Chapter 171-180

Chapter 171: Back So Quickly


Gu Qingjiu felt that this scene in front of her looked like those from dramas.


As she thought, she lowered her voice and steadied it. "I'm here to collect something under Huo Yingcheng's name."


In an instant, the old man looked towards Gu Qingjiu.


And his gaze clouded over with something ominous in an instance.


He sized Gu Qingjiu up. His gaze made her feel as if an insect was crawling all over her body.


This chill in the surrounding air irritated her skin, causing goosebumps to appear.


The way this man looked at her made her feel pressured and incredibly uncomfortable.


But it was a relief that the pressure wasn't as bad as He Niancheng's.


He only took around ten seconds to size Gu Qingjiu up, before he chuckled in a cold and dark tone. "Huo Yingcheng..."


With just those three words, it sounded so ominous on that chilly winter night that it scared people.


Gu Qingjiu forced herself to calm down. Even if it was in the past, she had never met a person as strange as him...


But he quickly turned around to retrieve a no bigger than the size of Gu Qingjiu's palm ordinary looking box from the corner of the shop.


He took it and passed it to Gu Qingjiu.


When Gu Qingjiu received it, she saw the man's eyes who seemed to be testing her.


She calmed herself and steadily took the box over.


And without a single word, she left.


After Gu Qingjiu had entered the car, she passed the box to He Niancheng. Only after she took her seat did she realize that the perspiration covering her back had already seeped through her clothes.


He Niancheng drove the car away immediately.


After sweeping a glance over the box, he casually placed it under his car seat.


Gu Qingjiu didn't probe. It was only when He Niancheng sent her home did she hear him say a single word. "Thanks."


It terrified Gu Qingjiu upon hearing that. She turned and shook her head. "Chief Instructor, you don't have to be so polite."


"Okay."


He Niancheng looked at her meaningfully. "It will really be tough on you in the future."


"..."


Before Gu Qingjiu could fully comprehend that statement, he drove away.


It seemed like the Chief Instructor still remembered what Huo Yingcheng said in the car earlier on.


Was he referring to her becoming his maidservant?


Shrugging her shoulder, Gu Qingjiu went up from the back entrance.


Gu Qingjiu still couldn't wrap her head around with what happened. Why was she suddenly helping the Chief Instructor to do something top secret?


Gu Qingjiu could feel that when she went to collect the said item, the boss in that shop...


His eyes were bloodthirsty, and he exuded an aura that caused one's heart to palpitate rapidly, as if the coppery scent of blood was choking her...


It felt so menacing that even until then Gu Qingjiu still felt tense.


But with the Chief Instructor by her side, that feeling seemed to have diminished a little.


She felt that even if it was dangerous, the Chief Instructor wouldn't ask her to do such things.


But all of a sudden, it seemed like she obtained some incredible information.


Gu Qingjiu was still thinking about it after opening the door, so when Gu Qingmo opened his room's door, she jumped in shock.


"Older brother, you're back so quickly?"


He was walking out from his room, already clad in his pajamas so he probably have showered. It can be easily seen that he had been back for quite some time.


Gu Qingjiu probably went for around half an hour.


Chapter 172: Commander Huo, My Condolences


When Gu Qingmo saw Gu Qingjiu come back home safely, his frown relaxed. "You're back? Rest earlier, then. Mom and the rest are already asleep."


After that, Gu Qingmo walked towards the toilet before he stopped, as if recalling something. "Oh yea, Xiaoxi's sleeping on your bed."


Gu Qingjiu nodded.


There was only one guest room in her house which her Great Aunt and husband had already occupied. Their children, on the other hand, naturally shared rooms with the rest.


Gu Qingmo looked like he wanted to ask something, but he paused. Without saying anything, he left.


Gu Qingjiu did not stop him either and instead tiptoed back to her own room.


Gu Xiaoxi was already sleeping soundly on her bed.


