After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 52
Chapter 52
"I have no parents."
After saying this, Yu Qingtang continued walking forward without further explanation.
Cheng Zhanxi didn't press further either, walking quietly beside her.
Yu Qingtang didn't seem like someone prone to impulsive or angry words. When she said she had no parents, it either meant they had passed away early, or her situation was similar to Xiang Tianyou's, but even more severe—a family so terrible that she refused to acknowledge her parents' existence.
Cheng Zhanxi thought for a moment, then asked in a deliberately natural tone, "Then who do you live with now?"
It was as if she had heard something utterly ordinary, nothing significant. This attitude undoubtedly lessened the internal pressure on Yu Qingtang—even if she herself wouldn't admit it.
Yu Qingtang's nerves relaxed slightly. She replied calmly, "With my maternal grandparents."
What followed was the natural course of polite conversation.
"Are your grandparents doing well?"
"Mm."
The wind rustled through the leaves, making a soft sound.
Yu Qingtang tucked her hair behind her ear, pursed her lips lightly, and said, "My grandfather had a fall in the first half of the year."
"Was it serious?"
"It was okay, he's mostly recovered now."
"My grandmother also had a fall earlier. After waking up, she doesn't remember things well. Among the younger generation in the family, she only recognizes me now." Cheng Zhanxi looked down at the ground beneath her feet, a hint of sadness entering her voice.
Yu Qingtang didn't know how to comfort her. Recalling lines from movies and books, she finally managed a stiff piece of advice after a long pause, "Cherish the present, spend more time with the elderly."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, looked up, and said encouragingly, "You too."
A slightly unnatural expression flickered across Yu Qingtang's face. She quickly lowered her eyes to hide it, murmuring a soft "mm."
Cheng Zhanxi sighed inwardly.
...It seemed her relationship with her grandparents wasn't close either.
Cheng Zhanxi almost felt angry. Such a good child, if born into her family, her parents would have spoiled her to the heavens. Even a mischievous monkey like herself was raised this way. Then she thought, if Yu Qingtang were born into her family, she'd be her sister—no, older sister. Sisterly love was forbidden. Better she be born into someone else's family, then she could marry her later, it would be the same.
In the future, she would not only have parents and a brother, but most importantly, a wife.
Cheng Zhanxi probed again, "I'm not familiar with the old town. Where exactly do you live?"
This time, Yu Qingtang didn't answer her.
Back at the entrance of Maple Forest Green Capital.
Yu Qingtang took the initiative to ask, "What would Teacher Cheng like to eat?" Cheng Zhanxi didn't have anything specific in mind, so she said "anything is fine." Yu Qingtang led her into a nearby shopping mall. They walked and looked around, finally entering a grilled fish restaurant.
It was crowded on the weekend, requiring a queue number. Yu Qingtang, upholding her role as host, went to get a number. Turning back, she saw Cheng Zhanxi sitting in a corner of the waiting area, smiling at her, her peach-blossom eyes sparkling with tiny lights.
The surrounding sounds seemed to quiet momentarily.
Yu Qingtang suddenly recalled the poem "Searching for Her Among the Crowd." Her steps faltered slightly, then she walked step by step towards the place where the lights were dim.
"There are still over ten tables ahead. Shall we eat something else?" She showed the ticket to Cheng Zhanxi.
"No need. It's crowded everywhere on weekends; other places will have waits too." Cheng Zhanxi reached out, took Yu Qingtang's hand, and playfully scraped her soft palm with her fingertips. Yu Qingtang's delicate white knuckles curled slightly, but she didn't pull her hand away. Cheng Zhanxi looked up at the woman's obedient eyes. In this position, with just a gentle pull, she could make Yu Qingtang sit in her lap, warm and soft, intimately connected.
Her heartbeat quickened slightly.
Cheng Zhanxi's eyes flickered with emotion. With a gentle tug, she guided her to sit beside her, shoulder to shoulder. "Let's wait patiently. I'm not very hungry yet, are you?"
"Not very hungry," Yu Qingtang replied honestly.
Apart from the food Cheng Zhanxi made, other foods rarely sparked a strong appetite in her.
A thought she dared not entertain: Was she craving Teacher Cheng's cooking, or was she craving her presence?
Cheng Zhanxi asked the reception for a menu and a pencil. While waiting, they placed their order first. Yu Qingtang had no objections, only leaning over to look when Cheng Zhanxi asked her. Her ear happened to brush against Cheng Zhanxi's red lips, the warmth of her breath touching her earlobe. Yu Qingtang remained composed, not moving away.
