After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 99
Chapter 99
“A spring outing?”
Yu Qingtang sat behind her desk, looking at the class monitor with a pretty mole on the tip of her nose.
“Yes.” Li Lan, dressed in a neat and clean blue and white school uniform, stood tall with a serious expression. “Spring is a time of renewal. A spring outing can not only strengthen class cohesion but also allow students to get closer to nature. Having just gone through our first monthly exam since starting school, the students need to relax and relieve academic pressure… Teacher, why are you looking at me like that?”
Yu Qingtang gently twirled the fountain pen in her hand and said lightly, “It's nothing. Please continue.”
Li Lan faltered for a moment, fine beads of sweat seeping from her fingertips. She resisted the urge to look at Cheng Zhanxi beside her.
Yu Qingtang: “Hmm?”
Li Lan unconsciously swallowed and continued, “We'll be streamed into different classes next semester. Before that, as members of Class 7 of Senior Year 1, we all hope to create a shared beautiful memory.”
At the mention of class streaming, Yu Qingtang's eyes subtly darkened, and Li Lan's spirits also dipped a little.
She stood before the desk, looking at Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang composed herself, looked up, and said, “Discuss it with your classmates, then come back to me with the details.”
Li Lan said, “Okay, thank you, Teacher Yu.”
Li Lan walked out of the office door with light steps, as if afraid that heavy footsteps would startle Yu Qingtang into changing her mind.
Once outside, she leaned against the wall, out of Yu Qingtang's sight, and let out a long breath.
Class 7, Senior Year 1.
As soon as Li Lan entered the classroom, she was surrounded by Lian Yabing and others. Li Lan waved her hand, motioning for those in front of her to disperse. She walked to her seat and sat down, only to be quickly surrounded by the girls again, who asked in a flurry:
“How did it go? How did it go?”
“Did Teacher Yu agree?”
“She didn't refuse, did she? Then what about Teacher Cheng?”
Anyone who didn't know it was about the spring outing might have thought Cheng Zhanxi had proposed, given the anticipation.
Li Lan's ears were filled with chatter. She held out a hand.
Lian Yabing's eyes lit up: “Are they wearing a wedding ring? Is the wedding in progress?”
Li Lan: “…Water. Get it for me.”
Lian Yabing eagerly fetched her water bottle, unscrewed the cap, and said, “Please, have some.”
Li Lan took a sip of water, moistened her throat, and her racing heart calmed down. She smiled at everyone and said, “She agreed.”
A joyous cheer erupted in Class 7.
Li Lan placed her index finger to her lips. “Keep it a secret. Not a word to Teacher Yu, or you'll be the enemy of the entire class.”
In the office, Yu Qingtang looked at Cheng Zhanxi, who was sitting diagonally opposite her and appearing increasingly at ease. She lowered her head and sent her a message.
【Teacher Cheng, do you have time for the spring outing?】
Cheng Zhanxi, playing her part to the end: 【When is it?】
Yu Qingtang: 【I'll ask later】
Cheng Zhanxi: 【Then ask me when the time comes】
Yu Qingtang rephrased her question: 【When are you not free?】
At this, Cheng Zhanxi looked up at her, her eyes teasing.
Yu Qingtang's phone vibrated.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: You want to go on the spring outing with me that much?
Yu Qingtang's ears turned red as she read the message.
[Cheng Zhanxi]: Why aren't you saying anything? Hmm?
[Cheng Zhanxi]: If you want me to go, I'll go. Do you want me to?
One message after another, Cheng Zhanxi's words seemed to have a voice, echoing softly and alluringly in her ears.
Yu Qingtang's face flushed like a sunset; she couldn't even lift her head.
After Wen Zhihan resigned, a new teacher took the seat opposite Yu Qingtang. The new teacher looked at Yu Qingtang, opened her mouth, and was just about to ask if she had a fever when a hand suddenly pressed her shoulder.
She looked up at the person and said, “Teacher Ge.”
Ge Jing said, “Teacher Xu, what… did you have for breakfast?”
Teacher Xu: “…Steamed buns and soy milk.”
