After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 45
Chapter 45
Cheng Zhanxi was rejected, as expected.
Her attempt today to test Yu Qingtang's social boundaries was withdrawn.
But Yu Qingtang walked with her to the supermarket entrance before they parted ways. Yu Qingtang entered the complex alone, heading towards Building 19.
The young receptionist saw her alone and glanced behind her.
Yu Qingtang didn't miss the receptionist's questioning look. She tugged down the strap of her bag and quickened her pace.
More than half an hour later, Cheng Zhanxi also came in, her hands full of large and small bags of groceries.
"Hello, Miss Cheng."
"Hello."
"Miss Cheng, did you buy so many groceries to cook yourself?"
"Yes." Cheng Zhanxi smiled and went to wait for the elevator.
The young receptionist watched her retreating figure with envy, unsure whether she envied Cheng Zhanxi or Yu Qingtang for having a girlfriend who would cook for her.
But she didn't know that Cheng Zhanxi would be eating this meal alone.
Cheng Zhanxi enjoyed cooking. While chatting with friends on her Bluetooth headset, she methodically prepared various ingredients—washing, draining, chopping. After hanging up, she switched to playing music and quickly prepared a table full of colorful, fragrant, and delicious home-cooked dishes: vibrant green vegetables, caramelized ribs, blanched shrimp with dipping sauce, tomato and egg soup, all beautifully garnished.
Cheng Zhanxi took a photo and posted it to her Moments without restricting visibility. She also sent a copy privately to Yu Qingtang.
She had a feeling Yu Qingtang wasn't likely to see her Moments post.
Yu Qingtang, who had already finished her plain boiled noodles, received Cheng Zhanxi's message in her study.
Cheng Zhanxi: [[Image]]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Her mind said no, but her fingers honestly tapped to open the full image.
Her stomach, which had just been filled not long ago, seemed to churn slightly, and saliva unconsciously pooled in her mouth.
Cheng Zhanxi: [Want some more, Teacher Yu?]
Yu Qingtang struggled fiercely against her instincts.
Yu Qingtang: [No need, thank you, Teacher Cheng.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [Then I'll eat by myself. The ribs turned out well today.]
While typing, Cheng Zhanxi took a bite of the amber, glossy sweet and sour ribs she had made. The balance of sour and sweet was perfect, infused with the aroma of white sesame seeds. The bones were crisp, the meat tender, and the texture rich and delicate.
Cheng Zhanxi ate it with a mouthful of rice—crystal clear, plump, and distinct grains. She had strictly followed the standard water ratio, ensuring the cooked rice was fragrant and enticing.
She refused to believe Yu Qingtang could remain unmoved every time. For her, there were three irresistible things in the world: art, love, and food.
As long as Yu Qingtang stepped into her home once, there would be a second time, a third time, countless times, until eventually, both her body and heart would stay.
Free meals three times a day, including varied late-night snacks, without having to lift a finger, plus a beauty by her side—who could resist?
Yu Qingtang was also worried about this problem. Cheng Zhanxi invited her over frequently; she couldn't refuse every single time. What if one day she couldn't control herself and stepped into Cheng Zhanxi's home? It would be difficult to firmly refuse after that.
Unless... Cheng Zhanxi left Sicheng before that day arrived.
Why exactly did she come to Sicheng? If it was for an art exhibition, she could have left two months ago. And this temporary job as a PE teacher for two months—hadn't the novelty worn off yet?
Yu Qingtang absentmindedly typed the outline for the weekend parent-teacher conference, checking student grade reports and information to finalize which students needed praise or reminders, and which parents required special attention. Suddenly, she heard a gurgle. Her ten fingers paused, and she looked down—the sound came from her stomach.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
She went to pour herself a glass of milk, found a few slices of bread in the fridge, and placed them beside her.
The bread had no filling and was dry in her mouth. She ate it bite by bite with the milk, unable to resist opening the picture Cheng Zhanxi had sent her. A very subtle waver appeared in her expression.
Finally, deciding that out of sight was out of mind, she locked her phone screen and placed it face down on the desk.
Ding-dong—
The doorbell rang in the living room.
