After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Yu Qingtang, still standing at the podium, stared at her phone, her mind blank, as the call disconnected and the screen returned to the home screen.
She had just spoken to Cheng Mo. After two weeks of not hearing Cheng Zhanxi's incessant chatter, the voice on the phone had sounded unfamiliar – calm, mature, gentle, with a low, husky quality.
The voice conjured up images of a beautiful woman strolling through streets lined with Gothic architecture, the blue sky, white clouds, red-domed churches, statues in squares, horse-drawn carriages on cobblestone streets, and ancient city walls forming a picturesque backdrop.
"Ms. Yu?"
"Teacher?"
Yu Qingtang heard distant voices, and it took her a few seconds to refocus on her surroundings.
Her students were looking at her with puzzled expressions.
Tong Feifei: "What did Ms. Cheng say?"
Yu Qingtang's fingers tightened around her phone as she slipped it back into her pocket. "She'll be back this afternoon," she said calmly. "She told you to do your best in the competition and asked if you've been practicing diligently. I said yes."
Tong Feifei relaxed. "You were spacing out on stage, teacher. I thought something was wrong," she said.
Yu Qingtang resisted the urge to lick her lips. "Nothing's wrong," she said indifferently. Turning to the class, she said, "You can go home now. The last person to leave, please remember to lock the door."
The students were eager to leave, but with their homeroom teacher present, they packed their bags slowly. Some had already packed while she was talking, but they remained seated. Lian Yabing, her bag on her desk, buried her face in her arms, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Her deskmate looked at her, exasperated.
As Yu Qingtang left the classroom, Li Lan stepped onto the podium.
"Athletes, stay behind. We'll continue practicing," she announced.
After the classroom had been cleaned, the remaining students moved the desks and chairs to the sides, clearing a large space in the center. Li Lan closed the curtains, shut the door, and turned on the music.
For the athletes' parade, matching outfits were required, but not necessarily school uniforms. Li Lan had collected everyone's measurements, compared prices, and ordered custom-made outfits from a manufacturer – white shirts, ties, and black trousers, the same for both boys and girls. With the cool autumn weather, they could wear the outfits under their uniforms and change before the parade.
That evening, Li Lan confirmed the script for the sports meet broadcast with the arts and culture representative, discussed the class slogan in the class committee group chat, and reminded the logistics representative about their duties. She was organized and efficient.
A knock echoed at her door.
Li Lan, sitting at her desk, didn't look up. "Come in," she said.
Her mother entered, carrying a glass of milk, which she placed beside Li Lan. Looking at Li Lan's notebook, she read aloud, "Young and confident, we soar. On the field of competition, we shine…"
Li Lan quickly covered her notebook with her hand.
The last few lines read, "Class 7, Grade 1, let's go!"
Her mother smiled. "Writing a script for the sports meet?" she asked.
Li Lan's cheeks flushed slightly. "Just some backup material, in case we need it," she mumbled.
Her mother said, "Get some rest. You have to wake up early tomorrow."
Li Lan leaned against her mother, acting cute. "I know, I know. Don't look! Why are you reading a kid's writing?" she whined.
"Adults were once children too," her mother replied, then, seeing Li Lan about to protest, smiled and looked away. "Drink your milk," she said.
After making sure Li Lan had finished her milk, her mother took the empty glass and was about to leave when she turned around. "By the way," she asked, "isn't your homeroom teacher a recent graduate? I saw her during the school enrollment. A very pretty teacher. How's she doing with your class? I haven't heard you mention her lately."
Li Lan pouted.
Her mother: "What's wrong?"
Li Lan: "Let's not talk about her now. I need to wake up early tomorrow. I'll tell you later."
Her mother looked at her for a moment, then said, "Alright. Your father and I are going to bed now."
"Goodnight, Mom."
"Goodnight."
The door closed softly, and Li Lan grabbed a stuffed animal from her bed, squeezing and deforming it before tossing it back onto the bed and returning to her writing.
