The Yandere Queen's Manual for Training Her Wife - Chapter 76

Xia Mingtang hadn’t originally wanted to bring up that messy past, but Yang Fan wasn’t exactly an outsider.

Since she asked, Xia Mingtang decided to be honest. “Qin Yan came to me back then. We were married.”

“What?!” The news was so shocking that the orange in Yang Fan’s hand slipped.

Fortunately, Xia Mingtang’s reflexes were quick; she caught it in one hand. “I’m not hungry anymore. Don’t peel it, thanks.”

Yang Fan: …

Her full attention was on the gossip, ignoring everything else. “You just said you were married. So… are you divorced now?”

“More or less.” Xia Mingtang popped a small orange into her mouth and moved on to the next.

“‘More or less’ for a divorce? How does that work?” Yang Fan’s confusion was genuine.

Xia Mingtang didn’t see any problem with her phrasing.

“Technically speaking, that identity I had when I was married to Qin Yan… is dead.

“Now that I’ve gotten a new ID, I’m essentially a brand-new person. My past marital ties naturally no longer count.”

Yang Fan’s mouth unconsciously formed an “O”: that explanation was audaciously cunning.

Seeing this, Xia Mingtang felt mischievous and used the remaining orange to block that huge mouth.

She wiped her fingers on a tissue and said matter-of-factly, “So now I’m a smart, beautiful, and single girl—perfectly matching your tenant requirements. Let’s sign the contract.”

Yang Fan thought to herself, Xia Xiaohua really is a rare breed: both shameless and oblivious, yet able to justify herself logically.

She had originally planned to use the landlord and neighbor connection to create a chance encounter for romance. Now, with this person involved, that plan was temporarily ruined.

But she wasn’t exactly losing out. After all, such a mix of reunion, flash marriage, and “dead identity” drama is material that appears once in a decade in real life.

As a passionate online writer, she couldn’t let such live material go to waste. Perhaps Xia Xiaohua was heaven-sent, here to inspire her creativity and expand her imagination.

In front of such real-life material, romance could wait.

Xia Mingtang was lucky. She had expected that arriving alone in Su City would leave her isolated and struggling.

But on her first day, she ran into an old acquaintance, who became both her landlord and neighbor.

Though this acquaintance wasn’t very reliable, often sleeping until noon, Xia Mingtang was curious. “I remember when you were in Yun Town, you went to bed early and woke up early. Your life was quite regular, right?”

Yang Fan leaned back on the sofa for another nap. “That was during my research break. Now that I’m working, how could it be the same?”

Xia Mingtang: ?

So, during work hours, you sleep all day?

What Yang Fan didn’t say was that before Xia Mingtang rented the neighboring apartment, she usually got up in the afternoon. Now, she was making accommodations for this “life newbie.”

Although Yang Fan had limited time to interact during the day, she still gave Xia Mingtang a detailed “Su City Living Guide.”

Thanks to this guide, Xia Mingtang quickly got familiar with the surrounding environment and integrated into life in Su City in no time.

She wanted to treat Yang Fan to a meal in thanks, but the other politely declined, saying, “I’ve been too busy writing lately. Our schedules don’t match.”

Before she could insist, Yang Fan had already waved her off.

Xia Mingtang looked at the faintly bluish circles under her eyes and couldn’t help but sigh.

Writers are terrifying. Reclusive writers are even more terrifying.

She couldn’t be as homebound as Yang Fan.

Finally gaining her freedom, she wanted to grow freely in this new city, embrace the sunlight.

Spinning, jumping, eyes closed.

She danced her way to a music store.

Though located in Su City’s busy downtown, stepping inside felt like the surrounding world had quieted down.

Soft light and warm tones made the space relaxing.

A young female clerk sat at the front desk, absorbed in a book.

Noticing a visitor, she merely smiled politely, not overly attentive like other stores.

Xia Mingtang felt comfortable and stepped further inside.

The store wasn’t small. The most noticeable areas were the display section and the lounge.

The display area was soundproofed. Someone was testing a piano, the sound barely reaching her ears.

Nearby were several pianos: spruce and blue diamond finishes.

Xia Mingtang’s eyes caught one resembling Steinway’s newest model from last year.

This store had something special.

Thinking that her new apartment was spacious enough, she considered buying a piano as decoration.

After getting the clerk’s permission, she sat at the Steinway and began playing.

Having grown up in a cultured household, she had learned piano as part of a standard education.

Though her academic talent was mediocre, her artistic sense was decent.

She had studied intermittently for three years—not a master like Qin Yan, but her playing was pleasant.

She played “Moonlight Sonata,” letting the long, continuous measures form a wave-like rhythm, like ripples on a moonlit lake.

