After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 83
Chapter 83
Yu Qingtang didn't distance herself from Cheng Zhanxi, but she no longer interacted with her without boundaries as before. They would still hold hands, just not interlock fingers. She would still sleep over at her place, just not recklessly snuggle into her arms to act cute; they would still hug, but only with the normal closeness between friends.
If not for that previous period, this is how Momo and Cheng Zhanxi would have interacted after growing up.
Yu Qingtang decided to return to the very "beginning," where Cheng Zhanxi still existed. She permeated her past and present, even her distant future. For the rest of her life, she could never forget her.
She was forever in her heart, just sealed away along with her most precious feelings.
After school on Friday, Cheng Zhanxi walked Yu Qingtang to the bus stop. Yu Qingtang sat in the bus and waved at her, and she waved back with a polite smile, watching her depart.
Yu Qingtang placed her bag on her lap and closed her eyes on the bumpy, swaying bus.
An old lady got on midway, and she stood up to offer her seat, gripping the hand strap hanging from above.
"Fanghua Road is next. Please be careful when the doors open. Watch your step when alighting."
The brake pads screeched harshly. Yu Qingtang adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag and got off from the back door.
It got dark early in winter. By the time Yu Qingtang returned home, the moon and stars were already out.
The auntie had prepared delicious food. Yu Qingtang put down her bag, washed her hands, and sat down at the table.
Fang Wenjiao asked at the table if Cheng Zhanxi was coming over to visit this week. The tip of Yu Qingtang's chopsticks, reaching for a dish, paused almost imperceptibly. She said lightly, "She has things to do."
Fang Wenjiao asked, "Isn't she a PE teacher? Is she busier than you, a homeroom teacher?"
Yu Qingtang didn't want to talk much. She lowered her head to eat, murmuring a vague "Mm."
This was how the grandmother and granddaughter usually communicated, without much warmth, so Fang Wenjiao didn't say more.
She exchanged a look with the old gentleman, and her grandfather gestured with his eyes for her to eat first.
Two weeks ago, Cheng Zhanxi had visited the elderly couple's home, and it seemed she and Yu Qingtang had mutual feelings, which made the old couple very happy. No matter how different their relationship was from typical grandparents and grandchildren, they were still family, connected by blood. They naturally hoped Yu Qingtang could find a reliable partner to entrust her life to, and Cheng Zhanxi seemed like a good candidate.
As for the marriage arranged for Yu Qingtang, although it was set up by Wei Tingyu, and the marriage partner was surely of good character and family background, Yu Qingtang had never even met the person. She always had this cold, indifferent attitude towards everything, including her lifelong commitment. This wasn't ancient times where many couples didn't meet before marriage.
If she could choose someone she liked, someone who could cherish her, it would be much better than pinning her hopes on a stranger. As for the marriage? If Yu Qingtang didn't agree, and after getting to know Cheng Zhanxi's family better and confirming she was a good person, they would talk to Wei Tingyu. Since they weren't married yet, there was still a chance to back out, considering it compensation from Wei Tingyu.
After dinner, her grandfather and Fang Wenjiao had Yu Qingtang sit on the living room sofa and seriously discussed this matter with her.
Yu Qingtang said calmly, "No need, thank you, Grandpa, Grandma."
Fang Wenjiao's voice softened, "Don't you like..."
Yu Qingtang looked at her, her pupils dark and deep, her emotions unreadable.
Fang Wenjiao opened her mouth but couldn't continue.
Her grandfather's expression was as stern as ever. He said in a deep voice, "It's your own business, you make your own decision."
Yu Qingtang nodded.
She watched TV with the two elders for a while, saw them off to their rooms to sleep, and then went upstairs to rest.
She hadn't come back last week. The last time she was in this room, it was with Cheng Zhanxi. She had only stayed for a short day, yet she had filled the place with her presence.
Yu Qingtang sat on the chair, remembering Cheng Zhanxi crying her eyes out in her arms, and a smile touched her lips.
She moved the chair to where Cheng Zhanxi had once sat and looked at the desk. A slender figure seemed to lean against the edge of the desk, casually flipping through the books on it. The abstruse mathematical theories within made her eyelids heavy, her head nodding, almost falling asleep standing there.
She had slept in her bed, walked every inch of this space. The room was filled with Cheng Zhanxi's figures—smiling, mischievous, teasing, acting cute, feigning pity—flitting around Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang looked at these images of Cheng Zhanxi, her gaze gradually softening with a gentle smile.