Ge Jing smiled. “Very healthy.”
Teacher Xu: “Is there something you need?”
Ge Jing said, “Nothing, I just ate too much this morning and am walking it off.”
Teacher Xu: “…”
She watched Ge Jing stroll away and refocused her attention on the lesson plan in front of her.
Did she forget something? Never mind, it wasn't important.
And Cheng Zhanxi finally received Yu Qingtang's reply.
【Mm.】
A response to her “Do you want me to?”
The boldest Yu Qingtang had ever been in expressing her feelings was when they were in a long-distance relationship. Because they couldn't meet, only words could alleviate a fraction of their longing. Now that they were together day and night again, Yu Qingtang had reverted to her previous reserved and shy self, easily blushing beet red whenever Cheng Zhanxi teased her.
Sometimes, even when lost in her own thoughts, her face would flush, and her eyes would become watery.
This had happened twice, making Cheng Zhanxi particularly curious about what she was thinking. She asked once, but Yu Qingtang refused to say.
Yu Qingtang was simply thinking about her intently.
Not thinking about anything improper, just recalling their time together, every sweet nothing Cheng Zhanxi had whispered to her, every gentle look, was enough to make her heart surge.
The bell for lunch break rang.
The two had lunch at a noodle shop outside the school and walked home hand in hand for an afternoon nap.
The sun happened to be out today. Cheng Zhanxi had gone home earlier to air out the quilt, and now it was brought in and spread on the bed, soft, warm, and smelling of sunshine.
Yu Qingtang changed into her pajamas and lay down under the freshly aired quilt. It retained a lingering warmth, like a small sun.
“Comfortable?”
Yu Qingtang, half her face hidden in the quilt, nodded obediently.
“Then sleep well. Good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon.” Yu Qingtang closed her eyes.
Cheng Zhanxi leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Yu Qingtang quietly pulled down the quilt covering the lower half of her face, revealing her pale pink lips.
Cheng Zhanxi then kissed her lips, a light, fleeting touch, not deepening it.
She smoothed the stray hairs on Yu Qingtang's forehead, then got up and left the study.
Only after the study door closed did Yu Qingtang open her eyes. Her mouth was slightly agape, the tip of her tongue peeking out, a little disappointed at not having been “favored.”
After a while, she began to wonder if she was being too greedy. Ever since Cheng Zhanxi had kissed her deeply a few times, she was no longer satisfied with such light, fleeting kisses. To her, they were merely after-dinner desserts, like a tiny bite of mousse cake. She wanted a sumptuous main course.
She wanted kisses that left them parched, wet and soft entanglement, pulling at each other, conquering territory, a back-and-forth, the restless, scorching heat in the air, the fierce collision of molecules.
She wished Cheng Zhanxi would kiss her until she cried and begged for mercy, pinning her wrists to the pillow, not letting her move. She missed how every deep kiss stirred her nerves, making her whole body heat up and tremble uncontrollably.
But if she didn't say it, how would Cheng Zhanxi know?
Cheng Zhanxi closed her own bedroom door, contentedly pulled up her quilt, and closed her eyes.
Yu Qingtang tossed and turned, pressing the back of her hand to her lips, mimicking the sensation of Cheng Zhanxi kissing her, and drifted off to sleep in a daze.
When she opened her eyes, she wasn't surprised to see the familiar figure sitting by her bed.
Cheng Zhanxi kissed her forehead and said softly, “You can get up now. I'll wait for you outside.”
Yu Qingtang: “…”
While changing, Yu Qingtang touched her moist lips, paused for a moment, then her lips curved into a smile. Cheng Zhanxi had clearly kissed her while she was asleep. Unfortunately, she hadn't been aware of it at all and had missed it.
Yu Qingtang pursed her lips and changed into a trench coat and trousers.
When she came out, Cheng Zhanxi was leaning against the dining table opposite the study door, holding a black mug and drinking water. Her thin lips were moist, red, and dewy.
Yu Qingtang discreetly glanced at her lips.
Cheng Zhanxi uncrossed her long legs, put the mug back in the kitchen, and said, “Shall we go?”
