After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Yu Qingtang's expression was heavy, her gaze difficult to read, tinged with an almost imperceptible coolness.
Cheng Zhanxi, seemingly oblivious, wearing dusty pink pajamas and pink slippers, held a cup in each hand. She pursed her lips, looking exceptionally apologetic for disturbing her, and asked, "Ms. Yu, do you have a spare key? Could you help me open the door?"
A brief flash of astonishment crossed Yu Qingtang's face.
So she hadn't done it on purpose?
Yu Qingtang, who had misjudged a noble heart with her own petty thoughts, immediately began to self-reflect. She updated her image of Cheng Zhanxi in her mind once again, strengthening her halo.
Yu Qingtang's expression softened. "Yes, I do. I'll go get it for you," she said.
"Thank you, Ms. Yu." Cheng Zhanxi bowed slightly. "Sorry for the trouble."
"You're welcome."
Yu Qingtang opened the door to 2101, not minding Cheng Zhanxi standing at the entrance. She crouched down in front of the TV cabinet, pulled open a drawer, and took out a large bunch of keys.
She found the key for 2102, straightened up, and noticed Cheng Zhanxi tactfully facing away from the door.
"Ms. Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi turned around, saw the key in her hand, and apologized again, "Sorry for the trouble."
Except for Yu Qingtang's own apartment, which had a fingerprint electronic lock, all the other apartments in this building used traditional mechanical locks provided by the developer. Tenants who wanted a password lock would have to pay for the replacement themselves.
Yu Qingtang used the spare key to open the door for her. Bright light poured out from the room, revealing the cozy arrangement of the living room.
Yu Qingtang couldn't help but glance inside again. Turning back, she said, "Ms. Cheng, if you often forget your keys, I suggest changing to an electronic lock. It's more convenient." After a pause, she added, "Give me the receipt after you change the lock, and I can reimburse you."
"Thank you for the suggestion, Ms. Yu. I'll consider it," Cheng Zhanxi said with a smile. "Actually, my memory is quite good. Today was just an accident."
She definitely didn't want to switch to a fingerprint password lock. That way, Yu Qingtang wouldn't have her fingerprint or password and couldn't enter her home anytime.
Although Yu Qingtang didn't want to enter her home now, what if an opportunity arose in the future? Changing the lock would just create another barrier. Cheng Zhanxi already felt there were too many obstacles between them; why would she create more trouble for herself?
As for security, the 24-hour property management on the ground floor, the constantly patrolling security guards, and the infrared alarms formed the complex's main security system. Cheng Zhanxi wasn't worried.
She was already practically leaving her door wide open hoping to encounter Yu Qingtang; why would she care about adding an electronic lock?
Hearing Cheng Zhanxi say this, Yu Qingtang saw no reason to insist on changing the lock. She nodded slightly and said, "Goodnight, Ms. Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi stood in the doorway under the light, her skin fairer than snow.
"Goodnight," the woman said with a smile.
The door to 2101 closed. Yu Qingtang leaned back against the door, hearing the sound of the other door closing outside.
She checked through the peephole; the hallway was empty. She then walked inside.
Cheng Zhanxi went to the kitchen, washing the cups while recalling what she had seen of Yu Qingtang's home at the entrance.
The apartment layout was identical to hers, unmodified. The living room was spacious and empty. Besides the TV remote on the coffee table, everything else, like the dining table, was spotless. The chairs were pushed neatly under the table. It looked as if no one lived there, exuding a cold atmosphere.
That kick Cheng Zhanxi gave the door was both intentional and unintentional.
The moment her foot touched the door, she remembered she hadn't brought her keys, but she went along with it anyway, letting the door close.
She wanted to test the limits of Yu Qingtang's tolerance for her. If Yu Qingtang had tacitly understood and let her in, allowing their relationship to develop naturally, that would have been her dream come true. But she was also prepared for Yu Qingtang to put up her guard. So, after Yu Qingtang showed subtle resistance and contemplation, she proactively asked for the spare key, taking the initiative to salvage her image.
Cheng Zhanxi wouldn't force her to do anything under any pretext. She would only offer choices; whether Yu Qingtang nodded or shook her head, she would gladly accept it.
This was Cheng Zhanxi's first time actively pursuing someone, and the process was more interesting than she had imagined.
It was like creating an oil painting—from inspiration to conception, the feeling of bringing it to life bit by bit on the canvas, embracing all the pain and joy of the creative process.
