After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Cheng Zhanxi, unaware of the pleasant surprise awaiting her, arrived at school the next day. As she entered the office, she noticed Yu Qingtang look up from her desk and give her a long, meaningful look.
It was break time after the first period. Cheng Zhanxi, having stayed up late painting, had overslept and missed morning reading. The office was bustling with teachers and students, yet Yu Qingtang, amidst the crowd, had immediately spotted her.
Cheng Zhanxi met her gaze from across the room, the world around her fading into silence, the only sound the rapid beating of her own heart.
Slowing her pace, careful not to break the unspoken connection between them, she approached Yu Qingtang's desk.
Yu Qingtang, her expression unreadable, looked away. "Ms. Cheng," she said, "I've given the video to the students."
Cheng Zhanxi asked, "Which version?"
Yu Qingtang replied, "The instructional video."
Cheng Zhanxi, having anticipated this answer, beamed, her smile radiant.
She was strikingly beautiful, with rosy lips, white teeth, and bright, expressive eyes. Her smile amplified her beauty, illuminating their relatively dim corner of the office like a ray of sunshine.
Yu Qingtang's throat felt dry. She picked up her thermos, unscrewed the cap, took a sip of water, and swallowed, then took another small sip, moistening her lips.
Cheng Zhanxi's gaze followed the movement of Yu Qingtang's hand, naturally falling on her lips.
Yu Qingtang wore lipstick, but the color was subtle, close to her natural lip tone, a pale pink that made her lips look full and glossy, like jelly, soft and inviting.
Cheng Zhanxi licked her own lips.
Yu Qingtang put down her thermos. Cheng Zhanxi, with great effort, tore her gaze away.
Clearing her throat, she walked towards the water dispenser in the corner. "I'll… get some water," she said.
Yu Qingtang: "Okay."
Watching Cheng Zhanxi's retreating figure, she unconsciously unscrewed the cap of her thermos again, brought it to her lips, and took two more sips.
Yu Qingtang wondered absently: It's just early autumn, not even winter yet. Why is the weather so dry?
Cheng Zhanxi, worried about doing something inappropriate in the office, returned to her desk and started working on her lesson plan. Yes, even PE teachers had to write lesson plans. Especially after Cheng Zhanxi's unconventional decision to teach her students to dance, the school administration had asked her to submit a detailed plan.
A rhythmic tapping sound echoed through the office.
Yu Qingtang looked up, not surprised.
Cheng Zhanxi, whispering like a high school student trying to talk during self-study, asked, "Ms. Yu, could I borrow your lesson plan for reference?"
Yu Qingtang glanced at her.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Are you looking down on PE teachers again?"
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Was this woman a mind reader?
She didn't actually look down on PE teachers. She simply wasn't very familiar with their work because there wasn't much overlap with her own subject, so she had been surprised. In a way, assuming PE teachers had it easy was a form of disrespect towards their hard work.
Just two days ago, Cheng Zhanxi had practiced dancing until 3 a.m.
Yu Qingtang handed her the lesson plan.
Cheng Zhanxi caught it with one hand, careful not to crumple it, and gently stroked the kraft paper cover before opening it to the first page.
Yu Qingtang's handwriting was elegant and neat, round and refined, the kind of handwriting you would expect from a top student, a model student. But when it came to mathematical formulas and symbols, her writing became bold and unrestrained, almost illegible, like a doctor's prescription. Cheng Zhanxi, mathematically challenged, couldn't understand them at all.
Looking at the two contrasting styles of handwriting, it was as if two different personalities were battling on the page.
Of course, the mathematical formulas were few and far between. Most of the lesson plan consisted of teaching methodologies and lecture outlines.
Cheng Zhanxi tapped her fingers lightly on the pages, her expression thoughtful, as she read through the entire plan.
