After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Sicheng, Zero Degrees Bar.
As evening approached, the bar street came alive with neon lights, their vibrant colors attracting the eyes of passersby.
Music drifted faintly from the entrance of Zero Degrees.
Zero Degrees was a popular local bar, partly due to its resident singer. Tonight, she was singing Pu Shu, her voice captivating those passing by, who often paused to listen.
Yu Qingtang entered the bar.
The bar was crowded. She immediately regretted her decision, not expecting so many people on a weekend. But turning back would mean facing the same throng again. Calculating the distances, she decided to continue to the bar counter.
The bartender, in a white shirt and black vest, skillfully mixed drinks, creating fantastical cocktails for the waiting customers.
It was the same bartender she had seen before—three or four months ago, now that she thought about it. Long hair, light makeup, earrings...an emotionless cocktail-making machine, a cool young woman. Many lesbians liked this type, so her tips were always higher than usual on her shifts.
But in Yu Qingtang's eyes, she was faceless, forgettable. Of the few faces she could recall, Ms. Cheng, the PE teacher, was more attractive, even if she was a bit too talkative.
Colorful cocktails lined the bar counter, shimmering under the overhead lights.
Yu Qingtang regretted her decision a second time.
She waited until all the cocktails had reached their intended recipients before approaching the counter.
The bartender finished making a drink and looked up at her.
Yu Qingtang looked back.
Their eyes met.
"One..." Yu Qingtang started to say the name of a cocktail, then changed her mind. "Juice, please," she said.
The bartender turned away without a word and started making the juice.
Yu Qingtang, hiding her slight embarrassment, took the juice and sat down in her usual corner booth.
Meanwhile, the aloof bartender found a moment to send a message to Yu Jianxing – Yu Jianxing, whose extensive social network was proving surprisingly useful.
Yu Jianxing: Are you sure?
The bartender, after serving a few more customers, finally replied: About 168cm tall, white dress, slender, looks like a fairy descended from heaven. A tear mole at the corner of her left eye. Ask the owner if you don't believe me.
Yu Jianxing: How can you call someone else a fairy? [Angry face]
Bartender: Objective description.
Yu Jianxing: No, you're the only fairy.
Bartender: Busy. Talk later.
The bartender tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, hiding a blush.
Yu Jianxing, living up to her best friend status, immediately contacted the bar owner for confirmation. The owner, who was at home nearby, came to the bar specifically to identify Yu Qingtang. After confirming, she messaged Yu Jianxing: [It's her. Lots of people are hitting on her. Should I try again?]
Yu Jianxing: [Keep an eye on her for me. I'll treat you to a feast later.]
This led to Cheng Zhanxi's urgent call.
Yu Qingtang slowly sipped her freshly squeezed juice. The singer, holding a white guitar, switched to a French song, her pronunciation impeccable.
Yu Qingtang idly wondered if she was a foreign language student from a nearby university.
The woman sitting opposite her, finally giving up after being consistently ignored, got up and left.
As Yu Qingtang's juice was almost finished, a familiar figure entered her field of vision.
Yu Qingtang didn't remember many faces, but Cheng Zhanxi, who had been relentlessly making her presence known in the office all week, was one of them. Her cheeks flushed from exercise, she stood a short distance away, one hand resting on the back of a booth, slightly out of breath.
Yu Qingtang blinked.
Under her gaze, Cheng Zhanxi approached and sat down opposite her, her expression a mixture of seriousness, relief, and other complex emotions, like sadness, that Yu Qingtang couldn't decipher.
Cheng Zhanxi didn't notice the short-haired woman nearby, whose confidence had just been crushed by Yu Qingtang's indifference, now watching the scene unfold with amusement, whispering to her friend: "So many have been rejected. How long do you think this one will last?"
"Want to go to a hotel?" Cheng Zhanxi asked, placing something from her bag on the table. "Here's my medical report."
Yu Qingtang released her straw, her emotions, unusually, showing in her eyes as she looked at Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi, suppressing her own feelings, said, "If you're going to choose someone, I think I'm the best candidate here." Her voice softened. "You've tried it before, haven't you?"
Perhaps it was the dim lighting or the alluring huskiness in the woman's voice.
