After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 68
Chapter 68
Friday night, Yu Qingtang proactively sent a message to Consultant Cheng.
[What should I bring to Happy Valley?]
Cheng Zhanxi replied: [Money, ID, phone, a bottle of water]
Yu Qingtang: [Okay]
Cheng Zhanxi: [I stewed lotus seed soup, come over and have some]
After a while, the door to 2101 opened, and Yu Qingtang, having showered early and changed into pajamas, walked towards the opposite apartment.
Since she was going to Happy Valley tomorrow, Yu Qingtang didn't return to the old town this week. And under Cheng Zhanxi's feeding, she had become increasingly adept at entering Cheng Zhanxi's home, treating it like her second home.
Cheng Zhanxi's TV was playing "My Own Swordsman," currently on Episode 13, "Fighting for Self-Esteem, Big Mouth Poses as a Man of Letters; Resolving Danger, Xiangyu Sets Up a Grand Scheme."
Yu Qingtang sat on the sofa, holding the lotus seed soup, watching TV while drinking, her expression calm.
Cheng Zhanxi sat beside her in the same posture, but her eyes and brows were filled with laughter, occasionally bursting out loud.
Especially during the part where Bai Zhantang injured his finger, pretended it wasn't healed, and Tong Xiangyu read jokes from "Broad Gleanings from the Forest of Laughs" to him. The actors on screen roared with laughter, and Cheng Zhanxi, outside the screen, laughed so hard she almost couldn't breathe.
Yu Qingtang seemed helpless, shaking her head slightly, the corners of her lips curving upwards.
These past few days, Yu Qingtang seemed very busy, as if dealing with something privately, often leaving after staying at her place for just a short while. As for what it was, Cheng Zhanxi refused to guess; guessing any further would spoil the birthday surprise entirely.
Cheng Zhanxi waited for the funny part to pass, wiped the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes with a tissue, and asked, "Have you arranged the time with Xiang Tianyou?"
Yu Qingtang said, "Arranged. I'll pick him up from his place tomorrow morning at 8:30."
Cheng Zhanxi: "What time are we leaving then?"
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment, "Eight?" It only took about ten minutes to get to Xiang Tianyou's place; she was used to leaving ample time.
"How are we getting there?"
"Bus?"
Cheng Zhanxi smiled slightly, asking gently, "Does Teacher Yu have a driver's license?"
Yu Qingtang nodded, adding, "Never driven on the road."
Cheng Zhanxi didn't continue this topic, instead saying, "Then let's meet at the complex entrance tomorrow at eight."
Yu Qingtang paused: Why the complex entrance? Didn't they always meet at the elevator?
But she still didn't ask, finished the last sip of lotus seed soup, leaving not a drop, placed the bowl in the dishwasher, said goodbye, and left.
Before sleeping, she thought, Cheng Zhanxi probably planned to ride her motorcycle. But a motorcycle could only carry two people; what about Xiang Tianyou? Would she leave the motorcycle at Maple Forest Green Capital and the three of them take the bus?
It was just a question away, but Yu Qingtang would rather wrestle with it for several minutes than send a message directly to Cheng Zhanxi to ask.
Saturday, the sky was somewhat overcast, the sun rising late. Yu Qingtang boiled water in the kitchen, cooked a bowl of plain noodles, tossed in two stalks of bok choy scavenged from the fridge. She forgot to buy eggs, so she simply ate plain noodle soup.
She carried the noodles to the dining table, eating while paying attention to whether it would rain outside, her pretty brows unconsciously furrowing.
If it rained, they couldn't go to Happy Valley.
Past seven, the sun, obscured by clouds, finally emerged, quickly dispersing the clouds on the horizon, illuminating the earth.
Yu Qingtang took a dark trench coat from the closet, put it on, and went out.
Two minutes to eight, she arrived at the complex entrance, looked left and right at the empty road, and sent Cheng Zhanxi a message.
[I've arrived]
Cheng Zhanxi replied instantly.
[Me too]
Yu Qingtang held her phone, scanned her surroundings again, her thin lips slightly pursed.
