Mistaken Canary Chapter 63
Chapter 63
After the New Year holiday, everyone had to return to their respective jobs.
With the semester nearing its end, school meetings increased. After finishing his meeting notes, Ying Tongchen walked out of the conference room with Zheng Zhinan and the others.
Zheng Zhinan suggested they go on a trip together after the exams, but Sheng Wu rejected the idea.
Sheng Wu's family resided out of town, so she would need to depart early to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Zheng Zhinan scratched his head and said, "Then I'll drive you back to your hometown, and we can travel a bit on the way?"
"Tsk tsk." Fu Lu moved away from the two lovebirds and approached Ying Tongchen instead. After sending a text to her new boyfriend, she asked, "Teacher Ying, what are your plans for the Chinese New Year? Will you be traveling or staying at home?"
"Probably the same as before, staying at home," Ying Tongchen replied.
Fu Lu couldn’t help but be surprised. "We’ve been colleagues for over two years, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go on a trip?"
"Mm," Ying Tongchen nodded.
Ying Tongchen wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about traveling. Occasionally, he’d go out to relax, but he never posted about it on social media to express his admiration for the great landscapes of the country. As a result, people often thought of him as a slightly more handsome homebody.
"Then you’re missing out on a lot of happiness," Fu Lu said with a sigh.
"It’s not that bad," Ying Tongchen replied.
He just spent that time working on another job. A full wallet was his greatest joy.
Fu Lu pointed to the clingy couple nearby and whispered, "Aren’t you in a relationship now? Don’t you plan on going on a trip together?"
Ying Tongchen thought for a moment and asked, "Do we have to go on a trip? Is that a must-do routine?"
Fu Lu responded, "Well, not exactly a must-do, but haven’t you read what Mr. Qian* wrote? The honeymoon after marriage is actually the reverse order. You should travel for a month first. After a month of traveling and exhausting yourself with the journey, if you haven’t grown tired of each other, if you haven’t argued and fallen out, and you still want to maintain the original marriage vow, then that couple is guaranteed not to divorce."
(TLN: Quoted from the novel ‘Fortress Besieged’, a Chinese satirical novel written by Qian Zhongshu. It’s a complex novel with many different themes. First is love; it is most well known for the quote “marriage is like a fortress besieged: those who are outside want to get in and those who are inside want to get out”.)
Before Ying Tongchen could respond, Zheng Zhinan joined the conversation, "What’s this about marriage and divorce? Who are you talking about?"
"Talking about a TV show!" Fu Lu replied, waving her hand. "Anyway, I need to get to class now."
The group headed toward their respective classrooms, and Ying Tongchen stood still for a moment, deep in thought, before heading to the first-year building.
As he reached the stairwell, he suddenly heard Zhuo Zi’s furious shout: "Ban Zhang, come out here this instance!"
He quickened his pace and, upon reaching the scene, saw Zhuo Zi blocking the entrance to the men's restroom. A crowd of students had gathered around, teasing and shouting for Ban Zhang to come out.
"What’s going on?" he asked as he approached. "Zhuo Zi, what are you doing?"
Seeing him, Zhuo Zi hurriedly said, "Nothing, it's nothing, Mr. Ying, please go ahead, I’ll be in the classroom soon."
"If you lot aren’t in class, how can I begin?" Ying Tongchen surveyed the crowd. "Everyone, go back to your respective classrooms."
The students slowly dispersed, but Zhuo Zi still seemed anxious, unwilling to leave until her target was found.
"What did he want from you?" Ying Tongchen asked.
Zhuo Zi stamped her foot in frustration, replying, "He won’t take my money!"
Ying Tongchen paused for a few seconds, then clarified, "So, you tried to block him in the men's restroom because he didn’t want to take your money?"
Zhuo Zi nodded, feeling embarrassed to explain that the money was actually a bribe for Ban Zhang. If he refused, it would put everything at risk! She needed to protect her master and mistress’s relationship!
"Alright, I'll go talk to him. You head back to class," Ying Tongchen said, ushering her away. He then walked into the restroom and saw Ban Zhang by the windowsill. "Why is Zhuo Zi pestering you?"
"I have no idea," Ban Zhang replied, feeling just as confused. The whole morning, Zhuo Zi had been chasing him, trying to give him ‘nine-nine-eight’, saying it was some kind of hush money…
Thinking of this, Ban Zhang suddenly looked at Ying Tongchen, seemingly understanding Zhuo Zi's intention. He smiled and said, "Oh, I get it now. I’m fine now, Mr. Ying."
Ying Tongchen couldn’t quite follow the thinking of these young people. After Ban Zhang assured him it wasn’t a big deal, he led him back to the classroom to start the lesson.
After that, it was unclear how the two students communicated, but their relationship grew closer.
