After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 85
Chapter 85
“Still scared?”
After taking Xiang Tianyou home, in the ascending elevator of Building 19, Mingmen Residence, Yu Qingtang asked Cheng Zhanxi, who had been scared out of her wits by the haunted house.
Since she had asked in such a way, Cheng Zhanxi naturally said, “Scared.”
Yu Qingtang then said, “I have some work to do, may I use your study for a bit?”
Cheng Zhanxi smiled. “Okay.”
Yu Qingtang went home to get some printed documents and knocked on the door of 2102.
Having just returned from outside, both were tired and went to their respective rooms for a nap.
Before Cheng Zhanxi entered her bedroom, Yu Qingtang asked her again, “Do you need me to stay with you?”
Her gaze was calm, and her voice was calm too, giving off a peculiar sense of trust and security. To put it colloquially, she was very sisterly.
Cheng Zhanxi was a little charmed by her and nodded obediently.
Cheng Zhanxi lay down in bed. Yu Qingtang didn't hold her hand but sat on the edge of the bed, leaning slightly, gently patting her arm, once, then again.
Cheng Zhanxi's eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and she drifted off to sleep in the encroaching drowsiness.
Yu Qingtang tucked her in, gazed at her for a moment, then quietly left, closing the door behind her.
Sunlight streamed in through the living room's French windows, inching across the floor, dyeing it a golden red. A pair of long legs stood on the dividing line cut by the sunlight on the floor. Her ankles were delicate, her calves well-proportioned and slender, covered by her nightgown up to the knees. Cheng Zhanxi stepped into the sunlight and stretched lazily.
She didn't have the habit of sleeping in; her naps never exceeded an hour at most, and she would wake up automatically.
Unlike a certain someone who loved to sleep in.
A smile rippled in Cheng Zhanxi's eyes as she looked at the closed study door behind her.
It was a little after three, not yet four. Cheng Zhanxi casually picked up a book from the coffee table and sat in the hanging chair, flipping through it. The chair swayed gently, making a faint, almost inaudible sound. Amidst the swaying, Cheng Zhanxi gradually felt drowsy. She didn't fight it; the book in her hand fell, resting askew by her leg, and she closed her eyelids. Soon, her even breathing could be heard.
This was how weekends were meant to be spent: sleeping when tired, comfortable and content. Time was meant to be wasted.
She woke up again. The study door was already open. Yu Qingtang, still in her pajamas, was sitting behind the desk working on Cheng Zhanxi's computer, exuding a gentle, homey aura.
Yu Qingtang looked up as if sensing something.
Seeing that Yu Qingtang had noticed her, Cheng Zhanxi at the doorway smiled and walked in.
“When did you wake up?”
Yu Qingtang glanced at the time in the bottom right corner of the computer: “Nineteen minutes ago.”
“So precise?”
“Mm.”
“You didn't laze in bed?”
“For a little while, no more than two minutes,” Yu Qingtang said.
Cheng Zhanxi didn't ask if it was because she wasn't by her side. Their relationship had subtly entered a wonderfully mysterious stage. Yu Qingtang no longer relied on her as she had before, constantly acting cute and asking for hugs. But for Cheng Zhanxi, this was a good thing. The previous Yu Qingtang had been stuck in her childhood; her intimacy was that of childhood playmates. Now, standing before her was a twenty-eight-year-old mature woman who had begun to face this relationship seriously.
Only then could their relationship be considered on the right track.
Cheng Zhanxi vaguely understood her worries. Yu Qingtang wasn't like ordinary people who, upon liking someone, couldn't wait to be together, living for the moment. She severely lacked a sense of security and didn't dare to easily utter those three words. Someone who had never received love needed more love to warm her.
What Cheng Zhanxi lacked least was love.
In this respect, they were a match made in heaven.
Cheng Zhanxi walked to her side, glanced at the computer, and asked, “Want some fruit?”
Yu Qingtang thought for a moment and asked, “What fruits do you have?”
Cheng Zhanxi was overjoyed and said, “Whatever you want to eat, we'll have it.”
“I want to eat mangoes.”
“I'll go get them for you.”
Cheng Zhanxi searched the living room; she had eaten the last mango the previous night. Cheng Zhanxi grabbed her keys, went to the entryway to change her shoes, and announced, “I'm going out for a bit.”