Yu Qingtang paused slightly, put down the bread, got up, and went to open the door.
Cheng Zhanxi stood at the door, holding the thermal container Yu Qingtang had used to send porridge the previous night in her left hand. Her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled and said, "Good evening, Teacher Yu. I came to return the thermal container."
Yu Qingtang took it and looked at her right hand.
Cheng Zhanxi's right hand held a plate of the blanched shrimp that had appeared in the photo earlier. The shells had all been removed, revealing the firm shrimp meat. A small dish with dipping sauce and a pair of bamboo chopsticks were also on the plate.
Yu Qingtang's gaze stuck to the plate for several seconds before finally returning to Cheng Zhanxi's face.
Reason told her the best course of action now was not to listen to a single word from Cheng Zhanxi and just close the door. But her throat tightened several times, and she couldn't bring herself to say no.
Cheng Zhanxi waited for her moment on stage and said, "I cooked too much shrimp tonight and have half left over. It won't taste good reheated tomorrow. I was hoping Teacher Yu could help me out."
Yu Qingtang said lightly, "I don't eat late-night snacks."
Cheng Zhanxi hummed and said, "It's only just past eight. I don't think it counts as a late-night snack? Many people eat dinner around this time after work."
She switched the plate to her left hand, picked up the bamboo chopsticks with her right, picked up a shrimp, dipped it in the sauce, and held the plate underneath as she brought it to her lips.
Yu Qingtang watched her series of actions unfold, but could only watch as the delicious shrimp, dripping with sauce, arrived before her eyes.
Yu Qingtang suppressed the urge to swallow and struggled, "Teacher Cheng..."
She lifted her eyelids and unexpectedly met Cheng Zhanxi's eyes. Those gentle, tea-colored eyes seemed to possess a bewitching magic. As if possessed, Yu Qingtang slightly parted her red lips and bit down on the shrimp held by the chopsticks. The shrimp was crisp and springy, the garlic sauce enveloping the original flavor of the shrimp, melting on her tongue, bringing ultimate enjoyment.
Before Yu Qingtang could react, she had already eaten one.
Cheng Zhanxi looked at her expectantly, "How does it taste?"
Yu Qingtang felt complicated emotions. She sighed silently in her heart and honestly said, "Delicious."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Try another one?"
Yu Qingtang said, "No."
Cheng Zhanxi held it to her mouth. After hesitating for a few seconds, she obediently ate it again.
First time hesitant, second time familiar, third and fourth times too...
Cheng Zhanxi said softly, "Last one, ah."
Yu Qingtang obediently opened her mouth. As she ate it, she didn't notice Cheng Zhanxi swallowing along with her, her eyes darkening.
She was naturally eating properly; only Cheng Zhanxi herself knew what she wanted to "eat" in that instant.
Feeding complete, Cheng Zhanxi placed the chopsticks back on the plate and smiled sincerely, "Thank you for your help, Teacher Yu."
Yu Qingtang had just perfectly demonstrated "the mouth says no, but the body is honest." She didn't know how to reply.
Cheng Zhanxi took her cue to exit the stage: "Rest early, goodnight."
Yu Qingtang: "...Goodnight."
Cheng Zhanxi placed one hand on her waist, lifted a non-existent skirt hem, performed half a princess curtsey, and departed with great style.
Yu Qingtang watched her back until she disappeared behind the door of 2102, only then waking up as if from a dream.
She turned and closed the door.
The half-eaten bread lay on the desk. Yu Qingtang put the untouched slices back into the bag. With the thought of not wasting food, she intended to eat the remaining half slice, but her stomach, which had been spoiled just minutes ago, protested strongly. Yu Qingtang had no choice but to find strawberry jam in the kitchen, spread a little on top, and barely managed to eat it.
...Teacher Cheng is truly a menace.
Yu Qingtang, who had to walk back and forth in the living room late at night to digest because she had eaten too much, sighed this way in her heart.
Perhaps she should learn from Cheng Zhanxi and go for a walk by Swan Lake?
Realizing she was becoming less and less like herself, Yu Qingtang promptly dismissed the thought.