Memories stirred within her: a long-forgotten sensation coursing through her body, their fingers intertwined, her own muffled moans, the woman whispering sweet nothings in her ear, their bodies entangled in a sweaty embrace.
A warmth spread across her cheeks, then down to her ears.
Hidden by the dim lighting, her blush went unnoticed for now, but it wouldn't last.
Yu Qingtang forced herself to focus on the document Cheng Zhanxi had placed on the table. She took a deep breath to compose herself. "You... carry this with you?" she asked slowly.
Cheng Zhanxi thought: Saying I went home specifically to get it would ruin my reputation.
"It was in my bag," she said.
Yu Qingtang's gaze flickered over Cheng Zhanxi's bag, which seemed to change every day, one eyebrow raising almost imperceptibly.
Yu Qingtang took a sip of her juice. "What is Ms....Cheng doing at a bar?" she asked.
Cheng Zhanxi, finally realizing something was amiss, said evasively, "Just looking around."
"Looking for a hookup?"
"I told you, I'm a decent person."
Yu Qingtang looked at her again. She didn't say anything, but Cheng Zhanxi knew she was being doubted.
Cheng Zhanxi countered, "What are you doing at a bar, Ms. Yu?"
"Listening to music," Yu Qingtang replied calmly.
"Looking for a hookup?"
"Not interested."
Cheng Zhanxi, setting herself up for rejection, asked, "Including me?"
"Yes." Yu Qingtang's expression remained impassive as she answered, then a fleeting image flashed through her mind: Cheng Zhanxi gripping her ankle…
Actually... she might be a little interested.
Yu Qingtang turned away, her eyelids lowered, her eyelashes casting small shadows on her cheeks.
But she was timid, insecure, and cowardly. That one night of indulgence had been her limit.
Cheng Zhanxi, on the other hand, became even more enthusiastic. "Then I'll listen to music with you," she said cheerfully. "I'll go get some juice."
As usual, without waiting for Yu Qingtang's reply, she got up and went to the bar counter.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi's medical report was still on the table. Yu Qingtang picked it up and opened the first page. In the top right corner was Cheng Zhanxi's ID photo. She was smiling, a natural, infectious smile.
She was the type of person whose smile made you want to smile back, even in a photograph.
The corners of Yu Qingtang's lips curved upwards slightly, then slowly returned to their usual straight line.
She closed the report and put it back on the table.
Cheng Zhanxi returned with two glasses of juice, teasing, "Why did you stop reading?" She had seen Yu Qingtang looking at her report.
Yu Qingtang: "There was nothing interesting to see."
"This one's for you." Cheng Zhanxi handed her one of the glasses. Yu Qingtang's glass was almost empty. She wasn't going to let her leave just because she'd finished her drink, was she?
Yu Qingtang: "..." again.
This woman's ability to make decisions without consulting her was becoming increasingly advanced, yet somehow, it wasn't entirely unpleasant.
...The bar's singer was really good.
She could only attribute her acquiescence to that.
The singer had switched to an old love song, a classic from the 90s. Seeing Yu Qingtang staring intently at the stage, Cheng Zhanxi asked, "Do you like this kind of music?"
Yu Qingtang hadn't even noticed what was playing. She listened for a few seconds, then replied, "It's alright."
"I like jazz," Cheng Zhanxi offered.
As expected, Yu Qingtang didn't reciprocate, simply humming in response.
Undeterred, Cheng Zhanxi continued, "I'll recommend you some songs next time."
Yu Qingtang couldn't help but glance at her.
Cheng Zhanxi, anticipating this, met her gaze and chuckled.
A bright, cheerful sound.
Yu Qingtang's breath hitched, the sound of Cheng Zhanxi's laughter echoing in her ears.
Cheng Zhanxi released her straw, pushed her juice aside, and rested her chin on her interlaced fingers, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at Yu Qingtang. Her voice, suddenly soft and sweet, called out, "Jiejie~"
Yu Qingtang's eyes widened, and she quickly looked away.
But it didn't hide the faint blush spreading across her neck, like blossoms on a spring branch.
Cheng Zhanxi's soft laughter filled the air. "Has anyone ever called you that before?" she asked teasingly.