Yu Qingtang lowered her eyes. “Let's go.”
After putting on her shoes, Yu Qingtang lingered in the entryway for two or three seconds, fantasizing that Cheng Zhanxi would pin her against the door and kiss her, just like the last time she came home from evening self-study. Cheng Zhanxi had been waiting for her at the door, pulled her inside, braced her hands on either side of her neck, and kissed her.
She didn't even have time to say a word; all her words were caught in her mouth.
What followed were ambiguous, wet sounds.
Yu Qingtang gripped the fabric of Cheng Zhanxi's shoulder, her knuckles creating layered wrinkles, and couldn't help but let out a low hum.
In a daze, Cheng Zhanxi had already walked out the door and was looking back at her, puzzled.
Yu Qingtang: “It's nothing.”
Cheng Zhanxi: “?”
Usually, when a woman says “it's nothing,” it means something is wrong. Cheng Zhanxi pressed, “What's wrong?”
Yu Qingtang shook her head. “It's really nothing.”
Was she supposed to tell Cheng Zhanxi directly that she wanted her to kiss her? That was too…
“Really?”
“Really!” Yu Qingtang emphasized.
“Then why were you spacing out?”
“I wasn't fully awake,” Yu Qingtang said, her expression unchanged.
Cheng Zhanxi reluctantly believed her, because Yu Qingtang indeed didn't seem to be in a bad mood. “Then lean on me in the elevator and rest for a bit.”
“Mm.”
Cheng Zhanxi tilted her head, feeling that something was a bit off about her, but she wasn't a mind reader, so she couldn't guess that Yu Qingtang was agonizing over a kiss.
The deep kiss Yu Qingtang had been anticipating all day finally happened at ten-thirty in the evening, in the entryway of apartment 2101.
It lasted for a full several minutes.
When it ended, Yu Qingtang's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes curved into crescents as she said goodnight to Cheng Zhanxi.
Cheng Zhanxi caressed her slightly warm cheek and said gently, “Goodnight.”
Yu Qingtang closed the door, changed her shoes, and walked into the living room. A faint floral fragrance filled the air. The gardenias in the vase had bloomed, their petals snow-white.
Xiao Qing's father was recovering well after his surgery and could already get out of bed. Xiao Qing had returned to school from Baishui Township and brought Yu Qingtang a handful of gardenia buds. A few days ago, the buds were still tightly closed, greenish from the base up, but now they were blooming, each more splendid than the last.
Yu Qingtang found a spot with good lighting, took a photo, and posted it on her Moments.
She had initially thought of making it visible only to Cheng Zhanxi, but then considered that it wasn't something that couldn't be seen by others, so she shared it directly.
She didn't know what caption to add. After thinking for a moment, she wrote: Gardenia. The input method automatically suggested the character “ι” (kai - bloom), so she added it.
Together it was: 【Gardenias in Bloom】
As soon as she posted it, Yu Qingtang saw the number in the bottom right corner continuously jumping, increasing.
Yu Qingtang: “?”
She clicked on it and found that many parents from the parent group chat had liked it. Yu Qingtang usually communicated by directly @-ing in the group chat and never posted on Moments; her feed was completely clean until now. Suddenly posting something, regardless of the content, caused the parents to swarm in with likes, many commenting with [thumbs up] emojis and adding a few awkward compliments.
Her cousin Tingting from her uncle's side commented: so beautiful so white, cousin, are you a fan of Teacher He?
Ge Jing: The flowers are blooming beautifully.
Xiang Tianyou: I'll ask Auntie to get some gardenias tomorrow too.
Yu Qingtang politely replied to each one.
For many, she didn't know how to reply. After her shower, she messaged Cheng Zhanxi for help: 【Should I delete this? So many people [Screenshot of Moments]】
Cheng Zhanxi: “!!!”
She posted on Moments, and I wasn't the first to see it?!
Cheng Zhanxi told her: Comment on your own post, a uniform reply like [flower emoji] or [smiley face emoji] is fine, then you don't have to worry about it.
