Chapter 22

A day's plan starts in the morning, and the autumn morning is already a bit cool.

When Jiang Manzhu was called to wake up, she still felt a bit drowsy, thinking it was the usual time around five or six o'clock.

But upon getting up, she realized, oh, it's already seven! Is she experiencing autumn fatigue? Of course, she often feels sleepy in spring, drowsy in summer, fatigued in autumn, and hibernates in winter.

After breakfast, Jiang Manzhu dressed a bit more neatly and styled her hair, but suddenly felt that her hairstyle was just mediocre.

If only she had known to let it grow longer; a little bun would look quite nice.

But then she thought, with winter coming, if she washes her hair, it would be cold and wet, making it easy to catch a cold. Never mind, she looked fine as she was.

Carrying a small water bottle and a blank notebook to take notes, she felt well-prepared.

Ah, she had never been a teacher before and didn't know how to educate children.

Li Linxi left the house empty-handed, making her silent for a moment. "Linxi, you're setting off like this? Aren't you bringing anything?"

How can a teacher, a role model, be so careless about teaching?

Li Linxi looked at Jiang Manzhu, who was holding a small bag and a water bottle, and thought she was going to work, not to the supply store.

"It's not necessary. The principal hasn't even given us the textbooks yet. Today is Friday, and tomorrow is a holiday. We'll have time to prepare, so don't be so anxious," Li Linxi explained to Jiang Manzhu.

After being reminded, Jiang Manzhu seemed to wake up, glancing at the things in her hands but ultimately decided to keep them—what if they were useful?

With her small umbrella, she set off, facing the morning sun, her face filled with smiles and hope for the future.

On the way, she didn't meet Wang Dongling, and only when she arrived at school did she learn that Wang had already gotten there.

The principal looked at the three newly recruited teachers, all young—youth is good; it brings vitality.

"Li Linxi, Jiang Manzhu, and Wang Dongling, I have analyzed your test papers. You have three days. By next Monday, I hope you can teach the students well and not disappoint my expectations."

Principal Zeng handed Li Linxi a fifth-grade math book, Jiang Manzhu a fourth-grade math book, and Wang Dongling a third-grade language book.

He knew that teachers usually specialize in language or math, but he wanted versatile teachers.

If they could teach both, that would be even better. Otherwise, why wouldn't he just find teachers from the commune? He needed them to improve results this year!

The principal smiled warmly, but his words subtly conveyed this expectation.

Li Linxi didn't change her expression, perhaps thinking it wasn't a difficult task.

However, Jiang Manzhu and Wang Dongling felt worried—first, they had never been teachers, and second, they didn't know the students' personalities and conditions. They feared losing this hard-earned job.

But in front of the principal, how could they dare to admit they couldn't do it?

"Don't worry, Principal, I will give it my all!" Jiang Manzhu clenched her small fist, her face full of confident determination, vowing not to give up until she succeeded.

"Right, Principal, I'll do my best. Could I possibly get a list of our class's grades from last semester or this semester? The test papers would be helpful too."

Wang Dongling was even more reluctant to lose this job. She wanted to start working hard today; she didn't believe she couldn't teach well.

"It's great that Comrade Wang has such determination; work hard." Principal Zeng still held some hope, especially after the last two teachers had performed poorly.

"Comrade Jiang is also commendable, and you too, Linxi, I have high hopes for you." Li Linxi had come from their primary school and had just entered high school this year but couldn't afford to attend.

Linxi would surely be fine.

"Hmm, I will do my best, Principal." Li Linxi nodded gently, smiling as if she was confident.

Seeing her, Principal Zeng felt reassured. "Alright, you three can go back. Classes start at 8:30 AM next Monday, so don't be late, understood?"

Go back and prepare well. You have three days, and don't come back saying you weren't ready, or you'll disappoint my expectations.

Before they left, he handed them the class roster.

Work hard and strive for improved results by the end of the semester.

Otherwise, all his efforts in reforming this would be in vain.

After they left, holding the books with the roster and last semester's exam results inside, which were quite dismal, they understood why they couldn't compete with the neighboring primary school.