She wasn't the kind who tossed and turned a lot in her sleep.


She slept steadily at the side of the bed, and she was using her two tiny arms as her pillow. The little gilr looked orderly even when sleeping.


Gu Qingjiu washed up and changed into her pajamas before climbing into bed. After tucking both herself and Xiaoxi in, she gradually fell asleep.


...


Early morning. Gu Xiaoxi woke Gu Qingjiu up.


Qi Yuefeng had already prepared breakfast. Great Aunt and the rest had already washed up and were seated at the dining table.


Yao Yanshen was seated as well.


It confused Gu Qingjiu.


After she had left earlier yesterday, Yao Yanshen and Yu Bao'er were still fooling around.


When she reached home, Yao Yanshen had yet to return, but he woke up earlier than she did.


She sat down and gulped down a cup of warm milk.


At the dining table, Great Aunt spoke up in a stern voice, "Did you guys go to play at the KTV yesterday?"


Yao Yanshen nodded. "Yes, we did. Mom, didn't you already know?"


"Of course, I do! But Qingjiu's a soldier. For a soldier to be at such a place, it wouldn't be good if people found out about it. In the future, you're not allowed to bring her there."


Yao Yanshen eyed Gu Qingjiu before he smiled. "Okay, I get it. Last night was just a gathering, so I brought her along. What could happen?"


Gu Qingjiu thought in mirth. Her Chief Instructor had already caught her last night.


Would she still be afraid of these?


Father Gu was a typical family man. Upon finishing his breakfast, he read the newspaper at the table before he casually added, "What's your plan for today?"


Gu Qingmo was eating his bread as he replied, "What other plans do I have? I will bring Qingjiu and the rest to play since she wouldn't get to do that when she returns to the camp in a few days' time. It will be two years more before we can see her, so you guys should prepare, too."


Cough! Gu Hong eyed Gu Qingmo. "What is there to prepare? Isn't it very normal to join the army? You're not good with your words."


Gu Qingmo rolled his eyes.


The conversation between the two caused Gu Qingjiu's lips to curl up into a smile. At the same time, her phone vibrated. Lowering her head, she saw that it was a phone call from Commander Huo.


For him to call this early in the morning, it befuddled her.


She moved to the side to pick up the phone as she greeted, "Commander Huo, are you sober?"


He seemed to contemplate something before he spoke after a while. "Qingjiu, my alcohol tolerance has always been bad, but I drank too much yesterday. I probably said nothing I shouldn't, right?"


When he woke up this morning to see He Niancheng's rare cold and mocking expression, Huo Yingcheng could feel the chills run down his back.


He knew that he was drunk yesterday, but he didn't know what had happened then.


He wanted to ask, but He Niancheng threw a statement saying that Gu Qingjiu was present at that time. Wasn't that a hint for him to call her just to ask what exactly happened last night?


Gu Qingjiu sympathized with him. After a deep breath, she said, "Commander Huo, I support your actions against tyranny, but I think you revealed your plan too early. My condolences!"


Huo Yingcheng was speechless.


Chapter 173: You Have to Take Good Care of Our Parents the Next Two Years


"The heavens want me to perish!!"


Before she cut off the phone, Huo Yingcheng's bitter cry was all she heard.


The tremble at the end of his statement seemed to signify the start of Huo Yingcheng's sorrowful end.


Gu Qingjiu chuckled at his misfortune.


...


The Dayi City after New Year was still pretty bustling.


In the following few days, Gu Qingmo brought Gu Qingjiu around as they played around the city.


Because it was possible that she wouldn't be able to leave camp for the next two years, Gu Qingjiu cherished this time which they had dearly.


Without her realizing, Gu Qingjiu almost forgot about the shadows that the Yu Family cast.


A week later, Gu Qingjiu was to return to the camp.


It was already dawn. With her luggage, she left the house with Gu Qingmo.