She looked up, resting her chin in her hand, and gazed intently at Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang sat up straight, her back at a perfect 90-degree angle, one hand holding a student's practice exercises, the other grading them with a red pen. Her profile was delicate and refined, but also cold and distant.
Cheng Zhanxi quietly stood up and tiptoed behind Yu Qingtang, making no sound.
She peered at the exercise book.
Assuming function f(x)…
The mathematical jargon hit Cheng Zhanxi like a biological weapon, making her head spin. She almost reached out to steady herself on the back of Yu Qingtang's chair.
Cheng Zhanxi noticed Yu Qingtang didn't simply mark the answers right or wrong. She carefully read through the students' work, underlining any mistakes and explaining what had gone wrong. Some answers were circled and marked with three question marks, followed by Yu Qingtang's neatly written comment in red ink: "Needs to improve logical thinking."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled silently.
She watched with amusement.
Yu Qingtang, engrossed in her grading, didn't notice the extra audience.
Another teacher looked up, saw Cheng Zhanxi lurking behind Yu Qingtang, and smiled, about to speak, but Cheng Zhanxi quickly put a finger to her lips, making a "shh" sound.
The other teachers played along, smiling knowingly at the endearing scene.
Young people's friendships… well, any kind of affection, was precious.
Just as a teacher entered the office and frowned at the sight, Cheng Zhanxi cleared her throat, breaking Yu Qingtang's concentration. "Ms. Yu," she said softly.
Yu Qingtang turned around, a slightly surprised look on her face.
Cheng Zhanxi held up the lesson plan, smiling sheepishly. "I'm done referencing your plan. Thank you. You were so focused on your work, I didn't want to disturb you," she said.
Yu Qingtang nodded and took the lesson plan.
"It's fine," she said.
Wen Zhihan, standing at the doorway: "..."
She suddenly recalled a term her roommate had used, a slang term with suggestive connotations, but her upbringing prevented her from saying it aloud, or even dwelling on it.
Wen Zhihan taught elective courses. Like Yu Qingtang, she only had two classes, a lighter workload than most elective teachers. But she also seemed to be busy with other things, rarely spending as much time in the office as Cheng Zhanxi, who was constantly waiting for opportunities to interact with Yu Qingtang. Wen Zhihan arrived at school early. Most of the time, when she was in the office, she would either be preparing for her lessons or working on her computer. Cheng Zhanxi had occasionally glanced at her screen, seeing mostly English text.
Cheng Zhanxi's English was decent. She had noticed a lot of technical terms, seemingly from physics research papers.
She wasn't interested in knowing what Wen Zhihan was working on, nor did she need to. She knew this rival posed less and less of a threat.
Wen Zhihan was as quiet and reserved as Yu Qingtang. It wasn't that Cheng Zhanxi was overly confident, but she couldn't imagine what a relationship between Yu Qingtang and Wen Zhihan would be like. Would they just sit in silence, staring at each other, with only tears to express their emotions?
Even novels didn't write about silently devoted second female leads anymore. Ms. Wen was clearly out of touch with the times. If you liked someone, you had to be bold and pursue them, using your charm to make them fall head over heels in love with you.
Just like she was doing.
Most importantly, Yu Qingtang liked her. Wen Zhihan had no chance.
Haha.
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, picked up her disposable cup, went to the water dispenser, and refilled it. Passing by Yu Qingtang's desk, she overheard Wen Zhihan talking to Yu Qingtang. "Are you going to the art exhibition this weekend? Cheng Mo is having an exhibition at the art museum. It's been running for two months. I don't know if you've heard about it," Wen Zhihan said.
Cheng Zhanxi choked on her water.
She grabbed the edge of Yu Qingtang's desk, bending over and coughing violently.
Both Yu Qingtang and Wen Zhihan looked at her with concern.
Cheng Zhanxi waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine," she said, slowly returning to her desk and putting down her cup, her ears perked up like antennae.
Yu Qingtang, still grading papers with her red pen, said, "I haven't heard about it."