"It seems our task is quite heavy," the three walked together, and the two young women took the teaching profession seriously, especially given the current situation—how could they not study specifically?

Wang Dongling and Jiang Manzhu huddled together discussing, while Li Linxi followed behind, not interrupting.

The young women appeared excited and proactive; Li Linxi didn't want to shatter their dreams. Go for it.

In the following three days, all three of them buried themselves in study at home… Well, Li Linxi was somewhat forced, as Liu Jumai was particularly serious about this matter.

After all, they were responsible for educating the country's pillars; how could they not take it seriously?

Since they became teachers, they had to take on the responsibility of being teachers.

Regarding Liu Jumai's noble thoughts, Jiang Manzhu couldn't help but admire the mindset of the older generation—something not for someone as lazy as her to compare with.

"Alright, Mom, I will work hard and not disappoint your and the principal's expectations." Jiang Manzhu, filled with emotion, made an encouraging gesture, which made Liu Jumai smile with satisfaction.

"I knew our Manzhu could do it." After encouraging her, Liu Jumai turned to remind Li Linxi, clearly busy.

During these three days, while Jiang Manzhu was busy preparing lesson plans, Luo Liangce, who had lost his teaching position, faced the betrayal of Su Qianqian.

At that moment, Su Qianqian looked at the man in front of her, who had been in her heart for many years, like a fleeting memory that transformed into the man standing before her.

Luo Liangce felt annoyed with Su Qianqian. "Comrade Su Qianqian, you called me here. What is it you want?"

"Luo Zhiqing, my father went to see the principal before, but who knew this situation would happen? Are you really resigning yourself to fate, Luo Zhiqing?"

Su Qianqian suppressed her resentment and grudges against Luo Liangce, forcing a faint smile as she brought up something he desired.

Upon hearing Su Qianqian's words, Luo Liangce's expression soured. "What does Comrade Su mean by that?"

If it weren't for the previous gossip that made it so he hadn't even become a teacher yet and many people found out… leading to his efforts being in vain.

As a man, Luo Liangce was very proud, both inferior and superior, with a strong sense of self-respect. He had long harbored deep resentment towards Su Qianqian's family.

But due to the position of the brigade leader, he couldn't resist and had to suppress all his emotions.

"I know why you wanted to be with me back then, but there are plenty of people who are better looking and wealthier than I am, right?"

Su Qianqian smiled as she spoke. Although she felt displeased, seeing Luo Liangce's unhappy face made her happy.

Right now, the important thing was not revenge, but to drive Jiang Manzhu out of the Li family.

Luo Liangce furrowed his brows. What did she mean by that…

"Those who came to the countryside, everyone knows what the situation is behind their families, but judging by the living conditions, you could probably guess a thing or two, right?"

Su Qianqian subtly led the conversation towards the educated youth, hoping Luo Liangce would understand.

"While Jiang Manzhu was bringing luck to Li Lindong, he hadn't even had the chance to consummate their marriage before she was gone. Clearly, she was still a pure person. Plus, with the death compensation from Li Linan, I heard she has it in her hands."

"Luo Zhiqing, when you were at the educated youth point, didn't you see Jiang Manzhu living quite comfortably? Her parents in the city would definitely help her out. Who knows when she could return to the city?"

"Men are different from women. If you two got married and had children, her parents wouldn't just let you stay here alone, right? Whether it's the wife or the child, there needs to be a head of the family, doesn't there?"

Su Qianqian spoke in a half-smiling tone, subtly encouraging Luo Liangce. I've already given you the method; it's up to you whether you dare to act on it…

Listening to her, Luo Liangce looked at her seriously, a mix of heaviness and stirring emotions in his gaze.

However, in front of Su Qianqian, Luo Liangce ultimately didn't express his feelings but gazed at her seriously, questioning her softly, "Qianqian, did you really not have any feelings for me at all?"

Although he initially pursued her because of her father's position, he had genuinely developed feelings and really wanted to marry her.