After eating, citing digestion as an excuse, Cheng Zhanxi had Yu Qingtang accompany her for a stroll around the mall. She bought a cup of hot milk tea, asking for two straws.
Yu Qingtang took the first sip. It was hot cocoa today. The rich chocolate flavor filled her mouth. She frowned slightly.
Cheng Zhanxi, ever perceptive, asked, "Don't like it?"
Yu Qingtang shook her head. "Too sweet."
"Really?" Cheng Zhanxi held the straw and took a sip, savoring it. "It does seem a bit sweet. Next time, I'll ask for 30% sugar."
Beside her, Yu Qingtang's eyes widened slightly, belatedly realizing.
...Cheng Zhanxi had used the straw she had just drunk from.
Cheng Zhanxi gently swirled the milk tea cup, looked up, saw her strange expression, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Yu Qingtang pursed her lips awkwardly. "Nothing."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, naturally biting the same straw again, her rosy lips covering it.
Yu Qingtang looked away.
It was indeed a bit sweet, but acceptable for Cheng Zhanxi. She finished the hot cocoa herself, throwing the empty cup into the trash bin, along with the unused straw.
Yu Qingtang walked a few meters away, then turned back to glance discreetly at the trash bin.
Returning was still via Cheng Zhanxi's motorcycle. Having experienced it once, Yu Qingtang was much calmer this time. As soon as she settled, she obediently wrapped her arms tightly around Cheng Zhanxi's supple waist, her upper body pressing closely against her back, like a koala cub.
Cheng Zhanxi planted her feet on the ground, supporting the bike. One hand fiddled with the zipper of her windbreaker, then her helmet, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
After dawdling for quite a while, sensing Yu Qingtang might become suspicious, Cheng Zhanxi finally composed her smile and asked, "Holding on tight?"
Yu Qingtang's arms were already a bit sore from holding on. "Holding tight," she said.
Cheng Zhanxi twisted the throttle, and the silver-white motorcycle sped off.
Riding for the second time, Yu Qingtang wasn't as scared, but she still closed her eyes from the start, resting her cheek against Cheng Zhanxi's back.
Her arms tightened slightly, almost imperceptibly.
They sped along, decelerating at the garage entrance, then rode down the ramp into the underground garage.
The light dimmed under her eyelids. Yu Qingtang opened her eyes, looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar parking garage.
Already here? So fast?
Cheng Zhanxi parked the bike steadily. Yu Qingtang steadied herself with her hands on Cheng Zhanxi's shoulders, got off, unbuckled the helmet clasp, took it off, and shook her long hair.
Cheng Zhanxi, still seated on the bike, took off her helmet first, casually handing it out. Yu Qingtang instinctively took it.
Cheng Zhanxi turned off the engine, sat on the bike, untied her hair tie, ran her fingers through her hair like a comb, retied it, then pulled out the key, swung her long leg over, and easily dismounted, landing steadily on the ground.
Yu Qingtang held her all-black helmet, watching her series of actions intently.
Cheng Zhanxi looked towards her. The garage lights reflected in her gentle, tea-colored eyes. The faint red blush at the corners of her peach-blossom eyes made her even more captivating.
Yu Qingtang's fingertips touched the cool surface of the helmet. She suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing Cheng Zhanxi was already very close, her raven-like lashes distinct.
Yu Qingtang startled, took a large step back, but her foot caught on something unknown. Losing her balance, she stumbled backward.
Cheng Zhanxi reacted instantly, her long arm wrapping around her slender waist, pulling her forward. Yu Qingtang fell into her embrace, her forehead accidentally bumping against her lips.
The soft flesh inside her lip hit her hard teeth. Cheng Zhanxi immediately gasped, physiological tears welling up.
Yu Qingtang heard her pained sound, looked up, and saw blood slowly seeping from the center of Cheng Zhanxi's upper lip, smearing into a patch of vivid color.
Yu Qingtang: "!!!"
She quickly asked, "Are you okay?"
Cheng Zhanxi's eyes were watery; she couldn't speak, just waved her hand to indicate she was fine.
Yu Qingtang panicked. "I'll take you to the hospital!"
Cheng Zhanxi grabbed her arm as she tried to rush off, mumbling indistinctly, "It's okay, not serious."
Yu Qingtang was flustered.
