"That's right, I used to be a teacher."

It was true before, meaning it's not anymore?

Lin Fan never expected to find a schoolteacher right at his doorstep. In an instant, his mind raced with thoughts.

“Sir, I also had a few years of schooling, and I can tell you are a learned man.”

"However, because of poverty, I only went to high school. Many of my family members want to study and write, but because of poverty, they have never had the opportunity. Now that we have money, I am planning to send them to school."

"However, it's still a bit inconvenient to go to school in the county town for various reasons. I wonder if we could invite the old gentleman to our home to tutor them?"

Lin Fan had his reasons for doing so.

First of all, judging from the old man's words, actions, and integrity, Lin Fan felt that he must be quite knowledgeable, and at least he could teach Xiuying and Shuying without any problem.

Secondly, because Xiuying had helped him several times, the old man gave Xiuying a primer.

This also shows that the old man is a good person. Although Xiuying is a woman, he did not look down on her and wanted her to be able to read and write. So, the book he gave her was also the old man's expectation for Xiuying.

Finally, the old man seems to be struggling to survive. Helping him would earn the old man's gratitude and also keep him by his side. After all, nothing in the world is more important than having a full stomach, so the old man probably wouldn't refuse.

Unfortunately, while Lin Fan had good ideas, the old man simply shook his head.

"No need."

"Old man, I have no intention of teaching students again in this lifetime."

As he said this, a look of sadness appeared on the old man's face, as if he were recalling some unpleasant past events.

Lin Fan was somewhat surprised to hear this.

He instinctively wanted to promise the old man some benefits, but he swallowed the words back.

This person has a rather eccentric personality. If I promise him benefits in an attempt to sway him with profit, it might not only fail to change his mind but also anger him.

Thinking of this, Lin Fan didn't press the matter further. He nodded and said, "Since Mr. Xu is unwilling, I won't force you. Where does Mr. Xu live? I'll take you home."

The old man glanced at Lin Fan and shook his head: "No need to see me off, I can go back by myself."

Lin Fan shook his head and smiled, saying, "Old sir, you speak of gentlemanly virtues. Isn't it only right for a gentleman to help the weak and take care of the old and young? Why are you stopping me from doing gentlemanly things?"

These words left the old man speechless.

The old man gave Lin Fan a deep look and could only nod.

"Okay, thanks a lot!"

Soon, at Lin Fan's insistence, he and Xiuying took the old man back to his home in Qingshui Village.

The old man lived in a ruin in a remote alley of the village.

The old man leaned against the dilapidated wall and hastily built a thatched hut. Although it looked old and worn, the inside was indeed tidy.

To Lin Fan's surprise, the old man had many exquisite leather trunks that looked very expensive. Although he didn't know what was inside, he could tell from this that the old man was definitely someone of extraordinary background.

The fact that he had fallen so low as to not even be able to afford food made Lin Fan even more curious about the old man.

"Sir, I'll bring you some meat, rice, and noodles later. If you ever have any trouble in the future, just come to me. If you don't want to cook for yourself, you can also come to my house for a meal."

After taking the old man home, Lin Fan didn't seem to intend to stay any longer. He said a few words to the old man and then prepared to leave.

Upon hearing this, the old man subconsciously frowned and said to Lin Fan, "Young man, don't bother. I've already said I won't be teaching any more students."

Lin Fan smiled at the old man and waved his hand, saying, "Sir, what do you mean by this?"

"I just felt sorry for the old man and wanted to do some good deeds. As the saying goes, the elderly should have someone to rely on and the young should be cared for. The old man may not accept my kindness, but I really have to do it."

"Because I do these things without seeking anything in return, only for peace of mind. If the old gentleman refuses, does he think that the principles in the book are all wrong?"

"Shouldn't this era and this society treat the elderly kindly and help the weak? Is it right to bully others like that bastard just now?"

"When poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when prosperous, one should benefit all under heaven. I happen to have some money and have met someone like you, sir, so naturally I cannot stand idly by."

The old man was rendered speechless by the rebuttal.

But he knew in his heart that Lin Fan's words sounded high-sounding, but he just wanted to ask him to be his tutor.

However, he also had his own principles. Since this kid wanted to do these unintentional things, then let him do them. Anyway, he wouldn't give in.

Thinking of this, the old man snorted, "Young man, you're not that old, but you've got quite a way of talking. Fine, go ahead."

Lin Fan chuckled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the old man: "Then please rest, sir. We'll be leaving now."

Lin Fan pulled Xiuying up and left.

Back home, Lin Fan asked Xiuying how much she knew about the old man.

Xiuying said blankly, "I only know that the old man's surname is Chu, and I know nothing else about him."

She had met this poor old man by chance a few days ago while playing in the village. She shared one of the sweet potatoes she had roasted with him, and the two of them, one old and one young, gradually became acquainted.

Later, when the little girl saw that the old man hadn't eaten for a long time, she realized that he was broke. So she suggested that my grandfather go and collect snails to sell to Lin Fan.

On the way, he ran into Er Gou, a rascal. Er Gou also wanted to buy snails, but he didn't want to do it himself. Seeing this weak old man, he had a wicked idea and snatched the snails away.

As for snatching Xiuying's book, it was completely accidental. He was illiterate and didn't know what the book was. He just saw that Xiuying was holding it tightly and thought it was some kind of treasure or antique, so he snatched it. In reality, it was just a fairly ordinary primer.

Lin Fan looked at Xiuying and nodded thoughtfully.

Then, a thought suddenly came to his mind. He squatted down next to Xiuying and looked at her earnestly, saying, "Xiuying, your uncle has a favor to ask you. Are you willing to help your uncle?"

Xiuying nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes, Xiuying wants to help Uncle too. What does Uncle want Xiuying to do?"

Lin Fan pinched the little girl's cheek, a slight smile appearing on his face.

"Sooyoung, will you cry?"

Xiuying's bright smile froze on her face for a moment.

Cry? Why would your uncle make her cry?

Soon, Lin Fan leaned close to Xiuying's ear and whispered some instructions to her.

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