Yu Qingtang's throat was dry. She wanted to take a sip of her juice, but turning her head would mean meeting Cheng Zhanxi's playful gaze, so she swallowed instead.
"Jiejie?"
Yu Qingtang, feeling flustered, her voice softer than usual, murmured, "Don't call me that."
Cheng Zhanxi obediently stopped.
It wasn't that she was afraid of angering Yu Qingtang, but she was afraid that hearing her speak so softly would unleash her inner wolf.
As a healthy, mature woman, feeling both physically and emotionally attracted to the person she admired was perfectly normal.
She wanted to kiss her, bite her, hear her voice.
Cheng Zhanxi closed her eyes, took a sip of her juice, and the intensity in her gaze subsided, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Yu Qingtang stared at the glasses lined up on the bar counter, then turned back, casually taking a sip of her juice.
Her eyes flickered over Cheng Zhanxi's chewed-up straw, and an inappropriate thought crossed her mind: I heard people who chew on straws have strong libidos.
...No wonder she asked if I wanted to go again that night. She wasn't satisfied.
Yu Qingtang's thoughts raced, but her expression remained calm.
"Ms. Yu?"
Yu Qingtang reigned in her wandering thoughts, mentally scolding herself, and finished her juice in one gulp, exhaling softly. "I should go home," she said.
If she stayed any longer, she really might end up going to a hotel with Cheng Zhanxi for round two.
"But we've only listened to two songs."
Only two? The few minutes since Cheng Zhanxi's arrival had felt longer than the hour she'd spent sitting there alone.
"My family is waiting for me for dinner."
"Okay." Cheng Zhanxi put away her medical report. "Can I give you a ride?"
"No, thank you."
Cheng Zhanxi, compromising, asked, "Can we at least leave together?"
Yu Qingtang nodded.
There was only one exit. If Cheng Zhanxi insisted on leaving with her, there was no reason to refuse.
They parted ways at the bar's entrance.
Yu Qingtang saw Cheng Zhanxi's white Ducati Diavel. Its sleek, streamlined body was both sporty and elegant, the pristine white paint job conveying a sense of luxury. It was the kind of motorcycle that made any enthusiast's heart race. Yu Qingtang didn't know much about motorcycles, but she appreciated beauty.
Especially now, as Cheng Zhanxi leaned against the bike, one hand holding her helmet, one foot resting on the footrest, a casual smile on her face. The neon lights reflected on her tall, slender figure, creating a captivating image.
It wasn't just her youthful beauty; it was her carefree, confident aura, a freedom Yu Qingtang had always longed for.
She was living the life Yu Qingtang had always dreamed of.
"Bye, Jiejie," Cheng Zhanxi said, giving her a playful wink before lowering her visor.
"Goodbye."
The engine roared to life. Yu Qingtang watched as Cheng Zhanxi sped off into the night, her figure hunched over the motorcycle. After a long moment, she murmured softly, as if reminding herself, "Goodbye."
She turned and walked in the opposite direction.
The city lights twinkled, her long shadow stretching behind her.
Yu Qingtang had told Fang Wenjiao she wouldn't be home for dinner. When she arrived, it was past 8 p.m. Leftover food sat covered on the table. She saw her grandparents watching TV in the living room and decided not to reheat her dinner, not wanting to trouble her grandmother.
She greeted them and went upstairs to her room.
She checked her phone and saw a message from Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi: [I'm home safe.]
It had only been a few minutes since they parted ways. She must live nearby.
Why was Ms. Cheng at the bar? And why was she carrying her medical report? Two questions flashed through Yu Qingtang's mind. Before she could analyze the possible answers, she pushed them aside and typed: [Safe.]
A second later, Cheng Zhanxi called.
Yu Qingtang was surprised. After a brief hesitation, she declined the call and typed: [Not convenient.]
Cheng Zhanxi sent a text message: [I have something I'd like to discuss with you, Ms. Yu, regarding education.]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
A PE teacher? Seriously?
As if sensing her thoughts, Cheng Zhanxi continued typing, and a new message popped up.
