1987 My Era

Chapter 700
"cheers!"

To lighten the mood and improve the relationship between Shihe and Teacher Yu, Sun Manning took the lead and raised her beer glass.

The wheat ears also raised their cups.

Yu Shuheng was the third to raise her glass.

Sensing a man subtly glancing at her, Zhou Shihe put down her newspaper and picked up her wine glass.

With a "Duang", the five cups collided together.

Then he drank it all in one gulp.

Sun Manning asked Yu Shuheng, "Teacher, is Tokyo fun? Is it very developed? How does it compare to Shanghai?"

Yu Shuheng said, "It's alright. At this stage, it's probably more prosperous than Shanghai, mainly because it's more fashionable and convenient for shopping. However, our country is currently implementing reform and opening up, and we will gradually catch up in the future."

Although Yu Shuheng comes from a prominent family and is keenly aware of the gap between China and other countries, she has also been a university teacher for several years. Teaching by example is an instinct for her, and encouraging others is a deeply ingrained consciousness.

When it comes to fashion and shopping, the women's conversation flows freely, with Sun Manning and Mai Sui actively participating, quickly making the living room very lively.

Even though it was a women's topic, Li Heng would occasionally chime in with a few words.

Only Zhou Shihe remained silent throughout, quietly listening to the others chat.

Upon noticing this, Li Heng sighed inwardly: Miss Zhou is much more difficult to deal with than Teacher Yu; her difficulty level is almost the highest among all the women he knows.

If the difficulty level were ranked: Zhou Shihe would undoubtedly be number one; followed by Song Yu and Xiao Han; and then…

Is there a sequel after that?

They were all... hey, they were all attracted to him on their own initiative.

The reason Xiao Han and Song Yu are mentioned together is because he pursued Xiao Han first in this life. If he had tried pursuing Song Yu first, wow! He definitely wouldn't have been able to fool his cunning wife yet.

Li Heng initiated a conversation with Miss Zhou: "Have you been at home ever since you returned from Shaodong?"

"Yes, I've been in Yuhang." Zhou Shihe's voice was very pleasant, gentle and warm, with a refreshing quality.

Li Heng asked, "What do you do at home?"

Zhou Shihe said, "I read books and practice piano. When the weather is nice, I go for a walk with Sui Sui."

Li Heng asked, "I remember in the first semester of your sophomore year, you said you wanted to participate in an international piano competition. Has Professor Wu approved it for you now?"

Zhou Shihe looked quietly at the wine glass in front of her. "Approved."

Li Heng's eyes lit up: "When are we going to participate in the competition?"

Zhou Shihe replied, "It's still under consideration."

Upon hearing this, Li Heng picked up the beer again, poured her a glass, and poured one for himself as well. "Here, I wish you success and that all your wishes come true. May you bring the championship trophy back."

Zhou Shihe smiled slightly and clinked glasses with him: "Thank you."

As they spoke, the two exchanged a glance, then simultaneously tilted their heads back and drank every last drop of wine from their glasses.

She then asked, "Were you at Dongting Lake in August?"

She hadn't intended to ask that question, but it just slipped out unconsciously.

The reason for the questioning was simple: Song Yu had left a deep impression on her during the Dragon Boat Festival, and Song Yu had brought her a strong sense of crisis, and this man was particularly fond of Song Yu.

However, after asking the question, Zhou Shihe subtly tightened her grip on the wine glass, realizing she had asked a foolish question. Because the question had revealed her true feelings.

Li Heng noticed Zhou's unusual behavior and was secretly pleased, but his expression remained unchanged: "Yes, she stayed there for a while, and then went to the capital."

What are you going to the capital for?
He didn't say anything, nor did he intend to continue.

Similarly, the clever Zhou Shihe didn't ask any further questions.

Li Heng poured himself another glass of wine, picked it up, and joked, "Have a third drink with me, and you can ask me a question after you finish."

Zhou Shihe smiled knowingly, agreed, and then actually drank a third cup with him.

Finally, with her eyes full of anticipation, she asked, "I remember you once said that there were still many songs in your mind that you hadn't sorted out yet. When will you release another instrumental album?"

Well, I knew this would come up sooner or later.

Fortunately, he is a reborn individual, so putting together an album is not difficult for him.

However, not now. He replied, "When I have time, I'm about to start writing a new book. We'll talk about it after I finish it."

