After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 23
Chapter 23
During Yu Qingtang's school years, many of her classmates had been fans of idol groups, a trend that continued with her current students. There were the long-standing popular Korean groups, and more recently, the top-tier Chinese girl groups, one of which was led by a certain Jin something, with countless fans. There were also talent shows springing up like mushrooms after the rain, their quality varying greatly.
As a homeroom teacher, Yu Qingtang, even without any personal interest, was constantly exposed to this information through her students.
So, she was actually familiar with group dances, especially those of Korean boy bands. One of her college roommates had been a fan, using it as a way to relax from the pressures of academic life. Cheng Zhanxi's dance was similar to what she had seen – sharp, powerful movements, with a mix of difficult techniques.
But there was also a difference. When a woman performed this kind of dance, it combined coolness with a feminine sensuality, a unique charm.
Yu Qingtang took a small sip of water from her cup, watching the video a second time with an objective eye.
Cheng Zhanxi's legs were shapely and toned, her slender physique and beautiful lines accentuated by the energetic choreography. The hem of her untucked white shirt rose and fell with her movements, occasionally revealing a glimpse of her supple, delicate waist.
Yu Qingtang's gaze was fixed on Cheng Zhanxi's waist.
It's about to happen, she thought.
Like a willow branch swaying in the wind, Cheng Zhanxi's waist snapped back upright.
Yu Qingtang's mouth opened slightly, a silent "ah" escaping her lips.
…She still hadn't seen it clearly.
She touched her own waist. It was slender, without any excess fat, but it wasn't like Cheng Zhanxi's – capable of both fluidity and strength, swaying like a willow branch one moment, then radiating power the next, the lines of her abs clearly defined.
If it had been a professional dancer performing on screen, she might have simply admired their skill, just like the other six dancers in the video, whose movements were all perfectly executed. But her gaze followed Cheng Zhanxi, because Cheng Zhanxi was someone she knew, a colleague she saw every day in the office.
A colleague you assumed was just a PE teacher, but who turned out to be an amazing dancer, on par with professionals.
It was enough to surprise anyone.
Yu Qingtang watched the video a third time, finishing her water.
She copied the instructional video for the students onto a USB drive, keeping the "special edition" on her computer.
After showering and getting ready for bed, Yu Qingtang sent Cheng Zhanxi her review: [Ms. Cheng, you're so multi-talented.]
The multi-talented Ms. Cheng, having pulled two all-nighters, took a taxi home from the high-speed rail station, showered, and collapsed into bed, her phone silently lighting up on the nightstand beside her, illuminating her peaceful, sleeping face.
Cheng Zhanxi woke up naturally the next morning, grabbed her phone, and squinted at the time: 7 a.m.
Unlocking her phone, she saw Yu Qingtang's late-night compliment, a smile spreading across her face.
Another wonderful day!
Making a sandwich, she added an extra egg. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast accompanied by the morning sun and the chirping of birds outside, she cleaned up, took the elevator downstairs, and rode her motorcycle to school.
As she entered the school gates, she heard the first-period bell ring. Quickly parking her motorcycle in the staff parking area, she avoided the throng of students pouring out of their classrooms for break time. Even so, on her way to the office, she was greeted by several students.
"Good morning, teacher!"
"Good morning," Cheng Zhanxi replied, looking at their unfamiliar faces, certain she didn't know them.
Sicheng No. 1 High School had three grade levels, each with over twenty classes, totaling several thousand students. The hundred students in the two classes Cheng Zhanxi taught were just a drop in the ocean.
Two girls, walking arm in arm and chatting, approached from the other side of the path. Seeing Cheng Zhanxi, they stepped aside and stopped. "Good morning, teacher," they greeted respectfully.
"Good morning," Cheng Zhanxi replied with a smile, increasingly puzzled. "Do you know me?" she asked.
The two girls smiled shyly and hurried away.
Cheng Zhanxi entered the office, glancing habitually towards Yu Qingtang's desk. Yu Qingtang was sitting at her computer, typing, seemingly unaware of Cheng Zhanxi's arrival.
The office was noisy, so Cheng Zhanxi decided not to greet her.
"Reporting for duty," a voice called from the doorway.
Yu Qingtang looked up, saw Cheng Zhanxi standing near the door, paused for a moment as if surprised, nodded at her, then turned to Shi Keyu at the doorway. "Come in," she said.
Shi Keyu, looking much better than before, solemnly placed a handwritten apology letter on Yu Qingtang's desk.
Yu Qingtang: "Alright. You can go back now."
