From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Xu Chunliang didn’t intend to play firefighter; the main reason was that Ji Jiajia had just said if he were the teacher, she would go to school. Coincidentally, Ye Qingya had no time to teach this calligraphy class to the kids, which presented Xu Chunliang with an opportunity. With this chance, he could get Ji Jiajia back to campus, and regardless of how long she stayed, at least he’d have something to report to Hua Zhuyue.

Ye Qingya, of course, was happy. Although Chen Yunsheng had seen Xu Chunliang’s calligraphy, just because he wrote well didn’t necessarily mean he could teach students.

Ye Qingya said, "Teacher Chen, just let Chunliang go. His achievements in calligraphy exceed mine by far."

Chen Yunsheng said, "Mr. Xu, which university did you graduate from?"

"Dongzhou City No. 3 High School," Xu Chunliang replied truthfully.

Chen Yunsheng was speechless. I didn’t ask where you went to high school; I was asking where you graduated from university.

Ye Qingya reminded Xu Chunliang, "Principal Chen is asking for your highest level of education."

"High school graduate."

Chen Yunsheng burst into laughter, "Mr. Xu, you’re quite humorous."

Xu Chunliang said, "I’m not joking."

Chen Yunsheng’s laughter abruptly stopped. A young man with only a high school diploma going to Shuren Middle School to teach wasn’t this going to mislead the children?

Ye Qingya said, "Weren’t you in an integrated bachelor and master’s program? What was that joint university called?"

Xu Chunliang said, "That was just for the sake of a degree, it’s embarrassing to even mention. Principal Chen, don’t worry. Even though I only graduated high school, I studied my senior year for three consecutive years and took the college entrance exam three times. I have a lot of experience in that area."

Chen Yunsheng was bemused, "Mr. Xu, have you taught classes before?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Yes, I’ve seen crowds of thousands and tens of thousands, so you don’t need to worry about me getting stage fright." He wasn’t exaggerating; when he was still the Five Poison Sect Leader, leading a hundred thousand followers was a walk in the park, let alone facing a few dozen to a hundred kids.

Chen Yunsheng was already having second thoughts, but Ye Qingya said, "Let’s settle this then. Let Chunliang substitute for me. He’ll be fine."

Ye Qingya didn’t see any problems with Xu Chunliang substituting. For one, his calligraphy was indeed good, and secondly, she wasn’t an official teacher anyway. It was just an interest class to cultivate the kids’ character and help uncover their potential.

Chen Yunsheng asked Xu Chunliang to send him his personal information and tentatively agreed for Xu Chunliang to substitute the day after tomorrow afternoon at the school.

When they left Jiumen Tendon Soup, it was already 9 PM. Xu Chunliang asked Ye Qingya where she was heading.

Ye Qingya said, "My studio."

Xu Chunliang said, "You’re not going home?"

Ye Qingya shook her head, "They don’t know I’ve returned this time."

Xu Chunliang nodded. Ye Qingya must have learned Qiao Rulong’s secret, otherwise, she wouldn’t choose to leave at this time.

"Should I take you there?"

Ye Qingya said, "It’s not far from here. Walk with me."

How could Xu Chunliang refuse such a request? He accompanied Ye Qingya to her studio. As they crossed the overpass, Ye Qingya stopped in the middle, gazing at the river of cars below, their headlights tracing different hues across her vision, momentarily making her feel as if she stood upon a galaxy.

Xu Chunliang said, "I went to your house today and chatted with Grandpa for a bit."

Ye Qingya smiled serenely, "Chunliang, do you believe in love?" Without waiting for Xu Chunliang’s answer, she continued, "You believe in it, surely. You and Xiaoxue are happy now. I’ve never had any expectations for love."

Xu Chunliang said, "Isn’t that a bit too pessimistic?"

Ye Qingya said, "It’s not pessimism, but my origins decided it. There’s no love between Rulong and me. Our marriage is merely a result of the political needs of the Qiao and Ye families."

Xu Chunliang was surprised by Ye Qingya’s calmness. Her demeanor convinced him that Ye Qingya indeed had no feelings for Qiao Rulong.

Ye Qingya said, "I have no expectations for my future life either, just hoping for tranquility and a courteous relationship."

"Sister Qingya, did you hear any rumors?" Xu Chunliang didn’t think Ye Changyuan would tell Ye Qingya about Qiao Rulong’s secret, but after learning from Mei Ru Xue that Wang Jiancheng had visited Qiao Rulong, he began to suspect Wang Jiancheng’s motives were impure. Perhaps he’d revealed something about Qiao Rulong’s secret. It was also after Wang Jiancheng’s visit to Dongzhou that Ye Qingya quietly left without a word and returned to the Capital City.

Ye Qingya said, "I may not be particularly smart, but I’m not foolish. I’ve been aware of Rulong’s issues for a while. I haven’t mentioned it at home because I don’t want our problems to affect the relationship between the Qiao and Ye families. Although Qiao Rulong is meticulous in everything he does, I can see his inner repulsion towards me."