Flowers bloom and wither, people come and go. Everything possessed will become like reflections in a mirror or the moon in water, a fleeting dream. Nothing in the world is eternal, but memories can be.
She only needed this memory; she wouldn't ask for more.
If you've never had it, you can't lose it. These "Cheng Zhanxis" would belong to her forever, and no one could take them away, not even Cheng Zhanxi herself.
Yu Qingtang lay sideways on the bed, hugging the quilt, tears from the corners of her eyes continuously seeping into the pillow, blooming one dark flower after another.
In 2102, half a city away.
Cheng Zhanxi untied the apron around her waist, looked at the table full of dishes she had accidentally made too much of, brought over a bowl and chopsticks, and began to eat, bite by bite.
Midway, she received a video call from her mother. Cheng Zhanxi simply answered it and placed the phone on the dining table.
Mrs. Cheng: "Which peerless beauty is dining here?"
Cheng Zhanxi put down her chopsticks and cupped her face with both hands, "It's your dear daughter."
Mrs. Cheng asked her to show what dishes there were. Cheng Zhanxi turned the camera around for her. Mrs. Cheng said, "Pan the camera to the other side, and under the table too. Are you hiding someone?"
Cheng Zhanxi showed her everything.
Mrs. Cheng: "Then why did you make so many dishes?"
Cheng Zhanxi sighed, "I'm in a bad mood."
Mrs. Cheng: "Doesn't eating alone make you feel worse?"
Cheng Zhanxi sighed again, "Yes."
Mrs. Cheng: "Good girl, wait a moment."
Five minutes later.
The Cheng family's dining table had three people sitting around it, a large plate of fruit in front of them, remotely accompanying her meal, crunch, crunch.
"Sister, the shrimp you made looks delicious."
"Why are the strawberries bought at home bigger than the ones I buy, and they look sweeter too?"
"Your Uncle He sent them. Grown in his own yard, he waters them with milk every day."
"Hahahaha."
"Want some cantaloupe? It's better than before."
"Yes."
"I'll have Auntie buy more later," Mrs. Cheng asked, "When are you coming home?"
Cheng Zhanxi mentally calculated and said, "Winter break is coming soon, about ten more days."
"Have you bought your ticket? Or should the family arrange a private jet for you?"
"I'll buy my own plane ticket, no need to waste money."
Mrs. Cheng pressed a tissue to the corners of her beautiful, almost wrinkle-free eyes and sobbed, "My daughter has grown up, she even knows how to save money for the family."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, "Mom, you already performed this act when I was three."
Mrs. Cheng looked at her husband and son, "Have I?"
The two gentlemen, very keen on self-preservation, shook their heads in unison, "No, this is the first time."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "I misremembered, it wasn't this act last time."
Mrs. Cheng was very satisfied.
Everyone was very happy. Towards the end of the chat, Mrs. Cheng expressed her wish for Cheng Zhanxi to come home soon. Cheng Zhanxi finished her dinner unknowingly during the conversation, nodded obediently, and bought her plane ticket on the spot.
Cheng Zhanxi had originally wanted to ask about what Yu Jianxing mentioned, why she hadn't heard any news about the engagement being broken off. Since she was going home soon anyway, she decided to talk about it when she got back. Her mother would at most dare to arrange an "accidental" meeting with Miss Wei; it was impossible for her to arrange an engagement with the Wei family behind her back. She wasn't worried about this at all.
Love wasn't everything in life, especially for Cheng Zhanxi. She had received so much love that romantic love could never dictate her life. After the video call with her family, Cheng Zhanxi's mood improved considerably. She circled the date of her return home on the calendar, feeling both expectant and conflicted.
She was, of course, looking forward to going home. The complexity stemmed from the unresolved matters in Sicheng. If she left for winter break just like that, unpredictable changes might occur with Yu Qingtang. Yet, she couldn't stay by Yu Qingtang's side forever; she had her own family, friends, and work.
Cheng Zhanxi tossed the dishes into the dishwasher, washed her hands, and went into the art studio.
Her mind was blank for a while as she faced the canvas. Then, Cheng Zhanxi slowly calmed down and immersed herself in her creation.