Hearing this distasteful question, Su Qianqian couldn't help but respond with a cold smile. Feelings? What were they? Being abandoned by a husband and criticized by others, or ridiculed by her own family?

Did he deserve it?

"Luo Zhiqing, you will have a brighter future ahead. How could someone like me be worthy?" Su Qianqian remembered what he had said back then, and she would remember it for life…

Luo Liangce took her mocking words as sarcasm—yes, he, Luo Liangce, was not worthy of her, the precious daughter of the brigade leader.

Seeing Luo Liangce leave in anger, Su Qianqian's expression turned fierce. Luo Liangce, don't let me down.

Otherwise, I'll ruin you before you return to the city.

Su Qianqian turned to leave this secret base. Now she had to prepare for multiple scenarios…

Seeing that Luo Liangce didn't seem like a man who could carry the flag, she couldn't rely solely on him.

Jiang Manzhu, Jiang Manzhu, don't blame me; it's your fault for blocking my path. The Li family's good fortune is not a place for someone as unlucky as you.

Su Qianqian recalled that Jiang Manzhu had just become a teacher and was quite attractive. There would surely be many suitors in the village…

Three-pronged action: she would find Li Linxi and Liu Jumai, Luo Liangce would go find Jiang Manzhu, and she would have people in the village look for matchmakers for Jiang Manzhu…

Su Qianqian felt the sunshine above her head was so warm, wrapping her in warmth, just as she hoped—full of brightness and light.

In a good mood, Su Qianqian prepared to stir up trouble. Of course, she knew her reputation in the village wasn't great lately, so she didn't seek out the aunties.

She just occasionally talked about Jiang Manzhu's advantages in front of the single men. It wasn't intentional; she just happened to be overheard.

Naturally, the people she talked to were her former good friends. Although Su Qianqian's reputation had suffered, she was generous.

With the candies and snacks in hand, she could share with them, and they certainly didn't mind that.

The young men thought about the information they heard, feeling excited. Jiang Zhiqing, Jiang Manzhu—who didn't know? She was stunningly beautiful. They hadn't noticed before, but recently, seeing her smile was delightful…

Her temperament must have improved a lot; if she didn't work, she wouldn't work. As long as she could smile at them every day, it wouldn't matter if she didn't farm; she could handle housework.

And thinking that Jiang Manzhu had now become a teacher, there would likely be even more aunties eyeing her. Who knew who would take her home?

Worries, tension, anxiety—no way. Someone as good as Jiang Zhiqing had been married off to that unfortunate Li Lindong, who died young. Someone so unlucky didn't deserve a goddess!

"Mom, Mom, I want to marry Jiang Zhiqing." He rushed home to tell his mother, his face a bit flushed with embarrassment but filled with excitement.

His mother had just returned from work and was starting to cook. Upon hearing her son's words, her heart filled with joy. Oh, her good son finally wanted to get married!

Listening closely to the marriage partner, what? Who do you mean? Who do you want to marry?

Jiang Zhiqing? That Jiang Zhiqing who can't do anything? "No, Mom won't allow it!"

In the village, there isn't much entertainment. Every day, everyone goes out to work, and when they come back, they either do housework or go up the mountain to gather firewood and forage for wild vegetables. Even if a chicken dies next door, the whole village knows about it.

What kind of life did Jiang Manzhu have in the Li family? Everyone knows! Every morning, she cuts pig grass, comes back to wash clothes and cook, and in the afternoon, she does nothing but take that fool around to play…

A lazy woman like her, how could she possibly allow her good son to marry her?

"Why? Mom, why don't you agree? It's because you didn't agree that she ended up marrying into the Li family. I want her." The young man couldn't accept this, shouting angrily at his mother.

Anger, grievance, frustration—he had already missed out once. Why does Mom still have to block his happiness?

"Jiang Zhiqing is not suitable for you. Just look at yourself! A pretty fox spirit who can't settle down, who is lazy and can't do anything. When you go out to work, what if she stays home and gets involved with someone else? Listen to Mom; I've already asked a matchmaker to find you a hardworking, capable, pretty, and obedient girl."

