The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

Gu’er genuinely didn’t want to embarrass Cao Qiu, because she was Sun Jiaming’s mother.

But Cao Qiu was just too tactless. Making a scene like this, who would welcome her into their home?

Cao Qiu just kept running her mouth, completely disregarding everyone else’s feelings.

"Alright, Auntie, please stop. We won’t be asking you and Uncle to stay for dinner today. Let’s go, I’ll see you downstairs."

Gu’er went over and took Cao Qiu by the arm. She didn’t want Cao Qiu to stay here any longer, embarrassing herself and everyone else.

"Gu’er, what do you think you’re doing? I’m your future mother-in-law! You’re not taking my side, you’re siding with an outsider! Have you taken a fancy to him? Are you planning to dump my Jia Ming? How can you be so heartless? Have you forgotten who helped you when you were in such a state? Now that your life is better, you want to kick my Jia Ming to the curb? I’m telling you, no way. If anyone is leaving, it’s him."

Cao Qiu shook off Gu’er’s arm.

"That’s enough. Respect is a two-way street. If you don’t want any, no one can give it to you. Stop bringing up Gu’er and Jia Ming’s business. They aren’t even married yet, and here you are calling her ’daughter-in-law’ this and ’daughter-in-law’ that. If word gets out, what will people say about my Gu’er? Your Jia Ming is a good kid, and I admit he helped Gu’er. But you know perfectly well how you’ve treated my Gu’er, I don’t need to spell it out. I’m her father, and even I haven’t commented on what kind of person she is or what she does. It’s not your place to say anything."

Lin Shan stood up. This Cao Qiu was just too unreasonable.

"That’s not the right way to look at it. Since you also think my Jia Ming is a good catch, why are you letting other men visit? By doing this, aren’t you just setting my Jia Ming up to be cuckolded sooner or later?"

In her heart, Cao Qiu was afraid. Afraid that Gu’er would have a change of heart.

"Shut up! What’s wrong with me being here? My visit is perfectly open and aboveboard. Stop judging others with your own filthy mind."

A cold glint flashed in Li Zhi’s eyes. He couldn’t understand how Gu’er could have fallen for the son of a woman like this.

"You are guests in our home, and I don’t want to be unpleasant. I hope you’ll have some self-respect. Please leave. We won’t be asking you to stay for dinner."

Lin Shan’s expression was grim.

"Get out! Get out! Just get out now!"

Lin Sui’er also shouted.

"Let’s go. I’ll see you downstairs."

Gu’er’s expression was dark as well, but she knew a scene like this was bound to happen sooner or later. It was already a blessing that Cao Qiu hadn’t plopped down on the floor, slapping her thighs and wailing. If she had attracted the neighbors, it would have been even more mortifying.

’Actually, Cao Qiu had considered it. But first, she didn’t dare. She was afraid that if she made too big a scene, Gu’er’s parents would get angry and refuse to provide a dowry.’

’Second, the New Year’s celebrations weren’t over yet, and making such a fuss during the holiday was bad luck.’

’Third, she figured that in the long run, as long as Gu’er became her daughter-in-law, she would eventually get what she wanted.’

With these thoughts in mind, Cao Qiu didn’t dare to act up too much.

Gu’er practically had to drag Cao Qiu out. As soon as Cao Qiu moved, Sun Zhuzi naturally followed.

Gu’er saw the two of them downstairs.

Cao Qiu held onto Gu’er and talked her ear off, only leaving when Gu’er was at the end of her rope.

As she walked up the stairs, Gu’er sighed internally. ’But then again, life is never perfect. In this life, I met Sun Jiaming, who treats me so well. It’s only normal to have some troubles.’

When she reached the door and was about to open it, Gu’er heard laughter from inside. Her heart sank. ’If it weren’t for me, this family would be so happy, wouldn’t they?’

After Gu’er went inside, the smile hadn’t yet faded from Chen Fengjiao’s face. Li Zhi had apparently said something to amuse her.

"Are they gone? That woman... honestly. Showing up during the New Year’s just to make everyone miserable. I hope they don’t come back. If they keep visiting, I don’t know how many years it’ll take off my life."