After coming out, Cheng Zhanxi swiped open her phone. At 11 o'clock, Yu Qingtang had sent her a "good night." Cheng Zhanxi went into the studio, took a photo of a still life she had just painted, and sent it to her, incidentally reminding her that the paint on the portrait she drew for her in the village had dried, and she could come to her place to pick it up on Sunday.
Before bed, Cheng Zhanxi harassed Yu Jianxing with a phone call.
"Tell me a joke."
"You called me in the middle of the night just for this?"
"I'm in a bad mood."
"Okay, let me find one. Once upon a time, there was a bald man..."
...
Cheng Zhanxi laughed until her face hurt, yawned, and said, "I'm sleepy."
"Alright, Xixi, good night."
"Good night." Cheng Zhanxi locked her phone, placed it on the bedside table, and turned off the bedroom light.
As soon as she hung up, she wasn't sleepy anymore. She closed her eyes and tossed and turned, then pulled the blanket over her head, struggling until three or four in the morning before finally falling asleep.
On Saturday, she woke up around noon, brushed her teeth and washed her face. Too lazy to cook, she went out for lunch. In the afternoon, she carried her easel to a nearby park, found a scenic spot, and sketched, passing an uneventful day.
In the evening, she called Yu Qingtang, asking what she was doing at home. Yu Qingtang said she was reading, preparing lessons, grocery shopping, and cooking. Her answers were brief, and the call didn't last more than three minutes.
The next day was Sunday. Yu Qingtang was supposed to follow her usual routine for rest days, staying in the old district until evening, having dinner, and then taking the bus back.
Cheng Zhanxi had arranged for the oil painting to be professionally framed in advance and placed it near the entrance of the art studio, making it convenient for her to take it out and give it to Yu Qingtang.
On this day, an accident happened.
At three in the afternoon, Cheng Zhanxi was watching TV in the living room when her phone rang.
Cheng Zhanxi casually glanced at the caller ID, quickly put down the mango in her hand, and answered, "Hello."
Yu Qingtang said, "Cheng Zhanxi." Her voice sounded a bit off.
Cheng Zhanxi: "I'm here, I'm here, go ahead."
Yu Qingtang was in a taxi on her way back. Her heart, which had been in turmoil since she received the news, immediately calmed down. She gripped her phone tightly and said in a low voice, "Xiang Tianyou and the others got into a group fight. I'm on my way to the police station."
Cheng Zhanxi's pupils contracted.
What?
"Which police station?" Cheng Zhanxi turned off the TV and immediately stood up, grabbing the coat hanging by the door.
"Xin'an Police Station."
Cheng Zhanxi slipped her feet into her shoes and pushed open the door, "Where are you now?"
The sound of the door closing reached Yu Qingtang's ears.
"Just crossed the bridge, about half an hour more."
"Don't worry, I'm already out. I'm closer, I'll go over and check first." Cheng Zhanxi strode into the elevator, squatting down to put on her shoes properly.
"Okay."
"Don't be afraid," Cheng Zhanxi comforted her gently.
"I'm not afraid," Yu Qingtang said softly from the other end.
"Good girl."
"...Mm."
Cheng Zhanxi went to the underground garage, drove her car out, and headed towards the police station.
Yu Qingtang held her phone, the screen still showing the call interface, not disconnected. Cheng Zhanxi was already driving, and she focused intently while driving. Yu Qingtang could only hear her breathing through the Bluetooth headset, her mood unprecedentedly calm.
Cheng Zhanxi parked her car at the entrance of the police station, pressed her earpiece, and said, "I'm going in first, I'll call you back later."
"Okay."
The call ended. Yu Qingtang looked at the receding streetscape outside and urged, "Sir, could you please go a little faster?"
In the hall of Xin'an Police Station, about ten people were squatting by the wall, heads in their hands. Those on the left all had short black hair, four tall ones, and only one relatively short. Those on the right had heads of various colors—every shade imaginable—and their heights were also uneven. They had tattoos and piercings, and even squatting on the ground couldn't hide their thuggish air, a smile playing on their lips.
A uniformed police officer, with a grim face, was lecturing them.
Cheng Zhanxi walked in, looked around, found the officer at the reception, and asked, "Hello, was there a group fight here? I'm their teacher."
Cheng Zhanxi was led to the wall. She crossed her arms, looking at the Sicheng No. 1 Middle School boys with their heads bowed.
