Chapter 41: Home Burglary

After Liu Zhenjun explained the whole story, Gu Yanbin and the other two military officers all showed expressions of surprise.

They knew a bit about Liu Nianxin’s condition, but they never expected it to be improved by such a little kid?

Everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Tongtong.

Gu Yanbin felt especially proud and secretly took the opportunity to pick up his daughter and hold her. A smug smile appeared on his stern face: “My daughter is really amazing!”

Everyone could see right through his little scheme.

Who would have thought that the cold-faced king of their military district could have such a tender side?

The two military officers couldn’t help but praise: “Old Gu, you really made a good choice with this dry daughter of yours!”

“Little Tongtong is so clever and kind… such a lovable child!”

Gu Yanbin’s face was full of pride. With a wave of his big hand, he started seeking benefits for his daughter.

“What’s the use of just praising with words? My daughter is so well-behaved and adorable. Shouldn’t you uncles show some appreciation? Where are the meeting gifts? Don’t be stingy!”

The officers were amused by his words, but they genuinely liked this clever little girl and laughed as they reached into their pockets.

One handed over a brand-new fountain pen, another stuffed over a delicate little airplane made from a bullet casing, and there were those who gave candies and snacks. In no time, Little Tongtong’s arms were full of things.

Liu Zhenjun was the most generous, directly pulling out a brand-new ten-yuan bill and stuffing it into Tongtong’s little pocket. He said generously: “Take it! This is your uncle’s meeting gift for you. Buy some candy!”

Looking at the huge sum in her pocket, Tongtong’s big eyes instantly turned into the starry eyes of a little money lover, grinning so wide her eyes disappeared.

Her little milky voice was loud and crisp: “Thank you, Uncle! Thank you, uncles! Tongtong will definitely ‘study hard and make progress every day’!”

After saying that, she even gave a proper military salute with her chubby little hand.

This made everyone laugh again.

Gu Jingnan helped gather the things: “Dad! Let’s go home!”

“Alright! I’ll go handle the discharge procedures!”

Gu Yanbin’s injuries had long since healed. Lying in bed for days felt more exhausting than training, and he couldn’t wait to leave.

Si Muchen’s eyes flickered slightly, and he naturally stepped forward to take Tongtong: “Uncle, I’ll wait here with my sister.”

“Take good care of your sister,” Gu Yanbin instructed.

“…I will.”

All the way back, Si Muchen held Tongtong’s hand.

Although his little face was still cool and aloof, he carefully shielded his sister from the sun.

The entrance to the family compound was already quite lively.

It was the weekend, and many children were playing outside.

Tongtong’s festive new dress, combined with her already jade-like, snow-white cuteness, immediately became the center of attention.

“Tongtong, why are you so pretty today?” Grandma Wang passed by carrying a vegetable basket.

“Hello, Grandma Wang! Tongtong went to pick up Godfather from the hospital!” Tongtong answered loudly, not forgetting to offer a sweet greeting, “Grandma, are you going grocery shopping? The vegetables today look very fresh!”

“Oh, this little one is so sweet!” Grandma Wang grinned from ear to ear.

The neighbors who came out around them also smiled and greeted them: “Commander Gu is discharged? You look much better! Tongtong even specially went to pick you up, what a thoughtful little sweetheart!”

Gu Yanbin was usually serious and unsmiling.

But today, he surprisingly took the initiative to chat and smile with the neighbors. When his gaze fell on Little Tongtong, it became gentle and warm.

Tongtong carefully supported her godfather while still greeting every familiar face they passed.

Her little voice was clear and enthusiastic, prompting warm responses from everyone. The entire compound was filled with laughter and joy because of the little girl’s innocent chatter.

However, this happy atmosphere was shattered when they returned to Gu Yanbin’s doorstep by Chen An’an, who rushed over in a panic.

“Sister Tongtong! Something terrible has happened!” Chen An’an was sweating profusely and panting heavily. “Your… your wicked eldest aunt and your dad! They broke the lock on your house! They’re inside rummaging through everything! My mom couldn’t stop them no matter how hard she tried!”