Wen Zhihan: "The exhibition ends in less than half a month. Why don't we go this weekend?"
Yu Qingtang's expression remained calm. "I'm busy this weekend. I won't be able to make it," she said.
Wen Zhihan's disappointment was evident, but she quickly recovered her composure. "How about a weekday afternoon, then? We can choose a day when we don't have classes. The art museum isn't far from school," she suggested with a smile.
Yu Qingtang put down her pen and looked at Wen Zhihan, saying nothing.
Wen Zhihan also remained silent, her expression shifting from slightly hurt to resolute.
Yu Qingtang said coldly, "I need to get back to work."
Wen Zhihan turned to her computer.
Their silent communication, their unspoken understanding, irritated Cheng Zhanxi.
She wanted to ask Yu Qingtang directly what was going on, but she felt it would be overstepping her boundaries, an infringement on Yu Qingtang's freedom.
But she was still annoyed.
Many people said artists had the hearts of children, which was why they could create such imaginative and fantastical works. And like children, they were prone to mood swings, easily upset when they didn't get what they wanted, especially with those closest to them. Cheng Zhanxi, at this moment, was like a child denied a treat.
Her emotions, amplified by her affection for Yu Qingtang, were running high.
She sat at her desk, staring intently at Yu Qingtang, her gaze unwavering.
Yu Qingtang, feeling the intensity of her stare, looked up.
Cheng Zhanxi's cheeks were puffed out, her expression sulky.
…It looked strangely out of character, yet also endearingly cute.
Yu Qingtang: "???"
Yu Qingtang blinked slowly, suppressing a smile as she pursed her lips.
The smile was fleeting, like a epiphyllum flower blooming for only a brief moment, but Cheng Zhanxi caught it.
Cheng Zhanxi's anger dissipated, and she asked, "Do you have any candy, Ms. Yu?"
Ms. Yu: "???"
Where would she find candy?
Yu Qingtang said, "Don't you have candy in your drawer?" She had seen Cheng Zhanxi offer candy and snacks to students who came to the office.
Cheng Zhanxi, with a straight face, said, "I can't find it. Help me look."
Yu Qingtang: "..."
She decided to ignore Cheng Zhanxi, who, like Tong Feifei last night, seemed to be talking nonsense.
Her phone buzzed.
Yu Qingtang unlocked the screen.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: [Crying emoji]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Where did Cheng Zhanxi find these emojis that looked so much like her? Had she actually commissioned them? That was… ridiculously childish.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: [Rolling on the floor crying gif]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi was sending her the same emojis she used when acting cute with her parents and brother. She had drawn them herself, creating a set for each member of her family, updating them every year. Whenever they used her emojis, they could feel her love, even when she was far away. Their hearts were always connected.
Yu Qingtang closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath, resisting the urge to block Cheng Zhanxi, and walked over to her desk.
"Where's the candy?" she asked.
Cheng Zhanxi, her arms crossed, a relaxed expression on her face, gestured to the empty chair in front of her desk.
Yu Qingtang, recalling where Cheng Zhanxi usually kept her candy, opened the first drawer on the right. It was filled with candy and snacks.
She relaxed slightly.
"Which one do you want?" she asked.
"Fruit flavor," Cheng Zhanxi replied.
Yu Qingtang randomly picked a green-wrapped fruit candy, and was about to hand it to her when Cheng Zhanxi said, pushing her luck, "I want grape."
Yu Qingtang, a hint of patience in her voice, asked, "The purple one?"
"Yes." Cheng Zhanxi replied.
Having received the desired candy, Cheng Zhanxi took it, her eyes sparkling, her expression incredibly sweet as she looked at Yu Qingtang. "Thank you, Ms. Yu," she said.
Yu Qingtang's slight annoyance vanished at her smile.
Looking at Cheng Zhanxi's smiling face, she paused for a moment, her heart beating slowly but heavily.
