His gaze fell upon Si Nian.
Si Nian's lips twitched slightly as she greeted with a smile, "Hello, Teacher Wang. I'm Si Nian, Xiao Han's mother."
Teacher Wang's eyes flashed with surprise, but then, as if remembering something, his expression turned awkward. He nodded and said, "Hello, I'm Wang Jianguo, Xiao Han's homeroom teacher."
He was actually quite familiar with the Zhou family's situation. During a previous parent-teacher meeting for Zhou Yuedong, a woman who claimed to be their stepmother had shown up.
Not only did he teach this class, but he also taught Zhou Yuedong's class.
Zhou Yuedong was an excellent student—bright and intelligent—so the teachers paid close attention to him.
Back then, when that woman attended the parent-teacher meeting, Zhou Yuedong had looked visibly upset.
Upon inquiring, he learned she was the stepmother.
Though surprised, it was ultimately a private family matter, so he didn’t comment.
Then, one day, rumors spread through the school that Zhou Yuedong's younger brother had been poisoned by his stepmother.
The gossip was rampant—impossible to ignore.
Fortunately, the child survived and was rescued.
That woman was later arrested.
Teacher Wang had breathed a sigh of relief.
Yet now, here was another woman.
But unlike the fearful reactions of the two brothers before, Zhou Yuehan seemed to genuinely like the person before him.
Teacher Wang gave a slight nod. "Since you're here, I’d like to discuss Xiao Dong and Xiao Han’s school performance with you."
"Xiao Han, go play outside," Teacher Wang dismissed him.
Zhou Yuehan’s little face tensed.
He knew exactly what the teacher wanted to talk about—his grades.
Anxiously, he glanced at Si Nian but didn’t let go of her hand.
Si Nian patted his head gently. "Go on, play."
Only then did Zhou Yuehan reluctantly turn and leave, his shoulders slumped.
Teacher Wang didn’t want to discuss the child’s poor grades in front of him, afraid it would discourage him.
But the truth was, Zhou Yuehan’s academic performance was lacking—borderline failing.
He lacked patience and focus, easily distracted.
His older brother, on the other hand, consistently ranked first in class.
Yet Zhou Yuehan lingered at the bottom.
Teacher Wang believed he was a bright child—just unable to concentrate, his mind elsewhere.
That’s why he wanted to talk to Si Nian.
Si Nian understood perfectly.
A child’s mind was restless, and without proper guidance, studying naturally took a backseat.
Unlike Zhou Yuedong, who had been drilled with the importance of academic success by his parents, Zhou Yuehan had never been pushed. Zhou Yueshen rarely intervened, and Zhou Yuedong, though strict, was too soft on his younger brother to truly discipline him.
Si Nian knew how crucial education was in this era, but she wouldn’t force a child to study. She wanted him to learn happily—that was her goal.
Before they could finish their discussion, however, the sound of a commotion erupted nearby.
A little girl came running in a panic, reporting, "Teacher Wang! Teacher Wang! Come quick—Zhou Yuehan and Zhu Youcai are fighting!"
Hearing this, Wang Jianguo’s face paled. "What? Where? Take me there!"
Si Nian’s expression also darkened at the news of Zhou Yuehan being in a fight, and she hurried after them.
Behind the classroom, two boys were rolling on the ground, pulling hair and biting.
A crowd of children had gathered, gasping and shouting, "Stop fighting!"
"The teacher’s here!"
Si Nian caught up just in time to see Zhou Yuehan straddling a boy his size, yanking his hair, his little face twisted in fury.
Teacher Wang strode forward and pulled the two apart.
"What’s going on with you two? Stand straight!"
His booming voice finally snapped the boys out of their rage.
Now, seeing the adults, their faces drained of color.
Si Nian stepped closer and immediately noticed the deep, bloody scratches on Xiao Han’s cheeks.
Her expression turned stormy as she looked at the teary-eyed boy. "Xiao Han, what happened?"
The little girl who had brought them there spoke up. "It was Zhu Youcai! Earlier, he saw Xiao Han sharing snacks with us but not him, so he started yelling at Xiao Han, saying the food was poisoned and that Xiao Han’s mom was trying to kill him. He told everyone not to play with Xiao Han. Xiao Han argued back, and then Zhu Youcai knocked over his lunchbox—that’s when they started fighting."
Zhou Yuehan hadn’t expected Zhu Youcai to go so far. When his lunchbox was overturned, he shoved Zhu Youcai in anger. But Zhu Youcai retaliated by slapping and scratching his face, leaving deep, bleeding marks.
As the girl finished explaining, Zhou Yuehan looked at Si Nian, tears welling up. "Mom… it hurts," he sobbed.
Si Nian’s temper flared. She quickly pulled tissues from her bag and dabbed at the bloody scratches on his face.
Zhou Yuehan felt the gentle touch soothe the stinging pain slightly.
Just then, an elderly woman came rushing over, shrieking, "Youcai! My Youcai! Who did this to you? Point them out!"
Dressed in a floral blouse, gray pants, and polished leather shoes, her hair neatly wrapped in a scarf, she looked far from ordinary.
Si Nian found her oddly familiar—then realized she was the haughty saleswoman from the supply and marketing cooperative.
Back when Si Nian had visited, this woman had barely spared customers a glance. The memory stuck.
In this era, working at the cooperative was a coveted, well-paying job—breeding arrogance in some.
No wonder Zhu Youcai’s clothes stood out among the other children.
"Grandma! Zhou Yuehan hit me! Waaah…!" Zhu Youcai pointed at Zhou Yuehan, crying dramatically.
The surrounding children tensed, their expressions fearful.
Everyone knew the Zhu family’s influence. Zhu Youcai’s grandfather was the village committee secretary, and his grandmother held a prestigious job.
Many families curried favor with them, even encouraging their kids to befriend Zhu Youcai.
Zhu Youcai, spoiled by his family’s status, had always been a bully—stealing snacks from boys, yanking girls’ hair—yet no one dared confront him, fearing retaliation.
His behavior only grew worse.
He had often tormented Zhou Yuehan before, calling him a "motherless bastard."
Zhou Yuehan had endured it silently—but this time, Zhu Youcai had crossed the line.
Not only had he ruined the lunch Si Nian made for him, but he’d also called her a "poisonous witch" who wanted him dead.