Zhou Shihe was initially somewhat disappointed by the first part of the sentence, but the second part cheered her up, and she asked calmly, "When do we start writing?"

Li Heng told her, "In the next couple of days."

Zhou Shihe nodded slightly, feeling that life suddenly had something to look forward to. She could attend classes, practice the piano, and relax while also reading books.

Although she never told anyone, she really enjoyed reading his novels.

How can I describe that feeling? It's indescribable. It's like creating something together with him, traveling together through the world of the book, experiencing a sense of resonance.

Whenever she got really into a book, she would think: This man is her nemesis. She loves reading and music. He loves both, and he excels at both.

While Mai Sui, Yu Shuheng, and Sun Manning were chatting about fashion, the three women were actually secretly listening to Li Heng and Zhou Shihe's conversation.

Sure enough, Sun Manning chimed in, "Mr. Li, can you put my name in the new book? I want to play a major villain."

Mai Sui asked, "Why do you want to be the main villain?"

Sun Manning, left hand on hip: "It's fun to torture the protagonist to death, what else could it be for?"

Wheat Ear: "....."

Zhou Shihe: "..."

Yu Shuheng: "..."

Li Heng refused: "No."

Sun Manning asked, frustrated, "Why not?"

Li Heng said, "Because I'm going to write a science fiction novel for my new book."

"Science fiction? What is a science fiction novel?" Sun Manning looked blank.

Li Heng smiled mysteriously: "Don't understand? If you don't understand, don't ask. Let's keep it mysterious for now. You'll understand once I write it down."

"Tch! Stingy. I'm all grown up, I'll go to the library to look up information tomorrow. This little problem can't possibly stump a big-breasted woman like me!" Sun Manning's words became increasingly unrestrained.

As soon as she finished speaking, the other four people in the room all glanced at her chest.

Being stared at by the four people, Sun Manning was unusually embarrassed and hurriedly covered her chest with her hands, saying, "Oh dear, I forgot, the airport isn't here, and I can't afford to offend Sui Sui and Teacher Yu, lalala."

The airport refers to Ye Ning.

Actually, Sui Sui and Teacher Yu are the same as this guy, all C, at the same level.

However, whether it's Mai Sui or Teacher Yu, their looks and temperament are miles ahead of this girl's, and their full breasts are naturally more alluring and charming.

The youngest here is Zhou Shihe, who is a B+. When Sun Manning came over, Zhou Shihe glanced at her.

Sun Manning immediately chuckled and started shouting and urging people to drink, play cards, and play Guandan in a very foreign style: "Damn it, ever since Uncle Li taught me how to play Guandan, I've wanted to play it every day. My hands are itching to play. Come on, let's play for 5 cents a game."

With this girl making all the arrangements, everyone else was very supportive and joined in.

The cards were drawn and the players were divided into two groups, with Yu Shuheng and Sun Manning on one side.

Zhou Shihe and Mai Sui were on one side.

Li Heng didn't participate; instead, he got up and went to his study to prepare for his next science fiction novel.

Close the study door and open the window to let in some fresh air.

Then he sat down at his desk, found his fountain pen and notebook that had been gathering dust for two months, unscrewed the ink bottle, filled the shriveled pen with ink, and then sat there in a daze.

What should I write?

The Hyperion tetralogy?
This is an amazing book that swept all the major science fiction awards around the world, but the problem is that it was published in 1989.

It is now August 31, 1989. The author has already written it, but there is not enough time, so it can only be regretfully rejected.

Stargame?
Well, how should I put it? The novel is good, but it only won the Locus Award, and its sales weren't particularly explosive. For someone who wanted to make a splash in the science fiction field, it still fell short.

In terms of reputation, sales, and earning power, Li Heng painstakingly dug out five more science fiction novels from his memory.

They are The Hunger Games, A Song of Ice and Fire, Clockwork Girl, The Book of the End, and The Three-Body Problem.

These five novels not only meet the year requirement, but are also global bestsellers.

The last four books, in particular, not only sold like hotcakes but also won major awards such as the Nebula Award, the Hugo Award, and the Locus Award, making them true classics of science fiction.

In fact, his favorite books are "A Song of Ice and Fire", "The Three-Body Problem", and "The Book of the End of the World".

A Song of Ice and Fire has won the Hugo Award six times, the World Fantasy Award twice, and the Locus Award once.

