Chapter 31: Like the Old Ox in the Village Suffering from a Toothache

As Li Xiangyang listened to Wang Ying explain scientific principles, a resolve strengthened within him.

"Mother," he said, turning to his mother who was busy by the stove, "I would like to ask Mr. Wang to take Xiaohua as his student."

Mother Li paused, her expression hesitant. "This..."

"Look at Ying, isn't she brilliant?" Li continued. "In this day and age, one cannot get by without knowledge."

Mother Li sighed. "But..." She stopped, struggling to find the words.

Li Xiangyang knew exactly what she was worried about. In these times, schooling was not as simple as just paying a few coins.

"Don't worry, Mother," Li said firmly. "Mr. Wang is a good man; he will agree."

"But," she persisted, still wavering, "what if people start gossiping?"

"Let them talk," Li Xiangyang replied resolutely. "We cannot let Xiaohua spend her whole life just farming the land, can we?"

Just then, Li Xiaohua hopped off the heated brick bed and ran to her mother's side. "Mom, I want to read and learn just like Sister Ying."

Wang Ying chimed in, "Auntie, my father always said that our country is in great need of educated people. He also said that men and women are equal, and that girls should study hard too."

Mother Li looked at her daughter’s longing eyes, then at Wang Ying’s bright, intelligent face, and finally nodded. "Then... then we must beg Mr. Wang properly."

"When Mr. Wang returns, I will speak to him myself," Li said, his gaze drifting to the heavy snow falling outside the window.

A black panther cat leaped onto the windowsill, its amber eyes seemingly watching the distance. It let out a soft "meow," as if in approval of the decision.

That day, the snow fell even harder. The Li family gathered in the warm room, listening to Wang Ying explain all sorts of fascinating things—from the stars in the sky to hidden mineral deposits, from ancient poetry to foreign inventions. Though young, the girl possessed knowledge far beyond her years.

Watching his younger sister listen with such rapt attention, Li Xiangyang made a silent vow: no matter the cost, he would ensure she had the chance to read, write, and receive a better education. He knew that in this turbulent era, the path of learning was not easy. But having been granted a second chance at life, he was determined to provide his family with a better existence—not just in material wealth, but, more importantly, in spiritual enrichment.

When night fell, the snow finally ceased. Moonlight bathed the thick blanket of snow, shrouding the entire village in a silver glow.

Days passed, and soon the year was drawing to a close. Li Xiangyang spent this time busy preparing for the Lunar New Year. He processed the roe deer hide and the rabbit skins he had gathered earlier, crafting them into warm garments, one of which he gifted to Wang Ying. Wang Ying was very happy living with the Li family, spending her days teaching Li Xiaohua to read and write; the two girls grew ever closer.

As the New Year approached, however, she began to stare out the door, lost in thought, clearly pining for her father’s return.

"Sister Ying, don't worry, your uncle will definitely come to get you," Li Xiaohua would always comfort her.

Wang Ying would smile back, but the worry in her eyes could not be concealed. Li Xiangyang saw this and felt anxious himself. After all, with the poor transportation in these times, traveling from the city to this remote mountain village was no easy feat.

On New Year's Eve, smoke rose from chimneys throughout the village. Every household was busy preparing the New Year's feast, and the air was filled with the aroma of dumplings and meat dishes. The Li household was no exception. Mother Li and the two girls were busy wrapping dumplings, the filling made from the wild game Li Xiangyang had hunted. The black panther cat crouched by the stove, eyes squinting at the steaming pot.

"Do you think Mr. Wang will make it back today?" Mother Li asked while wrapping a dumpling. She felt a pang of sadness looking at Wang Ying’s increasingly thin face.

"He will," Li Xiangyang said with certainty. "Mr. Wang values Ying so much; he will definitely come."

No sooner had he finished speaking than footsteps sounded in the courtyard. The black panther cat pricked up its ears and turned toward the door.

"Someone is here!" Li Xiaohua jumped off the bed and ran to open the door.

As the door swung open, a gust of wind and snow rushed in. A figure bundled in thick cotton clothes stood on the threshold, covered in snow.

"Father!" Wang Ying recognized him instantly, rushing forward to bury herself in his arms.

"Ying..." Wang Jingyun’s voice choked with emotion as he held his daughter tight. His face was frozen red from the wind and snow, and icicles hung from his beard, yet his eyes shone with incredible light.

"Quick, come in and warm up," Mother Li urged.

Wang Jingyun finally released his daughter and bowed to those in the room. "I am truly sorry to have troubled the Li family with Ying for so long."

"Mr. Wang, you are too kind," Li Xiangyang said, stepping forward. "Ying is very sensible and has taught my sister so much." He paused, then added, "By the way, Mr. Wang, how did things go?"

Once everyone was seated, Li Xiangyang poured a cup of hot tea and asked softly.

Wang Jingyun took the cup, a look of relief appearing on his face. "It took some time, but it was finally accomplished. We did find some things at the old residence, and they have now been handed over to the organization." He sipped the tea and continued, "They told me I might be reinstated very soon."

"That is excellent news," Li said sincerely.

"It is all thanks to your guidance," Wang Jingyun sighed. "If it weren't for your advice, I would still be drifting aimlessly, watching my life grow more difficult by the day."

Seeing that the moment was right, Li Xiangyang spoke slowly. "Mr. Wang, setting that aside, I have a request..."

"Speak your mind."

"My sister, Xiaohua, has been clever since she was small, but she has never had the chance to study. She has learned quite a lot from Ying lately, and I see she has a real knack for it. Would you be willing to take her on as your student?"

Wang Jingyun was taken aback. He looked closely at Li Xiaohua, who sat with perfect posture, her eyes clear and sharp. His own daughter was tugging at her hand, signaling him to agree. He thought of how his daughter’s health had improved and how she now wore new clothes. He felt moved; simply taking her as a student hardly seemed enough to repay such a great kindness. And, seeing how precious this child was and how well she got along with his own daughter, he thought, why not...

"Xiangyang," Wang Jingyun said, his expression turning serious. "We have a bond, and naturally, I should agree immediately. But I have a better idea."

The room fell silent as everyone waited for him to continue.

"Li Xiaohua, would you be willing to call me your godfather?"

Li Xiaohua looked at Wang Jingyun in surprise, then at her mother, who nodded vigorously.

"I am willing!" Li Xiaohua knelt and kowtowed. "Godfather!"

"Good, good, good." Wang Jingyun helped her up and turned to Li Xiangyang with an apologetic smile. "I apologize. I had intended for us to be equals, but now I have made you a generation younger. I am truly sorry."

Li Xiangyang waved his hands quickly. "Mr. Wang, you are too polite. For Xiaohua to be able to learn from you is her good fortune. Calling you godfather is our honor."

Wang Ying held Xiaohua’s hand, smiling. "Now we are sisters." She turned to Li Xiangyang, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, Brother Li, what should you call my father now?"

Li Xiangyang choked. He looked at Wang Jingyun, then at Wang Ying, his lips moving, but no sound came out.

"Call... call..." He stammered for a long time, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

Seeing his awkwardness, Wang Jingyun couldn't help but smile. "Just call me Uncle."

"Uncle." Li Xiangyang felt a wave of relief, finally finding a way out.

"Hahaha!" Wang Ying burst into laughter. "Just now, Brother Li looked exactly like the old ox in the village with a toothache."

The remark made everyone laugh, even the usually composed Wang Jingyun.