Chapter 53: Lecture

Although the people who came were not high-ranking leaders, their presence was still significant. The school leaders had seen them on TV just a couple of days ago. Accompanying them were the main and deputy leaders of the Ministry of Education. Just these three individuals were enough to cause a stir wherever they went.

Previously, they had imagined that someone from the Ministry of Education might come, perhaps even a leader, but they never expected such high-ranking officials to visit.

After recovering from the shock, Principal Zeng immediately signaled to the youngest and fastest member of the team, who was in charge of finances, “You’re young and quick. Go and inform Lin Qiao.”

At least give her a heads-up so she wouldn’t be startled when she suddenly saw them.

Seeing the person run off, he and the other leaders went to greet the visitors. The visitors were very approachable, with warm smiles on their faces, “Since it was your school’s teacher who made the suggestion, we decided to make your school our first stop. There’s no need to be nervous. Just carry on as usual.”

Who could act as usual?

Not only were the visitors of such high rank but being their first stop was enough to make anyone feel honored and surprised. After all, Yandu has several prestigious affiliated high schools.

Principal Zeng smiled cautiously, “Welcome, welcome. It is a great honor for our school to have you here.”

“Where is your laboratory located?” The visitor clearly didn’t have much time for small talk, asking while smiling and walking.

Principal Zeng and Vice Principal Qi quickly led the way, and a group of people followed them to the experimental building.

The experimental building was quite ordinary, indistinguishable from the teaching building from the outside, except for the words on the wall: “Constantly exploring, striving for knowledge.”

The visitor seemed to like these words, pausing to look at them, “Who wrote this?”

“Our school’s Vice Principal Qi Yuan,” Principal Zeng introduced Vice Principal Qi beside him.

Vice Principal Qi adjusted his glasses, “The money allocated by the state must be used wisely, so we wrote it ourselves. It’s not well-written.”

“I think it’s great,” the visitor said, looking at it again before walking inside, “Good writing, and even better is the heart to do practical things for the students.”

This was a compliment, and the school leaders all breathed a sigh of relief, quickly following the visitor’s steps to the chemistry laboratory.

Lin Qiao was inside, preparing for the lesson and checking the equipment and reagents at each lab bench to ensure nothing was missing. Knowing who had arrived, she didn’t show any nervousness. Firstly, she was the type to remain calm in the face of challenges, and secondly, even though Old Master Ji’s name appeared in history textbooks, at home, he was still helpless against his granddaughter. Keeping a calm mind was key.

Whether someone was genuinely preparing or just putting on a show, these experienced visitors could tell the difference.

The Ministry of Education had the list of teachers and classes for the public lecture, “Is this Teacher Lin Qiao, who made the suggestion to the leaders?”

Principal Zeng nodded.

“An excellent comrade,” the visitor remarked. Lin Qiao had already noticed them and walked up to greet them confidently.

Today, she wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, with her hair neatly tied at the back, which softened her sharp features. Despite looking young, her composed demeanor quickly made people overlook her age.

Since she taught chemistry, Principal Zeng asked her to introduce the laboratory and the equipment on the lab benches.

She spoke clearly and methodically, familiar with everything in the laboratory. The deputy leader of the education bureau nodded, saying softly, “A solid foundation in teaching.”

This deputy leader had risen from a teaching position and had previously been the principal of a well-known university. His praise meant a lot.

After a brief tour, the preparatory bell rang, and students began to enter through the front door.

For this public lecture, Lin Qiao chose Class Four, with whom she was more familiar and who cooperated better. Seeing so many leaders sitting at the back, the students were initially nervous, especially the introverted ones like Li Xiaoqiu. However, their attention was soon drawn to the experimental equipment on the tables. They had worked with Lin Qiao before and knew not to touch the equipment and reagents until she explained the experiment process and usage.

Groups of three students each sat on the stools behind the lab benches, their eyes bright with anticipation and excitement.

“Your Teacher Lin didn’t rehearse with the students beforehand, did she?” the Ministry of Education deputy leader asked Principal Zeng in a low voice.

Hearing this, the others also looked over.

He explained softly, “Usually, for public lectures like this, the process is rehearsed in advance to avoid any issues during the class.”

Confident and experienced teachers might walk through the process, while those less confident might even do a trial lecture. But Lin Qiao clearly didn’t do either. After all, whether it’s a trial lecture or a walkthrough, it somewhat reduces the students’ anticipation—unlike in Lin Qiao’s class, where the students were eager and ready to get hands-on.

Seeing the students’ anticipation, it was clear she usually taught very well. But not rehearsing at all beforehand was quite bold.

