From a county-level lecture hall to a nationally renowned teacher

一

Shortly after New Year's Day in 2005, Lin Zhiyuan received a greeting card from Zhou Haitao.

The greeting card was sent from the provincial capital. The cover featured a traditional Chinese ink painting of plum blossoms with the four gold-embossed characters "Happy New Year." Inside, Zhou Haitao's neat handwriting was displayed.

"Dear Professor Lin, Happy New Year! I'm doing well at university. This semester I've read many books and met many interesting people. A few days ago, I attended a lecture by the Provincial Writers Association. The speaker was a very famous writer from the province, and he talked about 'Literature and Hometown.' After listening, I thought of you, the Literary Society, and Chen Fan. Professor Lin, you made me realize that literature is not something lofty and unattainable; it's hidden in our daily lives. I wish you good health and success in your work. Your student: Zhou Haitao."

Lin Zhiyuan looked at the greeting card twice, then tucked it under the glass of his desk, alongside photos of Sun Xiaolei, Zhao Xiaoman, and Liu Qiang. The area under the glass grew increasingly full; his students were multiplying, their smiling faces and messages filling the small space.

Sometimes, when he got tired of grading assignments, he would look down at the photos and greeting cards, and a warm feeling would well up inside him. This warmth supported him to pick up his red pen again, to grade the next assignment, and to face the next class.

two

Mid-January, a week before the final exams.

The atmosphere in Senior Three (1) Class was getting more and more tense. Although the science students were not good at expressing their emotions, Lin Zhiyuan could feel their anxiety—they were quieter in class, more people asked questions after class, and they ate faster in the cafeteria.

He began talking to each student individually. It wasn't criticism or pressure; it was just casual conversation, asking about their recent situation and listening to their concerns. He spent three days talking to each of the fifty-six students, each conversation lasting between ten and twenty minutes.

There was a boy named Zhang Yiming who ranked in the top ten in his class, but his grades had been getting worse and worse in the mock exams. Lin Zhiyuan called him to his office.

"What's wrong with you lately?"

Zhang Yiming lowered his head and remained silent.

"A drop in grades isn't scary; what's scary is not knowing why they dropped. Tell me, what's the reason?"

After a long silence, Zhang Yiming finally spoke: "Teacher Lin, I have insomnia."

"How long has it been?"

"It's been over a month. Every night when I lie down, my mind is filled with these problems. I toss and turn and can't fall asleep, sometimes not until two or three in the morning."

Aren't you sleepy during the day?

"I'm sleepy. But I'm afraid to sleep. I feel like sleeping is a waste of time."

Lin Zhiyuan looked at him. The boy had dark circles under his eyes, a sallow complexion, and chapped lips; he looked like he had been chronically sleep-deprived.

"Zhang Yiming, I need to tell you something. In your current state, no matter how much you study, it's useless. Your mind isn't clear, so no matter how many problems you do, they'll all be wrong. Starting today, you must be in bed before 10 p.m. every night. If you can't sleep, just lie there, close your eyes, and don't think about anything."

"But I—"

"No buts," Lin Zhiyuan interrupted him. "If you continue like this, you'll collapse before the college entrance exam even starts. Remember, health is the foundation of everything. If your health collapses, you won't pass any exams."

Zhang Yiming looked up at him, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Teacher Lin, I'm scared. I'm afraid I won't pass the exam and I'll let my parents down."

"Are you afraid of failing the exam, so you're pushing yourself to the limit? Do you think your parents want to see you like this?"

Tears streamed down Zhang Yiming's face. Lin Zhiyuan handed him a pack of tissues and waited until he finished crying before continuing.

"Your parents don't care about your grades; they care about your well-being. Do you think they're at ease with you like this?"

Zhang Yiming shook his head.

"So, listen to me. Starting tonight, get a good night's sleep. Improve your efficiency during the day and don't stay up late. If you still have insomnia, come find me, and I'll go to the hospital with you."

Zhang Yiming nodded, wiped away his tears, and walked out of the office.

three

After the final exams, Lin Zhiyuan made a home visit.

He went to Zhang Yiming's house. Zhang Yiming's parents ran a small supermarket in the county town. The couple worked very hard, getting up early and working late. Zhang Yiming's father greeted him; he was a man in his forties with calloused hands and black dirt stuck under his fingernails.

"Teacher Lin, did Yiming fail his exam again?"

"No. His grades are pretty good, in the top fifteen of his grade."

Zhang Yiming's father breathed a sigh of relief, but then became nervous again: "So, you've come here to...?"

"I came to talk to you about his health. He's been suffering from severe insomnia for over a month now, unable to sleep at night. He's under too much stress."

Zhang Yiming's father was silent for a moment, then sighed, "This child has always been strong-willed. He never tells us anything, afraid of making us worry. His mother told me last month that she thought he had lost weight, and I said it was nothing." He lowered his head and rubbed his hands together. "Teacher Lin, it's our fault as parents."

"It's not dereliction of duty. He's just too sensible, and that sensibility makes him all the more pitiful," Lin Zhiyuan said. "I told him to go to bed before 10 p.m. every day. I hope you can remind him more at home and not let him stay up late. Also, talk to him more, don't just ask about his grades, ask him if he's happy at school, and if he has any worries."

"Okay, okay, I'll listen to you." Zhang Yiming's father nodded repeatedly.

When Lin Zhiyuan left, Zhang Yiming's father saw him to the door, held his hand, and said, "Teacher Lin, thank you. Yiming is lucky to have met you."

"Please don't mention it. He's my student, it's what I should do."

It was already dark when he got home. The streetlights cast a long, yellow shadow. As he rode his bicycle, his mind wandered to Zhang Yiming, Su Wanqing, Zhou Haitao, and Chen Yutong. Thinking about all this gave him a headache.

He stopped and stood by the roadside for a while. The winter wind was cold, stinging his face. He took a few deep breaths, and once his headache subsided a bit, he continued riding his bike.

four

Winter break has begun, but Lin Zhiyuan is not taking a break.

He used his winter break to prepare all the lesson plans for the next semester. He went to the office every morning and didn't return to his dormitory until evening. The office was quiet; there were no students, no colleagues, only him. He liked this quietness, which allowed him to focus on his work without being disturbed.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Su Wanqing returned.

She brought a lot of things—clothes for Lin Zhiyuan, health supplements for her mother-in-law, and wine for her father-in-law. Looking at those things, Lin Zhiyuan felt a mix of warmth and sadness.

"Why are you spending so much money?"

"It's Chinese New Year, so it's only right," Su Wanqing said while packing her things. "Your mom called and told you to go home early. Don't stay at school all the time, go back and spend some time with them."

"understood."

"You always know, but you still don't go."

Lin Zhiyuan smiled but didn't refute. He knew Su Wanqing was right; he had indeed spent too little time with his parents. But every time he wanted to go back, something would always get in the way—this student's homework wasn't finished grading, that student's problem wasn't solved, and the lesson plans for next semester weren't ready. One thing after another, it was never-ending.

"Lin Zhiyuan, I have something to tell you." Su Wanqing sat down and looked at him seriously.

"What is it?"

"I have a colleague at the hospital whose husband works at the county education bureau. She said the city will be recruiting a batch of teachers this year, and teachers from both the county seat and rural areas can apply. Do you want to give it a try?"

Lin Zhiyuan was stunned for a moment. He knew what this meant—if he passed the exam, he could be transferred to the city and end his long-distance relationship with Su Wanqing.

"When?"

"Around March or April. You should prepare in advance, and I'll keep an eye out for you then."

"it is good."

Su Wanqing looked at him, her eyes filled with both expectation and worry.

"Are you really good at the test?"

"meeting."

"You're not going to get distracted by students again, are you?"

Lin Zhiyuan was silent for a few seconds before saying, "No. Not this time."

Su Wanqing didn't say anything more. She stood up and went to the kitchen to cook. Lin Zhiyuan sat on the sofa, listening to the sounds of chopping vegetables, stir-frying, and clattering pots and pans coming from the kitchen, and felt a long-lost sense of peace.

五

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, senior high school students resumed classes.

On the first day of the new semester, Lin Zhiyuan stood on the podium, looking at the fifty-six faces below. Some students had gained weight, some had lost weight, some had gotten tanned, and some had gotten fairer, but everyone's eyes held something more—a sense of urgency.

There are still more than 110 days until the college entrance examination.

"Students, this is your last semester of high school," he said. "In a little over a hundred days, you will be entering the examination hall and then going your separate ways. In these last hundred days, what you need to do is not to work desperately, but to stay calm. Stay calm, stay calm in your mindset, stay calm in your grades, and stay calm in your body."

He wrote three words on the blackboard: Steady, Accurate, Ruthless.

"Stability means maintaining a stable mindset. Don't get carried away by doing well on one exam, and don't break down because you failed one. Only by staying calm can you go all the way."