As the workload increased, Zhuo Zi found it difficult to balance her studies with her hobby. So, she handed over her author account from a certain green website to her new friend Ban Zhang. "Do you do commissions for ghostwriting? I'll pay you three times the usual rate."
Ban Zhang glanced at the titles in her account. "......"
"Un–Unfortunately, I can not help you with this," Ban Zhang said. "It’s in my knowledge blind spot."
Zhuo Zi replied, "Then I won’t be your number one friend!"
…
The two-day final exams flew by, and the winter vacation officially began.
Parents were bustling around the campus, helping their children move their luggage. The students were excited, chattering and noisily packing up their items from the classrooms and dorms.
Ying Tongchen watched them leave one by one, checking the locks on the doors and windows, lingering for a while before being the last to leave the classroom. He locked the door with a soft click.
As he turned around, he saw Zhuo Fu and Mu Qing approaching. He gave a slight smile and greeted them, "Hello Uncle and Aunt, here to pick up Zhuo Zi?"
"Yes, A’Shu's been busy lately. He’s still at the company right now, so we came instead," Mu Qing said with a warm smile, holding a thermos. "This is chicken soup I’ve been simmering all afternoon, especially for you to try."
"Thank you, Aunt." Ying Tongchen accepted it, flattered.
"No need to be polite, it's not anything extravagant," Mu Qing laughed heartily. "Go ahead with your work. We’ll pop by the dorm to see how Zhuo Zi’s packing is coming along."
"Alright, I still have a few things to take care of, so I won’t see you two off," Ying Tongchen said, bidding them farewell. After leaving the teaching building, he ran into many students and their parents—taking the time to chat warmly with each one.
It wasn’t until the sky darkened that the campus finally quieted down.
After watching the parents leave, Ying Tongchen glanced down at the thermos in his hand, pondering for a moment before heading straight to the principal's office with it.
Inside the office, there was not only the principal, but also two other school administrators drinking tea. When they saw him walk in, they were not surprised, but rather, they seemed to have expected his arrival.
A few days ago, the principal had spoken with him privately, and it was clear that this conversation was inevitable.
Ying Tongchen nodded, then stepped closer to them. "I’m here."
"Please, sit," the principal gestured to the seat across from him, glancing at the other two administrators who seemed slightly uneasy. He rubbed his hands together, struggling to find the right words. "Well, as you both know, Teacher Ying’s teaching results have always been excellent. The photo might be a misunderstanding. You know, these young people today are not so particular about..."
"It’s not a misunderstanding," Ying Tongchen quietly interjected.
The principal sighed helplessly. "Sigh, you..."
Just a few days ago, while chatting with a parent from a senior grade, the parent had pulled out a photo, saying the person looked very familiar, and asked if the man in the photo was one of the school's teachers.
The principal took a look at the photo and immediately recognized that it was indeed Ying Tongchen.
There was another man in the photo with him. The problem was how close they were. Ying Tongchen was holding the other man’s hand, and the two were in an affectionate pose, both smiling happily.
The parent and their family was taking photos during an outing on Christmas. Suddenly, their daughter had squealed, snapped a photo of a certain scene, and grinned mischievously. When the parents were reviewing the photos later, they happened to see it and thought one of the men looked familiar. The parent only casually asked the principal, but there was a hint of suspicion in their eyes.
After the principal muddled through this situation, he quickly sought out Ying Tongchen to discuss the matter, subtly implying that he should clarify that they were just friends.
At the time, Ying Tongchen had said he would give them a satisfactory answer after the final exams were over.
Now, the principal desperately signaled to him with his eyes, thinking to himself: No, this is not the kind of satisfactory answer he was hoping for!
“He’s my boyfriend,” Ying Tongchen said, satisfied with the clarity of his answer.
The principal glanced at the other administrators, who chimed in, “It’s really not a big deal. These kinds of situations are pretty common now, haha. As long as you keep it low-key, we can handle the parents—”
“He’s also the guardian of one of my students,” Ying Tongchen added.
Principal: F*ck, I can’t save you now!!!
“I don’t plan on keeping it a secret forever, so…” Ying Tongchen glanced at the administrators and pulled out a resignation letter. “I’ll resign and take full responsibility.”
The vice-principal gave him a surprised look. “There’s no need for such a drastic decision, Mr. Ying. We’re here to figure out a solution with you.”
“Do you want me to break up with him?” Ying Tongchen asked.
The three administrators silently agreed.
Ying Tongchen knew that the issue wasn’t with his colleagues. However, if the students or their parents found out that he was gay, it would be difficult for him to continue teaching normally. Especially if parents were less inclined to trust him with their children.
He had mentally prepared for this moment long ago.
He gave a deep bow. “Thank you, Principal and administrators, for all the care and recognition you’ve given me these past few years. The school will be fine without me as a teacher, and you can always find more capable and excellent teachers... but for me, I can’t be without him.”
Ying Tongchen left the office holding the thermos, and as he closed the door, he heard a few sighs from inside.
