Having seen Sun Siyuan’s cold expression many times, Yan Ping wasn’t intimidated by Qin Yi’s stern face. She shook her head and said, “My sister-in-law is studying in the provincial capital. Even if she were on vacation, she wouldn’t stay in the village. She has her own shop, runs her own school in the county town, and has bought her own house. She stays at her own place during breaks.”
Qin Yi felt a pang in his heart and asked, “Didn’t you say she’s still in school? How can she run a school? Isn’t that contradictory?”
“What’s contradictory about it? My sister-in-law is smart and learns everything quickly. She’s been full of ideas since she was little. If it weren’t for her poor health, our family would’ve been much better off. Even so, our life is still better than most.”
“Not only is the school in the county hers, but this kindergarten is also hers. Even the kindergartens opened in nearby big villages this year are part of her chain—all called Lin’s Kindergarten. The teachers are assigned by her school.”
“My sister-in-law even writes her own textbooks. When she was in high school, she started a calligraphy and painting class, tutoring kids for free. She compiled primary school review materials for them. Later, a parent who worked at a publishing house printed her materials into books. Many schools ordered them. This kindergarten was built using her royalties.”
“My sister-in-law said that after she graduates and earns more money, she’ll start a primary school too.”
Yan Ping no longer held any prejudice against Lin Fang. Instead, she genuinely admired her and couldn’t stop talking about her, momentarily forgetting why the police were there.
“You mentioned your sister-in-law has health issues. What’s wrong with her?”
Qin Yi felt a twinge of nervousness. The old monk had told him that Fang’er, upon returning to this world, suffered from a severe congenital heart condition that could take her life at any moment. He hoped this Lin Fang was the Fang’er he was searching for, yet the thought of her suffering made him wish she wasn’t.
“Heart disease. Congenital heart disease. But it’s cured now—healed on its own. We spent so much money on treatments when she was little, but nothing worked. Just when everyone thought she wouldn’t make it, she miraculously recovered. Truly heaven’s mercy.”
Yan Ping’s tone carried a hint of envy. Life was unfair. She had been praised as smart since childhood, expected to achieve great things, yet here she was, merely managing kindergartens under Lin Fang’s direction.
Qin Yi didn’t know how to react. Intelligent from a young age, congenital heart disease, running schools, writing books—this was unmistakably the Fang’er he knew. He remembered her childhood vow: “Second Brother, if I ever gain skills, I’ll start a school for girls.” She was only five then. By eight, she had established Lin’s School in their village. As their village grew into a town, her school expanded, her textbooks even becoming mandatory nationwide.
Qin Yi fell silent. Officer Zhu finally seized the chance to ask, “Your sister-in-law sounds impressive. What’s the name of her school in the county? And her shop—what does she sell, and where is it?”
“The school is called Lin’s Talent Academy. Her name is Lin Fang. Her shop, Lin’s Bookstore, used to be the Xinhua Bookstore. Her business outcompeted theirs, so they closed, and she took over the space. The original store now sells stationery—Lin’s Supplies, right across from her bookstore.”
Yan Ping had initially rambled to distract the police from their purpose, but now she realized she might have said too much. She nervously added, “But the principal isn’t her. She’s too young—if people knew she owned a school, her peaceful life would be over. All her businesses are registered under other names. You’re police—you’ll keep this secret, right?”
Officer Zhu chuckled. “My daughter studies guzheng at Lin’s Talent Academy! Fancy ending up at the owner’s home.” He adored his late-in-life daughter and indulged her every whim. The academy was renowned for its quality, despite high fees, with small class sizes and tailored teaching.
Yan Ping clarified, “She just loves teaching. I don’t understand why she stays low-key.” She bit her tongue, realizing she’d overshared again. Her husband always insisted Lin Fang had her reasons, but Yan Ping secretly wished for fame by association.
Qin Yi, deep in thought, asked, “You said her illness healed naturally. How?”
“Oh, I just guessed—she hasn’t had an episode in ages. I’m no doctor.” Yan Ping panicked. Lin Fang had warned them never to disclose her miraculous recovery, fearing she’d become a medical experiment—or worse, her family scrutinized for hereditary research. Her biggest fear was her son being targeted.
The bell rang, and children flooded the courtyard. Despite Qin Yi’s stern demeanor, they swarmed him, led by Yan Ping’s son, who proudly announced, “This is the handsome uncle I told you about!” The boy, oblivious, had just earned himself a candy-free punishment for not focusing on his calligraphy.
Overwhelmed by the chatter, Qin Yi retreated outside while Officer Zhu played with the kids. Qin Yi rubbed his temples—handling children was harder than leading troops into battle.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage