Chapter 34

Kong Xiyan's room was only a little bigger than the one next door. It also had an old-fashioned dressing table, and the bed was still pushed against the wall. The sheets and quilt cover were pink, with just a single blue pillow on the bed.

Chi Wanzhao followed Kong Xiyan in, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked perfectly at ease.

Yanyan indeed stopped meowing. Seeing Chi Wanzhao on the bed, she flopped onto the pillow, her blue eyes darting between Kong Xiyan and Chi Wanzhao.

Finally, she lowered her head and lay down on the pillow.

Kong Xiyan wore cotton pajamas, her hair twisted into a bun. She looked tired. "President Chi, get on the bed first."

The bed was a bit high and not big, so she was worried Chi Wanzhao might fall off.

Chi Wanzhao just shifted to make room and said softly, "You sleep on the inside."

Kong Xiyan asked, "Why?"

Chi Wanzhao gave her a faint look. "Your sleeping posture is terrible."

Kong Xiyan: ...

She pouted, said nothing more, and climbed onto the bed resignedly.

It seemed they had fallen into the habit of sleeping together in City B. Though there had been two unpleasant interruptions, tonight Kong Xiyan was too exhausted and sleepy to think of anything else—she just wanted to catch up on sleep.

Not long after getting into bed, she fell into a deep sleep.

Yanyan slept in the innermost spot, her snores growing louder. Chi Wanzhao lifted her and placed her on the outer side, then lay down and turned her head to look at Kong Xiyan.

Since there was only one pillow, their heads were almost touching. Kong Xiyan slept soundly, her long hair covering her forehead, her fair cheeks slightly flushed, her delicate nose prominent, her pink lips slightly parted, breathing evenly.

It wasn't cold under the blanket; they had just turned off the electric blanket before getting into bed.

So Kong Xiyan's body kept some distance from hers. Chi Wanzhao's eyes darkened. After a while, she slipped her arm under Kong Xiyan's neck, pulled her close with a slight tug, and drew her into her embrace.

She had lied after all—she was the one with terrible sleeping posture, because she always wanted to wake Kong Xiyan up.

The village night was quiet, with only the occasional dog bark. Moonlight hung on the treetops, and all was silent.

The two people and one cat on the bed gradually fell asleep. Sometimes one would turn over, but soon the other would pull them back, then close their eyes.

The morning sunlight had not yet filled the entire room, and the cold wind still blew fiercely.

Kong Xiyan's door was knocked, and then Wang Haining called, "Xiyan, are you up?"

After two knocks with no response, she frowned in confusion and was about to turn away when the door behind her opened.

"Xiyan, breakfast..." Wang Haining's voice faded as she stared at Chi Wanzhao. "Why are you in this room?"

Chi Wanzhao had just gotten up. Her pajamas were loose and not neat, her hair disheveled. There was no annoyance from being woken up on her delicate face. She said indifferently, "Miss Wang, is there anything strange about me being here?"

Wang Haining's brows knitted even tighter instead of relaxing. "You two..."

Chi Wanzhao looked sideways at Kong Xiyan, who was still sound asleep on the bed. "What about us?"

Wang Haining opened her mouth but only managed to say, "Nothing."

"Bang!"

Chi Wanzhao closed the door with a snap, which woke Kong Xiyan. She opened her eyes in a daze and asked, "Who is it?"

Chi Wanzhao walked to the bed, lifted the blanket, and got on. "No one. Go back to sleep."

Kong Xiyan suspected nothing and nodded, continuing her rest.

The next time she woke, it was due to noise, as if a large group of children had arrived. They stood at the door calling, "Teacher Kong, get up!"

Kong Xiyan opened her eyes and lay in bed for a moment before getting up. Chi Wanzhao reached out and grabbed her wrist, expressionless, and helped her button a button near her collar. Kong Xiyan looked down to straighten her clothes, checked herself in the mirror, and only then went to open the door.

A large group of children stood outside, both older and younger.

Xiaopang and Yuanyuan stood at the front. When they saw Kong Xiyan, they laughed and said, "Teacher Kong is a sleepyhead!"

Kong Xiyan chuckled, her eyes curving into crescents as she crouched down to hug Yuanyuan, and asked, "Why aren't you in class today?"

Yuanyuan replied crisply, "Teacher Wang said we have a day off today!"

"Eh, Teacher Kong, who is this beautiful sister?"