A brand new white Audi A4 drove over from a few meters away, stopped in front of her. The front passenger window slowly lowered, revealing a face with bright eyes and a charming smile.
Cheng Zhanxi sat inside, one hand resting on the steering wheel, smiling at her.
"Click," the sound of the car unlocking.
Yu Qingtang silently pulled open the car door, sat in the passenger seat, fastened her seatbelt, then asked calmly, "Did Teacher Cheng buy a new car?"
"Yeah."
"When did you buy it?"
"After the home visit. Just finished the paperwork two days ago, didn't expect it to be useful so soon," Cheng Zhanxi said with a smile.
Riding a motorcycle was exhilarating, but it wasn't practical in wind or rain. Plus, the weather was getting colder; a car provided shelter and air conditioning. Originally, Cheng Zhanxi wanted to buy a Porsche Panamera—she liked that model—but considering it was too flashy for a small place and driving it to school would attract unnecessary gossip, she chose a mid-range car. Besides, Yu Qingtang could drive it usually, killing two birds with one stone.
Yu Qingtang hummed, lowered her head to adjust the seatbelt. The buckle somehow got stuck, unable to pull out further, feeling a bit tight.
Cheng Zhanxi saw this, leaned over, held the seatbelt, pushed it upwards slightly, and smoothly pulled it out.
Cheng Zhanxi wore a thin gray sweater today, perfectly fitting her curves. As she leaned closer, a faint perfume scent emanated from her neck, lingering in the surrounding air, carrying the flavor of a mature woman.
Yu Qingtang subtly sniffed.
After the seatbelt was adjusted, that wisp of fragrance drifted away from her nose.
Yu Qingtang's back pressed tightly against the seatback, restraining herself from leaning forward even an inch.
Cheng Zhanxi started the car, hands steady on the steering wheel, turning onto the main road.
She rarely drove, and with her beloved beside her, she appeared exceptionally serious, eyes fixed straight ahead. Her fair, slender fingers gripped the steering wheel firmly, the knuckles distinct, long and powerful. Her nails were neatly trimmed, shimmering with a pearly light pink.
Yu Qingtang looked at her stern profile, feeling a novel sensation.
"Teacher Cheng," she suddenly spoke.
The car was quiet. Hearing the sudden voice, Cheng Zhanxi's body involuntarily trembled. After two seconds, she calmly asked, "What is it?"
Yu Qingtang's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Nothing."
Cheng Zhanxi looked straight ahead, saying, "We'll be there soon. Do you want to listen to music?"
Yu Qingtang: "No need."
Cheng Zhanxi focused on the road, unable to spare attention to speak. Yu Qingtang was naturally quiet. The two arrived at Maple Forest Green Capital in silence.
Xiang Tianyou was already waiting at the complex entrance, holding a small bag, a micro-single camera hanging around his neck, pretending to casually look around.
The young man wore a pure black hooded jacket, highlighting his fair skin. His bangs were styled with gel into a casual yet not rebellious look, a complete little heartthrob.
Cheng Zhanxi stopped the car in front of him. Xiang Tianyou peered in through the lowered window, couldn't help but curve his eyes, pulled open the car door, and got into the back seat.
Happy Valley was half an hour's drive away. Soon after getting in, Xiang Tianyou felt the atmosphere in the car was very strange.
Why weren't this couple talking?
Xiang Tianyou didn't know, nor did he dare ask.
"Teacher Cheng." Xiang Tianyou was about to go crazy from boredom. He scratched the seat cushion beneath him and suggested, "Can we listen to a song?"
Cheng Zhanxi had driven for a bit and could now multitask slightly. She quickly glanced at the control center and accurately pressed the play button. The car music was networked. Cheng Zhanxi tilted her head back slightly, "Xiaotian, what song do you want to hear? Ask Teacher Yu to play it for you."
"I want to hear 'Dispel Sorrows'." Xiang Tianyou felt he must be getting bold, actually daring to order a teacher around.
Yu Qingtang selected Mao Buyi's "Dispel Sorrows" for him.