[Ms. Yu, I didn't realize you, with your refined appearance, were prejudiced against PE teachers! [Angry face.jpg]]
[Our PE teachers also need to consider teaching methods and improve students' physical fitness. Good physical fitness contributes to good mental health, which is essential for handling the pressure of high school studies, which in turn benefits the national economy and the people's livelihood. A strong youth makes a strong nation... (Baidu copy-paste omitted)]
[And those senior teachers also have to train students for special programs and hold classes during winter and summer breaks. They're not much more relaxed than you subject teachers. I'm a new teacher, a temporary employee, so it might seem like I have nothing to do, but I'm studying hard! You need to give new teachers a chance to grow. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and a great river is formed by countless streams.]
Yu Qingtang regretted not answering the call. She didn't believe Cheng Zhanxi could recite such a long passage from Baidu word for word, but then again, she could totally see her doing it.
Ms. Cheng, a human repeater.
Yu Qingtang: [You're hurting my eyes.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [Hahahaha]
[System message: Yu Qingtang withdrew a message.]
Yu Qingtang: [Get to the point.]
Cheng Zhanxi concisely explained her idea.
Yu Qingtang: [Asking the PE teachers would be more effective.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [But you're the homeroom teacher. You're in charge of me.]
Yu Qingtang corrected her: [We're not in a superior-subordinate relationship. You're not accountable to me. You're accountable to your students.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [I don't know any other PE teachers. Do you?]
Yu Qingtang thought: You've been at school for a week, acting like a social butterfly, befriending everyone. You haven't met any other PE teachers?
After her mental grumbling, Yu Qingtang replied: [I'll ask other homeroom teachers for their PE teachers' contact information. I'll send it to you later.]
Given Cheng Zhanxi's popularity at school, she probably already had most of the homeroom teachers' WeChat contacts, but Yu Qingtang offered to help anyway, a small gesture of professional courtesy.
Before Cheng Zhanxi could reply, Yu Qingtang added: [I'm busy. Talk later.]
She placed her phone face down on the desk and grabbed her pajamas, heading to the bathroom.
Her phone buzzed. Cheng Zhanxi had probably sent another message.
Yu Qingtang ignored it, grabbing a towel and entering the bathroom.
The old house had outdated plumbing. The water heater was ancient. Yu Qingtang turned on the hot water and stood waiting, her mind blank, until the water warmed up before undressing.
Her body was even paler than her face, like pristine snow. A few faint scars, barely visible unless you looked closely, only slightly darker than her normal skin tone, didn't detract from her beauty.
Her shoulders were delicate, her waist slender. Though thin, her figure was graceful and well-proportioned.
She stood under the shower, her long, elegant neck tilted back, her slender arms raised, cupping the water. Her eyes followed the water as it cascaded down her body, her long black hair plastered to her back, the steam swirling around her. She looked like a graceful spirit emerging from the mist.
...
Yu Qingtang dried herself and changed into long-sleeved pajamas and long pants.
Autumn hadn't arrived yet, but Yu Qingtang had already switched to warmer clothes. She had been a difficult birth, and her mother, Yu Ci, had been frail, so she had been weaker than other children from birth. The lack of proper care in her early years had left her with chronic health issues that couldn't be completely cured, so she had to be careful.
Yu Qingtang unlocked her phone and, as expected, saw a message from Cheng Zhanxi: [Mwah!]
There was also a message from Wen Zhihan.
Wen Zhihan had sent her a math proof, asking if she was interested in solving it.
Yu Qingtang looked at the problem, sat down at her desk, pulled out a pen and some scratch paper, and started working on the proof.
An hour later, she took a photo of her densely filled pages of calculations and sent it to Wen Zhihan. The last line proved the conclusion.
Wen Zhihan: [What are you doing?]
Yu Qingtang: [Just finished the proof. Going to bed.]
Wen Zhihan typed for a moment, then sent: [Goodnight.]
Yu Qingtang: [Goodnight.]
Yu Qingtang checked the class group chat for any questions from parents, then forwarded the contact information of the senior PE teacher she'd obtained from other teachers to Cheng Zhanxi.
As the "typing" indicator appeared above the chat box, Yu Qingtang quickly added: [I'm going to sleep. Goodnight.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [Sharing playlist: Jazz for Jiejie.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [I've picked a few mellow ones for you. Let me know what you think. Goodnight, Jiejie~]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Why did it feel like she could hear Cheng Zhanxi's voice in her head?