Yu Qingtang looked down, her voice softer than usual. "You're welcome," she replied.
It was a thank you for her hard work in preparing the dance video for Class 7.
At least, that was what she told herself.
Cheng Zhanxi unwrapped the candy, her long eyelashes lowered as she popped it into her mouth, then asked, "Do you want some candy, Ms. Yu?"
"No, thank you," Yu Qingtang replied.
"Are you afraid of cavities?" Cheng Zhanxi asked, not letting her go just yet. Without waiting for a reply, she feigned sudden realization. "Or do you just not like candy?" she asked.
"…Yes." Yu Qingtang replied.
"Maybe you should try it. Life is full of possibilities. Like this bag of candy. With your eyes closed, you never know what flavor you'll get next." Cheng Zhanxi took Yu Qingtang's hand, without looking, picked a random candy from the large bag in her drawer, and raised an eyebrow. "What a coincidence. It's green, just like the one I gave you earlier," she said.
Yu Qingtang looked down at the neatly wrapped fruit candy in her palm.
"It seems fate wants you to have this candy," Cheng Zhanxi said, her voice low and gentle.
Yu Qingtang looked up at Cheng Zhanxi.
She was no longer the child asking for candy. Her gaze was deep and intense, as if she was peering into the depths of Yu Qingtang's soul.
Yu Qingtang's heart fluttered, a sense of panic rising within her. Pulling her hand away, she stepped back, and as she looked at Cheng Zhanxi again, the earlier intensity seemed like a strange illusion.
"I don't like candy," she said, trying to hide her unease, her voice betraying a hint of panic. She left the candy on Cheng Zhanxi's desk.
Cheng Zhanxi stared at the candy for a long moment, a look of disappointment flickering in her eyes, then returned it to her drawer.
Yu Qingtang unscrewed the cap of her thermos, intending to take a sip of water, but realized it was empty. She put down the thermos and went out into the hallway for some fresh air.
After checking on Class 7, her inner turmoil gradually subsided.
When she returned to the office, Cheng Zhanxi wasn't at her desk. Instead, she was perched on the edge of another desk, one leg casually extended, the other foot dangling in the air, chatting with a few teachers about celebrity gossip.
As Yu Qingtang passed by, Cheng Zhanxi greeted her with her usual cheerful smile, then continued her conversation. "It's fake news. They already clarified it," she said.
The female biology teacher said, "Really? I thought she had a bad attitude. I almost unfollowed her."
Cheng Zhanxi showed the biology teacher a clarification post online.
The biology teacher's face brightened. "Oh, thank you so much, Xiaocheng. You young people are so good at navigating the internet," she said.
"You're welcome," Cheng Zhanxi replied.
Yu Qingtang, observing them coolly, became more convinced that the earlier intensity had been her imagination.
She finished grading the last few assignments, putting the entire episode out of her mind.
With some time left before lunch break, Yu Qingtang opened her computer and went to the Sicheng Art Museum's website.
A large banner on the homepage announced an exhibition by the painter Cheng Mo, which had opened in mid-August and would run for two months. There were also introductions to some of Cheng Mo's most famous works, including several new pieces being exhibited for the first time.
Yu Qingtang's mother, Yu Ci, had been a painter, but her studio had been locked by Wei Tingyu, and only he was allowed inside. He had never encouraged Yu Qingtang's interest in art. When he saw her drawing in the dirt with a twig in the garden, or scratching patterns on the ground with stones, he would rush over, his usually gentle face contorted in anger, snatch the "drawing tools" from her, throw them away, and order the servants to take her away.
Everyone in the Wei family obeyed Wei Tingyu. If Yu Qingtang showed any inclination towards art, her "drawing tools" would be ruthlessly confiscated.
He wouldn't allow her to resemble Yu Ci in any way. No one could replace Yu Ci, or become a second Yu Ci, not even her own daughter.
