The Adopted Cannon Fodder Made a Comeback

Chapter 422: Chapter 419: Coaxing People

"You make it sound like I’m brainless."

Unconvinced, Sui’er rolled her eyes at Gu’er.

Gu’er chuckled.

"Don’t worry, we’ve thought it all through. The mall still needs quite a few security guards. Business is good right now, so security is a potential concern. They’re ex-soldiers, so their skills are more than up to the task. Plus, once the turmoil in the Soviet Union is over, we’ll need to get that trade route going again, which requires people. We also need people to source goods from the south. Using Dingzi’s army buddies isn’t just reliable; it also solves our security problems. So they won’t be sitting around. If anything, we’ll be short-staffed, not overstaffed. They get a place to use their skills and make money, and we get the manpower we need. It’s a win-win."

Gu’er patiently explained to Sui’er; there was no need to hide these details from her.

"Sounds good."

Sui’er nodded. Since everything was planned out, she felt relieved.

"Sui’er, I’ve made mung bean soup! I also made a lot of your favorite dishes. Why don’t you stay for lunch?"

Aunt Zhao called out from the side.

"Okay, Aunt Zhao! It’s been so long since I’ve had your cooking, I’m already craving it. I’ll definitely stay for lunch."

Lin Sui’er replied cheerfully.

"Oh, you child. Whenever you want to eat, just come over and I’ll cook for you. It’s no big deal."

Aunt Zhao went back to cooking with a cheerful laugh.

"So you do know how to sweet-talk people."

Gu’er said with a smile as she watched Sui’er. The Sui’er of the past was nothing like this. Back then, she was so aloof she didn’t seem to notice anyone else. If Aunt Zhao spoke to her, she would usually just ignore her—a far cry from the sweet-tongued girl she was now.

"Lin Gu’er, don’t dredge up my embarrassing past! No talking about how I used to be."

Lin Sui’er pretended to glare fiercely at Gu’er.

Gu’er laughed out loud. She’d been sitting for a long time and needed to stretch, so she stood up, patted Sui’er’s head, and said, "This is so much cuter."

"You’re the cute one! I’m too old to be called cute."

Lin Sui’er grumbled in mock protest, rubbing her head, but a smile graced her lips. ’So this is what it feels like to let go of jealousy and get along with family,’ she thought. ’It’s so wonderful and relaxing.’

Lin Sui’er stayed for lunch. Sun Jiaming had called to say they wouldn’t be back to eat. That afternoon, Dingzi and Marina returned, bringing a man in his twenties with them.

Gu’er took a good look but didn’t recognize him at all. There had been so many people that day, all in military uniforms. Now, with just one of them standing in front of her, she really couldn’t recall his face.

The man’s name was Zheng Ergou, the second son in his family. Of course, he now had a proper given name, Zheng Fa. He’d changed it when he joined the army because he felt "Ergou" was just too rustic.

Zheng Fa looked much more muscular than Dingzi. He had dark skin, an honest-looking face, and bulging biceps that looked packed with explosive power.

"Brother Dingzi, how come Brother Zheng looks more like a soldier than you do?"

Gu’er said with a laugh.

"Miss, I can’t beat Dingzi. He’s way better than me. I’m just big. When it comes to a real fight, I’m nowhere near his level. He has my complete respect."

Zheng Fa spoke with a heavy Central Plains accent, but his words sounded very sincere.

"You two have fought before?"

Gu’er was rather surprised.

Dingzi didn’t say anything.

"We have. At first, when everyone said Dingzi was skilled, a bunch of us weren’t convinced. We said he was as skinny as a monkey, what could he possibly do? So we found a chance to try and teach him a lesson. But we never expected to get beaten instead. If Brother Dingzi hadn’t gone easy on us, we probably would’ve been in a world of hurt. After that, we all respected Brother Dingzi."

Zheng Fa was quite honest, openly sharing this story from the past. Dingzi and Li Zhi had already told him that Gu’er wasn’t an outsider and he could speak freely in front of her. Of course, with actual outsiders, one had to be more reserved and know what to say and what not to say.

"Wow, Brother Dingzi is that amazing? What about Brother Li Zhi?"

Sui’er asked excitedly about Li Zhi. In her heart, Li Zhi was very capable, and she had practically fallen for him at first sight.

"Li Zhi? That kid’s not much in a fight; he can’t beat me. But he’s quicker on the uptake than I am, and people find him charming."

Zheng Fa’s impression of Li Zhi wasn’t as good as his impression of Dingzi. A man like him tended to respect those who were physically stronger.

"What’s wrong with being quick-witted? Brother Li is very skilled too! It’s not like he’s incapable."

Sui’er pouted slightly.

Just as Zheng Fa was about to explain, Li Zhi and Sun Jiaming walked in through the doorway. Since it was summer, the door had been left open, and they had overheard the conversation inside.

"Who’s talking smack about me now? Er Gouzi, was that you? Still not convinced I’ve got you beat?"