  We present systematic calculations on the spectroscopy and transition
properties of even-even Te isotopes by using the large-scale configuration
interaction shell model approach with a realistic interaction. These nuclei are
of particular interest since their yrast spectra show a vibrational-like
equally-spaced pattern but the few known E2 transitions show anomalous
rotational-like behavior, which cannot be reproduced by collective models. Our
calculations reproduce well the equally-spaced spectra of those isotopes as
well as the constant behavior of the $B(E2)$ values in $^{114}$Te. The
calculated $B(E2)$ values for neutron-deficient and heavier Te isotopes show
contrasting different behaviors along the yrast line. The $B(E2)$ of light
isotopes can exhibit a nearly constant bevavior upto high spins. We show that
this is related to the enhanced neutron-proton correlation when approaching
$N=50$.