Xiang Tianyou, Guo Fang, Lai Xin, Wu Peng, and another one, Lü Jian.
The boys lowered their heads even further.
Wu Peng and the others even softly called out "Teacher Cheng," while Xiang Tianyou didn't say a word, his head still down.
Cheng Zhanxi clapped twice, her expression unreadable, "Impressive, you even know how to get into group fights now."
One of the troublemakers watching the scene chimed in with a laugh, "Yeah, they're pretty good, fought us to a standstill. But they still suffered a bit, we had two more people."
Cheng Zhanxi didn't even look at him, coldly saying, "Shut up. Did I ask you to speak?"
If she weren't a teacher, she would have cursed out this gang of troublemakers first.
The troublemaker, rebuffed, tilted his head and grinned at his companions, scratching the floor tiles with his hand.
"Xiang Tianyou."
"..."
Cheng Zhanxi narrowed her eyes at him, her voice tinged with coldness, "Lift your head."
Xiang Tianyou slowly raised his head, revealing a face full of bruises and cuts.
"Teacher, I'm sorry."
...
Yu Qingtang pulled out a bill from her wallet, not waiting for change before pushing open the car door and walking towards the police station entrance not far away. Her pace quickened, eventually breaking into a run.
Yu Qingtang rushed into the hall and saw Cheng Zhanxi standing on the right side, a line of boys behind her, all with bruised and swollen faces, their clothes dirty and messy. Xiang Tianyou, at the head, was the most seriously injured. One eye was swollen like a steamed bun, only a slit visible. His mouth and cheeks were bruised, and one corner of his mouth was still bleeding, it was unclear where it was cut.
Yu Qingtang stood at the entrance looking at them, her eyes gradually turning red.
She slowly walked over, her boot heels clicking on the tiled floor, each step incredibly heavy.
Cheng Zhanxi looked at her, and the other police officers in the hall also turned to look at her.
She came to stand before this group of students.
Just a couple of days ago, they were gathered around her office, wearing clean and tidy blue and white school uniforms, diligently doing their homework, and even promising her they would improve in the final exams. Some even used all their tricks to make her happy. Now, because of fighting, they stood uniformly with bowed heads in the police station, their faces black and blue.
"You..." Yu Qingtang's chest heaved violently, overwhelmed by strong emotions. The words came out choked.
Cheng Zhanxi promptly put an arm around her, pressing her face into her own neck.
Warm tears quickly soaked Cheng Zhanxi's shoulder.
The only two times Yu Qingtang had cried in her life were for Cheng Zhanxi. This was the third time.
She made no sound, even her tears were silent and restrained, but Xiang Tianyou and the others saw her suppressed, trembling shoulders, and their eyes immediately reddened too.
They had really done wrong.
Xiang Tianyou clenched his fists, tears streaming from the slits of his eyes. He raised his hand to wipe them away.
Yu Qingtang bit her lower lip hard, and within ten seconds, she managed to suppress the surging tears. She sniffled and turned around to ask, "Why did you fight?"
Xiang Tianyou had originally wanted to hide it, to take responsibility alone. He hadn't said anything when Cheng Zhanxi asked him just now. But now, seeing Yu Qingtang's red eyes, his heart ached with sorrow. He honestly confessed, "They were harassing Yu Zhou."
Yu Qingtang didn't understand, "What happened with Yu Zhou?"
Xiang Tianyou's mouth and the inside were cut, and it hurt when he spoke. He hissed softly.
Wu Peng beside him helped explain, "Two months ago, Yu Zhou passed by those vocational school troublemakers. Their leader wanted Yu Zhou to be his girlfriend. Yu Zhou refused, so they kept following her. Brother Xiang has been escorting Yu Zhou to and from school every morning and evening during this time, precisely to prevent her from being harassed by that group."
Cheng Zhanxi's eyes widened in surprise. She looked at Yu Qingtang, whose eyes were misty again.
Yu Qingtang clenched her knuckles, her throat slightly choked, "Why didn't you tell me?" Why hadn't Yu Zhou told her either?
Wu Peng didn't know. Xiang Tianyou himself said, "They're from another school. I thought you probably couldn't manage that much, and if you went to them alone, I was afraid you'd be in danger. Also, Yu Zhou told me not to say anything. She didn't want to trouble you and Teacher Cheng."
Trouble...
Yu Qingtang's chest heaved, the mist in her eyes growing more pronounced.
