After Escaping Marriage - Extra 28
Chapter 171: Extra 3 - Parallel World
Cheng Zhanxi’s palm rested on Yu Qingtang’s back, then slowly lifted the hair at the nape of her neck. In the warm, heated room, her warm nose nuzzled gently against her skin.
Yu Qingtang held her head, feeling as if she were a puppy sniffing her scent, her breath tickling her skin.
Unable to bear the ticklish sensation, Yu Qingtang reached up to her chin and lifted her face.
From the way Cheng Zhanxi had been sitting on the sofa just now, she had thought they were both thinking the same thing. But now, Cheng Zhanxi was being so slow and gentle, making her wonder if she hadn't understood what she had said outside earlier.
Yu Qingtang looked at her. “You…”
Cheng Zhanxi buried her face in the crook of her neck again, the tips of her ears turning red. A voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz came from beside her ear, filled with embarrassment. “I’m a little nervous…”
Yu Qingtang slipped out of her embrace and went to pour a glass of water.
Cheng Zhanxi took the glass, drank two sips, and placed it back on the table. She looked at Yu Qingtang reservedly, took a deep breath, and said, “Okay, I’m ready.”
Yu Qingtang’s gaze swept over her fingers, which were hanging by her side and trembling slightly. Ready for what? she thought.
She said, “Let me.”
“…” Cheng Zhanxi thought about it, and her eyes brightened slightly. That would work!
After all, with someone you love, it didn't matter who took the lead. Despite all the erotic dreams Cheng Zhanxi had, she had never actually thought about doing that with Yu Qingtang in real life. They had just gotten together, and in her mind, they would have to date for a while before reaching this stage. Thus, she was completely unprepared.
Watching films was one thing, but practice was another. Cheng Zhanxi hadn't systematically studied it yet. She had even planned to seek advice from the experienced Yu Jianxing to give Yu Qingtang a wonderful first time.
Yu Qingtang’s suggestion was exactly what she wanted.
Speaking of which, had Yu Qingtang been thinking about doing that to her for a long time? It seemed she wasn't so innocent after all. Cheng Zhanxi chuckled inwardly, then reconsidered. Yu Qingtang had liked her for so many years; it would be monotonous and boring to just like her every day. It was understandable that she would think about more.
Whatever the case, Cheng Zhanxi lay down with a clear conscience.
Yu Qingtang was nervous too, but she was clearly much more resolute than Cheng Zhanxi, and the “knowledge” in her head was far richer. So, despite a few minor issues, it went smoothly for the most part.
Cheng Zhanxi requested the lights be turned off. Who doesn't have their shy moments?
Cheng Zhanxi’s long hair spread out like flowing clouds. One of her hands was held by Yu Qingtang, their fingers intertwined and pressed against the pillow. Just as they were lost in a haze of passion, a light suddenly flashed in the dark room, followed by a ringing phone.
Neither of them paid it any mind, but the ringing persisted.
Yu Qingtang bit Cheng Zhanxi in frustration. With her free hand, Cheng Zhanxi grabbed the phone from the nightstand. It was an unknown number. She hesitated for two seconds, and just as Yu Qingtang asked in a suppressed voice who it was, she hung up. “I don’t know. Probably a wrong number.”
Cheng Zhanxi had a habit of answering unknown numbers. Regardless of whether it was a sales call, she would always answer, listen patiently, and then hang up politely. But this was not an ordinary time, so she had to decline the call.
Just as Yu Qingtang was about to kiss Cheng Zhanxi again, the phone rang once more.
Cheng Zhanxi’s hand hadn't fully returned to its place. She tilted the phone to look. It was the same number.
Yu Qingtang took a deep breath.
Cheng Zhanxi said, “I’ll just answer it and tell them they have the wrong number.”
Yu Qingtang held her and didn't move.
Cheng Zhanxi answered, saying politely, “Allô.”
Yu Qingtang looked up at Cheng Zhanxi from below. In the dim light, she saw Cheng Zhanxi’s expression change drastically as she shouted at someone on the phone. Then, she patted Yu Qingtang’s hand, signaling for her to get up. While still on the phone, Cheng Zhanxi opened the wardrobe, grabbed a piece of clothing, and hastily threw it on. Yu Qingtang didn't know what was happening, but seeing this, she quickly got dressed as well.
They went out into the wind and snow. Cheng Zhanxi’s call ended just as they reached the door.
Yu Qingtang asked, “What’s going on?”
Cheng Zhanxi waited anxiously by the roadside for a car. “It’s Qi Sui. It sounds like she’s in danger.”
The corners of Yu Qingtang’s mouth turned down imperceptibly, but she said nothing.
She knew Cheng Zhanxi. She was always ready to help the weak and fight for justice, her sense of righteousness overflowing. If something really happened to Qi Sui because she had stopped Cheng Zhanxi, it would likely leave a knot in both their hearts. It wasn't that Cheng Zhanxi would let Qi Sui affect their relationship, but it was best to avoid such knots if possible.
