The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

Sun Jiaming was taken aback. Gu’er actually knew about this? Most people didn’t even know what a property deed was, nor did they have the foresight to consider it.

"I’ve asked about the property deed, too. I have a friend who knows someone and says he can help get it done, but it’ll cost some money. I figured it wouldn’t be a big deal not to get one—it’s not like we’ve even bought the place yet, right? But if Gu’er thinks it’s a bad idea not to have the deed, then I’ll look into it."

Although Sun Jiaming felt Gu’er’s worries were probably unfounded, he thought it would be better to get it done if they could. It would certainly prevent future complications; it was just a matter of spending a little more money.

"Yes, Brother Jia Ming, we absolutely have to get the property deed. It might cost more now, but it will give us peace of mind."

Gu’er nodded. She didn’t want to skimp on the money now only to have problems with the house later. That would be a huge loss.

"Alright, I understand."

Sun Jiaming took Gu’er’s words to heart.

"If we have extra money in the future, we should buy a storefront. They’re the cheapest."

Gu’er knew that storefronts would be the most valuable in the future.

Sun Jiaming found it a little amusing. ’Did Gu’er really want to buy a storefront just because she thinks it’s the cheapest?’ He, on the other hand, thought that since a storefront was right by the road, he could buy it for Gu’er to use for her business. If that area developed, having a place like that would mean she wouldn’t have to brave the elements.

"Then I’ll head into the city again in the next couple of days, meet up with my friend, and get this all settled."

Sun Jiaming made up his mind. If it turned into a loss, it would only be a few hundred yuan, which he could earn back later. Having a property there couldn’t be a bad investment. At worst, if the area didn’t develop, the house could just be a place for Gu’er to store her things.

"Okay. So, will that be around seven or eight hundred in total? I have over eighty here. Why don’t you take it for now, Brother Jia Ming?"

Gu’er was worried Sun Jiaming might be short on cash.

"No need. I have enough. You should save yours for yourself. Buy a couple of new outfits or something."

Sun Jiaming waved his hand dismissively. He could afford it. As for Gu’er’s money, she could just keep it as her own spending money.

"Alright, then just let me know if you need it."

Gu’er didn’t insist.

"Gu’er."

Sun Jiaming called out her name, then hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something but was holding back.

"What is it, Brother Jia Ming?"

Gu’er was confused.

"That dress I bought you last time... you don’t like it? Or does it not fit right?"

Sun Jiaming’s voice was a little deep, his face slightly flushed. He had bought her that red dress, but Gu’er had never worn it. Later, she even bought herself a new outfit, but it wasn’t a dress either. ’Doesn’t she like it?’ Sun Jiaming had wanted to ask several times but never brought himself to do it.

"Oh."

Gu’er felt a little awkward and nervous. She had secretly tried on the dress once. It fit perfectly, but... but she couldn’t even see what she looked like in it, because they didn’t have a mirror at home.

The moment she tried it on, her heart pounded. She was terrified someone would see her. Looking at the vibrant red dress, she knew her face was probably just as red.

’How should I answer Sun Jiaming’s question?’

’Tell him I tried it on? Or tell him I’m too scared and shy to wear it?’

"It’s not convenient to work in a dress. You see how busy I am all day. How could I possibly wear a dress?"

Gu’er came up with an excuse. After saying it, she felt her face grow hot, even the skin behind her ears felt warm. She was too embarrassed to even lift her head and didn’t dare to look at Sun Jiaming.

Gu’er suddenly had the feeling that she was wearing that very dress, standing right in front of Sun Jiaming, letting him look her over.

At that thought, Gu’er reached down and clutched her pants, as if that could somehow block Sun Jiaming’s gaze.

’Is Gu’er being shy, or just embarrassed, or...?’

Looking at her like this, Sun Jiaming’s lips curved into a slight smile. ’Gu’er is so adorable.’

"Gu’er, I want to see you in the dress. You don’t have to work. Just put it on for a little while and let me see, okay?"

Sun Jiaming moved closer to Gu’er until he was only a step away.

Sun Jiaming really wanted to reach out and stroke Gu’er’s hair.

His voice was low and rich, as intoxicating as aged wine.

Gu’er could feel the warmth radiating from him, as if it could make her dizzy.

"Oh, maybe when I’m not working."

Gu’er nodded frantically, as if that would be enough to move past the topic.

Sun Jiaming didn’t press her any further. He could see that her head was bowed so low it was almost in the pot.

"Gu’er."

Sun Jiaming called her name again. This time he was even closer, as if he were speaking right next to her ear.

"Ah."

Gu’er flinched, and the brush in her hand dropped into the pot. In reality, it was just her perception; Sun Jiaming’s mouth was still a good distance from her ear. It was her own flustered heart that made it seem so close.

"Heh, let me get that."

Sun Jiaming started to laugh. Where was the fierce girl who had once brandished a weapon now? Right now, Gu’er was nothing but a shy young maiden, and he hadn’t even done anything.

Seeing Gu’er’s adorable, blushing face, Sun Jiaming felt something in his heart like a kitten gently scratching him—an unbearable tickle. Yet he knew he couldn’t do anything, afraid he would scare her.

"N-no, it’s fine! I’ve finished scrubbing. Can you bring the bucket over for me?"

Gu’er’s face was beet red. She didn’t understand why she was so nervous. It wasn’t like Sun Jiaming would eat her or do anything to her, but her heart was still in a panic.

Sun Jiaming brought the slop bucket over to her, and Gu’er scooped the water out of the pot.

As Sun Jiaming carried the bucket away, Gu’er finally let out a long sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart. She wasn’t so flustered anymore. She added clean water to the pot.

When Gu’er returned to her room and sat on the kang, she looked at the red dress placed by the edge.

Even though she hadn’t worn it, the dress was always there by the side of the kang. She would see it every night when she came back and would stroke the fabric for a while.

’Sun Jiaming asked me to wear the dress for him.’

’I agreed, saying I would when I wasn’t busy. But... should I really wear it for him?’

After washing up, Gu’er slipped the dress on.

The white, short-sleeved top perfectly accentuated her waist.

Her bust was ample. It seemed that with the better food and daily yogurt, she had developed a bit more; she was fuller than before.

Gu’er thought, her face flushing.

The skirt fell just past her knees, revealing her calves.

Gu’er’s skin wasn’t particularly fair, but it was smooth and firm.

She gave a gentle twirl. If anyone had been there to see her, they would have found Gu’er very beautiful, brimming with a youthful aura that was truly captivating.

Unfortunately, no one was there.

Perhaps only Sun Jiaming was imagining what Gu’er would look like in that red outfit.

Gu’er silently took off the dress and changed back into her cotton clothes. ’Sun Jiaming asked me to wear it for him, and I said I would when I wasn’t busy. But by the time I’m not busy, it will probably be too cold to wear a dress. Then I won’t have to wear it at all. I’m really quite afraid of letting Sun Jiaming see me in that red dress. Why? I don’t know.’

「Two days later.」

That afternoon, Gu’er was pushing her cart and calling out continuously, "Popsicles!"