The older woman knows that Jiang Zhiqing is indeed very beautiful, much more so than the girls in the village—or even the ones from the city. She has never met anyone as good-looking as Jiang Zhiqing.

However, it was precisely because of that beautiful face that so many young men rushed to help her when she came to the countryside.

In the end, it was the hard-working Li Lindong who won Jiang Zhiqing's favor, perhaps partly because he was also good-looking?

Of course, the other women disagree. Each one thinks their son is the best.

They can only think… Jiang Zhiqing liked Li Lindong because his family was better off. Li Lindong worked hard and was capable. Li Linan was still in the army, receiving monthly wages, and Li Linxi had been accepted into high school; once he graduated, he would become a worker…

Wasn't that a promising future?

Who would have thought the Li family would collapse like that? Now, there are countless families in the village that are doing better than the Li family.

With two key pillars gone, poor Liu Jumei struggled to raise four sons alone. They were almost of marrying age, and now this happened.

Isn't that tragic?

"Mom, Jiang Zhiqing is not like that. You just don't want her, do you? Why can't you support my happiness?" The young man nearly teared up, filled with resentment.

Besides his family, there were two others making similar arguments.

This truly worried the older mother. Jiang Zhiqing was a restless fox spirit; otherwise, how could her son be so determined to marry her?

Damn it.

"Jiang Zhiqing is now a teacher with a salary. She doesn't need to go out and farm every day for labor points." The young man pointed this out, reminding his mother of Jiang Zhiqing's accomplishments.

The older woman suddenly recalled that many of the educated youth had gone to the city, and there were indeed people from the village who followed.

However, it ultimately came down to just two educated youths, including Li Linxi, from the village.

"Let me think about it. Mom really doesn't like her…" The older woman enjoyed boasting about Jiang Manzhu, but if she were to marry into the family, that would be a different story.

She still couldn't accept a woman like that as her daughter-in-law. In her view, a daughter-in-law should be hardworking, capable, good at bearing children, obedient, and not bring her family's belongings back home—ideally, she should bring her family's things into her husband's house…

Someone like Jiang Zhiqing… tsk, she doesn't meet any of those criteria. She heard that Jiang Zhiqing often quarreled with the educated youths; she seems sharp-tongued.

"Mom, I heard that many people in the village like Jiang Zhiqing. What if someone else takes her?" The young man urged, why was she still hesitating?

The older woman frowned. Could anyone really be interested in Jiang Zhiqing? A moment of doubt crossed her mind as she saw her son looking anxious.

Yes, others might not like her, but the sons from other families might…

"Let me find you a prettier one. Jiang Zhiqing isn't suitable for you; who knows when she might return to the city? What will you do then?" The older woman thought again and still refused.

"Mom! You just won't agree! Why don't you agree?" The young man was so angry he was stomping his feet. How could his mother be so infuriating? She wasn't at all like Liu Aunty, who was so easygoing.

As the young man clashed with his strict mother, time passed day by day, preparing for a long battle.

Meanwhile, Luo Liangce went home and thought for a long time. He wasn't clear about Jiang Manzhu's family, but he knew she always came back from the supply and marketing cooperative with big bundles.

However…

"Yuan Zhiqing, I heard you have a good relationship with Jiang Zhiqing. Are you still in contact?" Luo Liangce immediately sought out Yuan Fengxin. If Jiang Zhiqing was his target, he wouldn't interfere.

Having just cleared his name from the rumors surrounding Su Qianqian, he couldn't afford to have more gossip surrounding him.

"No such thing! Who told you that?" Yuan Fengxin thought his own affairs had been exposed and immediately perked up.

Yuan Fengxin was no longer delusional about whether Jiang Manzhu resented him and said such things to him; otherwise, how could she have threatened and beaten him?

Perhaps the last time he was beaten on the way to the educated youth point was done by that Li family kid.

Yes, that's right. Yuan Fengxin believed that Jiang Manzhu's new boyfriend was Li Linxi from the Li family.

