Chapter 121: Eat. Aren't You Hungry?

What was he talking about?

At that instant, Gu Qingjiu immediately was reminded of the typical arrogant attitude of a rich baller.

Yet, Huo Yingcheng mentioned that after He Niancheng used the cutleries, they could be donated to the military cafeter.

There wouldn't be any wastage, ultimately.

Gu Qingjiu couldn't say much, too.

She continued looking through the list. Besides the utensils, the other items also showed He Niancheng's 'principle' clearly.

I listed items like pillows and bed sheets in smaller quantities of about ten sets per month.

Gu Qingjiu counted quietly and felt incredibly relieved that each set would last three days!

The longer Gu Qingjiu looked at the list, the more she didn't dare to speak anymore. Besides seeing him as a kind person, she had also gotten a better understanding of how lavish his lifestyle was.

It was simply indulgent.

The store that the Chief Instructor had specified on the list was the most famous imitation ceramics in Dayi City.

Although they were simply imitation goods, their cutleries were intricately made and are of top quality. They priced a small bowl at around 100 yuan.

To most middle-income families, a bowl that costs 100 yuan was simply a luxury.

Gu Qingjiu used such cutleries at home, but they had been using them for a long time. On the other hand, the Chief Instructor would only use it once. Unbelievable!

Gu Qingjiu couldn't even fathom how much the Chief Instructor would spend each month on such items. It would probably cost more than her fortunes from her past and present lives.

She grew increasingly surprised as she studied the list. He Niancheng mumbled, "We can only put up with it and use the items."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless once again.

'This is too heart-wrenching, Chief Instructor!'

There were children from poor families who never experienced a proper life!

When she was at the Yu family, Gu Qingjiu had also seen cutlery sets that cost tens of thousands and even furniture that cost several hundred thousand yuan. However, those items that were out of bounds.

Although the Chief Instructor claimed that the price was average, the total spending in an entire month would be astronomical. However, the two parties were lavish in their own ways and they couldn't be compared to each other.

Gu Qingjiu thought the Chief Instructor must be from a well-to-do family.

Otherwise, an average household could never keep up with his extreme spending.

They drove for several hours before reaching Dayi City.

Setting off in the morning, it was almost noon when they arrived in the city.

The fog had dissipated, and people crowded the streets.

He Niancheng pulled to a halt outside a five-star hotel and a bellboy immediately opened the car door, welcoming them.

Dayi City wasn't a bustling city, and that was the only five-star hotel around.

She instantly recognized where they were.

Gu Qingjiu was rather puzzled. "Chief Instructor, are you shopping here?"

"We're going to eat." He Niancheng passed the car keys to the bellboy and requested him to park the car. He glanced at Gu Qingjiu and said, "Aren't you hungry? It's almost noon."

Gu Qingjiu felt that the Chief Instructor was quietly looking down on her.

All along, she had always been eating at roadside eateries or at home.

Was it necessary to have a casual meal at a five-star hotel?

After all, she had mostly been cooped up at the Yu family home and didn't have much time to eat outside.

She had always lived an ordinary life with an ordinary family.

However, from now on, Gu Qingjiu felt that she had to get used to the Chief Instructor's lifestyle.

Otherwise, any word could easily hurt her heart.

As Gu Qingjiu pondered and followed behind, He Niancheng observed her odd mannerisms.

Chapter 122: Regular Customer

Since it was the only five-star hotel in Dayi City, the interior was utterly grand and magnificent.

Upon entering the hall, a chandelier hung proudly on the vast ceiling, illuminating the space with an extravagant radiance.

She felt like she slowly entered another world as she walked into the hotel.

The people who walked past her were clad in smart suits. Besides looking obviously elegant, they emanated the rare aura of a true elite.

Nevertheless, when He Niancheng, dressed in his military uniform, entered the hall with Gu Qingjiu, they still invited the stares of the people inside.

It was probably because a soldier in the hotel wasn't a common sight.

Gu Qingjiu initially wasn't bothered, but when she later thought of the possible rumors that could surface, she felt uneasy.

"Chief Instructor, we can go to a lower end hotel to eat."

This five-star hotel was too luxurious, and it would be an enormous deal for a commoner to visit this place. However, it might cause some issues if people were to find out that a soldier had come here. If someone uploaded photos of them online, it would be difficult for them to clarify appropriately.

However...

The Chief Instructor was handsome!

Gu Qingjiu knew that even if the photos of the Chief Instructor were to circulate online, his dashing looks would become the netizen's focus instead.

The waiter brought them to the private room which had been reserved beforehand. After sitting down, Gu Qingjiu felt uncomfortable being the commoner she was.

She didn't even dare to move as she sat awkwardly on the chair.

He Niancheng sat opposite her and gently tossed the menu towards her. "Just order what you feel like eating."