When the class bell rang, and Lin Qiao started teaching, they realized her confidence wasn’t just about being bold. Standing at the podium, she exuded even more confidence than when checking the equipment earlier, and her teaching style was very relaxed. This relaxation came not only from her thorough understanding of the lesson content but also from her absolute control over the teaching rhythm. She knew exactly how to engage the students’ emotions, and no student ever zoned out in her class.

This was quite rare. Even after a lifetime of teaching, some teachers still lectured monotonously, making students sleepy.

When the students actually started doing the experiments, they even forgot there were leaders at the back, fully engrossed and enthusiastic.

“The lesson was well-taught, and the laboratory is well-built,” the visitor said with a smile, standing up after the students completed their first experiment. His deputy immediately explained that he had other matters to attend to and had taken the time to listen to this half-lesson. Given his busy schedule, taking the time to listen to this half-lesson was already commendable.

Several school leaders immediately stood up to see him off, but he waved them off, “You continue listening; don’t disturb the students.”

Lin Qiao was in the aisle checking the experiment results and giving praise or guidance based on the student’s performance. Seeing this, she walked over. This time, the visitor paused, waited for Lin Qiao to approach, and encouraged her with a few words before smiling kindly, “How is General Ji doing lately?”

With this smile, Lin Qiao realized that his previous friendliness was different; he indeed knew her grandfather.

Her tone became more respectful: “Dad is doing well. He just has a bit of high blood pressure. Mom is always watching him, not letting him eat too much salty food.”

“That must be hard for him,” the visitor’s eyes crinkled with deep wrinkles, “He used to love hunting birds in the mountains and fishing in the rivers.”

After saying these few words, the visitor left with his entourage. After a while, the main leader of the Ministry of Education also left, leaving only the deputy leader and others to listen until the end.

This person had a lot of teaching experience and always hit the nail on the head when speaking. Lin Qiao chatted with him and not only found the conversation engaging but also learned a lot. The other person was also quite interested in the conversation but clearly didn’t have much time and soon prepared to leave. Before leaving, he mentioned Xu Li, saying that Xu Li was a good teacher and very capable, but unfortunately, she had sacrificed too much for her family. If she had the opportunity to further her studies, she would have already entered a teacher-training university.

Without this interaction, Lin Qiao wouldn’t have known that her grandfather and Xu Li had so many acquaintances. No wonder Zheng Huifang always mentioned her in-laws whenever she was being sarcastic.

The people from the city education bureau were the last to leave. With the high-ranking leaders present earlier, they hadn’t had a chance to speak. Now, they chatted more with Principal Zeng and Vice Principal Qi, “You really got lucky. Even the affiliated high schools of several universities weren’t visited, but they came to you first.”

Principal Zeng, always cautious, still felt a bit uncertain, “How did we do? We didn’t mess up, did we?”

“If you call this messing up, then they wouldn’t even listen for ten minutes before leaving. Do you think they have time to listen to your lectures if they’re so free?”

The people from the city education bureau were quite familiar with them, so they spoke more casually.

By this time, most students had returned to classes, leaving only Lin Qiao with a few class leaders and representatives cleaning up the laboratory. Principal Zeng and Vice Principal Qi escorted the visitors to the school gate. Suddenly, Vice Principal Qi asked, “I remember that outstanding in-service employees who haven’t completed undergraduate studies can directly apply for graduate school, right?”

No one expected him to ask this, not even the people from the education bureau, and Principal Zeng was also taken aback.

Vice Principal Qi explained, “The state has a policy that outstanding in-service employees who haven’t completed undergraduate studies but have equivalent cultural knowledge can be recommended by their units to apply for graduate school directly. Our school’s Teacher Lin Qiao has plans for further studies. Do you think she meets the criteria?”

Principal Zeng knew about this and added, “Her level is no worse than that of a university graduate. It would be a waste of talent for her to spend four years on an undergraduate degree.”

Lin Qiao’s level was such that, if she covered her face, people would believe she was a veteran teacher with many years of experience.

However, the education bureau person hesitated, “She looks quite young. How many years of teaching experience does she have?”

Hearing the question about teaching experience, Principal Zeng knew this wouldn’t be easy, but he answered honestly, “Just half a year.”

Vice Principal Qi, who had brought up the matter, elaborated, “Although she has only been at the school for half a year, her achievements are evident to all. Not only can she make suggestions to leaders, but she also teaches well and is particularly loved by the students. She is truly a rare talent.”

“That’s true, but half a year is too short. Even by next year, your recommendation would be hard to pass unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless what?”

Principal Zeng and Vice Principal Qi almost spoke in unison, showing how much they cared about whether Lin Qiao could directly apply for graduate school.

The education bureau person spoke frankly, “Unless she has some outstanding contributions. I’m not talking about making suggestions to leaders but professional achievements, such as inventions, creations, or awards. After all, those exceptionally admitted to graduate school are usually not from teacher training institutions.”