Yuan Fengxin felt anger and resentment toward Jiang Manzhu for not caring about him and was unwilling to "lend" her money, but what could he do?

Spread rumors? First, he didn't know many people in the village, so he feared being found out.

Just like the rumors about Luo Liangce and the brigade leader's daughter Su Qianqian, that would be a death sentence for him.

Could it be that Jiang Manzhu is now spreading his affairs to ruin his reputation? Or is she planning to send him to jail? To the Northwest Farm for re-education?

Has Jiang Manzhu gone crazy? Isn't she doing well?

"Not in touch? Didn't I see you two getting close?" Luo Liangce was surprised, having not paid attention to them before, focusing only on building his relationship with Su Qianqian.

However, he had occasionally seen them together…

"Not at all! Why are you asking this all of a sudden?" Yuan Fengxin had recently become closer to the secretary's child and, seeing no hope of returning to the city, was looking for ways to survive in the village.

That pair of shameless men and women, Yuan Fengxin believed that if he married the secretary's daughter, he could surely suppress that Li family scoundrel.

No, the secretary's daughter… is not favored by the secretary, unlike the captain's daughter.

Besides, now that the Li family's scandalous couple has entered the school, the captain can't manage the school, let alone the secretary.

Furthermore, the captain is willing to use connections to help his daughter, but the secretary might not be so inclined.

By the way, does the principal have a daughter?

At this point, Yuan Fengxin is no longer interested in what Luo Liang is saying. Why should he care about Luo Liang's affairs? He has his own life to live, doesn't he?

"Mm."

"Mm."

"That's fine."

Yuan Fengxin casually responded, completely unaware of what Luo Liang was talking about, while Luo Liang was in shock…

So, they really have nothing to do with each other now, and he's even encouraged himself to pursue Jiang Manzhu…

Luo Liang couldn't help but ponder. In Yuan Fengxin's view, Jiang Manzhu is a good candidate. After all, she is good-looking, has a job now, and her parents in the city seem quite wealthy…

That's right. Luo Liang asked a few questions:

"Since you have no connection with Jiang Manzhu anymore, would it bother you if she found someone else?"

"Do you think I'd be suitable?"

"Since you think so too, that's great. Now that she's a teacher, should I go congratulate her?"

Glancing at Yuan Fengxin, he decided that since he seemed distracted, he probably wouldn't give any good advice. Even if he went to congratulate her, he had no excuse to do so.

He had previously had little connection with Jiang Manzhu; it would feel abrupt to go over there.

Forget it; he'll think of another way…

When he returned to the commune, he saw Wang Dongling holding a tattered book. Seeing her reminded him of his fourth-place ranking. Damn, she took his spot.

If he had known, he would have given Wang Dongling some laxatives that morning and made her suffer all day.

Now, it was too late for regrets.

He certainly couldn't kill Wang Dongling, could he? Unless she was foolish enough to quit, but who would be that silly?

Wang Dongling was still troubled about how to teach the lesson plan for this book. The book was simple, but the challenge was how to engage the children and improve their end-of-term grades.

Feeling someone watching her with ill intent, she glanced over and saw Luo Liang's sinister gaze. She shrugged it off.

Tch, winners and losers; he's a defeated foe.

Not worth her time or energy. The semester was already halfway through, and if she didn't work hard, she'd fail.

The principal would be disappointed, and she might get kicked out of the teaching ranks, which would be too miserable.

No, aside from figuring out how to teach, she needed to get the kids motivated!

…

Others' opinions didn't concern Jiang Manzhu; she only knew that school was starting… no, she was beginning a new journey—becoming a good teacher and educating her students.

She needed to do better this semester than last.

She aimed for higher scores than the third graders had, or better than the previous year's fourth graders…

In the morning, dressed neatly, wearing a little hat, with a water bottle, pens, paper, and books in hand, she walked towards the school, facing the rising sun.

At this moment, even if Li Linxi was beside her, Jiang Manzhu had no intention of chatting with him.

The atmosphere along the way was somewhat quiet, causing Li Linxi to glance over in surprise. "What's wrong? Are you nervous?"