A cup to the morning sun, a cup to the moonlight
Awakening my past, softening the cold window
So I can fly against the wind without looking back
Unafraid of rain in my heart, frost in my eyes
Cheng Zhanxi beside her and Xiang Tianyou in the back seat both hummed along softly. Cheng Zhanxi even tapped the rhythm on the steering wheel with one hand. Yu Qingtang turned her gaze to the lyrics on the small screen.
...
A cup to freedom, a cup to death
Forgiving my mediocrity, dispelling the confusion
...
The sober are the most absurd
...
After this song ended, the next one automatically played. Yu Qingtang's heart remained stuck in the rhythm of the previous song.
Cheng Zhanxi reversed the car twice before finally parking it. Xiang Tianyou noticed she was a novice but considerately didn't point it out. Once the car stopped, he was the first to get out, waiting in front, looking towards Happy Valley, which had just opened not far away. There was a fountain at the entrance, many people taking photos there, including quite a few couples.
Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang got out. Xiang Tianyou volunteered, "Teacher Cheng, do you two want a photo? I'll take it for you! My photography skills are super good!"
Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang exchanged glances. Yu Qingtang's eyes showed refusal. Cheng Zhanxi blinked, saying, "How about a bestie photo?"
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Fine, let's take one then.
In front of the stone sculpture fountain, Cheng and Yu stood in the center, backs straight, prim and proper, not touching each other at all.
Xiang "Professional Photographer" Tianyou peeked out from behind the micro-single camera, utterly confused, saying, "What's wrong with you two?" Never mind not kissing, not even putting an arm around the shoulder? Was dating among adults these days so pure?
Cheng Zhanxi held Yu Qingtang's hand.
Xiang Tianyou reluctantly took a picture, saying, "Change pose."
Cheng Zhanxi wrapped her arm around Yu Qingtang's waist, pulling her closer.
Xiang Tianyou was slightly more satisfied, saying, "Change again. Teacher Yu, don't just let Teacher Cheng take the initiative, you move too, you're too stiff."
The stiff Yu Qingtang recalled the few images she had seen and linked her arm through Cheng Zhanxi's.
Xiang Tianyou guided, "Closer... right, rest your head on Teacher Cheng's shoulder, relax... smile... smile..."
Yu Qingtang struggled to make the corners of her lips curve upwards slightly.
Suddenly, Cheng Zhanxi's gentle voice sounded beside her ear, "Teacher Yu."
Yu Qingtang turned her head to look, and Cheng Zhanxi gave her an extremely brilliant smile.
Without even thinking, Yu Qingtang couldn't help but curve her smiling eyes in response.
The fountain behind them surged upwards, water droplets dazzling like diamonds under the sunlight. The two looked at each other, only seeing the other in their eyes, the smiles bright.
Xiang Tianyou captured this photo.
After finishing the photos for them, Xiang Tianyou was about to put away the camera when Cheng Zhanxi said, "Wait a moment."
Xiang Tianyou: "?"
Cheng Zhanxi asked a passerby for help, took the camera off Xiang Tianyou's neck, handed it to the passerby, pulled Xiang Tianyou to stand between them. Xiang Tianyou was tall, looking awkward standing there, so he stood in front, spread his legs, lowering his height to match theirs.
While taking the photo, Xiang Tianyou was very stiff.
Yu Qingtang said emotionlessly, "Relax."
Xiang Tianyou: "..." This was definitely Teacher Yu's "revenge."
Cheng Zhanxi chuckled.
Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang each placed an arm on Xiang Tianyou's shoulder. Xiang Tianyou squeezed out a smile.
Click—
The helpful passerby returned the camera to Cheng Zhanxi, glanced at the youthful-looking Xiang Tianyou, and sincerely praised, "Your younger brother is so handsome."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled calmly, "Thank you for the compliment, I also think my brother is very handsome."
Xiang Tianyou's face flushed uncontrollably.
The passerby then looked at Yu Qingtang, held by her hand, a hint of envy in their eyes, but said nothing more.
A talented woman and a beautiful woman, it was perfectly normal for them to be together.
Cheng Zhanxi hung the camera back around Xiang Tianyou's neck, rested her elbow on his shoulder, smiling, "Little brother, what do you want to play first?"
