A hard choice
"I think I am a loser," Gao once told journalists. "I was cheated and abducted into this small village, which I think was my destiny."
Local officials planned to terminate Gao's career for exposing educational shortcomings in rural areas. But with media support, Gao was able to keep her job.
She told media that she and her husband, an elementary school dropout, had nothing in common. But she chose to stay in the village, mostly because her father-in-law and mother-in-law were "nice people."
"They have treated me well, and I feel guilty if I leave them. Maybe I am a coward, but I hate to hurt anyone."
Struggle continues
The case has become a hot topic again on China's social media. Gao told the Southern Metropolis Daily that she is not often online and doesn't want to talk about her history.
Gao still teaches in Xia'an village, but has fewer students due to school reforms.
Gao also said she has not thought about the future. "I will continue to teach if I am allowed."
Chen Shiqu, department director of the Ministry of Public Security, which focuses on cracking down on abduction, said that human trafficking should be punished severely.
Chen also said local police have started an investigation into the case.