She hurried out without waiting for Yu Qingtang's response.
She wasn't afraid of Yu Qingtang asking for too much; she could give her anything. She was only afraid that Yu Qingtang wouldn't ask for anything at all—that would be the greatest cruelty to her.
The sound of the door closing came from the living room.
Yu Qingtang sat at the desk, her right hand holding the mouse motionless for a long time. The corners of her lips curved up slightly.
Cheng Zhanxi entered the supermarket and sent a message to Yu Qingtang: [Besides mangoes, is there anything else you want to eat?]
Yu Qingtang: [I can't think of anything.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [How about dragon fruit?]
Yu Qingtang: [Okay.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [Should I buy some more strawberries?]
Yu Qingtang: [Sure.]
Cheng Zhanxi: [Want some sugar pears? They should be very sweet.]
Yu Qingtang: [Can you carry them?]
Cheng Zhanxi thought to herself, If you want to eat them, I'd carry them back even if my hands were about to break.
Her fingers were typing in the input box when a message from Yu Qingtang arrived.
[That's enough for now, we can buy more next time.]
Next time? She said next time? And she's worried my hands will hurt and I won't be able to carry them.
Supermarket customers passing by the fruit section looked at the beautiful woman in a khaki coat, casual trousers, her hand with an exquisite ladies' watch resting on the shopping cart, the other hand holding a phone, smiling at the screen. They all cast glances her way.
Accidentally becoming an object of curiosity, Cheng Zhanxi suppressed the upward curve of her lips, put her phone into her coat pocket, and added a small sweet melon to the cart.
After weighing the fruit, she went to the snack aisle and took a photo for Yu Qingtang.
[Should I weigh some milk candies?]
Yu Qingtang had previously found a type of milk candy delicious and had asked her where she bought it, saying they should come to the supermarket together to buy it when they had time. After the incident at the cinema, she no longer mentioned the supermarket.
Yu Qingtang replied instantly: [Okay.]
Cheng Zhanxi stood a bit further back and took a picture of the entire snack shelf for her: [Want anything else?]
After sending it, she immediately stared at her phone screen without blinking.
The top of the screen showed "typing..." for about a minute.
[Yu Qingtang]: Let's buy them together next time, it's inconvenient for you alone.
Cheng Zhanxi's smile widened.
Rounding up, this was practically Yu Qingtang pledging her life to her!
Since she was at the supermarket, Cheng Zhanxi also bought some groceries, planning to have Yu Qingtang stay for dinner.
After paying, with large and small bags, Cheng Zhanxi laboriously hung them all on her arms and walked from the supermarket entrance towards home. She had only taken a few steps when she heard someone call from behind, “Teacher Cheng?”
Cheng Zhanxi turned around.
She saw a girl in a pale yellow short down jacket running quickly towards her, reaching her in a moment.
It was a girl from Class Seven. Cheng Zhanxi smiled slightly and called her name, “Shi Keyu.”
Shi Keyu said, “Hello, Teacher Cheng. Are you going home, Teacher Cheng?”
Cheng Zhanxi said, “Yes.”
Shi Keyu looked at the bags in her hands and said, “Let me help you carry some?”
“No need, thank you, Student Shi.”
“Which residential complex does Teacher Cheng live in?”
“Mingmen Residence.”
“I live in the nearby Jinxiu Jiayuan, it's on the way.” After saying this, Shi Keyu took the bags from one of her hands without waiting for a refusal.
Cheng Zhanxi chuckled her thanks and didn't insist further.
“I'm back.” Cheng Zhanxi closed the main door, placed the bags in her hand on the floor in the entryway, and bent down to change her shoes.
Slightly hurried footsteps came from the study. Yu Qingtang, wearing loungewear, came out, reached for the bags in the entryway to bring them in, and said in a casual tone, “Why did you buy so much?”
Cheng Zhanxi couldn't help but smile, her eyes crinkling, at such a natural and warm exchange.
“I wanted to buy everything I saw, and before I knew it, I'd bought too much.” Cheng Zhanxi helped sort the items and said with a smile, “Guess who I met on the way?”
“Who?”