Cheng Zhanxi took her hand. Yu Qingtang's knuckles dug into the back of her hand, veins bulging.
Yu Qingtang quietly composed herself for a moment, took a deep breath, and asked, "Where are they?"
Xiang Tianyou: "Huh?"
Yu Qingtang stared at him, two clusters of anger burning deep in her eyes, and said word by word, "Those people."
Xiang Tianyou was stunned and pointed behind him.
Still squatting by the wall.
Cheng Zhanxi was about to help Yu Qingtang over, but Yu Qingtang waved her hand away, indicating she could manage.
She strode over, her boot heels making crisp sounds on the floor. Looking down at the gang of troublemakers with colorful hair, she said sternly, "Who is your teacher?"
Cheng Zhanxi looked astonished, her foot, halfway raised to walk, froze in mid-air.
Guo Fang said blankly, "Teacher Yu suddenly looks like a mother hen with ruffled feathers protecting her chicks."
Xiang Tianyou, mouth agape, immediately kicked him upon hearing this, "What mother hen? It's an eagle! An eagle!"
Guo Fang, adding new injuries to old ones, "Ouch, ouch, ouch."
Lai Xin said, "As a young eagle, I feel a bit happy. Look, their class doesn't even have a teacher here. Teacher Yu is still the best. Teacher Yu didn't even scold us."
Xiang Tianyou curled his lips, wincing in pain, yet said, "Nonsense." He hissed, then said, "No more fighting from now on."
The four boys turned to look at him gloomily.
Who instigated them to go out for a group fight this time? Xiang Tianyou said guiltily, "I mean me."
The four boys said in unison, "Nonsense!"
Xiang Tianyou got a face full of spit but still grinned, laughing happily despite the pain.
With the eagle shielding them in front, the little chicks felt very safe behind.
Cheng Zhanxi stood with the students, not stepping forward, watching Yu Qingtang protect her chicks—no, educate those troublemakers.
Ten minutes later.
Yu Qingtang got the homeroom teacher's number of the vocational school's ringleader.
"Teacher Tong?" Yu Qingtang's voice was icy. "I'm the homeroom teacher of Class 7, Grade 10 at Sicheng No. 1 Middle School. Your students beat up my students. Shouldn't you give us an explanation? Their names are: Xu Qiuliang, Wang Mingxuan, Li Qiang, Wang Wei..."
The vocational school troublemakers were also students. Student matters could be brought to teachers, parents, and adults who could manage them.
Cheng Zhanxi took the opportunity to educate the Sicheng No. 1 Middle School boys on the side.
Sometimes, what children consider a huge, unsolvable problem is a small matter for adults. They are minors; when they encounter problems, they shouldn't carry them alone but learn to seek help from adults. When they grow up, they can also help those weaker minors.
The parents of Guo Fang, Lai Xin, Wu Peng, and Lü Jian all came and took their respective children away. Cheng Zhanxi explained the reasons to each of them, stating that they didn't fight for the sake of fighting; their motive was righteous, to protect their classmate.
"Yes, yes, I'm their teacher. My surname is Cheng."
"They are all good kids."
Most parents were relatively respectful towards teachers. Seeing their children covered in injuries, they were also extremely distressed. Two mothers shed tears on the spot and quickly took their children back to treat their wounds.
Only Xiang Tianyou remained.
Xiang Tianyou's father, Xiang Kang, was on a business trip, so he was currently unsupervised.
Yu Qingtang took him to a nearby hospital for a physical examination. Xiang Tianyou, with his swollen face, waved his hands embarrassedly, saying it wasn't necessary, just spraying some Yunnan Baiyao would do. Yu Qingtang glared at him fiercely. Xiang Tianyou hunched his neck and shoulders and obediently got into Cheng Zhanxi's car.
Yu Qingtang sat in the passenger seat, her lips tightly pressed, her face looking terrible.
Cheng Zhanxi reached out and covered the back of her hand.
Yu Qingtang clasped her hand back, drawing warmth from her warm palm, and a faint color slowly returned to her face.
The hospital was crowded on weekends. Cheng Zhanxi searched for a long time before finding a parking spot. Xiang Tianyou remained as quiet as a mouse throughout, not daring to say a word. Yu Qingtang's gaze was too terrifying. That terror wasn't the kind that made him fearful, but a complex mix of anger, blame, pity, and sadness.