That night, Yu Qingtang received a text message from Cheng Zhanxi.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Waiting at the airport.
[Yu Qingtang]: Have a safe trip.
Cheng Zhanxi was pleasantly surprised, almost asking what was going on. Was this a sign of affection after a brief separation? Had Yu Qingtang finally dropped her tsundere act?
Yu Qingtang, unsure how to respond, used sleep as an excuse.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Goodnight.
The opening ceremony for the sports meet was scheduled for 7:30 a.m., and the students were required to arrive at school by 7 a.m., the same as for morning reading.
To facilitate organization, the students gathered in their respective classrooms first, then their homeroom teachers led them to the designated area.
Even in uniform, it was hard to recognize her students. Those who weren't in uniform were even more difficult to identify. Some, especially the girls, had even changed their hairstyles. Yu Qingtang, glancing at her watch, calmly nodded at the students who greeted her.
Li Lan approached from the other end of the hallway. As she got closer, Yu Qingtang noticed the small mole on the tip of her nose.
Li Lan looked up at Yu Qingtang, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. "Ms…" she began.
Yu Qingtang lowered her gaze, seemingly avoiding eye contact.
Li Lan's tone turned cold. "I'll go inside first, teacher," she said, and walked away.
Yu Qingtang opened her mouth, then closed it, watching Li Lan's retreating figure, saying nothing.
Out of the fifty students in Class 7, forty-eight were present, two absent. While attendance wasn't compulsory, Yu Qingtang still asked Li Lan, "Did those two students inform you they wouldn't be coming, class monitor?"
Silence.
Yu Qingtang: "Class monitor?"
Li Lan's deskmate nudged her, whispering that the teacher was calling her. Li Lan looked up, as if she had just heard. "I'm sorry, Ms. Yu. I was thinking about the parade formation. Could you repeat the question?" she asked.
Yu Qingtang repeated her question.
Li Lan said, "Wang Jiajia informed me she wouldn't be coming. The other student didn't."
Yu Qingtang: "Where's her leave application form?"
Li Lan: "She didn't submit one."
Yu Qingtang said calmly, "Tell her to inform me directly next time."
Li Lan's expression darkened.
Her deskmate, sensing her displeasure, subtly moved away.
Li Lan, her voice defiant, asked, "Didn't the school say attendance wasn't compulsory? Why do we need a leave application?"
Yu Qingtang, her expression unchanged, said, "I'm responsible for your safety during the sports meet." She gestured for Li Lan to sit down. "Have a seat," she said.
Yu Qingtang counted her students again, lined them up in two rows in the hallway, and led them out of the building.
A cool autumn breeze blew across the green field. A red banner hung in the open-air stadium, proclaiming, "I exercise, I excel, I am healthy!" Colorful flags fluttered in the wind. Teachers led their students onto the soccer field in the center. Non-participating students filled the bleachers on either side of the main stage, while the athletes, in their matching outfits, lined up in formation, waiting for the inspection by the faculty and students.
Each class wore matching outfits, but the styles varied – black, white, pink, yellow – a sea of vibrant colors, the students' youthful faces radiating energy and excitement.
Twenty students from Class 7 had signed up for the sports meet. Li Lan, who had signed up for the 50m and 100m sprints, was also holding the class sign and leading the formation. Yu Qingtang, standing before her students, her voice slightly louder than usual to be heard over the wind, said encouragingly, "Good luck, everyone."
Li Lan glanced towards Class 15, Grade 1. Their homeroom teacher, a short, cheerful old man, reportedly a Chinese teacher and a great storyteller, was walking among his students, patting their shoulders and backs, asking about their well-being, seemingly more nervous than the students themselves. One of the students said something, and the whole class burst out laughing.
A student cleared his throat and called out, "Ready?"
The Class 15 students shouted in unison, "Fifteen, fifteen, fierce as tigers! Feng Yuan, Feng Yuan, one point six five!"
Feng Yuan was their homeroom teacher's name. [Note: They are teasing their teacher for being short.]