"I'm not craving anything. Chief Instructor, you can order instead."

Gu Qingjiu waved her hand, refusing to comply.

She couldn't just order everything based on her own preferences. What if the Chief Instructor didn't like the food she ordered?

After all, the Chief Instructor looked like someone who was picky about food.

Right after Gu Qingjiu had spoken, He Niancheng placed his orders smoothly to the waiter near him.

It was clear that he frequently dined there.

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

She sighed. The Chief Instructor was only just being polite to her.

Seeing that he had ordered several dishes, Gu Qingjiu ordered no more.

When the food was served, the two of them started eating without a word.

In fact, both of them weren't talkative people. If there wasn't a need, they wouldn't be speaking unnecessarily.

This included even when they're dining.

Gu Qingjiu felt rather guilty.

She ate normally like anyone else, but in the military, she had to wolf down her food in a short period of time.

Compared to the Chief Instructor, she felt that her dining habits were just too boorish.

They were both holding a pair of chopsticks. But how could the Chief Instructor appear so elegant, as though he was in a painting?

She grew even more guilty, and as she ate, she became even more cautious of her actions. After eating, she still felt that she wasn't full.

However, she would never admit that.

Naturally, the Chief Instructor footed the bill. The waiter didn't mention the total price and merely passed the bill to He Niancheng for his signature.

Gu Qingjiu wouldn't be so untactful to ask him either.

After the meal, Gu Qingjiu held the list that Huo Yingcheng passed to her and roamed Dayi City to purchase all the items that the Chief Instructor needed.

Although they drove a jeep, there wouldn't be sufficient space to put everything that they have bought. However, as they bought in bulk, the seller offered to deliver the items over. When she left her address, the seller smiled brightly and said, "Oh, this is for Commander Huo, right? He is one of my regular customers!"

Wow, Commander Huo—no, it ought to be Chief Instructor—was simply too impressive.

He had only been around for merely two months but had already made a strong impression.

Chapter 123: I Am Gu Qingjiu!

But when purchasing the items, Gu Qingjiu had gone alone.

He Niancheng sat in the car throughout, toying with a silver lighter.

Seeing his arrogant manner, Gu Qingjiu knew that he was someone who wouldn't deign to undertake such chores.

She finally understood what the Chief Instructor meant by replacing Commander Huo—she was replacing him as Commander He's nanny!

Taking care of every aspect of his daily living.

It had been tough on Commander Huo.

When Gu Qingjiu was purchasing the items, she was wondering how Commander Huo had survived working under the Chief Instructor.

'Peng!'

Gu Qingjiu got into the car and closed the car door. After that, she made a strike through the last item on the list.

"Ok, Chief Instructor, I'm done buying everything. Do you want to go back now?"

Gu Qingjiu looked up and asked He Niancheng.

He Niancheng raised his gaze. "Didn't you say you wanted to make a trip back home?"

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "Yes, I wish to make a trip back home to retrieve some things."

"Since that's the case, you can go back yourself and return to the military zone tomorrow, because I'm going back to the military zone now."

Upon hearing he was going back now, Gu Qingjiu could only say, "Then alright, Chief Instructor, you go back first and I'll return to the military zone tomorrow."

After all, he was her Chief Instructor, so his words would count.

As Gu Qingjiu pulled open the car door and got out, she reminded him, "Chief Instructor, since I won't be around tomorrow, can I trouble you to sign for the items when they arrive tomorrow? I signed your name on the purchases. But if you find it too troublesome, you can get Doctor Nan to do it on your behalf."

It was highly unlikely that someone like He Niancheng would bother to do something like that himself.

Gu Qingjiu was just saying that as a form of insurance.

He Niancheng gazed at Gu Qingjiu. Although his gaze still reminded one of an early winter, it didn't seem as cold as before. He nodded, then drove away after Gu Qingjiu had closed the car door.

Gu Qingjiu prepared to return to the Gu family immediately.

She was wearing an army uniform, and her short hair gave her a crisp and clean appearance.

She gave off a valiant and energetic vibe, a world of difference from the cowardly and ordinary Gu Qingjiu back then.

Within the short span of two months, Gu Qingjiu underwent such a massive transformation in the troops. She believed that her parents would be extremely shocked to see her, Gu Qingjiu!

Back then she had only spent a short few days with her parents before bidding them farewell.

Now that she had the chance to return to home, Gu Qingjiu naturally couldn't conceal her excitement.

She hailed a cab back home.

Because she was in the city center, there were many twists and turns in the streets, and it was quite a distance away from her home.

She couldn't trouble the Chief Instructor to send her home.

When she reached home, Gu Qingjiu saw a black Mercedes parked under her apartment building.

Her father was the in-charge of a small company and would entertain guests from time to time. Hence, Gu Qingjiu didn't pay much attention to seeing such a scene. She stepped into the mini-mart downstairs.