Once it's written, it's sure to be a work that brings both fame and fortune.

Moreover, as a novel with Western characteristics, it is more readily accepted in regions with currencies such as the British pound, US dollar, Japanese yen, and Australian dollar, and thus more likely to generate substantial profits.

Why does he write science fiction? For money and fame.

As for "The Three-Body Problem," it needs no introduction; it's a landmark work of science fiction. Any discussion of science fiction inevitably involves it, its status is unquestionable.

However, it also has a problem: its setting is too damn ahead of its time. Once it's written, many other science fiction novels can't be written because they will be crushed and their path will be blocked by it in advance.

However, to be fair, science fiction is all about imagination, about boundless creativity, about innovation and creation. The so-called "advanced" is actually a form of praise and commendation. As a reborn person, there's nothing I can't write.

As for *The Book of the End Times*, it's a Hugo and Nebula Award winner, hailed as a representative work of science fiction on the theme of infectious diseases. Moreover, it's short and effective, making it perfect as a trial piece.

After much deliberation, he finally picked up his pen and wrote four words on the white paper: The Book of Doomsday.

The reason he chose this book first was that it was well-known, and secondly, it was for long-term development.

If we were to bring out "The Three-Body Problem" now, it would be an instant peak, and the path of science fiction would become much more difficult.

He decided to test the waters with "The Book of Doomsday" first, and then work on the others one by one, starting by the year.

There's no other way. He's been through two lifetimes, and Heaven has given him such a great opportunity. If he doesn't make good use of it, it would be a waste.

They'll definitely get struck by lightning again!

Furthermore, to put it selfishly, he has now entangled with eight women, all of whom are exceptionally outstanding. Whether to prevent future scandals or to take care of them and their children, he needs to continuously enhance himself, building up his reputation, fame, and wealth to an alarming level.

That way, even if the outside world finds out about my relationship with them one day, I'll be more tolerant.

Imagine a literary giant who enjoys a great reputation both at home and abroad, a celebrity who brings pride to the country; the tolerance of the vast majority of readers would surely be infinitely expanded.

Perhaps his romantic escapades will continue to be a topic of conversation among the people.

Of course, this was just a precaution. With Teacher Yu and Da Qingyi around, he hoped that the scandal wouldn't happen.

The original book, *The Book of the End Times*, unfolds through a dual narrative: in 2054, Evelyn, a history student at New York University, is transported to an English village during the Black Death outbreak of 1348 due to a time-travel system malfunction; simultaneously, a modern-day quarantine crisis erupts in the future world due to an operator contracting influenza. Through the dual predicaments of medieval plague and modern pandemic, the book explores humanity's struggle for survival and social cohesion in the face of an unknown virus, blending historical and science fiction settings.

Li Heng sorted out his thoughts and decided to modify some of the settings and plot in the text in order to make it more readable, engaging, impactful, and creative.

At the same time, he incorporated some new things he had seen and heard in his previous life into the Book of Doomsday, making it more in line with his own experiences.

People are always excited when they find a new "toy".

Sure enough, the moment the pen nib touched the paper, Li Heng seemed to be injected with adrenaline. Unlike his composed writing style when writing traditional Chinese literature, he was extremely excited during the writing process, his pen moving like a dragon, his inspiration bursting forth. In the form of writing in grids, he unknowingly filled 12 pages.

It's almost 5000 words.

Li Heng rubbed his aching wrists and glanced at his watch; 00:27
Well, it's already past midnight.

Thinking of the four women in the living room outside, and remembering that he had personally called Teacher Yu over, he hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he suppressed his surging desire to write, put down his pen, and got up to leave the study.

As expected, the four women were still playing cards.

But none of them spoke; the atmosphere was eerily quiet.

....
Sun Manning's original intention in suggesting playing cards was to liven up the atmosphere and ease the tense relationship between Shihe and Teacher Yu.

But the result…
Ha! After playing cards, instead of easing tensions, the atmosphere became even more strained.

Li Heng walked to the sofa, intending to ask who won tonight?
But the next second, seeing the piles of banknotes in front of Zhou Shihe, he instantly understood everything and gave up the idea of ​​asking questions.

His gaze swept over the other three women, and he felt increasingly uneasy.

Mai Sui's gaze darted around, sometimes stealing glances at Shi He, sometimes at Teacher Yu, her expression revealing a hidden worry.