Xiang Tianyou stammered, "Go inside... and see?"
"Then let's go inside and see." Cheng Zhanxi nodded, holding Yu Qingtang's hand tightly with one hand, pulling Xiang Tianyou's sleeve with the other.
Both were very obedient, letting her lead them.
Happy Valley was bustling on the weekend, but since it was winter and early, the queues weren't too exaggerated. At first glance, there seemed to be quite a few rides available.
Screams echoed continuously from the roller coaster. The drop tower rose to its highest point and plummeted, eliciting bursts of terrified shouts. The pirate ship swung back and forth. The giant pendulum spun high in the air, twenty stories up. The log flume splashed water everywhere. The carousel music played softly and gently.
When Xiang Tianyou had free time, he either played games alone at home or went to the basketball court with other boys; he had never been to Happy Valley. For a first-timer, the thrilling and famous roller coaster was naturally not to be missed.
Xiang Tianyou's eyes lit up looking at the roller coaster, "Teacher Cheng, I want to ride that."
"Okay, little brother." Cheng Zhanxi looked towards Yu Qingtang, her lips curved in a smile, asking, "And you, big sister?"
Yu Qingtang's eyes flashed with helplessness. She nodded, "Okay."
The three went to queue together.
After checking the safety restraints, the roller coaster started.
Sicheng Happy Valley was built in recent years, designed by several famous designers. Although not claiming the title of "Number One," the track design was quite thrilling, with sudden ups and downs. The intense feeling of weightlessness made everyone on the ride scream in fear, almost piercing eardrums. Cheng Zhanxi wasn't particularly afraid; she had been obsessed with roller coasters for a while, dragging friends along whenever she had time. Her friends would end up vomiting, while she played casually, having gotten used to it.
She and Yu Qingtang sat in the same row. Yu Qingtang kept her eyes closed, hands gripping the safety bar tightly, knuckles white from exertion, lips bloodless, yet she didn't scream.
The roller coaster accelerated up a slope, reaching the highest point of the second "big loop." After a gentle slope, it suddenly rushed down. Cheng Zhanxi's vision inverted, her long hair falling forward from the back of her head.
Everyone was upside down, welcoming a new wave of screams.
Yu Qingtang's eyes were tightly shut, lashes trembling. A low sound, almost like a whimper, escaped her throat.
Cheng Zhanxi smiled silently.
The third "big loop," also the most thrilling part of the entire track. The roller coaster twisted as it climbed. Yu Qingtang trembled with fear, feeling like she would fly out in the next second. She finally couldn't control herself and cried out. But unlike the others' piercing screams, it was...
"Cheng Zhanxi..." Her voice trembled as she called the name of the person beside her, sounding somewhat choked, "I'm scared..."
Cheng Zhanxi heard her low murmur amidst the whistling wind. Her heart ached. She turned her head, her hand reaching over the safety bar, her warm palm covering her cold hand back.
"Don't be scared, I'm here." Cheng Zhanxi's voice was gentle and firm.
Yu Qingtang closed her eyes, released her tight grip on the safety bar, and clasped Cheng Zhanxi's hand instead.
Unsure who started it, their hands became intertwined, fingers clasped tightly, refusing to let go.
The roller coaster rushed through another "big loop." The car body moved from bottom to top, suddenly stopped with a "click." Everyone lurched forward due to inertia. The feeling of weightlessness disappeared, as did the dizziness. The passengers, faces pale, long hair blown messily, opened their eyes, still shaken.
The safety restraints released. Cheng Zhanxi got out first, then pulled Yu Qingtang out.
Xiang Tianyou adapted well, face full of excitement, even wanting to ride again.
He looked at Yu Qingtang, being supported by Cheng Zhanxi. Yu Qingtang's already pale face was completely bloodless, half-leaning against Cheng Zhanxi.
Xiang Tianyou worried, "Is Teacher Yu okay?"
It wasn't appropriate to be like this in front of a student. Yu Qingtang used Cheng Zhanxi's arm for support and stood straight, saying, "I'm fine."
Xiang Tianyou scratched his head.