The female owner of the mini-mart, Chen Yanhong, was tallying a customer's bill right.

Gu Qingjiu calmly walked inside, not bothering to say hello.

Seeing a short-haired pretty girl walk in, Chen Yanhong's eyes widened, and she started calling out loudly. "Aye, who are you? Why are you walking upstairs for no reason and not stopping when you're called? Are you here to steal or what?"

Gu Qingjiu didn't halt in her footsteps at hearing this. She merely turned her head, an emotionless coldness in her eyes.

"I am Gu Qingjiu" But when purchasing the items, Gu Qingjiu had gone alone.

He Niancheng sat in the car throughout, toying with a silver lighter.

Seeing his arrogant manner, Gu Qingjiu knew that he was someone who wouldn't deign to undertake such chores.

She finally understood what the Chief Instructor meant by replacing Commander Huo—she was replacing him as Commander He's nanny!

Taking care of every aspect of his daily living.

It had been tough on Commander Huo.

When Gu Qingjiu was purchasing the items, she was wondering how Commander Huo had survived working under the Chief Instructor.

'Peng!'

Gu Qingjiu got into the car and closed the car door. After that, she made a strike through the last item on the list.

"Ok, Chief Instructor, I'm done buying everything. Do you want to go back now?"

Gu Qingjiu looked up and asked He Niancheng.

He Niancheng raised his gaze. "Didn't you say you wanted to make a trip back home?"

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "Yes, I wish to make a trip back home to retrieve some things."

"Since that's the case, you can go back yourself and return to the military zone tomorrow, because I'm going back to the military zone now."

Upon hearing he was going back now, Gu Qingjiu could only say, "Then alright, Chief Instructor, you go back first and I'll return to the military zone tomorrow."

After all, he was her Chief Instructor, so his words would count.

As Gu Qingjiu pulled open the car door and got out, she reminded him, "Chief Instructor, since I won't be around tomorrow, can I trouble you to sign for the items when they arrive tomorrow? I signed your name on the purchases. But if you find it too troublesome, you can get Doctor Nan to do it on your behalf."

It was highly unlikely that someone like He Niancheng would bother to do something like that himself.

Gu Qingjiu was just saying that as a form of insurance.

He Niancheng gazed at Gu Qingjiu. Although his gaze still reminded one of an early winter, it didn't seem as cold as before. He nodded, then drove away after Gu Qingjiu had closed the car door.

Gu Qingjiu prepared to return to the Gu family immediately.

She was wearing an army uniform, and her short hair gave her a crisp and clean appearance.

She gave off a valiant and energetic vibe, a world of difference from the cowardly and ordinary Gu Qingjiu back then.

Within the short span of two months, Gu Qingjiu underwent such a massive transformation in the troops. She believed that her parents would be extremely shocked to see her, Gu Qingjiu!

Back then she had only spent a short few days with her parents before bidding them farewell.

Now that she had the chance to return to home, Gu Qingjiu naturally couldn't conceal her excitement.

She hailed a cab back home.

Because she was in the city center, there were many twists and turns in the streets, and it was quite a distance away from her home.

She couldn't trouble the Chief Instructor to send her home.

When she reached home, Gu Qingjiu saw a black Mercedes parked under her apartment building.

Her father was the in-charge of a small company and would entertain guests from time to time. Hence, Gu Qingjiu didn't pay much attention to seeing such a scene. She stepped into the mini-mart downstairs.

The female owner of the mini-mart, Chen Yanhong, was tallying a customer's bill right.

Gu Qingjiu calmly walked inside, not bothering to say hello.

Seeing a short-haired pretty girl walk in, Chen Yanhong's eyes widened, and she started calling out loudly. "Aye, who are you? Why are you walking upstairs for no reason and not stopping when you're called? Are you here to steal or what?"

Gu Qingjiu didn't halt in her footsteps at hearing this. She merely turned her head, an emotionless coldness in her eyes.

"I am Gu Qingjiu!"

Chapter 124: Transformation Was Too Great and She Didn't Dare to Believe

"Gu... Gu Qingjiu?"

Chen Yanhong nearly swallowed her tongue upon hearing that.

And although she had reached upstairs, Chhan Yanhong still directed her at Gu Qingjiu and realized that the exquisiteness of her facial features still looked the same

Chen Yanhong inhaled a breath of cold air. "This darned lass must have disappeared for two months to do plastic surgery!"

"Aiyah. Yanhong, is that the dim and wooden lass living upstairs that you mentioned? She seems like a bright and beautiful girl to me. She's wearing an army uniform. She entered the military, didn't she?"

The person buying things was Chen Yanhong's regular customer who lived nearby but didn't know the Gu family.

Regarding the Gu family's matters, she had heard Chen Yanhong mention them a few times.