Xu Chunliang sighed, "This kind of marriage is just too exhausting."

Ye Qingya said, "I don’t think so. I believe Qiao Rulong is a responsible husband. Fortunately, he doesn’t love me, so I don’t have to pretend to welcome him against my will. I don’t want to ask about anything happening outside, and I’m too lazy to care. From the beginning of our marriage, we’ve both been acting, and we’ve been playing our roles pretty well."

Xu Chunliang sighed quietly. Despite their noble backgrounds and glamorous appearances, who knows the pain and conflict behind their lives?

Ye Qingya said, "Do you know what my first reaction was after the car accident, when I found out there was another woman in the car? It wasn’t jealousy or hatred—I just felt regretful. I’m afraid that the marriage we’ve managed for five years may no longer exist, and my life will never be peaceful again."

She turned to glance at Xu Chunliang: "Do you think I’m cold-blooded and selfish?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Perhaps you’ve just been avoiding reality all along."

Ye Qingya said, "I never had any expectations for marriage. I didn’t want to get married, but if I had to, marrying Qiao Rulong was better than anyone else. At least on the surface, he’s a polite gentleman. We were more like acting partners. For these five years, we’ve cooperated, told all kinds of lies, deceived our families, and fooled the outside world. Chunliang, I came back because I felt lost. I’m afraid of change, yet now I have no choice but to face it."

Xu Chunliang said softly, "Sister Qingya, I can’t give you advice. As Grandpa said, the matters between you two ultimately have to be handled by yourselves."

Ye Qingya said, "I really want to continue acting with him. I’ve tried to pretend like nothing ever happened, but it’s impossible now. Too many people know his secret. My persistence will only bring shame to the Ye family."

Xu Chunliang said, "Actually, you can put it aside for now and decide later."

Ye Qingya said, "Both the Qiao Family and the Ye Family care deeply about face. If I voluntarily withdraw, I can at least spare the dignity of both families. Of course, not now; at least I have to wait until he’s discharged."

When Xu Chunliang saw the determined look in Ye Qingya’s eyes, he knew their marriage was irrevocably broken. From Elder Qiao’s somber demeanor today, it was clear that he hadn’t gotten the outcome he wanted from the Ye Family.

The marriage between Ye Qingya and Qiao Rulong wasn’t just about the two of them. Their parting also signified a split between the Qiao and Ye families, marking their separate ways from now on.

Xu Chunliang didn’t sympathize with Qiao Rulong. This guy married Ye Qingya for five years and never won her heart. Otherwise, Ye Qingya wouldn’t be so resolute. Ye Qingya wasn’t heartless; by initiating the divorce now, the outside world would see it as her abandoning Qiao Rulong, unable to share his hardships. To some extent, the criticism fell on her, saving Qiao Rulong’s dignity.

This could be considered the last gift left to Qiao Rulong from their marriage.

Ye Qingya said, "I haven’t told anyone else my thoughts. My family has no idea."

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "I’m your family too."

Xu Chunliang never expected his simple words to so easily touch the softest part of Ye Qingya’s heart. Her nose tingled, and tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped them away, but the more she wiped, the more they flowed.

Xu Chunliang took out a tissue and handed it to her. Ye Qingya wiped her tears and sniffed, saying, "I’m sorry to make a fool of myself."

Xu Chunliang said, "Sis, how about I go beat up Qiao Rulong for you?"

Ye Qingya smiled through her tears, "He couldn’t withstand a beating from you. If you accidentally hurt him, Xiaoxue won’t let you off." Of course, she knew Xu Chunliang was only trying to make her happy. When it came to emotions, Xu Chunliang was closer to the Qiao Family.

Xu Chunliang said, "Sis, don’t worry. In the future, I won’t let anyone bully you. If you’re wronged, just tell me; I’ll stand up for you."

Ye Qingya’s freshly stopped tears flowed again: "Annoying, don’t get so sentimental."

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "Okay, I won’t say anything then. Anyway, it’s no big deal. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you."

Ye Qingya nodded.

Xu Chunliang said, "Let me take you home so everyone doesn’t worry."

Ye Qingya laughed ruefully, "Since I left Dongzhou, neither the Qiao Family nor the Ye Family has called me. The Qiao Family feels guilty and doesn’t dare to ask where I am. Our family thinks I’m still oblivious, staying by Qiao Rulong’s side."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t make yourself sound so pitiful. I’m here with you."

Ye Qingya said, "You had no choice, running into me, down on my luck, in this vast sea of people."

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily. At this moment, Ye Qingya’s phone rang. Xu Chunliang winked at her; she had just said no one called, yet a call came.

Ye Qingya glanced at the phone but didn’t answer it.

Xu Chunliang intentionally asked, "Why not answer it?"

Ye Qingya said, "I don’t want to. There’s nothing to say even if I do. Finding someone you can talk to in this world is really hard."

"Sister Qingya, that’s a bit hurtful."

Ye Qingya revealed a smile, like a lily glistening with dew in the morning light. Her smile made the bright moon appear dim: "It’s nice to have met you!"