Yu Qingtang lay down, her hands clasped over the blanket on her waist, and closed her eyes.
A cold draft made her realize she had forgotten to close the window. She rubbed the goosebumps on her arms, got up to close the window, then picked up her phone from the nightstand, put on her earphones, and opened the playlist Cheng Zhanxi had shared.
The soothing jazz flowed into her ears, evoking images of rich wine and evening breezes, a sense of lazy contentment.
Yu Qingtang fell asleep listening to the music. The last image that flitted through her mind was of Cheng Zhanxi at the bar entrance, helmet in hand, leaning casually against her motorcycle, running a hand through her long hair, revealing the elegant curve of her neck.
She had been looking away, at the bustling street, the streetlights giving her eyes a dreamy, distant look.
Unconscious beauty was the most captivating.
It reminded Yu Qingtang of a classic movie scene featuring a famous Hong Kong actress known for her sensuality.
Cheng Zhanxi suddenly turned around, transforming from a sexy, mature woman into a sweet, clingy girl, her voice soft and sugary as she called out, "Jiejie~"
Yu Qingtang's eyes fluttered beneath her eyelids.
A clap of thunder echoed in the distance.
Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the dark night.
Dark clouds, gathering since the temperature drop two days prior, finally unleashed a torrential downpour. Thunder rumbled, followed by strong winds howling through the bamboo grove in the courtyard, their whistling resembling the sound of a flute.
Raindrops pelted the windows.
Yu Qingtang's eyelashes fluttered at the sound of the thunder and rain. Her fingers tightened on the blanket, her knuckles turning white, as if she was being pulled into a deep, subconscious nightmare.
The music player was on repeat, the gentle jazz flowing endlessly...
Rainwater pooled on the stone path outside the bamboo grove, glistening in the darkness.
By morning, the rain had stopped, and the sun rose in the distance, painting the sky with soft hues.
Yu Qingtang lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, then retrieved her earphones from beneath her pillow and from the hollow of her collarbone.
Her phone had 10% battery left. The music had stopped playing when the earphones had fallen out.
She plugged in her phone, brushed her teeth, washed her face, got dressed, and opened the window. The wind was still blowing, the morning air cold and damp. She grabbed a black hooded jacket from the closet and put it on.
Downstairs, Fang Wenjiao was making breakfast. Yu Qingtang's grandfather sat in his wheelchair by the window, gazing outside, lost in thought.
Yu Qingtang greeted him. He responded without turning around, and she grabbed a broom and went outside to sweep the fallen leaves in the courtyard.
She suddenly remembered it was the Autumn Equinox.
Yu Qingtang made lunch. She had contacted a housekeeping agency in the morning to find a new housekeeper. In the afternoon, a woman named Aunt Liu came for an interview. Yu Qingtang explained her requirements, and they signed a contract on the spot.
After the Autumn Equinox of 2018 came the Mid-Autumn Festival, an important holiday for family reunions.
Yu Qingtang's uncle, her grandparents' son, lived in the capital, busy with work and his own family. He couldn't make it back this year, so he called in the evening. Yu Qingtang helped her grandparents connect the video call. Her uncle wished them a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and asked about her grandfather's health. He replied that he was feeling better, and her uncle brought his two children to the screen to greet their great-grandparents.
The elderly couple fussed over the children, who obediently replied, "Yes, we know," and "We will."
After a half-hour video call, Yu Qingtang ended the call and returned the phone to her grandmother.
The phone rang again, another video call.
Yu Qingtang glanced at the name on the screen, her voice emotionless. "I'm going upstairs," she said.
She handed the phone to Fang Wenjiao, instructing her, "Press the green button to answer. You'll see someone on the screen."
Fang Wenjiao watched Yu Qingtang go upstairs, her expression worried, but she didn't say anything.
Her grandfather's face darkened. "She runs away every time she sees her father's call. They act like enemies," he grumbled.
Fang Wenjiao: "Give her some time."
Her grandfather sighed. "I'm an old man. I probably won't live to see them reconcile." He paused, then continued, his voice filled with disapproval. "And Tingyu too. Why is he holding a grudge against a child? He should be the one to apologize. Next time I see him, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind! I—"
He became increasingly agitated, and Fang Wenjiao gently placed a hand on his chest. "Let's answer the call first," she said soothingly.
