The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

But these weren’t matters that could be settled in a word or two; they required discussion. That’s why Gu’er hadn’t gone into detail with Li Zhi on the phone, saying they’d discuss everything once they returned.

Li Zhi and Feng Ling, along with Dingzi and Marina, were scheduled to return from Russia on the fifth day of the third lunar month. At that moment, however, Gu’er was gritting her teeth, at the mercy of Jiji.

Why?

Because Jiji had started teething. A tiny white tip was poking through, and when he nursed, the pain was excruciating. It hurt so much every time that Gu’er wanted to cry.

Several times, her nipple was bitten raw and started bleeding. Worried about infection, Gu’er would apply anti-inflammatory cream, but before it could heal, the baby would be hungry again. She’d have to wash the area with warm water first, and the sensation was unbearable.

But every time she looked at her baby’s adorable face, Gu’er would feel an immense sense of contentment.

’In my past life, I was busy all day long. Whenever Zhang Juan finished eating, I’d hurry off to do chores. Even while Zhang Juan was nursing, my hands were never idle. I’d had neither the time nor the state of mind to truly experience a mother’s love. I’m determined to make up for everything I missed out on in this life.’

"You little stinker, stop biting your mom."

When Sun Jiaming saw Gu’er gritting her teeth, he knew Jiji had finished nursing and was now biting her with his new little teeth. His heart ached every time he saw her endure the pain, but there was nothing he could do to take her place. And to make matters worse, the little stinker refused to drink formula.

"It’s fine. His gums must be sore right now. Oh, by the way, if you have some free time these next couple of days, could you look for some teething biscuits or something like that? Buy some so he has something to chew on."

Gu’er knew babies wanted to chew on things when they were teething.

Sun Jiaming agreed, but to Gu’er’s surprise, Cao Qiu gave Jiji something to teethe on that very evening. What was it? A pig’s trotter.

They had braised pig’s trotters for dinner, and after finishing the meat, Cao Qiu—for reasons Gu’er couldn’t fathom—handed the bone to Jiji.

Jiji grabbed it with his tiny hands and immediately stuck it in his mouth. By the time Gu’er moved to take it away, he had already tasted it. He clutched it tightly, refusing to let go, and began gnawing on it with relish, making loud smacking sounds.

With everyone at the dinner table, Gu’er didn’t feel it was her place to criticize Cao Qiu. But inwardly, she was worried sick. ’The baby is still so young—only six months! What if his stomach can’t handle something so greasy? Besides, his teeth have barely come in. If I let him chew on this, what if he starts gnawing on me like a pig’s trotter when he nurses? The pain would be unbearable!’

"It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. Back in the day, children would’ve been lucky to have something like this. Just look how much my grandson is enjoying it! Right, my precious boy?"

Cao Qiu, however, was completely unconcerned and saw no issue with it.

No one else seemed to think anything of it, either. Under the table, Sun Jiaming gave Gu’er’s hand a squeeze. Gu’er smiled back at him. ’I won’t say anything,’ she decided. ’I’ll just have to watch the baby more closely.’

Jiji clearly relished his treat. He gnawed on the bone until it was picked completely clean. His little mouth was covered in grease, but not a speck was left on the bone.

"My grandson chewed this bone cleaner than a dog could! He’s really something, my grandson."

Cao Qiu went on, full of praise.

Gu’er, who was busy wiping Jiji’s mouth and hands with a warm cloth, was left speechless. ’Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?’ she thought. ’What kind of thing is that to say, "cleaner than a dog could"? It sounds so awful.’ But she knew Cao Qiu meant no harm and truly adored the baby, so she held her tongue.

That night, Gu’er woke up several times. Each time, she reached over to check on Jiji, worried that the greasy food would give him diarrhea.

When morning came and the baby still hadn’t gotten diarrhea, Gu’er finally breathed a sigh of relief. ’Looks like the little guy has a pretty strong stomach,’ she thought.

The next day, Li Zhi, Dingzi, and their companions returned. Everyone was overjoyed, especially Grandma Dingzi. She pulled Marina to her side, looking her over from top to bottom while murmuring, "Thank the Bodhisattvas, thank the Bodhisattvas."

Marina was in high spirits, her face glowing. Perhaps being reunited with family had set her mind at ease, as the faint trace of sorrow that once clouded her features had completely vanished.

"Grandma, I’m not going anywhere else. I’m going to stay right here, settle down, and have babies. I’ll give you lots and lots of great-grandsons and great-granddaughters."

Marina knew how worried her grandmother had been, and she smiled as she spoke. She meant it, too. She truly wanted to have many children with Dingzi.

"Good, good! That’s just what this old grandma loves to hear."

Grandma Dingzi’s face bloomed into a wide smile. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by children and grandchildren? Her son and daughter-in-law had both passed away, leaving her with only this one grandson. Naturally, she hoped he would have a large family.

Cao Qiu glanced over at Gu’er. Gu’er knew exactly what that look meant. ’She wants me to have another one.’ ’You’ve got to be kidding me,’ Gu’er thought. ’Jiji is only six months old! If I got pregnant again now, I’d never get anything done. It’s not that we couldn’t have another—I can afford the fine—the problem is I just don’t want to right now. In a few years, once Jiji is a little older and life is less hectic, Sun Jiaming and I can have a daughter. That would be perfect.’