The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

The room fell silent. Gu’er knew Xiao Li was finished, but she felt no sympathy.

"Secretary Yuan, I was wrong. Please spare me! You District Chief, Brother Chen, Manager Shang, please put in a good word for me. I’ll never do it again."

Xiao Li wailed. ’Why did I have to be the unlucky one?’

"Shut up. Is this your place to speak? Whatever Secretary Yuan says, goes. One more word and you can get the hell out," the You District Chief roared.

Xiao Li shivered in fear and didn’t dare to make another sound.

"You District Chief, control your man. If this person has any thoughts of revenge, if anything happens to young Gu’er, or if anyone gives her trouble, I will hold you solely responsible."

Secretary Yuan added, for he had seen the hateful look in Xiao Li’s eyes. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Yes, yes, rest assured. He wouldn’t dare. If he dares to harbor any ill intentions, I’ll have someone finish him."

The You District Chief nodded and smiled obsequiously.

Chen Kui’s expression darkened. He knew the matter was settled and couldn’t be changed. He shook his head at Xiao Li, signaling him to stop causing a scene. Xiao Li just stood there, stunned. ’My job is gone, just like that? And I can’t even get revenge.’

Gu’er glanced at Secretary Yuan. ’Is he backing me up? Or is it because he feels guilty for not letting Dad become the district chief, so now he’s offering a bit of candy to placate us?’

"You’re a district chief. Watch your words and remember your position. Anyway, I have to go inspect the next township, so I’ll be leaving."

Secretary Yuan was even more displeased with this You District Chief. ’He talks like that himself, no wonder his subordinates are so quick to talk about killing people. The fish rots from the head down.’

"It’s snowing today, Secretary Yuan, you truly are a parent to the people. To think you’d still work so hard to inspect on a day like this. How about I accompany you?"

You District Chief was sucking up, thinking that if he went along, he could spend more time with Secretary Yuan, say a few nice things, and get closer to him. Then his chances of becoming the district secretary would be even better.

"That won’t be necessary."

Secretary Yuan gave him a cool glance, a clear refusal.

You District Chief wanted to say something, but Secretary Yuan didn’t give him the chance. He strode over to Lin Shan. "You’ve spent time in the villages too? Huai Tree Village?"

"Yes. When I was young, I was assigned there. I spent five years there," Lin Shan answered truthfully.

Secretary Yuan nodded. His impression of Lin Shan had improved. Lin Shan, like him, had been sent down to the villages and managed to make his way out after a few years. In that, he was much like himself.

’Moreover, this Lin Shan looks very capable. He isn’t trying to curry favor with me, and he isn’t afraid of You Er, even with me standing right here. This man’s abilities must be greater than You Er’s.’

"If there was an opportunity for you to go back to a village and serve as a village official, would you be willing?" Secretary Yuan asked quietly, stepping closer to Lin Shan.

Although he spoke quietly, quite a few people still heard him.

Lin Shan was stunned, an expression of disbelief on his face. Then, he nodded.

Secretary Yuan smiled at him and patted his shoulder.

"Your cooking is quite good. If I were to drop by for a simple meal one day, would I be welcome?" Secretary Yuan asked Gu’er kindly.

Gu’er was still reeling from what Secretary Yuan had just said to Lin Shan. ’Why would he ask Dad to be a village official? That’s a very low rank, isn’t it? Besides, if he becomes a village official, Dad can’t stay in the city anymore. Did I bring this on my father?’

"Of course."

Gu’er said those two words, her expression a little dejected. Although she didn’t care about status and had never thought of using her father’s influence, she didn’t want to be the one to ruin his career.

"Haha, it seems you’re a little upset. Alright, I’ll be on my way."

Secretary Yuan chuckled, said no more, and strode away. The people behind him hurried to follow.

"Lin Shan," You District Chief spat out his name hatefully.

"What? You want to go a round with me? Then bring it on. I don’t mind writing another self-criticism report." Lin Shan glared at the You District Chief.

The You District Chief was panting with rage, glaring viciously at Lin Shan, but he said nothing. With a flick of his arm, he led his people away.

Chen Kui and the others hurried to follow, and Xiao Li tagged along. He was no longer wanted here and would face disciplinary action. For now, he could only suck up to Chen Kui. As for the resentment in his heart, it was definitely there, but he didn’t dare entertain any ill thoughts toward Gu’er after Secretary Yuan’s warning. He could only bury his hatred deep inside.

After everyone else had left, Manager Shang stepped forward with a smile. "Mr. Lin, I’m terribly sorry about this. It was all our fault. Consider today’s meal on us, as our apology to you."

"That’s not necessary," Lin Shan said coolly. "I can still afford a meal. Besides, accepting a free meal would be a violation of regulations. Manager Shang, just be more discerning in the future. After all, this hotel represents the face of our city."

"Yes, yes, Mr. Lin is right. I will definitely focus on improving standards from now on," Manager Shang said with an apologetic smile.

As Lin Shan and Gu’er left the hotel, Gu’er glanced back. ’Right now, this hotel is the leading establishment in the city, inaccessible to those without status. But its boom won’t last many years. In a few more years, all sorts of restaurants will spring up, and the hotel’s glory will fade. Later still, it will fall into decline.’

’Life is like that too. After reaching the peak of glory, decline is inevitable.’

Gu’er sighed.

On the way back, Gu’er asked, holding onto Lin Shan’s arm, "Dad, do you have a history with that guy, You?"

Lin Shan nodded.

"Your mother and I met in the village. I arrived a month before she did. When she came to the village, there were several people in her group, and your mother was the prettiest and most delicate. A lot of men had their eye on her. One time, on the way back from work, I saw You Erbaihua—oh right, his name is You Er, but because he’s such a smooth talker, everyone calls him You Erbaihua—blocking your mother’s path. Your mother was scared, and she and another girl were begging him, but he refused to let them pass. I couldn’t stand by and watch, so I stepped in and helped your mother out of the jam. That’s how we met."

"One night, while I was sleeping, I thought I heard someone shouting. I called a couple of other guys and we went to check it out. That inhuman You Erbaihua had snuck into the courtyard where your mother and the other girls were living. Luckily, several of them were sleeping on the same heated brick bed. The moment he went in, someone spotted him and screamed. I was furious, so I gave him a good beating and told him I’d kill him if he ever dared to sneak over in the middle of the night again. He ran off."

"Later, your mother and I started seeing each other, but You Erbaihua wouldn’t give up. He’d also taken a liking to your mother and wanted to force her to be his wife. She refused, so he brought a gang of guys over, intending to drag her straight to his house. Your mother and her friends couldn’t fight them off. Someone told me what was happening, so I grabbed a few guys and a hunting rifle and went over. He was cocky because he had more people and wouldn’t back down. He told his men to kill me and then take your mother away. It was a vicious fight; a lot of people were bloodied. But in the end, I won. I almost blew his head off with one shot. That scared him. He promised he’d never bother your mother again. After that, your mother and I got married, and he and I have been enemies ever since. Ai. Those were the times."

At this, Lin Shan heaved a deep sigh, his gaze growing distant as if recalling the past.

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Thanks to Ning Zhihai for the praise, and thank you all for your support.