What's there to be nervous about?

"Linxi, aren't you at all worried? This is a graduating class. If no one gets into middle school, you'd be embarrassed as a high school student."

Jiang Manzhu raised her eyebrows at Li Linxi's concerned question.

"So, you're worried about that?" Li Linxi shot a look at Jiang Manzhu, this time focusing on her face.

His tone was somewhat ironic, as if to say, you don't seem like someone so sensitive about their image.

"That's not it. This is my first time as a teacher, and for someone as talented and beautiful as me, I need to maintain an image." Jiang Manzhu said confidently, losing her earlier nervousness.

Li Linxi responded with an "mm," understanding she could self-regulate without needing his comfort.

Noticing Li Linxi's "mm," Jiang Manzhu suddenly realized something. "Linxi, do you know what 'maintaining an image' means?"

With narrowed eyes, she stared at Li Linxi, stopping in front of him.

It's a trick.

In this era, there's no phrase like 'maintaining an image,' right?

"Jiang Manzhu, do you think I'm not smart?" Li Linxi, forced to stop, looked at her and sighed in helplessness.

"Hah? No, in my eyes, you've always been incredibly smart." How could you think you're stupid? Are you really that insecure?

Oh my, you're the male lead, aren't you!

"Based on what you just said, you don't want to embarrass yourself, right? And calling yourself a talented beauty, isn't that a bit self-aggrandizing?"

Li Linxi genuinely thought Jiang Manzhu wasn't using her head. But whatever, he was used to it.

"What self-aggrandizing? I'm just stating facts! This pretty face of mine is one of the top in our commune and even in the town!"

Jiang Manzhu didn't want to argue whether 'maintaining an image' applied here; that last comment captured her full attention.

Especially regarding her looks, it's a common sentiment that people tend to favor good-looking individuals over unattractive ones.

It's natural, and she included herself in that sentiment. She took pride in her exquisite beauty; not everyone could compare to her.

"Sometimes, having a pretty face isn't a good thing," Li Linxi said lightly.

Jiang Manzhu nodded as she listened, "Fortunately, I came to this era and to our village."

If she were in ancient times, in a village where wives were bought and sold… she would have been reduced to a mere commodity long ago.

After finishing her thoughts, she earnestly told Li Linxi, "Linxi, we should go to and from work together in the future; otherwise, it could be dangerous."

Jiang Manzhu was quite safety-conscious; being so beautiful, what if a trafficker had their eyes on her?

"What kind of danger could there be?" Li Linxi replied nonchalantly, thinking Jiang Manzhu was not only a bit dim but also overly worried and rather narcissistic.

"You don't understand; this is a worry that comes with being a pretty girl. You wouldn't get it," Jiang Manzhu quipped as they continued walking, quickly arriving at the school.

First, they reported to the principal and received their class schedules.

Of course, the principal's instructions were essential.

The students in grades three, four, and five had already received news the previous Friday that they were getting a new language or math teacher.

They were curious about who the new teacher would be—would they be strict or not?

The students from the commune had a lot to say; there were two female teachers and one male teacher, who might be a bit strict, and they had heard he was a high school graduate. The female teachers were thought to be less strict, both from the same commune and from the city… a lot of gossip circulated.

As the classroom remained noisy, since the math teacher, who had been their homeroom teacher, was leaving, the language teacher was taking over, but she seemed still to be getting used to her new role.

When Jiang Manzhu entered the classroom, the noise continued until she stood at the podium and looked down at the students. "Everyone, quiet down."

At her command, the students finally realized their teacher had arrived and quickly fell silent, sitting up straight and looking up at her. Wow… is this really their math teacher?

She's incredibly beautiful!

"Hello, students. I'm your math teacher. My surname is Jiang; you can call me Teacher Jiang. Since this is our first class together, let's get to know each other. I'll call your names, and you can raise your hand and say 'here.'"

Jiang Manzhu glanced at their report cards, and seeing the poor scores, she realized she couldn't dive straight into lessons. They needed a gradual approach.