Wei Tingyu's pale, sickly face appeared on the screen. "Dad, Mom," he said with a warm smile, "Happy Mid-Autumn Festival."
Towards the end of the call, Fang Wenjiao hesitantly asked, "Tingyu, when are you and Momo going to sit down and have a proper talk?" Wei Tingyu listened patiently, then evaded the question. "I'll find her a good husband. Don't worry," he said.
"Third Uncle," a voice called from outside the door. "Are you in there?"
Wei Tingyu said to his in-laws, "Someone's calling me. I'll talk to you later. Call me anytime if you need anything. Did you receive the mooncakes I sent?"
"Yes, we did."
"Make sure you and Dad eat them," Wei Tingyu said gently, then ended the video call.
He got up and went to the door, opening it.
Standing there was Wei Jingfeng, the sixth grandchild of the Wei family, born just a few months after Yu Qingtang. He had a twin sister. His mother had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, just as Yu Ci's pregnancy was starting to show. Yu Ci, being slender, had a noticeably large belly. Wei Tingyu had sometimes joked with her, wondering if she was also carrying twins, even though the checkups had confirmed it wasn't the case.
He had spent three months agonizing over a name for their unborn child, finally settling on Wei Qingtang, a name suitable for both boys and girls. He didn't care about the child's gender or appearance. As long as their family of three could live happily together, it would be the greatest fulfillment of his life.
When Yu Ci died on the operating table, it was as if his soul had been ripped from his body, leaving behind an empty shell.
Wei Tingyu had fallen gravely ill, losing many of his memories, the remaining fragments disjointed and chaotic.
He seemed to recall taking care of Yu Qingtang after Yu Ci's death. He had wanted to be a good father to his daughter, the only remaining trace of his beloved wife, but...he had apparently failed. The housekeepers later told him his mental state had been unstable, prone to outbursts of anger and grief. He would often be heard screaming and crying in the baby's room.
He couldn't bear to hear his daughter's cries. Whenever she cried, he would yell at her, his voice echoing throughout the house. Although the baby couldn't understand his words, she instinctively sensed his fear and gradually stopped crying aloud, eventually ceasing to cry altogether.
She wouldn't cry when she was hungry, wouldn't cry when she was soiled, just lie quietly in her crib, her large, dark eyes wide open.
If he remembered, he would feed her formula. If he forgot, she would go hungry, yet she somehow survived.
But in the long run, this situation would inevitably destroy one of them.
After a year or so, the Wei patriarch brought his beloved third son back to the main residence, keeping a close eye on him. After six months of rest and care, Wei Tingyu's mental state gradually improved.
Yu Qingtang was also brought back.
She was like a thorn in Wei Tingyu's heart, a constant reminder of the wife he would never see again.
She was also a wound he couldn't heal. He could only ignore her, keeping her out of sight and out of mind.
Wei Jingfeng, the sixth Wei grandchild, said, "Third Uncle, everyone's waiting for you downstairs. Twelve and the others want their red envelopes. Are you ready?"
Wei Tingyu took out the red envelopes from behind his back. "Here's yours too," he said.
Wei Jingfeng smiled. "I don't need one. I'm too old for that. Save it for Seventh Sister during Chinese New Year," he said.
Wei Tingyu didn't reply.
Wei Jingfeng followed him downstairs, matching his slow pace. "I heard Seventh Sister returned to her hometown after graduation. Which city is that?" he asked.
"Sicheng," Wei Tingyu replied, his voice hoarse.
"Okay, I'll remember that. If I ever have a business trip to Sicheng, I'll visit her."
"As you wish." Wei Tingyu held the banister as he descended the stairs.
Wei Tingyu handed out the red envelopes. The younger generation played in the living room. A servant approached Wei Tingyu and whispered something in his ear.
In the study, Wei Tingyu knocked and entered. His three brothers were sitting there, waiting for him.
Wei Tingyu was an artist, unconcerned with worldly affairs. His three brothers, assembled in such a formal manner, had only one thing to discuss: Yu Qingtang's marriage.