“Shi Keyu. She said she lives in the nearby Jinxiu Jiayuan and helped me carry half of it, all the way to our complex entrance. It's great being a teacher.”
“She doesn't live in Jinxiu Jiayuan.” Yu Qingtang frowned.
“Huh?”
“The address she registered on the information form isn't in Jinxiu Jiayuan.” Why lie about living in Jinxiu Jiayuan? Was it just to help Cheng Zhanxi carry some things? Or did she harbor other, unspoken intentions? After all, Cheng Zhanxi was likable, and no matter how much the distinction between teacher and student was emphasized, it couldn't stop students from developing feelings of admiration for her.
Yu Qingtang's frown deepened.
“You remember that too?” Cheng Zhanxi took the mangoes to the kitchen, casually leading Yu Qingtang over to keep her company.
“I saw it, so I remembered.”
“Okay.” Cheng Zhanxi turned on the tap and washed the mango skin.
Yu Qingtang's brow smoothed out.
Whether Shi Keyu liked Cheng Zhanxi or not was Shi Keyu's business; Cheng Zhanxi clearly didn't care about it.
Cheng Zhanxi pressed the flesh of the mango in her hand through its skin with her fingertips; it was full and elastic. Her water-beaded fingers deftly peeled back the skin, revealing the bright yellow flesh, and brought it to Yu Qingtang's lips.
Yu Qingtang's pearly teeth parted slightly, and she took a gentle bite from Cheng Zhanxi's hand. The texture was soft and mellow, melting in her mouth without much chewing, sweet as sugar and honey.
Food could make people feel happy. After finishing one mango, Yu Qingtang's eyes curved into crescents.
Cheng Zhanxi washed her hands and said, “Take some with you when you go back tonight. Peel them and eat them if you want, or come over here if you don't want to peel them yourself.”
Yu Qingtang's eyes curved again.
Using the excuse of being afraid of ghosts, Cheng Zhanxi had Yu Qingtang stay with her until she fell asleep before Yu Qingtang returned to 2101 across the hall.
She stood in the entryway, looking at the empty, lifeless living room, and suddenly thought: Should I buy a couple of potted plants?
Yu Qingtang walked to the center of the living room, imagining where placing flowers would look best. A preliminary plan formed in her mind. She passed by “The Blizzard” hanging on the wall and entered the bedroom.
After towel-drying her long hair until it was half-dry, Yu Qingtang sat up in bed and read for a while. When drowsiness overcame her, she naturally closed her eyes and fell into a dream.
On Sunday, neither of them went out. They watched TV series at Cheng Zhanxi's place from morning till night, utterly indulgent.
Half of the fruit Cheng Zhanxi had bought was finished. They couldn't even eat proper meals, so they didn't cook, and made two bowls of wontons for a late-night snack.
Early Monday morning, Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang met at the elevator and went to school together.
The final exams were in two days. Students needed to relax amidst their intense revision, so Cheng Zhanxi had her usual PE class this afternoon. However, even if she had no classes, she reported to school on time every day, more diligent than some veteran teachers.
Compared to the freezing cold of the past two days, today's temperature had risen slightly.
The air was quiet and fresh. The southern wind was damp and cold, a chill that seeped into the bones. As long as it wasn't windy, everything was manageable.
The two of them left the residential complex, chatting as they walked.
At six-thirty in the morning, the streets were empty, with hardly any pedestrians in sight.
In the cold air, not far ahead of them at a corner, a green head peeked out from behind a wall, then quickly retracted.
Green Hair reported, “She's here, two people, the other one is also a woman.”
In front of Green Hair stood five or six people, all around sixteen or seventeen years old, with brightly dyed hair, pierced ears with studs, and necklaces with crosses or skulls. A puff of white smoke rose from behind them. The group parted, and Green Hair looked at their leader, who was leaning against the wall, puffing clouds of smoke.
Called the leader, he was only seventeen or eighteen, with a buzz cut showing dark stubble, sleeves rolled up halfway revealing a tattoo on his forearm, and fierce brows and stern eyes.
Green Hair swallowed. “Boss, are we really going to do this?”
Another person hesitated, “She's a teacher, after all.”
Their usual delinquency was targeted at peers; they rarely confronted adults, let alone teachers, who held a special profession among adults. And they were still students.