Yu Qingtang: 【Should I post in the future then?】
Cheng Zhanxi: 【Post if you have something you want to share. If replying to comments is troublesome, then don't. None of it is important, except mine. I just commented on yours, reply to me quickly.】
Yu Qingtang clicked on the red notification number and saw Cheng Zhanxi's comment: Are the flowers prettier, or am I?
Yu Qingtang: You're prettier.
She switched back to typing: 【I'm going to sleep Cheng Zhanxi】
Cheng Zhanxi suddenly got excited: 【Come sleep】
Yu Qingtang paused, then said: 【There's punctuation in that sentence, after the character 'δΊ'.】
Cheng Zhanxi: 【Hahahahaha】
After the small misunderstanding, the two said goodnight to each other.
Lying in bed, Yu Qingtang habitually scrolled through their chat history for the day, reading it back and forth, stopping at the sentence: I'm going to sleep Cheng Zhanxi.
Yu Qingtang blinked.
She rarely thought about what came after kissing. Even if she did, it was always Cheng Zhanxi sleeping with her; the thought of herself being the active party never occurred. Next time, she shouldn't try to save trouble and should add punctuation when typing.
Yu Qingtang found it amusing, pressed the lock screen button, and placed her phone back on the nightstand.
Two days later, Li Lan knocked on Yu Qingtang's office door again, presenting a detailed spring outing plan that looked quite professional.
They had decided to go mountain climbing.
Yu Qingtang looked at the schedule listed and asked, “Overnight on the mountain? Isn't that a bit inappropriate?”
Li Lan, her expression unchanged, said, “Everyone wants to see the stars. Many students have never seen stars from a mountaintop before. And we can watch the sunrise early the next morning.”
Yu Qingtang: “Then won't we need to bring tents? Is the class fund sufficient?”
Li Lan smiled. “No need for class funds. Teacher Cheng said she'll pay.”
Yesterday happened to be Thursday, and Class 7 had PE. Yu Qingtang automatically pictured Li Lan and the others saying they wanted to see stars on the mountain, then worrying about not having money for tents, followed by Cheng Zhanxi generously waving her hand and saying, “I'll cover the outdoor tents.”
These kids.
Yu Qingtang said, “No need to trouble Teacher Cheng. I'll pay.”
Cheng Zhanxi, cupping her chin, said slowly from the side, “I've already promised them. Does Teacher Yu want me to be someone who goes back on her word?”
Yu Qingtang: “But…”
Cheng Zhanxi interrupted her, “After we get back from the spring outing, you can reimburse me, okay?” By then, there would be no distinction between theirs; whose money it was wouldn't matter.
Yu Qingtang, unaware that she was walking right into the trap Cheng Zhanxi had set, getting ensnared step by step, nodded. “Okay.”
Cheng Zhanxi only said these two sentences, then lowered her head to sketch in her notebook, perfectly extricating herself and leaving no trace that she was, in fact, the mastermind behind this spring outing.
Yu Qingtang continued to seriously discuss the spring outing details with Li Lan: the bus departure time, how to distribute the load when climbing, whether to bring some common medicines, what if the weather changed…
Yu Qingtang's last spring outing was over a decade ago. It seemed they had visited some Big Buddha scenic spot and returned the same day. She had no impression or worthwhile experience to draw upon, so she proactively invited the travel expert Cheng Zhanxi to join the discussion and offer suggestions. The experienced Cheng Zhanxi actively contributed ideas.
Li Lan: “…”
Teacher Yu is really so naive.
Yu Qingtang, not having heard the class monitor's voice for a while, tilted her head and looked over. “Why aren't you saying anything?”
Li Lan said, “I agree with Teacher Cheng.”
Yu Qingtang nodded. “I agree too.”
Cheng Zhanxi waved her hand and smiled. “I don't deserve the credit, I don't deserve the credit. It's a group effort, a group effort.”
Yu Qingtang also looked at her and smiled, a light in her eyes.
How could Li Lan dare to speak?
After returning to the classroom, Li Lan sat at her desk, lost in thought.