Cheng Zhanxi dried the water cups, put them away, and walked into her art studio.
The next morning at 6:30.
Yu Qingtang was waiting for the elevator. When the doors opened, the person inside looked up.
Both were momentarily stunned.
Cheng Zhanxi was wearing a dark blue running windbreaker, athletic pants, and running shoes. Beads of sweat trickled down the side of her face, her neck also covered in sweat. Steam seemed to rise from her body, and her fair skin had an unusual flush.
Yu Qingtang's lips moved slightly, and she took the initiative to speak: "Just finished exercising?" Her voice was a bit low.
"Yes, I ran an extra lap today," Cheng Zhanxi said. Seemingly unable to bear the heat, she pulled the zipper down slightly. Her elegant, straight collarbones were also glistening with sweat, reflecting a cool white light that made it hard to look away.
Underneath her jacket was a tight black sports tank top. Her full curves were accentuated, sweat dripping down into the low neckline, offering tantalizing glimpses. Yu Qingtang unconsciously swallowed.
Yu Qingtang forced her gaze back to Cheng Zhanxi's face, composed herself, and said, "I'm heading to school now."
She stepped aside to let her pass.
"Okay, I'll go back and take a shower." Cheng Zhanxi stepped out of the elevator. The heat radiating from her after exercising enveloped Yu Qingtang, her presence so strong it made Yu Qingtang's breathing unsteady.
Yu Qingtang gave a quick nod and stepped into the elevator.
...Why did she smell so good even when sweating?
"See you later, Ms. Yu." Cheng Zhanxi waved to her from outside the elevator, her smile radiant.
"See you later," Yu Qingtang murmured.
The elevator doors slowly closed in front of her.
Yu Qingtang's mind kept replaying the scene from moments ago. She raised her hand to cover her burning ears.
"Good morning, Miss Yu." The receptionist at the front desk watched the figure approaching from the elevator.
Yu Qingtang seemed not to hear, keeping her head down as she hurried out.
The receptionist: "???"
Half an hour later, Cheng Zhanxi also emerged from the elevator.
The receptionist's professional smile visibly became much warmer. "Good morning, Miss Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi paused politely and smiled, "Good morning."
The receptionist watched her retreating figure with a sigh.
Never mind Miss Yu, but the newly arrived Miss Cheng, from her clothes to her demeanor, clearly wasn't ordinary either, yet she also went to work early every morning.
Why was everyone in this world working so hard? All the more reason for a slacker like her to balance things out.
So, she happily went back to slacking off.
Yu Qingtang didn't have evening study duty on Tuesday. Cheng Zhanxi invited her to dinner at a well-regarded local restaurant. It was a twenty-minute taxi ride. After eating, they went straight back to the complex instead of returning to school.
Using digestion as an excuse, Cheng Zhanxi took her for a walk around Swan Lake.
A gentle breeze blew, softly brushing against their cheeks.
Residents could be seen strolling everywhere—families of three, young couples arm in arm, relaxed and leisurely.
Cheng Zhanxi leaned against the railing, facing sideways towards the lake. The wind was stronger near the water. With one hand, her long, fair fingers casually combed through her hair, pushing it back. Her expression was relaxed, a hint of pleasure in her eyes.
Yu Qingtang's gaze went past her shoulder, pretending to look behind her, but her peripheral vision was actually fixed on her the whole time.
"Ms. Yu, do you usually go for walks?"
"No."
"Then what do you do after dinner?"
"Prepare lessons, watch TV."
"Same as me."
Yu Qingtang looked at her skeptically.
Cheng Zhanxi said seriously, "I occasionally take walks, but most of my time is spent painting, reading, or chatting with friends and teachers."
Yu Qingtang: "..."
How is that the same at all?
But she almost couldn't stop the corners of her lips from turning up slightly.
Cheng Zhanxi turned to face the lake, resting both hands on the railing. Colorful lights lined the bank, the water shimmering. A narrow boat floated in the center of the lake, slowly cutting through the water.
Cheng Zhanxi pointed at the boat. "Ms. Yu, what's that for?"
Yu Qingtang followed her gaze and shook her head. "I don't know."
Although she had lived here for quite some time, she didn't even know how many buildings were in the complex. She rarely came downstairs and only knew the way from the entrance to Building 19.
Cheng Zhanxi's interest was piqued. "I'll go ask. Wait here for me."
She only had time to see Cheng Zhanxi's retreating back.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Where does Ms. Cheng get such boundless curiosity? Are all artists like this?
