Work in the valley was progressing smoothly in all aspects, with enthusiasm for learning continuing to soar, and everyone dedicating more time to reading and studying.
Starting with the kindergarteners, an extra hour of phonics and storytelling was added each morning and afternoon. The children became more sensible and polite. Their grandmother, Mother Liu, and Mother Cui could also take a short break during these times.
At Mingwei's school, a science course was added to the second grade curriculum. No one expected Teacher Zhou to be the one teaching it, which came as a pleasant surprise to everyone in the valley.
During dinner, Chen Lan was quite surprised when Mingwei mentioned Teacher Zhou teaching at the school. She asked curiously, "Mingwei, how does Teacher Zhou have the time to teach at the school?"
Mingwei put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, "Sister-in-law, Teacher Zhou can teach science at the school thanks to that set of science books. We have you to thank for that!"
Chen Lan became even more curious upon hearing this and asked, "Thank me? Mingwei, what exactly happened? How did Teacher Zhou know about the science books at the school? When did he see them?"
Mingwei said proudly, "Sister-in-law, don't you remember? His youngest son and daughter are in the second grade at our school! They both attended primary school in the capital. They can read and write. They came to school mainly to learn Pinyin and simplified Chinese characters. They didn't finish their reading books during class, so they borrowed the first volume of 'This is Physics' from me to read at home for a couple of days. I agreed to let them take it home.
And that was that! When they took it home, Teacher Zhou saw it. After reading the book, Teacher Zhou repeatedly praised its excellent editing! He also heard from the siblings that a new science course had been added to the second grade curriculum, so he volunteered to become the science teacher at our school. Wouldn't you say I couldn't possibly refuse? I wish Teacher Zhou and his four students would all come to teach at the school!"
After hearing the whole story from Mingwei, Chen Lan felt it was truly a case of 'an unintentional act yielding unexpected results.' She never would have imagined that a children's book from her past life could persuade Professor Zhou, a professor from Capital University, to come to the valley school to teach.
After dinner, everyone stayed in the living room chatting, still discussing Teacher Zhou teaching at the valley school. Chen Lan thought to herself, since Teacher Zhou was willing to personally teach this science course, she couldn't lag behind. Should she also show some sincerity and proactively prepare the accompanying experimental instruments?
With that thought, she didn't hesitate and immediately took action. She opened the system with her mind and ordered common instruments for physics and chemistry teaching laboratories.
The instruments were delivered to the school the next day, and Mingwei, as the principal, was instructed to keep them safe. Later, after Teacher Zhou used these teaching instruments in class, he came to find Chen Lan.
When Teacher Zhou arrived, Chen Lan was in the kindergarten watching the children's phonics class. Seeing him, she quickly greeted him, wondering what he needed her for.
Teacher Zhou then said, "Xiao Lan, I won't beat around the bush. I'm here today because I need your help with something."
Chen Lan immediately replied, "Teacher Zhou, please don't say that. What help? Just tell me what you need, and if I can do it, I absolutely won't refuse!"
Teacher Zhou didn't stand on ceremony and got straight to the point. "Xiao Lan, I want to do some research with my four students this winter and need some experimental equipment. Can you help me get it?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Lan nodded without hesitation. "Teacher Zhou, no problem. This was all agreed upon before I came. Just list what you need, and I'll do my best to get it for you as soon as possible. Oh, and Teacher Zhou, where do you plan to conduct your experiments? I can have the items delivered directly there."
Teacher Zhou thought for a moment and said, "I'll write you the procurement list later. If you get the items, temporarily store them in the empty classroom at the school entrance. We'll conduct our experiments there this winter. Xiao Lan, please remember to build us a dedicated laboratory next year."
Chen Lan smiled and agreed, "No problem. You can give me a blueprint after the new year for what kind of laboratory you want and where you want it built. I'll have Brother Xiangdong and Brother Erhu put aside other things and build your laboratory first."
Teacher Zhou was very happy that Chen Lan agreed so readily. He then said, "There's no need to rush. Building everyone's houses is more important. The laboratory we need is very simple and won't take long to build!"
Watching Teacher Zhou walk away with his hands behind his back, Chen Lan couldn't help but feel happy. Her mood warmed even in the cold winter. Everything in the valley was proceeding methodically towards her desired goals. She believed that in a few years, this place would be completely different. The purpose she had brought her mother, brothers, and mother-in-law's family to the valley for – "to build a home in a paradise" – was getting closer.
Life continued to be fulfilling day by day. One morning at breakfast, Mingzhe said, "Sister-in-law, the snow finally stopped after falling for so long. When can we go sledding on that hillside from last year again?"
Chen Lan thought about it. Mingzhe was still a nine-year-old child, and playing was a child's nature. After so long in school, Wen Kai and Wen Qi probably also wanted to relax and go out to play. It was time to arrange a couple of days off for the children who were studying at school. Playing in nature, having snowball fights, and sliding on the snow to relax for a couple of happy days.
She decided to give the older kindergarten children a holiday too, so their parents could take them out to relax, get some fresh air, and spend time with them, doing some parent-child activities. This would also give her mother and Mother Liu a chance to relax.
So she said, "Mingzhe, I have no objection to giving you two days off! As for the school holidays, we'll need to get approval from your principal, Comrade Xu Mingwei."
Mingwei immediately understood and said with a serious expression, "Mingzhe, I will post the notice about school holidays on the bulletin board at the school entrance this morning. If you have any questions, check the bulletin board this morning."
Mingzhe's face lit up when he heard Mingwei's words, knowing he could go out to play. He repeatedly said, "Great! Great! I'll check after breakfast."
Chen Lan couldn't help but chuckle. Mingzhe, despite being a little teacher for so long, still had a child's playful nature.