After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Faced with Yu Qingtang's calm gaze, Cheng Zhanxi, despite being mentally prepared, still felt an inexplicable sense of shame, like being stripped naked and standing in broad daylight on the street.
Although her situation in the bathroom at that time wasn't much different.
This was far from what Cheng Zhanxi had expected. She had originally thought that according to Yu Qingtang's shy and reserved personality, seeing her would instantly make her blush, maybe even hastily avert her gaze. Cheng Zhanxi could then use a composed tone to exchange a few more words with her, letting her believe she was always open and aboveboard, eliminating suspicion. Or perhaps Yu Qingtang would hastily hand over the item, run out without daring to lift her head. Cheng Zhanxi wouldn't have been surprised by either of these reactions or similar ones.
But Yu Qingtang hadn't moved at all, examining her from head to toe with an extremely calm gaze.
Like appreciating a work of art, a human sculpture.
The one who wanted to tease seemed to have been teased in return.
Cheng Zhanxi's ears grew slightly hot. Her fair toes on the bathroom tiles involuntarily curled, resisting the urge to grab a bath towel to cover herself.
If Yu Qingtang's lips had curled into a playful smile, Cheng Zhanxi might even suspect she was pretending to be innocent, and she, the wolf in sheep's clothing, had ended up in the tiger's mouth opposite her.
Yu Qingtang finished her appraisal, handed over the pure white personal item without a word.
Turned and walked out.
Throughout the process, there was no eye contact, no verbal exchange.
Cheng Zhanxi remained alone in the bathroom. The water mist in the glass enclosure had long dissipated. In the slightly cool air, Cheng Zhanxi's face slowly turned red.
...
The tree shadows outside the window swayed, and the light spots on the wall danced along. Cheng Zhanxi turned over quietly, trying not to make a sound, lying on her side, looking at Yu Qingtang on the adjacent bed.
She thought her judgment was wrong, that Yu Qingtang had a strong heart, or perhaps was unfazed by such things. Who knew that after coming out, she would find a dazed Yu Qingtang, looking overly stimulated.
Later, during their chat, she even frankly admitted she had blacked out.
Others black out from drinking; she blacked out after seeing her... that. Was she more potent than high-concentration alcohol?
Since she blacked out, how did she know she was "perfect"? A hazy impression left after blacking out? Cheng Zhanxi quite liked this impression.
Cheng Zhanxi held a faint smile, one hand tucked under her head, meticulously tracing the woman's hazy, beautiful profile in the darkness.
Suddenly, she saw Yu Qingtang's slender knuckles, resting properly at her waist, twitch.
Cheng Zhanxi's thoughts stirred. Tentatively, she whispered, "Teacher Yu?"
Yu Qingtang opened her eyes, turning her clear gaze towards the side.
Moonlight streamed into the room, falling into her eyes, making them exceptionally bright.
Cheng Zhanxi's gaze softened. "Can't sleep?" she asked.
Yu Qingtang said, "Not very sleepy."
In the darkness, her voice lost some of its usual coolness, sounding soft and pleasant.
Cheng Zhanxi asked softly, "Then what are you thinking about?"
Yu Qingtang didn't speak.
Just when Cheng Zhanxi thought she wouldn't answer, Yu Qingtang's voice, tinged with faint emotion, sounded, "Thinking about Xiao Qing's father."
Cheng Zhanxi: "!!!"
She raised her voice, almost blurting out, "Why are you thinking about him?!"
Yu Qingtang seemed to glance at her in surprise, though it was too dark to see clearly.
Yu Qingtang looked away, explaining flatly, "I was thinking, why is there such a big difference between fathers, like Xiang Tianyou's dad and Xiao Qing's dad."
Cheng Zhanxi's heart settled back into her chest. "People are inherently different," she said. "Being a good father has nothing to do with education, ability, or finances; it only relates to the person. If all fathers loved their children like Xiao Qing's father, there wouldn't be so many unhappy families."
