The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

Li Zhi sat down. He glanced at Gu’er’s hand, held tightly in Cao Qiu’s grip, and gave her a small smile.

Gu’er rolled her eyes at him. ’He’s clearly enjoying this.’

Lin Shan struck up a conversation with Li Zhi, asking how his father was doing and making other small talk. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Cao Qiu saw how the Lin Family was all smiles and enthusiasm the moment Li Zhi arrived, and she grew displeased. Her dissatisfaction deepened when she saw Li Zhi give Lin Sui’er and Lin Zheng ten yuan each as lucky money. She had brought gifts today, too, but they were only worth about two yuan in total—and even spending that much had pained her terribly. Meanwhile, Li Zhi had casually handed out twenty yuan, and that wasn’t even counting the other things he’d brought. There was simply no comparison.

"Why didn’t he give you any lucky money?"

Cao Qiu asked Gu’er in a low voice.

Gu’er wanted to scream. ’What is wrong with this woman? Li Zhi and I are classmates. It was already incredibly generous of him to give Sui’er and Lin Zheng lucky money. Why would he give me any? I’m not a child.’

"Brother Li is my older sister’s classmate; he doesn’t need to give *her* lucky money. But say, Auntie, since Brother Li already gave us lucky money, shouldn’t you be giving us some too?"

Lin Sui’er really couldn’t stand Cao Qiu. She couldn’t understand how someone like that could even exist. ’She’s just awful.’

"Sui’er."

Lin Shan called out her name with a frown. ’It was true that he disliked Cao Qiu as well, but Sui’er shouldn’t speak to her that way.’

"Heh heh... I left in such a hurry, I forgot to bring any money. I’ll make it up to you next time, I will."

Cao Qiu let out a hollow laugh. ’As if she would ever hand over any money. She’d have to give out three shares; she’d lose a fortune! Next time, she’d have to bring her granddaughter. She’d let the Lin Family give their gift first. If they gave ten yuan, she’d give Gu’er, Sui’er, and Lin Zheng two yuan each. That way, she’d even come out ahead.’

Lin Sui’er snorted and fell silent.

Gu’er knew what kind of person Cao Qiu was; it was pointless to bicker with her.

"Li Zhi, you’re staying for lunch. I’ll make you something delicious."

Chen Fengjiao glanced at the sky. It was about time to prepare lunch. She asked Li Zhi to stay but pointedly ignored Cao Qiu and Sun Zhuzi. She wished the two would just leave already; the sight of them was grating on her nerves.

"Alright, in that case, I won’t be polite! I’ve been craving your cooking, Auntie. It’s so good I could barely enjoy the New Year’s holiday."

"Listen to this kid. From now on, whenever you get a craving, you just come right over. I’m happy to cook for you anytime."

A smile finally appeared on Chen Fengjiao’s face. ’This Li Zhi really knows how to say all the right things.’

"Go on and get busy, my dear in-law. We’re all family here, so don’t treat us like outsiders. We’ll eat whatever’s fine. Don’t go to too much trouble. Do you want me to lend a hand?"

Cao Qiu called out from her seat, clearly planning to stay for lunch.

Chen Fengjiao snorted and pretended not to hear a thing.

"She’s so shameless."

Lin Sui’er grumbled under her breath.

Gu’er sighed and began to stand up.

"Auntie, please let go. You’re going to break my arm. I’m going to help my mom cook."

Gu’er really couldn’t be bothered to say anything more to Cao Qiu.

"Oh, oh, you go on then. Go on."

Only then did Cao Qiu release Gu’er’s arm.

"How about I go help too?"

Who knows what went through Cao Qiu’s mind, but she stood up and grabbed Gu’er’s arm again.

"Please, sit down," Lin Shan said coolly. "Don’t worry, this is my daughter’s home. It’s not like she can run away."

"Heh heh... why would I be afraid of Gu’er running away? You’re quite the joker, my good man."

Cao Qiu forced a laugh and sat back down.

Gu’er went with Chen Fengjiao to prepare the meal.

"Daughter, I’m not trying to nag, but just look at that woman. If you really marry into her family, do you think you’ll ever have a single day of peace?"

