Chapter 165: Adopting Amber

Sheng Zexi was stunned. He hadn’t expected Gu Jianing to suggest they go together to pay respects to his mother.

Actually, he visited his mother’s grave every year. If he happened to be on a mission, he’d find another time to go.

This year, he’d planned to go as usual.

It would be wonderful if Ningning could go with him.

He wanted to introduce such a wonderful Ningning to his mother.

He wanted to tell his mother that he was married now, that his wife was truly wonderful, and that they even had a child on the way. He hoped his mother, watching over them from above, would bless Ningning and their unborn child with safety and happiness.

He wanted to tell his mother that after she left, aside from his grandparents, there was finally a third person in this world who loved him.

“But… your belly…”

Now, Gu Jianing was more than three months pregnant. By Qingming Festival, there would be another month, so she’d be almost five months along.

And since it was twins, her belly would surely be quite big.

He was worried Ningning would get too tired.

“It’s fine. I’m very healthy, and the babies are well-behaved too. By then, I’ll be just under five months—there won’t be any problem,” Gu Jianing replied.

She was telling the truth. Thanks to the soothing pills she’d taken during her pregnancy, both she and the babies were doing very well.

“Alright, then let’s go.” In the end, Sheng Zexi agreed.

“Ningning, thank you. I, Sheng Zexi, am so lucky to have you as my wife.”

Seeing the emotion in Sheng Zexi’s eyes, Gu Jianing smiled, her heart full of sweetness.

“Alright, it’s settled then. Let’s start getting ready.”

“For now, let’s hurry and eat our noodles, or they’ll get soggy.”

“Mm, okay.”

—

That day, Gu Jianing had the day off and was reading at home when someone suddenly knocked on the door.

She opened it to find Xiao Duo standing there with a sour expression, and beside him was Amber.

Sister—

As soon as Amber saw her, he bounded over enthusiastically, wagging his tail.

“Hmph, so enthusiastic. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were his owner,” Xiao Duo snorted, his tone full of jealousy.

Gu Jianing stroked Amber’s fur and looked at Xiao Duo. “Squad Leader Xiao, what brings you here?”

“You must’ve guessed I’d come!” Xiao Duo’s tone was a bit off, his voice muffled.

Gu Jianing: ?

Seeing her confusion, Xiao Duo got even more annoyed. He scuffed his foot on the ground, looking reluctant, but finally said, “I’m here to give you the dog.”

Give her the dog?!

Okay, now Gu Jianing understood.

“I don’t know what kind of magic you worked on Amber, but now he won’t have anyone but you…”

Actually, after what happened last time, Xiao Duo knew Amber was disappointed in him.

But he still held onto a last shred of hope.

While Amber was recovering from his injuries, Xiao Duo had done his best to take care of him whenever he wasn’t training, hoping to win him back.

He could tell Amber liked Gu Jianing, so except for changing his bandages, he hadn’t let Amber see her.

But in the end, nothing changed.

Amber’s injuries slowly healed, but he grew even more distant from Xiao Duo.

And after a reassessment, it turned out Amber was no longer fit to be a military dog.

First, his obedience to Xiao Duo as his handler had dropped—their bond was broken, and that would directly affect future missions.

Second, the incident had left Amber with some negative reactions.

Xiao Duo knew it was his fault—he hadn’t protected Amber, he’d chosen to give him up.

“…Originally, after Amber recovered from giving birth and had rested, he was supposed to return to duty. But now, he’s not suitable to be a military dog anymore.”

So, Xiao Duo processed Amber’s retirement.

Retired military dogs could be adopted.

At first, Xiao Duo planned to adopt Amber himself, but Amber made it clear he refused.

After communicating with Amber and getting to know him better, Xiao Duo realized Amber was willing to be adopted—but only by Gu Jianing.

After two days of struggling with himself, Xiao Duo finally brought Amber over.

Thinking back to how Gu Jianing had so trustingly let him take Amber away, he wondered if she’d already foreseen all this.

That she knew he’d eventually bring Amber back to her, entrusting him to her care.

“Will you adopt Amber?” Xiao Duo asked, trying to hide his pain.

“Of course I will.” From the moment she saved Amber, she’d already made up her mind.

Actually, Sheng Zexi had suggested before that they adopt a retired military dog.

That way, when he wasn’t home, at least she’d have some company, and if anything happened, the dog could protect her.

Especially now that Gu Jianing was pregnant, and soon there would be two children.

Of course, he wanted to be by her and the children’s side all the time, but his job made that impossible.

If she had a military dog with her, he’d feel more at ease.

When Sheng Zexi first suggested it, Gu Jianing agreed, but they hadn’t gotten around to adopting one. Then she met Amber, and realized he was the perfect choice.

Now, it had finally happened.

“Alright, do you have time now? If so, come with me to complete the adoption paperwork.”

“Okay.”

Gu Jianing didn’t delay, and went with Xiao Duo. When they arrived, she signed the adoption form for Amber.

“Is that it?” Gu Jianing asked.

“That’s it. You can take Amber home now.”

Gu Jianing nodded, then waved at Amber. “Amber, come home with me.”

Amber walked over to her side and followed her out.

As they walked, Amber suddenly stopped, as if thinking about something.

“Are you reluctant? Do you want to go back?” Gu Jianing asked.

Amber looked back. All he could see was Xiao Duo’s back. He blinked, and no one saw the clarity in his eyes at that moment.

Then he turned back to Gu Jianing and said, “He’ll have a new partner.”

With that, he hesitated no longer, and continued on with Gu Jianing.

Xiao Duo listened to the sound of footsteps growing farther and farther away, muttering to himself, “Heartless thing. After all we’ve been through together…”

“We were at least friends, weren’t we?”

“Heartless, just leaving like that.”

“Running off with someone else so quickly.”

“Fine, go then, I don’t care.”

He said all this stubbornly, but when he looked up again, his eyes were already red.

As he spoke, tears began to fall.

“Amber…” He suddenly turned and called Amber’s name, but Gu Jianing and Amber were already out of sight.

He slowly crouched down, covering his face with his hands, tears slipping through his fingers.

“Amber, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

I didn’t protect you. I didn’t choose you without hesitation. I gave up on you.

So it’s only right that you gave up on me.

I hope Dr. Gu will treat you well.

She will, won’t she?"