What Yu Qingtang could anticipate was that the food stored in her fridge might increasingly fail to satisfy her.
After digesting her food and taking a shower, Yu Qingtang lay in bed, tossing and turning, wondering if there was any way to escape her current situation. Afterwards, she discovered with deep regret that everything had started when she softened her stance last Monday and allowed Cheng Zhanxi to move in. It was tantamount to letting a wolf into the house, and now it was too late.
The initiative was in Cheng Zhanxi's hands; she herself had no power to resist. She was very bad at handling such enthusiasm, making her want to distance herself while simultaneously being uncontrollably drawn closer.
Yu Qingtang fell asleep unknowingly, her fingers tightly gripping the duvet cover.
Yu Qingtang didn't sleep very peacefully that night. The entire night was filled with chaotic dreams. When the alarm clock woke her, she placed the back of her hand on her forehead, let out a pained whimper, and woke up.
She sat up in bed, her temples throbbing.
Yu Qingtang picked up her phone and saw a new message notification. After seeing the sender clearly, her half-closed eyes opened completely.
5:30.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Sketching
Does she have to get up this early every day?
Yu Qingtang pinched the bridge of her nose with two fingers, paused for a moment, remembered something, and sent Cheng Zhanxi a message: [Be careful not to catch a cold.]
After Yu Qingtang finished washing up and returned, she found Cheng Zhanxi had replied.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Got it, I wore a thick coat.
Yu Qingtang didn't bother her further.
She dressed neatly and went out. Just as she walked out of Building 19, she glanced towards the complex's Swan Lake, her expression hesitant.
She walked towards the complex exit. Two young men in sportswear approached her. As they passed each other, Yu Qingtang heard one say, "Let's run by the lake. I heard a really pretty girl goes there to sketch. What if we run into her? Maybe get her contact info or something."
Yu Qingtang paused, silently following the two men.
Cheng Zhanxi was indeed by the lake. Because the sky was just beginning to lighten and it was still early, only morning runners were by the lake. These people ran back and forth behind her, occasionally casting curious glances.
Cheng Zhanxi had tied her hair in a loose ponytail at the back of her head, with two strands of long hair falling by her ears. The pale dawn light softened the contours of her face. Seen from the side, her nose bridge was high, and her thin lips were slightly pursed in concentration—a habit of hers.
The two young men stopped not far from Cheng Zhanxi. After seeing her exceptionally beautiful appearance clearly, they immediately felt self-conscious and gave up the idea of striking up a conversation.
They turned their faces again and saw the picturesque Yu Qingtang standing a safe distance behind them. The two exchanged glances, gave each other a sympathetic look, silently walked away, and jogged along the lake shore.
Yu Qingtang didn't approach. She watched Cheng Zhanxi from where she stood for a while, then left.
Today, Cheng Zhanxi finished early, arriving at school just as the preparatory bell for the second period rang.
Li Lan walked out of the office and greeted her, "Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled and nodded.
Cheng Zhanxi noticed she wasn't holding anything. After entering the office, she asked Yu Qingtang, "Did Li Lan need something from you?"
Yu Qingtang glanced at the empty seat opposite her and said, "About Wen Zhihan." She added, "The thing you told me about yesterday."
Cheng Zhanxi understood.
Yesterday, walking home together, she had relayed verbatim what she heard from Tong Feifei, like "Teacher Wen has gone crazy," etc., to Yu Qingtang. She felt this matter needed attention.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Where's Teacher Wen?"
Yu Qingtang pursed her lips and said, "She has class during the fourth period. She'll probably come later."
Yu Qingtang sat at her desk, occasionally pausing her typing, her eyes glazing over.
Cheng Zhanxi felt sour inside.
Even though she was basically certain Yu Qingtang didn't like Wen Zhihan, she didn't want her spacing out because of someone else.
Cheng Zhanxi ground her teeth slightly and lowered her head to use her phone.
Yu Qingtang looked at the screen and picked it up.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: How did Teacher Yu and Teacher Wen meet?
[Yu Qingtang]: Don't remember.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Aren't you university classmates?
[Yu Qingtang]: It's not like you don't know I'm face-blind.