Chen Yanhong said that the girl living upstairs was dim-witted and stupid, ugly to boot, and did not quite look like she was a biological daughter of that family.

Now that she was seeing it for herself, Chen Yanhong was merely making up things. The girl didn't at all appear dim-witted, and even though she only had a brief look at her, it was evident she was not ugly at all!

With people doubting her words, Chen Yanhong's countenance turned terrible then and there.

"Alright, alright. How would I know she would go to get plastic surgery? From how I see it, she must have undergone plastic surgery!"

That was how rumors spread.

But the female customer no longer believed her words. After taking a deep look at Chen Yanhong, she picked up her things and left.

Chen Yanhong sat back down. She was so furious that hot air could nearly be seen coming from the top of her head. "Darned lass, such a huge transformation, and even more her attitude is so terrible!"

She had never been fond of Gu Qingjiu.

In the past, the lass appeared cowardly and a pushover; hence, she pretty much ignored her. Now that she came back and had a huge transformation, she looked at the gaze in her eyes.

She was simply too arrogant!

How could Chen Yanhong not be mad?

...

Since they had poor soundproofing, the moment Gu Qingjiu arrived upstairs, she heard merry laughter and chatter from inside the house.

And a girl's cheerful laughter.

She sounded very young.

Gu Qingjiu felt it was a little strange, but still, she went forward and pressed the doorbell.

Shortly after, someone came to open the door, and judging from the footsteps, it wasn't Qi Yuefeng.

The door opened to show an unknown woman's face.

She wore light makeup and had pretty features. Donned in a brown trench coat, she gave off an amorous vibe.

She was a very attractive woman in her thirties or early forties.

It was evident from the light creases in the corners of her eyes.

The woman gazed at Gu Qingjiu, wearing the smile that had yet to die down from earlier. "Who are you looking for?"

Gu Qingjiu frowned slightly, shouting into the house. "Mom!"

Although her appearance had changed, her voice hadn't.

In the living room, Gu Hong was speaking to a man in formal attire. Hearing this, he turned his head in surprise. "Qingjiu?"

The woman at the door looked at Gu Hong in astonishment, too. "Gu Hong, this is your daughter Gu Qingjiu?"

She then quickly opened the door and invited Gu Qingjiu in.

Gu Qingjiu entered the door, glanced at the woman, and then greeted her, "Hello, Auntie."

She then looked towards Gu Hong.

When the latter saw Gu Qingjiu, his eyes widened. It was clear that he suffered a great shock. "Qingjiu? How did you..."

'Become so thin!'

No one can blame Gu Hong for being so surprised. When his son went to the troops to look for Gu Qingjiu last month, although he didn't talk her out of it, he returned and merely said that Gu Qingjiu had undergone a great transformation. But then again, he didn't show them the photo.

Gu Qingjiu should return in a month's time, and not now.

Looking at her, she had undergone a huge transformation.

If it weren't because he was familiar with her face, Gu Hong wouldn't believe that the person standing before her was his daughter.

Chapter 125: This Man, I Have Seen Him Somewhere

Actually, Gu Hong had always known that Gu Qingjiu was good looking.

When she was little, Gu Qingjiu had exquisite features and fair and bright skin.

At that time, everyone around them called Gu Qingjiu Snow White.

But as she grew up, Gu Qingjiu became more and more reserved.

She kept herself covered up. Even when she looked at others, she no longer looked them in the eye, and instead had her head lowered.

And she started becoming fatter.

No matter how good looking a person was, if she didn't look energetic and didn't like to interact with people, people would slowly forget her.

It had been a long time since Gu Qingjiu had behaved as vibrantly and cute as when she was a toddler.

Seeing her energetic and exquisite daughter, it naturally shocked him.

"Qingjiu? Qingjiu you're back?"

Qi Yuefeng too came out with a spatula in her hand from the kitchen.

Seeing the slim and graceful Gu Qingjiu standing in the living room, it stunned her right away!

"Qingjiu?"

Gu Qingmo suddenly walked out of the bedroom, too.

Behind him was a girl who looked to be of Gu Qingjiu's age.

Hair falling over her shoulders, she was wearing a short-sleeved batwing coat, and a white down hat, appearing youthful and sweet.

Compared to the cold Gu Qingjiu in military attire, she appeared more of a delicate girl.

Standing behind Gu Qingmo, her enormous eyes blinked in a lively manner.

As she was close to Gu Qingjiu's age, Gu Qingjiu looked at her a few more times.

Everyone in the house felt like Gu Qingjiu's gaze at her seemed as if she was staring at some exotic creature.

Gu Qingmo walked over, then placed a hand on Gu Qingjiu's shoulder. He smiled. "Dad, Mom, stop looking. She's your daughter alright."

Last month when he saw Gu Qingjiu, he reacted the same way. He felt calmer now seeing their similar reactions.