"You have to take good care of yourself there. If there's anything troublesome, call Mom and she will visit you at the camp."


Qi Yuefeng looked at Gu Qingjiu with watery eyes.


Her reluctance to let her go was evident in her eyes.


After all, their farewell could mean that Gu Qingjiu wouldn't be back for two years.


Other than the three months she spent in the new recruits' camp, Gu Qingjiu had never been away from home for such a long time.


Qi Yuefeng's state made Gu Qingjiu sad as well. She held back the longing she felt in her heart as her eyes wavered slightly. "Mom, it's okay. It's just for two years. I will call you every week. If anything happens at home, you have to let me know as well."


"I know, I know."


Qi Yuefeng held back her tears as she nodded with difficulty.


"I think you should let Qingjiu go to the bus terminal as early as possible. If you really miss her, you can just visit her there every month."


Gu Hong walked out with his hands behind him. Although his words were straightforward, Gu Qingjiu could tell from his eyes that he couldn't bear for her to leave as well.


But as a father, he wouldn't show his emotions as openly as Qi Yuefeng.


"I understand."


Qi Yuefeng wiped her tears. Afraid that she would delay Gu Qingjiu further, she looked at Gu Qingmo and instructed, "Send your younger sister to the bus terminal. When she's there, give us a call."


Gu Qingmo nodded. "Mom, I know. Rest assured. Okay, I'll bring her there then."


In order to not make it harder for her to leave, Gu Qingjiu turned away resolutely.


Two years might not seem too long, but it seemed extremely distant.


Gu Qingmo drove Father Gu's car to send Gu Qingjiu to the bus terminal.


It wasn't convenient for him to talk when Qi Yuefeng was present, but now that there were only the two of them, Gu Qingmo spoke up.


"I really have no idea what you're being so stubborn about that you have to enter the army. In those two years, who knows how many things can happen."


Gu Qingjiu pursed her lips and then bit on her lower lip. She said no words of response.


It was a relief when Gu Qingmo did not continue. He probably said his piece in the past already.


They soon arrived at the bus terminal and Gu Qingmo helped Gu Qingjiu with the luggage.


People were coming and going, and the bus terminal was bustling with activity and farewells.


Perhaps realizing that he wouldn't be able to see Qingjiu for two years, Gu Qingmo finally softened. He couldn't bear it as well. "Since you've made up your mind, you should train hard inside the camp. It's just two years. During summer break, if my girlfriend comes back with me, I will bring her to see you."


Gu Qingjiu nodded.


Under this situation, it seemed as if a million words wouldn't suffice what she wanted to express and it simply became a single sentence of—


"Goodbye, brother. I'll have to trouble you to take care of our parents for these two years."


Chapter 174: Commander Huo's Express Delivery


"I know, you don't have to worry about these."


Gu Qingmo answered as he urged Gu Qingjiu to go into the bus terminal.


Gu Qingjiu lugged her luggage along silently before she turned around and went through the checks.


The army's designated waiting area was unlike the others where regular citizens could enter easily. Without a special permit, they could not easily enter.


Hence why Gu Qingmo could only send Gu Qingjiu off outside the bus terminal and watch as her silhouette disappeared in front of him.


Gu Qingjiu held her emotions back.


It wasn't like three months ago. Before, Gu Qingjiu knew that she could come back at least once, but this trip meant she wouldn't be able to see home for the next two years,


If she entered the advanced training camp, it might take even longer.


She didn't want to cry, but she felt it was wrong if she couldn't hold back.


She could have enjoyed a safe and peaceful life. She had better choices.


But reality was always cruel.


Because of the Yu family!


Thinking about the Yu family, Gu Qingjiu's feeling of grievance changed entirely into a feeling of disdain and hatred.


It was not long before the Yu family would come.


It took around three hours to get from Dayi City to the camp. When Gu Qingjiu arrived, it was barely noon.


It was her first day of return so she didn't need to train yet.


