After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 65
Chapter 65
Yu Qingtang immediately turned to look at Cheng Zhanxi behind the computer screen. Cheng Zhanxi was also looking astonished.
Ge Jing followed her gaze and saw Cheng Zhanxi, whom she had overlooked.
This... was this the feeling of shipping a CP right in front of the actual people?
Yu Qingtang tightened the cap on her cup, asking expressionlessly, "Where did Teacher Ge hear this?"
Ge Jing said, "From the class I teach."
Although Ge Jing looked ordinary, she had a particularly amiable personality, was young, and very popular among the students. Before class today, she arrived early and chatted casually with the students.
Her class representative often went to Ge Jing's office and knew she shared an office with Cheng Zhanxi. She gossiped, "Teacher Ge, I heard Teacher Cheng is getting married to Teacher Yu from Class 7?"
Ge Jing: "!!!"
She asked the representative where she heard it. The representative said everyone was saying it.
Ge Jing added, "Many students in the grade know about it."
Yu Qingtang listened quietly for a moment, gave a noncommittal "mm," then walked back to her seat.
Ge Jing: "?"
Receiving Ge Jing's questioning look, Yu Qingtang paused slightly and nodded, "I understand."
Ge Jing: "..."
Why do I feel like a little eunuch reporting to the emperor?
Yu Qingtang sat down in her office chair, held the mouse with one hand, and continued her work.
Ge Jing returned to her seat, her expression dazed.
Not just Ge Jing; Cheng Zhanxi's expression was much the same.
She had already heard about this from Tong Feifei during PE class today and wasn't surprised. What surprised her was Yu Qingtang's reaction after Ge Jing asked.
She was very curious to hear Yu Qingtang's answer.
Would she be shy? Angry? Or seriously clarify that it was absolutely untrue, just unfounded rumors?
Yu Qingtang's reaction was unexpected, yet thinking carefully, it was within reason. Her personality was inherently indifferent to external matters. She didn't care what others said, perhaps even didn't care about herself. Seriously explaining to Ge Jing that it was a rumor would actually make Cheng Zhanxi find it strange.
However, Cheng Zhanxi's thoughts uncontrollably drifted in another direction: Her lack of comment, did it imply tacit agreement? At least, her reasons for not explaining included this layer.
As her thoughts raced, the preparatory bell for the third period rang.
Yu Qingtang's back was straight, her hand holding the mouse as she scrolled to the next page on the computer, her expression focused.
Cheng Zhanxi retracted her gaze.
After school, Cheng Zhanxi went home to eat. Yu Qingtang asked Cheng Zhanxi for the name of the hotel from last time and ordered seafood baked rice takeout.
After work in the evening, Yu Qingtang came out of the 21st-floor elevator. Having finished a day as homeroom teacher, she looked tired. Seeing Cheng Zhanxi standing at the door of 2102, she forced herself to greet her, accepted the half cup of warm water and cup of milk Cheng Zhanxi handed her, and drank them obediently.
Cheng Zhanxi hugged her, let go, stood properly, and the two wished each other goodnight before returning to their respective homes.
The next morning, Cheng Zhanxi went out for her morning run; the two didn't meet.
In the morning, Yu Qingtang had classes to teach, and prepared lessons or graded papers when she didn't. During breaks, she dealt with students' questions.
Xiang Tianyou came to the office. This time, he hadn't violated discipline, just came to tell Cheng Zhanxi he was willing to go to the amusement park and specifically asked when Cheng Zhanxi's birthday was, wanting to prepare a gift. Cheng Zhanxi set a requirement for him: no gifts that cost money.
This was both professional ethics and Cheng Zhanxi's specific consideration for him.
Xiang Tianyou scratched the back of his head, looking troubled.
Cheng Zhanxi teased, "Regretting asking?"
Xiang Tianyou resolutely said, "No!"
A real man wouldn't go back on his word, even if he regretted it.
Xiang Tianyou: "Is DIY okay?"
Cheng Zhanxi raised an eyebrow, "You know how to DIY?"
Xiang Tianyou said matter-of-factly, "I can learn if I don't know."
Cheng Zhanxi educated him, "Don't neglect your studies for this."
Xiang Tianyou scoffed, "As if I usually study."
Cheng Zhanxi looked at him disapprovingly.