Chen Fengjiao was full of dissatisfaction toward Cao Qiu.

Gu’er didn’t say anything. When it came to Cao Qiu, she felt just as helpless.

"Alright, that’s enough. Go check on the food, don’t let it burn."

Lin Shan didn’t want her to say any more. No matter what, those people were Sun Jiaming’s parents, and they could very well be their future in-laws. With Li Zhi present, it was better not to speak ill of them behind their backs.

"Oh my, my fish! I’ll go check on it."

Chen Fengjiao shot up from her seat.

"Gu’er, you should go chop the vegetables too. I’ll keep Brother Li company."

Lin Sui’er was trying to send Gu’er to the kitchen.

Gu’er knew what her sister was up to but didn’t want to call her out on it. She just smiled at Li Zhi and went back to the kitchen to chop vegetables. Lin Zheng followed her, and Gu’er popped a piece of pork knuckle into his mouth, which the little guy happily munched on.

Lunch was a pleasant meal. With Li Zhi there to liven up the atmosphere, it was actually quite cheerful.

After they had eaten and had some tea, Li Zhi suggested that he and Gu’er go for a walk.

"Brother Li, it’s so cold outside, you shouldn’t go out. Why don’t you come to my room instead? I can show you something fun, okay?"

Lin Sui’er immediately protested. She grabbed Li Zhi’s sleeve, pouting coquettishly.

Li Zhi tried to gently pull his arm away, but he couldn’t get it free.

"I won’t go to your room. Your sister and I need to discuss something about our studies."

Li Zhi wanted to be alone with Gu’er.

"Then just talk about it in here. It’s so cold outside."

Lin Sui’er insisted.

Li Zhi looked toward Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao.

"You two go ahead. Gu’er, dress warmly and come back soon. Zhi, remember to come back for dinner."

Chen Fengjiao quickly nodded.

Lin Shan looked at Gu’er, indicating that the decision was hers to make.

"I’m going too! It’s too hot in here. I’ll go with my sister and Brother Li. The more the merrier! Brother Li, let me come with you, okay?"

Lin Sui’er didn’t want Li Zhi and Gu’er to be alone. She stood up too, looking at Li Zhi with a petulant pout.

Li Zhi did not nod.

"Stop messing around. Your Brother Li and your sister have important things to discuss. You’re staying home."

Chen Fengjiao shook her head at Lin Sui’er.

Lin Sui’er’s eyes turned red, and she looked utterly wronged.

"Let’s go."

Gu’er stood up. If they didn’t leave now, another scene was about to erupt.

Li Zhi said his goodbyes to Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao, then went to the door to get his scarf and hat under Lin Sui’er’s mournful gaze.

Gu’er also bundled up, and the two of them went downstairs.

It wasn’t snowing today, but the frigid wind still seemed to pierce right through to the bone.

"Gu’er, is he really that wonderful? So wonderful that you’ve set your heart on him and will never change your mind?"

Li Zhi asked, breaking the silence.

Gu’er stopped walking. She looked at the branches of the trees lining the road. They were covered in ice and snow, frozen into silvery canopies of frost that were exceptionally beautiful.

"For some people, once you’ve chosen someone, it’s for a lifetime. When I was at my lowest and most helpless, he was the only one who stood by my side, the only one who was good to me. Maybe a lot of people today think I could marry someone better, but for me, he’s the only one. He’s the one who moves me, who makes my heart race, who makes me want to follow him willingly, for the rest of my life."

Gu’er’s voice was very soft, as if she had no strength to speak. You could barely hear her if you weren’t listening carefully. But Li Zhi heard the unwavering resolve in her words.

’A faint bitterness welled up in his heart. Gu’er probably wasn’t going to change her mind. He had revealed his intentions to pursue her, both overtly and subtly, but she was never warm toward him, treating him only as a classmate. Was he really not as good as that Sun Jiaming? Was it impossible to win her heart just because he hadn’t met her during her time of crisis?’

Li Zhi felt a surge of indignation, but he also knew that matters of the heart could not be forced.

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