Because of her childhood experiences, Yu Qingtang had never pursued painting. When, after moving to Sicheng, her grandparents had suggested she learn to paint like her mother, she had strongly resisted.
But her mother's absence still made her instinctively drawn to art. She would often wander through the art section of the library, browsing aimlessly, but never borrowing any books. She would attend art exhibitions occasionally, but not intentionally, and she didn't follow any particular artists.
She thought Wen Zhihan probably didn't know that she knew nothing about painting. She didn't understand how to appreciate art, she couldn't discern the techniques or the artist's intentions. It was all beyond her.
Ha, she didn't understand art.
The daughter of a talented painter, yet she lacked even the most basic artistic sensibility. How ironic.
Yu Qingtang's knuckles turned white as she gripped her thermos, then she slowly relaxed her hand, her gaze falling on the name "Cheng Mo." After a moment of thought, she remembered: The painting "Blizzard" in her apartment was by Cheng Mo.
She was tempted to see the exhibition, but she planned to go alone, not with Wen Zhihan.
Wen Zhihan, unlike her, was planning to study abroad again. While teaching in Sicheng, she hadn't given up on her physics research. She spent her days reading foreign journals, keeping up with the latest developments in her field, and collaborated with a local university, using their lab and often working late into the night, sometimes even sleeping there, coming to school the next day in the same clothes.
They were from different worlds. Even if Yu Qingtang had liked Wen Zhihan, which she didn't, she wouldn't have pursued a relationship with her.
Wen Zhihan shouldn't waste her time on her.
Yu Qingtang added "Cheng Mo exhibition" to her phone's reminders, then noticed another item on the list: Treat Ms. Cheng to dinner.
Yu Qingtang's heart skipped a beat.
She had almost forgotten!
"Ms. Cheng," she called out.
Cheng Zhanxi looked up, a gentle smile on her face. "Yes?" she replied.
"I was going to treat you to dinner," Yu Qingtang said. "Are you free this weekend? My treat, at Xiangjiang Restaurant."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled. "Yes, I am, but I'll choose the restaurant," she said.
Yu Qingtang didn't object.
Cheng Zhanxi made an "okay" sign with her fingers. "I'll send you the address on Friday," she said.
This time, Yu Qingtang hesitated. "How about after school on Friday?" she asked.
Yu Qingtang had a driver's license, but she didn't own a car. If Cheng Zhanxi chose a restaurant far from the old town, it would be inconvenient for her to travel back and forth. She would have to stay in the new town overnight and postpone her visit to her grandparents until Saturday. She would need to call her grandmother, Fang Wenjiao, to let her know.
Cheng Zhanxi: "No problem."
Cheng Zhanxi, leaning back in her chair, opened a restaurant review app and set the location filter to: Near Sicheng Art Museum.
A smile played on her lips.
From her observations, Yu Qingtang hadn't refused to see the art exhibition itself, but rather Wen Zhihan's invitation. In that case, she, Cheng Mo herself, would take Yu Qingtang to see her own exhibition, providing personalized explanations and the ultimate VIP experience. She would answer any questions Yu Qingtang might have.
Once again, she thanked Wen Zhihan for demonstrating the wrong approach.
Ms. Wen was such a helpful person.
Cheng Zhanxi inwardly clicked her tongue, feeling a fleeting pang of sympathy for Wen Zhihan, but only fleeting. No more than 0.1 seconds of sympathy. She couldn't afford to be generous with her rivals.
Cheng Zhanxi's second PE lesson with Class 7 was on Thursday afternoon.
Yu Qingtang's classes were mostly in the morning, so she usually spent her afternoons in the office. Shortly after Cheng Zhanxi left for her class, Yu Qingtang tidied her desk and followed her out.
The remaining teachers in the office exchanged glances and immediately started gossiping.
The female biology teacher, who had thanked Cheng Zhanxi for clarifying the celebrity gossip earlier, and who was also the biggest gossip in the office, said, "Are they dating? Tell me they're dating!"
