The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

Only Gu’er, Sun Jiaming, and Grandma Sun were left in the room.

"Gu’er, don’t overthink it. It’s a good thing you’re going back. Living at home is definitely safer than renting a place. If anything happens in the city, just let me know."

Sun Jiaming was worried Gu’er would feel burdened, so he tried to reassure her.

"That’s right. All parents want what’s best for their children. Your mom and dad didn’t mean for it to happen back then, and they’ve suffered all these years, too. Go back and be a good, filial daughter to them. But don’t let yourself be mistreated, either. If anything happens, you just come back and tell us. This old grandma isn’t much use, but you still have Jia Ming. If you don’t want to live in the city, just come back. Don’t be afraid you have nowhere to go."

Grandma Sun also took Gu’er’s hand. She wouldn’t stop Gu’er from going back; she only wanted to tell her that they were her support system. No matter what, this would always be Gu’er’s home.

Gu’er nodded. Compared to her parents in the city and that house, it was Grandma Sun and Sun Jiaming who made her feel warmth. No matter what happened, she would never forget her roots.

For the next few days, Gu’er didn’t go into the city. She spent every day at the Sun Family’s home, washing clothes and dishes for Grandma Sun and keeping her company with conversation.

She would also go for walks in the mountains with Sun Jiaming. When the two of them were alone, an unspoken affection flowed between them, even when they didn’t speak.

For all three meals a day, Gu’er would come up with all sorts of delicious new dishes to make.

She also went to see her adoptive mother. There was a faint handprint on Li Hua’s face, but no other injuries. It seemed Lin Shan’s threat had been effective. Otherwise, given Zhou Mazi’s personality, it wouldn’t have ended with just one slap.

"Big Sis, are your parents really from the city? Are you moving to the city? Can I go with you and visit for a couple of days?"

Zhou Duo’er ran out when she saw Gu’er, her face tilted up with a look of longing. ’If I’d known,’ she thought, ’I would’ve been nicer to her. Then maybe I could have gone along to enjoy a life of luxury. But it’s not too late. As long as Gu’er takes me to the city, I’ll just be a little more obedient. Maybe her parents will like me, and I might even be able to marry a city man in the future!’

Zhou Feng’er just watched from the courtyard. She didn’t approach or make a sound, her gaze fixed on Gu’er with a cold glint. ’I never thought Gu’er would do better and better after leaving the Zhou family,’ she fumed internally. ’And I definitely didn’t expect her to be moving to the city! This is a huge blow. But since she’s going to the city, she can forget about Sun Jiaming. I may not be as good as Zhou Gu’er, but with her gone from the village, our bond will fade. I’ll go see Sun Jiaming every day. I’ll take care of Grandma Sun, too. I refuse to believe I can’t win him over. When I’ve stolen Gu’er’s man, we’ll see how much face she has left!’

Gu’er had no idea her two "sisters" were both scheming to steal Sun Jiaming. But even if she had known, she wouldn’t have cared. She trusted Sun Jiaming.

Gu’er glanced at Zhou Duo’er. At this point, she wouldn’t even be filial to Li Hua, because being good to Li Hua would inevitably mean having to take care of this whole big family, let alone Zhou Duo’er. ’I’d have to be crazy to take Zhou Duo’er to the city,’ she thought.

"Mom, please take care of yourself. I’ll come back to visit often."

With Zhou Duo’er present, Gu’er didn’t say much more. She also ignored Zhou Duo’er completely. It was best to pay no mind to people like her; otherwise, she’d push her luck.

"I know. You be good in the city, too. Even though it’s your family, you haven’t lived there for all these years. In their eyes, you definitely won’t compare to the other two. When you get there, be diligent, and get along with your younger brother and sister. Endure what you can, and yield when you can. Don’t fight with them."

Li Hua was very reluctant to see her go and gave Gu’er these instructions. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Gu’er sighed internally. ’What happens in the city isn’t up to me. But I won’t just blindly endure everything. If we can get along peacefully, then great. If not, I’ll just move out. It’s not like I’m a helpless child anymore. I can support myself.’

