She Only Cares About Cultivation

Thinking back now, is this a way to teach private lessons behind closed doors?

Although it seems a bit selfish, the results are noticeable, much better than aimlessly trying to blend in at the literacy class.

He stared at An Yi without blinking: "You must have played a significant role, right?"

An Yi smiled naturally: "Village chief, all the teachers teach the same thing. Some people are willing to learn, some let it in one ear and out the other. Given that, where would I willingly put my effort?"

The village chief sighed heavily: "You’re right, and you’re doing rightly so. It’s not easy to nurture a middle school student in our village, especially considering their ages and experiences; making it so much harder to get accepted. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely issue this note, not only that, but also provide support for both families."

But An Yi shook her head: "No need for special treatment. We both want to study, and one needs to care for the child. Just allow us to plant around the front and back of the house, that’s enough. We won’t go to the fields. If they have a holiday, you can make arrangements; otherwise, let’s keep things as they are. It wouldn’t be good if we cause resentment among others, which might inconvenience your work. So, before the child starts preschool, I won’t go."

"Teacher An, didn’t you agree to be a teacher at our newly formed Cooperative?"

Before An Yi finished speaking, the village chief quickly interjected, reminding An Yi of this detail.

"Has the school been built?"

"Not yet, but construction has started. It’s a major collective endeavor, so before the ground thaws, our priority is to build the school for the kids."

"Where will it be built? Far away?"

"Not too far, about a thirty to forty-minute walk."

Thirty to forty minutes is better than the county town several dozens of miles away, and still allows for taking care of the child and farming. "What’s the pay like?"

"Oh, about that, it’s awaiting funding from above. We’re not sure yet if it’ll be work points or wages. Once the specifics are out, I’ll inform you in advance. Don’t worry about the child now, there’s a daycare center next to the primary school, now that we’ve begun, we’re certainly ensuring peace of mind for all, but this isn’t free, it’s charged."

An Yi found it reasonable, as the daycare teachers have to make a living too, right? The responsibility of minding children is significant, isn’t it? If you don’t pay, who’ll do the job for you?

"Alright, once things are set up here, just notify me anytime. As for them going to school, let’s not publicize it. Just say a relative found them temporary work."

An Yi’s concern was quickly understood with a glance by the sisters. They glanced at the village chief, then at his wife, and both sighed thinking about the sisters’ situation.

"Alright, rest assured, we’re mindful and won’t speak carelessly."

To ensure the village chief kept the secret, An Yi left behind a bottle of aged baijiu.

As they left, the village chief’s wife sighed, "Those sisters following Teacher An are bound to succeed, but really, who is Teacher An? Every time she visits, she’s generous, and the authorities are giving her a house and land. They’re surely looking out for her!"

"I haven’t heard anything, but her father was an Anti-Japanese War hero; she’s the hero’s only descendant, shouldn’t she receive extra care? Though we don’t know what she’s been through, she’s knowledgeable, neat, and efficient. You see her afraid of anyone? Anyone who tries to argue with her won’t get the better of it. Her feisty nature matches the challenge faced, so let’s not provoke her; as long as we avoid grave mistakes, looking out for her when needed is advisable."

The village chief’s wife was puzzled: "Didn’t she say she didn’t want special treatment?"

"She’s refusing preferential treatment to avoid implicating us. All we need is to put things right with the authorities. Last year, there was documentation for land distribution. This year for land collection, whether her land is taken, we need to inquire from above, especially if they suggest taking it, we can offer her a task with high work points and less exertion. Surely, we can explain it well? We can’t just take her land without a word, can we? Imagine if it breeds resentment about us later. The matter needs proper handling, so I’ll team up with the accountant secretary later, then it’ll be sorted."

"It’s considerate of you, handling it this way is indeed appropriate. It’s extraordinary those girls got accepted into Dingyuan County middle school, seems Teacher An’s private lessons were beneficial. Hopefully, our grandson will be taught by Teacher An in the future."