Cheng Zhanxi found a nearby bench for her to sit on, saying softly, "Why don't you rest here for a bit, I'll go play with him."
Yu Qingtang asked, "Play what?"
Cheng Zhanxi looked towards Xiang Tianyou in the queue, "Roller coaster, I'll ride it with him again."
Yu Qingtang looked into her eyes, "I want to play too."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, "Okay."
Xiang Tianyou watched Cheng Zhanxi leave with Yu Qingtang, then return with her. He reached up and scratched his head, his scalp almost raw.
What on earth were these couples thinking?
Riding for the second time, their fingers remained tightly clasped throughout. Midway, Cheng Zhanxi mischievously coaxed Yu Qingtang to open her eyes and look at the scenery, saying it was beautiful, she'd definitely regret not looking. As soon as Yu Qingtang opened her eyes, all she saw was the rapidly descending track, accompanied by a strong wave of weightlessness, scaring her so much her heart almost stopped.
"Cheng! Zhan! Xi!" Yu Qingtang ground out her name through clenched teeth.
"Hahahahaha."
Xiang Tianyou, sitting in the row behind them, listened to their flirting, silently looked up at the sky, yet the corners of his lips curved upwards.
Approaching the highest point of the "big loop," the roller coaster climbed slowly. Cheng Zhanxi said again, "Teacher Yu, quickly open your eyes, you'll regret it if you don't."
Yu Qingtang wouldn't fall for it a second time. Not only that, but the hand holding Cheng Zhanxi's pinched her slightly, signaling her to stop.
Cheng Zhanxi's voice grew slightly urgent, "If you don't look now, you won't see it."
Yu Qingtang couldn't help but obey, opening her eyes.
The roller coaster was making its final preparations for the dive, almost stopping at the apex. Yu Qingtang, dozens of meters high, heart empty, saw the distant mountains winding, veiled in pale white mist, water and sky merging into one color, like a fairyland on earth.
Cheng Zhanxi: "I didn't lie to you, right?"
Yu Qingtang was about to reply "No," when her body plummeted rapidly. She reflexively closed her eyes again, welcoming the howling wind and weightlessness.
Coming down this time was much better than before. Yu Qingtang looked back at the roller coaster, even feeling a bit like riding it again; she hadn't seen the scenery clearly just now.
Cheng Zhanxi noticed, saying, "Let's play something else. If you want to ride again, we can come back next time." She avoided Xiang Tianyou's pricked ears, leaned close to Yu Qingtang's ear, whispering softly, "If you like it, we can come every week."
Yu Qingtang lowered her eyes slightly, not refusing.
Cheng Zhanxi hooked her pinky finger, secretly linking it with hers under the cover of her windbreaker.
Yu Qingtang glanced up at her, a smile in her eyes.
Cheng Zhanxi led the two to a nearby bench to sit, instructed them to be good and not run off, then went to buy ice cream.
Xiang Tianyou sat firmly on the bench, not moving an inch, but his eyes couldn't help wandering around, filled with light.
Suddenly, a very soft humming sound reached his ears. He retracted his gaze, focused his attention, and realized it was Yu Qingtang humming a song. The melody was very familiar, her brows and eyes unprecedentedly gentle.
A cup to the homeland, a cup to the distance
Guarding my kindness, urging me to grow
So the roads north and south are no longer long
The soul no longer has nowhere to rest
...
It was "Dispel Sorrows," which they had heard in the car. Xiang Tianyou's eyes lit up. He instantly felt the distance between him and Yu Qingtang had narrowed significantly; turns out Teacher Yu wasn't that cold after all.
Hmm, she hummed quite nicely too.
Xiang Tianyou rested his hands behind him on the bench, listening quietly, not disturbing her.
Cheng Zhanxi returned with two ice creams, pleased to see both sitting obediently, not moving or running off.
Strawberry flavor for Xiang Tianyou, vanilla for Yu Qingtang.
Xiang Tianyou took the ice cream and asked Cheng Zhanxi, "Teacher Cheng, aren't you eating? I'll go buy one for you."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled sweetly, "Teacher Yu and I will share one."
Xiang Tianyou: "..."
It was his single dog self who hadn't seen the world.