Yu Qingtang: "I saw photos of her and her father in Xiao Qing's room. She must be very happy."
Her statement was objective and calm, showing no longing or envy, but the way she suddenly turned to look at the ceiling subtly revealed her true emotions.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Teacher Yu."
Yu Qingtang stared unblinkingly at the ceiling above, emotions like a dark, surging lake beneath the surface—calmly flowing on top, turbulent underneath.
She clenched her knuckles, the bones turning white.
After a long while, Yu Qingtang slowly unclenched her fingers, silently adjusted her emotions, and answered Cheng Zhanxi, "What is it?"
Cheng Zhanxi asked gently, "What difference do you think there is between Xiang Tianyou and Xiao Qing?"
Difference?
Yu Qingtang found the question puzzling. Regarding differences, besides being in the same class and similar age, these two were vastly different in almost every other aspect. Xiao Qing was reserved, Xiang Tianyou outgoing; their family backgrounds and academic performances were polar opposites.
Cheng Zhanxi slowly added her explanation, "I mean, is it because Xiang Tianyou is mischievous that he has a father like Xiang Kang, or is it because Xiao Qing is smart and obedient that God gave her a father like Xiao Chunjin, who, despite being poor, gives her all his love?"
Yu Qingtang immediately found this absurd, refuting lightly, "Of course not. The family a child is born into isn't something they can decide."
"But most children from unhappy families punish themselves for their parents' mistakes, unable to escape the shadow of their family for their entire lives."
Yu Qingtang's long lashes trembled slightly.
Cheng Zhanxi deliberately paused for a moment, her gaze shifting down to Yu Qingtang's tightly pressed thin lips under the moonlight. "Like Xiang Tianyou," she said. "He wanted his parents to see his efforts, so he studied desperately, striving to be first in the grade, hoping his divorced parents would still love him, but he failed."
Yu Qingtang breathed softly.
Cheng Zhanxi continued, "They successively formed new families, got wives, husbands, and daughters. Xiang Tianyou saw no hope no matter how hard he tried, so he started giving up on himself, wanting to use his rebellion to attract his father's attention, but he failed again. He could only pretend to be numb, wearing a mask every day to protect himself, as if that way he wouldn't feel sad, wouldn't feel heartbroken..."
Yu Qingtang interrupted her in a low voice, "Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi stopped appropriately, "Hmm?"
Yu Qingtang's voice was indifferent, "I'm sleepy."
Cheng Zhanxi still said gently, "Sleep then, goodnight."
"Goodnight." Yu Qingtang pulled the blanket up to her shoulders, tucked her hands inside, and closed her eyes.
After a long time, the sound of even, long breathing came from the adjacent bed.
Yu Qingtang opened her eyes, quietly looking at the moonlight by the window sill.
Cheng Zhanxi's biological clock was earlier than Yu Qingtang's. When she opened her eyes the next day, it was still dark outside. She got up in the dark, turned on the bathroom light, and washed up quietly.
Yu Qingtang wasn't a deep sleeper, especially when away from home; she didn't dare sleep too soundly. So, the sound of Cheng Zhanxi getting up woke her.
She picked up her phone to check the time; it was still early. Lying flat in bed, she listened to the sounds from the bathroom.
Waking up in the morning with another person in the room felt unfamiliar and strange to her.
Unsure how long she lay there with her eyes closed, Cheng Zhanxi came out. The sound of her patting toner and lotion onto her face reached Yu Qingtang's ears. Yu Qingtang opened her eyes a crack, seeing Cheng Zhanxi standing by the desk in front of the TV through the narrow slit. Tall and graceful, the orange light from the bathroom illuminated her, casting a warm halo around her.
Cheng Zhanxi finished applying her skincare and noticed Yu Qingtang was awake, looking at her calmly.
This reminded Cheng Zhanxi of some recent associations.
She subconsciously looked down at her clothes.
Long sleeves, long pants, neat and tidy.
Cheng Zhanxi subtly breathed a sigh of relief, smiling naturally, "Is Teacher Yu getting up?"
