Mutual respect

Although he has good relationships with his students, one in particular has left a unique mark on him.

When she was in the first grade, Tian Yanqing was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, aka "brittle bone disease", a rare genetic disorder that renders bones extremely fragile.

The 15-year-old enrolled at the county's best high school after gaining high scores in this year's entrance exam, thanks to a lot of help from Yuan during her primary education.

However, nine years ago, Yanqing had to drop out of primary school as it could not offer the extra care she required. Yuan hated to see the young student miss out, so he taught her at her home.

During Yanqing's six years of primary education, Yuan rode a motorcycle to her home two or three times a week to teach her. Two motorcycles were ruined as a result of the rough roads in the area.

Yanqing's grades were always among the top in her peer group, but Yuan never charged for the tuition and often brought books and food to the student's home.

In a letter Yanqing wrote to thank Yuan for his help, she said her life was gray before he came to her school, and he brought her warm sunshine.

Praising his young student, Yuan said: "She is also my teacher. She has overcome tremendous difficulties and insecurity, and I can always feel her inner strength, optimism and calmness."

Inspired by Yuan's story, several university students have come to the village to teach during the summer vacations since 2016.

When asked how long he plans to teach in the village, Yuan said he has not made a decision, adding that he values his freedom more than money. "Every day I get to read my favorite books and breathe clean air, and I can climb mountains every week," he said.

The students are also his friends, and he said he brings them different perspectives while they offer him happiness and companionship.

"Life without them would be dull," he said. "I have been very happy in the past 10 years. Living in the midst of the woods and lush greenery makes me feel at ease. People here are very nice and life is beautiful."

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