Yu Qingtang bit off the very tip. The cool sweetness melted in her mouth.
"Is it good?" Cheng Zhanxi asked gently.
The two looked up together, large and small, same obedient expressions, replying in unison, "Good."
Cheng Zhanxi curved her eyes, touched Yu Qingtang's face, then patted Xiang Tianyou's head.
Xiang Tianyou muttered, "I spent a long time styling my hair this morning," while lowering his head to make it easier for her to ruffle his hair, his white teeth gleaming under the sun.
After finishing the ice cream and throwing the wrappers into the trash bin, Cheng Zhanxi asked, "What else do you want to play?"
Xiang Tianyou had already thought of it, raising his hand high, "Drop tower!"
Yu Qingtang, surprisingly, didn't nod directly this time, instead echoing faintly, "Drop tower."
They rode the drop tower twice again.
Xiang Tianyou screamed until his throat was hoarse. Coming down, he leaned against the railing, coughing violently, his voice raspy.
Yu Qingtang bought him a bottle of mineral water from a nearby stall.
Xiang Tianyou: "Thank... cough... Yu... cough cough cough..."
Yu Qingtang couldn't bear watching, stepped forward to pat the young man's back lightly.
Xiang Tianyou jumped as if pricked by a needle, leaping three feet high on the spot.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Good jumping ability.
Xiang Tianyou twisted back and forth like a stranded fish flopping on the beach before returning to normal. He glanced sideways cautiously at Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang calmly drank water, showing no displeasure.
One ride on the giant pendulum, one on the pirate ship.
They also rode the log flume once. Rushing down the slope, Yu Qingtang burrowed entirely into Cheng Zhanxi's embrace. Water sprayed up, splashing all over the raincoat. The small boat continued forward. Amidst the damp, hazy water mist, Yu Qingtang gripped the raincoat in front of her, lifted her head from the woman's arms, gazing intently at Cheng Zhanxi's face, very focused, very focused.
Cheng Zhanxi lowered her head, meeting her gaze, smiling gently.
Yu Qingtang's ears flushed hot. Like a startled small animal, she suddenly buried herself back into her embrace, only revealing the top of her head covered by the transparent raincoat.
Cheng Zhanxi's fingers reached under her chin, gently teasing it twice.
The woman's delighted laughter sounded from above her head.
Yu Qingtang's face grew redder, her heart beating abnormally fast.
Thump, thump, thump.
The small boat returned to the starting point. Everyone took off their disposable raincoats and got out. Yu Qingtang's face was still flushed, her ears pink.
Xiang Tianyou, still sitting behind them, let his rich imagination run wild, thinking: Were these two teachers not riding the rapids, but passionately kissing in front?
He carefully recalled, vaguely remembering Cheng Zhanxi holding Yu Qingtang in her arms the whole time.
Xiang Tianyou rubbed the goosebumps on his arm.
Coming out of the log flume ride, it was already past one in the afternoon. The three ate lunch in the park.
After a morning of tossing and turning, playing thrilling rides, none of them had much appetite, but it didn't affect their good mood. Spreading the park map on the table, three heads gathered together, discussing the afternoon itinerary sentence by sentence. Xiang Tianyou did most of the talking, densely packed, not even letting the carousel go.
Cheng Zhanxi saw through Xiang Tianyou's thoughts, gently comforting, "No need to rush, we can come again next time. If you want to play, just call me or Teacher Yu."
Xiang Tianyou widened his eyes, a layer of misty haze covering them. He quickly hid it by lowering his head, pointed to a spot on the park map, "I want to play this."
Cheng Zhanxi followed his finger and looked over, her expression instantly stiffening.
Yu Qingtang read it out, "Haunted house?"
Xiang Tianyou said, "I checked the reviews online. This haunted house is particularly thrilling, a must-play at Happy Valley. Are you two scared of ghosts?"
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment, "I shouldn't be scared."
Xiang Tianyou asked, "Teacher Cheng?"
Cheng Zhanxi lowered her head, pretending to look at other rides, hiding her pale face, her voice normal, "I can."
An hour later.
A scream pierced the silence of the haunted house.
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