Moreover, after a month's time, this lass gave off a slightly colder vibe.

It was the stern aura of a soldier.

Gu Qingmo still felt that the old Qingjiu was cuter.

Soft and adorable.

Unlike now!

"Oh, Qingjiu, come over quickly."

Gu Hong was the first to snap out of his shock and accepted Gu Qingjiu's sudden change.

Gu Qingjiu walked over to Gu Hong and the latter held her wrist. As he looked at the man beside him, he introduced Gu Qingjiu with a smile.

 "Qingjiu, this is Dad's old friend. His family recently returned from overseas. You may address him as Uncle Hu Yan. This is Auntie Changhu, and this girl is Hu Linghan."

So, they are Gu Hong's friend's family.

With Gu Hong's introduction, Gu Qingjiu greeted them one by one.

That attractive looking auntie was Changhu.

She walked over and praised as she gazed at Gu Qingjiu. "Ah, so this is your daughter Qingjiu? She's a lovely beauty!"

As this was a fact, Changhu praised her in a natural manner.

Her daughter Hu Linghan, who was standing by the side, walked up and asked curiously as she gazed at Gu Qingjiu's army uniform. "Sister Qingjiu, are you serving in the military now?"

There was a curiosity in her eyes, and her voice was obedient and sweet.

Gu Qingjiu nodded. Her gaze, however, was fixed on Gu Hong's old friend—Uncle Hu Yan.

The man looked familiar to her.

As if she had seen him somewhere.

Hu Yan, who wore a smile on his face and had initially wanted to compliment Gu Qingjiu, had a weird flicker in his gaze when he took a careful look at Gu Qingjiu's face.

As for Gu Qingjiu, she recalled where she had seen Hu Yan before.

Her expression changed instantly!

Chapter 126: She Bore a Great Resemblance to Her Biological Mother

In her previous life, she had seen this man once when she was at the Yu family.

The man had a common face, but there were some traits that made him memorable.

Hence, even though they had only met once, Gu Qingjiu felt he looked familiar. She then gradually recalled.

But why would someone who had a connection to the Yu family cross paths with her parents?

Although Gu Qingjiu appeared to be calm on the surface, there was a turbulent wave instantly appearing in her eyes.

"Qingjiu, what's the matter with you?"

Noticing that something was off with his daughter, Gu Hong was bewildered.

Gu Qingjiu snapped out of her daze and quickly retracted her gaze from Hu Yan. She smiled lightly with her lips pursed. "Dad, I'm fine. It's just that I seemed to have seen Uncle Hu someplace before."

Because she was speaking the truth, to begin with, no one was suspicious.

Hu Yan smiled as he looked at her. "I've returned to the country for some time now. Qingjiu might really have seen me on the streets before. Maybe that's why she finds me familiar."

His vision then swept over Gu Qingjiu's army uniform. "Qingjiu you're serving in the military now?"

Gu Qingjiu didn't reply, like how she would have responded in her previous life.

Gu Hong immediately answered on her behalf, "Yes, she's in the Dayi City's military zone."

Qi Yuefeng walked over and sized Gu Qingjiu up. There was a visible heartache in her eyes. "Child, you've only been in the military for two months and you became so thin?"

Although Gu Qingjiu had transformed into a good-looking woman, still, as parents, they ultimately worried that their daughter had suffered hardship.

"Mom, what are you worried about? Qingjiu is much more good looking now that she's thin!"

Since Gu Qingmo was slightly superficial, she found her younger sister good looking now that she had thinned down.

Gu Qingjiu smiled, but because her mind was still mulling over Hu Yan's matter. But after a while, she told her parents she'd like to rest and then marched towards her room.

She had returned to her room and sat in silence when Gu Qingmo came knocking on her door.

"You're not feeling well?"

Gu Qingmo came in and asked this. There was a doubtful and worried look in his eyes.

Gu Qingjiu frowned. "Brother, why are you asking me that?"

"Don't I know you well enough? Your expression was off the instant you saw the people in the house. Why? Don't you like Uncle Hu Yan and his family?"

When Gu Qingmo entered, he then closed the door to prevent others from coming in.

"No," Gu Qingjiu immediately denied. "Brother, does Uncle Hu Yan and his family know our father for a long time?"

After sitting down and pondering over it, she didn't seem to remember seeing Uncle Hu Yan visiting the Gu's residence in her previous life.

Since she didn't join the military and underwent distribution, she should have been busy learning computer science. Perhaps the reason she didn't encounter Hu Yan and his family was that she wasn't at home.

But this person had appeared at Yu's house.

Based on how the Yu family was behaving, this person should be a senior executive in the Yu family's company.

At this thought, Gu Qingjiu felt that something was amiss.

How did the Yu family find her so quickly in her previous life?

With no connections in Dayi City, the Yu family seemed to have found Gu Qingjiu with little to no effort.

