I am an atheist.

I don't believe in rumors, I don't believe in fate.

After graduating from normal university, I encountered obstacles everywhere in my job search.

Ordinary school, ordinary major, average grades. There are plenty of graduates like me.

My dad often complains to me, "Look at your cousin, he's so capable, working in a government agency. Unlike you, you're a waste for the rest of your life."

My mom also envies me and tells me, "Your Aunt Wang's daughter married a rich second-generation, and the groom's family gave her a house and a car. If you can't earn money on your own, it's fine to catch a rich and wealthy man."

I tried to communicate with my parents.

Unfortunately, my dad always discourages me, saying, "You're a useless thing! You embarrass me every day! I should have had a son instead!"

My mom also scorns me, saying, "You can't do anything. You can't find a job or a partner. Even a useless person is better than you!"

After living like this for a long time and facing too many conflicts, I wanted to get away from my hometown.

After much deliberation, I applied for a rural teaching position.

According to the new policy, the more remote the area, the better the support and benefits.

After three years of rural teaching, I would have a formal position.

So, I chose the most desolate mountainous area and only one person was recruited — Xijiao Mountain Village.

I packed a backpack and set off.

First, I took a 22-hour train ride to the town.

I inquired around and found out that the bus to Xijiao Mountain only runs tomorrow.

I found a small hotel and stayed overnight.

I didn't sleep well that night. In a daze, I had a strange dream —

In the dream, I arrived at a deserted village, filled with bouncing rabbits.

A huge monster descended from the sky, capturing and devouring its prey.

Its claws were sharp, teeth were sharp, limbs were twisted, and its eyes were blood-red.

Its body seemed to be made up of pieces of flesh, swallowing the rabbits alive.

I was startled awake.

It was already bright outside.

I got up and checked out, rushing to catch the bus. I took another three-hour bus ride and arrived at the village entrance.

The driver asked me in astonishment, "Girl, what are you doing in this remote wilderness?"

I replied, "I'm going to Xijiao Mountain Village to be a teacher."

The driver looked puzzled and said, "Xijiao Mountain Village?! That was the name my grandfather used when he was young. Nowadays, the locals call it a desolate village."

Worried that I wouldn't understand, he looked at me with a complicated expression.

"Do you understand what a desolate village is? It has been uninhabited for decades. According to my grandfather, people died or ran away. Are you really daring enough to go?"

I replied awkwardly, "Xijiao Mountain is such a large area. The village I am assigned to teach in is different from the desolate village you mentioned."

The driver sneered, "Be careful then. Only one bus passes through Xijiao Mountain every week. If you get lost, you can only wait at the village entrance until next Sunday for the bus to return to town."

"Okay, thank you."

I watched the small bus gradually disappear and began to assess the surroundings.

As far as the eye could see —

A thick white fog hovered over the mountaintop.

The road below the mountain was complex and winding.

According to the address, I had to walk 600 meters east from the village entrance to reach my destination.

I crossed the bumpy dirt path and arrived at the foot of the mountain. I saw a stone monument with four characters carved on it — "Old School in the Mountain Village".

A dilapidated bungalow with peeling walls and a dusty playground overgrown with weeds.

The conditions were even more difficult than I had imagined.

"Who are you looking for?"

A man's voice came from behind me.

I turned around and saw him wearing simple long clothes anda worn-out hat. His face was tanned, and his eyes were sharp.

"I'm the new teacher assigned to the Old School in the Mountain Village," I replied.

The man looked at me for a moment and said, "Follow me."

I followed him into the bungalow. Inside, there were a few old desks and chairs, a blackboard covered in dust, and a few broken windows.

The man introduced himself as Mr. Li, the village head. He told me that there were only a few elderly people left in the village, and the younger generation had all moved to the city.

"The last teacher left six months ago. We didn't expect anyone else to come. The conditions here are tough, and there's no electricity or running water," Mr. Li explained.

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment.

Mr. Li continued, "The children rarely come to school. They have to help their families with farm work. Education is not a priority for them."

Despite the challenges, I was determined to make a difference.

"I understand the situation, Mr. Li. I will do my best to teach and engage the children. Education is important, and I believe it can change lives," I said with conviction.

Mr. Li looked at me with a mix of surprise and admiration.

"You have a strong spirit. I hope you can bring some hope to this village. We will support you as much as we can," he said.

With Mr. Li's guidance, I settled into my new life in Xijiao Mountain Village. The days were challenging, but I found joy in connecting with the few students who attended school.

I taught them not only academic subjects but also life skills and values. We worked together to clean up the school, plant a small vegetable garden, and organize community activities.

Gradually, more children started showing up at school, attracted by the positive changes and the sense of belonging.

Word spread, and some parents became interested in their children's education as well. They started attending parent-teacher meetings and expressing their support.

Although the resources were limited, we made the best of what we had. I brought books from the town library, and we created a makeshift library corner in the classroom.

I also initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for school supplies and basic infrastructure improvements. The campaign received a positive response from kind-hearted individuals who wanted to contribute to the education of children in rural areas.

Slowly but surely, the village started to change. The sense of hopelessness was replaced by a glimmer of optimism.

Three years passed quickly, and it was time for me to leave Xijiao Mountain Village. I had completed my rural teaching service, and a new teacher would take my place.

The farewell ceremony was filled with tears and heartfelt gratitude. Students, parents, and villagers expressed their appreciation for the positive impact I had made.

As I left the village, I couldn't help but reflect on my journey. Despite the initial challenges and doubts, I had found purpose and fulfillment in my role as a teacher.

I realized that it's not about the place or the resources; it's about the passion and dedication to make a difference.

Leaving Xijiao Mountain Village was bittersweet, but I knew that the seeds of change had been sown, and the village would continue to progress.

As I boarded the bus back to town, I carried with me the memories, the lessons learned, and the hope that education can truly transform lives, even in the most desolate of places.