As the saying goes, deep love, stern reproof.
Xiang Tianyou could feel it, so he wanted to make amends as much as possible, to behave better, and not to anger her.
Yu Qingtang went to register.
Cheng Zhanxi sat with Xiang Tianyou on a chair, crossed her legs, and said, "Brother Xiang, an interview, how are you feeling right now?"
Xiang Tianyou said mournfully, "The party involved is currently feeling regret, extreme regret!"
Cheng Zhanxi: "Are you sincere?"
Xiang Tianyou: "Sincere, truer than true gold. If heaven gave me another chance, I would hope the period of not fighting would be ten thousand years."
Cheng Zhanxi glanced at Yu Qingtang's back in the queue, her mood indescribably complex. "This is the first time I've seen her cry."
And it was for these little rascals!
Xiang Tianyou raised his hand to rub his nose, touched a wound, and cried out in pain. He took a couple of breaths before saying, "Really?"
Suddenly feeling a bit sad, yet also a bit proud, what was going on?
Cheng Zhanxi still gazed at that slender back, so fragile in the crowd, as if a gust of wind could blow her over, yet so strong, standing tall like a green bamboo.
"But it can also be considered a good thing." Cheng Zhanxi smiled.
Yu Qingtang wanted to close herself off again, but times were different now. Withered flowers would turn into spring mud, and people who had come would leave traces. She had once held Yu Qingtang's hand, and together they had planted a spark in her heart.
It was these students whom she treated sincerely, and who reciprocated with sincerity.
They were sincere, enthusiastic, simple, and unadulterated, as powerful as fifty Cheng Zhanxis.
She couldn't refuse their flowers; she would cry for them. This spark would grow with the wind; it was only a matter of time before it became a prairie fire.
She could never close that door again.
Cheng Zhanxi smiled.
She turned her head and saw Xiang Tianyou also smiling. Suddenly, her teeth itched. She looked him up and down and slapped the back of his uninjured left hand.
Xiang Tianyou yelped, "Why did you hit me?"
Cheng Zhanxi sneered, "Because I felt like it! Only Teacher Yu is angry, I haven't even gotten angry at you yet!"
Xiang Tianyou also extended his right hand, the back of which was red—from hitting people.
Cheng Zhanxi said irritably, "Let go."
Xiang Tianyou grinned cheekily.
After a while, Cheng Zhanxi was also amused into laughter.
When Yu Qingtang walked over from a distance, she saw the teacher and student talking and laughing. And when Cheng and Xiang saw her, they both acted like mice seeing a cat, tucking their tails between their legs.
—An enraged Yu Qingtang was not to be trifled with.
Yu Qingtang glanced at Cheng Zhanxi. Cheng Zhanxi stood up and moved behind her, making a face at Xiang Tianyou.
Xiang Tianyou's gaze remained fixed behind her, and he even winked at Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang turned to look at Cheng Zhanxi. Cheng Zhanxi instantly became demure and well-behaved, pursing her lips into an innocent smile.
Xiang Tianyou: "..."
The corner of Yu Qingtang's lips curled up almost imperceptibly. When she turned back to face Xiang Tianyou, her expression immediately tensed, and she said coldly, "Come with me to see the doctor."
Xiang Tianyou lowered his head, humbly online, "Coming."
Cheng Zhanxi: "Pfft."
Yu Qingtang cleared her throat.
Cheng Zhanxi, like a timid little wife, pinched the corner of Yu Qingtang's coat and followed behind her.
Xiang Tianyou, also behind, stared at her with wide eyes—have you no shame?
Cheng Zhanxi raised an eyebrow: Envious?
Xiang Tianyou: "..." Envious.
But he was a head taller than Yu Qingtang, and still a young man; he couldn't bring himself to act so shamelessly.
It was already dark when the three of them came out of the hospital. Xiang Tianyou had only suffered superficial injuries, nothing serious. Being young, with thick skin and a strong constitution, with some medicine, he would be fully recovered in ten days to half a month.
Xiang Tianyou's previous clothes were torn in several places and unwearable. He bought a new outfit at a mall. The fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy was tall and well-built, with some muscle, his short hair soft and black. Dressed in white casual wear, standing in front of the fitting room mirror, many shop assistants and customers secretly cast admiring glances his way.
Xiang Tianyou turned around, a pig's face on a human body.
Shop assistants & Customers: "!!!"