After all, she had gone missing for more than a decade and not just a few days

Moreover, Hu Yan seemed surprised as he looked at her earlier on.

At that moment, Gu Qingjiu suddenly thought of something worth worrying about.

And that was... she bore a great resemblance to her biological mother.

Chapter 127: He's Not Fond of Women!

"He's probably Dad's business partner. I'm not that sure either, this is the first time I'm seeing this Uncle Hu Yan, too."

Gu Qingmo said what he knew, then went to sit down by Gu Qingjiu's bedside. There was a teasing look on his face. "Why are you suddenly concerned about this matter? Is there a problem?"

In the past, Gu Qingjiu had never paid attention to such matters.

Much less take the initiative to ask about such stuff.

Not sure if it was because he had been away at school for too long, Gu Qingmo had a feeling he no longer understood Gu Qingjiu that well just by her actions alone.

After hearing his words, Gu Qingjiu suddenly felt her heart palpitate.

After all, she was the second daughter of the Yu family, so it wasn't a strange thing that she bore some resemblance to her biological parents.

Gu Qingjiu's biological mother was an unkind rich man's wife who liked to speak in a pretentious tone.

But she was extremely beautiful in her younger days.

Exquisite, gracious, and also stunningly beautiful.

She was a gorgeous woman with the elegance of a lotus flower and the flamboyant beauty of a rose.

Too bad after she married that Yu Family playboy, no matter how beautiful she was, she couldn't tame his wild heart.

Gu Qingjiu resembled her the most in terms of appearance, whereas Yu Shiwei inherited her aura.

However, Yu Shiwei had grown up by her mother's side since she was a baby, and she adored her so much.

As for Gu Qingjiu, she was merely a second daughter who felt no affection despite being related by blood.

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Moreover, her biological mother liked elegant things.

This second daughter of hers, Gu Qingjiu, was raised by a middle-class family since young and wasn't presentable enough in her eyes. Hence, she naturally disliked her.

Her dislike all the more deepened because Gu Qingjiu's appearance was very much like hers in her younger days.

How laughable it was for a mother to loathe her biological daughter.

But this was a fact at the Yu family.

Gu Qingjiu no longer wished to recall the nightmarish events of her previous life.

If she hadn't seen that person whom she had met at the Yu family today, Gu Qingjiu might have been able to lead a peaceful life for some time.

"Qingjiu, Qingjiu?"

Seeing Gu Qingmo sink deep into her memories and not hearing his words, Gu Qingmo extended his hand and waved it before Gu Qingjiu's eyes.

Gu Qingjiu snapped out of her trance from the waving motion and apologized. "I'm fine, Brother, I was thinking about something in the military."

"Really?"

There was a doubtful look on Gu Qingmo's face, but he didn't press her further, merely saying, "Anyway, didn't you say you'll be coming back in a month's time?"

"I came out with the Chief Instructor to buy some things today. He gave me special permission to return home for a day, and so I did. Anyway, there's nothing to be done in the military zone during the weekend. I can just go back tomorrow."

"Who's your Chief Instructor?"

Gu Qingmo curiously asked, but then he instantly recalled the person.

His expression suddenly turned lewd. "Qingjiu, don't blame Brother for being nosy. Is he the Chief Instructor I saw the last time I went to look for you in the military? Even I have to admit, that the Chief Instructor of yours is a premium grade! If there's a chance, try to work hard for it. You don't look too bad now that you've slimmed down. Does he have a girlfriend?"

Even he had to admit that a man like He Niancheng was a premium grade man that was rare to come by.

But his tone of voice made Gu Qingjiu unsure whether she should laugh or cry. "Brother, what are you thinking? Our Chief Instructor..."

At the thought of the Chief Instructor and Huo Yingcheng's interaction, Gu Qingjiu took a deep breath then said in a small voice, "Brother, I'm telling just you, don't go around spreading this. Don't let your thoughts run wild about Chief Instructor. He's not fond of women!"

Gu Qingmo was speechless.

Chapter 128: Thoughts

The instant Gu Qingmo heard this, a look of pity instantly appeared on his face.

"I was wondering why a premium grade man like your Chief Instructor thrives in such a small town. So, he doesn't like women!"

Gu Qingmo's regretful tone of voice made Gu Qingjiu's heart skip a beat.

After all, it was a little immoral for her to be telling others about the Chief Instructor's sexual orientation.

Hence, Gu Qingjiu reminded him once again. "Brother, remember not to tell anyone."

"Who can I tell? Am I that sort of person?"

Gu Qingmo waved his hands and looked at his younger sister, feeling it was a pity indeed.

Gu Qingjiu indeed looked pretty good after slimming down. Even though she wasn't stunningly beautiful, at least she looked compatible standing next to that Chief Instructor. In the end, it turned out he had been overthinking!

'Knock, knock, knock!'

