Sheng Zexi was stunned. He hadn’t expected Gu Jianing to suggest going back with him to pay respects to his mother.
Truthfully, he visited her grave every year. If he happened to be away on a mission, he would make time another day.
This year, he had planned to go as well.
It would be wonderful if Ningning could accompany him.
He wanted to introduce his amazing Ningning to his mother.
He wanted to tell her that he was married now, that his wife was wonderful—so, so wonderful—and that they were expecting a child. He hoped his mother, watching from heaven, would bless Ningning and their unborn baby.
He wanted to tell her, After you left, apart from Grandpa and Grandma, there’s finally a third person who loves me.
“But… your belly…”
At this point, Gu Jianing was already over three months pregnant. By Qingming Festival, which was a month away, she would be nearly five months along.
And with twins, her belly would undoubtedly be quite large.
He was worried the trip might exhaust her.
“It’s fine. I’m very healthy, and the babies are well-behaved. By then, it’ll still be less than five months—it won’t be a problem,” Gu Jianing reassured him.
She wasn’t lying. Thanks to the Stress-free pregnancy pills, both she and the babies had been doing exceptionally well throughout the pregnancy.
“Alright, then we’ll go,” Sheng Zexi finally agreed.
“Ningning, thank you. I, Sheng Zexi, am incredibly fortunate to have you as my wife.”
Seeing the emotion in Sheng Zexi’s eyes, Gu Jianing smiled, her heart overflowing with sweetness.
“Okay, it’s settled then. We’ll start preparing soon.”
“But for now, let’s hurry up and eat the noodles before they get soggy.”
“Mm, okay.”
…
That day, Gu Jianing was at home reading a book when suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
She opened it to find Xiao Duo standing there with a sour expression—and Amber by his side.
“Sister—”
Amber wagged her tail excitedly and approached her the moment she saw her.
“Hmph, so enthusiastic. Anyone would think she’s your owner,” Xiao Duo snorted, his voice dripping with sourness.
Gu Jianing stroked Amber’s fur and glanced at Xiao Duo. “Is there something you need, Squad Leader Xiao?”
“Did you already guess I’d come?!” Xiao Duo’s tone wasn’t exactly friendly, his voice muffled with frustration.
Gu Jianing: ?
Seeing her confusion, Xiao Duo grew even more irritated. He ground his foot against the floor, as though reluctant, but finally said, “I’m here to give you the dog.”
Give her the dog?!
Alright, now Gu Jianing understood.
“Who knows what kind of spell you cast on Amber to make her so attached to you…”
Truthfully, ever since the incident last time, Xiao Duo had known that Amber was disappointed in him.
But he had still clung to a sliver of hope.
During Amber’s recovery, aside from training, he had devoted all his time to taking care of her, hoping to win her back.
He had noticed Amber’s affection for Gu Jianing, so apart from changing her bandages, he had kept them apart.
But in the end, nothing changed.
Amber’s wounds slowly healed, but she grew even more distant from him.
After reassessing her, it was determined that Amber was no longer fit to be a military dog.
First, her obedience toward him—her handler—had weakened. Their bond was damaged, which would directly affect mission performance.
Second, the previous incident had left Amber with some adverse reactions.
He knew it was his fault. He hadn’t protected her. He had chosen to abandon her.
“…Originally, after giving birth and resting, Amber was supposed to return to duty. But now, she’s no longer suited to be a military dog.”
So, Xiao Duo had arranged for her retirement.
And retired military dogs could be adopted.
At first, Xiao Duo had planned to adopt Amber himself, but she had made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him.
Later, after observing her behavior and communicating with her, he realized—Amber was willing to be adopted…
But only by Gu Jianing.
After two days of internal struggle, Xiao Duo had finally brought Amber here.
Remembering how easily Gu Jianing had let him take Amber away last time, he wondered—had this woman foreseen all of this?
Had she been so certain he’d come back, handing Amber over to her in the end?
“Will you… adopt Amber?” Xiao Duo forced the words out, his heart aching.
“Of course I will.” She had made up her mind the moment she saved Amber.
In fact, Sheng Zexi had previously suggested adopting a military dog.
That way, when he wasn’t home, she’d at least have company—and protection if anything happened.
Especially now that she was pregnant, with two children on the way.
!
Of course, he wanted to stay by Gu Jianing’s and their children’s side at all times, but his duties made that impossible.
If they had a military dog with Gu Jianing, at least he could rest a little easier.
When Sheng Zexi first suggested it, Gu Jianing had agreed, but they hadn’t gotten around to adopting one yet. Then she met Amber—and felt she was the perfect fit.
Now, it had finally come to pass.
“Alright, do you have time now? If so, come with me to complete the adoption paperwork.”
“Sure.”
Gu Jianing didn’t delay. She followed him out, and once they arrived, she signed the adoption forms for Amber.
“All set?” Gu Jianing asked.
“All set. You can take Amber home now.”
Gu Jianing nodded, then waved at Amber. “Amber, come with me. Let’s go home.”
Amber trotted over to Gu Jianing’s side and walked out with her.
After a few steps, Amber suddenly paused, as if hesitating.
“Are you reluctant to leave? Do you want to go back?” Gu Jianing asked softly.
Amber turned her head—only to see Xiao Duo’s retreating figure. She blinked, her expression unreadable.
Then she turned back to Gu Jianing and said, “He’ll find a new partner.”
With that, she followed Gu Jianing without another glance back.
Xiao Duo listened to the fading sound of footsteps, muttering under his breath, “Heartless. After all the battles we fought side by side…”
“After everything we’ve been through together.”
“No loyalty at all. Just left without a second thought.”
“Ran off with someone else so quickly.”
“Fine, go then. See if I care.”
His words were stubborn, but when he lifted his head again, his eyes were already red.
His voice cracked as he whispered, “Amber…” He spun around suddenly, calling her name—but Gu Jianing and Amber were already gone.
Slowly, he crouched down, covering his face with his hands. Tears slipped through his fingers as he choked out, “Amber… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
It was me who failed to protect you. Me who hesitated when I should have stood by you. Me who gave up on you.
So it’s only right that you gave up on me too.
I hope… Dr. Gu treats you well.
She will, won’t she?
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