The week passed quickly. Gu’er had originally planned to have Sun Jiaming take her to the city, but to her surprise, Lin Shan came to pick her up himself.

Lin Shan arrived on a bicycle. He greeted Grandma Sun at the Sun Family’s home, and while Gu’er was packing her things, he paid a visit to Zhou Da Kui’s house. Gu’er’s household registration and other documents were all in the village. To transfer them to the city, she needed a certificate from the village and had to go through some procedures, so he went to have a word with the village chief.

In truth, he could have had someone else handle this without showing up himself. The only reason he came in person was as a show of force. He wanted the villagers to know that Gu’er was his daughter so that no one would dare to bother her when she came back to visit. This also extended to Sun Jiaming. With him as a backer, Zhou Da Kui and the others wouldn’t dare to do anything to Sun Jiaming. From now on, Zhou Da Kui would have to think twice before doing anything.

After hearing this, Zhou Da Kui quickly nodded in agreement, a fawning look on his face. Even when Lin Shan scolded him a bit over Gu’er’s past troubles, he just bowed and scraped, offering apologies. There was none of his usual arrogance. A minor village chief like him was nothing in the city; he couldn’t afford to offend a district head.

Once Lin Shan left, Zhou Da Kui’s expression darkened completely. He sighed in frustration. ’With Sun Jiaming around, I already couldn’t get the better of Gu’er,’ he thought. ’Now, she has a father who’s a district head in the city. From now on, I’ll have to greet her with a forced smile. I can’t afford to be enemies with Sun Jiaming anymore. My dream of the Zhou family throwing its weight around the village... that’s going to be difficult now.’

Because of this, however, many people in the village learned about Gu’er’s situation and began to gossip endlessly amongst themselves. But that was a story for another time. Right now, Gu’er was saying goodbye to Grandma Sun.

Grandma Sun held her hand, reluctant to let go. After a long moment, she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and let Gu’er go.

Aunt Zhao helped carry her bundle and walked with Gu’er for a bit. Gu’er had already arranged with her that once the mushrooms and other mountain goods were harvested in the village, Uncle Zhao and the others should deliver them to the gatehouse of Sun Jiaming’s place in the city. Once they let her know, she would start selling them.

Aunt Zhao stopped at the main gate, but Sun Jiaming continued to walk with her.

Along the way, many people greeted Gu’er, and she returned their greetings one by one.

When they reached the edge of the village, Sun Jiaming was the only one left seeing her off.

"Brother Jia Ming, you should head back too. If you have time to come to the city, come find me. I’ll come back often when I’m free, too."

There was reluctance in Gu’er’s eyes as well, but she wasn’t clingy. They had already agreed that she would be living in the city, so she was just treating this as moving into her city home.

"Okay. Hold on to your things and don’t lose them. If anything comes up, just tell me. The deed for the house should be processed in a few days. The key is in here. I’ve already had someone clean it up. When you have a moment, go take a look and see if there’s anything you’re not happy with. If you want anything changed, just let me know."

Sun Jiaming nodded, then added, "Take care of yourself. I know you won’t cause trouble, but don’t let yourself be wronged if something happens. Remember, no matter what, you’ll always have me."

Sun Jiaming’s voice wasn’t loud, but it wasn’t quiet either, and Lin Shan overheard him. He looked at Sun Jiaming and smiled slightly. ’The young man is afraid his girl will be mistreated when she goes back, huh? It seems he treats my daughter quite well.’

Gu’er blushed and nodded at him.

Gu’er took her things and left, riding on the back of Lin Shan’s bicycle.

Sun Jiaming stood at the edge of the village, watching as Gu’er waved at him until she was out of sight. Only then did he turn back, a hint of dejection in his heart.

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Thank you to Ning Zhihai for the "like," and thank you all for your support.