Shi Keyu: "Thank you, teacher."
As she passed Cheng Zhanxi, Cheng Zhanxi said, "If you have any problems, remember to ask your teachers. Focus on your studies."
"I know," Shi Keyu replied, sticking out her tongue slightly, and hurried away.
Cheng Zhanxi walked towards her desk, saying with a smile, "Good morning, Ms. Yu."
"Good morning," Yu Qingtang replied.
Before turning back to her work, her gaze lingered on Cheng Zhanxi's waist for a second.
Cheng Zhanxi, today, was wearing a long-sleeved Morandi-colored shirt and tight black jeans. The front of her shirt was tucked in, while the sides hung loose. Instead of her usual sports band, she wore a silver, diamond-encrusted watch, small and elegant, adding a touch of refined femininity to her casual yet capable look.
Cheng Zhanxi, noticing Yu Qingtang's glance, looked down at her waist and smiled.
Was Yu Qingtang checking her out?
Her two days of hard work hadn't been in vain. That morning, her knees had been so sore she could barely walk.
After the second period, when the students had left the office, Cheng Zhanxi mentioned the strange encounters she had been having on her way to work.
Only a few teachers, mostly senior staff, remained in the office, and none of them could explain it.
The physics teacher, who had wanted to set Cheng Zhanxi up with her son, laughed. "You're just too beautiful, Xiaocheng. The students recognize you immediately," she said.
Cheng Zhanxi clasped her hands together respectfully. "If we're talking about beauty, Ms. Yu is even more beautiful," she said.
Yu Qingtang, being mentioned again for no reason: "..."
Yu Qingtang, aloof, quiet, and reserved, was always polite but rarely participated in office conversations. Compared to the outgoing, sweet-talking Cheng Zhanxi, she wasn't as popular with the senior teachers. But they were all colleagues, and Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang were their juniors, so the physics teacher wouldn't dismiss Yu Qingtang. "You're both beautiful," she said with a smile. "Since you two and Ms. Wen joined us, the average attractiveness of our office has increased significantly. The other offices are so jealous."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Haha."
Cheng Zhanxi continued chatting with the other teachers, the conversation drifting to other topics. Then, the office quieted down, the only sounds the clicking of keyboards and the scratching of pens against paper.
Cheng Zhanxi's phone buzzed.
[Yu Qingtang]: I think I know why so many students recognize you.
Cheng Zhanxi: "!!!"
She looked towards Yu Qingtang, who was sitting at her desk in the back, her expression calm and serene.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Why?
She saw Yu Qingtang's slender, white fingers tapping lightly on her phone screen, her movements graceful like a butterfly's wings. A moment later, a notification popped up on Cheng Zhanxi's phone. She opened it, seeing a link shared by Yu Qingtang.
Sicheng No. 1 High School's Baidu forum.
The thread title: [Most beautiful teacher at No. 1 High? I nominate our new PE teacher, Ms. Cheng Zhanxi! Anyone disagree? Photo in the first post.]
The post had been created on the weekend, two days ago, and had already garnered hundreds of replies. Ms. Cheng was truly internet-famous. Cheng Zhanxi, her mind filled with question marks, clicked on the link.
The first post contained the iconic photo of her – the candid shot of her riding her motorcycle into the sunset – which had become widely circulated. Cheng Zhanxi was seeing it for the first time. She had to admit, it was a good shot, the lighting and composition perfect. She saved the photo, then scrolled down.
2nd post: Ahhhh! I'm here! Wherever Ms. Cheng is, I'll be there!
3rd post: One vote for you, one vote for me, Ms. Cheng will debut tomorrow!
4th post: Ms. Cheng is the best at No. 1 High! Fight me if you disagree.
Ms. Cheng herself: "..."
Fan culture was truly something else.
Cheng Zhanxi scrolled down, skipping over twenty or so posts, finally finding a dissenting opinion: [Just because she's pretty doesn't mean she's the best teacher. What about her teaching skills?]
Someone had replied: [If you want to nominate the "best lecturer," create your own thread. Don't ruin this one.]
33rd post: [Does that self-righteous person know she's a PE teacher? Why would a PE teacher need "lecturing skills"?]
44th post: [Student from Ms. Cheng's class here. She's a great PE teacher. She's teaching us to dance.]
48th post: [Dancing??? Are you that lucky?]
55th post: [I'm not in her class, but I've seen her PE lessons. Her students are always having so much fun. I'm so jealous.]
59th post: [Does that count as "teaching skills"?]
61st post: [I mean, I don't think PE teachers are any less important than academic teachers. Why wouldn't that count?]