When Gu Qingjiu arrived at the dormitory, she unpacked her luggage and cleaned the room.


Because Yu Bao'er wasn't here this time, Gu Qingjiu felt like she was a new recruit all over again.


A strange sort of loneliness filled her.


She prepared everything and changed into her uniform before going to the canteen for food.


Besides the regulars, there weren't many recruits.


The bulk of the people would arrive in the afternoon.


And for most regulars, it was already well past their usual dining time, so the canteen was pretty much empty other than a few others around.


Gu Qingjiu finished her meal quickly and quietly. When she was leaving, she received a call from Huo Yingcheng.


"Commander Huo?"


After that drunk incident the other time, Huo Yingcheng and He Niancheng did not contact Gu Qingjiu.


So until then, Gu Qingjiu had no idea if Huo Yingcheng were subjected to He Niancheng's torture or not.


"Qingjiu, are you back at the camp?"


Oh, so this was what he wanted to ask.


Gu Qingjiu said, "Yes, I'm back. What's the matter, Commander Huo?"


"Just nice. I have an express delivery sent to the mailroom. Help me collect it."


Gu Qingjiu was speechless.


It felt like she was becoming their lackey.


But since it was an order from a superior, Gu Qingjiu did not dare to object. She helplessly answered, "I understand. I will go right now. Should I send it to the Chief Instructor's office? I don't know where your office is."


"Sure, sure. You can leave it in his office. Just don't let him see you when you put it there."


Huo Yingcheng instructed.


"Okay, Commander Huo, I will take note."


She had nothing on, so it wasn't too bad to help a little.


From where she was at, it would take her around ten minutes to reach the mail room.


The items ordered by people inside the camp would be delivered to the mailroom first. And when the receivers are free after their training, they can come and collect their packages.


She arrived at the mailroom. She assumed that Huo Yingcheng came by to inform them since the personnel at the mail room only made Gu Qingjiu write her name and squad before she collected the item.


Huo Yingcheng's item was square but was rather bulky. She even had to hug it to carry it.


And carrying it in that manner almost blocked her entire view.


She couldn't properly see what was in front of her.


Chapter 175: Won't Your Conscience Hurt?


The thing wasn't too heavy, but Gu Qingjiu couldn't guess what was inside.


Deliveries nowadays all made use of QR codes, so other than the names, one wouldn't be able to tell its contents.


She carried the box all the way to the Chief Instructor's office. When she arrived there, it was silent, and no one was around.


She looked around her and made sure that she was alone.


Gu Qingjiu remembered Huo Yingcheng's orders, so she didn't let anyone know. She quietly walked inside the office and placed the parcel down before leaving straightaway.


But when she reached the door, a sudden breeze of frosty air assaulted her.


He Niancheng's silhouette appeared from the corner outside the office, scaring the wits out of Gu Qingjiu.


His posture was perfectly straight while his exquisitely sculpted face revealed a hint of surprise.


"Chief... Chief Instructor, good afternoon!"


For her to be caught red-handed entering his office without asking for his permission made her feel a little guilty.


He Niancheng gazed at her, as if not realizing the parcel inside the office yet.


"What are you doing here?"


His tone was unspeakably cold.


He frowned slightly, and his expression turned stern.


It was as if he was displeased at Gu Qingjiu for entering his office without his permission.


Gu Qingjiu could sense that, and her heart shuddered. She apologized, "I'm sorry, Chief Instructor. I..."


She was still in the middle of wondering whether she should keep it a secret when He Niancheng shifted his body and turned his line of sight to the parcel on his table.


He walked past Gu Qingjiu and strode into his office. When he saw the parcel, his voice became colder. "I don't like that you're making your own decisions to give me something."


Gu Qingjiu stood unmoving at her original spot, feeling frightened. She tried to explain, "That... It's Commander Huo's..."