"Accuracy means having the right goal. Each of you has your own target university and target score. Aim carefully and don't stray off course."

"Being ruthless means being ruthless to yourself. Study when you should study, and sleep when you should sleep. Don't pretend to work hard; results won't play along."

He put down the chalk and looked at the students below.

"Alright, that's all I have to say. Now, let's begin the lesson."

六

In mid-February, Lin Zhiyuan signed up.

The city's teacher recruitment exam is open to 150 primary and secondary school teachers citywide. Lin Zhiyuan meets the requirements and has registered. The exam is in mid-March and consists of two parts: educational theory and subject-specific knowledge.

He began to use his evenings to study. During the day, he had to teach, grade homework, and handle class affairs, so he only had time to study at night. Every day after evening self-study, he would return to his dormitory and study from 10:30 pm to midnight, reading educational psychology, principles of education, and Chinese language curriculum and teaching theory.

Su Wanqing called him every night to ask how his revision was going. He said it was alright, and Su Wanqing told him not to stay up late, to which he replied that he knew. But every time he hung up, he would continue studying until 12:30, sometimes even 1 a.m.

One evening, Wang Jianguo came to visit and saw books spread out on his table. He asked, "What are you preparing?"

"The city's teacher recruitment exam."

"Are you being transferred?"

"I want to give it a try."

Wang Jianguo was silent for a while, then sighed: "It's better that you left. Your wife is in the city, and you're here alone; it's not a long-term solution."

"I don't know if I'll be able to pass the exam."

"You definitely can. You've been teaching for five years, you're experienced, and your theoretical knowledge is solid. It would be strange if you didn't pass the exam."

Lin Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words."

Wang Jianguo sat down next to him and lit a cigarette.

"Zhiyuan, I'll miss you now that you're gone."

"It's not like I'm not coming back. Even if I get accepted, I won't leave until summer vacation."

"That'll be soon." Wang Jianguo took a drag of his cigarette. "In this school, you're the only one I can really talk to. Once you leave, I won't even have anyone to talk to."

Lin Zhiyuan looked at him and suddenly felt a little reluctant to part with him. This easygoing math teacher, who spoke directly and never beat around the bush, was his best friend at the school.

"Old Wang, if I really get into university, I'll come back to see you on weekends from now on."

"Come on, you're only back to see your wife. What am I to you?"

They both laughed. But then they fell silent.

Seven

The exam was held as scheduled in mid-March.

The exam was held at a middle school in the city. Lin Zhiyuan arrived in the city a day early and stayed at Su Wanqing's rented apartment. Su Wanqing made him dinner, watched him eat, and said, "Don't be nervous, just do your best."

"I'm not nervous."

Your hands are shaking.

Lin Zhiyuan looked down at his hands, and sure enough, they were trembling. He clenched his fist and took a deep breath.

"A little," he admitted.

Su Wanqing smiled, took his hand, and said, "You're a teacher, the test will cover everything you've taught, what's there to be nervous about?"

"It's precisely because I'm a teacher that I'm nervous. It would be embarrassing to fail the exam."

"If you don't pass, you can try again next year. It's not like you only have one chance."

Lin Zhiyuan knew she was right, but he was still nervous. This wasn't just an exam; it was his only chance to leave the county and reunite with Su Wanqing in the city. He wanted to seize this opportunity and didn't want to wait another year.

The next morning, he walked into the examination room, sat in his seat, and took a deep breath. When the test haircut came out, he first looked at it from beginning to end, then closed his eyes, silently recited a few key points, and then began to answer the questions.

The test on educational theory was very detailed, and many questions required answers that incorporated practical teaching experience. He incorporated his five years of teaching experience into his answers, writing with great confidence. The subject-specific knowledge test covered the Chinese language curriculum standards and teaching methods, which he used daily and could answer with his eyes closed.

After the exam, he walked out of the exam hall. The sunlight was dazzling. He squinted, stood at the school gate, and took a deep breath.

The phone rang. It was Su Wanqing.

"How did the exam go?"

"It's alright. Let's wait for the results."

Eight

In late March, the results were released.

Lin Zhiyuan came in first place.

He saw the results in his office. Su Wanqing sent a text message with only a few words: "You got first place."

He stared at those words for a long time, then called Su Wanqing.

"real?"

"It's true. The city education website just released it; I checked it three times."

Lin Zhiyuan held his phone, unsure what to say. Five years of teaching in the county town, five years of living apart from his wife, five years of waiting and perseverance—it was finally coming to an end.