Xiang Tianyou corrected his attitude, "Yes, Teacher Cheng, I definitely won't delay my studies."
"Since it's my birthday this week, let's make a deal." Cheng Zhanxi beckoned to him. Xiang Tianyou bent down, rested his elbows on the desk, meeting Cheng Zhanxi's eyes levelly, listening to the teacher's instructions.
This posture held an inexplicable intimacy. Xiang Tianyou liked her talking to him alone, looking at him, making him feel cared for.
Cheng Zhanxi said, "This week, you're not allowed to be late for class, nor sleep in class."
Xiang Tianyou: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "It's already Tuesday. Can't you stick it out for even four days?"
Xiang Tianyou compromised, "Alright, I'll try my best."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Consider it my birthday gift."
Xiang Tianyou changed his tune, "Okay, I'll definitely do it." Just four days? He'd just dawdle less on the way.
Cheng Zhanxi patted his shoulder, saying, "Go to class. Starting now, no sleeping in class."
"Got it, goodbye Teacher Cheng." The boy replied obediently, smiling cleanly.
Xiang Tianyou turned around, his gaze brushing past Yu Qingtang's face. Yu Qingtang's calm eyes were looking this way. The uncomfortable feeling of ants crawling on his back returned, almost making him want to scratch.
Xiang Tianyou himself didn't know why. He knew Yu Qingtang was a good teacher, held no ill will towards him, but he just... wasn't used to it. Maybe because she was usually too cold, the contrast was too great?
Xiang Tianyou silently hypnotized himself: They're a couple, a family, it's all the same, don't panic.
Xiang Tianyou returned to the classroom.
The Grade 6 homeroom teacher, observing the entire interaction nearby, teased, "Teacher Cheng has the air of a homeroom teacher now, handling students so skillfully. Want to consider joining our homeroom teacher ranks?"
Cheng Zhanxi waved her hand with a smile, "No, no."
She turned her head to look at Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang had been looking at her ever since she started chatting with Xiang Tianyou, unsure what she was thinking.
Meeting her eyes, Yu Qingtang calmly retracted her gaze.
Yu Qingtang's desk was in the quietest corner of the office. Only she knew that while seemingly focused, the search engine open on her computer screen read: How to give a gift to a good friend, female.
The webpage displayed a helpful tip: Are you searching for how to give a gift to a girlfriend? OR Continue searching the original query: How to give a gift to a good friend, female.
Yu Qingtang clicked the former link: How to give a gift to a girlfriend. Then changed "female" to "woman."
Netizen A: Give a bag.
Netizen B: Give perfume.
Netizen C: Give lipstick, XX's new limited edition balabala...
Yu Qingtang skimmed through them. She knew nothing about these things, and Cheng Zhanxi knew far more than her, likely already owning many. What if she gave something she already had? Yu Qingtang wouldn't even have the face to see her.
Netizen F: My best friend's birthday was recently. I DIYed her a birthday cake, chocolate blueberry [Image]
Yu Qingtang's eyes lit up.
Just now, listening to Cheng Zhanxi and Xiang Tianyou chat, she was trying to get some inspiration. Hearing Xiang Tianyou mention DIY, a similar idea popped into her head, but she worried about overlapping with him.
Xiang Tianyou is a boy; he probably wouldn't choose to make a cake, right?
Yu Qingtang noted down "make cake" in her phone's reminder app, setting the reminder for tonight at nine—no, ten.
She was going to Cheng Zhanxi's place for dinner and TV tonight; she'd probably be home late.
...
The news that Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang were getting married spread like wildfire, from the students of Class 7 to other classes in Grade 1, then from the students' mouths into the teachers' ears.
In just two days, the teachers in the Grade 1 office all knew that a new couple had formed among the new teachers this year.
Tuesday afternoon, the chemistry teacher, in his fifties, finished class and returned to the office. Without even putting down his textbook, he hurried towards the corner where Cheng and Yu sat, asking in surprise, "Little Teacher Cheng, are you and Teacher Yu planning for a second child?"
Cheng Zhanxi was drinking water. Hearing this, her eyes widened, and she nearly sprayed water all over the computer screen in front of her.
Have the rumors already reached this point?!
Yu Qingtang's pen tip trembled.
Cheng Zhanxi managed to swallow the water and clarified, "No."