Sun Manning was equally worried, but this idiot was still an idiot after all; her worry was mixed with a bit of schadenfreude, and she also had a desire to watch the show.

Yu Shuheng appeared intellectual and composed, but her unintentional furrowed brows revealed that her state of mind was not very good at the moment.

The reason why Teacher Yu was in a bad mood was because of Zhou Shihe.

No matter what cards Teacher Yu plays, Zhou Shihe can control, suppress, and strangle him.

Moreover, Ms. Zhou only targets Mr. Yu, and often Mr. Yu loses after playing only a few cards in a round.

Zhou Shihe felt much more relaxed around Sun Manning, who was also an enemy.

Well, Sun Manning can play her cards, but we can't let her play them all. Zhou Shihe completely controls the outcome of each round.

After observing for a while, Li Heng discovered that Miss Zhou not only had excellent luck, but was also skilled at card counting, and could almost predict Teacher Yu's hand.

Good luck plus good card counting, damn it! How are we supposed to play like this?
What the hell are you talking about? Teacher Yu is at least cultured. If it were someone else, they would have been crushed with every card they played, and they would have flipped the table long ago, wouldn't they?

Unable to bear watching any longer, Li Heng broke the silence by asking, "Which round are you in?"

Zhou Shihe remained calm, picked up the teacup beside her, took a small sip, and said nothing.

Yu Shuheng stared intently at the cards in her hand, pondering a way to break the deadlock, and remained silent.

Mai Sui said softly, "This is the fourth round."

Before Li Heng could ask any more questions, Sun Manning interjected, "This is Mai Sui and Shi He's fourth round. Teacher Yu and I are still in the first round, and we're still playing fourth."

Li Heng was dumbfounded: "You mean you played all night and only won one game?"

Sun Manning winked and said, "Yeah, we only won one hand. That hand was because the wheat ear cards were too bad, and we cheated."

Li Heng understood that Mai Sui had deliberately let them win that round; otherwise, Teacher Yu and Sun Manning would have had a hard time winning even one game.

He was anxious for Teacher Yu even though he only won one hand all night. No wonder someone who is usually so good-tempered was now fighting hard at the cards.

But what's the point of just competing? Teacher Yu's card skills are already inferior to Zhou Shihe's, not to mention his bad luck is even worse, so he can only suffer defeat.

At the same time, he also realized that Miss Zhou was deliberately making things difficult for Teacher Yu, and was certain that Teacher Yu would not easily admit defeat, so she kept chasing after him.

Meanwhile, everyone present understood that the competition between Zhou Shihe and Yu Shuheng was no longer limited to the card game, but had expanded into a contest of emotions and musical ideas, a contest of momentum and determination.

Looking around, Li Heng said to Zhou Shihe, "Comrade Shihe, are you tired?"

Zhou Shihe replied calmly, "Not tired."

Li Heng secretly tugged at Zhou Shihe's clothes under the table with his right hand, and continued, "I see you're having a lot of fun playing, how about letting me have a couple of rounds?"

Zhou Shihe lowered her eyes, glanced at the hand pulling her clothes, then at the man's expression, and smiled gently, saying, "Okay."

With that, she handed the cards to Li Heng, picked up her teacup, got up, and went to the attic outside for some fresh air.

Leaning on the railing and gazing at the starry sky, Zhou Shihe was in an exceptionally good mood tonight.

Although she hadn't figured out why Li Heng had called Teacher Yu over, she knew without a doubt that it was related to her.

Therefore, by overwhelming Li Heng and Yu Shuheng with her winning hand, she conveyed to them that no one could stop her from making her decision, and that she would be the ultimate winner in this relationship.

Previously, Sui Sui had let Mai Sui win once, but in order to prevent Mai Sui from letting her win again, Zhou Shihe played three cards at once in the next few hands, even directly crushing her teammate Sui Sui's cards and not giving her any chance.

Mai Sui understood her best friend's thoughts, and from that game onward, she never let her friend win again, but played seriously.

Li Heng sat down and subtly winked at Mai Sui.

Mai Sui understood and played along with his occasional mistakes, allowing Yu Shuheng and Sun Manning to win consecutive rounds, eventually going from 4 to 8.

After playing until the number 8, Yu Shuheng put down her cards, glanced at her watch, smiled, and said, "It's getting late, let's call it a night. Mai Sui, Manning, come over for coffee sometime."