Chen Fengjiao whispered to Gu’er. She was truly, deeply dissatisfied. With a paralyzed grandmother and in-laws like that, Gu’er would be sure to suffer if she married into their family.

"Brother Jia Ming said we won’t live with them after we get married. It’s alright, Mom. You don’t need to worry."

Gu’er explained, knowing that, whatever else was true, in this moment her mother was genuinely worried about her.

"*Sigh*... You’re just so stubborn. What’s so great about that Sun Jiaming, anyway? You’ll regret it when you’re suffering later. There will be plenty of tears then."

Chen Fengjiao felt a deep sense of disappointment, wishing her daughter would see reason.

Gu’er said nothing. She didn’t want to explain. A life had to be lived, not just talked about, and words were useless at this point.

Gu’er and Chen Fengjiao prepared lunch together. Even though she disliked having Sun Zhuzi and Cao Qiu there, Chen Fengjiao still prepared a large spread of dishes for Li Zhi’s sake.

Chen Fengjiao quickly fried a fish before putting it in a pot to stew, while Gu’er sliced some pork knuckle.

"What did you just say? Say that again, I dare you! This is my daughter-in-law’s house! Who the hell do you think you are to be spouting such nonsense?"

Suddenly, Cao Qiu slammed her hand on the coffee table and shrieked, startling Chen Fengjiao so badly she almost dropped her spatula. Gu’er’s chopping also came to a halt. ’What is going on?’

"Auntie, it doesn’t matter who I am. I didn’t say anything out of line—I was only answering your question. Why are you getting so upset?"

Li Zhi said mildly, as if he couldn’t understand why Cao Qiu was so furious.

"Me, throwing a fit? Would I be so angry if you hadn’t said such awful things? Just look at you! A young man coming to see someone else’s fiancée, and you think you’re in the right? Gu’er is my daughter-in-law! You stay far away from her! It’s not like you can’t find a wife of your own. You’re harassing my daughter-in-law, trying to get ideas about her! You think I’m going to let that happen?"

"What are you talking about? Who do you think you are? What right do you have to say that to Brother Li? Get out! You’re not welcome in my home!"

Lin Sui’er’s face was flushed with anger as she pointed to the door, telling Cao Qiu to leave.

"What right do you have to throw me out? Your parents haven’t even said a word, so what gives a little brat like you the right to talk? Besides, I’m not here to see you, I’m here to see Gu’er. I can say what I like about him. Why are you sticking your nose in it? How old are you, already thinking about boys? Too bad the one he’s interested in isn’t you, it’s Gu’er."

Cao Qiu sneered. When it came to insults, she could have easily made Lin Sui’er cry. She was just holding back a little, not daring to say anything *too* awful.

But even this was too much for Lin Sui’er, and her eyes began to turn red.

"Auntie, watch what you say. I don’t care who you are, but please don’t stand here and embarrass Gu’er."

Li Zhi’s expression turned cold.

Lin Shan’s face darkened as well.

"Mom! Mom! Make her leave! Make her get out!"

Lin Sui’er cried out for Chen Fengjiao.

Chen Fengjiao’s face was a storm cloud. She strode out of the kitchen in a few quick steps and glared at Cao Qiu. "Get out. You are not welcome in my home. I don’t care whose mother you are—I don’t know you. Get out of my house this instant."

Chen Fengjiao had been holding back, but now Cao Qiu had insulted Lin Sui’er—and her daughter was her breaking point. She couldn’t endure it a moment longer and started trying to drive the woman out.

"Now, my dear in-law—"

Cao Qiu protested.

"Shut your mouth! Who’s your ’dear in-law’? A ghost is your in-law! Get out! Get out!"

Chen Fengjiao’s voice trembled. She felt if Cao Qiu stayed here a moment longer, she would go insane. She truly hated dealing with village folk. The years she’d spent living in a village had been torture, which was another reason she didn’t want Gu’er to marry a man from one.

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This heat is making my head spin. Xue (the author) has created a group chat, number 307-842-761. Everyone is welcome to join! The entry password is the name of any character from the book. Xue will post occasional bonuses and updates.