Chapter 123: Chapter 113: Hello, Gu Shaojun

Gu Shaojun seemed like a stranger to Xiao Man at that moment. He had a clean, cool aura, and his handsome face, framed by sharp brows and star-like eyes, was completely devoid of a smile, holding only an aloof indifference. He gently pulled her away from Zheng Shaolian and helped her to her feet, his gaze not lingering on her for even a second before sweeping over to Zheng Shaolian. "She’s so small, she can’t bear your weight. Didn’t you see she’s already crying?"

Only then did Zheng Shaolian notice Xiao Man’s tear-streaked face. He froze for a moment, then fumbled for a handkerchief. "Mo Xiaoni, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to. I... I completely forgot you were there..."

The others: ...

’A whole person was pressed right up against you, and you were using her as a crutch. How could you forget? If you’re not asking for a beating, who is?’

Gu Shaozhen craned his neck to get a look at Xiao Man. With a "Hey!" he darted over, wrapped his hands around her shoulders, and looked her over from left to right. He even reached out to pinch her cheek and fiddle with her pigtails, clucking his tongue in amazement as if he’d just discovered a priceless treasure. "Where did this little doll come from? She’s absolutely adorable! So pretty! I’ve never seen such perfect skin, such amazing hair, such..."

Zheng Shaolian shoved him away. "Get lost! This is my sister!"

"Yeah, right! As if you could have a sister this cute. She’s more likely to be mine! Come on, little sis, your big bro will give you some candy!"

As he spoke, Gu Shaozhen pulled a handful of White Rabbit candies from his trench coat pocket. "This is milk candy, it’s made from milk. Even if you don’t have your mommy’s milk to drink, you can dissolve this in hot water and it’ll taste milky!"

The others: ...

Xiao Man: ...

’Is that for real? You’d better not be trying to fool a country girl like me. I’ve never heard anyone say that before!’

Zheng Shaolian furiously blocked Gu Shaozhen. "My sister’s not eating your stuff! I’ve got things for her!"

Gu Shaozhen’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, he surprisingly took on some of his older brother’s imposing air. "Oh yeah? Where is it? Let me see."

"Alright, that’s enough. Give her some space, don’t scare the poor girl," Gu Shaojun said. He turned to Gu Shaofeng. "You give her something."

Gu Shaofeng’s face was impassive as he reached into his pocket, pulled out a few pieces of chocolate, and held them out in front of Xiao Man. "Take them."

Xiao Man’s eyes widened—now *this* was a real shock. ’The cold, stone-faced Gu Shaofeng carried chocolate in his pockets, not bullets!’

’And apparently, all his brothers knew!’

Gu Shaofeng forcibly gave Zheng Shaolian a full-body inspection, confirming that there was nothing wrong with him. His leg was perfectly fine—the limp was a complete act.

Wei Zhenqing, Zhang Qingwan, and Gu Shaozhen had a good laugh at his expense, but Zheng Shaolian was completely shameless, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky with a calm and unbothered expression.

Gu Shaojun, however, didn’t say anything. He simply relayed a message from two elders in Beijing—Zheng Shaolian’s maternal grandparents. Zheng Shaolian immediately broke down, letting out a series of wails. "I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it! Take me back right now, I want to see my grandma! Grandpa broke his promise! He said he wouldn’t force me! It’s all Gu the Second’s fault! I don’t want to be a soldier! I don’t want to..."

The others watched him howl, paying him no mind. Gu Shaojun gave him two minutes to vent, then barked an order to stop, and he did.

Just as Zheng Shaolian had predicted, his brothers were taking him out for a good meal. Despite being dejected, Zheng Shaolian was loyal enough to remember to pull Xiao Man along.

They had parked under a large banyan tree, and since there was a state-owned restaurant not far away, the group decided to walk over.

Zheng Shaolian wouldn’t let Gu Shaozhen get near Xiao Man, keeping a firm grip on her hand himself. Since they were walking right behind Gu Shaojun, Xiao Man’s heart filled with joy as she watched his tall, imposing figure and his light, steady gait. She didn’t mind letting Zheng Shaolian lead her at all.