Tongtong’s little face instantly turned cold.

“I’m going back right now!”

She clenched her small fists. Though her legs were short, she now ran with astonishing speed, darting out like a little whirlwind.

Gu Yanbin, Commander Liu, and the others who had come along exchanged glances and quickly followed.

When Tongtong ran home, the scene before her eyes instantly reddened with rage.

Liu Lan didn’t know how to explain things to the child, her face filled with embarrassment. She had tried to stop them, but Lin Zhiguo’s remark that she was an outsider had left her with no grounds to intervene.

The house had been turned upside down.

Drawers and cabinets were all flung open, with belongings scattered everywhere.

Shen Wei was shamelessly applying the lipstick Tongtong had taken from the space for her mother, using her mother’s small mirror. She had also powdered her face heavily, while skincare products and cosmetics were strewn all over the place!

Her mother’s clothes, bedsheets, and similar items were carelessly thrown on the floor and trampled upon.

Lin Ruihu and Lin Jiaojiao had dug out the biscuits, snacks, and fruit drops her mother had stored away, eating them and leaving crumbs all over the floor!

What Tongtong couldn’t bear the most was that Lin Jiaojiao was wearing the pink dress with delicate sequins that her godfather had given her!

She had treasured it and kept it in the wardrobe, reluctant to wear it.

Now, it was being dragged on the floor by Lin Jiaojiao, already stained and dirty!

Tongtong’s gaze gradually turned icy, like a provoked little beast, and she charged forward with her chubby fists clenched.

She grabbed Lin Jiaojiao’s hair and yanked her out of the dress.

“Take that off right now!”

Lin Jiaojiao cried out in pain. “You little bastard, let go of me!”

She was met with two hard slaps from Tongtong.

Despite her small hands, those two slaps left Lin Jiaojiao’s face swollen.

Lin Jiaojiao didn’t dare to curse anymore.

Tongtong tossed her aside like trash, then turned to deal with Lin Ruihu, who was grabbing candy to eat. She punched him so hard he stumbled and fell to the ground, then stepped on his face with her little foot.

“Who gave you the nerve to touch my things!”

Lin Ruihu howled in fear.

The scene descended into even greater chaos.

Shen Wei was startled, her lipstick smudging.

Seeing her children being beaten, she screamed and rushed over. “You little wretch! How dare you hit my children! You’ve gone too far!”

She reached out to scratch and grab Tongtong.

Just then, a figure burst in and shoved Shen Wei hard!

It was Si Muchen, who had followed closely behind!

His face was dark and terrifying, like a protective young wolf, firmly shielding Tongtong.

Gu Jingnan also rushed forward to protect Tongtong, glaring fiercely at Shen Wei.

Shen Wei staggered back a few steps from the push and took the opportunity to collapse onto the floor.

She began wailing, slapping her thighs. “There’s no justice! Even a child dares to hit her elders! Zhiguo! Look at your daughter! How wild she’s become!”

Lin Zhiguo, who had been rummaging for something in the inner room, came out upon hearing the commotion.

Seeing the scene, especially Shen Wei being pushed to the ground, he instantly flew into a rage.

Pointing at Tongtong, he cursed, “You wretched girl! What madness has gotten into you! Have you no manners at all?”

Tongtong’s icy gaze fixed on him. “Who said you could touch the things in my house?”

Lin Zhiguo felt a chill under her stare, which only fueled his anger. “Wasn’t all this bought with my money? Why can’t Jiaojiao and Huzi eat or wear any of it? Is this how your mother taught you? You have no upbringing at all!”

The more he spoke, the angrier he became, and he even started making arrangements.

“Let me tell you, your mother has gone to Jingshi now. This house is sitting empty anyway, so it’s perfect for your eldest uncle’s wife and your older siblings to move back in! You move back too! What kind of impression does it make, always staying at someone else’s house? It’s just right—come back and do the laundry and housework for your sister and brother. Learn some manners while you’re at it!”