He Niancheng abruptly turned around as his gaze locked on Gu Qingjiu's form. The frown between his brows deepened. "This is your gift for him?"


Gu Qingjiu immediately shook her head and sold Huo Yingcheng out without hesitation. "Commander Huo instructed me to collect his parcel and to leave it in your office without you catching me in the act. I... I..."


'I didn't expect you'd catch me.'


He Niancheng seemed to laugh out of anger.


His mouth twitched into a sneer, and the surrounding temperature made a drastic drop!


The weather was already cold enough to make her shiver, and this just added on to that.


"Call Huo Yingcheng and ask him to get his ass down now."


With that statement, Gu Qingjiu immediately called Huo Yingcheng.


Seeing that He Niancheng was already sitting at his desk and clearing his documents, she inched to the door slowly.


When Huo Yingcheng answered the call, his voice was still boisterous. "Have you collected the parcel?"


"I've collected it!" Gu Qingjiu then continued softly, "Commander Huo, I think we're fated to be unlucky. I've just placed the parcel down when the Chief Instructor caught me..."


"..."


Huo Yingcheng remained silent for a few seconds before he sighed. "And so you sold me out?"


Gu Qingjiu felt ashamed. "I was just scared that the Chief Instructor would scold me..."


He Niancheng appeared too suddenly. If it was any other person, their hearts would probably jump out of their throats.


He was so menacing. In order to protect herself, Gu Qingjiu had no choice but to sell Huo Yingcheng out!


Furthermore, if he collected the parcel on his own, this wouldn't have happened!


"Aish, when you gave me away, didn't your conscience hurt?"


Gu Qingjiu replied, "Nope, it didn't!"


Huo Yingcheng was speechless.


Chapter 176: The Person Who Came to Find He Niancheng


As per He Niancheng's orders, Gu Qingjiu fully conveyed his words to Huo Yingcheng.


Huo Yingcheng was angry at Gu Qingjiu for selling him out, and he furiously stated in the call that he would come down to teach her a lesson.


Gu Qingjiu hung up the call and stretched forward to look at He Niancheng who was inside the office.


Without him saying anything, Gu Qingjiu didn't dare to leave.


As if sensing Gu Qingjiu's furtive glances at him, without looking up He Niancheng said, "Come inside!"


Gu Qingjiu immediately straightened her back and walked in.


When she was right in front of He Niancheng, she cleared her throat. "Chief Instructor, I've accomplished the task you gave me. Commander Huo said that he would be here within three minutes."


He Niancheng did not reply.


And that made Gu Qingjiu become anxious.


Even if he was an angel in her mind, this indifferent and cold expression directed at her was still very scary!


Suddenly, he took out a form from a stack of papers on his table.


"For the advanced training camp, they've chosen someone else first."


He placed the form in front of Gu Qingjiu, startling her.


She looked at it and realized it was Xie Ya's application form.


At the bottom of her form was a row of signatures by the leaders, one of them being Chen Haoyang's recommendation of the candidate.


This decision was within Gu Qingjiu's expectations.


She had already known beforehand that it wasn't her they'd choose.


If they ranked it according to their results, Xie Ya performed better. She was the champion in both dueling matches and that was an undeniable fact.


She just didn't expect He Niancheng to show her the results.


"You should have already guessed it."


As He Niancheng said that Gu Qingjiu nodded. She replied, "Yes, I do. Her results were better than mine, so it was natural for her to enter first."


"There's still a chance next month."


A simple sentence like that surprised Gu Qingjiu.


Hearing it, it seemed as if he was asking her to not take the result to heart.


She remembered what He Niancheng said a while ago. If she wasn't as strong as the rest, then she had to work harder.


It was carved in her memories.


But Gu Qingjiu did not dare say it.


At that moment, Huo Yingcheng arrived.


He was probably in a rush since he couldn't even tidy his hair, looking as if he'd just woken up.


That threat which he had promised diminished instantly upon entering He Niancheng's office.