The "artist filter" kicked in promptly, and a faint trace of longing appeared in Yu Qingtang's eyes.
There were many staff members on duty in the complex. Cheng Zhanxi moved quickly and returned shortly after asking. As soon as she saw Yu Qingtang, she smiled mysteriously and asked:
"Ms. Yu, guess what that boat is used for?"
"I don't know."
"Just guess."
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment. "For renting out to tour the lake?"
"Hahahaha." Cheng Zhanxi leaned close to her ear and said clearly, word by word, "It's for scooping up trash."
Caught off guard, Yu Qingtang let out a soft puff of laughter.
Cheng Zhanxi continued, "And scooping up weeds, fallen leaves floating on the lake..."
Yu Qingtang cleared her throat, struggling to suppress her laughter.
Cheng Zhanxi took the opportunity to rest her chin on Yu Qingtang's shoulder, rubbing it gently, and whined playfully, "I worked so hard to find the answer, can't you humor me and laugh a little more?" Yu Qingtang's laughter was too pleasant; she hadn't heard enough.
Cheng Zhanxi was half a head taller than Yu Qingtang, but her frame wasn't large. Tall and slender, nestled against her like this, appearing delicate and dependent, didn't seem out of place.
If Yu Qingtang just reached out, she could hold her in a full embrace.
Her fingers, hanging by her side, curled slightly. She didn't raise her hand, nor did she push her away.
Cheng Zhanxi tentatively extended her arms and gently embraced her.
Her chin, resting on her shoulder, lifted slightly, her ear brushing almost imperceptibly against Yu Qingtang's smooth cheek.
Yu Qingtang clenched her fists, quietly lowering her gaze.
Maintaining the embrace, Cheng Zhanxi continued softly, "But they aren't working right now. Do you want to take a boat ride? I can ask if we can borrow it for a bit."
"No," Yu Qingtang refused, the end of her word soft.
Cheng Zhanxi's heart fluttered. Her arms around Yu Qingtang tightened involuntarily, wanting to pull them closer, leaving no gap between them.
But Yu Qingtang suddenly seemed to snap out of a trance. She shrugged her shoulders, broke free from the embrace, and took two steps back.
With her fair hand, she tucked her fallen hair behind her ear. Her eyes downcast, her voice cool, she said, "It's getting late. Let's go back."
Without waiting for Cheng Zhanxi's response, she turned and left first.
Cheng Zhanxi was filled with regret.
She followed behind Yu Qingtang, angrily hitting her own arm. See if you can control yourself now!
She used a bit too much force, her palm hitting flesh with a slap.
Yu Qingtang's steps ahead faltered slightly, then she continued walking.
There were other people in the elevator going up, which somewhat eased the awkwardness between them. But from the sixth floor onwards, they were left alone in the space.
Yu Qingtang stared at the constantly changing numbers, unblinking, her expression indifferent.
Cheng Zhanxi's gaze drifted.
Ding—
The two exited one after the other and parted ways at the elevator entrance.
"Goodnight, Ms. Yu."
"...Goodnight."
Cheng Zhanxi watched the door to 2101 close in front of her, then turned and entered 2102. Her expression vanished. She slowly sat down on the sofa and vigorously rubbed her face with both hands.
Yu Qingtang took her pajamas and went straight into the bathroom.
Warm water streamed down from head to toe, splashing onto the bathroom tiles. Yu Qingtang closed her eyes, her pores relaxing warmly in the heat. In the hazy white steam, her thoughts naturally drifted far away, uncontrollably.
After a long while.
She suddenly reached up and turned off the water. Leaning her back against the cold wall, the chilling sensation made her shiver, and the pervasive fantasies in her mind scattered completely.
Yu Qingtang took the bath towel hanging on the rack, dried herself, changed into her cotton long-sleeved pajamas, and went into the study.
The mid-term exams were over. Parent-teacher conferences were this weekend, and she needed to prepare in advance.
Tomorrow, she couldn't go out to eat with Ms. Cheng again; it wasted too much time.
Cheng Zhanxi had a dream.
In the dream, she not only hugged Yu Qingtang tightly but also kissed her deeply. The two were entangled, inseparable.
Waking up, she felt exceptionally empty.
The automatic curtains in the bedroom opened. The night sky showed a deep blue, with faint light appearing on the horizon, dawn approaching.
Cheng Zhanxi couldn't sleep. She decided to take her easel and tools downstairs to sketch at the complex's Swan Lake.
The sun leaped out from behind the clouds, golden sunlight spreading across the land, illuminating the lake surface brilliantly. A small boat was docked by the shore. The person on the boat had just finished the morning's cleanup work. He wore blue work clothes and a woven hat, carrying a bag of trash as he walked onto the bank.
Early morning runners passed by, slowing their steps, some even stopping behind her to watch.
Others, seeing her beauty, sitting alone by the lake sketching, took photos of her with their phones.
Cheng Zhanxi remained focused, undisturbed.
People came and went. She painted from just after 5 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Stretching her sore neck and wrists from sitting in one position for so long, she then carried her things back and put them in the studio.
In the office, Yu Qingtang picked up her phone to check the time. Her peripheral vision scanned the notification bar at the top—no new messages. Her fingers, seemingly with a mind of their own, tapped into WeChat.
Cheng Zhanxi's last message was still from yesterday.
Didn't she go for a run this morning?
But it was already nine o'clock; she should be up by now. No message, and she hadn't come to school... Could she be sick?
The flu has been going around lately; many people have caught colds.
As her colleague and landlord, should I ask how she's doing?
Yang Li: "Ms. Yu, why isn't Ms. Cheng here yet?"
Yu Qingtang locked her phone screen, the various emotions in her eyes settling into calm. She looked up and said, "I don't know."
Yang Li asked puzzledly, "Don't you two live together?"
Yu Qingtang didn't dwell on why Yang Li knew they lived nearby, nor did she consider the difference between living nearby and living together. She still just shook her head.
Yang Li thought: Had a fight?
Cheng Zhanxi had a PE class that morning, not for Class 7, but another class. The preparatory bell rang, but she still hadn't arrived.
Yu Qingtang called her.
Cheng Zhanxi answered, her voice slightly breathless, "Hello."
Yu Qingtang said, "You have class this morning, remember?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "I remember. I'm on my way to the field now."
Yu Qingtang frowned almost imperceptibly. "You're already at school?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Yes."
Yu Qingtang paused for a second, then said, "Never mind then. Go teach your class, Ms. Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Okay."
Yu Qingtang hung up.
Yu Qingtang stared blankly for a while before slowly picking up the pen beside her, taking a notebook from the pile on her desk, opening it, and starting to grade.
She was like a long-neglected gear, each turn making a rusty creaking sound, slowly, slowly, before finally moving smoothly again.
Cheng Zhanxi stepped into the office during the break after the third period.
"Good morning," she greeted everyone.
Yang Li smiled, "It's eleven o'clock, Ms. Cheng. It's already noon."
Cheng Zhanxi laughed, "If you haven't had lunch, it's still morning."
Yang Li asked, "Why are you so late today? We thought something might have happened."
Cheng Zhanxi caught the keyword: "We?"
Yang Li glanced towards Yu Qingtang, giving her a suggestive look.
The curve of Cheng Zhanxi's smile deepened. She vaguely glossed over it, "Yes, something came up, so I was a bit late."
Yang Li didn't press further.
As Cheng Zhanxi passed Yang Li's desk, Yang Li leaned forward and whispered to her, "Ms. Yu seems to be in a bad mood." She had been absentminded all morning.
Cheng Zhanxi raised an eyebrow slightly, smiling faintly, "I know."
"Ms. Yu?" The office was noisy during the break. Cheng Zhanxi dragged her chair over, sitting almost side-by-side with Yu Qingtang, and called her softly.
Yu Qingtang heard her, but the pen in her hand didn't stop.
She suddenly realized she didn't really want to respond to her, but she didn't know where this feeling came from, and it was too impolite. So, Yu Qingtang silently exhaled. After just a second, she politely raised her eyes and said softly, "Is there something, Ms. Cheng?"
Cheng Zhanxi was very close to her, looking directly into her eyes. Her hazel eyes were as clear as glass beads.
"Originally there was only one thing, now there are two."
Yu Qingtang rested her hand on the desk and pushed her chair back slightly to ease the pressure on her breathing.
She looked at the woman calmly, "What?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "First, I went sketching this morning and didn't bring my phone. When I finished, I realized I was almost late, so I rushed home to shower and change, then hurried to school. I didn't have time to message you."
Yu Qingtang was silent for a moment, then asked, "Where were you sketching?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Just at the artificial lake in our complex."
Yu Qingtang wanted to ask, "The one from last night?" but then remembered the inappropriate hug, so she skipped the topic and gave a soft "mm."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Second thing."