The physics teacher sighed. "My son has no chance. Why wasn't he born ten years earlier? He's only in middle school now! I'm so frustrated!"
The male biology teacher said wistfully, "My daughter was born ten years earlier, but what good did it do? If I were Ms. Cheng, I'd choose someone as beautiful as Ms. Yu. It's my and her mother's fault for not giving her better genes."
The oldest teacher in the office, the chemistry teacher, narrowed his eyes behind his glasses. "You young people are so easily swayed by rumors," he said sagely.
The physics teacher played along. "Then tell us what you think," she said.
The two biology teachers chimed in. "Tell us! Tell us!"
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you." The chemistry teacher, a self-proclaimed unofficial member of Deyun She, a famous Chinese comedy troupe, looked around the office, picked up a pen as if it were a microphone, and said with a smile, "I think… something's definitely going on between them."
The other teachers expressed their agreement. "You're so right, Old Qian," they said.
...
Class 7's PE lesson was, as usual, lively and enjoyable.
The students with dance experience were already quite proficient, having clearly practiced on their own. While Cheng Zhanxi didn't need to lead the dance anymore, she still joined in, setting a good example.
After a few rounds, the students were out of breath and requested a break. Cheng Zhanxi, her cheeks flushed, her breathing only slightly faster, looked even more radiant and captivating.
Wu Peng, the PE representative, and a few other boys had brought mats earlier. The students sat down on the mats, enjoying the cool breeze.
Cheng Zhanxi sat facing them on a small folding stool, her hands resting on her knees.
Her posture, bending slightly at the waist and elbows, stretched her shirt taut, accentuating the lines of her shoulders and arms.
Tong Feifei raised her hand.
Cheng Zhanxi, her eyes lazily half-closed, said, "Go ahead."
Tong Feifei, her eyes shining, asked the question everyone wanted to ask: "Teacher, do you have abs?"
Ms. Cheng casually replied, "Yes, I do."
The entire class responded with a collective "Wow!"
Tong Feifei, practically bouncing with excitement, continued, "Can I touch them?"
Before Cheng Zhanxi could reply, the other girls chimed in, "Me too! Me too! You can't just favor Tong Feifei! Share the love!"
Cheng Zhanxi looked at the group of girls, unsure whether they were more like hungry wolves or lustful wolves, and inwardly clicked her tongue.
She would have to be crazy to agree to such a request. Not only was she a teacher, and shouldn't allow her students to cross such boundaries, potentially losing their respect for her, which could lead to all sorts of trouble, but even if she wasn't, she couldn't handle being swarmed by so many "wolves." Her abs would be rubbed raw. How would she seduce Yu Qingtang then?
Cheng Zhanxi frowned almost imperceptibly, about to refuse, when she suddenly spotted a familiar, slender figure standing under a tree near the entrance of the field. Her frown immediately turned into a bright, radiant smile, brighter than the spring blossoms.
"Ms. Yu!" she called out, standing up and waving.
The Class 7 students turned their heads: "!!!"
Their homeroom teacher's omnipresent shadow! Go away!
Yu Qingtang walked over, her expression indifferent. "Something the matter?" she asked, looking at Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi, with a straight face, said, "My students asked if I have abs, and I said yes. They want to touch my abs, but I don't think it's appropriate. But I'm also afraid they'll think I'm lying, that I said I have abs when I don't, so I'd like you, Ms. Yu, to verify it for me."
Yu Qingtang asked, "How?"
A mischievous glint flashed in Cheng Zhanxi's eyes. Yu Qingtang had a bad feeling, but it was too late.
In a swift motion, Cheng Zhanxi lifted the hem of her shirt with one hand and grabbed Yu Qingtang's hand with the other, pressing it firmly against her stomach.
Cheng Zhanxi: What "share the love"? I only want my queen! Right, my queen?
Queen Yu Qingtang: (Mind blank)
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