But seeing his utterly dejected expression, as if he’d lost the will to live, she felt a pang of pity and offered a few words of comfort. "Don’t be scared. You’ve still got me as a friend, right? I’ll come visit you often! We don’t just have wild grapes in the countryside; we have lots of other fruits, too!"

A spark of life finally returned to Zheng Shaolian’s eyes. "You’ll come every week? And bring fruit? I’ll give you money to buy it."

"I can’t come every week, I have school."

"Then when can you come?"

"I can come once during summer break, and once during winter break."

"I... What the hell!" Zheng Shaolian exploded. "And you call that visiting me *often*?"

The three men behind them burst out laughing. Gu Shaozhen was laughing so hard he nearly fell over. He strode forward and draped an arm over Xiao Man’s shoulders. "Hey, little sister. I’m Brother Shaozhen. What’s your name?"

"My name is—"

"Her name is Zheng San Ni!" Zheng Shaolian snapped, slapping Gu Shaozhen’s arm away.

Xiao Man couldn’t help but get annoyed. "Can you stop being so childish, Zheng Shaolian? You’re always changing my name! Why don’t you call yourself Gu Shaolian instead? I think ’Gu Shaolian’ sounds much nicer!"

Zheng Shaolian: ...

’Damn it, how does this brat hit the nail on the head every single time? I used to be called Gu Shaolian!’

Gu Shaozhen clapped and roared with laughter. "Little sis, you’re brilliant!"

Gu Shaojun glanced back at Xiao Man, a hint of a smile in his star-bright eyes, making them sparkle.

Xiao Man looked up at that peerlessly handsome face, mustered her courage, and said, "Hello, Gu Shaojun."

’It’s been so long. You probably don’t remember me, but I’ve missed you so, so much!’

A look of surprise flashed across Gu Shaojun’s face. "Little sister, I’ve been to Wancheng before, but I don’t think we’ve ever met, have we?"

Xiao Man replied, "This is my first time exploring Wancheng, too. I just happened to meet Zheng Shaolian under that banyan tree. He told me he was waiting for his oldest cousin, and that his cousin’s name was Gu Shaojun!"

Gu Shaojun smiled. "That’s right, I’m Gu Shaojun. You can call me Brother, too."

Gu Shaojun found himself quite fond of the innocent and adorable little girl. ’Just as Shaozheng said,’ he thought, ’the girl is exceptionally pretty.’ Her skin was as fair and soft as a baby’s, and her hair was a glossy black, like the finest silk. What was truly rare for someone so young was that she was not only simple and pure, but also delicate yet resilient. Shaolian’s leg injury was an act, and he’d put enough weight on her to make her cry, but she hadn’t made a sound.

’Zheng Shaolian had a strange and difficult personality, but his judgment, while picky, was always precise. Countless girls in Beijing flocked around him, but he’d never once given any of them a pleasant look. To just pull a girl off the street and claim her as his sister... it was a testament to how extraordinary she was. He wondered if Shaolian would be able to hold onto this stroke of good fortune.’

Gu Shaozhen and Zheng Shaolian were still squabbling over her. Xiao Man felt like a basketball being passed back and forth. One moment, she was tucked under Zheng Shaolian’s arm; the next, Gu Shaozhen faked a move to the left before his long arm shot out and snatched her away. Zheng Shaolian yelled and gave chase...

Xiao Man was utterly speechless. ’She wished she had the strength to give both of them a good shoulder throw!’

"Don’t take it too far! What do you think you’re doing?" Gu Shaofeng chided.

Gu Shaojun frowned as well and beckoned to Xiao Man. "Come here. Walk with me."

Xiao Man hurried over and took the initiative to link her arm with his. Gu Shaojun paused for a second but didn’t pull away, letting her hold on as he led them forward.

The others stared at each other, dumbfounded. ’Are we seeing things? The Eldest Young Master is letting a girl hold his arm? Besides Xuanxuan, what other girl has ever had such a privilege?’

Xiao Man glanced back, giving Zheng Shaolian a mischievous grin. ’So long, Zheng Xiaolian! I don’t need you anymore!’

Zheng Shaolian: ...

’Mo Xiaoni, you traitor!’

Gu Shaozhen: ...

’Big Bro, is this cool? I was just messing with Shaolian, but you went and stole her for real!’

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