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

"What's going on? Listen to Nan's father," Teacher Zuo pressed.

Song Wanli glanced at the children pacing back and forth outside the door. "Teacher Zuo, come home with my son Tingnan after school today and have dinner at my house. It's too noisy and crowded here."

"Alright!" Seeing how seriously Song Wanli spoke, Teacher Zuo nodded in agreement.

On the way home from school, Teacher Zuo asked Tingnan if she knew, and Tingnan really didn't know.

"Teacher Zuo, don't worry, you'll know when we get home. My uncle's greatest virtue is that he doesn't lie; he's very straightforward," Ting Nan comforted the somewhat anxious Teacher Zuo.

"Okay!" Since they were going to come for a home visit anyway, Teacher Zuo calmed down.

This semester, Ms. Zuo has indeed been feeling somewhat depressed. Her family is pressuring her, and she always feels uneasy, as if something bad is about to happen.

When Tingnan and her friends arrived home, their grandmother and aunt had already prepared a table full of dishes. When there were guests at home and Tingnan wasn't home, Zhao Xiaojuan would come over to help, as Qian Shuzhen was too old to prepare a whole table of dishes by herself.

On his way home from school, Song Wanli bought some groceries. A teacher visiting his home was a special guest; he couldn't be rude.

"Teacher Zuo, please have a seat!" Song Wanli invited Teacher Zuo to sit in the main seat, but Teacher Zuo quickly declined. She helped Qian Shuzhen to the main seat, as this is a matter of great importance to rural people.

The food was delicious, and the Song family was incredibly hospitable. Teacher Zuo hadn't experienced this kind of atmosphere in a long time.

After the meal, Qian Shuzhen sent Yi Dani and her two children away again. Holding Teacher Zuo's hand, she said, "Girl, come often in the future. We all know you're not from here, and you've suffered for a group of children since you came here."

Seeing her aunt's affectionate manner, Teacher Zuo felt a lump in her throat. She felt wronged and had even cried under the covers at night.

But there was still no progress in her case. Her grandparents gave her a final deadline—if she couldn't find someone by the end of the semester, they would give up.

Song Tingnan poured Teacher Zuo a cup of chrysanthemum tea. The chrysanthemums were wild chrysanthemums from the roadside. Song Mingxiang picked them and brought them back. Qian Shuzhen washed them clean and then dried them to make tea.

Teacher Zuo took two sips and said, "This chrysanthemum tea is really fragrant!"

"Teacher Zuo, if you don't mind, I'll make some to take home later. This tea can dispel wind and clear heat, clear the liver and improve eyesight, and also detoxify and reduce inflammation," Qian Shuzhen said kindly.

"Thank you, Auntie. I won't stand on ceremony. I love this wonderful tea!" Teacher Zuo naturally let her guard down around Qian Shuzhen.

"Auntie, Mr. Tingnan, I'd like to discuss with you whether Tingnan could stay an extra hour after school?" Seeing everyone's puzzled looks, Teacher Zuo continued, "You all know I'm not a local. My family is urging me to go back, and it's only this semester. I'd like Tingnan to learn a foreign language with me. I speak Russian and English. I really love your Tingnan; she's smart and adorable. I'm worried that after I leave, she won't have anywhere to learn a foreign language. Things are developing so fast outside now; it's always good for her to learn more."

"Thank you, thank you, Teacher Zuo. We will definitely agree. You've gone to so much trouble for Tingnan. It's really kind of you." Song Wanli nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"Teacher Zuo, you are such a good teacher! It is my great fortune that my son Tingnan has met you!" Qian Shuzhen said thank you in turn.

“Teacher Zuo, do you think it would cause trouble if you gave this private tutoring session to Nankai University?” Song Wanli reminded him.

"This... I don't think so, right?" Teacher Zuo wasn't sure either. She meant well, but there was always some ill intent in it.

“Teacher Zuo, how about this? You can come home with my son Tingnan after class every day and stay at our house,” Qian Shuzhen said.

"Isn't that a bit much trouble for you?" Teacher Zuo refused.

“Okay, Teacher Zuo, I think my mother’s method works.” Song Wanli clapped his hands and said, “Teacher Zuo, what I want to talk to you about today is also about your safety.”

"Ah!?" Teacher Zuo, Ting Nan, and Qian Shuzhen all stared at Song Wanli.

Song Wanli had been wandering around lately and had heard a lot of rumors, but he believed that it was better to take precautions.

"Teacher Zuo, is your name Zuo Jinyue?"

"Yes! My name is Zuo Jinyue."