The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

Gu’er looked at the woman whom the heavyset Chunxiang had called "sister-in-law." From what Chunxiang had implied, the woman’s husband worked for the Public Security Bureau, but Gu’er didn’t recognize her at all.

"You must be Gu’er, right? And this is Sui’er?"

Chunxiang’s sister-in-law smiled at Gu’er and Sui’er, even calling them by name.

Chunxiang was a little dumbfounded. ’Do they actually know each other?’

"And you are...?"

Gu’er truly had no recollection of this woman and had no idea how she knew both her and Sui’er.

"Sister-in-law, who are they?"

Chunxiang also asked.

Chunxiang’s sister-in-law glanced at her, her eyes filled with displeasure. ’Honestly, how does Chunxiang get herself into so much trouble?’

"You probably don’t remember me. We met once, at Li Ting’s wedding. Weren’t you there? My husband’s surname is Su, and he works under Director Li. I only know your name because Li Zhi mentioned it."

Chunxiang’s sister-in-law had met Gu’er at the wedding of Li Zhi’s sister, Li Ting. She and her husband had attended and happened to meet Gu’er. Seeing how close Gu’er and Li Zhi seemed, she’d asked around to find out who Gu’er was. People told her, and she made a mental note of it. As for knowing Sui’er’s name, Vice Mayor Lin had a small family, so it was easy to remember. She also recalled her husband telling her that Director Li and Vice Mayor Lin had nearly become in-laws. Although the marriage didn’t happen, the two families remained on excellent terms, which made her pay even closer attention.

’Speaking of Li Ting, she got married back in September. I did go to the wedding. Regardless of how things are with Li Ting, my relationship with Li Zhi is solid, no question about it. That’s why Sun Jiaming, Dingzi, and I were busy helping out for two days. With so many people there, it’s not surprising someone would remember seeing me.’

"Oh, so it’s you, Auntie. I’m sorry, it was so crowded back then, I didn’t remember."

Since the woman knew Li Zhi, Gu’er felt it was best not to press the matter.

Chunxiang was at a loss for words. ’I know who Li Zhi is. My own husband is in the public security system too, just not as a permanent employee. He’s in the same unit as the husband of this woman I call sister-in-law. That’s why we got close to them, hoping Brother Su could pull some strings for him. My husband wants to become a permanent employee and even get a promotion. But our family has no connections, and getting permanent status isn’t easy, let alone becoming some kind of team leader. Even Brother Su would have to call in favors, and these days, nobody does anything for free.’

’Li Zhi’s father is a major director. Everyone in the public security world knows him. If he just said the word, my husband’s promotion to a permanent team leader position would be a sure thing.’

’But this girl just *knows* Li Zhi; she’s not his wife. Would her words even carry any weight? Why does it look like my sister-in-law is trying to suck up to her?’

’Oh, I get it. This girl must have hooked up with Li Zhi and become his woman. That’s how she has so much money to spend.’

"Sister-in-law, she’s just one of Li Zhi’s friends. And you know who Brother Su is. Why would you be afraid of her?"

Chunxiang didn’t quite understand. She thought her sister-in-law was being timid. ’After all, Brother Su has worked under Director Li for years. How could some girl have more pull than him?’

"What do you know?! Gu’er is Vice Mayor Lin’s daughter! The Vice Mayor only has two daughters, and you were just cursing at them! Does your husband even want his job anymore? Offend her, and you can forget about him getting permanent status. He’ll be lucky if he isn’t sent packing!"

Chunxiang’s sister-in-law said angrily. ’How can this Chunxiang be so clueless?’

Chunxiang gasped.

’I knew these two girls weren’t short on cash, but I just assumed they were using their pretty faces to get money from men. I never imagined they were actually the daughters of a high-ranking official! Me... I... How could I ever afford to offend people like that?’

"Uh, that is, you’re Gu’er, right? Look, I didn’t know, I just..."

Chunxiang snapped to her senses and rushed over to Gu’er with an obsequious smile. Just as her sister-in-law had warned, if these girls held a grudge and cost her husband his job, he would beat her to death.

"Alright, stop right there. You don’t need to apologize. Your husband’s job has nothing to do with us. My father would never do something against the law for a small, personal matter like this; he doesn’t get involved in such things. And we wouldn’t use this to do anything, either. You insulted us, and you only made a fool of yourself in the process. You fought with us over a dress, and now you’ve paid a high price for it. The matter is closed. For us, this was just a small interruption, and we won’t give it another thought. We just hope you’ll learn a lesson from this. Being kinder to people is a kindness to yourself. We have things to do, so we’re leaving now."

Gu’er cut Chunxiang off, feeling there was no point in listening any further. Chunxiang was the type to bully the weak and fear the strong; she changed her tune the instant she learned who you were. Gu’er couldn’t be bothered with such a person.

Chunxiang’s face flushed, but she still nodded. "Yes, yes, you’re right. Gu’er, listen, I was wrong today. It’s all my fault. You can hit me, you can curse me, I’ll accept it all. But this has nothing to do with my husband, alright? My husband is a really capable man, but our family has no connections. He’s been working for years and still can’t get permanent status. Do you think you could talk to your father? Or maybe Li Zhi or Director Li? Just to get my husband’s status made permanent. With his ability, being a team captain would be no problem. If you can do this for me, I’ll kowtow to you, I swear."

Gu’er just smiled at Chunxiang’s words. ’This woman really is shameless. Just a moment ago she was acting like that, and now she’s asking me to pull strings for her. How does she even have the nerve?’

"You must be joking. I’ve already told you, my father doesn’t get involved in these matters. As for Li Zhi, he’s a businessman, just like me. We don’t have the power to influence these things. You’d better ask someone else."

After she finished speaking, Gu’er gave a nod to Chunxiang’s sister-in-law and turned to leave with Sui’er.

Chunxiang grew desperate and grabbed Gu’er by the sleeve.

Gu’er shot her a look. She said nothing, but her meaning was perfectly clear: Let go.

"Alright, Chunxiang, they have other things to do," her sister-in-law interjected. "Gu’er, Sui’er, take care now. You should come visit me sometime."

Chunxiang’s sister-in-law quickly pulled her back. Seeing that Chunxiang still wouldn’t let go, she shot her a glare. Only then did Chunxiang reluctantly release her grip.

"Sister-in-law! It’s not every day we meet someone like that! If I had begged a little more, she might have solved my husband’s problem! Why’d you stop me?"

Chunxiang was disgruntled. If she could resolve her husband’s career issue, he would finally respect her, and she could hold her head high in his presence.

"Are you an idiot? Couldn’t you see how annoyed she was getting? Let’s forget for a second that you cursed at her and fought with her over a dress. Even if none of that happened, do you really think she’d agree just because you asked? Who do you think you are? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get favors from people nowadays? You think you can just ask, and they’re obligated to say yes? If you had truly angered her, your husband could have kissed his promotion goodbye for the rest of his life. And if he ever found out it was your fault, he would beat you to death."

Chunxiang’s sister-in-law truly didn’t know what to say. Anyone would get a headache dealing with a dolt like Chunxiang.

"So what do I do now, Sister-in-law? I also spent a hundred yuan on this stupid dress. If my husband finds out, he’ll kill me."

Chunxiang’s thoughts returned to the dress.

"Fine, fine. I’ll go talk to the shop owner about getting you a refund. In the future, try not to do such foolish things."

Since Chunxiang’s sister-in-law was already involved, she couldn’t just wash her hands of it. She went to talk to the shop owner about getting a refund.