"Ah!" A female customer was so scared she stumbled back two or three steps, caught by her female companion.
Xiang Tianyou's bruised face instantly turned beet red, and he quickly tried to cover it with his hands.
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Stop covering it. Are you going to cover it when you eat later? Why didn't you think about disfigurement when you were fighting?"
Xiang Tianyou's mouth was hidden behind his hand, and he mumbled, "I know I was wrong."
Cheng Zhanxi: "If you know you're wrong, put your hands down. A real man dares to act and dares to bear the consequences."
Xiang Tianyou obediently put his hands down.
Directly opposite him was a raised mobile phone.
Mobile phone?
Xiang Tianyou's mouth fell slightly agape.
Click—
Cheng Zhanxi took a close-up shot of the pig-like face.
Xiang Tianyou almost stomped his foot, "Teacher Cheng! How could you?"
Cheng Zhanxi: "Hahahaha." She shook her phone and said, "A souvenir."
Xiang Tianyou wasn't actually very angry. What was keeping an embarrassing photo among buddies? He then looked at Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang's eyes were curved, clearly also laughing at him.
Xiang Tianyou: "..."
Forget it, as long as the two of them were happy.
Xiang Tianyou was taken to dinner by the two teachers. The embarrassing photo on Cheng Zhanxi's phone was deleted. She had taken it for fun, not intending to actually save it. If she were to save one, she would wait until Xiang Tianyou's injuries healed and take a handsome photo, something pleasing to the eye.
Afterward, Cheng Zhanxi sent Xiang Tianyou home and then drove back to Mingmen Residence.
The atmosphere in the elevator was a bit subtle.
Cheng Zhanxi glanced at Yu Qingtang out of the corner of her eye. Yu Qingtang was looking down at the floor.
Ding—
The 21st floor arrived.
The two went out one after the other and stood facing each other at the elevator entrance.
Yu Qingtang let out a soft breath, looked at Cheng Zhanxi, and said sincerely, "Regarding today's matter, thank you for your trouble, Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Zhanxi waved her hand and smiled, "It was nothing."
Yu Qingtang: "I..."
Cheng Zhanxi waited patiently for a while, but Yu Qingtang still didn't say what came next.
She changed to a hesitant word, "Um..."
Cheng Zhanxi couldn't help but chuckle. She reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "If you don't know what to say, you can say it later. No rush."
Yu Qingtang was silent for a moment, then replied with a single word, "Mm..."
Cheng Zhanxi smiled, "Go to sleep then, good night."
Yu Qingtang slowly nodded, her voice a little soft in reply, "Mm."
This parting didn't devolve into a formulaic hug, yet Cheng Zhanxi felt she was closer to Yu Qingtang's heart than when they hugged.
Cheng Zhanxi walked to her door and said, "Oh, right."
Yu Qingtang immediately turned back.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Wait here for me a moment, I'll get the painting for you."
Cheng Zhanxi moved quickly. Yu Qingtang only heard footsteps hurrying away and then hurrying back, and then she was holding an oil painting.
Yu Qingtang took it, bit her lip, and said softly, "Thank you."
"Good night."
"Good night."
The two doors were gently closed one after the other.
Yu Qingtang hugged the painting, her back against the door, and blinked softly.
A night of good wind blew.
Monday morning.
The Grade 10 faculty office was deathly silent.
Xiang Tianyou, in his blue and white school uniform, stood before Yu Qingtang's desk, his head bowed very low.
Yu Qingtang pinched the bridge of her nose, her temples throbbing.
"Teacher Yu..." Xiang Tianyou said in a low voice, his eyes slightly red.
Yu Qingtang gently comforted him, "Don't be afraid, there will be a way."
Xiang Tianyou choked out an "Mm."
After the police station's verbal reprimand and education, the school's disciplinary action had just begun. At Sicheng No. 1 Middle School, fighting was considered an extremely serious disciplinary offense. Guo Fang, Wu Peng, and the others all received a major demerit. As for Xiang Tianyou, who led the group fight, the school's punishment was direct expulsion.
With a bang, the office door was kicked open forcefully.
Xiang Tianyou's father, Xiang Kang, his face ashen, strode over and kicked Xiang Tianyou hard.
Xiang Tianyou was sent flying sideways by the kick, crashing into a solid wood desk more than half a meter away. He let out a muffled groan and fell to the ground.
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