Chapter 999: Are You Pregnant?

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The drama in the military compound had reached a fever pitch. The rumors about Li Li and Gu Shan’s affair had spread like wildfire, igniting whispers and knowing glances among the neighbors.

No matter how hard Li Li tried to contain the situation, it had spiraled beyond her control. Finally realizing the truth could no longer be hidden, she acted swiftly.

Before Zhang Mei could retaliate, Li Li feigned an excuse, requested leave, and asked for her salary in advance. Without a second thought, she packed her belongings and fled to her village. Confronting Zhang Mei, a woman well-connected within the compound, was a losing battle Li Li had no intention of fighting.

Li Li clung to one belief: as long as Gu Shan’s heart remained with her, nothing else mattered. She wasn’t naive—she knew Zhang Mei would eventually uncover the truth. But what could Zhang Mei do? Li Li had already disappeared.

Hiding in the safety of her village, she envisioned a future where Zhang Mei and Gu Shan’s inevitable quarrels would lead to divorce. Then, when the dust settled, Li Li would step into the role of the military officer’s wife—a title she coveted more than anything.

Her days in the village were cautious and uneventful, but Li Li never anticipated Lin Miao, Zhang Mei’s biological daughter, would track her down.

When Li Li spotted Lin Miao, her first instinct was to run. Surely, Lin Miao was here to avenge her mother. But before Li Li could escape, Lin Miao grabbed her arm and held her firmly.

“I’m not here about my mother,” Lin Miao assured her, a strange calmness in her voice. Only then did the panic on Li Li’s face begin to subside.

Li Li pulled her arm away, straightened her posture, and studied Lin Miao with wary eyes. “If you’re not here because of her, then what do you want from me? And why would I help you?” she asked, suspicion laced in her tone.

At that moment, a flicker of resentment crossed Li Li’s mind. Even though Lin Miao had served time in prison, she still stood taller in society than Li Li ever could. Lin Miao, by virtue of her bloodline as Gu Shan’s daughter and her status within the compound, was afforded opportunities Li Li could only dream of.

It wasn’t fair. Why should Lin Miao, a convicted criminal, still have the luxury of an enviable future while Li Li, no matter how hard she tried, was stuck in mediocrity?

But Li Li’s bitterness didn’t blind her to practicality. If Lin Miao needed her help, she would have to offer something valuable in return.

Lin Miao, acutely aware of the greed simmering beneath Li Li’s composed demeanor, decided to play her hand. “The Gong family,” Lin Miao began, her voice steady, “needs someone to manage their household chores. I can arrange for you to take the job. Not only that, I can help you resolve my mother’s hatred toward you. You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

Li Li’s hand instinctively moved to her abdomen, her face stiffening. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, feigning ignorance. “I’m unmarried. Why would I be pregnant?”

Lin Miao chuckled knowingly. “You don’t need to pretend. It’s obvious what you want. You’re hoping to replace my mother and marry my father, aren’t you? But let me tell you, things aren’t as simple as you think. Sure, my father may have fallen out of love with my mother, but divorcing her would have significant consequences for his career. A divorce could damage his reputation, jeopardize his rank, and force him to leave the compound. If that happens, would you still want to marry him? Would you still be proud to have his child?”

Her words struck a nerve, but Lin Miao continued, unrelenting. “Instead, why not follow my plan? Protect my father’s reputation, and in turn, secure a future for your child—a legitimate future. When the time comes, I’ll ensure my mother acknowledges your child and allows them to claim their rightful place in the family. Wouldn’t that be better than rushing into a situation that could ruin everyone involved?”

Li Li stood frozen, her mind racing.@@novelbin@@

What Lin Miao said made sense. If Gu Shan lost his standing in the compound, what use would he be to her? But the prospect of her child—her ticket to a better life—being accepted into the Gu family gave her hope.

After a long pause, Li Li exhaled. “Alright, Lin Miao,” she said cautiously. “What do you need me to do?”

Lin Miao’s smile widened, sensing her victory. “You’ll work as a housekeeper at the Gong family’s residence,” she explained. “While you’re there, keep a close eye on my husband, Gong Zhan. There’s a woman named Mo Li who’s been lingering around him. I need you to find a way to drive her away. Of course, I’ll support you, but I can’t be seen meddling directly. Wait for my instructions—I’ll send you everything you need to start at the Gong residence in three days.”