Yu Qingtang propped herself up, replying concisely, "Yes."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Then I'll pack my backpack first. After you wash up, we can leave directly. There should be breakfast stalls open outside."
Yu Qingtang nodded.
She wore a black shirt inside, outlining her exquisite figure. Her expression was cool and reserved, possessing a unique charm.
Cheng Zhanxi's gaze followed her back until she disappeared through the bathroom door before reluctantly looking away.
Click—
The sound of the lock turning came from inside.
Cheng Zhanxi's expression instantly became complicated, her pleasant thoughts vanishing completely.
Yu Qingtang went to the sink to wash up, finding the toiletries and towel prepared, even the toothpaste squeezed onto the brush. Yu Qingtang paused for a moment, picked up the toothbrush, and started brushing her teeth while looking in the mirror.
Cheng Zhanxi moved quickly. By the time Yu Qingtang finished washing up, she had already packed her backpack anew. After a day, the load had reduced by half. She easily slung it onto her back, reached out to take Yu Qingtang's black trench coat from the hanger, and draped it over her arm.
Yu Qingtang opened the locked bathroom door, walked out two steps. Cheng Zhanxi handed her the trench coat.
Yu Qingtang unfolded it and put it on. Just as she finished, Cheng Zhanxi brought her shoes over.
Yu Qingtang, before Cheng Zhanxi could kneel down, quickly took them, sat on the edge of the bed, and bent down to put them on.
The room key card was removed from the slot, the lights instantly dimmed. Cheng Zhanxi closed the door of room 303.
The morning air was cold. Wind blew in from the window at the end of the corridor. Cheng Zhanxi turned around and saw Yu Qingtang with her hands in her pockets, shoulders slightly hunched, her fair chin tucked into her raised collar.
Cheng Zhanxi moved to the other side to block the wind, put an arm around Yu Qingtang's shoulder, using her height advantage to pull half of her body into her embrace.
Yu Qingtang stiffened slightly but didn't refuse.
"Teacher Yu, next time you travel far, it's best to wear windproof and warm clothes." Cheng Zhanxi released Yu Qingtang's shoulder in the elevator and pressed the button for the 1st floor.
"Thank you for the reminder, Teacher Cheng."
"I'll send you the link to the clothes later, they have black ones."
"...Okay."
"If you're willing to try, there are actually many nice light-colored options. You can take your time choosing later, or I can pick for you?"
"We'll talk when we get back."
"Okay." Cheng Zhanxi smiled.
The elevator reached the first floor. Cheng Zhanxi took her hand and walked out.
There was no one at the front desk. The door to the adjacent break room was half-closed. Cheng Zhanxi skillfully walked over, knocked, and called out politely and gently, "Hello, we're checking out."
The front desk attendant came out wearing a thick coat, processed their checkout, both parties remaining quiet throughout.
It was past five in the morning, the darkest hour before dawn. The night was thick as spilled ink. The moon was a faint silver shadow, dim, unseen stars clustered around it as it sank. Only a few swaying lights flickered on the street, belonging to early-rising vendors.
The north wind was biting.
Yu Qingtang instinctively moved closer to Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi thought for a moment, took off the backpack from her back, placed it on her propped-up foot, and removed her own windbreaker.
"Teacher Yu..."
Yu Qingtang knew what she wanted to do and shook her head in refusal. "You wear it. You'll catch a cold wearing just a single layer."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, saying, "I meant, let's swap jackets." She wanted to give it directly to her, but Yu Qingtang had to be willing to accept.
Yu Qingtang hesitated for a moment, her expression showing slight embarrassment. "Thank you, Teacher Cheng," she said.
"You're welcome." Cheng Zhanxi's voice held a smile, her tone light.
Although there was a height difference between them, it wasn't huge, and their figures were comparable, differing only in certain measurements.
The windbreaker retained Cheng Zhanxi's body heat. As soon as Yu Qingtang put it on, she felt warm all over, the slight shivering stopped. She looked at Cheng Zhanxi beside her, who seemed to be having trouble.
