, found a book to read, and did not disturb him.

About an hour and a half later, Li Heng unscrewed his pen, laid out his notebook, opened the ink bottle, and pondered for a while to gather his emotions.

Later, he picked up a pen and wrote on a blank sheet of paper: Chapter 23, The Lady of England.

My uncle and sister are back.

My uncle is from Calcutta, India. My sister is from England.

My sister went to my uncle's place in India first, and then they returned to their hometown via XZ...

...

Perhaps it was because he got up early and prepared thoroughly, or perhaps it was because he had stopped writing for a while and felt a strong sense of novelty, but tonight his inspiration was particularly good. His pen moved like a dragon, and the tip of the pen wrote line after line of words on the white paper.

I don't know when it started, but Yu Shuheng stopped reading. Instead, she sat quietly to his left, sometimes looking at the beautiful words he wrote, sometimes gazing at his profile. She felt very at peace and had a special sense of satisfaction for no reason.

She could clearly sense that this young man was leaving a deeper and deeper mark on her heart, to the point that she couldn't let go of him.

She became infatuated with him.

She suddenly thought of Runwen, who was the first person to accompany her. The writing process of the book "A Cultural Journey" made her best friend completely fall for him.

Even after a year and a half, she could still remember the pride and smugness Runwen felt in his heart back then.

Whenever she received Runwen's letters, she would just smile faintly, thinking that it was quite absurd for a teacher to fall in love with her student. However, being well-mannered, she didn't say anything openly, but silently read her best friend's brown-yellow registered letters one after another.

One day, her best friend suddenly told her that Li Heng hadn't gotten into Peking University and wanted to study at Fudan University, asking her for a favor. Only then did she carefully review his information and accept her friend's request.

Unexpectedly, this acceptance led her to get herself into trouble.

Thinking back to the things she used to tease Runwen, and then thinking about herself now, how similar they were! With that thought, Yu Shuheng suddenly leaned forward, brought her red lips to his left cheek, and kissed him passionately.

Li Heng stopped writing and turned his head away.

At this moment, Yu Shuheng was completely immersed in the love she had created for herself. She was a little woman who was lost in love. She had completely lost the boldness of the eldest daughter of the Yu family. She tossed her hair down with her right hand, and then tossed her hair down again. She was obviously a little uncomfortable being stared at by him.

After looking at each other for a while, Li Heng leaned closer and closed his eyes.

Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully, leaned in and kissed his lips twice, then said softly, "Teacher was wrong, I shouldn't have disturbed you, you should continue writing."

"Hmm." Li Heng resisted the urge to carry her to bed, took a breath to calm himself, and continued writing.

Seeing that he had regained his writing ability, Yu Shuheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

She was afraid that her momentary lapse in judgment would affect him.

After a moment's hesitation, she quietly got up and slowly left the room, leaving him alone.

Yu Shuheng understood that she was not suited to stay inside right now, fearing that in her confusion and passion, she might spontaneously lie in his arms and ask for a kiss or a hug.

Stepping onto the outer corridor, she looked up at the pitch-black night sky. Tonight, her womanly desires were strong; she longed to truly kiss him.

Staring blankly into the darkness, lost in thought…

In the end, all these ideas came to nothing. She was still a university teacher, and he didn't want to marry her like Song Yu did...
She didn't know why she was so angry.

She had given him all her love, and she didn't want to be a substitute for another woman; she wanted to prove herself...

Li Jianguo and Tian Run'e returned. After standing in the corridor in a daze for a long time, Yu Shuheng went down to the first floor.

Tian Run'e was surprised and got up to greet her, "Teacher Yu, is there no hot water?"

Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully, shook her head and said, "Li Heng is writing, so I didn't want to disturb him. I just came down for a walk."

Tian Run'e understood immediately; that kid must have taken over Teacher Yu's room, leaving Teacher Yu nowhere to go.

Teacher Yu looked around and asked, "Where's Grandma?"

Tian Run'e pulled her to sit on the sofa. "It's almost 11 o'clock now. She went to bed early and is resting in bed."

Teacher Yu nodded slightly, and then chatted casually with the couple.

During this time, she inquired, "When is Lanlan coming back?"

Tian Run'e said, "According to the original plan, I should have arrived home yesterday, but I'm afraid I won't be able to go back this year."

Teacher Yu asked in surprise, "Has something happened?" Tian Run'e glanced at her husband and hesitated before explaining, "I went to the post office to make a phone call this morning. Lanlan said that a customer came to the pastry shop with a knife and caused trouble. One of the employees got into a fight with the customer and accidentally hit him..."

