The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

After listening to Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao, the room fell silent again.

Even though Gu’er, Sun Jiaming, and Grandma Sun had discussed renting a place in the city, that was just renting. It was completely different from the Lin Family taking Gu’er back home. Once she returned, Gu’er would be the Lin Family’s daughter. With her change in status, many things would naturally be different.

"Forgive me for prying, but what are your plans for Gu’er after you take her back?"

Grandma Sun spoke up when she saw that neither Sun Jiaming nor Gu’er were saying anything. To be honest, she was reluctant to see Gu’er go, but they were Gu’er’s biological parents. She and Sun Jiaming had no reason to stop them.

"We’ve thought it all through. When Gu’er comes back, she can first take a good rest. I’ll show her around the city. Once she’s familiar with it, we’ll find her a job. We’ll see if she wants to be a factory worker or a sales clerk. If she wants to be a worker, we can get her a position in a factory. If she wants to be a sales clerk, we’ll arrange for her to work at the department store. We’ll support her in whatever she wants to do."

Chen Fengjiao laid out all her thoughts, speaking with great confidence. With her family’s connections, it wouldn’t be difficult to find a good job for Gu’er. Her daughter had suffered so much; from now on, she could live with her head held high.

Grandma Sun could only sigh. This was something they couldn’t give Gu’er.

Gu’er didn’t speak. She was also thinking. ’Should I go back with my biological parents? I know they must have some feelings for me. Even though we haven’t been together for so many years, I’m still their biological child. Plus, they feel guilty, so they’ll definitely treat me well.’

’But joining a completely new family will require an adjustment period. And there’s a younger sister like Lin Sui’er at home. If I join the Lin Family and become the older sister, she’ll definitely feel like I’ve stolen her parents’ love. Conflict will be inevitable. If a conflict does arise... I’m not sure about Dad, but Mom would definitely favor Lin Sui’er in her heart. When that happens, I’ll surely be heartbroken, won’t I?’

’And if I don’t want to be heartbroken, I can’t get too invested. The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.’

In truth, Gu’er understood that her feelings for her parents were just like their feelings for her.

’After so many years apart, my parents can’t possibly feel the same way about me as they do about Lin Sui’er. I’ll have to adjust my own mindset and not ask for too much.’

Gu’er sighed internally. ’Biological parents... why can’t we be like a normal family? Still, just as I was thinking about renting a place in the city, they showed up at my door. Is this fate?’

As for being a factory worker or a sales clerk, Gu’er wanted neither. Most people nowadays would consider those respectable jobs, but she didn’t want them. She wanted freedom. She wanted to earn her own money.

And then there was Brother Jia Ming. She liked Sun Jiaming, and Sun Jiaming liked her. She had promised to marry him in two years, and she didn’t want her parents to oppose it.

’I can go back, but some things have to be made clear beforehand.’

Once Gu’er had figured things out, she voiced her thoughts.

First, she didn’t need them to arrange a job for her when she got home. She would do her own work, whether it was selling mushrooms or some other business. She hoped her parents would support her and not stand in her way.

Chen Fengjiao was stunned, her face a mask of disbelief. Her daughter actually wanted to start her own business and turn down a good job? ’What is she thinking? Has she been made a fool by these villagers? Does she not even know what a real job is?’

Lin Shan looked at his eldest daughter. ’She doesn’t want me to arrange a job for her? To think of how many people come to me with gifts and flattering smiles, begging me for work.’

’Doing business now can earn a little money, and it’s not like the past few years when it was considered speculation and profiteering. But even now, many people still look down on business owners, thinking it’s not a proper occupation, especially for a small business.’

’But my daughter has a mind of her own. She doesn’t seem like the type to act recklessly. If she wants to run a small business, let her.’

So, Lin Shan stopped Chen Fengjiao, who was about to speak. He nodded, signaling his agreement with Gu’er’s request.

Chen Fengjiao could only sit there, looking reluctant.

Gu’er then stated her second point: her marriage was her own decision to make. She hoped they would not interfere or try to arrange a match for her.

This time, Chen Fengjiao was even more stunned. But a glance at Sun Jiaming made her understand. ’My daughter is interested in this young man. If his family didn’t have so many problems, and if he could move to the city, I could have my husband arrange a good job for him and let him settle down. It wouldn’t be impossible for him to marry my daughter then. But with his family’s situation as it is...’ Chen Fengjiao was not very satisfied.

How could Lin Shan not see it as well? His impression of Sun Jiaming was decent enough, and Grandma Sun seemed like a good person. However, he had also heard a little about the Sun Family’s situation. Although he wasn’t completely satisfied, if his daughter liked him, he wouldn’t stand in her way. ’After all, I haven’t been with my daughter for all these years. If she thinks he’s suitable, she must have her own reasons. I can’t live her life for her. As long as she’s willing and Sun Jiaming treats her well, I won’t stop them.’

So Lin Shan nodded. Chen Fengjiao gasped, shocked that her husband had agreed. Lin Shan shook his head at her, signaling her not to say any more.

Chen Fengjiao fell silent. After so many years of him managing affairs outside the home and her managing the household, she was used to listening to her husband. Still, she was a little dissatisfied. ’This is my daughter. I’m taking her back to give her a good life, to let her enjoy some comfort. How can I just let her marry into a village family? I’ve only just found my daughter; I can’t bear for her to be far away. I hope she can marry someone in the city, so I can always see her. Forget it. I’ll just bring her home first. Once she gets used to the city and meets more people, maybe she’ll change her mind.’

Sun Jiaming’s eyes shone as he looked at Gu’er. He wasn’t afraid of her going back, because he knew her character. He also believed in himself; even if Gu’er went back, he would make himself worthy of her.

But the fact that Gu’er had brought this up showed how much she valued their relationship. Sun Jiaming was overjoyed, because just like him, Gu’er felt they had each other.

Seeing that they had agreed to these two points, Gu’er said no more. There was no use in saying anything else. To become a part of the Lin Family, there would still be an adjustment period.

Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao left, but Gu’er didn’t go with them. She had arranged with them that she would go to the city and to the Lin Family’s home in a week. She wanted to stay in the village for a few more days.

Chen Fengjiao wished Gu’er would leave with them immediately, but Lin Shan agreed to her request. He told Gu’er to stay and not worry, that they would get everything arranged at home, and that he would come to pick her up and take her to the city when the time came.

Since her husband had agreed, Chen Fengjiao couldn’t say anything, no matter how reluctant she was to part with Gu’er. She just held Gu’er’s hand, unwilling to let go, reminding her again and again to eat well and take care of herself.

She repeated herself over and over. Although it was nagging, Gu’er could understand her mother’s feelings, and her own heart ached a little.

After Gu’er gently urged them one more time, Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao finally left. Their figures were swallowed by the darkness until they could no longer be seen.

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Thank you to Ning Zhihai for the praise, and thank you to everyone for your support.