Although the snow was almost stopping, the roads were still covered with snow that had fallen over the past few days. There wasn't a single car in sight.
Cheng Zhanxi recalled the address Qi Sui had managed to convey amidst a chaotic jumble of male voices. It wasn't far from where she lived. She made a quick decision, grabbed Yu Qingtang’s hand, and started running in that direction!
The moment she moved, she remembered Yu Qingtang’s stamina and said quickly, “You go home first. I’ll be back soon.”
Yu Qingtang refused. “No.”
Cheng Zhanxi coaxed her, “It’s late and not safe outside. You go back first, be good.”
Yu Qingtang said, “That’s why I’m even more worried about you being out alone.”
“I…” Cheng Zhanxi wanted to say that her skills were enough to protect herself, but seeing the non-negotiable look in Yu Qingtang’s eyes, she put herself in her shoes and compromised. “Alright, I’ll run with you.”
Yu Qingtang said, “My stamina has improved a lot recently.”
“Really?” Cheng Zhanxi smiled, clearly not believing her, but she didn't say anything more. Together, they ran hard down the street.
The power of love is great. Yu Qingtang didn't want to hold Cheng Zhanxi back, and even less did she want an uncontrollable accident to happen because of her. So she sprinted, her legs running until they were numb, propelled forward by inertia. Cheng Zhanxi was frequently surprised and looked at her with new admiration.
“It’s just ahead.” Cheng Zhanxi vaguely saw several figures and shouted, “Qi Sui!” Then she switched to French and yelled, “I’ve already called the police!”
The men surrounding the corner scattered, disappearing in an instant, leaving only a still, slender figure behind.
As they got closer, Cheng Zhanxi’s pupils suddenly contracted.
“Qi Sui!” Cheng Zhanxi sped up and ran over. Yu Qingtang was also shocked when she saw the nearly naked woman huddled by the wall. She let go of Cheng Zhanxi’s tightly held hand. Cheng Zhanxi took off her own overcoat, rushed forward, and wrapped it around the person. Looking at the person’s lowered head, she said cautiously, “Qi Sui?”
The screen of the phone, long since disconnected, was shattered like a spiderweb, half-buried in the muddy snow. Men’s footprints were scattered messily on the snowy ground, and a half-smoked cigarette butt lay quietly burning.
Qi Sui looked up, her expression wooden, her eyes empty.
Several bright red palm prints were layered on her cheek, her mouth was bleeding, and there were shocking bluish-purple marks on her neck from being choked.
Tears fell from Cheng Zhanxi’s eyes.
She asked Yu Qingtang to come and look after Qi Sui. Wiping away her tears, she took out her phone to call the police.
Just as she dialed the first number, a pale, bruised hand grabbed her wrist. Qi Sui looked at her pleadingly. “Don’t call the police… I don’t want anyone to know…”
Cheng Zhanxi: “But…”
Tears streamed down Qi Sui’s face as she just repeated, “Don’t… I don’t want to…”
Cheng Zhanxi reluctantly put her phone away. “Let’s not stay here. I’ll take you home first.” Remembering the character of Qi Sui’s uncle’s family, she corrected herself, “To a hotel.”
If Yu Qingtang hadn't been there, she probably would have taken Qi Sui home. It was close to her place and would be convenient for taking care of her.
Cheng Zhanxi took pictures of the messy scene, just in case they might be useful if they reported it to the police later. Then she helped Qi Sui up from the ground. Qi Sui’s feet were also injured, and she couldn't walk. Cheng Zhanxi looked to Yu Qingtang for permission. Yu Qingtang nodded, and she lifted Qi Sui onto her back.
Yu Qingtang stared at the extinguished cigarette butt on the ground and the footprints, lost in thought.
Cheng Zhanxi turned back and called her, “Tangtang.”
Yu Qingtang hummed in acknowledgment and followed. As they were about to leave the alley, she glanced back one more time, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Qi Sui lay on Cheng Zhanxi’s back, her hair a mess, like a soulless walking corpse. Yu Qingtang walked beside Cheng Zhanxi and suddenly felt a gaze on her, as if coming from the side. She turned her head to look, but Qi Sui hadn't moved at all. It seemed to be her imagination.
Cheng Zhanxi settled Qi Sui in a hotel. Qi Sui went into the bathroom to shower, neurotically washing her body over and over again.
Cheng Zhanxi and Yu Qingtang were in the living room of the suite. Cheng Zhanxi looked towards the bathroom with a worried expression.
She had just tried to persuade Qi Sui not to shower, to preserve the evidence for the police, but Qi Sui refused to report it, so of course, she wouldn't listen to that either.
