Rebirth begins with an arranged marriage

Chapter 37 Braised Pork

Perhaps it was because Tang Huaiyi immediately wanted to introduce her to someone, and his tone of voice was not like a student speaking to a teacher, that Teacher Xu was able to confide in him about a major difficulty in her heart.

Her reputation was ruined by her ex-husband's family.

Although she knew she was innocent, rumors were circulating that she had been with more than one man.

Tang Huaiyi naturally understood Teacher Xu's grievances—if she really had a lover and was involved with other men, her life wouldn't have turned out like this.

Only good people who follow the rules get bullied like this.

That shrewish old woman had already named someone as being in a relationship with her.

Even the shrew staring at her couldn't say anything; she could only say no.

However, Tang Huaiyi was not an ordinary, impulsive student. Although the matter was somewhat possible, he still needed to find out more clearly to avoid making a mistake.

"Teacher Xu, the person I'm introducing you to shouldn't care about this rumor or your ex-husband's affairs. He just wants to find a wife and settle down."

"I just don't know, Professor Xu, are you facing any other problems?"

"I'll talk to them about it, and then when I come back from home this Sunday, I'll come back and tell you about the conditions there, and see when we can meet."

Seeing Tang Huaiyi's earnest expression and his intention to continue introducing himself, Teacher Xu couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope for life.

"My reputation... can he really not mind?"

"They shouldn't mind. I'm just asking if you have anything else. Let's be clear about things. If it's okay, it's okay; if it's not, it's not. Just don't lie," Tang Huaiyi said.

"Well... let me tell you," Teacher Xu said softly. "I live alone at the school with my daughter, and we don't have any relatives visiting."

"Ever since those things happened, even my family looks down on me. When I take my daughter back to visit relatives, my nephew and niece call her a bastard. When I ask my siblings to discipline the child, they say that if I have any shame, I should stop doing shameless things myself."

"My ex-husband's parents don't like me and have said a lot of bad things about me..."

"I thought, if someone could ignore the gossip of outsiders, live a down-to-earth life with me, and treat me and my daughter well, that would be better than anything else."

"Is that all the requirements?" Tang Huaiyi reminded him, "Are there any requirements regarding education level or work experience?"

After listening, Teacher Xu thought for a moment and said, "The level of education doesn't have to be too high, and the job doesn't have to be anything, as long as it's good for me and my daughter."

"Most importantly, maintain a proper lifestyle and avoid gambling."

Tang Huaiyi nodded, and without engaging in any matchmaking or deception, said directly, "My third uncle has an elementary school education, can read, is from the countryside, is thirty-five years old this year, and has never been married."

"Teacher Xu, how are you feeling?"

Teacher Xu was immediately shocked: "You want me to marry someone from the county to the countryside? That won't do! My daughter wouldn't accept that either."

"If things work out, he'll definitely come to the county," Tang Huaiyi said. "After all, people want to improve their lives; they don't want to go to a poor place."

"That's alright..."

After speaking, Teacher Xu added with some concern, "What if your third uncle is unhygienic, drinks, and beats his wife?"

"I can't guarantee that; you'll have to discuss it carefully when you meet," Tang Huaiyi said. "Professor Xu, do you feel it's necessary to meet?"

"If you feel it's unnecessary, I won't bring it up."

"Well..." Teacher Xu thought for a moment, then sighed, "What else do I have to be picky about? As long as he's willing to come to the city and is good to me and the child, everything else can be discussed slowly."

Tang Huaiyi then asked, "You don't force them to work?"

"I won't force it. As long as we can live a peaceful life, be a good family, and not be bullied, that's enough," Teacher Xu said, her face showing a mix of desolation and hope.

If there really were a man in charge, perhaps things wouldn't be like this now?

Tang Huaiyi nodded: "I understand, Teacher Xu. I'll go back and talk to my third uncle. I'll give you a reply before evening self-study on Sunday."

He also comforted Teacher Xu, saying, "Teacher Xu, don't always dwell on the past. It's their own fault for bullying you, not because you did anything wrong."

"For the sake of the children, we must cheer up, look forward, and move forward."

Teacher Xu looked up and saw the student earnestly explaining these life lessons to her. She felt a surge of warmth despite her previous sense of isolation and helplessness, and couldn't help but twitch her lips slightly and force a smile.

"Your classmate speaks quite eloquently."

"What's your name? Which class are you in?"

"Class 1, Grade 12, Tang Huaiyi," Tang Huaiyi replied.

"Oh, you're Tang Huaiyi?" Teacher Xu said.

Tang Huaiyi was surprised: "Teacher Xu, you know me?"

"Well, you and another classmate didn't come to school when it started. Teacher Tian asked the other teachers if they knew about your family situation. Teacher Chen said he knew your family was struggling financially, and maybe you've encountered some difficulties again. If you don't come to school in a couple of days, he'll go to your house to check on you."

At this point, Teacher Xu asked again, "Now that you're coming to school, everything's alright at home, right?"

"Yes, thank you for your concern, Teacher Xu. I'm fine now."

When Tang Huaiyi saw that Teacher Xu was looking at him and hesitated, he said, "Teacher Xu, you should have noticed that my family is poor, which is why my third uncle has never gotten married."

"If you feel it's not appropriate, I won't pass on the message anymore."

After thinking for a moment, Teacher Xu said, "It's alright, being poor or not doesn't matter, being down-to-earth is the most important thing."

"My ex-husband used to have some money, but he couldn't make ends meet, so he couldn't save any money."

Hearing Teacher Xu say this, Tang Huaiyi felt that this matter might actually come to fruition.

Uncle Tang Zhengcai's desire to get married and start a family is truly beyond what ordinary men can imagine; Teacher Xu doesn't ask much for work or money, and after experiencing hardships, all she wants is to live a good life and have someone help her share the burden.

After exchanging a few more words with Teacher Xu, Tang Huaiyi left the office and went to have lunch with Li Xiujuan.

When they arrived at the usual dining spot for Class 1 of Senior Three, Guan Xiaolin waited for the two of them to arrive last; Song Siyuan had already eaten but hadn't returned to the classroom yet.

Li Xiujuan followed Tang Huaiyi and watched him talk and chat with class monitor Guan Xiaolin and classmate Song Siyuan after he spoke to Teacher Xu with a smile. For some reason, her mood also improved.

Although Li Xiujuan doesn't talk much most of the time, seeing this scene made her happier than if she had made a friend herself.

"Oh right, I haven't eaten yet, wait for me."

Guan Xiaolin smiled and said something, then jogged into the small canteen and brought out her food.

Upon seeing the dish, Song Siyuan, who hadn't left yet, immediately widened his eyes: "Braised pork...?"

"Yes, the teachers' cafeteria has braised pork today." Guan Xiaolin nodded with a smile. "I don't eat much, so Tang Huaiyi and Li Xiujuan, you two have to help me out."