The teacher chased the student across the field, the student glancing back, then, seeing the teacher tiring, dramatically feigned exhaustion, letting himself be caught and playfully punched on the arm.
Another homeroom teacher, hands clasped behind his back, his voice booming like during military training, called out, "Do you have confidence?"
"Yes!" the students replied in unison.
"Do you have confidence?!"
"Yes!!!" the students shouted, their faces red.
...
"Class 8, Class 8, strive for victory! United as one, we'll create new glory!"
"Tigers in the mountains, dragons in the water! Class 9, hidden dragons and crouching tigers!"
"The east wind blows, the drums of war beat! Class 25, who do we fear?!"
...
The wind carried the students' enthusiastic chants to the bleachers, where a group of teachers were chatting, reminiscing about their youth.
"Ms. Yu!" Yang Li called out from the crowd, her voice barely audible above the noise. "Come over here!" she gestured.
Yu Qingtang, watching her lips, walked over.
Yang Li was always looking out for the new teachers, worried they might feel isolated. "We were just talking about our student days," she said, including Yu Qingtang in the conversation. "What were you good at in sports?"
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment. "Being a spectator," she said seriously.
The teachers laughed.
Yu Qingtang, with her quiet demeanor, was easily forgotten when she wasn't speaking. As the teachers continued their conversation, they gradually excluded her from the topic, which suited Yu Qingtang just fine. She was content to be a silent observer.
"Ms. Cheng must have been very athletic in school," someone said.
Yu Qingtang's ears perked up, and she looked at Yang Li, who had made the comment.
"Which Ms. Cheng?" she asked.
"The internet celebrity from our office."
"Ms. Cheng Zhanxi, the new PE teacher for Grade 1?"
Yu Qingtang thought: Is Cheng Zhanxi that famous now?
Yang Li: "She looks so athletic, with those long arms and legs. And she can dance. I'm sure she's a good runner. I'll ask her later if she wants to join the faculty sports meet."
Yang Li turned to Yu Qingtang again. "Ms. Yu," she called out.
Yu Qingtang looked at her.
Yang Li asked, "Did Ms. Cheng say when she'll be back?"
"This afternoon," Yu Qingtang replied without thinking, then paused, a puzzled look on her face. Why did everyone assume she would know?
Yang Li covered her mouth and giggled. "I didn't even know," she said. "You two must be close."
Yu Qingtang: "..."
"Testing, testing. Can you hear me?" The announcer's voice echoed from the speakers on the main stage. The opening ceremony was about to begin.
Yang Li, glancing casually at the field, suddenly gasped. "Ms. Yu, your class is taking off their clothes!" she exclaimed.
Yu Qingtang followed her gaze and saw her students, who had been wearing their school uniforms just moments ago, now swiftly and efficiently removing them, revealing crisp white shirts and ties. The picture of youthful energy, their fitted shirts accentuating their youthful figures, they looked confident and full of life.
Li Lan, checking everyone's ties, looked towards Yu Qingtang in the bleachers.
Yang Li said, "They look good. Very sharp."
Yu Qingtang said calmly, "Ms. Cheng recommended the outfits."
Yu Qingtang had learned from Cheng Zhanxi that Li Lan had added Cheng Zhanxi on QQ, asking for outfit recommendations for the sports meet performance. Cheng Zhanxi had suggested simple, cost-effective shirts and trousers. She had almost offered to pay for the outfits herself, but had hesitated and checked with Yu Qingtang, the homeroom teacher, first.
Yu Qingtang had refused, of course. The class had funds for such activities, and it was important for everyone to contribute.
Yang Li said with a smile, "Ms. Cheng is really dedicated to your… class. I heard Class 17 didn't get such special treatment."
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment. "Class 17 chose a different performance. If they had wanted to dance, Ms. Cheng would have done the same for them," she said.
Yang Li's smile deepened.
Yu Qingtang was puzzled.
Yang Li, her gossip senses tingling, said, "Anyway, let's watch the opening ceremony. Where's Ms. Wen?"
Yu Qingtang: "She's busy."