Kong Xiyan followed the direction of Xiaoling's pointing finger and looked back. Chi Wanzhao was wearing light-colored pajamas and leaning against the headboard, looking down at a tablet. Her profile showed an undeniable delicate beauty. Her long hair was loose, with a few strands hanging down from her chest, swaying in the cold wind.

Kong Xiyan felt her heart swaying along.

It was only when Xiaoling tugged her hand and asked again, "Teacher Kong, is this beautiful sister your friend?"

"She is Teacher Kong's friend. Last night, I saw Teacher Kong and this beautiful sister arrive together!" Yuanyuan's childish explanation made Kong Xiyan smile. "What beautiful sister? You should call her aunt!"

Yuanyuan pouted. "No way! Beautiful ones are all sisters!"

Kong Xiyan: ...

Chi Wanzhao put away the tablet and came over, smiling gently at the children. "Good morning."

The children chorused, "Good morning, beautiful sister!"

Kong Xiyan: ...

A gentle smile rippled across Chi Wanzhao's eyes and brows. Xiaoling stepped forward and stood beside Yuanyuan, looking up to ask, "Beautiful sister, what is your relationship with Teacher Kong? Why did you sleep in Teacher Kong's room?"

"My dad says only married people can sleep together."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yuanyuan asked, "What does 'married' mean?"

Xiaopang said, "You don't even know that? Married means... married!"

His explanation made the children laugh, and several kids about Yuanyuan's age looked puzzled, not understanding what was funny.

Chi Wanzhao also crouched down like Kong Xiyan did, patted Xiaoling's head, and said seriously, "Your dad is right—only married people sleep together."

Xiaoling's eyes widened. "So, did you and Teacher Kong get married?"

Chi Wanzhao nodded. "Of course."

As Kong Xiyan was about to explain, Chi Wanzhao grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, "What? Do you think these children would understand what a contract is?"

Even if they did understand, Kong Xiyan could not bring herself to tell these innocent, naive faces the real reason she married Chi Wanzhao.

After a moment, she smiled and said, "Yes, we are married."

Just as she finished, Wang Haining walked out of her room and said to the children, "Come on, come on, let Teacher Kong wash up first, then she can play with you, okay?"

"Okay!" the children replied in unison.

Wang Haining smiled and said, "Let's go, we'll head out first."

Kong Xiyan stood up, now beside Wang Haining, and watched the children who were filing out, her eyes curved in a smile. She said softly, "Haining, thanks."

Wang Haining shook her head. "Don't mention it."

When most of the children had left, she was about to follow, but after a moment's thought, she turned back and said to Kong Xiyan, "By the way, I forgot to say congratulations."

She left without looking back, and Kong Xiyan stood behind her for a long moment before saying, "Thank you."

Chi Wanzhao, having washed up and changed, saw her still staring at the doorway. Her eyes lowered, and without saying anything, she walked into the room and picked up Yanyan.

When she came out and saw Kong Xiyan had not moved, Chi Wanzhao reached out and handed Yanyan to her, speaking in a flat tone, "Miss Kong, if you have time to wallow in sentimentality, you might as well cook Yanyan's meal."

Kong Xiyan: ...

Which eye did she see her wallowing in sentimentality?

Chi Wanzhao set Yanyan in Kong Xiyan's hands and then paid no more attention. She stayed cooped up in the room until Kong Xiyan called her to breakfast.

Breakfast was just white rice porridge, with side dishes of homemade pickled radish. Chi Wanzhao had never eaten such things. It was only after seeing Kong Xiyan drink a bowl of porridge and eat two pieces of pickled radish that she began.

She took a bite and her expression changed slightly.

A flash of satisfaction passed through Kong Xiyan's heart.

Then she felt childish and explained, "President Chi, this is homemade, quite salty. You might not be used to it. Just blanch it in hot water to reduce the salt."

She fetched an empty bowl and poured some hot water. Chi Wanzhao dipped the radish in the steaming water, then took it out and bit into it—indeed, it was much better. Still, she only ate half a bowl of porridge.

After breakfast, Kong Xiyan washed the dishes and prepared to go out. Remembering that Chi Wanzhao had come here to relax, she said, "President Chi, would you like to take a walk outside?"

But there was really nothing much to see here.