The delinquent leader, known as Boss, took a deep drag from his cigarette, threw the butt on the ground, and crushed it fiercely. He looked up, his eyes full of malice, and said, “So what if she's a teacher? Can you swallow this insult?”
The week before last, they had fought with Xiang Tianyou and others and ended up at the police station. Yu Qingtang had contacted their homeroom teacher. With witness testimony (eyewitnesses), physical evidence (injuries), and police records, Teacher Tong had severely reprimanded them. Not only did the school give them a major demerit, but some of them were also beaten half to death by their parents when they got home.
The delinquent leader had been beaten by his father with a stick from inside the house to outside. He had lain in bed for two days before he could get up, and his back still hurt.
It was all that stinking bitch's fault! She even threatened to sue them! He wanted to see if she could still act tough later!
Seeing the others still hesitating, the delinquent leader softened his fierce expression and tone, saying, “We're just going to teach her a small lesson, tell her to mind her own business. A couple of shoves, scare her a bit, that's all. I'm not asking you to really hit her.”
Green Hair: “Will she really sue us? There are cameras on this street, they'll record everything.”
The leader chuckled. “What's there to be afraid of? We're still minors. I'll be eighteen in a month. It'd be a waste not to do something this month.”
The others snickered along.
The leader said, “Don't worry, even if we end up at the station, we'll be out quickly. We won't even be detained. Haven't the police uncles lectured us enough times already?”
Everyone laughed together again: “Hahahaha.”
Cheng Zhanxi's ears twitched. She asked Yu Qingtang beside her, “Did you hear...”
Before she could finish, several figures rushed out from the corner, solidly blocking their path.
They didn't come with good intentions.
Cheng Zhanxi's gaze swept over them, recognizing most of their faces, especially the buzz-cut one with a fierce expression.
Buzz Cut pointed at her. “This isn't your business, get out of the way!”
These delinquents actually dared to come looking for trouble?
In the pale morning light, Cheng Zhanxi looked up at the camera positioned high above, directly facing them.
Cheng Zhanxi gestured for Yu Qingtang to step back, shielding her behind herself, and said, “I've been to the police station too, have you forgotten?”
Buzz Cut looked at her, then shouted, “It's you!”
Cheng Zhanxi smiled. “So young, yet such a bad memory?” Her eyes quickly scanned their builds and positions—seven high school boys, unarmed. It should be fine.
Buzz Cut's eyes sharpened. “You asked for it!”
He said no more and charged forward, fist raised.
The others were stunned. Weren't they supposed to just shove her a couple of times? Why was he throwing punches already? Should they fight or not?
The corners of Cheng Zhanxi's lips curled up. Seemingly casual, her eyes were fixed on the opponent's line of attack. She tilted her head and dodged Buzz Cut's sandbag-sized fist.
The street camera quietly recorded.
Buzz Cut missed with two consecutive punches. With a loud shout, he threw another punch straight at her. Cheng Zhanxi retreated, but not far enough. The punch landed squarely on her shoulder. Cheng Zhanxi grunted, her expression pained.
Buzz Cut froze for a moment, looking down at his fist.
He hadn't had much strength left when he hit her. How could this be?
Never mind, beat her up first!
Yu Qingtang: “Cheng Zhanxi!”
Yu Qingtang's eyes instantly reddened. She took out her phone to call 110. While anxiously waiting for the call to connect, the situation on the scene took a surprising turn.
After taking that punch, Cheng Zhanxi began her “legitimate self-defense.” Yu Qingtang didn't even see how it started. In a blur, the delinquent leader, Buzz Cut, who was at least 1.8 meters tall and well-built, was already on the ground, flat on his back. A dull thud, and he cried out loudly in pain.
Cheng Zhanxi followed up with a kick. She was wearing thick-soled winter boots, which were convenient for kicking. She kicked him in the small of his back.
Buzz Cut gasped, curling up like a shrimp.
The other delinquents subconsciously touched their own waists: “...”
That looks painful.
Buzz Cut gasped for air and struggled to his feet, glaring at them. “What are you waiting for? Attack together!”
With that, he charged forward first.
The others looked at each other and, steeling themselves, also rushed forward.
The call connected.
The operator said, “Hello, this is the Sicheng City 110 Command Center. How can I help you?”
