Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

The teacher watched as Ting Nan wrote down her answers without even thinking, and got them all right. Then the teacher sent her a third-grade Chinese test paper, reminding her not to neglect any subject.

Tingnan finished a math test and a Chinese test in less than an hour.

The teacher graded the papers on the spot. The math score was perfect, and the Chinese composition amazed her. The writing style was really not like that of a child. However, there were some techniques that needed to be paid attention to.

The teacher thought that the basics still needed to be solid, and said, "Tingnan, you can go directly to fourth grade, to my class, is that okay?"

The teacher smiled even more kindly; who doesn't like a top student?

Ting Nan looked at Song Wanli and said, "It's right to leave the decision to the adults."

"Yes, yes!" Song Wanli nodded repeatedly. This was perfect. The little girl had really made him proud.

"Teacher, how much is the tuition?" Song Wanli's voice was full of laughter; he was so excited that he couldn't suppress the smile on his lips.

"Because there are not many students and teachers, fourth graders are combined with third graders in one class, and the tuition is 3 yuan per semester. Fifth and sixth graders will be in separate classes, and the tuition is 5 yuan per semester. Your child is really good. She is the first student in our school to skip a grade, and she even skipped to fourth grade. You parents should nurture her well. She will definitely have a bright future. If you have any difficulties, just come to me."

Ms. Zuo loved listening to Nan so much that she couldn't help but remind the parents that such a promising student should continue his studies, and she would cover the tuition if necessary.

Song Tingnan had no idea that another person had come to offer to pay her tuition, and this was a teacher she was meeting for the first time.

"Okay, okay, thank you teacher, no problem, no problem!" Song Wanli bowed to the teacher in thanks.

"Alright, go pay your fees in the room at the far east end of the corridor. Then pick up your books in the room next door. Classes officially start next Monday. Parents, my surname is Zuo. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Song Tingnan is the youngest in the class, so I'll take good care of her and put her in the front seat." Teacher Zuo saw Song Wanli and the others out.

"Thank you, thank you, Teacher Zuo. See you on Monday."

After collecting the books, Song Wanli noticeably sped up his journey home.

Back in the village, Song Wanli immediately started "chatting" everywhere, seemingly unfazed by the heat.

The result was that everyone in the village was talking about it during lunchtime, and Song Tingnan became the children's "public enemy."

"He wants to eat this and that every day. Look at Tingnan, he hasn't even been to school for a day, and he's already in fourth grade..."

"Asking you to do your homework is like killing you. Look at Tingnan, she's out delivering goods every day, and she's already in fourth grade. She's eight years old and in the same class as you..."

"Look at Tingnan, she gets perfect scores on tests so fast! Good heavens, and you? You're still biting your pen for ages. How come Tingnan is so amazing? You're useless at everything, and you can't even finish a single bite of food..."

……

Similar rhetoric was bombarded in the children's ears: "Why does Tingnan have to go to school? Why is Tingnan from their village?"

Song Tingnan had no interest in these things; she didn't have much time to hang out with them anyway.

Song Wanli was delighted to hear this. Everyone praised him for his good fortune in having such a remarkable daughter. What made him even more proud was that some people praised him for his generosity and foresight in sending his adopted daughter to school. He couldn't suppress the smile on his face all day long.

Of course, there were also those who poured cold water on the idea: "What's there to be proud of? Maybe Tingnan will go back sometime, after all, he's not her biological son."

Song Wanli felt a little uncomfortable after hearing this: He should stop asking about Nan and treat her better; he should get her a new set of clothes first.

After adjusting his mindset, Song Wanli waved his hand and said, "We're all having dinner together tonight. Wanxing, come on, take some money and buy some fish and meat, and some wine too."