Lian Yabing called her softly twice from the side, but she didn't respond. Lian Yabing nudged her arm. Li Lan slowly turned her neck and glanced at her.
Lian Yabing: “What's wrong with you? You've been like this ever since you came back from the office.”
Li Lan saw the worry on her face and forced herself to cheer up a bit. She was just about to force a smile and tell her it was nothing.
Lian Yabing's worried expression turned to panic. “Don't tell me my CP is having a fight? Did they argue?”
Li Lan ground her teeth, grabbed the English book from her desk, and threw it at Lian Yabing.
Her aim was good; it landed right in Lian Yabing's arms. Lian Yabing, clutching the book, asked anxiously, “Did they really argue?”
Li Lan squeezed out a word through gritted teeth: “Scram.”
Lian Yabing didn't hear clearly. “What?”
Li Lan's temples throbbed. She grabbed her own neck with her hand, her expression contorted. “Just kill me!”
The class monitor has gone crazy!
Lian Yabing's pupils contracted. She quickly rushed forward and pried her hand away. Li Lan relaxed her grip and let her upper body fall into her arms.
Lian Yabing supported her, straightened her shoulders, and said, “Just tell me.”
Li Lan said weakly, “They didn't argue. Don't move. Can you just let me lean on you for a bit?”
Lian Yabing put an arm around her back, then remembered. “Are you worried about something?”
Li Lan said, “No.” After a moment, she added, “I'm just a little worried about Teacher Yu.”
“Teacher Yu has Teacher Cheng. What are you worried about?” Lian Yabing smiled.
Li Lan thought to herself: It's Teacher Cheng I'm worried about.
Yu Qingtang was completely devoted to Cheng Zhanxi, to the point of blind adoration. If Cheng Zhanxi had even the slightest ill intention, Yu Qingtang would definitely be played like a fiddle, perhaps even counting the money for Cheng Zhanxi after being sold by her.
But it was impossible to explain this to Lian Yabing. She would only mindlessly enjoy the sweet moments, unable to see the imbalance between the two.
Li Lan: “It's nothing.”
Lian Yabing pushed her back into her seat. “If it's nothing, then hurry up and do your exercises. I need to work on my test paper too.”
Li Lan: “You go ahead. I'll rest my head for a bit.”
Lian Yabing returned the English book to her.
Li Lan rested her head on her arms for a while, watching Lian Yabing focus on her test paper, completely oblivious to her. A mix of emotions welled up, and with a pang of sorrow, she sat up straight and started working on problems.
Saturday arrived in a flash.
It rained on the day of the spring equinox. Afterward, the temperature noticeably rose. Flowers and plants budded and turned green, and the campus was full of life.
At seven o'clock sharp, the bus would stop at the school gate. Because it was a spring outing privately organized by the homeroom teacher, students were not required to wear school uniforms.
Li Lan arrived at six-forty. Walking through the hazy morning light, she saw Yu Qingtang and Cheng Zhanxi standing side by side at the school gate. At the same time, her sharp eyes didn't miss their hands, which had just unclasped from an intertwined grip.
Before Yu Qingtang understood the meaning of this gesture, she had openly held hands with Cheng Zhanxi at the classroom door. Now, she had become reserved in front of the students.
“Teacher Yu, Teacher Cheng, good morning.”
“Good morning,” Cheng Zhanxi greeted her. “Have you eaten?”
Li Lan said, “I ate at home. What about you two teachers?”
Cheng Zhanxi pointed to the bag behind her and smiled. “It's in the bag. We'll eat later. Teacher Yu can't eat until she sees you all.”
Li Lan looked at Yu Qingtang. Yu Qingtang's expression seemed a bit unnatural, perhaps even revealing a hint of embarrassment.
Li Lan forced a slight smile.
Yu Qingtang was still wearing her black knee-length light trench coat and slim-fit trousers today. Her shoes were hiking boots Cheng Zhanxi had bought for her. She had one hand behind her back. Cheng Zhanxi glanced at it and restlessly went to pinch her slender fingers. Yu Qingtang clasped her mischievous hand in a reverse grip and shot her a look that was both reproachful and not.
