It was my second day at Mingde International School in Huangshan, and I was still adjusting to my new surroundings. I had expected a school in such a remote area to be modest, but I was pleasantly surprised by its grandeur.
What captivated me the most, however, were my sleeping quarters-a traditional Siheyuan-style room. Ci Xing, a fellow teacher who had been assigned as my assistant until I settled in, had explained the history and charm of the Siheyuan. The room I was assigned was a serene haven, with its courtyard view, wooden beams, and a blend of traditional and modern elements. The tranquility it offered was unparalleled, and I felt an immediate sense of calm whenever I stepped inside.
The school itself was a sprawling complex, housing both a high school and an elementary school. While some high school students had dormitories within the school grounds, I would be teaching elementary students, who were day scholars. The contrast between the bustling school environment and the peaceful Siheyuan was striking, and I found myself appreciating the balance it offered.
"Miss Kasi! Are you awake?" A familiar voice called, pulling me out of my thoughts. It was Ci Xing.
"Yes, I'm awake. Please come in," I replied. The door creaked open, and Xing entered, carrying a tray with a teapot and a small cup. Her presence was always warm and reassuring.
"Miss Kasi, I came to check on you. I thought you might still be adjusting to this place," she said, placing the tray on a small table.
"I'm alright, thank you. And please, just call me Kasi. 'Miss' sounds too formal," I said with a smile.
"Alright, Kasi. But this tea will help calm your mind and wash away the fatigue from your journey. It's best enjoyed hot," she insisted, pouring a cup for me.
"Thank you," I said, standing up from my bed and walking over to the sitting area where Xing had settled on a sofa. I poured myself a cup and then fetched another from the small kitchenette, offering it to Xing. She smiled appreciatively and accepted it.
We sat in comfortable silence, sipping our tea. The Siheyuan, though traditional in design, had been modernized with large windows that offered a view of the courtyard and the sky beyond. Nimbus clouds loomed overhead, hinting at an impending rain.
"You'll need heavy sweaters here. The weather changes quickly without warning," Xing advised, breaking the silence.
"Thanks for the heads-up," I replied, grateful for her thoughtfulness.
"Did you always live in Huangshan?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing. I didn't want to seem rude with my short answers, especially since Xing had been so kind since my arrival.
"No, I'm actually from Beijing. I was sponsored by the Tang Corporation to study in the UK. After completing my studies, I started teaching at this school, which they also funded," Xing explained.
"You're very kind, Ci," I said, causing her to chuckle. I glanced at her, slightly puzzled by her reaction.
"My name, Ci Xing, means 'Kind Star.' When you said I'm kind, it sounded like you were repeating my name," she explained with a smile. I laughed, finally understanding her amusement.
"I'll rely on you to help me learn some Chinese. So far, I only know how to introduce myself and a few basic words," I admitted.
"No problem at all. I'll be your teaching assistant for now. Those little ones can be quite a handful," Xing said with a grin.
"Won't it affect your schedule, though? The faster I learn some Chinese, the better it will be for everyone," I said, concerned about imposing on her.
"Don't worry. My schedule is flexible, and it doesn't clash with yours. I teach high school, so our timings are different," she reassured me.
I looked at her, trying to gauge if she was just being polite. Even though I was being paid double what I earned back in America, I didn't want to cause any inconvenience.
"Trust me," Xing said with a chuckle, noticing my hesitation.
"Alright," I replied, finally letting go of my concerns. We finished our tea, and Xing excused herself, leaving me to prepare for the day ahead.
I headed to the bathroom, grateful that the Siheyuan had been modernized to include an en-suite bathroom. After a refreshing shower, I removed my bonnet and oiled my scalp. I had installed fresh brown knotless braids before coming to China, fearing I wouldn't have time to do my hair once I arrived. Once I was ready, I stepped out of my room and made my way to the staff quarters, where I was to meet Xing and finalize my teaching schedule.
As I entered the staff room, a short, bald man with glasses approached me with confident strides.
"Miss Kasi? My name is Jun Cai. Nice to meet you!" he said with a strong accent. His introduction sounded rehearsed, much like my own attempts at speaking Chinese. The staff around us chuckled, causing Jun to blush.
"Nǐ hǎo, Jùn Cái xiānshēng. Wǒ jiào Kasi Williams. Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ," I replied, using the simple introduction Xing had taught me. My accent was far from perfect, but Jun seemed pleasantly surprised and smiled at me, no longer embarrassed.
"Kasi, you've arrived?" Xing called from the doorway, trotting in with a stack of textbooks.
"This is Jun Cai. He teaches math in the high school," she introduced.
"He already introduced himself," I said with a smile.
"Did he? Wow, Jun, I thought you said you'd never learn English," Xing teased, causing Jun to glare at her. She ignored him and gestured to three female teachers standing nearby.
"These are Xuě Róu, Wǎn Tíng, and Měi Lín. They teach in the elementary school. There are only six of us in this staff room. The other teachers are in the rooms opposite ours," Xing explained. I nodded, taking in the information.
Jun and the others returned to their seats, and Xing led me to my desk. The staff room had a harmonious atmosphere, and I felt a sense of camaraderie among the teachers.
"Let's go over the English syllabus," Xing said, pulling out a chair for me. I kindly thanked her as I sat down.As we delved into the syllabus, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. The school, the staff, and even the Siheyuan all seemed to welcome me with open arms, the atmosphere was also calm and peaceful which gave me a sense of comfort.
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