Cheng Zhanxi looked at Yu Qingtang, who was sitting on the sofa looking at the crime scene photos on her phone, and hesitated to speak.
Without looking up, Yu Qingtang said, “What do you want to say?”
Cheng Zhanxi squatted down, took her hand, and stammered, “I know you don’t like me being close to her, but she has no other friends, and now something like this has happened. Can I take care of her for a few days, until she’s emotionally stable, and then…”
Yu Qingtang nodded. “Okay.”
“You agree?” Cheng Zhanxi said in disbelief. Given Yu Qingtang’s possessiveness, it was out of character for her not to have any objections at all.
Yu Qingtang said, “But…”
That reassured Cheng Zhanxi. She tilted her head up, ready to listen.
Yu Qingtang said, “I’ll take care of her with you.” She pinched Cheng Zhanxi’s ear. “What’s with that look? I’m very kind and considerate, you know? Are you the only one allowed to help the weak, and I’m not allowed to lend a righteous hand?”
“You are, you are. You’re so good.” Cheng Zhanxi smiled and was about to kiss her, but then she remembered Qi Sui inside and what she had just been through, so she held back.
Yu Qingtang cupped her face and kissed her. “Let’s think about how to help her first.”
Cheng Zhanxi fell into serious thought.
Yu Qingtang lowered her head and continued to look at the photos.
Qi Sui temporarily stayed at the hotel. Cheng Zhanxi had classes, so she could only come over to keep her company after school, and she always brought Yu Qingtang with her. Because Qi Sui was wary of strangers, Yu Qingtang mostly stayed out of her room.
Qi Sui would curl up barefoot in a corner of the room, hugging her knees, and hadn't said a single word.
On the weekend, Cheng Zhanxi had a day off.
In the morning, Qi Sui was huddled in the bedroom with the curtains drawn, just like before. When she heard the front door open, her ears twitched, and she lowered her gaze.
The bedroom door was pushed open, and light from the living room streamed in, illuminating the wooden floor.
Qi Sui slowly lifted her head from the floor, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. Only Yu Qingtang stood at the door.
Why is it her?
Yu Qingtang walked in, smiled at Qi Sui, and said, “Are you wondering why it’s me?”
…
That morning, Yu Qingtang had ordered Cheng Zhanxi to stay home while she went to see Qi Sui alone. Although she didn't know why, Cheng Zhanxi did whatever Yu Qingtang told her to do.
She was painting a portrait using a photo of Yu Qingtang. Halfway through, she heard the sound of the lock turning behind her.
Cheng Zhanxi turned around. Seeing it was Yu Qingtang, she put down her oil brush, took off her apron, and hung it on the wooden easel. She came over to take the overcoat Yu Qingtang had just taken off.
Yu Qingtang glanced at her. “You’re not even going to ask me where I went?”
Cheng Zhanxi used her warm hands to warm Yu Qingtang’s cheeks, which were cold from being outside. “You’ll tell me if you want to.”
Yu Qingtang scoffed. “You’re so clever now. Why didn’t I see you open your eyes before?”
Cheng Zhanxi thought she was talking about her being slow in matters of love and obediently admitted her mistake. “I’ll learn slowly from now on.”
Yu Qingtang knew from her response that she had misunderstood, but she didn't correct her. After all, she was just an innocent fool, and it was her fault for protecting her too well before. When they pretended to be a couple in high school, hardly anyone dared to confess to Cheng Zhanxi, let alone anyone with ill intentions.
Before going abroad, Cheng Zhanxi had her parents and brother, and Yu Qingtang was always by her side. She was showered with love, and no evil spirits or monsters ever had a chance to get near her. But abroad, she was almost deceived by a little ghost.
Yu Qingtang led Cheng Zhanxi to sit side by side on the sofa. She pressed a button on a pen she had been holding and placed it on the coffee table.
At first, Cheng Zhanxi thought it was an ordinary pen and was a little puzzled. But the next second, she heard Yu Qingtang’s voice coming from it.
“Are you wondering why it’s me?”
Cheng Zhanxi’s eyes widened.
It was a recording pen!
Yu Qingtang patted her hand, signaling for her to keep listening.
…
Qi Sui: “That’s right! I planned it on purpose. I hired those men to act, just to make her pity me, so she couldn’t ignore me…”
Qi Sui: “Why? I liked her first! Why is it that as soon as you showed up, she only had eyes for you and even wanted to cut ties with me!”
Qi Sui: “I won’t let her leave me! Don’t even think about leaving me… Never!”
…
The recording finished and stopped automatically.
Cheng Zhanxi was stunned.
She considered herself to be open and honest, and most of the people around her were straightforward and upright. She never imagined that Qi Sui would harbor such dark thoughts, using her sympathy and kindness to stage this whole act!
Yu Qingtang pulled the devastated Cheng Zhanxi into her arms, wiped the tears from her face, and gently patted her back.
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