Li Lan lowered her eyes.
Teacher Yu had no power of resistance against Teacher Cheng.
The bus arrived punctually at seven. Li Lan stood outside the bus door, checking off the students' names as they boarded.
Yu Qingtang and Cheng Zhanxi stood a few steps away, overseeing the situation, looking every bit the proper teachers. Behind their backs, hidden from the students' view, their ten fingers were intertwined.
Cheng Zhanxi was not only petty but also childish. Just a few fingers, and she'd been playing with them for over ten minutes. Didn't she get tired of it?
She really didn't get tired of it, but Yu Qingtang was tired and couldn't play along anymore, letting Cheng Zhanxi pinch and knead her knuckles, sometimes slipping into the gaps between her fingers to gently squeeze, sometimes holding her slender fingers and sliding up and down.
Lian Yabing walked over from the intersection, having carefully chosen an angle that allowed her to see the two teachers' subtle actions behind their backs.
What… were they doing?
Lian Yabing seemed to half-understand, her mind conjuring up some strange images, and her face suddenly turned beet red.
Li Lan, at the bus door, shouted sharply, “Lian Yabing!”
Lian Yabing reflexively answered, “Here!” Looking around in confusion, she realized it was Li Lan calling her and immediately shouted back, “What do you want?”
Li Lan, her face displeased, raised her voice, “Come over and sign in!”
Lian Yabing, not to be outdone, retorted, “Sign in, so what! Why are you being so fierce?!”
She strode over, snatched the pen from Li Lan's hand, scribbled her name on the sign-in sheet, and boarded the bus without looking back.
Li Lan, standing below the bus, was so angry her face alternated between red and white.
Yu Qingtang, who had witnessed the whole exchange, asked, “What's wrong with those two?”
Cheng Zhanxi, in an interested tone, said, “They're fighting, obviously.”
“I know that. I'm asking why they're fighting,” Yu Qingtang said. These two class committee members were practically her right and left hands. Seeing them at loggerheads like this forced her to pay extra attention.
“Take a guess?”
“I can't guess.” For a woman who had just awakened to love and had zero relationship experience, this question was too difficult.
“Then I'll tell you.” Cheng Zhanxi whispered this and that into her ear.
Simply put, Li Lan liked Lian Yabing. Lian Yabing was as dense as a block of wood, and something had provoked Li Lan, making her flare up.
Cheng Zhanxi was actually a little envious, not of their fighting, but of the relaxed and free atmosphere.
Although Yu Qingtang had made a lot of progress recently, she still habitually placed herself in a receptive position. Only when Cheng Zhanxi initiated something would she passively respond. If Cheng Zhanxi didn't touch her, she would just stay there, occasionally looking at her, sending out “I want it” signals, and then Cheng Zhanxi would take the initiative again.
Perhaps one day, Yu Qingtang would genuinely argue with her over something, throw a little tantrum, and only then would it signify that they had reached an equal footing.
But there was no rush. They had a lifetime to take things slowly. First, they needed to confirm their official status.
Li Lan lowered her head and counted the names, then boarded the bus and checked the list again. When she called Lian Yabing's name, she didn't look up. After Lian Yabing answered “here,” she turned her head to look out the window, not even glancing at her.
Outside the window were Teachers Cheng and Yu, heads bowed, talking softly, their posture intimate. Lian Yabing's mood lifted again.
Li Lan stood at the front door of the bus, leaned out halfway, and raised her voice, “Teacher Yu, everyone's here. We can leave now.”
Cheng Zhanxi walked behind Yu Qingtang and supported her back as she boarded the bus. Someone on the bus let out a very distinct “Wow~” and others started to hoot and holler.
They smiled with blessings on their faces and then burst into applause in unison.
Tong Feifei stood up and cleared her throat. “Next, let's welcome the newlyweds…”
Cheng Zhanxi coughed heavily and shot a look at Tong Feifei, who had started it.
—There'll be a time for you to cheer later.
Tong Feifei received the signal and sat down obediently.
Cheng Zhanxi followed Yu Qingtang, and they sat down together in the front row.
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