Yang Li casually commented, "She always seems busy," but Yu Qingtang didn't reply, and Yang Li didn't press further. They sat together in the Class 7 section of the bleachers.
Flags fluttered on either side of the main stage.
The announcer, a female student, took the stage, her voice clear and sweet. "Respected leaders, teachers, and dear students, good morning! In this golden autumn season, with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms filling the air, we welcome you to our annual sports meet… Present today are…"
She looked down at her script and read out the names of the school leaders, then continued, "And all the judges and staff. Let's give them a round of applause!"
The stadium erupted in applause.
"For the first item on our agenda, please rise for the national anthem."
The students stood up as the national anthem played.
After the speeches by the school leaders, the judges' representative, and the athletes' representative, the announcer, stifling a yawn, returned to the stage, a bright smile on her face. "I hereby declare the autumn sports meet officially open! Let's welcome the athletes!" she announced.
The wind had picked up. Li Lan placed the Class 7 sign on the ground beside her. The wind blew her long ponytail into her face, and she pressed it down with one hand, whispering to her classmates, "Just perform like we practiced. There's nothing to worry about."
She called out to Yu Zhou, "Zhouzhou."
Yu Zhou, already nervous, jumped at being called, her hands and feet trembling, her palms cold and clammy.
Yu Zhou was one of the students Yu Qingtang had encouraged to sign up for the sports meet, using Cheng Zhanxi as motivation. She was introverted and usually avoided large crowds, but she had excelled in the standing long jump during PE class, easily clearing two meters. Li Lan wasn't going to let her back out now.
She was also a good dancer, having taken lessons as a child. She had picked up the routine faster than the others. Her only weakness was her stage fright.
Li Lan handed the class sign to the student in front, and before their turn came, she made her way to Yu Zhou, took her hand, pulled a tissue from her pocket, and gently wiped the sweat from Yu Zhou's palms and fingers.
Holding both of Yu Zhou's hands, she looked into her eyes and said firmly, "You can do this."
Another student said with a smile, "You're such a good dancer, and you're still nervous? What about the rest of us?"
Li Lan: "We're a team. Just remember how we practiced. Don't look at the crowd. Just focus on the person in front of you."
The student in front of Yu Zhou turned around, a bright smile on her face. "That's me!" she said.
Yu Zhou giggled.
Looking back at Li Lan, she took a deep breath and nodded.
There were six classes ahead of Class 7. Classes 1 and 2, the top classes, not only excelled academically, but also in their talent show performances. Class 1, dressed in white, performed a graceful Tai Chi routine. While not technically difficult, it was visually stunning and clearly well-practiced. Class 2 chose to perform military-style exercises in camouflage uniforms. Having learned the basics during military training two months prior, it was a practical choice. They also had a creative and impressive slogan.
Their homeroom teacher cheered them on from the bleachers, the principal leading the applause. The stadium filled with clapping.
Li Lan felt the pressure mounting, but she maintained her confident facade. The students, seeing her confident expression, felt their own nerves settle.
The following classes performed choral singing and fan dances, all quite conventional. One class simply walked to the front of the stage, shouted their class slogan without any performance, and then left. Everyone laughed good-naturedly.
In the bleachers, Yang Li sat up straight, while Yu Qingtang remained as still and composed as ever.
The announcer's clear voice echoed through the stadium. "Now approaching is Class 7, Grade 1! Look at their impressive formation, their spirited expressions! This is a united and determined class, a class that never gives up…"
The Class 7 athletes marched forward, their heads held high, their voices loud and clear, their chant echoing through the stadium: "Seven, seven, invincible! United as one, we strive for victory!"
The announcer, watching their disciplined march, concluded, "We wish them the best of luck in the competition!"
Class 7 stopped before the main stage, ready for their performance.
Yang Li took out her phone and looked at Yu Qingtang, who was sitting motionless beside her. "Aren't you recording this, Ms. Yu?" she asked.
Yu Qingtang: "?"
Yang Li: "To send to Ms. Cheng."