She didn't know how to start the conversation.
Yu Shuheng asked, "Killed him?"

Tian Run'e said, "I don't know. That person is still unconscious and is being treated in the hospital. It's almost Chinese New Year, and with something like this happening, Lanlan probably won't be able to leave."

Yu Shuheng thought for a moment, then met the couple's gaze and said, "Uncle and Aunt, don't worry, I'll go to town tomorrow to make a phone call and find out what's going on."

Upon hearing this, most of the couple's worries vanished instantly.

Tian Run'e quickly said, "Thank you, Teacher Yu. I was afraid that Manzai would impulsively run to the capital, so I kept this matter from him today."

Yu Shuheng agreed: "Writing is a serious matter; there's no need to bother him. Besides, Lanlan herself didn't have direct contact with the injured person, and the other party was carrying a knife, so the situations are different..."

After a thorough explanation, the couple felt completely at ease.

Then, Yu Shuheng asked the Chen family across the street, "Hey, Aunt Tian, ​​the Chen family hasn't come back yet?"

They said they were asking about the Chen family, but they were actually asking about Chen Zijin.

The three of them knew exactly what was going on.

This is a problem we have to face.

According to her original plan, she would leave after Li Lan and Chen Zijin returned, making room for them.

After all, Chen Zijin was his first love and also his official girlfriend in Shangwan Village and Qianzhen. Yu Shuheng didn't want to ruin Li Heng's reputation for a moment of pleasure.

The more she cares about someone, the more she will consider their feelings.

She would spontaneously protect the reputation of her beloved.

Li Jianguo chimed in, "It's hard to say, it might be difficult for him to come back for the New Year."

Yu Shuheng looked at the other person.

Li Jianguo explained, "Zijin's maternal grandfather just passed away from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and didn't make it through the winter. With only a few days left until the Lunar New Year, he probably won't be able to come back. Lanlan guesses that he'll probably only have time to come back after the New Year to hang up the paper money and pay respects at Zijin's grandmother's grave."

Upon hearing this news, Yu Shuheng's first thought was: Zhong Lan's backer has fallen, and now only her maternal elder brother remains.

Tian Run'e asked, "Teacher Yu, the weather has changed. Why don't you stay here until after the New Year? Manzai said he's going back to Shanghai on the third day of the Lunar New Year, so you can keep each other company then."

Yu Shuheng was somewhat tempted, but couldn't give a clear answer right away.

Because the Yu family is usually busy during the Chinese New Year period. Besides, she hasn't dealt with business matters for a while, which is also a problem.

Seeing that she was deep in thought, Tian Run'e and Li Jianguo exchanged glances and did not disturb her.

After a while, Yu Shuheng raised her head and said slowly, "Uncle, Aunt Tian, ​​I'll make a phone call in town tomorrow before deciding."

Knowing that his identity was extraordinary, the elderly couple naturally understood.

Tian Run'e smiled and said, "Okay."

An hour or so later, Yu Shuheng returned to the second floor.

After the footsteps faded into the distance, Li Jianguo asked, puzzled, "Run'e, what were you thinking? Leaving Teacher Yu at home for the New Year?"

Tian Run'e pointed to the ceiling and said in a low voice, "My son has been sleeping with Teacher Yu these past few days. On two nights, I even heard the two of them get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom."

Li Jianguo was stunned, and it took him a long time to come to his senses: "Two people, two people really...?"

“When has your son ever been a worry-free person? The two of them went to the bathroom in the middle of the night, not to wash up…” Tian Run’e stopped midway through her sentence.

But the meaning behind it is self-evident.

Li Jianguo remained silent, then sighed helplessly, "If that's really the case, it would seem wrong of us not to let Teacher Yu stay for the New Year. Sigh."

“That’s right,” Tian Run’e agreed.

Back in the room, Li Heng was still writing meticulously at the table. Yu Shuheng didn't disturb him. She quietly took off her shoes, got into bed, propped up her pillow, and started reading a book.

At 12:30 a.m., Yu Shuheng raised her right wrist to glance at her watch and continued reading.

Around 1:30 a.m., she checked her watch, then closed the book in her hands and turned to gaze at him quietly.

She gazed at him silently, like a statue.

This lasted for a very long time.

Li Heng didn't stop writing until his alarm rang at two in the morning. He rubbed his sore wrists, stretched, yawned, and mumbled, "Why isn't the teacher asleep yet?"

Yu Shuheng asked curiously, "How did you know I wasn't asleep when your back was to me?"

