Chapter 9

The next day, Xiao He was taken back.

Thinking of Sun Hong’s fierce expression, Tian Jiao didn’t want to see him again and stayed at home.

After a day, Zhao Xiaohua and her friends calmed down and couldn’t help but come to play with her, giving her something to do again.

Knowing she was still worried about Xiao He, Zhang Rui went out to gather more information. Everyone said Sun Hong had done too many terrible things and bullied other children, so he faced retribution.

Of course, this could only be whispered among people, as feudal superstition is no longer popular today.

However, rural people can’t fully rid themselves of such beliefs, remaining fearful of many things. It was said that when the child was taken back, Sun Hong personally asked for him. After the village chief warned him repeatedly, he was told not to bully Xiao He again due to the darkness in his heart.

At this point, Tian Jiao let the matter rest.

Now something more important awaited her—she was starting primary school.

In the village, children don’t attend school until they turn seven. At that time, tuition was inexpensive, and most people don’t take education seriously; they just want to enroll the less fortunate children in their families. Thus, most of the students are boys.

Tian Jiao and Zhao Xiaohua are the only first-grade girls in their village. The older kids don’t play with them, thinking they are too childish.

On the first day of school, Zhang Rui nervously got up, changed into newer clothes, and dressed neatly.

Li Mizhen complained, “It’s as if you’re going to school!”

Zhang Rui puffed out his chest and replied, “This is my daughter! Jiaojiao is so smart and lovable; I can’t let her down as a father.”

Li Mizhen wanted to slap him twice but silently lowered her hand when she saw the little girl dressed up, jumping out of the house.

Forget it, I’ll let him have his moment as her father.

At that moment, Tian Jiao ran up to Zhang Rui, tugged on his arm, and excitedly asked, “Dad, where’s my schoolbag?”

Zhang Rui pulled out a bag from behind, smiling. It was filled with books, notebooks, and pens. The books were borrowed from a first-grade student, and Zhang Rui had sharpened the two pens himself, along with a small eraser. “Everything is here. Please check, Jiaojiao!”

Tian Jiao’s eyes lit up with joy, “All checked! When can we go to school?”

Zhang Rui turned and said, “Eat first!”

Tian Jiao obediently went over, eating much faster than usual, clearly excited about school.

Zhang Rui pinched her cheek and felt a pang of discomfort looking at his palm; it still felt the same size, but the sensation from just now made her face seem smaller.

He hesitantly asked, “Mom, do you think Jiaojiao has lost weight?”

Li Mizhen snorted, “How could she not be thin? I told you, you can’t afford to feed her! This girl must have been spoiled before. Now, she doesn’t even have a bite of meat, only steamed or boiled food. How could she gain weight?”

She didn’t linger after saying this. She had made her point earlier, but he hadn’t listened.

This time, she turned and left, but Zhang Rui remained there for a while, head down, his expression unreadable.

Due to last night’s incident, Ding Yushu was still angry. As she passed by him, she deliberately bumped into his shoulder and snorted coldly. Why didn’t this brother-in-law react at all?

Curiously, she took the eggs and sweet potato porridge she had for breakfast back to the room and kicked her husband, who was getting dressed: “Zhang Zhi, is Zhang Rui going crazy again?”

Zhang Zhi yawned and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ding Yushu recounted what had just happened, adding, “He didn’t react at all and just stood there!”

Zhang Zhi hugged his wife and said, “Don’t fight with him. You’re his sister-in-law. Zhang Rui is just a child. If he gets truly angry, he won’t care about anyone.”

Ding Yushu pushed him away and rolled her eyes: “You all just favor him! I gave birth to your family’s first precious grandson, and I’m still bullied by him! Get out! I won’t share this with you; just leave!”

Zhang Zhi was kicked out. He shrugged helplessly and went to the kitchen for something to eat.

In the room, Ding Yushu made breakfast for herself. She smiled secretly, quickly peeling the eggs and starting to eat.

Although the people in the Old Zhang family can be quite annoying, the food they eat is still considered good in the village. At least her parents wouldn’t feed her eggs like this.

As for Zhang Zhi, she completely forgot about him. He would never go hungry.

In fact, Zhang Zhi was neither particularly hungry nor fully satisfied. His family was poor, limiting their meals, and Li Mizhen, her experienced cook, managed the portions well. As a result, there was only a small amount left. Zhang Zhi simply filled his stomach and went out to work, while Ding Yushu, having eaten her fill, lay on the bed playing with her son at her leisure.

When Zhang Zhi left, Zhang Rui had regained his composure and sat beside his daughter to eat together.

After breakfast, they took the children to school.

He assumed that despite her excitement for the first day of school, Tian Jiao would still feel some reluctance to part from her father.

Surprisingly, upon arriving at the classroom, the little girl stood confidently on the podium, introduced herself, and was quickly surrounded by a group of boys, rendering her almost invisible.

Zhang Rui’s expression darkened significantly. Fortunately, a girl from the Zhao family intervened, pushing the boys away like an older sister and protecting the little girl behind her, which eased his concerns.