But in order to keep his image in front of Gu Qingjiu, he strengthened his resolve. Under He Niancheng's cold gaze, he strode forward with large steps.


Seeing Huo Yingcheng, Gu Qingjiu held back her laughter. She greeted, "Good afternoon, Commander Huo!"


Huo Yingcheng nodded back. "Okay..."


And his line of focus changed to the parcel beside He Niancheng's desk.


When He Niancheng sensed his gaze on him, he asked, "What did you buy?"


Huo Yingcheng sent him a look. He originally wanted to retort but gave in. He replied guiltily, "I didn't buy... Imperial... The subordinates sent it to me."


Because Gu Qingjiu was present, the way Huo Yingcheng spoke sounded vague.


He Niancheng swept a glance at Gu Qingjiu and said, "You can go back first."


"Okay, Chief Instructor."


Gu Qingjiu was happy to go back. She stole a glance at Huo Yingcheng and swiftly left.


Once she stepped out of the office, Gu Qingjiu could feel the air becoming fresher. The amount of threat He Niancheng posed was indescribable.


But the moment she stepped out, she saw a beautiful lady with wide doe-like eyes walking towards her. She stopped Gu Qingjiu. "Is Chief Instructor He Niancheng here?"


Chapter 177: A New Girl


This young lady looked like peach blossoms, with exquisite features and soft skin.


Her aura was unlike others. One look and Gu Qingjiu could tell that she was from a noble family.


Especially those eyes of hers, which were as pretty as glass beads.


She was overflowing with energy as she turned.


She had a high ponytail and looked fashionable.


Her height was around 165 I'm, and her figure made her look petite.


As if she should be someone worthy to be doted and cared for in the palms of people.


And not someone who belonged to the army.


Hearing her ask about the Chief Instructor, Gu Qingjiu pointed behind her. "It's over there."


Although this girl's appearance was rather strange, Gu Qingjiu was not that curious about it at all.


The girl peeked at the office behind Gu Qingjiu and elation bloomed all over her face. She casually replied to Gu Qingjiu's direction, "Thanks!"


After that, she moved towards the office.


Gu Qingjiu eyed her leaving silhouette, having no idea what that was all about. She shrugged and went back to her dormitory.


And did not think too much into it.


That afternoon, Feng Meiyun and Jiang Yu moved their belongings into the dormitory.


Now that Yu Bao'er wasn't here, Gu Qingjiu could not even spare a mood to talk to them.


Furthermore, she was mostly solemn around strangers and people who she didn't have a friendly relationship with. In the dormitory, Gu Qingjiu would probably be a lonely figure.


Dawn of the second day. Their training resumed.


Training officially started. Welcoming a sky that was not completely bright yet, Chen Haoyang made them run ten rounds around the field.


There were numerous squads doing morning runs while the regulars were conducting alternative training plans, so the entire field was bustling with energy.


But not long after, Gu Qingjiu saw Chen Haoyang bring a girl over.


When the ten laps were all over and everyone was lined up neatly, Gu Qingjiu realized that the girl beside Chen Haoyang was actually the girl she met yesterday.


Her hair was already trimmed to the required length, and she was clad in the mossy green army uniform.


Even so, her exquisite facial features were comparable to Gu Qingjiu's, and she even emitted a unique aura that soothed anyone who looked at her. She blinked her doe-like eyes as she curiously looked at the squad.


It confused the entire class.


But the guys were looking on with excitement.


Beautiful girls would always be loved wherever they went.


Meanwhile, when Jiang Yu and Feng Meiyun saw the girl, they both turned to look at Gu Qingjiu.


"She is a new recruit and she will join our squad. Her name's Gao Rui. Please welcome her."


Chen Haoyang took the lead to clap after he had finished introducing the girl. When the squad members saw that, they naturally followed suit.


Especially the guys who enthusiastically clapped.


Gao Rui seemed dignified and natural in these situations. "Thank you, everyone."