The debate continued for a hundred more posts. Cheng Zhanxi skimmed through them, then saw another photo someone had posted.
It was a photo of Cheng Zhanxi teaching a PE class, standing in the shade of a tree.
Her long, chestnut curls were tied back in a loose ponytail, tinted a reddish-gold by the sunlight filtering through the leaves. Tall and slender, she wore a white shirt and fitted trousers, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her toned arms. She exuded a cool, capable aura, the kind that would make any student's heart race.
Students: Is this beauty and coolness even real? I'm dying!
Students: Ms. Cheng, please debut! We'll support you!
Cheng Zhanxi scrolled to the bottom, the remaining comments similar in content.
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
She really didn't want to debut, thank you very much.
She looked up at Yu Qingtang, who had returned to her work. Yu Qingtang, sensing her gaze, looked back, her expression questioning.
Cheng Zhanxi smiled and mouthed the words: Do you think I'm pretty?
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi realized her message was too long to be deciphered, so she typed it out instead: [This post is blowing me way out of proportion. Ms. Yu, objectively speaking, do you think I'm pretty?]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
This woman, not content with asking once, had to ask again on WeChat. Such a waste of that flexible waist.
Her affection for Cheng Zhanxi wavered slightly. After grading two more assignments, Yu Qingtang typed her reply: [Ms. Cheng, you're naturally beautiful.]
Cheng Zhanxi, her lips curving upwards, replied: [You too, Ms. Yu.]
Ms. Yu didn't want to talk to her anymore.
Cheng Zhanxi sensed Yu Qingtang's tsundere defenses were crumbling. She had complimented her several times in the past couple of days. Knowing she shouldn't push too hard, Cheng Zhanxi decided to hold back for now.
That evening, during the math self-study session, Yu Qingtang brought the USB drive with her.
Registration for the sports meet had already begun. Li Lan, the class monitor, had discussed the dance performance idea with the other class representatives. The arts and culture representative and the PE representative had gathered opinions from the boys and girls respectively, and the vast majority had agreed, with only a few abstaining. The performance was officially decided.
The bell rang. Yu Qingtang entered the silent classroom and closed the door behind her.
The Class 7 students, seeing her serious expression, sat up straight, even the mischievous boys in the back rows making an effort to look presentable, placing their books in front of them.
Yu Qingtang turned on the multimedia system and inserted the USB drive into the computer.
As the USB drive loaded, Yu Qingtang rested one hand on the metal edge of the podium and asked, "How many of you have signed up for the sports meet?" She had originally planned to discuss this during their Friday class meeting, but she decided to bring it up now since she was already showing the video.
A few hands went up hesitantly.
Yu Qingtang mentally calculated the number. It was lower than she had expected, but not entirely surprising.
Sicheng No. 1 High School was a prestigious institution. Even Class 7, while not a top class, but rather an average one, was still filled with students who had worked hard to get in, some even traveling from distant counties, a significant achievement. Most of these students lived in the school dormitories. Sicheng No. 1 High boasted excellent teachers and a long history of academic success. Every year, even the average classes had higher university acceptance rates than schools in less developed areas.
It was understandable that most students prioritized their academic studies and didn't want to waste time on extracurricular activities, resulting in low participation rates for the sports meet.
Wu Peng, the PE representative, in charge of registration, lowered his head under Yu Qingtang's calm gaze, shrinking back in his seat.
The sound of scraping chairs echoed in the quiet classroom. Li Lan suddenly stood up. "Ms. Yu," she said.
Yu Qingtang responded with a questioning "Hmm?"
Li Lan stood up straight, her hands clenched into fists beneath her desk. Taking a couple of deep breaths, she suppressed her frustration, looked up, and said calmly, "The registration forms were just distributed. We still have some time before the deadline. I'll encourage my classmates to participate and uphold the honor of our class."
Yu Qingtang gave another noncommittal "hmm," deliberately avoiding looking at the small mole on Li Lan's nose. "Thank you for your effort," she said quietly.
"It's my duty," Li Lan replied.
She sat down, the scraping of her chair against the floor unusually loud, as if intentional, yet also seemingly accidental.
The more perceptive students sensed something was amiss, exchanging curious glances between their homeroom teacher and the class monitor.
Yu Qingtang lowered her gaze, clicked the mouse twice, and opened the USB drive.
The students' attention shifted to the projection screen.
Yu Qingtang said, "Ms. Cheng heard you were planning to perform a dance at the sports meet, so she went to Haishi over the weekend, specifically to rent a dance studio and record a video for you."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the class.
