Hearing this, Yi Zhuo hummed, held her tighter, and closed his eyes: "Sleep."
She patted his back comfortingly: "You don't have to worry about me too much. My work isn't tiring. It's you, with such a heavy workload—drawing, sculpting. Remember to eat and drink well. At our age, we can't be too reckless."
That was true. This man was completely career-oriented; as long as there was money to be made, he would neglect everything else. If this continued, something would definitely happen. Fortunately, she was by his side now to remind him. Once she left, he wouldn't be too pitiful.
After all, spring was coming soon.
Chang Xuyu was too tired. Her voice grew softer as she curled up beside him, one leg draped over him, and soon fell asleep.
Hearing her steady breathing, he gently kissed her forehead.
He would, he would take good care of his body. So she must stay healthy, safe for the rest of her life, and stay by his side a little longer.
*
The next day, she put on the turtleneck she liked, put on earrings, threw on her coat, and went to work.
Although she felt happy looking in the mirror in her clothes—sweet as honey—she felt sulky when she remembered why she had to wear them.
So, under Yi Zhuo's burning gaze, Chang Xuyu didn't spare him a single glance, like a beautiful, noble white swan, and walked straight out the door.
It was all his fault for not letting her sleep well. She had dark circles this morning and had to use more concealer than usual.
After she left, Yi Zhuo stirred his coffee, added some milk, and smirked as he recalled her expression just now.
It seemed he had bought the right clothes. She looked good in them, and she liked them. He had already decided to buy all the new arrivals from that brand. She would definitely be willing. Yesterday, when he tried to coax her, she didn't smile, so he was thinking about maybe he hadn't bought enough.
With that, he took out his phone to call his assistant—
The weather was exceptionally good today, bright and sunny, the sky clear. The sun was like a baby who had slept well, poking its head out in joy, its expression making people laugh.
Arriving at the institution, Chang Xuyu walked down the middle of the hallway but sensed something unusual. Everyone was walking along the edges, as if deliberately keeping their distance from her, looking at her with a "scrutinizing" gaze, occasionally lowering their heads then raising them, their attitude seeming more gossipy.
She didn't understand. She scanned the area, frowning slightly.
Just as she was thinking, she was suddenly pulled aside by Li Meng, the teaching assistant from her class.
Li Meng grabbed her hand and hurriedly ran into the plaster room. The small, dim room finally relieved Chang Xuyu of those uncomfortable stares, but the dusty smell was choking. Chang Xuyu covered her mouth and nose, coughing a few times. She had run too fast and was out of breath.
Li Meng also patted her chest to catch her breath. After composing herself, she immediately grabbed Chang Xuyu's shoulders, blinked, and said with a flustered expression: "Our institution is actually quite famous in the country. There are branch campuses in other provinces. I say, Xuyu, you and Teacher Jian need to be more low-key. Don't you know Xu Jia? She's hypocritical and功利. She usually gossips about you in front of others. I pretend not to hear it because I know your character. But now that she's been fired by Teacher Jian, she must hold a grudge against you!"
Chang Xuyu was completely baffled by her hurried speech.
"Wait, Xiaomeng, I don't quite understand what you're saying."
She said honestly, staring at her blankly.
What Teacher Jian and Xu Jia? What low-key? She hadn't done anything wrong.
Li Meng slowly formed a question mark on her face. The two looked at each other.
"Xuyu, don't you have internet at home?"
Realizing they were on different wavelengths, she quickly pulled out her phone, opened it, and pulled Chang Xuyu closer: "See for yourself."
The trending topic: "#Vice principal of a top domestic fine art exam training institution allegedly in a romantic relationship with a female teacher under him #"
Scrolling down, the top comment: "My friend works at the main campus of this institution. It's because the vice principal protected that female teacher that my friend got fired. Such bullying of hardworking workers."
Further down.
"I heard that female teacher looks like a celebrity, really pretty. People climb upward, so if there are resources, they use them. Maybe she's doing anything to get ahead."
"Ah? That kind of person is too hateful. The teacher who got fired is really wronged. Such bullying."
"Who knows. There are plenty of people like this."
…
There were even nastier comments. Li Meng directly turned off her phone, frowning and sighing: "The poster's IP is here. Hmph, who could it be? So hard to guess! With the internet booming these days, you need to be more careful with Teacher Jian."
Li Meng looked at her as if disappointed in her.
"Careful about what? Teacher Jian and I have nothing."
Chang Xuyu's eyes widened.
Why did everyone think that way?
She blurted out: "I'm already married."
After saying it, she hesitated, realizing she might have said too much.
Maybe it was because of yesterday's trip to the factory with Yi Zhuo. He could admit it openly, so she could too.
This sudden information was too much. Li Meng's eyes widened in shock: "You're married?!"
"Yeah." She was a bit embarrassed and nodded.
"Tsk tsk, no wonder you've been looking so radiant these days. Turns out it's because of a colorful married life!" Li Meng laughed.
"What are you talking about…"
"But what's going on between you and Teacher Jian? The whole school is spreading rumors that you two are together. Even I believed it."
Chang Xuyu frowned: "I really don't know."
After talking for so long, she looked down at the time—almost late for class.
"I have a sketch class this morning. You're my assistant. Let's go, no time."
The two hurriedly rushed to the classroom.
But as soon as they pushed open the classroom door, a group of students swarmed over, jostling them, and asked randomly: "Teacher, is it true about you and Teacher Jian!?"
They had been "shipping" them in class every day, thinking that a calm and mature man like Teacher Jian and a little white rabbit like Teacher Chang were a perfect match. They didn't expect their wish to come true. Someone had secretly brought their phone to class and, after eating this gossip, immediately spread it.
Chang Xuyu's head ached from the noisy chatter.
Jian Jiayue came to the rescue in time, pulling her wrist gently to his side and saying softly: "Xuyu, are you okay?"
Chang Xuyu's face showed displeasure. She brushed his hand away without saying a word.
She steadied her thoughts, tried to block out the unpleasantness, and reorganized what she needed to do today. After thinking, she shouted for the students to start class, then carried her drawing box to the demonstration area, announcing that today she would do a 30-minute sketch of a double photo.
Seeing the usually gentle Chang Xuyu suddenly become serious, ignoring their teasing, the students were no fools. They immediately obediently grabbed chairs and ran to the front to watch the demonstration.
Jian Jiayue stood not far away, staring at her slender back. He suddenly raised an eyebrow, a flash of gloom crossing his face.
Li Meng walked over with a bag of dried mangoes.
Jian Jiayue stopped her, his usual gentle smile returning, and said slowly: "Xuyu is allergic to mangoes. She can't eat them."
"Wow, Teacher Jian, even you know that?" Li Meng was slightly surprised, but remembering what Chang Xuyu had just said, she clicked her tongue: "Teacher Jian, she's married. No matter how you look at it, it's you who has feelings for Xuyu. Oh, what a pity."
"I know."
His smile remained, but it didn't seem joyful—more like stiffness and contradiction. On the surface, calm; inside, turbulent. He stared at Li Meng, his gaze unwavering, sending chills down her spine.
"But she's about to get divorced. Being with me shouldn't be unfair to her, right?"