Yu Qingtang was thin, her figure slender. Her trench coats were all slim-fitting, hugging her curves. Cheng Zhanxi's arms and waistline were fine, her shoulders only slightly tight. The most challenging part was...
Cheng Zhanxi finally managed to fasten the buttons, but her chest felt overly constricted, almost making it hard to breathe.
Cheng Zhanxi immediately unbuttoned them, like a drowning person finally getting air.
She put her backpack back on. Sensing something, she turned her head and met Yu Qingtang's gaze. Under the dim yellow streetlight, Yu Qingtang quickly looked away, her expression unchanged.
From Cheng Zhanxi's unseen angle, her expression revealed complete surprise.
So Teacher Cheng was this big!
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Shall we go?"
Yu Qingtang hummed.
Cheng Zhanxi put the hood up for her, revealing only her small, jade-like face. Yu Qingtang looked at her like a docile deer. Cheng Zhanxi's fingertips scratched her smooth, moist chin, then brushed aside her dark hair, pinching her small ear before reluctantly withdrawing her hand.
As Cheng Zhanxi pulled her hand back, Yu Qingtang lowered her head slightly, seemingly wanting to rub her face against her hand.
The bus station opened at six.
Cheng Zhanxi held the breakfast bought from a roadside stall in one hand, using the other to shield Yu Qingtang as she boarded the bus. After Yu Qingtang was inside, she followed.
There was no table on the bus. Cheng Zhanxi placed her backpack horizontally across her lap, putting the breakfast on top.
She unwrapped a pair of disposable chopsticks and handed them to Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang picked up a shumai from the disposable plastic bag, held it with her hand, and brought it to Cheng Zhanxi's lips.
Cheng Zhanxi casually looked out the window. The sky was still misty, without a trace of light. Turning back, a bamboo shoot shumai appeared in her field of vision.
Cheng Zhanxi: "!!!"
Surprised and delighted, fearing she had misunderstood again, she asked unnecessarily, "For me?"
Yu Qingtang's eyes showed a hint of awkwardness. She pursed her lips without speaking, silently pushing the chopsticks forward slightly.
Cheng Zhanxi suppressed the upward curve of her lips, opened her mouth, her pearly teeth gently biting down. The fresh sweetness of bamboo shoots and the soft fragrance of glutinous rice blended together, delicious and not greasy. Following Yu Qingtang's chopsticks, she ate the entire shumai.
Yu Qingtang's movements were clearly clumsy; she had never fed anyone before, not knowing to adjust the angle midway. Cheng Zhanxi followed her chopsticks the whole time, her neck getting a bit tired from turning, but her heart felt sweeter than honey.
After she finished eating, Yu Qingtang picked up a small soup dumpling, blew on it, and brought it over.
Cheng Zhanxi waved her hand with a smile, "You eat first."
Yu Qingtang lowered her head and ate herself.
Cheng Zhanxi gently reminded her from the side, "Be careful, the oil might drip out." She reached into the right pocket of her coat, felt a few folded tissues, felt something was wrong, looked down, and realized they hadn't swapped clothes back yet.
Yu Qingtang didn't notice while eating, so Cheng Zhanxi didn't mention it.
Yu Qingtang's trench coat had a pack of opened tissues in the left pocket. Cheng Zhanxi took one out and placed it in Yu Qingtang's palm, which was cupped under the soup dumpling.
The driver finished his cigarette, got on, sat in the driver's seat, started the engine, and drove out of the bus station.
The ink-black color gradually faded, and the sky slowly brightened.
Yu Qingtang, wearing the oversized windbreaker, leaned back against the seat, sleeping with her head bowed. Both hands were tucked into the sleeves, one held by Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi carefully shifted her body, slowly leaning closer to her face.
Yu Qingtang slept soundly. Because the sleeping conditions on the bus weren't good, her breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling evenly.