Cheng Zhanxi sighed inwardly with a smile, leading her towards the elevator.
Trading a little skin and blood for Yu Qingtang's nervousness—this deal was totally worth it.
Apartment 2102.
Two motorcycle helmets sat side by side on the entryway cabinet. The first-aid kit was open on the coffee table. Cheng Zhanxi endured the stinging pain on her lip and told the flustered Yu Qingtang where the cotton swabs were.
Cheng Zhanxi wasn't a delicate young lady. When playing extreme sports outside, bumps and bruises were common. This small wound—she could just lick the blood clean with her tongue and wait for it to heal on its own. But Yu Qingtang looked like she was facing a major enemy, making her have to cooperate.
"Tell me if it hurts." Having initially calmed down, Yu Qingtang held a cotton swab, carefully lifting Cheng Zhanxi's upper lip.
"Mm."
Just now, Cheng Zhanxi had rinsed her mouth, spitting out the blood and water. It looked less frightening now, only the broken spot was still oozing blood.
Cheng Zhanxi could feel it, wanting to lick it with her tongue, but Yu Qingtang's fingers were there, so she had to endure.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
"???" Cheng Zhanxi looked puzzledly at the motionless, strangely expressive Yu Qingtang, her red lips parting, "What's wrong?"
Yu Qingtang remained silent for another moment, then asked sincerely, "How should this kind of wound be treated? What medicine should be applied?"
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
Her expression serious, she took the cotton swab from Yu Qingtang's hand, tossed it into the trash bin, pulled her down to sit beside her, cupped Yu Qingtang's face with both hands, and couldn't resist rubbing it twice.
Yu Qingtang: "?"
Cheng Zhanxi burst out laughing, resting her forehead on her shoulder, unable to stop.
Yu Qingtang watched Cheng Zhanxi, whose body was shaking with laughter, leaning on her shoulder. Her mood inexplicably lifted, and her voice carried a slight hint of amusement as she asked, "What's wrong with you?"
Cheng Zhanxi wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye, straightened up, and said, "No need to treat it, no need for medicine, it'll be fine in two days."
Yu Qingtang belatedly realized what she had done here, what a huge joke she had made. She immediately stood up awkwardly to leave. "Then I'll head back first."
She herself didn't care about injuries; she lacked basic common sense.
Her cheeks felt slightly hot. She went to tidy up the first-aid kit on the coffee table.
Cheng Zhanxi drank some cool water, held it in her mouth for a moment, swallowed, and asked, "Does Teacher Yu have any plans tomorrow?"
Yu Qingtang, facing away from her, said, "Home visit."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Still Xiang Tianyou?"
Yu Qingtang: "No, going to Xiao Qing's house."
Cheng Zhanxi searched her memory for a moment, hummed, and said, "Her family doesn't seem to be in the city?" Xiao Qing was a boarding student. Most boarding students at No. 1 High came from outside the local area. Sicheng's administrative division included many counties, townships, and villages. Quite a few students came from these rural areas, and those from poorer backgrounds were often exceptionally hardworking.
Yu Qingtang said, "From Baishui Township. I'll take the bus there tomorrow morning." She paused, then added, "Also a single-parent family, she lives with her father."
Cheng Zhanxi didn't think much. "Shall I go with you?"
Yu Qingtang routinely asked if she had other plans. Receiving a negative answer, she naturally agreed.
Cheng Zhanxi smiled. "I was actually thinking of taking you out tomorrow, to that village I visited before to relax. Didn't expect something else to come up first. Are you free next week?"
Yu Qingtang said, "Need to go back to my grandmother's house."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Then the week after next, okay?"
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment; seemed like she had no plans. She nodded. "Okay."
Cheng Zhanxi beamed.
"I'm heading back." Yu Qingtang stopped Cheng Zhanxi from escorting her to 2101. Cheng Zhanxi stood at her own door, watching her enter her home.
Inside, Yu Qingtang busied herself for a while, then suddenly stood still, frowning. She didn't seem to have agreed to go to that small village with Cheng Zhanxi?
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Fine, consider it repayment for her accompanying me on the home visit. Reciprocity.
Baishui Township, belonging to Jiangning County under Sicheng City. Spreading out the administrative map of Sicheng, Baishui Township was located in the southeastern corner, nestled by mountains and water, with fertile soil, primarily agricultural, one of the province's main granaries.