Wheat said, "Okay."

Sun Manning muttered to herself, "I'm going to burst, I'm going to burst," and then rushed into the bathroom.

Yu Shuheng picked up her bag, gave Li Heng a meaningful look, got up and left, returning to the small building at No. 25 across the street.

Li Heng said to Mai Sui, "I'll go see the teacher off and come back later."

Mai Sui hummed in agreement and watched him leave.

Go downstairs, cross the alley, and enter building number 25.

As soon as the door closed, Li Heng wrapped his arms around Yu Shuheng's waist from behind. "What? Are you angry?"

Yu Shuheng stood still and asked softly, "Little man, you've got some wicked thoughts. You want Zhou Shihe and me to keep each other in check, don't you?"

Li Heng was very stubborn and refused to admit it no matter what: "No."

As he spoke, his right hand reached up through the gap in his clothes.

Before long, they caught the rabbit that was running in the mountains.

Yu Shuheng had been standing still, but eventually succumbed to his persistent coaxing. She leaned back against him, slowly closed her eyes, and said nothing, quietly sensing his every move and enjoying the mysterious sensation that spread throughout her body.

More than ten minutes later, Yu Shuheng, who had been aroused to the point of being unable to control herself, turned over in his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck, and for the first time ever, took the initiative to kiss him.

Li Heng, being very understanding and considerate, kissed her passionately.

After a long kiss, Yu Shuheng pulled away from his lips, her breathing slightly rapid, and teased him:

"A loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Little brother, your kissing skills are quite good. Shihe has gained nothing but trouble."

Li Heng felt embarrassed, withdrew his hand, and let go of her: "Get some rest, and come with me to Anta Shoes tomorrow."

Yu Shuheng nodded, then began to button her clothes, her eyes full of spring-like joy, and said, "I really hope you can graduate soon."

The two of them knew perfectly well why they wanted him to graduate.

Li Heng comforted him, "It'll be soon."

After tidying up the last button, Yu Shuheng looked up and said, "Go back now and lock the gate outside the courtyard for me."

Li Heng asked, "Lock it from the outside?"

Yu Shuheng tacitly agreed.

Li Heng asked, "So how are you going to get out tomorrow morning?"

Yu Shuheng suddenly stepped forward and whispered seductively in his ear, "Come to the bed and kiss me awake."

Unexpectedly, she said those words. Li Heng put his hands on her waist and said, "Teacher, you're getting more and more romantic."

Yu Shuheng said meaningfully, "You are not allowed to call me teacher."

Li Heng called softly, "Teacher."

Yu Shuheng smiled gracefully, took a step back, then another, turned around, and then walked up the stairs with an air of nonchalance, slowly disappearing from his sight.

"Mature women are indeed the most charming," Li Heng thought wistfully, glancing at his right hand. "I felt so good just now."

When I locked the door and returned home, Mai Sui was taking a bath.

Li Heng walked around but couldn't find Zhou and Sun Manning, so he asked at the shower room door, "Maisui, did Manning and the others go back?"

"Hmm, Shihe said she's sleepy and went back to rest," Maisui's voice came from the flowing water.

Li Heng knocked on the frosted glass door: "Open the door."

The sound of the water flowing inside quieted down for a moment, then resumed its gurgling flow.

"Boom boom boom!"

Li Heng knocked on the door again, "Maisui, open the door."

There was no reaction inside.

Li Heng shouted, "If you won't open the door, I'll open it myself!"

Mai Sui smiled charmingly, unconcerned, and said, "Okay."

"I really opened it."

"it is good."

Mai Sui wasn't Teacher Yu, nor Zhou Shihe, and Li Heng, who hadn't fully experienced the lock-picking expert's skills, so she responded so easily.

Wow, Comrade Mai Sui underestimated me. Looks like it's time to show off my skills. Li Heng turned around, found a piece of cardboard, and swiped it across the crack in the door.

A "click" sound rang out, and then...

Then the glass door opened.

"what!"

Seeing the door open and him standing in the doorway, Mai Sui crossed her arms, instinctively let out a soft "ah," and stared at him, feeling dizzy.

Their eyes met, and Li Heng's eyes gradually lit up as he gazed at the graceful figure in the flowing water.

After a long while, Li Heng, his blood boiling, slowly walked towards her: "Wife, let me help you wash."

Ps:

(End of this chapter)