Not realizing he had said “back to the house” instead of “home,” Lin Ting eagerly agreed. She had done goose-stepping during military training before, but a refresher wouldn’t hurt—especially since she was now working at a military school.

The daily schedule at the military middle school was similar to a regular middle school. Students had to arrive before 7:10 AM, do a morning run from 7:20 to 7:50, rest for ten minutes, and start their first class at 8:00. As a teacher, Lin Ting had to arrive even earlier.

Today was the first day of registration, so she reached the principal’s office at 6:30 AM. Thinking she was early, she was surprised to find someone already there.

Principal Huang, usually serious, smiled when he saw her. “Teacher Lin, you came early. Come in and have a seat. I prepared the class schedule yesterday—take a look and see if you have any questions.”

Lin Ting appreciated his efficient and no-nonsense attitude, much better than bureaucratic leaders. She immediately focused on reviewing the schedule.

To her surprise, the overwhelming teaching load she had feared didn’t exist. The military middle school had only one class per grade, much smaller than she had expected. She only needed to teach three classes in total—one per grade each day.

Compared to teachers in other subjects, she had a heavier schedule. But compared to the extra burdens teachers faced in later generations—meetings, reports, street patrols, and volunteer work—this was so easy it almost made her want to cry.

Principal Huang, unaware of the struggles teachers faced in the future, noticed her expression and felt a little guilty. “You do have a lot of classes, but don’t worry, I’ll apply for extra subsidies for you.”

Lin Ting, happy about the benefit, kept a righteous expression. “Principal, don’t worry. Since I chose to be a teacher, I’ll do my best!”

Seeing her dedication, Principal Huang was pleased. “I knew you had a strong sense of responsibility. Come on, let me introduce you to your colleagues and get you some office supplies.”

The school had three grades in middle school, but with subjects like Chinese, mathematics, Russian, politics, physics, PE, art, and music, there were quite a few teachers. However, most teachers only taught two grades, making Lin Ting one of the busiest ones.

It was also then that Lin Ting realized that among the school’s teachers, only six—including herself—were military dependents^[1]refers to spouses or family members of military personnel..

Lin Ting, a newcomer, smiled throughout the introduction process. She felt relieved that first impressions were not difficult and considered herself lucky.

Just as she was about to follow Principal Huang to the General Affairs Department to collect supplies, she unexpectedly ran into someone familiar.

Principal Huang glanced at his watch with a displeased expression and scolded coldly, “Teacher Liu Wenyan, you’re three minutes late again.”

Liu Wenyan was dressed in a popular green military uniform with two pigtails and a faux leather belt cinching her waist. Normally, the belt would help create a slimmer appearance, but today, standing next to Lin Ting, the contrast was stark. One was fair and slender, while the other was darker and rounder.

Already in a bad mood due to her father’s scolding, Liu Wenyan felt even more irritated by Lin Ting’s presence. However, she knew better than to act out in front of Principal Huang, a respected war hero even her father admired. Swallowing her frustration, she apologized, “Sorry, Principal, I was delayed at home.”

Given Principal Huang’s temper, he would usually respond harshly. But seeing Liu Wenyan’s swollen eyes and remembering the rumors about her family situation, he simply waved her off. “Alright, go in. Don’t be late next time!”

As Liu Wenyan passed Lin Ting, she deliberately bumped her shoulder. Lin Ting stepped aside, smirking. She had a feeling her days ahead would be interesting—especially since Huo Xiao was on her list of potential partners.

Curious, she asked, “Principal, which grade does Comrade Liu teach?”

Principal Huang sighed. “She teaches music for three grades.”

Lin Ting sensed a deeper story behind his sigh and tactfully changed the subject.

Perhaps worried about Lin Ting’s lack of experience or how students would respond to a new teacher, Principal Huang scheduled her first English class for the morning session. He arranged for it to be with the first-year junior high students and even gathered other teachers to observe.

For an inexperienced teacher, this situation would be nerve-wracking. However, Lin Ting had years of teaching experience. While she wouldn’t call herself the best, she had put in a lot of effort.

She confidently picked up the chalk and wrote “Lin Ting” on the blackboard, introducing herself in both Chinese and English. Then, she had the students introduce themselves one by one. By the time this was completed, half the class period had passed.

The students were engaged, as young learners often are when faced with a kind and gentle teacher. However, the teachers in the back grew impatient. They felt Lin Ting wasn’t remarkable—perhaps she was only receiving special treatment because of Captain Huo. After all, anyone could see Captain Huo’s bright future.

As the teachers exchanged knowing glances, Lin Ting officially started the lesson.

She wrote the 26 English letters on the board, pointed to each with a ruler, and had the students repeat them twice. Then, she smiled and asked, “Is it difficult to memorize this way? How about I teach you a song?”

The students, especially those who loved music and art, immediately perked up. The observing teachers, however, frowned.

The stern-faced middle-aged director muttered, “Nonsense. Singing in an English class? I told you she should observe first before teaching. Is this an English class or a music class?”

Although irritated, he knew good English teachers were hard to find. He kept his voice low so as not to embarrass Lin Ting in front of the students. The other teachers also remained silent, waiting for Principal Huang’s reaction.

Principal Huang frowned but didn’t rush to judge. “Let’s see.”

Lin Ting then sang the alphabet song in a cheerful tone. The students, who had been dreading an extra subject, quickly caught on and sang along enthusiastically.

“So this is interest-based teaching,” Principal Huang murmured, recalling his conversation with Comrade Xiao Lin. Back then, he hadn’t fully grasped the concept, but now he understood. Seeing the students’ engagement, he realized the effectiveness of making learning enjoyable.

Lin Ting hadn’t expected such high praise just for following a common teaching approach from later generations. Still, standing on the shoulders of giants had its benefits, and she was pleased with the recognition.

Her joy grew even more when she saw her husband waiting for her after school. Carrying her bag, she nodded to the students who bid her goodbye and ran over to him, tilting her head with a smile. “Why are you here?”

Huo Xiao took his wife’s bag and held it in his hand before asking, “It’s your first day of class. How did it go?”

Lin Ting nodded with a smile. “It went well! The principal even praised me and said I’m very suited to be a teacher.”

Seeing his wife so happy, Huo Xiao was pleased too. But when his gaze fell on her waist, he raised an eyebrow. “Where’s your belt?”

Lin Ting paused before patting her forehead. “I forgot! It’s in my desk drawer. It looks nice, but I’m not used to wearing it.”

Huo Xiao replied seriously, “It’s fine. If you’re not comfortable, don’t wear it. You can wear it when I teach you to march tonight.”

Completely unaware of her husband’s “evil” intentions, Lin Ting smiled. “Then remind me to bring it back later.”

Huo Xiao gently patted her head. “Don’t worry, I will.”

Lin Ting frowned slightly. Why does his tone sound strange?