Yu Qingtang: "…Isn't the school filming this?"
Yang Li paused for a moment. "I'll send you the video later. You can forward it to Ms. Cheng," she said.
Yu Qingtang, again, looked puzzled.
As they spoke, Class 7's performance began.
The music started, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.
The students, who had been standing with their heads down, simultaneously looked up, their eyes sharp and focused, their movements perfectly synchronized.
The stadium erupted in cheers and screams, even the other athletes on the field joining in. The atmosphere was electric.
Yang Li: "Ahhhh!!!"
She grabbed Yu Qingtang's arm, urging her to join in, but Yu Qingtang remained seated, unmoved. Behind them, the Class 7 students in the bleachers were screaming even louder, all of them on their feet.
Yu Qingtang turned her head slightly, her eyes fixed on the performance.
Their synchronization was truly impressive.
Every movement, every step perfectly in time with the music, powerful and precise, not a single person out of sync. Their arms and legs moved at the same angle, a level of coordination you wouldn't expect from high school students. The synchronization amplified their energy and created a sense of awe, especially with their matching white shirts, ties, and black trousers. The visual impact was stunning.
For the "killing part," they used the same move from the instructional video – simultaneously miming firing a gun. The principal, sitting on the main stage, jumped in surprise, his chair scraping against the floor.
The audience laughed.
The principal, taking a sip of water to compose himself, picked up the microphone and, with a smile, said, "Class 7, your performance was excellent! Just like your slogan, you truly embody the spirit of perseverance!"
He put down the microphone and started clapping.
The entire stadium erupted in applause.
The Class 7 students, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their chins, beamed, their smiles brighter than ever.
It was the culmination of a month of hard work, sweat, and dedication. The more experienced dancers had helped their classmates, patiently guiding them through each movement, repeating and correcting their postures tirelessly. Some had wanted to give up, overwhelmed by the difficulty and the seemingly pointless effort – it was just a sports meet, after all – but Li Lan had talked to them individually, encouraging them to persevere. No one knew how many hours they had spent practicing.
They had come together as a team.
They had strived for excellence, they had wanted to be the best, and they had achieved it.
They deserved all the praise and applause.
The applause continued for a long time.
The non-athlete students from Class 7, sitting in the bleachers, their chests swelling with pride, looked around, basking in the envious and curious glances from the other classes.
As Yu Qingtang listened to the applause, to Yang Li's enthusiastic praise of her students, she felt a strange, unfamiliar emotion welling up within her… pride?
There were other impressive performances, including a cosplay skit, but none as captivating as Class 7's. The athletes' parade ended, and the principal announced the official start of the sports meet.
The audience was still buzzing with excitement, discussing the performance.
"Their synchronized dancing was amazing!"
"Seriously amazing! I thought I was watching a professional performance. My jaw dropped. Are they really first-year students?"
"I saw them with my own eyes! Class 7, Grade 1! I'll remember them! They're awesome!"
Yu Qingtang, passing by the boy who had made the comment, paused for a moment before continuing towards the area where Class 7 had reassembled. The athletes were still there, Li Lan standing at the front, her head held high, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety in her eyes.
Yu Qingtang's figure appeared in her line of sight, growing larger as she approached.
Yu Qingtang, looking at her smiling students, felt a flicker of warmth in her usually cold heart, a warmth she quickly suppressed. "You all did a great job," she said calmly. "Ms. Cheng will be very proud of you. I hope you'll continue to do your best in the upcoming competitions."
The students' excitement waned, their smiles fading slightly, but they obediently replied, "Yes, teacher."
Only Li Lan blurted out, "What about you? Aren't you proud of us?"
Yu Qingtang: "Of course. I'm very happy," she said, her voice devoid of emotion.
Li Lan's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang said, "Let's continue with the competition. Ms. Cheng will be back this afternoon."