"With a face as good as mine, if I were you, I definitely wouldn't miss this opportunity to peek, right?" Li Heng yawned twice more.

Yu Shuheng laughed, laughing at the shamelessness of this little man, and also at his humor.

She urged, "It's getting late, get some rest."

"to make."

Li Heng responded, got up and went to the bathroom. He quickly ran a quick bladder, washed his face and hands, and returned to the room. He then rushed to bed, crawled under the covers, and hugged her from behind.

Being held by him to sleep, Yu Shuheng, who had always slept alone since she was a child, was initially very uncomfortable, but has now accepted it quite a bit, though she hasn't fully adapted yet.

With her back to him, she recounted how Tian Run'e had invited her to stay for the New Year, and then she waited.

Waiting for his response.

Upon hearing this, Li Heng raised an eyebrow.

After a long while, he turned the woman in his arms over, looked her in the eyes, and said, "My mother is right, teacher, you can stay."

Yu Shuheng remained silent until someone's large hand slipped under the hem of her pajamas. She pressed his hand down and said, "Okay."

Li Heng muttered, "Let go of my hand."

"Little brother, it's too late tonight, don't be naughty. Teacher is very sleepy, let's go to sleep," Teacher Yu said softly.

After a long standoff, seeing that she showed no sign of letting go, Li Heng finally withdrew his hand, got up, and said, "Okay, I'll go sleep next door."

Yu Shuheng did not stop him and let him leave.

After several nights of pushing boundaries and intertwining and caressing each other, she was nearing her limit.

At times, when she lost her senses and indulged in pleasure, she even longed for him to transform her into a woman in the truest sense.

She longed for him to take her virginity.

That's why Li Heng didn't dare stay overnight. She didn't dare ask him to stay either.

The next day, after breakfast, Yu Shuheng went to the town post office and called the Yu family.

Upon learning that her daughter wanted to spend the New Year at the Li family's house, Shen Xin immediately waved her hand and scolded, "Why do you even need to ask about this? Anyone with a brain would have agreed to your mother-in-law on the spot. Don't worry about family matters. Your father and I are still young and capable."

After talking to her family for four or five minutes, Yu Shuheng made a second call to Liu Bei, asking her to send the business documents to Shangwan Village.

For her third call, she went to Beijing, briefly mentioning "Li Lan" and "Li Lan Pastry Shop" before hanging up.

The fourth call she made was to Wang Runwen.

As soon as the call connected, she asked, "Runwen, are you calmed down?"

Wang Runwen was eating sunflower seeds and watching TV, with his feet propped up on the coffee table. "Say what you have to say, or just say what you need to say."

Yu Shuheng said, "I'll come to your place later."

Wang Runwen asked, "Are you going back?"

“No, I’m staying here for the Lunar New Year, so I just happened to have time to come over,” Yu Shuheng said.

Wang Runwen paused on the sunflower seeds he was about to eat, then continued cracking them open: "Shuheng, congratulations."

"Seriously?" Yu Shuheng asked.

"Come on over here, let's drink until we drop tonight." Wang Runwen unusually refrained from being sarcastic.

Yu Shuheng said, "I feel something's off about what you're doing. I always feel like this is a trap."

"Then how about I sleep with your man for one night?" Wang Runwen said irritably.

Yu Shuheng smiled and said, "I drove over."

After leaving the post office, she asked Li Heng, "Do you want to go to Shao City together?"

"I have other things to do," Li Heng refused.

Yu Shuheng didn't ask him what was wrong and got into the Mercedes.

After the car left, Li Heng strolled around the market, bought some gifts, and went to visit the Xiao family, only to find the door still closed and they weren't home.

Well then, he had no choice but to go to the town government, thinking that with his scheming wife not around, the town's magnanimous official couldn't just disappear every day, could he?

This time we really came to the right place; we actually found Xiao Hai.

However, they are very busy at the end of the year, in meetings every day, and unfortunately, they are in a meeting now as well.

Li Heng left after waiting for a short while, not wanting to stay long and become the subject of gossip.

He wasn't afraid of gossip; he'd long since developed a thick skin. He was just worried that his father-in-law wouldn't be able to handle it, so he chose to leave and come back another day.

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, Li Heng and his wife cleaned their home.

On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, Old Li's family pounded glutinous rice cakes.

Teacher Yu returned from Shaoshi at noon and was very interested in pounding glutinous rice cakes. She helped make the cakes all day.

"Zhuanba" means to unfold a lump of glutinous rice paste into a circle, and then, after it has cooled slightly, quickly place it on a carving board to shape the glutinous rice cake while also imprinting patterns on it.