Cheng Zhanxi changed her position, resting her arms on the desk, a smile playing on her lips as she typed: [Then how long did it take you to remember her face and name?]
[Yu Qingtang]: Half a year or a year?
Cheng Zhanxi buried the lower half of her face in her arms, not letting anyone see her overly bright smile. She carefully considered her words before asking again: [Is she your friend?]
This was a very difficult question for Yu Qingtang to answer.
After a long while, she slowly typed out two words: [I guess.]
[Yu Qingtang]: I hope she can continue her studies and not waste her youth here.
Yu Qingtang looked at Cheng Zhanxi opposite her. Cheng Zhanxi sat up straighter bit by bit, holding her phone with both hands as she typed, her red lips lightly pursed.
The top of Yu Qingtang's phone screen showed "typing...", disappeared, then reappeared.
After a while, a message finally popped up. Yu Qingtang's eyelids twitched along with it.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: What about me?
After sending the message, Cheng Zhanxi kept looking at Yu Qingtang. Her usually expressionless face remained calm and undisturbed, but her fingers pressed the virtual keyboard very slowly.
Taking longer than it took to answer the previous question, Yu Qingtang replied: [You count too, I guess.]
Cheng Zhanxi didn't know if she genuinely didn't understand her meaning or was pretending not to. She followed her words and asked: [What do you hope I do?]
Yu Qingtang: [?]
Cheng Zhanxi: [You hope Wen Zhihan continues her studies. As your friend too, don't I deserve some consideration?]
Yu Qingtang: "..."
For a moment, she didn't know whether to call her childish or something else.
She shook her head slightly, quickly typing a line under her fingers: You just need to shine.
Before sending, she deleted it word by word and reorganized her language: [I hope you can always do what you want to do] always be as free and happy as you are now.
Cheng Zhanxi: [Mm, I think my blessing is better than Teacher Wen's. What do you think?]
Yu Qingtang felt she didn't want to chat with her anymore.
[Yu Qingtang]: I need to prepare lessons now.
Cheng Zhanxi tactfully backed off, crossed her arms, leaned back in her chair, and started pondering the words she had managed to pry from Yu Qingtang's mouth.
Do what you want to do... Does this mean she likes her? Or doesn't like her?
The thing she currently wanted to do most was make love; Yu Qingtang definitely wouldn't agree to that.
Cheng Zhanxi felt she had good feelings towards her; otherwise, with her cold personality, how could she tolerate her again and again? But her previous disastrous overthinking made her doubt herself, afraid to repeat the same mistake.
Thinking positively, friendship was confirmed; could girlfriend be far behind?
Wen Zhihan came to the office during the third period. Yu Qingtang called her out alone for a talk. Cheng Zhanxi watched their departing backs, her neck almost stretching out two li. Even after both were out of sight, she remained like a "waiting-for-wife stone," her expression frozen, staring fixedly at the doorway for a long time.
Yang Li mentally exclaimed "Aiyo," cleared her throat, and said, "Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi retracted her gaze, her expression slightly awkward.
Yang Li comforted her, "Don't worry. Before you came, Teacher Yu hardly ever spoke a few words to Teacher Wen."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Thank you, Teacher Yang."
Yang Li saw her forced smile, thought for a moment, and said, "Weren't you late the day before yesterday morning? You slept through the fourth period. However long you slept, that's how long Teacher Yu watched you."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Ah?" Immediately, joy lit up her face, "Really?"
Yang Li said, "Why would I lie to you? I was sitting right here watching at the time."
Cheng Zhanxi thanked her, felt it wasn't enough, rushed out from her office chair, excitedly grabbed Yang Li's hand, shaking it up and down, "Teacher Yang, such great kindness! I'll treat you to dinner another day."
Yang Li: "Hahahaha."
Just then, Yu Qingtang came in through the doorway. Her gaze fell on Cheng Zhanxi and Yang Li's tightly "held" hands, her expression instantly becoming hard to read.
Cheng Zhanxi followed her line of sight downwards, retracted her hand as if electrocuted, put it behind her back, and stood up straight with a snap.
"Yu..."