Yu Qingtang stared blankly as Cheng Zhanxi fiercely sent Green Hair flying two or three meters with a kick. Then, as if she had eyes in the back of her head, she ducked, grabbed Yellow Hair's arms, and used her body to execute a clean and decisive shoulder throw.
That was probably how Buzz Cut had been thrown just now.
Yu Qingtang subconsciously swallowed.
110 operator: “How can I help you? Hello? Are you still there?”
Yu Qingtang snapped back to reality. “Yes, I'm here. There are people causing trouble here. My current location is...”
One by one, the delinquents fell to the ground, their miserable cries rising and falling, shattering the morning tranquility.
Buzz Cut's eyes were fierce. With one hand stuffed into his jacket pocket, he circled around the periphery of the group, watching Cheng Zhanxi's back, and stealthily approached.
A glint of light flashed from his cuff, exceptionally dazzling in the morning light.
Yu Qingtang's pupils contracted. “Watch out—”
Her body moved faster than her brain, rushing towards Cheng Zhanxi.
But Cheng Zhanxi heard her warning. A gust of wind came from behind. She pivoted on her feet and timely sidestepped.
Puchi—
The switchblade pierced her waist, making a crisp sound of tearing fabric.
Cheng Zhanxi brought her elbow back and struck Buzz Cut hard in the chest. Buzz Cut couldn't catch his breath, his face turning purple. His soft abdomen then took a kick, and he fell backward onto the ground, groaning softly, unable to move for a moment.
“Cheng Zhanxi!” Yu Qingtang's voice, laced with tears, rang out.
Cheng Zhanxi gripped the handle and pulled out the switchblade.
The tip of the blade was unstained by blood.
“I'm fine, it just pierced my clothes.” Cheng Zhanxi showed her the tip of the blade and comforted her softly.
Yu Qingtang buried her face in Cheng Zhanxi's shoulder and burst into tears.
Cheng Zhanxi gently patted her back. “It's okay, it's okay now.”
The few passersby looked at the two women embracing, then at the several young men dressed like delinquents groaning on the ground, casting puzzled glances.
Cheng Zhanxi asked two male passersby to help control the seven delinquents, including their leader.
A few minutes later, police sirens wailed in the street.
Fighting was one thing, assault with a weapon was another. Although Cheng Zhanxi had narrowly avoided injury, the pierced clothing was evidence. Cheng Zhanxi had initially worried they would be let off with just a verbal warning, but now they could at least be detained for a few days.
Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang went to the police station to give their statements.
The officer who received them was the female police officer Cheng Zhanxi had met twice before. The officer smiled as soon as she saw her. “Hello, good citizen.”
Cheng Zhanxi smiled. “This time, I've brought you a few more to deal with.”
There were cameras on the street that had clearly recorded the incident. Cheng Zhanxi was attacked first and then retaliated, and her counterattack occurred during the ongoing assault, qualifying as legitimate self-defense. No fault could be found.
Moreover, these delinquents all had prior records, committing misdeeds under the shield of being minors, and frequently ended up at the station for “ideological education.”
The facts were clear. After giving their statements, Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang left the police station.
Yu Qingtang was still shaken, holding Cheng Zhanxi's hand tightly, her palm cold.
Cheng Zhanxi covered the back of her hand, enclosing it in her own palm, and said gently, “It's okay now, be good.”
Yu Qingtang lowered her head and said, “They came looking for me.”
Cheng Zhanxi: “What are you trying to say? That you feel you implicated me? Or that you shouldn't have stood up for Xiang Tianyou and the others by seeking an explanation from their homeroom teacher? They are the ones in the wrong, not us.”
Yu Qingtang wasn't really trying to dwell on it and murmured a soft “Mm.”
Cheng Zhanxi raised her hand and looked down at her torn down jacket. “I need to go back and change. Are you coming with me?”
Yu Qingtang tightened her grip on her hand. “Yes.”
Cheng Zhanxi tutted. “This jacket is quite expensive. I'll have to ask their parents for compensation for the financial loss.”
Yu Qingtang smiled softly.
2102.
Cheng Zhanxi walked into the bedroom. Before closing the door, she heard Yu Qingtang on the phone with Yang Li, discussing rescheduling classes.