The chemistry teacher asked, "Then you already have the first one?"
"No either." Cheng Zhanxi explained thoroughly, "We're not married. It's just the kids from Class 7 spreading rumors, making something out of nothing."
The chemistry teacher thought: So they're dating.
The chemistry teacher apologized with a smile, "Getting old and joining in spreading rumors, sorry Little Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled nonchalantly, "It's okay." It'll come true sooner or later anyway.
The chemistry teacher said, "Then I'll tell the other teachers later, lest everyone believes it."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Either way is fine, thank you Teacher Wang."
"You're welcome." The chemistry teacher smiled and returned to his desk.
Cheng Zhanxi turned her head to look at Yu Qingtang. She was writing smoothly with her pen, filling the lesson plan with neat handwriting.
What exactly is she thinking?
...
Tuesday after school, Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang went to the supermarket together.
On the way, Cheng Zhanxi couldn't resist probing sideways, "Teacher Yu, did you hear the rumors going around the grade?"
Yu Qingtang said, "I know."
Her tone was flat, her pace unhurried, showing no inner turmoil.
Cheng Zhanxi: "?"
This was different from any reaction she had anticipated.
Perhaps sensing Cheng Zhanxi's questioning and resentful gaze, Yu Qingtang added coolly, "Just teasing, besides, isn't same-sex marriage illegal in our country?"
Cheng Zhanxi: "!!!"
Cheng Zhanxi took out her phone from her pocket, immediately opened the calendar, checking if this year was 2018 or 2015.
Did I travel back to 2015, or did Yu Qingtang travel here from before 2015?
The phone time showed November 27, 2018.
Cheng Zhanxi breathed half a sigh of relief and searched for news online.
Yu Qingtang watched her stop in place, holding her phone, tapping away, occasionally looking up at her with disbelief, as if she were an ancient person transported from prehistoric times?
Yu Qingtang furrowed her delicate brows, reflecting on whether she had said something inappropriate.
Cheng Zhanxi took a deep breath and showed her the phone screen.
On the screen was an old news article: "Same-Sex Marriage Law Officially Implemented on January 1, 2016."
Yu Qingtang read it word by word, her expression unchanged as she said, "I forgot."
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
She almost couldn't maintain her expression.
Cheng Zhanxi composed herself, continued walking forward, casually asking, "Does Teacher Yu usually not pay attention to this kind of news? Aren't there often people holding rainbow flags on the street?"
Especially in the second half of 2015, during the same-sex marriage legalization referendum, rainbow activities were held nationwide to support the bill's passage.
She should have been pursuing her master's degree then? Being in a relatively open university environment, shouldn't she be more aware of this information?
Yu Qingtang recalled carefully for a moment, "Seems like I've seen it."
Cheng Zhanxi's lips twitched.
She now suspected Yu Qingtang had no concept of homosexuality at all, hence her dullness and lack of awareness. Her indifference towards the world, including herself, had reached a level Cheng Zhanxi found unimaginable.
Cheng Zhanxi thought for a moment, kindly bringing up her non-competitive rival Wen Zhihan, "Didn't Teacher Wen tell you?"
Wen Zhihan had pursued her for so long; it was impossible she wouldn't tell her such significant news.
Mentioning this, Yu Qingtang remembered.
"She did."
"Then..."
"But I forgot." Yu Qingtang's expression was frank.
Undeniably, Cheng Zhanxi felt a small sense of pleasure. She curved her lips slightly and asked, "Then will you remember what I told you now?"
"Yes."
"Remember what?"
"Same-sex marriage is legal."
Although Yu Qingtang's reply was rigid, lacking emotion, Cheng Zhanxi was satisfied. You can't become fat from one meal. She added, "Women can marry women too. Regardless of whether they can marry, they can be together, as long as they love each other."
Instill the concept first.
Yu Qingtang: "Mm."
She belatedly understood the school rumors and proactively told Cheng Zhanxi, "Don't worry about Teacher Ge and the others talking about us getting married."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Hmm?"
Yu Qingtang said righteously, "Rumors stop with the wise. After a while, they'll know we're just good friends."
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
Yu Qingtang: "?"
Cheng Zhanxi maintained her smile, saying, "Nothing, what do you want to eat tonight?"