When she finished taking attendance, she began telling a story, "In our village, there was a little girl who was very cute. Her aunt brought a bag of candy from the city, containing 85 pieces, and asked her to share it among five children. The more she gives to others, the less she has for herself; if she gives less to others, she keeps the same amount. The leftovers must be returned to her aunt…"

Instantly, this math-themed story captured all the children's attention.

Candy? Over a hundred pieces???

Suddenly, everyone's eyes widened. "So, can you help her figure out how many pieces to give to others so she won't lose out?"

Jiang Manzhu smiled at them, "If your parents buy you a bag of candy during the New Year and ask you to share the 85 pieces, how would you divide it?"

One student raised their hand, while another pulled out a pen and paper.

What? You say it's impossible to buy that much candy during New Year? Can't I think it over?

During the lesson that followed, the students realized that their teacher seemed to really enjoy giving them candy; it appeared that math problems could be solved with candy…

By the end of the class, Jiang Manzhu felt a great sense of accomplishment and even assigned homework for the afternoon.

Teaching wasn't so difficult after all. Jiang Manzhu felt full of confidence; if the students understood, that was already amazing.

On the way home, she excitedly discussed her teaching methods with Li Linxi.

Li Linxi replied, "Sorry, that method is only suitable for you, not for me."

Jiang Manzhu knew that the fourth grade was supposed to learn three-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, but these children's grades were too poor, so they had to take it step by step.

No problem; she was already familiar with the textbooks and could use them well. After finishing the lesson, she could assign homework and implement a reward system: the three students with the best homework and classroom performance would receive a small flower stamp as recognition.

While this might seem a bit childish for middle and high school students, it was an exciting encouragement for elementary school kids.

For this reason, after work, Jiang Manzhu sought out the capable male lead, "Linxi, can you help me carve a stamp? Something with little flowers."

Li Linxi refused, "Do your own things."

"But I don't know how! Linxi, Linxi, I know you're the best! Please help me; it's for the students' sake. When the kids improve significantly by the end of the term, it'll be a point of pride for us too."

Li Linxi's sharp gaze coldly scanned her, seemingly warning her not to use her mother to manipulate him.

"Ah, I'm just anxious. Linxi, how about we start tonight? By the way, after making the stamp, what should I use as ink? Ink? If it's red… how about vermilion? Is it sold somewhere?"

Jiang Manzhu discussed her bright future with Li Linxi, clearly satisfied with her job as a teacher.

"How did you find your day today, Linxi? Are the students still obedient?" After sharing her news, she finally remembered to ask about the hard-working Li Linxi.

"Not bad." Although Li Linxi thought Jiang Manzhu's method seemed a bit childish, upon reflection, it was indeed a good approach.

This childlike spirit was something only she could possess; he couldn't do it.

"Well then, I knew you were a smart and excellent kid; I don't need to worry about you." Jiang Manzhu felt reassured by Li Linxi. "I only have one class this afternoon; what about you?"

"I have two classes." For fifth grade, the curriculum was quite heavy, especially in Chinese and math, which the principal emphasized…

Other miscellaneous subjects didn't require as much focus.

"I'll leave after my first class," Jiang Manzhu said without hesitation.

"Didn't you say it's dangerous on the way home? Aren't you waiting for me?" Li Linxi asked in response.

Oh right…

"Then I'll read in the office while waiting for you." Anyway, since her mother didn't need to work in the fields anymore, she could take care of Xiaobei, so it didn't matter where she read.

Plus, the school office was brighter, making it easier to read.

Great!

Li Linxi didn't say anything else. As for the books, he occasionally learned alongside Jiang Manzhu because she said: reading more is good; if you don't keep your mind active, it can rust and become dull. Reading more can enhance logical thinking—don't waste your youth.

After lunch, Li Linxi found a suitable tree root to carve her stamp.

Meanwhile, the news that they were teaching Chinese or math in various grades spread among the local elementary school students.

"Oh, isn't that our kid's language (math) teacher?"