Changning Village was small, with only a few dozen households. Most of the young people had left, and those who remained were mostly unable to work. Electricity had only been installed a few years ago. The conditions were poor, and as for sightseeing, it was out of the question.

Hearing Kong Xiyan's words, Chi Wanzhao turned her head to look at her. "Sure."

She changed into her sneakers, wearing the same jeans and knit top as before, but she put on Kong Xiyan's down jacket over it, which was a bit small, though warmer than her trench coats.

Seeing that Chi Wanzhao was ready, Kong Xiyan nodded and said, "Let's go."

They encountered a few village women who stopped Kong Xiyan to chat for a while before letting her go. Chi Wanzhao stood to the side, and when they finished talking, she asked, "Do you like it here?"

Kong Xiyan nodded. "Yes."

Chi Wanzhao frowned as she looked at the muddy road underfoot. "What's good about this place?"

Kong Xiyan thought for a moment and then replied earnestly, "It's good in every way."

Chi Wanzhao gave her a deep look and asked no more.

They went directly to the school. The "school" was in fact a self-built two-story building with a wooden plaque hung crookedly on the door bearing four characters: Changning Elementary School.

They stood at the door, hearing all kinds of noise from inside. A few children called out to her from the entrance, "Teacher Kong is here!"

Then a flock of children rushed out.

Chi Wanzhao watched as Kong Xiyan was quickly surrounded by these smiling children, and she also wore a faint smile—one from the heart. She was infected by it and curled her lips slightly.

After the children clamored around her for a while, an older woman came out from inside. Her temples were gray, wrinkles deep, and probably from frequent smiling, the lines at her eyes were pronounced. She smiled and said, "Xiao Kong, you're back."

Kong Xiyan let go of the children and walked over to her, calling, "Principal."

The principal nodded. "It's good that you're back. The children have been missing you."

Kong Xiyan smiled, stroking the children's heads.

Her being a teacher had been purely by accident.

Wang Haining had graduated from a normal university. During college, she had done volunteer teaching and came here. She was moved by the atmosphere at the time, and after leaving, she kept in touch with the principal and the children from time to time.

She knew the conditions were tough here, and few were willing to stay, so shortly after graduation, she had come here.

When Kong Xiyan met her, it was during summer vacation, and she had gone to visit her mother's grave.

Later, she followed Wang Haining here.

At that time, the teacher who had been teaching here couldn't stand the harsh conditions and left without a word. The principal could not find a replacement in time, so Wang Haining recommended Kong Xiyan.

She only taught first grade, which was not difficult. Wang Haining had privately tutored her for a long time. Fortunately, the children were smart, obedient, and few in number, so teaching was easy. Over time, whenever a teacher came, she would help out; when none came, she was the teacher.

Eventually, the children all called her Teacher Kong.

Kong Xiyan walked in with the principal and introduced Chi Wanzhao. Yuanyuan and the others followed behind, shouting, "Beautiful sister is here too!"

Xiaopang said with a grown-up air, "Teacher Kong said this morning that she married the beautiful sister. The books say we should call the teacher's wife 'Shiniang'!"

Shiniang...

Hearing those two words, Kong Xiyan staggered and almost fell. She glanced at Chi Wanzhao's expression from the corner of her eye and scolded, "Don't talk nonsense!"

Xiaopang laughed. "Teacher Kong is shy!"

The group of children behind him burst into laughter.

Though they themselves did not know what they were laughing about.

Kong Xiyan looked at them helplessly: ...

The principal waved her hand. "Alright, alright, you all go play. Let me have a word with Teacher Kong."

The students scattered and quickly dispersed.

Kong Xiyan introduced Chi Wanzhao to the principal. The principal, full of kindness, said, "So you are Miss Chi. I just heard it from the children. Xiao Kong is lucky—Miss Chi is a cut above the rest."

Chi Wanzhao smiled calmly and greeted the principal.

Kong Xiyan bit her lip, not knowing what expression to make. Just then, someone not far away called, "Principal!"

The principal responded and, after greeting Chi Wanzhao, went over.

Not far away, Wang Haining was moving things. Seeing this, Kong Xiyan turned and said to Chi Wanzhao, "President Chi, wait here. I'll go help Haining move that table."

She left before Chi Wanzhao could reply.

Chi Wanzhao watched her back, bathed in the sunlight, which was somewhat dazzling.

Her brows softened with tenderness.