"Qingjiu, Qingmo. It's time for dinner. What are you doing inside the room?"

Qi Yuefeng's voice rang from outside the door. Gu Qingmo got to his feet right away and patted Gu Qingjiu on her head. "Stop thinking about whatever it is you're thinking and go eat. You were away for two months, Mom's been missing you every day."

Hearing such words of genuine concern, Gu Qingjiu felt her nose sting.

But she could perfectly control her emotions now, and even if she was feeling something she wouldn't dare show it.

With a nod, she then followed Gu Qingmo out to eat.

She had come back just in time for dinner.

She went to the kitchen to help Qi Yuefeng get the utensils. After being busy in the kitchen for a day, she was finally free, so she pulled Gu Qingjiu over to take a look at her figure.

"Aiyah. You became so thin. Even the military uniform looks loose on you now. The sweater inside is too big for you too, isn't it? Then your old clothes are no longer suitable for you now. Mom will take you shopping tomorrow and buy you some pretty clothes."

Qi Yuefeng had rambled incessantly about it before, but after having seen her daughter had slim down so much, she was smiling from ear to ear.

Seeing her daughter become pretty, her mother naturally felt happy.

Regardless, her daughter was her precious darling.

Gu Qingjiu was carrying the last dish as Qi Yuefeng helplessly pulled her to take a look.

"Mom, let me take the dish out first. We can talk later, there are still guests in the house."

Qi Yuefeng nodded. "Yes yes, quickly bring it over. I'll bring the soup over once it's ready. All of you can eat first."

Hence, Gu Qingjiu brought out the last dish—scallop vermicelli meat.

Everyone was already seated at the round table in the living room.

As Gu Qingmo set down a pair of chopsticks for Gu Qingjiu, he asked, "Do you want something to drink?"

The warm voice was clearly like her older brother.

A look of envy flashed by in Hu Linghan's eyes when she saw this.

And also the shyness of a little girl.

Noticing this, Gu Hong smiled lightly at Gu Qingmo and said, "Qingmo, pour Linghan a glass of mango juice."

"Okay."

After Gu Qingmo poured for Gu Qingjiu, he turned around and poured Hu Linghan a glass as well.

Hu Linghan kept gazing at Gu Qingmo.

There was a dazzle in her eyes and searing heat in her gaze for some reason.

So searingly hot that even Gu Qingjiu noticed.

She felt a little weird seeing this. Her older brother had a girlfriend, so towards Hu Linghan's intentions, he could only pretend he didn't see it and politely treat her as he would a guest.

During the dinner, other than the two girls who held different thoughts, the adults seemed to have a jolly good time.

Chapter 129: Because It's Worth It

Through the chatter during dinner, Gu Qingjiu found out that this Hu Yan was her father's good friend of many years.

In the past, Gu Hong's company crossed paths with Hu Yan's work, and back then Gu Hong was the one in charge of dealing with Hu Yan.

Later on, Hu Yan changed his job and went overseas, but because he had similar interests with Gu Hong in terms of work, they became good friends and still kept in contact even when all this time he was overseas.

They weren't close friends, just friends who would chat a word or two now and then.

Hence, now that they were back, it was Hu Yan who especially came to their house for a visit.

Carefully comparing the timelines, Gu Qingjiu should be outside and wouldn't be at home for some time in her previous life. Hence, she didn't come across Hu Yan.

But unexpectedly, she still bumped into him in this life.

But that vague impression Gu Qingjiu had when she was at the Yu family still bothered her.

From their conversation, she learned that Hu Yan returned to the country because a local company had poached him. As for whether that company was the Yu family's enterprise, Gu Qingjiu couldn't tell yet.

During the time she saw him, she should have been around the Yu family for about a year.

Gu Qingjiu, who was mulling over these matters, didn't have much appetite. But then, she suddenly heard Hu Yan saying, "Pal, are you really planning to let Qingjiu serve in the military?"

Now that she became the topic of conversation, Gu Qingjiu instantly lifted her head up.

Gu Hong gazed at Gu Qingjiu. He had the warmth of a benevolent father in his eyes as he smiled. "She was the one who insisted on joining the military. I too wanted her to learn something else, but the child is unwilling. Can't help it, I can only let her be."

"She's at an age where she should be enjoying life. It's too tough on her to be joining the military at this young age!"

Hu Yan's wife, Changhu, joined in the conversation. She gazed at her own daughter and smiled helplessly. "We've spoiled our Linghan since she's a child, and she can't take the slightest bit of hardship. If you ask her to join the military, you might as well kill her."

Hu Linghan raised her head, too. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. Displeased, she pouted a little as she said, "Well I don't have to join the military!"

By this, she meant she did not need to join the military.

