Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 149: Huang Xiaobao

The young Ding Anguo, who worries the elder, hasn’t been working at the county government office for long, but the tall and sturdy young man is officially employed, and it wasn’t long before he caught people’s attention.

Monday, June 16th.

"Anguo, are you free tonight? Come to my house for dinner, okay?" An, the forty-five-year-old female colleague in the same office, walked up to Ding Anguo’s desk and invited him in a low voice.

If it were half a month ago, when Ding Anguo just joined the unit, he might have agreed immediately, but after hearing and seeing things for over half a month, he understood the meaning behind these words—a disguised matchmaking.

"Sorry, An, but I have to go home to cook today," Ding Anguo said apologetically.

"Huh? You have to cook at home? You’re a big man, why are you cooking? Don’t you have a sister and sister-in-law?" An said incredulously.

"They’re all at work and busy; we take turns cooking at home. On weekends, my elder brother cooks, and today it’s my turn." Ding Anguo said without a hint of embarrassment. But this arrangement started after Ancheng entered the kitchen—with his elder brother cooking, he couldn’t just sit back and enjoy without learning to cook, which earned him praise from Anmin, saying he was enlightened.

"Oh wow, Anguo, you can cook too? Good job, you’re bringing glory to us men," joked Kong Yingxin, who was a decade older than Ding Anguo. "Your family’s way of handling things is good; siblings, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, there must be no conflicts, right?"

"What conflict could there be? Didn’t Anguo join the county government office because his sister-in-law gave up her position for him?" said Huang Xiaobao, two years older than Ding Anguo, twenty-one this year, with his hair perfectly combed in a 70-30 style, his words tinged with jealousy. Both he and Ding Anguo joined at the same time, but he was only a temporary worker.

Huang Xiaobao’s second uncle was the deputy county magistrate. Knowing that someone at the county government office was about to retire, they tried to pull strings with County Magistrate Lou to get him a job in the office—as an official employee. However, County Magistrate Lou recruited Ding Anguo instead, even presenting documents from the city, leaving no room for negotiation.

Huang Xiaobao’s second uncle originally wanted to arrange for his own nephew to go to other units or factories, but Huang Xiaobao didn’t want that. He just liked working at the county government office, and his family couldn’t persuade him otherwise, so they agreed; after all, if better jobs came along, he’d likely get priority anyway.

Knowing that Ding Anguo occupied the position initially meant for him, Huang Xiaobao was displeased. He often retorted or mockingly commented on Ding Anguo’s words, which others in the office had gotten accustomed to.

"My sister-in-law is outstanding. I truly owe this job to her," Ding Anguo said with a smile. "That’s why I will work hard, complete the tasks assigned by the leadership, and contribute to the people of Huaixi County, living up to my sister-in-law’s expectations."

"Well said, Anguo," Kong Yingxin applauded.

Even though Ding Anguo hadn’t been there long, his diligence and hard work were evident to the others. Moreover, he had a proper high school education, so he was knowledgeable. No matter what was said, he understood right away and was capable of handling the responsibility.

Although Huang Xiaobao also had a high school education, every school has its top and bottom students. Ding Anguo was among the top, while Huang Xiaobao was among the bottom. Even if colleagues were dissatisfied with him, they had to be amicable due to his connection to the deputy county magistrate.

Actually, Ding Anguo didn’t dislike Huang Xiaobao because he was straightforward; he spoke his dissatisfaction and expressed scorn directly, making his personality clear. This trait was likely nurtured by his family, which protected him well.

"Next time, I’ll invite everyone to my place for dinner and show off my cooking skills," Ding Anguo said warmly and politely, effectively ending this topic, as An’s invitation became void naturally.

"Ding Anguo—" A bright silhouette appeared outside the office, dressed in a white shirt and red skirt, with two thick, black braids hanging over her chest. Her striking features carried a spirited, fiery flair, most notably her vibrant red lips, accentuated by lipstick, making her look exceptionally lively.

"Lian, are you delivering documents from the county committee office again?" Kong Yingxin teased, successfully making Su Xiulian blush and lower her head slightly, her gaze darting towards Ding Anguo.

Ding Anmin’s worries were justified because Ding Anguo was oblivious like a blind person in that moment. He took the document from Su Xiulian politely, thanked her, and went straight back to his desk to study the file thoroughly.

Kong Yingxin chuckled and shook his head, An felt inexplicably relieved, and Huang Xiaobao sneered, looking at Ding Anguo as if he were a fool. Su Xiulian had experienced this treatment several times already, but she persevered and greeted the others before leaving.

"Anguo, doesn’t your family worry about your marriage?" Kong Yingxin, as an elder, asked out of concern. "By the time I was your age, my eldest had already been born."

"My parents haven’t mentioned it, and my elder brother just got married at the end of last year," Ding Anguo said nonchalantly.

As soon as it was time to get off work, Ding Anguo promptly packed up and left; he was eager to get home and cook. Huang Xiaobao also packed his bag, glancing at Ding Anguo’s back a few times before following him.

This man is unaffected by pressure; when insulted, he just smiles and shrugs it off. He does his tasks diligently, and if anyone makes mistakes, he patiently explains things. Huang Xiaobao is puzzled by Ding Anguo, believing he’s possibly genuinely naive, but naively charming, making others not dislike him. Although Huang Xiaobao occasionally used biting sarcasm, it was never too harsh.

"Second Brother—"

A cute, clear voice rang out in the post-work crowd, catching Huang Xiaobao’s attention effortlessly. Raising his eyes, he saw a beautiful, youthful face with fair skin standing out in the crowd, dressed in a long-sleeved, floral dress with an apricot yellow background. With her right hand held high, she bounced adorably, making Huang Xiaobao’s face flush as he stared at her without blinking.

"Anmin." Huang Xiaobao watched as Ding Anguo approached with a bicycle, then used the bike to carry her away.

"Ding Anguo’s sister is really pretty; she must be one of the top ones in the county town."

"Isn’t Ding Anguo also good looking, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, tall stature?"

"Do you know who Ding Anguo’s elder brother is?"

"Who?"

"He’s Ding, the teacher from County First Middle School, Ding Ancheng."

"Whoa, what’s up with this family’s genes? Each one is outstanding."

...

That was Ding Anguo’s sister, and Huang Xiaobao gained valuable information, feeling his heart beat faster. He believed he was in love.

The Ding siblings had no idea.

"Anmin, why are you waiting at the office entrance today? Did you get off work early?" Ding Anguo asked, concerned.

"I went to the bank with Song today. After finishing, Song let me off early, and I thought I’d come help you out since you haven’t cooked much," Anmin said with a click.