Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 173: Hua Nianci

Today, Li Hongying showed off her culinary skills, filling the table with a large array of dishes. The group ate to their heart’s content. Liu Guangmei, humble as ever, even asked for the recipes of several dishes.

Liu Huilan was well aware of her own limitations; no matter how good the teacher, her cooking skills couldn’t be saved. But above all, she felt a sense of relief and joy, proud that her daughter’s mother-in-law was such a skilled cook.

After the meal, Yi Weiliang took Liu Guangmei and the others to see the house he lived in. It was very clean and tidy, and most importantly, the room was exclusively his. In truth, Liu Guangmei was quite envious upon seeing it.

Their whole family was cramped in a tube-shaped apartment, and this space likely wasn’t even as big as one room in that house.

"Weiliang, renting such a large place must be expensive every month," Liu Guangmei remarked.

"This house was bought by my sister’s in-laws, it’s not rented," Yi Weiliang answered honestly.

"Bought, they bought it?" Ma Baidao was equally astonished, "That must have cost a fortune, and it’s not like you can just buy one if you want."

"My brother-in-law is quite capable," Yi Weiliang admitted genuinely. "It’s thanks to him that I got a job as an apprentice in the transportation department of the food factory; he cares for my sister and does his best to support the Yue Family."

"About Youning, my brother-in-law’s whole family is aware and supportive of the situation," Yi Weiliang smiled shyly.

"The thing you mentioned before about Youning getting tutored by a retired teacher, was that arranged by your brother-in-law as well?" Liu Guangmei inquired.

Yi Weiliang nodded, "Later, my brother-in-law will take us to meet that teacher."

Ding Ancheng, Yi Roujing, Yi Weiliang, Liu Guangmei, and Liu Youning all went together to an alleyway next to County First Middle School, where the teacher lived in an apartment building, in a cozy little place, right across from the Huaixi County Police Bureau.

Liu Guangmei was a bit surprised by the environment.

"We considered this aspect; even if Youning’s uncle and his family know Youning is studying here, they wouldn’t dare make trouble," Yi Roujing explained.

"They aren’t that bold, especially when they’ve done things they shouldn’t have; they wouldn’t ignore their guilty conscience, right?" Liu Guangmei commented sarcastically. Seeing the environment, she felt very reassured about letting Youning study here. Her only worry now was if they wouldn’t take him, as Yi Weiliang had mentioned before that the retired teacher was selective about who they teach.

"Knock, knock, Teacher Hua," Ding Ancheng knocked on the door and called out.

The door opened from the inside, revealing an old woman with hair as white as snow, wearing a black embroidered long dress.

"Teacher Hua!" Ma Baidao and Liu Guangmei blurted out in astonishment.

"And you are?" Hua Nianci wore a kind smile, though her eyes hinted at slight confusion; she didn’t recognize the pair but said, "Ancheng is here, is this your wife?"

Hua Nianci looked at Yi Roujing with an appreciative gaze and nodded in satisfaction, "You have a good eye."

Noticing the child standing next to Yi Weiliang, Hua Nianci understood at once, "This must be the child you talked about, come on inside."

She welcomed Ding Ancheng and the group into her home. Yi Roujing admired the interior decor, finding it very compatible with the old lady’s personality. Flowerbeds filled with blossoming flowers adorned the sides, though Yi Roujing couldn’t identify the species. In addition to the large flowerbed, dozens of small pots were scattered around, each planted with flowers.

"After retirement, I started tending to flowers in my free time," Hua Nianci chuckled. "Many are wildflowers I dug up from the mountains. They endure despite my lack of skill in gardening."

The main room of the house served as a classroom, with several tables set up. "This is where the children study. I currently have fourteen students and can take up to sixteen—it’s all the space allows," she explained.

"Most people who ask me to tutor their children are acquaintances. Before I retired, I taught languages. For children not yet in school, I focus on basic literacy, but I can’t teach too much more," Hua Nianci mentioned humbly.

"Teacher Hua, you’re too modest," Liu Guangmei remarked anxiously.

In Huaixi County, nobody was unfamiliar with Hua Nianci, or Teacher Hua as she was known. She was the only female principal in County First Middle School’s history, and it was under her leadership that the school gained real prestige, sending more and more students to universities each year, including prestigious ones.

Her success was largely due to recruiting many excellent teachers, bringing County First Middle School to new heights.

Even when the college entrance exams were abolished, and only the Worker, Peasant, Soldier University quotas were allowed, County First Middle School remained distinguished. Despite other schools in the city—and even outside the city—receiving fewer prestigious school entrance quotas, Hua Nianci secured them.

County First Middle School’s quota system was notably fair and transparent, a legacy developed under Hua Nianci’s leadership. This reputation extended far beyond Huaixi County, earning respect in neighboring counties and cities.

Liu Guangmei was genuinely surprised and delighted that Ding Ancheng had sought out Teacher Hua for Liu Youning. In front of Hua Nianci, both she and Ma Baidao felt somewhat on edge.

"Come here, child," Hua Nianci called with a gentle smile towards Liu Youning. He looked at her but didn’t move, making Liu Guangmei start to fidget with impatience, just as she was about to nudge him as a reminder, Liu Youning walked over.

Standing before Hua Nianci, he looked up at her with a puzzled expression.

"Can you read?" Hua Nianci asked.

Liu Youning shook his head.

"You’re not supposed to just nod or shake your head; you should answer me verbally," Hua Nianci gently instructed.

"No," Liu Youning replied truthfully.

"And would you like to learn?" Hua Nianci continued.

"Yes," Liu Youning answered, instinctively trying to nod but catching himself halfway through.

Hua Nianci smiled at the gesture, then looked up at Ding Ancheng, "I’ll take this child under my wing."

"Thank you, Teacher Hua, thank you so much," Liu Guangmei exclaimed excitedly.

"The class schedule is the same as school—five days a week. Bring the child after breakfast by 7:30 AM and pick them up at 5 PM. They can have lunch here, but you’ll need to provide the grain. As for vegetables, you can offset it with ten eggs per month. Parents will take turns providing firewood, and the monthly fee is two yuan," Hua Nianci explained. "Any questions?"

"No, no," Liu Guangmei shook her head repeatedly, thinking it was quite affordable.

"And one more important thing: you’ll need to prepare the child’s writing materials in advance," Hua Nianci added.

"Yes, of course, no problem," Liu Guangmei nodded enthusiastically.

"Then bring the child starting Monday," Hua Nianci smiled warmly. "Now, it’s my day off, so I won’t keep you any longer."

Once they left the house, Liu Guangmei was still in a bit of a daze, smiling foolishly. "I never imagined it would be Teacher Hua, and now our Youning will learn from her. Oh my, what a tremendous blessing."