This primary school had been converted from a youth education center in a nearby village. The classrooms were located in a mud house, with separate rooms designated for different age groups. The desks and benches were salvaged from the village.

Although it appeared shabby and carried a musty odor, the schoolyard was lively with children of various ages playing, bringing the space to life.

Several educated youth served as teachers. The first-grade class was taught by a twenty-year-old named Ye Zhuojing. Noticing the time, she prepared to start class. With a new student today, there were fifteen children in the first grade, making it the largest class.

In contrast, the older grades had just over ten students. As children got older, fewer stayed in school. Many thought it was enough for kids to learn a few basics and then help out at home. Teenagers could make a real contribution to the household and earn work points—especially the girls, who were often brought home after only a year or two of schooling.

Upon learning about a new girl joining the class, Ye Zhuojing was surprised. Most parents did not prioritize education for girls, and Zhao Xiaohua from their class was the first exception she encountered.

As she approached the classroom, she noticed a young man leaning against the door, staring intently inside with a disgruntled expression that almost made her smile.

“This parent,” Ye Zhuojing said, “May I help you with something?”

Zhang Rui, still preoccupied with his daughter and feeling neglected, flinched at her voice. He turned around to see a pretty young teacher, scratching his head in embarrassment. “I’m fine; I’m just a bit worried since my daughter just started school.”

Ye Zhuojing smiled knowingly, “You must be Zhang Tian Jiao’s father.”

Zhang Rui nodded eagerly, “Yes, yes! My daughter is two years younger than the other kids; she’s only five. I hope the teacher can take special care of her. Thank you so much.”

Ye Zhuojing acknowledged him but glanced at her watch, “Dear parent, class is about to begin.”

Zhang Rui, still focused on his daughter being admired by her classmates, hesitated to leave. “Teacher, how about I stay a bit longer while you start class?”

Ye Zhuojing felt slightly exasperated but agreed, “Just don’t stay too long; the children will lose focus.”

“Of course!” Zhang Rui replied cheerfully.

Tian Jiao’s eyes lit up as she spotted her father outside. She blinked at him happily, feeling cheerful.

Upon her arrival, her classmates eagerly rushed to introduce themselves, and she, unbothered by stage fright, confidently declared, “Hello, everyone! I’m Zhang Tian Jiao, which means ‘sky’ and ‘proud.’ My father says I will make him proud!” This introduction, taught by Zhang Rui the previous day, was firmly lodged in her memory.

Her sweet, childlike voice filled the classroom, eliciting smiles from Zhang Rui outside and awe from her classmates inside: “Wow! What a beautiful name!”

Tian Jiao smiled with a mix of pride and bashfulness, “Thank you!”

Such a lovely girl captivated their attention. In the dimly lit classroom, her fair skin seemed to glow, and her delicate features shone, especially when she smiled, making everyone else smile too.

The other children quickly took to her, clamoring to sit at her table and excitedly saying, “Hello! I’m Li Zhen, and I want to be your friend!”

“And me! And me!” others chimed in, watching eagerly from the back.

Fortunately, Zhao Xiaohua stepped in to help, pushing away the children and protecting Tian Jiao with a sisterly air: “Don’t crowd! We are girls!”

The other children stepped back, looking on with excitement.

The classroom buzzed with energy. Tian Jiao’s charming face radiated a sweet smile as she engaged with her new classmates. It was no wonder they were drawn to her. As a naturally friendly child, she generally found acceptance from peers, especially if they were harmless, particularly other kids.

With so many friends right away, Tian Jiao’s smile widened. School was genuinely enjoyable compared to staying home, where she had to wait for her father to play with her.

Then the teacher entered.

During this era, teachers held significant authority, as parents often told them, “Discipline them well!”

Most teachers carried a ruler, making them somewhat intimidating.

Ye Zhuojing walked in, clearing her throat, “Ahem!”

Immediately, the children scattered and returned to their seats.

Tian Jiao observed her teacher with a mix of admiration and anxiety, distracted by her beauty and fairness.

Ye Zhuojing smiled and surveyed the neatly arranged desks before saying, “Zhang Tian Jiao, please sit…”

She intended to place the child in the front due to her age, but upon noticing her height, she paused. This five-year-old girl appeared more mature than many six or seven-year-olds. The Zhang family certainly cherished their child.

She looked back at the last two rows, hesitating for a moment. “Zhai Kanghu, you sit here. Zhang Tian Jiao, you sit over there.”

“Okay!” Tian Jiao replied, running over with her school bag, her face full of curiosity.

Her deskmate was Zhao Xiaohua, and they sat close together.

Zhang Rui watched from behind, seeing his chubby daughter sitting with Zhao Xiaohua. It was fitting due to her body shape.

Zhang Rui felt a pang of sadness at how thin she had become. He exhaled slowly, stood for a while, then reluctantly left. He first said goodbye to his old mother and planned to go to the county. He was told to take the remaining eggs from home to the supply and marketing cooperative to trade for something, then borrow a bicycle from the brigade.

He needed to find a job quickly so his daughter could eat better!