She smiled as her eyes curled into pretty inverted crescents.


After waving to everyone as a form of greeting, she turned and saw Gu Qingjiu.


Perhaps because Gu Qingjiu pointed out the directions to her yesterday, when Gao Rui saw her, she paused and then revealed an amicable smile at her.


And this made Feng Meiyun and Xie Ya, who were in the back row, stare in confusion.


Chapter 178: Becoming Friendly


"Gao Rui, join the squad first and train alongside them."


Chen Haoyang asked Gao Rui to line up with the squad. Since her height was similar to Gu Qingjiu's, she went to stand beside her.


Gu Qingjiu did not show any outright reactions.


She could subtly feel that Chen Haoyang's tone was more polite when he talked to her. It was as if he was treating her carefully.


She immediately thought back to yesterday when she was still dressed like a city maiden as she looked for the Chief Instructor.


Perhaps she was someone the Chief Instructor knew?


Even when she thought about that, Gu Qingjiu revealed nothing in her expression.


This new recruit—Gao Rui—seemed to give the guys in the squad a boost of adrenaline.


She was a girl who had an overflowing beauty and a unique aura.


One could distinctly feel that Gao Rui was raised in a noble family judging by the exquisite air she had around her.


Like she should be treated with special attention and be cared for dearly.


When she smiled, it was so bright that it seemed to have the power to melt all things, and it was a stark contrast to Gu Qingjiu who was always expressionless.


The newly arrived Gao Rui immediately replaced Gu Qingjiu as the flower of the squad.


Gu Qingjiu's face was the type that looked exquisite and generous. When she was expressionless, it had something icy cold to it which could make people take a step back. Coupled with her personality, her nickname of ice goddess was truly befitting of her.


When Gu Qingjiu first entered the army, no one expected Gu Qingjiu to become so pretty after she had slimmed down. Hence when guys tried to get closer to her, there was always an unspeakable awkwardness between them.


It made them feel like they are a bunch of shallow people since they used to judge people based on their looks.


So they did not dare to talk to Gu Qingjiu.


And this newly-arrived Gao Rui seemed to win Gu Qingjiu in all aspects by just a little. Her personality seemed gentle as well, so naturally she became the new target for many guys.


Not only that, during training, everyone was surprised to know that Gao Rui could follow their training routine so easily. Her stamina was on par with them, which did not fit her soft appearance.


In the afternoon when training was over, everyone went to eat at the canteen.


Gu Qingjiu went to the queue alone.


Yu Bao'er was no longer by her side. Although Gu Qingjiu was slightly not yet used to it, she could still go by.


When she was queuing, Gao Rui walked in.


Surprisingly, Jiang Yu and the gang had accompanied her.


But because she was not paying much attention to this new comrade, she naturally couldn't be too bothered by it.


When she was done collecting her meal, she found a seat at the corner and sat down.


People around were all conversing in low tones. But even so, with this many people around, the voices seemed to add up into a rowdy mess.


Which only made Gu Qingjiu's lonely silhouette more obvious.


She swiftly finished half her rice when someone suddenly sat down in front of her.


"Hey. No one's sitting here, right?"


Gu Qingjiu raised her head up only to see a tall and handsome man.


He seemed a little familiar.


But Gu Qingjiu didn't know him.


She paused before shaking her head. "No one's sitting here."


But she ate fast.


The guy in front of her sat down quickly. As he looked at Gu Qingjiu's actions, he seemed to realize something but didn't mind it. Both corners of his mouth morphed into a slight smile. "I know you. You're one of the new recruits under Chen Haoyang, right? I'm your instructor's comrade."


Gu Qingjiu lifted her gaze and raised her brow, but she showed nothing otherwise. "Oh?"


Chapter 179: His Intentions


"Actually, you might have seen me before. We met on the first day you arrived. My name is He Qi; He like the character from seedlings, while Qi's character is the same as the one from strange. But then, they all call me Da Qi."