Cheng Zhanxi got the specific address from Yu Qingtang, entered it into the map navigation. After winding east and west, it showed a four-hour journey. This meant if they took the bus there tomorrow morning, they wouldn't be back until evening at the earliest.
Cheng Zhanxi checked the surrounding geographical environment again, thought for a moment, took out her travel backpack, and started packing water, food, common medicines like motion sickness pills, power bank, charging cables, mosquito repellent... etc., finally adding a paper map.
Cheng Zhanxi often traveled, either for sketching or tourism, sometimes to places without signal coverage. She had a habit of buying a paper map wherever she went.
Sunday morning, 6:00 AM.
Cheng Zhanxi punctually opened the door of 2102. Yu Qingtang also happened to come out from the opposite apartment.
They met face to face, both momentarily stunned.
Yu Qingtang was stunned by Cheng Zhanxi's backpacker attire—red windbreaker, black pants, pure black hiking boots, a bulging backpack, looking ready for an adventure.
Cheng Zhanxi was stunned that Yu Qingtang hadn't brought anything—trench coat, trousers, empty-handed, not even a crossbody bag.
Cheng Zhanxi couldn't help thinking: Has Teacher Yu ever traveled far?
Yu Qingtang, on the other hand, suspiciously thought: Should I go back and grab something?
After a brief moment of astonishment, both retracted their gazes, maintaining composure as they greeted each other.
"Good morning, Teacher Yu."
"Morning, Teacher Cheng."
Yu Qingtang subtly glanced at her backpack, then looked towards the ascending elevator numbers.
Maybe I should go back and get a bottle of water?
This thought lingered in her mind until the elevator arrived.
Cheng Zhanxi looked down at Yu Qingtang's canvas shoes, choosing her words carefully, "Teacher Yu, do you have other shoes? It's best to change into a pair of comfortable sneakers. The place we're going has a rather long stretch that requires walking."
If it were just Cheng Zhanxi herself, it wouldn't matter. But Yu Qingtang looked like someone unaccustomed to physical activity. If the road conditions there were poor, comfortable shoes would be crucial for her, otherwise, it would be very tiring.
Yu Qingtang paused, then said, "Yes, I'll go back and change."
The elevator opened, then slowly closed again, stopping on the 21st floor.
Yu Qingtang reopened the door to 2101. Cheng Zhanxi stood at the entrance, picking out shoes for her, speaking gently and unhurriedly:
"Choose ones that are breathable, light, with a loose toe box... soft upper, smooth lining, elastic sole, but not too bouncy..."
Yu Qingtang silently put back the pair of white sneakers she had casually picked out. She bit her lip, turned to face Cheng Zhanxi, "Could you help me choose a pair?"
Cheng Zhanxi readily agreed, "Sure."
She stepped into the entryway, took out pairs one by one, and from the single layer of sneakers in the shoe cabinet, selected a light gray pair—breathable, soft, with a suitable heel counter, the upper neither too soft nor too hard.
"This pair should do."
"Thank you, Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi suddenly knelt down. Yu Qingtang's lowered gaze saw only her bulging backpack. Then, she felt her ankle being held, gently lifted. Her original shoe was removed, her foot stepping onto a softer sole, comfortable and smooth fabric enveloping the top of her foot.
Yu Qingtang's gaze shifted downwards, seeing the woman's soft hair crown. A mischievous strand hung by her ear from her tied-up long hair. Her earlobe was crystal clear and white, translucent like jade under the entryway light.
Her heartbeat suddenly lost control.
Cheng Zhanxi knelt on one knee, put the shoe on for Yu Qingtang, deftly tied the laces, then straightened up.
"Alright, let's go."
Yu Qingtang stood rooted to the spot.
Cheng Zhanxi turned back, smiling, "What's wrong?"
Yu Qingtang snapped back as if waking from a dream, subtly exhaled, and said, "Should I bring anything else?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "No need."
The two set off again.
Passing the first-floor front desk, the slacker receptionist looked at the two people with vastly different loads, silently confirming their respective roles in her mind.
The taxi arrived at the bus station. The sky was just beginning to lighten. The bus station ticket seller yawned at the window, propping her chin, idly playing Candy Crush on her phone on the desk. Suddenly, a cool voice sounded by her ear.
"Two tickets to Jiangning County."
The ticket seller looked through the window and saw a young woman in a black trench coat, dark hair, dark eyes, exceptionally beautiful.
"Please show your ID."
"Do both need it?"
"Yes."