"Sweet and sour ribs, blanched shrimp, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, tomato and egg soup." Yu Qingtang fluently listed a series of dishes.
Cheng Zhanxi found them familiar, recalling it was the menu from the first time she tempted Yu Qingtang on Moments. That night, she had even fed her blanched shrimp. Turns out she remembered it so clearly.
Cheng Zhanxi felt pleased.
The green light turned on. Cheng Zhanxi took Yu Qingtang's hand and walked towards the opposite side of the intersection.
An old woman selling water chestnuts sat on a low stool beside the supermarket steps. Her hair was silver, wearing an old cotton coat and a woolen hat. A bamboo basket held a handmade scale, the water chestnuts inside still mostly remaining.
The old woman's nose and hands were red from the cold. She lowered her head, peeling with a small knife. Few customers stopped at her stall.
Yu Qingtang looked straight ahead towards the supermarket entrance. Her hand was gently pulled by Cheng Zhanxi, leading her aside.
Stopping before the old woman, Cheng Zhanxi led Yu Qingtang to squat down, reached into the basket, picked up a peeled water chestnut, and held it to Yu Qingtang's lips.
Yu Qingtang carefully avoided Cheng Zhanxi's slender fingers, taking a light bite.
Sweet, juicy, crisp, and refreshing.
Yu Qingtang looked up, the corners of her eyes curving slightly, "Delicious."
Cheng Zhanxi naturally popped the other half into her own mouth, asking the old woman, "How much per jin?"
The old woman replied in accented Mandarin, "Unpeeled eight yuan, peeled fifteen."
Cheng Zhanxi said gently, "Grandma, we need to go to the supermarket first. When we come out later, we'll take however much is left." She looked around, found the payment QR code hanging around the old woman's neck, and paid a 100 yuan deposit first.
"This is the deposit." She showed the phone screen to the other party.
The old woman looked at her in astonishment, finally replying "Okay" after a while, quickening her peeling movements.
Cheng Zhanxi stood up, pulled the surprised Yu Qingtang up as well, smiling, "Let's go."
Yu Qingtang looked back at the two baskets of water chestnuts, asking puzzledly, "Why buy so many? We can't finish them."
Cheng Zhanxi, for the first time, felt the phrase "we two" coming from her lips was exceptionally pleasant. She turned her head to look at the setting sun on the horizon, her eyes holding a hint of sigh. Not answering her question directly, she just said, "It's getting dark soon."
Yu Qingtang froze, carefully pondering the meaning behind her words.
The two entered the supermarket, stored their bags in the lockers at the entrance, took a number, and only then did Yu Qingtang understand what Cheng Zhanxi meant.
It's getting dark soon; the old grandma can sell out early and go home early, avoiding freezing in the cold winter night wind.
Since there were many things to buy, Cheng Zhanxi pushed a cart over, softly calling to Yu Qingtang, who was spacing out, "Teacher Yu?"
Yu Qingtang snapped back, "What's wrong?"
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, "Nothing, let's go in. If you want to buy anything later, just put it in the cart."
Yu Qingtang hummed, but felt she didn't really need anything. Buy a bag of bread? Milk?
The supermarket wasn't overly crowded, but definitely not empty. Many people, like them, pushed carts, shopping together.
Two young women approached, both dressed professionally, likely white-collar workers from a nearby office building. One tall, one short. The shorter one intimately held the taller one's arm. The taller one occasionally lowered her head to look at her, her gaze gentle and doting.
Cheng Zhanxi curved her lips slightly, turned her head towards Yu Qingtang beside her, asking in a voice only they could hear, "Teacher Yu, what do you think their relationship is?"
"Who?" Yu Qingtang emerged from her own world, looking around blankly.
"Look straight ahead, about four meters away. They stopped at the Coke shelf now. The long-haired one is wearing a pencil skirt, height under 160cm. The short-haired one has a gray pencil skirt, height around 170cm. See them?"
Yu Qingtang followed her instructions step by step and located the target.
Cheng Zhanxi repeated the question, "Guess what their relationship is?"
Yu Qingtang pondered for a moment, "Good friends?"
Cheng Zhanxi wasn't surprised, smiling slightly, "Guess again."
Just then, the shorter one stood on tiptoe and kissed the taller one's cheek.
Yu Qingtang stared blankly for a few seconds, a look of realization dawning on her face. She asked Cheng Zhanxi back, "What do you think their relationship is?"