Ms. Cheng was truly popular.
Yu Qingtang's cursor hovered over the video file. "Ms. Cheng practiced until 3 a.m. on Sunday," she said. "She worked very hard. I hope you'll all actively participate in the sports meet and show your appreciation for her effort."
Yu Qingtang double-clicked the video, then walked to the back of the classroom to watch with her students.
On the large screen, Cheng Zhanxi's figure looked even more striking. Tall and slender, with long limbs, her presence shone even in a simple training outfit.
The plain t-shirt and black leggings only served to emphasize her small waist, long legs, and toned physique, a different kind of charm compared to her formal attire.
As soon as the music started playing, some students began swaying and bobbing their heads, a few even humming along.
Yu Qingtang thought: It must be a popular song.
She heard a student humming behind her and curiously glanced back. The student, catching her eye, immediately stopped singing.
Yu Qingtang stepped further back, towards the bulletin board at the back of the classroom, and unconsciously touched her face.
As the intro ended, the seven dancers in the video simultaneously raised their heads, their gazes sharp enough to pierce through the screen.
They held the pose for a second.
Several students gasped softly, a few whispering, "Wow!"
Then they started moving, their movements perfectly synchronized with the dynamic rhythm.
Initially, the students were simply watching with quiet interest. But when Cheng Zhanxi faced the camera, a playful smile, almost a smirk, appearing on her face, as she mimed adjusting her nonexistent tie, and the song entered its most energetic phase, the class was instantly captivated.
Some students covered their mouths, stifling their squeals.
Others couldn't contain their excitement. "Ahhh! Ms. Cheng, you're killing me!"
"Ms. Cheng, you're too cool!"
"Why hasn't Ms. Cheng debuted yet? I want to see her on TV right now!"
The classroom filled with fan girl exclamations. Yu Qingtang didn't interrupt, letting them express their enthusiasm.
A thought crossed her mind: They're this excited just from watching a watered-down version with all the good parts cut out. What would they do if they saw the original?
But they were destined never to see the original. Yu Qingtang had no intention of showing it.
It wasn't appropriate for children.
Tong Feifei, as if drunk on excitement, stood up and exclaimed, "Ms. Cheng is amazing! Who wouldn't want a girlfriend like—"
A cough echoed from the back of the classroom.
It wasn't loud, but it was enough to silence the entire class.
Tong Feifei, instantly sobering up, almost collapsed into her chair, trembling, not daring to look back.
Yu Qingtang, her expression impassive, walked to the front of the classroom and faced her students.
"Have you finished watching?" she asked calmly, moving the cursor back to the desktop.
The students, their voices trailing off, obediently replied, "Yes…"
Yu Qingtang said, "This is a gift from Ms. Cheng. I hope you'll show your appreciation by actively participating in the sports meet and not disappointing her."
The students were silent, many of them looking thoughtful.
Yu Qingtang, activating her "homeroom teacher skills," continued, her expression unchanged, fabricating a story on the spot. "Ms. Cheng often tells me how much she enjoys teaching you, her first class. She cares about every one of you and remembers all your names. You all know this. How would she feel if, at next month's sports meet, our class didn't even fill the registration quota? Wouldn't she think she had failed, that you didn't like her?"
Watching her students' expressions turn somber, Yu Qingtang continued, "The sports meet is also a chance to relax and have fun. Winning isn't important. Participating is what matters. We need to show Ms. Cheng that we appreciate her effort. Do you agree?"
"Yes!" the class replied in unison.
Yu Qingtang: "Li Lan, please copy the video and give it to the students in charge of the dance practice. And please don't upload it online. I'll show it again at the end of evening self-study."
The students buzzed with excitement at her last statement. After a few seconds, Yu Qingtang raised her hand, gesturing for silence. "Quiet down," she said.
The students returned to their self-study.
Yu Qingtang went out into the hallway for some fresh air.
The teacher from Class 8 next door came out and asked with a smile, "What's going on in your class? They're so noisy."
Yu Qingtang: "I showed them a video."
"Is it an educational video? Could you copy it for me? I'd like to show it to my class too. I have a USB drive with me. I can copy it during break time," the Class 8 teacher said.
Yu Qingtang, her expression unchanged, said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wu, but my USB drive just broke."
Mr. Wu: "???"
Yu Qingtang said apologetically, "I can email it to you tomorrow."
Mr. Wu: "...Alright."
Yu Qingtang turned and went back into her classroom.
Mr. Wu watched her go, scratching his head, his fingers smoothing the few strands of hair he had carefully styled with hairspray.
