She considered for a moment, then said, "Teacher Hu, I wonder if you would be interested in... coming to our Upper Capital Ancestral Dragon High Martial? I believe someone of your talents could certainly play a greater role at Ancestral Dragon and do an even better job of educating gifted students."
Hu Ruoyun laughed. "You flatter me, Teacher Ding. Someone whose cultivation was crippled for years and who has only just started over, going to teach at Ancestral Dragon High Martial? Haha, how could I possibly qualify?"
"No, you qualify! You qualify more than anyone!"
Ding Xiulan said with earnest solemnity, "Teacher Hu, this is a sincere invitation, not empty courtesy!"
"No!" Hu Ruoyun shook her head firmly in refusal, a gentle smile appearing on her face. "I promised the Former Principal that I would look after Phoenix City Second High School."
"What a pity."
Ding Xiulan asked, "Teacher Hu, could you let me make a copy of what you have already written to take back with me?"
Hu Ruoyun hesitated, then said, "As long as you don't think poorly of it, Teacher Ding, of course you may."
Ding Xiulan looked as though she had obtained a priceless treasure. "Thank you, Teacher Hu."
"Come on, let me take you out for a meal."
"Oh, how could I impose?"
"I insist!"
"All right."
Ding Xiulan went to make the copies first, then the two found a quiet little restaurant. Listening to the gentle, unhurried music, they chatted quietly, both feeling at ease, comfortable, and content.
"I wonder where Xiao Duo and the others have gone off to play." After eating for a while, Hu Ruoyun saw night falling and could not help beginning to worry about her students.
"You needn't worry about them."
Ding Xiulan smiled. "Those children are the treasured