That is indeed true. Lin Qiao originally wanted to apply for graduate school, and it might not necessarily be a teacher training institution. Clearly, Lin Qiao is too young and has been in the job for too short a time. Given that most high school graduates are around her age, it’s tough for her to skip levels and apply for graduate school.

Principal Zeng and Vice Principal Qi had no other options but to temporarily put the matter aside and send the visitors from the education bureau off.

However, the public lecture was evidently a success. Within a few days, the Ministry of Education held a meeting, and the school was named and praised, even appearing in the education system’s newspaper. For their small school, it was a rare moment of recognition. Principal Zeng cut out the newspaper article, carefully saved it, and praised Lin Qiao by name during a meeting.

With Zheng Huifang absent, two substitute intern teachers attended the meeting, creating an unprecedentedly good atmosphere and unprecedented harmony among the attendees.

After the meeting, Group Leader Gao sighed, “I heard those two intern teachers are teaching quite well.”

This was somewhat ironic. It was one thing for Lin Qiao to outperform Zheng Huifang, but even Group Leader Gao felt a bit challenged. However, Zheng Huifang couldn’t even outperform the two new intern teachers.

If the school lacked teachers, she might have found a way to return temporarily for a year or so. The matter might have passed if she had improved her level during that time. But now, even the two intern teachers were teaching better than her, and the parents would definitely pressure the school not to let her return.

Indeed, Zheng Huifang was quite vocal when she left, but within a few days, she quieted down, and a few days later, she quietly reported to the logistics department. This surprised everyone. Even the homeroom teacher of Class Three, who didn’t teach chemistry, couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t they say her husband was quite capable? Couldn’t he get her back?”

Previously, the school hadn’t moved Zheng Huifang because Principal Zeng was soft-hearted and protective of the existing staff, and it was difficult to move military family members. Having experienced demotion and criticism, he was naturally very cautious, making him seem hesitant and indecisive.

This time, with a collective complaint to the education bureau, there was a legitimate reason to act, but the most surprising part was that Zheng Huifang accepted it so readily.

After all, being a teacher, although not highly paid, meant dressing neatly and having relatively light work. Logistics was different, with all kinds of tasks. Any procurement-related tasks had already been assigned, and the easy jobs with few hours were no longer available to her. Since she went home directly after being transferred to logistics and didn’t report for several days, the logistics department didn’t hold back and assigned her to manage the school dormitory.

Currently, the dormitory only housed a few unmarried staff and intern teachers, including Song Jing and another male intern teacher who took over her two classes. This must have been quite disheartening. Seeing the two of them going to and from work every day must have made Zheng Huifang furious. It was unclear who arranged this.

Everyone was puzzled, and after two days, news came out that her husband was being investigated, and she had to keep a low profile for a while.

Whether it was true or not, or if anything was found, no one could find out because the information was tightly controlled. However, she had been very active recently, constantly trying to use connections to return to the school. She might have caught someone’s attention, leading to her husband’s investigation, so she naturally didn’t dare to cause any more trouble.

“This happened at just the right time. Otherwise, if she kept pushing, she might have actually come back,” Group Leader Gao said while preparing the midterm exam questions.

Lin Qiao also prepared the questions this time, with each of them contributing half. Group Leader Gao focused on theoretical questions, while she focused on experimental questions.

Hearing Group Leader Gao’s comment, the homeroom teacher of Class Three smiled at Lin Qiao, “The timing is too coincidental. I wonder if it was a student’s parent or a certain family member.”

“A certain family member?” Lin Qiao didn’t understand at first, but after a while, she realized she was referring to Ji Duo, “That’s impossible. He never gets involved in these things.”

“You’ve been bullied, and he doesn’t care?” The homeroom teacher of Class Three didn’t believe it, “I haven’t heard that Commander Ji is such an easygoing person.”

Ji Duo was not only not easygoing but also very decisive. When he first transferred, some people, seeing his youth and the fact that he wasn’t from around there, tried to undermine him. He dealt with them all, and he did it perfectly each time. Now, his soldiers were the most obedient and well-trained.

However, Lin Qiao felt that her relationship with Ji Duo hadn’t reached that level. She knew very well how their marriage started, even if others didn’t.

However, the homeroom teacher’s comment left a mark on her mind, and when she went home that evening, she couldn’t help but look at the man twice.

Hmm, he was quite good-looking. As the weather got cooler, he put on his military jacket again, adding an extra layer of restraint and uprightness.

No wonder they say a man looks best in black and a woman looks best in mourning. With his physique and uniform, she could eat two more meals without looking at his face.

Lin Qiao’s gaze started serious but gradually turned mischievous, making Ji Duo pause at the door, “What’s wrong?”

“Do you remember Teacher Zheng, who competed with me for the public lecture?” Lin Qiao’s gaze appreciatively fell on the man’s broad shoulders, “I heard her husband is being investigated.”

He never took off his epaulets in the army, which added to his authority. Hearing this, his expression remained calm, and he simply said, “Hmm,” before putting on his military cap and entering the house, showing no sign of whether he knew about it or not.

Lin Qiao thought it couldn’t be his doing. She hadn’t asked for his help, so why would he meddle in her affairs?

She put the matter out of her mind and began fitting the freshly dried cushion covers onto the sofa cushions.

Unexpectedly, seeing her busy, the man casually took one to help her fit it, asking, “Her husband is being investigated? Is she still bothering you?”

Was he casually asking about the last incident, or was there more to it?

Lin Qiao paused her actions and stared at the man’s face, trying to discern any clues, but she couldn’t see anything. Seeing her staring at him, he even furrowed his brow slightly.

Should Lin Qiao ask or not?

If she asked and it wasn’t true, she’d seem self-important. If she didn’t ask, his words had indeed piqued her curiosity.

Lin Qiao remained still, and Ji Duo, having fitted the cushion, placed it back on the sofa and remained still, seeing her looking at him.

The couple, one sitting on the sofa and the other half-bent over the edge, exchanged glances as if waiting for the other to speak.

Could Lin Qiao take the initiative to speak?

She could.

Meeting the man’s calm gaze, she suddenly blinked, “Do I look pretty today?”

The topic shifted so quickly that even Ji Duo, usually adept at hiding his emotions, paused slightly at her words. But that wasn’t all. Lin Qiao knelt on one knee on the sofa beside him and leaned closer, “If I’m not pretty, why are you staring at me without saying anything?”

With this move, although Ji Duo still didn’t speak, he instinctively leaned back into the sofa.

Lin Qiao thought that if he wore a monk’s hat, he might even say with a straight face, “Please, maintain your dignity.”

This made Lin Qiao feel much better. It was better than playing guessing games with him, feeling uncertain one moment and confident the next.

She was about to straighten up when the man, leaning against the sofa, suddenly looked up and said, “It’s getting dark early these days.”

His tone and expression were the same as always, but meeting his gaze, there was an inexplicable depth to his words.

Without needing his reminder, Lin Qiao understood what he meant, as the sky outside had already darkened. On the sofa, in their current positions and postures, if she moved a bit closer, certain images from a particular night would instantly flood her mind.

Lin Qiao instinctively moved her leg back, but her ankle was gently hooked before she could retreat. She didn’t even understand how he used his strength, but she lost her balance and fell forward, landing on her knees on either side of his thighs, her hands bracing against his chest.

The next second, her waist was encircled, and Ji Duo even pulled her closer, his deep voice whispering in her ear, “Still asking?”

With her retreat blocked, Lin Qiao decided not to move, “If you’re not afraid of someone coming in and affecting your image as Commander Ji, I don’t mind.”

Just as she finished speaking, Liu Cuiying’s voice came from outside.

“Xiao Ji! Xiao Ji, can you hear me? There’s a call for you!”

Well, that was quick.

But Ji Duo hadn’t intended to do anything to Lin Qiao. He just saw her neither answering nor asking, yet provoking him, so he wanted to keep her in check for a while.

When Liu Cuiying called out, he responded and released his hold on Lin Qiao.

Unexpectedly, Lin Qiao didn’t move. Instead, she leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Why did you let go? Why don’t you continue?”

Now that she felt safe, her courage grew. Ji Duo glanced at her, then moved her aside and patted her before leaving.

Lin Qiao wasn’t sure if he did it intentionally or accidentally, but the pat landed right on the most prominent part of her lower back.

However, when he returned from the call, his expression had changed. “An elder had an incident, and I must go to the hospital.”

Hearing that it was his childhood friend’s grandfather, Lin Qiao didn’t say much. “Do you need me to leave the door open for you tonight?”

“No need. If I’m back late, I’ll go straight to the base,” Ji Duo replied, clearly having already called for a car and waiting for Xiao Fang to pick him up.

Lin Qiao waited with him until they heard the engine outside, then walked out with him, planning to head to the cafeteria for dinner.

As Ji Duo opened the car door, he suddenly remembered the last time he had left. She had sent him off the same way—not saying much, not asking much, just quietly standing outside the car, watching him leave. It felt like the car door separated two independent worlds that didn’t need to intersect.

The emotions that had faded surged back in an instant. Without thinking much, Ji Duo turned around, grabbed Lin Qiao’s hand, and said, “Come with me.”