Parents immediately came to visit, bringing vegetables or eggs, saying things like, "Thank you for your care for my child!"

This time, they were even more enthusiastic; after all, she was their child's teacher.

"I knew Jiang Zhiqing was exceptional—diligent and clever."

"Linxi, we're from the same village. You've seen this child grow up; this year, we're relying on you to help him score well in the transition from elementary to middle school."

If they fell behind compared to the neighboring village, wouldn't that be too embarrassing?

Li Linxi smiled gently but made no promises. Jiang Manzhu, however, not only praised the children but also complimented their parents.

"I could tell Yunseng is a clever child just by looking at him. And you, sister-in-law, are also impressive! I've assigned homework, and I believe Yunseng will do well. You must not neglect this excellent child; study hard and put in the effort, and his grades will surely improve this year…"

Jiang Manzhu smiled brightly. If he performed poorly, the principal might just fire her, so parental involvement was crucial.

"Playful children are often very smart; otherwise, how could they come up with so many ways to have fun? They just need the guidance of teachers and parents to focus on their studies."

The sister-in-law was delighted. Seeing Jiang Zhiqing, who had an education, was really different; she knew how to praise people.

In the past, when Jiang Zhiqing praised someone, it was just for show, but now it was different; Jiang Zhiqing was her child's teacher. If the teacher said her child was clever and promising, that must be true.

"Sister-in-law, with Yunseng being so smart, you can't waste this intelligence. Who knows, he might do well in the transition from elementary to middle school and even become a worker in a factory later on." Just being clever doesn't mean he can slack off; she still had to keep an eye on him.

Drawing big dreams.

By the time the children grew up, it would be seven or eight years later, and by then, with reforms, going to work wouldn't be that hard.

Whether or not they got in, she already said, "Keep an eye on him; don't waste this intelligence. If you waste it, it's not my problem."

"Alright, alright, you can rest assured; I will. I'll be counting on you, Jiang Zhiqing." The sister-in-law returned home in a good mood, only to find her child still playing outside and grabbed a broom to chase after him.

"Get in here and do your homework!" How dare he waste this intelligence? That would mean wasting the tuition she paid.

Thwack.

Yunseng cried while rubbing his bottom and doing his homework.

Hmm? How come he could do the homework assigned at noon? Did the teacher assign it too simply?

Yunseng's mother mentioned this good news during lunch, and suddenly, Yunseng became known as the smart kid, but now… he was also the one forced to do homework both at noon and night by his mother…

This news spread, and other children his age… What? Impossible! How could my child not compare?

They rushed to find Teacher Jiang, only to be tricked by another line of reasoning…

Then it turned into competition: "My child is smarter than yours," "No way, my child is smarter than yours"…

Whoever's child scored better in the end-of-term exams was smarter!

In response, Jiang Manzhu felt… all your kids are smart; why compare?

But at this moment, it was no longer up to Jiang Manzhu. They were determined to push their children to study hard this semester, while also checking… if they had wasted their children's potential or truly were failing if they scored in the teens or twenties.

These days of teaching left Jiang Manzhu feeling very comfortable and increasingly adept.

However, the one thing that left Jiang Manzhu puzzled was:

Looking at the matchmaker in front of her, Jiang Manzhu confusedly repeated, "What did you say? You're here to propose to whom? To whom are you introducing?"

"To you, Jiang Zhiqing! Oh, you're quite popular now, good-looking and capable." The matchmaker really liked Jiang Manzhu; if she could succeed in this, she would get her commission.

If Jiang Zhiqing could marry that mud-legged Li Lindong, it would mean she didn't mind marrying into another family in the village.

It was just about who the other party was.

In the matchmaker's view, several young men who sought her out were quite good; surely one of them would be suitable for Jiang Zhiqing.

"Sorry, I'm not interested," Jiang Manzhu quickly refused. Marrying? That's a joke; I'd be crazy to get married now when my life is going so well.

"Oh, Jiang Zhiqing, you're still young! How can you say you're not interested? What woman doesn't get married and have children?" The matchmaker didn't believe her and hurried to persuade her.