Cheng Zhanxi closed her eyes, gently kissed the woman's cheek. Fabric rustled. She straightened up, slowly returning to her original position, not disturbing Yu Qingtang.
The bus braked, air hissed, and the vehicle stopped steadily at the Sicheng City bus station.
Yu Qingtang had slept very deeply this time. The journey of over an hour, she had barely woken up throughout. Occasionally stirring, she would soon drift back into drowsiness. Now, resting her head on Cheng Zhanxi's shoulder, her sleeping face was quiet and well-behaved.
Cheng Zhanxi lifted her hand, tucking her scattered dark long hair behind her ear, revealing her beautiful profile.
Her fingertips lingered on Yu Qingtang's cheek, gently calling her, "Teacher Yu, Teacher Yu?"
Yu Qingtang frowned slightly in her sleep.
"Teacher Yu." Cheng Zhanxi became bolder, touching her face, from brow to eye, nose bridge to chin, a smile in her eyes.
"We've arrived."
Yu Qingtang's lashes trembled, slowly opening.
Cheng Zhanxi retracted her mischievous hand just before she opened her eyes.
Yu Qingtang propped herself up on the armrest, sitting straight, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Arrived?"
"Arrived."
Cheng Zhanxi got out of her seat, reached out a hand towards Yu Qingtang by the window. Yu Qingtang placed her hand in her palm, letting her lead her off the bus. Her free hand touched her face, rubbing it twice; it felt itchy.
Taxis were waiting outside the Sicheng bus station. The two took a taxi back to Mingmen Estate. Skyscrapers lined the city center, office workers in smart attire hurried along the streets.
The roads were flat and wide, traffic flowed endlessly, the city bustling and prosperous.
Yu Qingtang looked out through the taxi window at the receding buildings and various signs, familiar yet strange. Somehow, she missed that rugged mountain path even more.
She remained silent throughout the journey, seemingly preoccupied. Cheng Zhanxi didn't disturb her.
Mingmen Estate, Building 19.
"Miss Cheng, Miss Yu, good morning." The slacker receptionist had finished her shift, replaced by the day shift young lady.
"Good morning," Cheng Zhanxi said.
Yu Qingtang nodded, walking towards the elevator entrance.
The front desk young lady looked at the two, dressed in styles completely different from usual, then at the obviously ill-fitting sizes. A flash of insight struck her. She lowered her head and sent a text message to the slacker.
[Miss Yu and Miss Cheng from 2102 swapped clothes! So blatant! Is this the sour stench of love? Bring me two lemons when you come for your shift tonight.]
Ding—
The elevator on the 21st floor opened.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Shall we meet in an hour?"
Yu Qingtang nodded, indicating no problem.
Yu Qingtang had class this morning. Last night, she had called Yang Li and swapped the order of math and English.
The two bid farewell at the elevator entrance, returning to their respective homes to shower and wash their hair.
Yu Qingtang entered the bathroom and realized she and Cheng Zhanxi hadn't swapped clothes back. The windbreaker was covered in dust. She threw it into the laundry basket, planning to wash and dry it before returning it.
Warm water streamed down. An image flashed through Yu Qingtang's mind.
Slender waist, jade legs, unclothed, snow-capped mountains, red plums, lush waterweeds, the ultimate scenery hidden within.
Yu Qingtang tilted her face up, letting the water flow down her cheeks, washing away the image.
She squeezed some shampoo, rubbed it into her wet long hair, and focused on showering.
...
Meanwhile, Cheng Zhanxi rinsed her hair under the shower, then stepped into the bathtub filled with water and lay down.
She sighed, her hand sinking into the bathwater, skillfully doing something good for herself.
An hour later.
The two met punctually at the elevator entrance. Yu Qingtang mentioned the windbreaker situation. Cheng Zhanxi said it was the same for her; she would return the trench coat in a few days.
Yu Qingtang noticed Cheng Zhanxi's hair tips were still dripping water and asked, "Is Teacher Cheng in a hurry? You don't have class this morning, no need to rush."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, touched the back of her long hair, "It's okay."