Her fingers were slightly rusty from lack of practice, but the performance flowed reasonably well.

Finishing the piece, she rubbed her hands, feeling satisfied.

“Beautiful piece.”

Xia Mingtang looked up to see the person who had been testing a piano earlier.

The woman, just over thirty, wore a simple bun and exuded mature charm.

She introduced herself: “Hello, I’m the owner of this music store, Shang Huayin. I just heard your piece—your rhythm is smooth, your tone clear, without unnecessary noise. I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

Xia Mingtang blushed slightly at the compliment, aware of her own skill level.

“It’s fine. I haven’t played for a while. This piano is great—I’ll take it.” She patted the Steinway’s lid.

Xia Huaying glanced at the piano and then at Xia Mingtang. “This model is large and requires sufficient space. Have you considered where you would put it?”

Xia Mingtang hesitated. Her previous homes were large enough to accommodate anything. Yang Fan’s apartment had limited space—this piano might not fit.

Noticing her hesitation, Xia Huaying kindly said, “No rush. You can take your time deciding. Honestly, I praised your playing out of genuine appreciation, not to push a sale. If you like the piano, feel free to play anytime. It’s unlikely to be sold immediately.”

It had almost been sold…

Shang Huayin’s business approach was refreshingly relaxed.

Xia Mingtang felt slightly embarrassed.

Seeing this, Xia Huaying subtly offered an olive branch. “Don’t feel awkward. I have a personal interest too. Besides running this store, I also run a piano class for children, and we’re currently short a piano teacher.”

Teaching children piano sounded interesting. Xia Mingtang, having nothing to do in Su City, didn’t mind taking on something.

“Could you tell me more about the requirements for the piano teacher?”

Xia Mingtang hadn’t expected that a casual outing would land her a job.

Xia Huaying’s training classes were held on the store’s second floor. Students were around ten years old, brought in on weekends.

She had agreed on a whim. After a few classes, she found herself enjoying it.

Her students were adorable and well-behaved, unlike some unruly kids she had met before.

This was because Xia Huaying had carefully selected students with a genuine interest in learning piano.

After Xia Mingtang played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Variations,” applause erupted, like at a recital.

She surveyed the students and adopted a professional demeanor.

“Did everyone notice the fingerings? Does anyone want to try?”

Her teaching was casual. She provided printed music sheets and theory, letting students learn independently.

Luckily, the students were bright and cooperative. Hands shot up immediately.

She picked a girl who hadn’t been called before. “Xiaoyu, you come up.”

Xiaoyu, shy, played at the piano. Her fingers were agile and the rhythm smooth.

Xia Mingtang nodded in approval and stepped back to the audience.

She accidentally bumped into someone behind her.

“Shang boss, here to inspect the work?”

Having grown familiar with Shang Huayin, Xia Mingtang could joke comfortably.

“I came to see our most popular teacher, Xia Laoshi,” Xia Huaying replied with a smile.

Xia Mingtang accepted the title with ease.

Looking at Xiaoyu performing, she said with satisfaction, “Xiaoyu is talented. She grasped the fingerings after seeing it once and isn’t intimidated by so many eyes watching.”

“That’s because of you, Teacher Xia. The kids are motivated to earn praise.”

Over the days, Xia Huaying had come to understand Xia Mingtang. When praised, she couldn’t hide her joy but remained humble.

Xia Mingtang suppressed a smile while maintaining a modest expression.

“It’s the children’s efforts. We help each other succeed.”

The piece ended, and Xia Mingtang publicly praised Xiaoyu and pinned a small red flower on her.

Xiaoyu returned to her seat amid envious glances and received her next assignment.

After class, Xia Huaying invited Xia Mingtang to try a newly opened Japanese restaurant.

Normally, Xia Mingtang would have agreed.

But today…

“Sorry, Xia boss. I have some matters to attend to. Next time.”

Understanding, Xia Huayin didn’t insist.

Exiting the music store, Xia Mingtang found a public phone booth and called Xia residence.

She had contacted Xia Huaying a few days earlier—once to report her safety, and again to express her desire to finalize the divorce.

The unreliable Ji Xianglan had asked her to pass the message, but there had been no progress, so she decided to do it personally.

Today was the scheduled call with Xia Huaying. She dialed promptly.

“Grandma~” Even after days apart, unbreakable familial affection made Xia Mingtang instinctively act coquettishly.

However, after a few seconds, the expected warm voice didn’t come.

Instead, a voice she knew too well spoke:

“Tang Tang, I’m right behind you.”

Xia Mingtang turned around, saw the visitor, and bolted.

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