For example, words like "fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness".

For example, flowers, deities, or the twelve zodiac animal patterns.

The purpose of molding and printing patterns is to make them look nice and to bring good luck.

The next step is the final one: dot the center of the mochi with Japanese red, symbolizing a prosperous and joyful New Year.

When visiting someone's home during Chinese New Year, it's customary to bring 12 glutinous rice cakes (糍粑), or 22 if you have a close relationship with them. The rice cakes must also have a Japanese red hue (日红), otherwise the family will find them unappetizing and won't accept them.

On the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month, Old Li's family slaughtered their New Year's pig.

Since Tian Run'e and Li Jianguo were often away from home, the pig that year was bought from the Party Secretary's family. The Party Secretary was a man of good character and had a close relationship with the Li family, so they trusted that the pig was a good pig and not a sick one.

It was the first time Teacher Yu had ever seen a pig being slaughtered. When the slaughtering knife was inserted into the pig's neck, she had a psychological overreaction, feeling as if the knife had pierced her own heart. Unable to bear watching, she turned around and went upstairs.

Tian Run'e sensed something was wrong and quietly went to her son's side. "Manzai, go upstairs and check on Teacher Yu."

"Oh, okay." Li Heng turned around but didn't see Teacher Yu, so he immediately followed her upstairs.

At this moment, Yu Shuheng was not in the bedroom or on the second floor, but on the rooftop enjoying the breeze.

It took Li Heng quite a bit of effort to find her. He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Teacher, it's cold today, and it's windy on the rooftop. Be careful not to catch a cold."

Yu Shuheng tightened her coat around her shoulders, feeling a warm glow inside. She smiled and said, "Don't worry about me. I rarely watch slaughtering scenes. Maybe the pig was too big for me to handle."

Li Heng observed her micro-expressions and, seeing that nothing was really wrong, asked half-jokingly, "Then do you still dare to eat this pork?"

"Eat," Yu Shuheng answered decisively.

As soon as the word "eat" was uttered, the two looked at each other and smiled.

She urged, "Go downstairs and help out. I'll come down in a bit."

"I'm still a little worried," Li Heng said.

Yu Shuheng glanced at him for a while, then turned her back to him meaningfully, as if to say jokingly: Little man, if you're so capable, then hug me and comfort me.

How could Li Heng not understand what she meant?
However, a woman on the second floor of a wooden house about 50 meters to the right was peeking in their direction, so he didn't dare to make a move and had to give up in frustration.

Slaughtering the New Year pig was a major event for Old Li's family in previous years. After all, they were poor and rarely ate meat. They usually fed the pig and collected manure. They would finally get through the year and the pig would be fat enough to be slaughtered and sold for money. They would keep some meat to eat and keep the water and pig's head to have a delicious meal.

The elderly couple worked from morning till night to prepare pigs for the New Year, and even in the middle of the night, they were still making pork cracklings.

Li Heng cut a piece of pig liver, wrapped it in zongzi leaves, and threw it into the embers to roast. After roasting it until the skin was slightly charred, he took it out, first peeled off the zongzi leaves, blew away the ash, and then broke off a piece and put it in his mouth.

Mmm, smells delicious!

Seeing Ms. Yu's astonished expression, he broke off a small piece and handed it to her: "Try it, it tastes pretty good."

Yu Shuheng shook her head, refusing to touch it even if she were beaten to death.

Li Heng, in a playful mood, whispered in her ear, "Xiao Han especially loves to eat."

Yu Shuheng stared at him with a half-smile, her gaze fixed on him. In the end, she still asked for a small piece and took a bite.

I regretted it as soon as I put it in my mouth; how could I possibly eat it?
But Li Jianguo and Tian Run'e, a married couple, were secretly preparing cooking oil residue behind the wood-fired stove, witnessing their son and Teacher Yu's little antics. How could Yu Shuheng dare to spit it out? How could she possibly have the nerve to spit it out?

Left with no other choice, she had to swallow it reluctantly.

After finishing her meal, she took two deep breaths and, seizing the opportunity to be alone with Li Heng, said meaningfully, "It's one thing to fool me with Xiao Han, but try to fool your teacher with another woman when you get married?"

Li Heng pretended not to hear, washed his hands, and went upstairs to sleep.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Chen family returned.

The moment Tian Run'e saw Zijing get out of the car, her head was buzzing, and she felt like the sky had fallen!
She had only one thought in her mind: Why did I have to be so talkative? Why did I leave Teacher Yu for the New Year?

What should we do now?
P.S.: Updated first, revised later.

(End of this chapter)