She took off the down jacket and found that the sweater underneath was also torn. The skin on her side waist was fair and delicate, without even a scratch. Cheng Zhanxi stood in front of the full-length mirror and checked several times, making sure her waist wasn't injured, before sighing in relief.
This waist was very precious, as Yu Qingtang would be the one to touch and playfully handle it in the future.
Cheng Zhanxi changed into a new sweater and coat and came out.
Yu Qingtang, disregarding everything else, lifted her clothes and checked again.
“Are you uncomfortable anywhere?”
“No.”
Yu Qingtang's hand gently touched her left shoulder, her concern palpable. “What about here? Weren't you hit here by that person just now?”
Cheng Zhanxi caught her hand and held it, smiling. “I did it on purpose.”
Yu Qingtang: “Huh?” Her expression looked a little dazed.
Cheng Zhanxi blinked. “He didn't hit me, just lightly touched me. Otherwise, how could I have seized the opportunity to beat them up soundly?”
Yu Qingtang also blinked.
Cheng Zhanxi laughed, took her hand, and said, “Let's go to school.”
Yu Qingtang stood in the elevator, looking at Cheng Zhanxi's reflection in the car wall, and blinked again.
Cheng Zhanxi is so smart.
The sun rose, and the streets at seven or eight o'clock were bustling with people.
With one hand in Cheng Zhanxi's pocket, Yu Qingtang passed the spot where they had been ambushed and then remembered to ask Cheng Zhanxi, “Why are your fighting skills so good?”
Cheng Zhanxi said, “When you're out and about, you always need to learn some self-defense.” Otherwise, how would she dare to wander around in deserted mountains and wild places?
Yu Qingtang's eyes widened slightly. She let out a soft “Oh,” her dark pupils shining with a peculiar light.
She wasn't physically active, even running was a struggle for her. She had always admired Cheng Zhanxi's athletic abilities. Now, seeing her deal with the delinquents so fluidly and without a scratch, her admiration level maxed out. Another halo, besides that of a painter, shone steadily upon Cheng Zhanxi.
This is the person she likes.
This thought surfaced clearly in Yu Qingtang's mind for the first time, making her heart beat rapidly and her ears turn red at an alarming speed.
Cheng Zhanxi continued, “Besides, since my brother and I were very young, my dad hired coaches for us. He thinks physical fitness is very important, so he always emphasized training in this area. My dad also said that we have to keep exercising and stay in shape, otherwise we won't find boyfriends or girlfriends... Why is your face so red?”
Cheng Zhanxi had seen Yu Qingtang blush before, but she didn't think this was a normal blush.
Yu Qingtang was as red as a steamed shrimp—her face, neck, and ears were all flushed, even the back of her fair neck.
If one were to peel off her clothes at this moment, the skin underneath would surely be tinged with a light pink as well.
Cheng Zhanxi reached out to touch her forehead, muttering to herself, “Does she have a fever?”
Yu Qingtang, flustered and annoyed, forcefully swatted her hand away and strode forward quickly.
Cheng Zhanxi stood stunned for a moment, then suddenly slapped her own forehead, laughed, and quickly chased after her. “Yu Qingtang, wait for me.”
Yu Qingtang walked faster and faster, faster and faster, faster and...
She couldn't walk anymore.
Yu Qingtang's stamina was depleted. She stood by the roadside, hands on her knees, panting heavily.
Cheng Zhanxi couldn't help but burst out laughing, her laughter clear and bright.
And she laughed so hard she was practically doubling over, which was quite excessive.
Yu Qingtang became even more embarrassed and annoyed, shrugging off Cheng Zhanxi who had caught up.
Cheng Zhanxi: “...”
“I was wrong.” She quickly jogged after her.
She hadn't run more than a few steps when Yu Qingtang stopped ahead again, her body stiff, something clearly wrong.
Cheng Zhanxi's heart sank. She walked in front of her and saw her pale face and pained expression.
“What's wrong?”
Yu Qingtang pressed a hand to her side, gently sucking in a breath of cold air.
“I got a side stitch...”
Although our Yu Tangtang is a weak chicken who can get a side stitch just from walking, we still have to shout those two words loudly: Yu Gong!!! (Yu the Attacker!!!)
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