Stockpiling for an Exiled General Through My Store's Back Door

Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Light of Hope

It had been a long time since Hua Buwan last saw Teacher Lin, and she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. She usually saw the life updates Teacher Lin posted on Moments. The teacher had gotten married and had a son who was now in elementary school. On weekends, Teacher Lin would take her son to various cultural activities. The boy looked well-mannered, modest, and polite.

Taking the elevator to the sixth floor, Hua Buwan sent Teacher Lin a message on WhatsApp. To her surprise, Teacher Lin replied instantly: ”I’m in the office. Are you here?”

Mustering her courage, Hua Buwan walked to the office door. Sure enough, she saw Teacher Lin sitting inside, typing away. Another message popped up: ”Are you downstairs? Should I come down and get you?”

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. After reading the message, Hua Buwan tapped lightly on the office door. Teacher Lin turned her head, and her eyes met Hua Buwan’s.

”Oh my, Buwan, you’re here! Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Have you been standing at the door long? Hurry, come in and sit.” Teacher Lin quickly stood up, walked over, and affectionately grabbed Hua Buwan’s hands. ”It’s been so long. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”

As they walked further into the room, Hua Buwan replied, ”Teacher Lin, you’re the one who hasn’t changed. It’s been so long, but you look even more radiant than a college student.” Hearing the praise, Teacher Lin smiled so broadly her eyes crinkled into crescents.

As soon as they sat down, Teacher Lin poured her a cup of water. Hua Buwan hurriedly stood up and accepted it with both hands. ”Thank you, Teacher.”

Taking a sip, she set the cup aside and looked at Teacher Lin with a smile.

Teacher Lin couldn’t hold back her eagerness to catch up. ”How have you been since graduation? What kind of work are you doing now?”

Hua Buwan had no intention of hiding anything. ”My grandparents used to run a small supermarket. After they passed away, I took it over. I suppose I barely count as a small business owner now.”

Teacher Lin paused for a moment. However, seeing how calm and open Hua Buwan was, she didn’t want to deliberately bring up a sad topic. She remembered that Hua Buwan’s grandparents had treated her very well, so they must have had a close relationship.

Quickly shifting the topic, Teacher Lin said, ”That’s wonderful. Being your own boss gives you freedom. You don’t have to work twenty-four-seven or follow a grueling nine-to-nine schedule.

”Lately, I’ve seen many of your classmates posting pictures on Moments, still working overtime late into the night. Those dark circles... Sigh. Even if they are young, they still need to take care of their health.” Teacher Lin felt a pang of heartache seeing her former students’ struggles after graduation.

Hua Buwan loved chatting with Teacher Lin. One reason was her youth—she was barely ten years older than her students—which made her incredibly approachable. Listening to her felt like talking to a peer; there was no burden or pressure at all.

”Yes, I’ve scrolled past quite a few of those too,” Hua Buwan said, sharing what she had seen. ”The most miserable ones are probably the code monkeys and design drones. I constantly see them pulling all-nighters, eating midnight snacks, and losing their hair.”

Teacher Lin covered her mouth and chuckled. ”Yes, that’s exactly how it is.”

Once the ice was fully broken, the two naturally transitioned to the main topic. Teacher Lin led her to an adjacent office, which was filled with records of kind-hearted donors and their contributions. The story of one particular elderly woman left the deepest impression on Hua Buwan.

Teacher Lin explained, ”Ever since this grandmother retired, she has been using her pension to help impoverished children. She comes here to donate every single month. Even now, though she struggles to walk, she still comes, rain or shine. The children she supported have all made it to college, and many of them even return to do their part once they start working.

”Those with money help the kids financially, while those without volunteer their time. As a result, it has created a beautiful cycle.”

Hua Buwan noticed a photograph of the elderly woman on display. Her hair was entirely white, and her back was hunched. Yet, when she looked at the children, her eyes were bright and piercing. There was a light in her eyes—the light of hope.