Yu Qingtang walked past her without looking sideways, followed by an expressionless Wen Zhihan.
The two returned to their respective seats separately and had no further interaction. They should have finished talking.
Not even ten minutes had passed since they went out.
Cheng Zhanxi was both happy and apprehensive. She pushed her chair towards Yu Qingtang. Before she got completely close, Yu Qingtang looked up, watching her without any emotion.
Cheng Zhanxi awkwardly returned to her original seat.
She agonized until school ended.
Cheng Zhanxi asked Yu Qingtang to eat at the cafeteria, and Yu Qingtang agreed.
On the way, she was silent as usual. Cheng Zhanxi found a topic to chat with her, "Is the parent-teacher conference tomorrow?"
Yu Qingtang hummed in agreement.
"Nervous?" Cheng Zhanxi asked with concern, like parents asking a child about to take an exam.
Yu Qingtang was slightly taken aback, then answered somewhat uncomfortably, "...It's okay."
"Tomorrow you'll definitely have a lot to say again." Cheng Zhanxi sighed for her, "Being a homeroom teacher isn't easy; a straight girl selling her skills."
Yu Qingtang didn't understand, "Hmm?"
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, "It's just a meme, said casually. Is Teacher Yu straight?"
Although same-sex marriage became legal two years ago, the societal mainstream is still heterosexual, after all, it constitutes the majority of the population. Cheng Zhanxi didn't actually think Yu Qingtang was straight; she just wanted to gain some information through this question.
Yu Qingtang herself hadn't realized that her silence when facing Cheng Zhanxi recently had become less and less frequent, while their interactions, even brief answers, had increased.
So this time, she still didn't remain silent, but said lightly, "Don't know."
Students were roughhousing ahead. Cheng Zhanxi loosely looped her arm around Yu Qingtang's, shielding her inwards slightly, and asked with slight surprise, "Has Teacher Yu never been in a relationship?"
"No."
"Has anyone pursued you?"
Cheng Zhanxi was prepared for her not to answer, but Yu Qingtang thought for a few seconds, her lips moved, and she actually said, "Wen Zhihan." And her expression was open, showing no signs of guilt.
Cheng Zhanxi felt sour enough to bubble. She endured it before saying, "Don't you dislike her?"
Yu Qingtang lifted her eyelids slightly, looked at the students in school uniforms passing by, and said lightly, "You asked about people who pursued me, not whether I liked her."
Cheng Zhanxi's heart suddenly stirred.
Yu Qingtang's tone was calm, but her behavior and words carried an indescribable strangeness.
Was she still jealous of Yang Li?
Cheng Zhanxi was overjoyed. The more she thought about it, the more she felt it was true. And Yu Qingtang also realized she was being a bit "insincere". She clearly didn't want to say that sentence, but her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own and said it anyway.
Yu Qingtang closed her eyes, letting the chaotic thoughts in her head completely empty out.
"Yu Jiejie~" Cheng Zhanxi's heart softened like cotton candy, drawing out the sound coquettishly.
Yu Qingtang's brow twitched. She interrupted her, saying coolly, "Let's go to the cafeteria."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Okay."
She smiled and caught up with Yu Qingtang, who had already started walking ahead.
Coincidentally, today's window menu featured sweet and sour ribs. The cafeteria chef's sweet and sour ribs tasted good and were very popular among the students, but they weren't available often. Yu Qingtang usually got a portion whenever she saw them. This was also the main reason why Cheng Zhanxi had made sweet and sour ribs last night.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Teacher Yu, I'll go get two bowls of soup."
Yu Qingtang stayed in line at the window. When she got inside, she saw the sweet and sour ribs drizzled with yellow sauce, with a lot of oil left in the pan. The appearance was far from the picture Cheng Zhanxi had sent her last night, and she instantly lost her appetite.
The person behind her urged her on, and the serving lady looked at her puzzledly. Yu Qingtang nodded apologetically and left that serving window.
Cheng Zhanxi got soup and other dishes, returning to the seat after Yu Qingtang. Seeing the chicken leg and green vegetables on her plate, she made a sound of surprise, "Eh?" and said, "Didn't Teacher Yu go to get sweet and sour ribs?"