After the first self-study period, Yu Qingtang left the classroom.
The students put down their pens and erupted in excited chatter, discussing the dance video.
Fans of Jin Siyue's girl group recognized the dance studio as the one their idols had used. There was no mistaking it. Renting such a studio would be expensive. Ms. Cheng, to record the video for them, had not only invested her time and effort, but also her own money. Her monthly salary probably wouldn't even cover a single day's rent.
Ms. Cheng was too good to them!
Li Lan, having copied the video, took the opportunity to stand on the podium with the registration forms. "Anyone else want to sign up for the sports meet?" she asked.
The students, their consciences pricked, looked at each other, and one by one, they started signing up.
"I'll do the long jump."
"I can do sprints – 50m, 100m, maybe 200m."
"Javelin, shot put, whichever needs more people."
"I'll do the relay, then."
Li Lan gestured to Wu Peng. "Wu Peng, you're in charge of the boys' registration," she said.
Wu Peng came forward and started recording the names.
During the break, the previously empty slots on the registration forms quickly filled up. When the second period started, Li Lan reported to Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang nodded slightly, her expression unchanged. "Good," she said quietly. "Thank you for your effort."
Li Lan looked up at her.
Yu Qingtang: "Is there anything else?"
Li Lan, holding back her frustration, said after a moment, "No, nothing else."
"You can go back to your seat," Yu Qingtang said.
"Okay." Li Lan replied.
Tong Feifei was slumped on the desk working on her homework when Yu Qingtang walked over and tapped her desk.
Tong Feifei's right eyelid twitched. She slowly looked up.
Yu Qingtang: "Come with me," she said.
Tong Feifei, her face a mask of despair, followed Yu Qingtang out of the classroom under the sympathetic gazes of her classmates.
Out in the hallway, Tong Feifei immediately admitted her mistake. "I'm sorry, teacher," she said.
Yu Qingtang asked, "What did you do wrong?"
Tong Feifei replied, "Whatever you say I did wrong, I did wrong. I'll definitely correct it."
She was outgoing and cheerful, a little mischievous, but also a good student. Most teachers liked her.
But Yu Qingtang didn't have favorites. She treated all her students equally. "Do you remember what you said about Ms. Cheng's video?" she asked.
Tong Feifei looked blank.
Yu Qingtang, after a pause, gave her a more specific hint. "You said, 'Who wouldn't want a…' Do you remember now?" she asked, enunciating each word clearly.
Tong Feifei's eyes widened. "Girlfri—" she began.
Yu Qingtang's eyes narrowed.
Tong Feifei quickly covered her mouth.
Yu Qingtang's expression turned cold, her voice stern. "You cannot disrespect your teachers, and you cannot use such language to describe them. She's a teacher, and you're a student. There's a hierarchy. You must respect your teachers. Do you understand?"
Tong Feifei nodded obediently. "I understand. Ms. Cheng said the same thing," she said.
"What did she say?" Yu Qingtang asked.
"She said I shouldn't flirt with her."
"Ms. Cheng is right." Yu Qingtang agreed.
"I'm sorry, teacher. I won't say anything like that again," Tong Feifei said, lightly slapping her own mouth.
"You can go back now," Yu Qingtang said, waving her hand dismissively.
Before the end of evening self-study, Yu Qingtang showed the video again. The students' reactions were just as enthusiastic as before, so much so that the teacher next door came to peek through the window to see what was going on.
Yu Qingtang listened carefully. None of her students made any more inappropriate comments.
For a young, beautiful, and approachable teacher like Cheng Zhanxi, it was easy to attract students' admiration and affection. One of the most important boundaries to maintain was the teacher-student relationship. Even a slight misstep could have a significant and irreversible impact on the students. This was a crucial lesson for every educator.
Yu Qingtang stood in the hallway, enjoying the breeze, and massaged her temples, sighing softly. I need to pay more attention to Ms. Cheng's classes, she thought.
Ms. Cheng: She's even coming to observe my PE classes now. She definitely likes me!!!
Preview: Yu Qingtang touches Ms. Cheng's abs during PE class.
P.S. I must emphasize that this story, and I personally, strongly condemn teacher-student relationships (excluding unrequited crushes from students, as it's perfectly normal for students to admire their teachers). Teacher-student relationships are inherently unequal power dynamics, with the teacher holding a position of authority over the student. While I don't deny the possibility of a positive teacher-student relationship, out of consideration for the more vulnerable party, prohibiting such relationships is essential for protecting minors.
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