"Lin Zhiyuan, can you hear me?" Su Wanqing's voice was choked with emotion.

"I heard you."

"We can be together now."

"Yes. We can be together now."

After hanging up the phone, he sat down in his chair and looked out the window. The sycamore trees were beginning to sprout, their tender green leaves swaying gently in the spring breeze. In the distance, on the playground, several students were running, their footsteps making a soft pattering sound.

Wang Jianguo walked in, saw him staring blankly, and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I passed the exam. I came in first place."

Wang Jianguo was stunned for a moment, then slapped him on the shoulder: "I told you you could definitely pass the exam! You're a good kid!"

Lin Zhiyuan smiled. But as he smiled, his eyes reddened.

It wasn't because I was happy. It was because I couldn't bear to part with it.

nine

In April, Lin Zhiyuan submitted a transfer application to the school.

The principal read his application, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "Teacher Lin, your departure will be a great loss to our school. But I can't stop you. Your wife lives in the city; you should go."

"Thank you, Principal."

When are you planning to leave?

"Summer vacation. I'll finish teaching this year's graduating class."

The principal nodded: "Okay. Do a good job in these last few months, and I'll write you the best letter of recommendation."

After leaving the principal's office, Lin Zhiyuan stood for a while at the foot of the teaching building. The sunlight was bright, casting a golden glow on the old building's exterior. He had spent five years in this building, teaching thousands of classes, grading tens of thousands of assignments, and seeing two graduating classes of senior high school students graduate.

He is leaving.

As he walked upstairs, Shen Ruohan called out to him as he passed the Chinese language group office.

"Teacher Lin, are you being transferred?"

"You found out?"

"It's all over the school." Shen Ruohan looked at him, her eyes filled with reluctance. "With you gone, the Chinese language group will lose a key member."

"You're a key member too. You can do it."

Shen Ruohan shook her head: "I can't. I don't have your patience. I can't learn your kindness towards students."

"Everyone has their own way. You're good to your students too, just in a different way."

Shen Ruohan lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "Teacher Lin, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for taking care of me for the past year. When I first arrived, I didn't know anything, and you helped me adapt to this place."

"You're my senior, no need to thank me."

Shen Ruohan looked up and smiled. There was a sense of relief in her smile, as if she had let go of something heavy.

"Teacher Lin, I wish you all the best."

"the same as you."

Ten

In mid-April, Lin Zhiyuan visited Chen Mingyuan.

After retiring, Chen Mingyuan lived in an old residential area in the north of the county town. His apartment on the third floor wasn't big, but it was very clean. When Lin Zhiyuan arrived, he was watering flowers on the balcony, wearing an old sweater, and his hair was completely white.

"Teacher Chen."

"Xiao Lin?" Chen Mingyuan turned around, his eyes lighting up when he saw him. "What brings you here?"

"I've come to see you."

The two sat down in the living room. Chen Mingyuan's wife brought over tea and said with a smile, "Old Chen talks about you students every day, about things at school."

Chen Mingyuan glared at her: "Don't talk nonsense."

"I'm not making this up. You were talking about Xiaolin the day before yesterday."

Chen Mingyuan blushed slightly and changed the subject: "Xiao Lin, I heard you're being transferred to the city?"

"Yes. I passed the exam."

"That's good. Your wife lives in the city, you should go there." Chen Mingyuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "You've been teaching for five years, that's enough. The world in the county is too small, you should go to a bigger place."

"Teacher Chen, don't you think I'm a deserter?"

"A deserter?" Chen Mingyuan put down his teacup and looked at him seriously. "You've worked here for five years, taught five classes of students, and seen two graduating classes graduate. You've done right by this school and these students. How could you be a deserter?"

Lin Zhiyuan remained silent.

"Xiaolin, let me tell you, it's a good thing that teachers care about their students. But you also need to think about yourself and your family. Your wife lives alone in the city; can you bear to let her stay alone forever?"

"I can't bear it."

"That's right." Chen Mingyuan patted his hand. "Go ahead. The city offers a bigger stage, and you can make a greater impact there. The county needs good teachers, and so does the city. They're needed everywhere."

Lin Zhiyuan nodded.

When he left, Chen Mingyuan walked him downstairs. The setting sun shone on the concrete ground of the community, giving it a warm, orange-red hue.

"Xiao Lin, do a good job when you get to the city."

"I will."

"Don't forget, you will always be my student."

Lin Zhiyuan looked at the white-haired old man, and his eyes immediately reddened.

"Teacher Chen, you will always be my teacher."