Yu Qingtang returned to the teachers' area. The other homeroom teachers, upon seeing her, immediately praised her students. Who wouldn't want such a talented and well-behaved class? The performance wasn't just a display of talent; it reflected the class's unity and spirit. A class that worked together like this would likely excel academically as well, making the teachers' job much easier.
Yu Qingtang simply thanked them, not elaborating. Some teachers tried to ask about her teaching methods, but she couldn't offer any specific advice.
Class 7's success was due to two factors: Cheng Zhanxi's engaging PE lessons and the students' adoration of her, and Li Lan's responsible leadership as class monitor. She had put in a lot of effort.
Yu Qingtang, massaging the bridge of her nose, remembering Li Lan's teary eyes, felt a sense of heaviness in her chest, a tightness that made it difficult to breathe.
...
Li Lan sent Cheng Zhanxi a message: [Ms. Cheng, we finished our performance! No mistakes! The principal even praised us! The only class to receive a special mention!]
Two hours later, Cheng Zhanxi, having just landed, replied: [As expected! You guys are amazing! Awesome! Awesome! (Repeats "awesome" thirty times)].
[Cheng Zhanxi]: [I'm so happy! I'll treat you all to dinner after the competition today! Order whatever you want! Ms. Cheng is rich!]
[Cheng Zhanxi]: [Where's Ms. Yu? Is she at school? Why isn't she replying to my messages?]
Li Lan's smile vanished when she saw the last message.
[Li Lan]: [Haven't seen her.]
Cheng Zhanxi, not even bothering to go home and change, took a taxi straight to school, dropped off her luggage in the office, and went to the field to look for Yu Qingtang.
The atmosphere at the sports meet was lively and exciting.
"Wu Peng, go! Go! Go, Wu Peng!"
The 100m finals were underway. Cheng Zhanxi, seeing one of her students on the track, went over to cheer him on. After Wu Peng crossed the finish line in first place, she congratulated him and asked, "Where's Ms. Yu?"
Tong Feifei enthusiastically raised her hand. "I know! I'll take you!"
Lian Yabing: "Me too!"
Tong Feifei: "Do you even know where she is?"
Lian Yabing, without missing a beat: "No, but I want to go!"
The two girls led the way. Tong Feifei, turning to look at Cheng Zhanxi, her cheeks slightly flushed, said, "You look beautiful today, Ms. Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi was wearing a knee-length, dark blue trench coat over a white shirt, the top two buttons undone, revealing her delicate collarbone. A thin necklace with a deep blue pendant, the color of the ocean, rested against her skin, adding a touch of elegance to her look.
Cheng Zhanxi nodded politely. "Thank you," she said.
A sense of unease settled over her. "Can we walk a little faster?" she suggested gently.
"Sure." Tong Feifei started running.
Cheng Zhanxi, with her long legs, easily kept pace.
Yu Qingtang was sitting alone in a secluded corner of the bleachers, her hands resting on her knees, seemingly lost in thought. The spot was hidden from view, obscured by the stadium structure.
Cheng Zhanxi, stopping three meters away, waved to the girls behind her.
Tong Feifei, understanding the signal, discreetly left, pulling Lian Yabing, who was lingering, by the wrist.
Lian Yabing, glancing back longingly, reluctantly followed.
Cheng Zhanxi took a few more steps, stopping half a meter away from Yu Qingtang, maintaining a respectful distance, and said softly, "Ms. Yu?"
Yu Qingtang looked up slowly, her eyes widening as she saw Cheng Zhanxi, her expression changing slightly.
"Cheng Mo?" she murmured.
Cheng Zhanxi paused, her expression a mixture of surprise and something else, more complex. "It's me," she replied.
Did Yu Qingtang still not believe her?
Yu Qingtang quickly stood up. Her legs, having been in the same position for too long, were slightly numb, and she stumbled. She reached out to steady herself on the back of the seat, but an arm appeared before her, blocking her path.
Yu Qingtang instinctively grabbed the arm, then quickly let go as if she had been burned, her balance lost, and she fell backwards.
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
She stepped forward, her long arms encircling Yu Qingtang's waist, catching her in a warm embrace.
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