Cheng Zhanxi replied very naturally, "Lovers."
Yu Qingtang shook her head.
Cheng Zhanxi: "..."
No way? Has Yu Qingtang ignored homosexuality to this extent? Denying facts right before her eyes?
Yu Qingtang's eyes flashed with an almost imperceptible smile, "They're married."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Ah?"
Yu Qingtang explained seriously, "They're wearing wedding rings on their ring fingers." Her eyesight was far better than average, allowing her to see clearly from this distance, unlike Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi laughed, "So that's how it is."
She subtly breathed a sigh of relief. Yu Qingtang didn't deny homosexuality, meaning there was still a great chance.
Yu Qingtang saw her smile, her lips instinctively wanting to curve upwards, but in the next second, they immediately froze.
Her lips still curved slightly backward, forming a self-deprecating arc.
She didn't know which day the Wei family had arranged her wedding for. Could she wait until after Cheng Zhanxi left?
Cheng Zhanxi watched the legal couple flirting nearby, her face showing envy. She turned her head towards Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang's expression was indifferent and cold, her eyes holding a hint of disgust. She blinked, and Yu Qingtang returned to her usual appearance, so fast it seemed like a fleeting illusion.
"Teacher Yu."
"Hmm?" Yu Qingtang quickly adjusted her mood, her expression calm, revealing no emotional fluctuations.
"Nothing." Cheng Zhanxi suppressed the unease in her heart, her expression unchanged as she took a can of watermelon-flavored gum from the nearest shelf, casually asking, "What flavor does Teacher Yu like?"
"Mint."
Cheng Zhanxi got her a can of mint, then asked, "Have you tried watermelon flavor?"
Yu Qingtang shook her head.
Cheng Zhanxi took another bottle of watermelon flavor. Yu Qingtang was about to refuse when Cheng Zhanxi preemptively blocked her, "If you don't like it, I'll eat it."
"...Mm."
The couple finished choosing their Coke and walked over hand-in-hand.
Closer now, Cheng Zhanxi saw the wedding rings on their ring fingers.
The two noticed her, cast friendly glances, then saw Yu Qingtang beside her, their eyes immediately filled with sincere blessings and smiles.
Cheng Zhanxi also smiled back at them.
Yu Qingtang continued looking at the shelves, her gaze unfocused.
"Shall we buy vegetables first? We can come back for snacks later," Cheng Zhanxi suggested.
Yu Qingtang retracted her gaze, tucked her hands into her trench coat pockets, having no objections.
Walking towards the fresh meat section, Yu Qingtang remained unusually silent. Cheng Zhanxi didn't proactively start a conversation. She had Yu Qingtang hold her arm to prevent her from wandering off absentmindedly.
Pork ribs, fresh live shrimp. Cheng Zhanxi also bought a piece of beef brisket, chicken legs, and pork belly. Yu Qingtang watched her skillfully selecting various meats, her mind slowly emptying, her eyes regaining some life.
As Cheng Zhanxi placed a box of pork belly into the cart and reached for a bag to pack chicken wings, she couldn't help but speak, "Cheng Zhanxi."
Another full name. Cheng Zhanxi had reason to suspect she loved her name.
Since she already likes my name, can liking me be far behind?
Cheng Zhanxi knew what she wanted to say. Her hand, holding the tongs, continued picking two chicken wings into the bag without stopping, saying, "There's still tomorrow's food."
Yu Qingtang: "That's enough too, we can buy more next time."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Will you accompany me?"
Yu Qingtang nodded.
Cheng Zhanxi decisively poured all the chicken wings back.
Yu Qingtang couldn't help laughing.
Cheng Zhanxi's lips curved into a smile. She put down the tongs, walked over empty-handed, and hugged her.
Yu Qingtang naturally wrapped her arms around her waist. Tilting her face up to look at her, she suddenly remembered the couple they saw earlier.
Yu Qingtang's knuckles tightened, then slowly released her hand, stepping back.
Author's note:
It's sugar, don't panic!
PS: In Yu Qingtang's memory, the marriage partner is still the fiancé. She didn't hear about the Cheng family swapping the sister for the marriage arrangement, nor the subsequent discussions by the Wei family, because she simply didn't care. Details in Chapter 6.
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