He took a deep breath, then slowly walked toward the school gate.
It had started snowing lightly outside. He stood at the entrance, took one last look at the school, and a strong emotion rose in his chest.
Becoming a teacher had been a spontaneous decision. He had never intended to do it for a lifetime, which was why he didn’t bother with public service exams for a permanent teaching position—it was so he could leave more easily when the time came.
He hadn’t gone out of his way to form deep connections with the students. His teaching career had been fairly quiet. The biggest disturbances came from typical adolescent issues—dating too young, fighting, or sneaking off to internet cafés.
But when it was finally time to leave, there was a slight reluctance to part with this simple and peaceful life.
“Mr. Ying, it’s already so late, why are you still here?” the security guard asked with a smile.
Ying Tongchen snapped out of his thoughts and gave a faint smile. “I got delayed by some things.”
The security guard: “Well, it seems like that delay was quite long. It’s so cold out, your friend has been waiting for you for a while.”
“Friend?” Ying Tongchen paused for a moment, then quickly realized. He stepped over the threshold and broke into a quick stride as he ran a few steps outside.
He scanned the surroundings and soon spotted a tall figure under a streetlamp.
Hurrying over, Ying Tongchen asked, “Why are you here? Aunt said you were busy at the company.”
“I came over as soon as I finished,” Zhuo Shu said, his words trailing into the air in a white puff.
Ying Tongchen reached out and brushed the snowflakes off his head. “How long have you been here?”
“Not too long. Let’s head back,” Zhuo Shu replied, nearly numb from the cold. His hands were so cold that he didn’t dare hold Ying Tongchen’s hand.
The two turned and walked toward the apartment. Ying Tongchen said, “Why didn’t you call me, or even just waited in your car?”
“There’s no parking here. If I park too far away, I might not see you,” Zhuo Shu shivered. “I did try calling you, but you didn’t pick up.”
Ying Tongchen pulled out his phone and saw several missed calls. He apologized, “I was in a meeting, and my phone was on silent.”
“I know,” Zhuo Shu said with a small smile.
Ying Tongchen lowered his gaze and suddenly slipped his hand into Zhuo Shu’s pocket, gripping his cold hand. “You’re freezing.”
“You’re asking for trouble,” Zhuo Shu pulled his hand out. “Be careful, someone from your school might see us.”
Ying Tongchen curved his lips into a smile and insisted on holding his hand. “Just let me hold it for a moment.”
“No,” Zhuo Shu said, then abruptly took off running.
The two men ran to the apartment, one after the other. Ying Tongchen closed the door, and as soon as he turned around, a shadow fell over him, and a pair of cool, warm lips brushed against his.
Ying Tongchen, with a slight smile, asked, “No longer running?”
Zhuo Shu: “That was just a warm-up.”
…
After their official ‘exercise’, the room was much warmer than the outside.
Ying Tongchen, his face flushed, lay in bed and rolled over. He couldn’t resist reaching out to poke the tip of Zhuo Shu’s nose. “Let’s go travel.”
“Travel?” Zhuo Shu’s eyes lit up. “How did you know my plans? Did you peek at my phone?”
"You’re thinking of traveling too?" Ying Tongchen asked, giving the tip of his nose a shove upward. Looking at ‘Piggy’ Zhuo, he suddenly let out a laugh.
Zhuo Shu held his finger and said, "Yes, I’ve already planned everything. The weather’s perfect for a trip tomorrow. I’ve packed all the luggage, and we’ll head out first thing in the morning."
"Alright."
…
The next morning, after breakfast, Ying Tongchen followed Zhuo Shu’s instructions and packed only two sets of windbreakers before heading out.
While fastening his seatbelt, Ying Tongchen asked, "Where are we going?"
"You’ll find out when we get there," Zhuo Shu replied mysteriously. "It’s a place that will elevate both our bodies and spirits."
Ying Tongchen: "?"
He pulled out his phone and canceled his previously booked Maldives couple vacation set.
…
By 1 p.m., Ying Tongchen stood at the foot of a desolate mountain in the middle of nowhere, questioning his life choices.
Even if it wasn’t the clear blue waters and hot sun of the Maldives, at least it should be a place like Pescadores Islands with sunshine, sandy beaches, and the sound of the waves, right?
Where on earth was this place?
There wasn’t even a cell signal, and the surroundings were desolate with hardly a soul in sight. Towering trees lined the path, and the road was muddy and treacherous. The wind rustled through the leaves, making eerie sounds. If one were to add some creepy background music, it would be the perfect setup for a murder scene.
“This? This is the ‘place to elevate both the body and spirit’?” Ying Tongchen's voice rose in disbelief.
“Yeah,” Zhuo Shu replied, unloading the items from the trunk. He noticed the change in Ying Tongchen’s mood and asked, “Wh–What’s wrong?”
Ying Tongchen: "Heh."
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