This actually sounded a little awkward. However, Qi Yuefeng resolved it with a few mere words, "Exactly. I raised Qingjiu well, and she used to be incredibly delicate. If you asked her to mop the floor, she would pant for a long while. Who would believe her when she suddenly claimed she wanted to join the military? Much less believe the fact she stuck it out for two months!"

Qi Yuefeng was still a little begrudging about this.

After all, she hoped to keep Gu Qingjiu by her side.

Gu Qingjiu gazed at Qi Yuefeng, pursing her lips and smiling in a guilty manner. She was not sure of what to say.

Gu Qingmo looked at his mother and helped Gu Qingjiu out of this. "Alright Mom, just let Qingjiu do whatever she wishes to do. You shouldn't be too narrow-minded. It is indeed tough serving in the military, but it's not without its benefits. Look at the major transformation so many people underwent after joining the army. Moreover, it sounds so impressive to be able to say our family raised a soldier!"

Qi Yuefeng rolled her eyes at him. "Yeah, impressive!"

Everyone at the table erupted in laughter, and this topic ended on this note.

Staring at the smiley faces of those present, Gu Qingjiu felt complex emotions in her heart.

Actually, she didn't ask for a lot. Her parents were considering her future, but she had no choice because she knew what would happen in the future.

Now, her family wore blissful smiles on their faces.

She had to pay a little price if she wanted to keep this in her life!

Because it was worth it.

Chapter 130: Since It's a Stumbling Block, It Had to Be Removed!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

That night, after Hu Yan and his family finished eating, they left.

Gu Qingmo went downstairs to send them away, whereas Gu Qingmo returned to his room to work on his internship plan on the computer.

It was his last semester in school, and also the semester where he ought to be interning. After the new year, Gu Qingmo would return to the capital to look for an internship, and after that he would wait for graduation.

Qi Yuefeng shuttled between the living room and the kitchen, busying herself with clearing away the utensils.

These are all trivial aspects of life a housewife needed to take care of.

Thankfully, she had a loving husband and a family complete with a son and a daughter, and there weren't troubling matters at home as well. Hence, Qi Yuefeng was a rather happy housewife.

Gu Qingjiu helped Qi Yuefeng wipe the table and mop the floor.

After packing up, she saw that Qi Yuefeng was still washing bowls in the kitchen, and so she walked in.

"Mom, I'd like to ask you about something."

Gu Qingjiu started speaking, causing Qi Yuefeng to look at her with a surprised look. "What's the matter?"

"After Brother came to look for me, you called me and sounded funny over the phone. Why did you ask me about my biological parents?"

Gu Qingjiu felt this matter was odd.

You can't blame her for being paranoid, though. It was truly because the Yu family's matter was about to happen soon; hence, Gu Qingjiu couldn't afford any accidents.

"Well, about that..." Qi Yuefeng paused for a moment, her head lowered as she continued washing the dishes. "Actually, it's nothing. Mom just saw someone putting up a notice looking for their lost child. This made me think of your biological parents. I wonder if they're still looking for you after so many years..."

Actually, what she was more interested in asking was whether Gu Qingjiu herself missed her biological parents.

A barely noticeable cold glint flashed across Gu Qingjiu's eyes. If the Yu family missed her, that was because their favorite daughter was about to be forced to get married then.

"Mom, don't think so much. Since they abandoned me, how can you count on my biological parents to be good people?"

After all, since she knew the truth, she had no pressure saying all these.

Qi Yuefeng felt it was a little weird. She had a kind nature and was an ordinary person who didn't like to think of others as being too wicked. "Perhaps they had their reasons?"

Gu Qingjiu deliberately said in an upset manner, "Mom, are you trying to say you're hoping my biological parents will come to look for me and take me away with them? Do you no longer wish to raise me?"

Hearing this made Qi Yuefeng panic. "Mom never thought that way. What nonsense are you thinking about, child? It's my fault for bringing this up. Let's stop thinking about all this. You're Mom's daughter. How can I not wish to raise you?"

She truly doted on this daughter, hence the panic.

What she feared was that Gu Qingjiu would leave with her biological parents in the future.

Humans are selfish—she had raised this daughter for so many years, and she had long been like her own flesh and blood. Of course, she wanted Gu Qingjiu to keep staying by her side. Regardless of the kind of people her biological parents were, she didn't want Gu Qingjiu to go back.

Was it so easy to part with their kinship of so many years?

Since Qi Yuefeng feared Gu Qingjiu would let her thoughts run wild, she stopped talking about this matter and simply asked Gu Qingjiu to bring fruits to Gu Qingmo.

However, she didn't see the smile on her daughter's lips the instant the latter turned around.

Actually, she just had to obtain assurance from Qi Yuefeng. Even if Qi Yuefeng would waver when the time came, she would not.

She would rather die than leave the Gu family members in this lifetime.

The Yu family was her stumbling block on this path.

Since it's a stumbling block, it had to be removed!