Chapter 54

Since Xue Miaoyun was willing to tutor, the officers were naturally pleased. However, considering that she also needed to prepare for her own college entrance exam, they couldn’t assign too many students and risk disrupting her studies.

In the end, Commander Qian and Commissar Cao had her prepare a test. Only those who passed were allowed to attend her lessons.

Xue Miaoyun didn’t mind. At most, it would only keep her busy for just over a month.

“Comrade Xue, this is the temporary classroom we’ve set up for you. The conditions are a bit basic—hope you don’t mind,” Commander Qian said politely. He wasn’t sure why, but whenever he faced this young woman, he felt a touch of nervousness.

Perhaps it was because she was attractive, with an even more striking presence?

“Thank you, Commander. This is quite nice.” Xue Miaoyun glanced around. The room wasn’t large, but it was clean and bright, with clear windows and tidy surroundings—perfect for studying.

“As long as you’re satisfied. I’ll have someone bring over desks and chairs shortly. We’ll be relying on you for the next while.”

“We’re all studying together.”

The military’s efficiency was unmatched. By the next day, when Xue Miaoyun arrived with her eight “students,” everything was ready—desks, chairs, blackboard, and chalk, all neatly arranged.

Time was short, so she skipped the pleasantries and dove straight into what she considered the most important topics.

Based on the test results, she could tell that these students had decent foundations. That meant she didn’t need to hold back much during her lectures.

These concepts were ones she had studied repeatedly over the years, so she was completely confident in them. Her teaching pace was fast and her delivery smooth. However, this also meant she placed fairly high demands on the students.

After finishing a run-through of key concepts, Xue Miaoyun set down the chalk.

“I know I speak a little fast, but there’s no helping it—time is tight. You’ll need to spend extra time reviewing and digesting what I’ve covered. I’ll go over all the major topics before the exam. Make sure you take good notes. If you don’t understand something, talk to your classmates and help each other out. If you still don’t get it, come to me.”

She gave a brief nod and then dismissed them for lunch.

During this period, the students were given special permission to eat in the military cafeteria, a privilege arranged just for them. Of course, their families had also sent plenty of gifts and supplies to the mess hall as thanks.

“…What does this part mean? I didn’t quite get it.”

“I think it means this…”

“Maybe…”

“Teacher Xue explains things so well—way better than our regular teachers.”

“Yeah, everything’s so clear.”

“I heard she’s even younger than me. That’s amazing…”

“…She’s married already? That’s so early…”

“Pretty and smart…”

“Is she teaching the other subjects too?”

“I think just math, physics, and chemistry…”

The eight of them chatted as they walked, drawing a lot of attention once they reached the cafeteria.

“Why’s everyone looking at us?”

“That’s Liu Xi. She didn’t pass the test. I heard the military arranged someone else to tutor their group.”

“Definitely not as good as Teacher Xue.”

“Come on, let’s sit over here. Hurry and eat—once we’re back, let’s go over everything together, sort out what we don’t understand, and ask Teacher Xue.”

“Okay.”

The students headed to eat, while Xue Miaoyun went to find Cang Ling.

“How did you feel about Teacher Xue’s first lesson?” Cang Ling was already waiting at the door.

“It was pretty good. The students were all quite serious.” The kids were focused, clearly doing their best to memorize every piece of knowledge she shared with them.

After ten years of turmoil, everyone had developed a deep thirst for knowledge. So, there was no need for the teacher to worry too much.

“Cang Ling, Comrade Xue.”

“Commander Qian.” Upon seeing the newcomer, Cang Ling immediately saluted. In public settings, ranks and protocols had to be strictly observed.

“Hello, Commander Qian,” Xue Miaoyun responded with a calm ease, offering only a polite smile and greeting.

“Comrade Xue, it’s good to see you. I was just planning to look for you about something, and here we are. Are you heading to lunch? Let’s eat together,” Commander Qian said with clear respect in his tone.

Xue Miaoyun glanced at Cang Ling, then nodded in agreement.

They didn’t go elsewhere but simply dined on the second floor of the cafeteria.

As Xue Miaoyun looked over the dishes on the table, she raised an eyebrow slightly—was Commander Qian here to ask for a favor?

Under the table, Cang Ling gave his wife’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

He trusted Commander Qian’s integrity. He wouldn’t put them in an awkward situation.

With Cang Ling’s reassurance, Xue Miaoyun felt more at ease and began eating. She didn’t drink alcohol, and neither did Cang Ling. Furthermore, Commander Qian didn’t like drinking while on duty. So, there was no alcohol on the table.

“Comrade Xue, I have to say, the materials you provided really saved us. There are many people outside who want to buy a copy of the teaching materials but can’t find them anywhere.”

“Commander, please don’t call me Comrade Xue. It sounds a bit awkward. Just call me Xiao Xue. As for the materials, it was a coincidence. I’m happy to help everyone out,” Xue Miaoyun said with a smile.

“Alright, Xiao Xue it is. Your sense of duty is commendable.” Commander Qian said, taking the hint and switching his form of address.

“Commander, what exactly is it you need? It’s not like you to be so coy about it,” Cang Ling asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You little rascal, what do you mean ‘so coy’?” Commander Qian shot Cang Ling a glare but knew it was Cang Ling giving him a way out.

“It’s like this—I went to copy Xiao Xue’s materials, and the principal of the nearby middle school happened to see me. He was also there to copy materials for the school’s students. When he saw what Xiao Xue had put together, he was amazed. He insisted on copying it for their students to study. I didn’t agree. Those materials are Xiao Xue’s hard work,” Commander Qian explained.

“I thought he’d given up on it, but today he called again. Now several other school principals have reached out too. Honestly, I’ve never received so many calls from schoolteachers before,” Commander Qian said with a bit of self-mockery.

Hearing this, Cang Ling looked at his wife, his meaning clear—she should decide.

Commander Qian had expected as much from the start, which was why he had come to speak with Xue Miaoyun in the first place. He hadn’t counted on Cang Ling for this.

“It’s not that I’m unwilling, but that’s my hard work. I don’t mind helping out the children in the residential compound, but if it’s going to be widely distributed…” Xue Miaoyun trailed off with a frown.

“Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t let you be taken advantage of. These people aren’t bandits—they’re educated folks,” Commander Qian reassured her. He had no intention of letting the wife of one of his subordinates suffer any loss; he knew where his loyalties lay.

Cang Ling frowned slightly. “Ah Yun’s materials are excellent. I’ll get in touch with a friend and have them professionally printed. The college entrance exam isn’t a one-time thing—there’ll always be a market for this book.”

Cang Ling wasn’t the type to pretend to be noble and turn down an opportunity to earn money—especially not when it was his wife’s hard work. This was a rational move.

“Alright, then I’ll go ahead and inform them on my end,” Commander Qian said with clear relief. He was happy to let them handle it themselves—he hadn’t wanted to play the middleman anyway.

Xue Miaoyun frowned again. Now they still had to negotiate it themselves? She and Cang Ling really didn’t have the time for this.

“Don’t worry, someone else will take care of it. It’s not a big deal,” Cang Ling comforted her gently. He would never delay her future for the sake of money. Best to leave the professional work to the professionals.