Yu Qingtang kept her eyes downcast. After waiting a while without hearing anything more, she finally lifted her eyelids and looked at her.
Cheng Zhanxi suddenly broke into a smile.
She lowered her voice, so gentle it made one's heart itch, and said, "The second thing is, just seeing you makes me feel very happy."
In Yu Qingtang's dark eyes, it was as if a ripple gently spread.
Cheng Zhanxi pushed off with her toes, gliding the chair back on its wheels, deftly returning behind her desk.
Leaving only Yu Qingtang sitting there, quietly processing those words.
Cheng Zhanxi had slept less than three hours last night, then spent several hours painting early in the morning, and also taught a PE class. As soon as the class bell rang and the office fell quiet, she dropped her head onto the desk and fell asleep.
The tip of Yu Qingtang's pen paused on the paper. She looked up at Cheng Zhanxi, who was resting her head on her arms, facing her. Her long hair covered half her face, revealing a high nose bridge and thin lips with a rosy color.
Yang Li casually looked up and saw them in the corner of the office—one sleeping quietly, the other staring intently at her. She chuckled softly and lowered her head back to her lesson planning.
...
"Ms. Cheng."
"Ms. Cheng?"
Yu Qingtang had no choice but to gently pat Cheng Zhanxi's shoulder.
School was over, and everyone had left the office. Cheng Zhanxi, whether too tired or for some other reason, couldn't be woken up. Patting her only made her shift positions and continue sleeping, mumbling incoherently.
Yu Qingtang pursed her lips.
"Cheng... Zhanxi?"
Cheng Zhanxi suddenly sat up. Getting up too quickly, she almost bumped into Yu Qingtang, who was leaning close to her ear calling her name.
"Are you okay?" Cheng Zhanxi vaguely saw a shadow quickly dart back in her peripheral vision.
"I'm fine." Yu Qingtang tucked her hair behind her ear and said lightly.
Cheng Zhanxi shook her head, took Yu Qingtang's wrist, checked her up and down, confirmed she was okay, sighed in relief, and then finally registered the state of the office. "School's over?" she asked, stunned.
Having just woken up, her expression was a bit dazed, lacking her usual mischievous spark. Her hair was slightly messy, making her look soft and fluffy.
Yu Qingtang's facial features involuntarily softened. "Yes," she said gently.
Cheng Zhanxi tilted her head towards Yu Qingtang. Her long curly hair naturally fell onto the woman's arm. Yu Qingtang discreetly brushed against it with the back of her fingers. The hair was very soft, fine and gentle.
Standing there, she could also smell the fresh scent of shampoo.
Cheng Zhanxi remained completely unaware. She raised her hand to rub her brow, licked her dry lips, and reached for the thermos on the desk.
Yu Qingtang followed her action, licking her own lips.
Cheng Zhanxi was still groggy from sleep, her vision blurry with afterimages. Her fingertips almost knocked over the thermos. Yu Qingtang quickly steadied it, picked it up for her, unscrewed the lid, and handed it to her.
"Thank you." Cheng Zhanxi really wanted to see Yu Qingtang's expression clearly right now, but she simply couldn't, so she had to give up.
Perhaps afraid she was too dizzy to hold it steady, Cheng Zhanxi held the cup with both hands and drank slowly, looking incredibly well-behaved.
Yu Qingtang watched her the entire time, her gaze unprecedentedly soft. After finishing the water, Cheng Zhanxi leaned back quietly in her chair to recover. The dizziness hadn't actually passed, but Cheng Zhanxi, afraid of wasting Yu Qingtang's time, pushed herself up from the desk with her palms and pretended to be fine. "Go eat?"
Yu Qingtang said, "Okay."
Cheng Zhanxi walked out from behind the desk.
Yu Qingtang noticed her usually rosy complexion was slightly pale now, a trace of worry appearing in her eyes.
"Ms. Cheng..."
Yu Qingtang had just started speaking when she saw Cheng Zhanxi sway unsteadily and fall backward. Yu Qingtang grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.
Cheng Zhanxi stumbled into her embrace, her lips brushing against the woman's small earlobe.
Author's note:
Sisters, type "The Cheng-Yu idiom is real" in the comments!!!
Today's short skit is cancelled. Last night, Ms. Cheng made Yu Qingtang flow like a river, and now there are no dry bedsheets left at home ╰(*°▽°*)╯
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