The Cheng family's daughter had been feigning illness for almost six months, and the situation had reached a stalemate.
They wanted to arrange a new marriage for Yu Qingtang, but Wei Tingyu refused to budge, not trusting anyone else with his daughter's future.
Today was no different.
Wei Tingyu coughed violently, covering his mouth with a handkerchief, his face pale and bloodless, yet his voice firm and unwavering. "No! It has to be the Cheng family. I'll decide my daughter's marriage myself!" he insisted.
After Wei Tingyu left, his eldest brother glared at his retreating figure.
The second brother's expression was cryptic, a playful smile on his face.
Only the fourth brother looked worried.
The eldest brother slammed his teacup on the table. "That sickly fool! He never treated Wei Qingtang like his daughter before, and now he acts like he cares so much about her future!" he exclaimed.
The fourth brother, looking nervously at his older brothers, asked, "Brother, do you think Third Brother knows why we're so eager to marry off his daughter? Is he deliberately stalling?"
The eldest brother scoffed. "Stall? Even if he stalls until his death, his daughter won't have a good life!"
The second brother lowered his voice. "Brother, be quiet. What if he's still within earshot? After all, he doesn't know that we know..."
The voices in the study faded, merging with the glow of the Mid-Autumn moon.
The bright moon hung high in the sky.
Cheng Zhanxi was video chatting with her family in her rented apartment.
Her mother, worried about her living in a rented place, was nitpicking, trying to persuade her to come home.
"This apartment isn't small! What are you talking about? I live alone. I don't need a big place."
Her mother mumbled something, then said, "The Wei family asked about you again..."
Why wouldn't they give up?! Although she was indeed charming and popular, a highly sought-after bachelorette, she wasn't so irresistible that Miss Wei would be obsessed with her, a complete stranger.
Cheng Zhanxi asked seriously, "Mom, have you considered something?"
Her mother: "What?"
Cheng Zhanxi, her expression solemn, asked, "Is the Wei family about to go bankrupt?"
Her mother: ".............."
A young man's laughter echoed from off-screen. A handsome face, bearing a resemblance to Cheng Zhanxi's, appeared in the frame. Cheng Yuanxi, her older brother, said with a smile, "Little sister, you're right to stay out of business. With your judgment, our company would have gone bankrupt long ago."
This instigator! How dare he mock her?!
Cheng Zhanxi glared at him. "Shut up!"
Cheng Yuanxi immediately stopped laughing and said seriously, "Since you asked about the Wei family's financial situation, I can confirm they're not going bankrupt. They're still thriving."
Her mother complained, "You've been away from home for six months! You're not even coming back for Mid-Autumn Festival?"
Cheng Zhanxi patiently explained, "It's not that I don't want to. I have class tomorrow."
"What kind of class?" Her mother assumed she had enrolled in another one of her unusual hobby classes. "Can't you ask for a few days off?"
"I am the teacher," Cheng Zhanxi said.
Her mother wasn't too surprised. After a moment of thought, she asked, "Are you teaching painting? You're a famous artist now. Can't you take a break?"
"No, I'm a PE teacher. I'm a glorious people's teacher now," Cheng Zhanxi declared proudly. "I have a responsibility to my students."
Saying this, Cheng Zhanxi realized the words sounded familiar. Who had said that before?
Yu Qingtang. Ms. Yu was so eloquent.
Cheng Zhanxi rubbed her nose, her eyes downcast, hiding her embarrassment.
Cheng Yuanxi narrowed his eyes, sensing something was up.
It seemed his little sister...
It didn't take long for her mother to process the fact that Cheng Zhanxi was now a PE teacher. Her daughter had always been unconventional. As long as she was happy, it was fine.
The conversation circled back to the Wei family. Her mother said Wei Tingyu had personally visited their home, and she couldn't refuse him anymore.
Cheng Zhanxi looked troubled and finally confessed, "A while ago, I might have agreed to meet Miss Wei, but I'm in love now. I became a PE teacher to pursue her. So..."
Her mother was silent for a few seconds, then chuckled. "Alright," she said. "In that case, I'll decline the Wei family's proposal. I'll tell them it wasn't meant to be."
Cheng Zhanxi's voice softened, guilt evident in her tone. "I'm sorry," she said.
