Si Nian had just arrived at school when she received a letter from Lin's mother.
Although landline phones existed in this era, long-distance calls were expensive, and most people were reluctant to make them, opting to send letters instead.
The letter roughly said that business had been quite good recently, her two younger brothers had also started school, and once things settled down, she and her father would come to the city to see them.
The letter also mentioned that the Si family had gone to the Lin family looking for them, saying that Lin Sisi inexplicably wanted to see them and claimed that Si Nian had stolen her spot, and so on... but they had been refused.
Lin's mother was straightforward with her, holding nothing back.
She was also worried that if she didn't explain clearly, Si Nian might get angry when she found out.
After reading it, Si Nian's mind was buzzing.
What did Lin Sisi mean, that she had stolen her spot?
Wasn't that spot originally Fu Qianqian's?
Taking a step back, even if she hadn't resigned, that spot would have belonged to the original owner...
Why was Lin Sisi so certain?
Si Nian frowned, hoping she was just overthinking it...
"Teacher Si, you're here. Do you want to have lunch together?"
Since what happened yesterday, the way everyone looked at Si Nian had changed.
Now, hearing someone initiate a conversation, all eyes shifted to the two of them.
Everyone only knew that because of Si Nian, Director Li had been reprimanded by the principal and had his bonus deducted.
It was said he was so angry he fell ill and was recuperating at home, not coming to school.
"Teacher Si... oh no, Sister Nian! So you were truly keeping a low profile!"
"Sister Nian, you were so brave. From now on, you're our role model!"
Everyone had been exploited to some extent.
But they never dared to speak up, just silently endured the work.
However, not speaking didn't mean they had no complaints.
Director Li kicking an iron plate this time made everyone feel incredibly pleased.
Besides the few teachers who had spoken with Si Nian yesterday, other older teachers who hadn't paid her much attention before also gave her friendly looks.
Si Nian folded the letter, revealing a perfectly polite smile. "You're overthinking it. That matter was an accident."
Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances.
An accident?
Who would believe that?
Si Nian was really too modest.
At that moment, the office door was pushed open.
The Deputy Director walked in. Because Director Li was on leave, he was in charge of arranging the work.
Materials were distributed to each teacher for them to prepare accordingly.
It was the first day of school, so nothing could go wrong.
Many new students had arrived, and the teachers all needed to pay attention.
However, Li Fengxian, who was part of Li Fenghua's faction, arrogantly snorted, "I only listen to my aunt. Don't even think about ordering me around."
With that, she slammed the table and stood up.
She even lifted her chin and gave Si Nian a triumphant look.
Si Nian was utterly baffled.
The people around also exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what act Li Fengxian was putting on this time.
Previously, relying on her connection to Li Fenghua, Li Fengxian had been quite arrogant in the office.
She looked down on everyone else.
Because of her strong backing, she was assigned by Li Fenghua to teach English in the top class right after joining.
But she taught poorly and was demoted by the principal after just half a year.
Since being transferred to the first and second grades recently, her resentment had been heavier than a ghost's.
She wore a sour face all day, as if someone owed her a fortune.
And now she was causing a scene again, just like yesterday.
Was she trying to imitate someone without understanding the essence?
Everyone was speechless.
The Deputy Director's face also darkened. He snatched the materials back. "Fine, suit yourself."
With that, he turned and left.
Not following the expected script at all.
Li Fengxian was instead left stunned.
In her imagination, being Li Fenghua's relative, the Deputy Director should have pleaded with her nicely to take the materials.
If he dared to be harsh with her, she would just turn and leave.
Someone like Si Nian, the school begged her to come back.
She herself was even more indispensable.
Yet she had stood up, and he just... left?
Just left like that?
Li Fengxian, now without the materials, was completely dumbfounded.
These materials were for roll call later.
Without them, what was she supposed to do?
Seeing her stunned expression, the people around couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Trying to imitate someone without understanding the essence, and not even considering the Deputy Director's temper.
It was really laughable.