This place was nothing like the city—no high-rise buildings, no roads and traffic. With a low head, one saw children in patched clothes with dusty faces, and the school behind them swaying in the cold wind, its door banging noisily.

But Chi Wanzhao shed all her sternness. Her face was no longer tense but was lit with a gentle smile. Her bright eyes had lost their edge, and her gaze was tender.

This place—this was where Kong Xiyan had been reborn.

How could she not like it?

Seeing that the principal and Teacher Kong were not there, only the beautiful sister standing alone in the sunlight, Yuanyuan reached out her little hand and tugged one of Chi Wanzhao's fingers. "Beautiful sister, will you play with us?"

Chi Wanzhao looked down at her hand. Yuanyuan's little hand was chubby; her skin was not fair but was tender, and her grip around Chi Wanzhao's finger was very strong.

Yuanyuan looked up, her face full of expectation. "Can you, beautiful sister?"

Chi Wanzhao smiled. "Of course."

Yuanyuan pulled her hand and led her back. There was a large open area with wild grass growing around the edges—that should be the playground.

On the edge of the playground, there were four basketball hoops nailed together from wooden boards, each about one and a half meters tall. She could touch the backboard if she reached out, but for the children, it was enough.

She followed Yuanyuan through the hoops into the middle, where several boys were kicking a ball that had lost its original color. Xiaopang ran over and asked with a smile, "Hey, Shiniang, why are you here?"

"Just call me Sister Wan."

Chi Wanzhao curved her lips into a faint smile and repeated, "My name is Chi Wanzhao. You can call me Sister Wan."

"Yay!" Yuanyuan jumped up, clapping her pudgy hands. "Sister Wan! That sounds so nice!"

Her calling attracted several more children, who gathered around Chi Wanzhao chattering noisily. A few minutes later, Chi Wanzhao joined their football game.

She was not very good at these kinds of ball games, especially football—she had rarely touched it.

But these children did not care how well she played; they just liked being with her. Even when she never once kicked the ball into the goal, they were all beaming.

Yuanyuan, being the youngest, was not suited to running around, so she stood at the side cheering, "Go Sister Wan! Go Sister Wan!"

Kong Xiyan, who had finished helping Wang Haining carry the things, was looking for Chi Wanzhao. When she heard the sounds, she crossed the school to the playground and saw Chi Wanzhao already joining in the chaos with the children.

Chi Wanzhao had taken off her down jacket. Underneath she wore a pink knit top and jeans. She had tucked the hem of the top into her jeans and was trailing behind a group of children, trying to steal the ball.

Without the unapproachable halo of Jingyan's CEO, Kong Xiyan found that Chi Wanzhao could be quite approachable at times.

Like now.

A gust of wind stirred up a lot of dust, and the running children stopped to rub their eyes.

Chi Wanzhao had been running for a long time, and a few strands of hair had fallen loose. She simply let her hair down and tied it carelessly with a black elastic band. Kong Xiyan stood not far behind her, her eyes full of that graceful figure.

Narrow shoulders, slim waist, a fine figure—especially the perfect line of her thighs in the jeans.

She stood still for a moment, not making a sound, just watching.

It was not until Chi Wanzhao sensed the gaze and turned her head to look, meeting Kong Xiyan's eyes. As soon as their eyes met, Kong Xiyan quickly lowered her head.

Xiaopang also spotted Kong Xiyan and shouted, "Teacher Kong! Come play with us!"

Kong Xiyan was pushed forward a few steps by Yuanyuan, who was still behind her using her hands as a megaphone, shouting, "Go Teacher Kong!"

No way out.

She had no choice but to take off her coat and step onto the playground.

Once again, she was on the opposite side of Chi Wanzhao. On the playground, the two adults and a group of children played with abandon, the dusty ball tracing arcs across the sky, drawing little lines of scenery.

By the side of the playground, children like Yuanyuan were shouting, "Go Teacher Kong!" "Go Sister Wan!" "Teacher Kong is the best!" "Sister Wan is the prettiest!"

Hearing that, Kong Xiyan kicked the ball hard, and it veered out of bounds. The playground rang with cheers and sighs.

In the school building not far away, Wang Haining stood alone on the second-floor corridor, her gaze fixed on the two playing with the children. After a while, the principal came over and stood beside her, saying with a smile, "Teacher Kong and Miss Chi really do make a lovely couple."

It was a long moment before Wang Haining replied, "Yes, a lovely couple."