Yu Qingtang raised her hand towards Cheng Zhanxi, who was sitting on a blue seat in the waiting area not far away, pointing to the ID card in her hand.
Cheng Zhanxi understood and brought her ID over.
After buying the tickets, Yu Qingtang handed it back to her, the photo side facing up. Yu Qingtang inadvertently glanced at the ID number section and saw a few digits: 19911202.
Cheng Zhanxi put the ID back into her cardholder.
Yu Qingtang didn't bring a bag; her ID went straight into her coat pocket. Cheng Zhanxi suggested, "Why don't you put it with mine for now?"
Yu Qingtang hesitated for a few seconds, then handed it over, the national emblem side facing up.
Cheng Zhanxi tactfully avoided looking at the side with detailed information and placed it together with her own ID.
The bus was parked outside, departing on schedule. There were five minutes left before this departure. After showing their tickets, the two sat in the front two seats.
Cheng Zhanxi placed her backpack at her feet and casually asked, "Has Teacher Yu ever traveled far? Not like going to the capital for university by plane or high-speed rail, but traveling for fun."
"No."
"When shall I take you out to play?" Cheng Zhanxi bent down, took out a bottle of water from her backpack, unscrewed the cap, and handed it to Yu Qingtang.
"...We'll see."
"Has Teacher Yu eaten breakfast?"
"No."
Cheng Zhanxi took out two rice balls from her bag, smiling, "Coincidentally, I haven't eaten either."
Yu Qingtang accepted the substantial rice ball, asking, "Did you make this yourself?"
Cheng Zhanxi played coy, smiling, "Try it and see."
Yu Qingtang opened the triangular rice ball, took a bite. It was still warm. No shops were open this early. She stated confidently, "You made it."
Cheng Zhanxi exclaimed exaggeratedly, "Wow! Congratulations, you guessed right! Here's your prize."
As if by magic, she produced a small bottle of Yakult from behind her back.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
A happy weekend begins with feeding.
The bus departed from the station, moving from the bustling new district to the quaint old town. The sun gradually revealed itself on the horizon.
Soon, even the green walls and black tiles of the old town were no longer visible. The scenery outside the window changed to faint green mountains, low houses, and golden farmland.
Cheng Zhanxi retracted her gaze from the window, looking towards Yu Qingtang beside her, who was fighting off sleepiness, her head nodding, her eyes soft.
Unchanging scenery, the swaying bus—perfect for catching up on sleep.
Yu Qingtang yawned, wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye, lifted her head. Her mind was still groggy, forcing herself not to close her eyelids.
A hand reached over, landing beside her face, gently guiding her head to rest on a shoulder.
Accompanied by a soft whisper: "Sleep."
Yu Qingtang opened her eyes a crack, vaguely seeing Cheng Zhanxi's elegant jawline. Unable to resist the encroaching drowsiness, her head tilted, and she fell asleep.
Cheng Zhanxi continued watching the scenery for a while, then crossed her arms, lowered her head, her breathing lengthening, and also fell asleep.
The bus traveled steadily on the road to Jiangning County, the scenery continuously receding.
In the midst of a breath, Yu Qingtang suddenly woke up.
She looked at the seatback in front of her, slowly sat up, turned her head, and saw Cheng Zhanxi sleeping with her head bowed.
The faint red morning sun streamed into the bus, outlining the woman's distinct profile, her high nose bridge, and her slightly parted red lips.
Winter was dry, but her lips still looked moist and full, a faint peach-pink color, like soft jelly.
Yu Qingtang stared at her lips.
She glanced around at the other passengers sleeping haphazardly on the bus, then looked back at Cheng Zhanxi, whose breathing was even and long, her chest rising and falling gently. Boldly, she reached her hand towards Cheng Zhanxi's lips.
The back of her finger could feel the faint warmth of her breath. Yu Qingtang held her breath, carefully moving closer, her index fingertip pressing onto the philtrum dimple in the center of the woman's upper lip.
Soft and springy, even better than she had imagined.
She didn't dare play for too long, constantly observing Cheng Zhanxi's expression. After a moment, she withdrew her hand, carefully wiped her fingertip with a tissue, folded the tissue neatly, put it in her trench coat pocket, and exhaled softly in relief.
Cheng Zhanxi kept her arms crossed, motionless.
She closed her eyes, the corners of her lips gently curling upwards.
Author's note:
One-liner skit:
Cheng Chengzi: Big sister Yu already played with my upper mouth, when will she play with the lower one? (//▽//)
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