Hearing the low laughter, Li Fengxian was so angry her nose seemed to twist. "What are you laughing at? What's so funny!" After yelling, she kicked a stool, glared at Si Nian, and ran out.
Si Nian was even more bewildered.
It wasn't me laughing, why glare at me?
She really got blamed even while sitting still.
Si Nian ignored her. After reviewing the materials, she went to class.
She only had two classes today, not many, and both were in the morning.
After teaching two classes in a row, her mouth was parched.
Yaoyao could be taken directly to the classroom. The little one was well-behaved and quiet; she could sit on a small stool all day.
When Si Nian taught the class an English song, perhaps because the second brother at home often sang a few lines in his free time, the little girl had picked it up too.
As soon as she heard everyone singing, she started swaying her head and singing along.
The other students watched with wide eyes.
Back in the office, there were still over ten minutes until twelve.
Si Nian fetched hot water to mix some milk powder and took out the sugar pancakes she had packed in the morning for Yaoyao to snack on.
The pancakes in the thermal container had softened but were still very fragrant.
As soon as Si Nian opened it, someone nearby leaned over.
"Wow, what's that? It smells so good."
Si Nian said, "Sugar pancakes. Want to try one?"
As she spoke, she glanced at the other person's desk.
Wang Xiaoli.
Taught Chinese.
But for the first and second grades.
Yesterday, when Li Fenghua came to make trouble, she had secretly warned her.
Si Nian handed her a sugar pancake.
She looked about twenty-eight or twenty-nine, with straight bangs and a standard round face with almond-shaped eyes.
She looked very fortunate.
Wang Xiaoli ate while telling her about the situation at the school.
The identities of Li Fengxian and Li Xiaoli, which people were in Li Fengxian's faction, which were in the Deputy Director's faction, and of course, those who hadn't aligned with either.
A typical example was Wu Ren'ai.
Because his family background was superior and he was highly learned, even though both sides had extended olive branches, he showed no interest in engaging, remaining independent.
However, because the Deputy Director managed operational aspects, everyone usually followed Li Fenghua's lead.
Si Nian got the general picture.
Seeing it was almost time, Wang Xiaoli asked if she needed help getting lunch.
Clearly seeing it was inconvenient with the child.
Because after class ended, there would be many students.
Even teachers had to queue up.
So teachers usually went to get their meals just before class ended to bring back and eat.
Si Nian originally planned to eat with her two children, but the school was crowded, and she couldn't easily find them, so she took up the offer.
Luckily, she had brought a lunch box.
At noon, everyone returned, each with their meal.
The food was okay, similar to that of a typical state-run restaurant.
The school meals were actually quite substantial.
Wang Xiaoli, being an old-timer, got her a generous portion.
Just as everyone was eating, Li Fengxian slammed the door and returned.
She sat down at her desk and immediately started crying.
Everyone was startled.
Although somewhat puzzled, they were colleagues in the same office after all, so many went over to offer comfort.
Si Nian didn't join them, but she cast a curious glance their way.
Wang Xiaoli beside her whispered, "I heard when I went to get lunch. She had the first class this morning. She didn't take attendance, taught without even knowing some students were absent, and didn't notify the parents. She got a severe scolding for it..."
The students in first and second grade were quite young and needed constant supervision from the teacher.
This was precisely why nobody wanted to teach the lower grades.
At a school like theirs, where parents paid significant fees, it wasn't just about the students' grades; being responsible for the children was paramount.
Li Fengxian hadn't taken attendance, so she didn't know how many children were in her class or who was present. Seven or eight-year-olds, just starting school, could easily get into trouble.
Any issues needed to be promptly communicated to the parents.
Li Fengxian had essentially committed a major taboo.
Just as Si Nian was listening to this, Li Fengxian suddenly stormed over and glared at her. "Si Nian! Was it you? Did you deliberately set me up? I know! My aunt asked you to do something yesterday and you weren't happy about it, so today you conspired with the Deputy Director to target me, didn't you?"