Her mother: "It's not your fault. It's your brother's fault. I'll give him a good beating and drag him to the Wei residence to apologize."
Cheng Yuanxi said, "Yes, it's my fault for being gay and not being able to marry Miss Wei. It has nothing to do with Little Sister. A man should take responsibility for his own actions."
Her father, having just finished a phone call, joined them, overhearing the last part of the conversation. "Actually, I was the one who proposed the arranged marriage," he said calmly. "So I should take most of the blame."
Cheng Zhanxi laughed.
"Mommy loves you."
"Daddy loves you."
"Brother loves you."
The tablet, propped up on the coffee table, showed her parents making a large heart shape with their hands above Cheng Yuanxi's head, while he made a small heart shape with his hands in front of him.
"I love you too," Cheng Zhanxi said, raising her arms above her head to form a heart.
"Come home soon," her mother said wistfully before ending the video call.
"I will, when I have time."
Cheng Zhanxi hadn't been able to go home for Mid-Autumn Festival when she was studying abroad, but they had always celebrated together as a family. Her parents and brother would fly to her city, and they would have a reunion. This was probably her first Mid-Autumn Festival without her family.
Cheng Zhanxi ate a mooncake, reminiscing for a moment, then sent Yu Qingtang a message.
She must be enjoying mooncakes and the full moon with her family, right?
Yu Qingtang had to return to her apartment on Tuesday night because the commute from the old town to the school was too long.
Fang Wenjiao gave her a box of mooncakes. Pretending not to know they were a gift from Wei Tingyu, Yu Qingtang took the last bus back to the new town. She was the only passenger. She placed her bag on the adjacent seat, the mooncakes on top of it. Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
Cheng Zhanxi: [Raising a glass to invite the bright moon, with my shadow making three.]
Attached was a photo of a wine glass and a half-eaten mooncake.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Yu Qingtang put her phone away, not wanting to deal with the heiress.
The bus rumbled along the empty streets. The old town was always quiet, and at night, it felt eerily deserted. Yu Qingtang looked at the back of the driver's head, her mind conjuring up disturbing images of him turning around.
Yu Qingtang took out her phone again.
[Didn't go home?]
Cheng Zhanxi replied instantly: [I have class tomorrow. Of course I'm staying here.]
Before Yu Qingtang could think of a reply, Cheng Zhanxi sent another message: [What about you?]
Yu Qingtang took a photo of the empty bus, then deleted it before sending: [Ms. Cheng is very dedicated.]
[You haven't answered my question.]
[Just left home.]
[So you're alone?]
[Yes.]
[Want to grab some late-night snacks? I can pick you up.]
Yu Qingtang pictured Cheng Zhanxi at the bar entrance again, the evening breeze playing with her hair, her helmet in one hand, leaning casually against her motorcycle, a lazy smile on her face, effortlessly captivating everyone around her, including Yu Qingtang.
Looking at her was like looking at the sun.
Yu Qingtang's eyes darkened. She looked down and typed: [No, thanks.]
[Okay. See you tomorrow, Jiejie.]
[See you tomorrow.]
Yu Qingtang locked her phone.
The bus reached her stop. She got off, carrying her box of mooncakes, and walked the remaining five minutes home. She took out one mooncake and ate it, storing the rest in the refrigerator.
Autumn was in the air after the equinox.
Yu Qingtang wore a long trench coat to school the next morning, barely warding off the chill.
Arriving at the school gate at 6:40 a.m., she almost walked through the entrance, then turned around, glancing back. The usual stream of cars and bicycles passed by, nothing out of the ordinary.
Yu Qingtang turned back.
The deep rumble of a motorcycle engine echoed behind her. It was a rare sound, not just at school, but in Sicheng in general. Yu Qingtang resisted the urge to turn around.
Until Cheng Zhanxi rode past her, her feet resting lightly on the ground, stopping in front of Yu Qingtang, blocking her path.
It's time for the classic "Jiejie" during the day and "baby" at night scenario ╰(*°▽°*)╯
Short skit:
Cheng Zhanxi: Jiejie, Jiejie, Jiejie, baby, baby, baby~
Yu Qingtang: I hope you're still this enthusiastic when I'm the one on top.
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