Yu Qingtang picked up a small mouthful of rice with her chopsticks, chewed, swallowed, and said calmly without changing her expression, "Too many people."
Cheng Zhanxi pretended not to have seen her leave the window and said with a smile, "Come eat at my place when you have time in the future."
Yu Qingtang didn't reply.
After eating about half, she brought over the tomato and egg soup to drink. The soup, cooked in a large pot, had pitifully few egg flowers floating on the surface. At a glance, one could only see the tomato skins settled at the bottom. Yu Qingtang sighed silently. Before the image of Cheng Zhanxi's special tomato and egg soup could appear in her mind, she drank the mouthful of soup.
...Teacher Cheng really is a "menace."
Friday afternoon class meeting.
Yu Qingtang announced the parent-teacher conference scheduled for tomorrow. A few students who came from rural towns lived too far from Sicheng for their parents to attend; Li Lan had already compiled the list and reported it to Yu Qingtang.
She then discussed the disciplinary situation for the week. Autumn and winter were naturally dry seasons prone to causing internal heat. Yu Qingtang's lips felt dry from talking. She paused temporarily, picked up the thermos beside her, unscrewed the lid, and took a sip of water.
Cheng Zhanxi's words unexpectedly echoed in her ears.
—Being a homeroom teacher isn't easy; a straight girl selling her skills.
Yu Qingtang put down the water cup. The students below saw their usually stern homeroom teacher actually curve her lips slightly. The smile flashed by fleetingly, so fast it seemed like an illusion caused by their eyes playing tricks.
Whispers broke out below as students turned to their classmates for confirmation.
—Did you see that?
—She smiled, right?
—She really smiled!
—Ahhhhh!!!
Yu Qingtang listened to the commotion below, cleared her throat, and said, "Quiet."
The classroom returned to silence.
Yu Qingtang said, "I have something to tell everyone, regarding why I can't remember your names."
The Class 7 students sat upright, their expressions solemn. Only one person, Li Lan, looked up at Yu Qingtang, her slender body upright in her school uniform, her expression not nervous, but expectant.
Yu Qingtang stood at the podium, surveyed all the students, placed her hands in front of her, and bowed slightly.
"I'm very sorry for not telling you beforehand." Yu Qingtang straightened up, her expression sincere. "I have prosopagnosia. I'm truly sorry, everyone."
As she said this, Yu Qingtang magically felt a sense of relief. And seeing the sad or self-reproachful expressions appearing on some students' faces below, she actually felt an impulse to comfort them.
...
"And then?" On the way home from school, Cheng Zhanxi pressed, "What did the students say?"
Yu Qingtang's eyes flickered; she didn't want to answer.
Because some girls cried. The first one to cry was Lian Yabing, sobbing uncontrollably, unable to even speak. Yu Qingtang didn't know what was going on either.
And emotions are very contagious. The second one to cry was Tong Feifei. Both girls cried, then a chain reaction started. Li Lan also cried, burying her face in her arms and whimpering. Half the girls were crying, the rest had red eyes, holding back tears, making Yu Qingtang suspect she had said something wrong on the podium.
Yu Qingtang looked at the students crying together, almost at a loss. Finally, she forced herself to calm down and explained coolly, "Classmates, I have prosopagnosia, not cancer. Don't mishear."
There was a moment of silence below, followed by bursts of laughter.
Breaking into laughter through tears, crying and laughing at the same time.
The scene was chaotic for a time.
Yu Qingtang stood awkwardly at the podium, drank several sips of water, trying hard to maintain a calm expression.
It was... quite embarrassing.
Yu Qingtang didn't want to tell Cheng Zhanxi.
Since she didn't say, Cheng Zhanxi didn't ask further. Anyway, next week during PE class, Tong Feifei and the others would proactively tell her.
Cheng Zhanxi's lips curved slightly upwards.
At the intersection ahead, the two stopped together to wait for the red light.
The green light turned on.
Yu Qingtang stepped forward. She felt the back of her fingers being gently touched.
The next second, Cheng Zhanxi held her hand.
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