These past two days, Yu Qingtang's indulgence had fanned the flames within Cheng Zhanxi even higher. Currently in her rainy season, she had almost failed to climb out of the bathtub.
Since Cheng Zhanxi said so, Yu Qingtang didn't pursue the topic, just hummed in acknowledgment, ending the conversation.
Her sense of smell was sharp. Standing side by side waiting for the elevator, she detected a special scent on Cheng Zhanxi, faintly mixed with the woody fragrance of her perfume, somewhat familiar.
Sensing the gaze beside her, Cheng Zhanxi turned her head. The woman had just showered, her features clean and clear, her long hair half-dry, possessing a captivating, languid charm.
Yu Qingtang's heart skipped a beat.
She used to be quite languid too, but today felt different. Exactly how, Yu Qingtang couldn't say. More captivating than before, making it hard to look away.
If Cheng Zhanxi were a food, Yu Qingtang would even want to describe her as: looking delicious.
How could a person be delicious?
Yu Qingtang felt she must have been fed too well by Teacher Cheng lately, developing a delusion, seeing Teacher Cheng and thinking she represented deliciousness.
Yu Qingtang subtly swallowed, retracting her gaze from Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi had deliberately sprayed perfume before leaving, covering the scent of her recent activities. She thought it shouldn't be noticeable, but Yu Qingtang's thoughtful gaze made her suspect she had discovered something.
Although Cheng Zhanxi was relatively open about such matters, it didn't mean she wanted Yu Qingtang to find out she had satisfied herself, especially in a rush an hour before leaving, without even having time to dry her hair. What kind of person would that make her? Cheng Zhanxi thought nervously, as Yu Qingtang looked away.
In the elevator, Cheng Zhanxi uncharacteristically stood a little further away from Yu Qingtang, not daring to meet her eyes.
Yu Qingtang frowned slightly.
Walking to school, Cheng Zhanxi walked side by side with Yu Qingtang, maintaining a safe distance for one person between their shoulders.
She couldn't remember which day it started, but the social distance between them had quietly shortened. These past two days of home visits involved even more waist-holding and embracing. Wherever hands could be held, Cheng Zhanxi would lead her, not letting go even when sweaty.
Suddenly pulled back to normal social distance, Yu Qingtang felt an emptiness in her heart. Wind seemed to blow in, making her feel very cold.
The sun had already risen high. Sicheng continued the previous sunny weather, the temperature rising. Warm sunlight enveloped the pedestrians. Many people had taken off their jackets, draping them over their arms.
Yu Qingtang shivered in the early winter warmth.
Was this dream even shorter than she expected?
Cheng Zhanxi let the street wind blow on her for a while, feeling the scent had completely dissipated, before moving closer to Yu Qingtang, naturally taking her hand.
"Why are your hands so cold?" Cheng Zhanxi switched to holding her hand with both of hers, warming it with her palms.
Yu Qingtang felt dazed for a moment, then lowered her eyes, "No."
Her answer was irrelevant. Cheng Zhanxi chuckled, pinching her cheek, "No what?"
Yu Qingtang's thin lips moved for a moment, but ultimately, she said nothing.
Cheng Zhanxi considerately didn't tease her, saying, "Alright, alright, let's go to school."
She swung their joined hands, walking side by side towards the school, sunlight falling behind them, brilliant and dazzling.
Grade 1 Office.
Yang Li came in, looked at the two empty desks in the corner, and exchanged a glance with Ge Jing at the office door.
Yang Li whispered, "They're still not here?"
Ge Jing grinned from ear to ear, "Nope."
Yang Li put on a serious face, "Teacher Ge, remember your role as a teacher, maintain your image."
Ge Jing: "Hahahahaha."
The CP she shipped had already done it, done it so much they couldn't get out of bed, both late. If she wasn't wriggling like a worm in her chair, what image did she need?!
Author's note:
Short skit from the future:
Cheng Chengzi: Teacher Ge was right, but I didn't expect the one unable to get out of bed would be me.
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