The guy in front of her introduced himself.


A vague impression finally surfaced in Gu Qingjiu's mind.


'Da Qi?'


Yu Bao'er seemed to have mentioned this name before.


Something like one of the more handsome guys amongst the regulars?


She had an impression because Yu Bao'er briefly mentioned him before, and now that she met him, she guessed she was on the mark.


And the reason this man was trying to get closer to her, Gu Qingjiu was not entirely clueless about it.


She was just not interested in it.


She pursed her lips. "I think I've heard of you before."


"Right? I'm actually quite known around here. I met you before when you first came. Have you forgotten?"


He Qi seemed to think he was rather impressive, but his words were exaggerated.


On the first day, when Chen Haoyang brought them to the canteen, they met him.


But at that time, he didn't even know them, so how would he have recognized Gu Qingjiu, who by then hadn't slimmed down yet?


He obviously said it to get closer to her.


Understanding that, Gu Qingjiu pulled a fake smile. After she had finished her food with a few more bites, she picked up her tray. "I'm done eating, so I'll be leaving first."


He Qi didn't bother stopping her. He watched Gu Qingjiu leave and stroke his chin in contemplation.


His few friends, who were observing the situation, came over.


"How was it?"


"My dear brother, I don't think it's working out. Her smile was a little fake!"


"From her reactions, I don't think you stand a chance. We never expected that there would come a day that our handsome He cannot pick a girl up!"


He Qi did not mind his peers' jeer and found it amusing instead. "Cannot pick her up? I don't believe that I can't get her. It's only challenging when she's difficult. Just wait and see!"


"I'm waiting." His doll-faced friend grinned. "I think you might have had a chance before, but don't forget that we have a new Chief Instructor. His face is that of an ideal lover. Da Qi, I think you're in trouble!"


"Bleh. I don't believe it. Are you telling me that all the girls in the army like Commander He?"


The mention of He Niancheng was like a stab.


Ever since he came to the camp, he had attracted the attention of many female soldiers.


The percentage of guys getting out of the army being single increased significantly.


Those that were too easy were no fun, and the one who was harder to chase was Gu Qingjiu.


But although Gu Qingjiu was pretty, thinking about it seriously, He Qi felt that even if she liked Commander He, would a person like Commander He actually like someone from this camp?


There were many other girls like Gu Qingjiu outside of the camp.


But Gu Qingjiu was the legendary ice goddess in the camp, and since He Qi was handsome himself, wooing Gu Qingjiu was just a means to prove himself. So what if Commander He was around?


He was like a god—someone that the ordinary folks could never hope to touch!


While the guys were discussing with fervor, Gao Rui, who had just arrived this morning, caught the attention of many people as she sauntered in.


But Gao Rui was more interested in Gu Qingjiu, who had just walked out.


In a low tone, Gao Rui asked, "Xiao Yu, the person who just left, the one who stood beside me this morning... I didn't get to ask for her name. What's her name?"


Hearing that, Jiang Yu paused before she smiled thoughtfully.


Chapter 180: You Still Have a Chance next month


"Her name is Gu Qingjiu, she's my dorm mate."


At first sight, Jiang Yu could tell that Gao Rui wasn't a simple girl—there was a noble air to her that nobody else had.


Hence, she greeted Gao Rui first.


Gao Rui had a pretty good temper, so over the course of a meal, she made acquaintance with Jiang Yu.


But she could tell that Gao Rui seemed to pay close attention to Gu Qingjiu. So, when she heard her mention Gu Qingjiu, she didn't say much and only mentioned who Gu Qingjiu was.


Above everything else, someone would supplement what she had said.


Feng Meiyun was the first to add on after she had finished.


Hearing Jiang Yu's words, Feng Meiyun rolled her eyes and in a harsh tone, she said, "I am darned unlucky to be in the same dormitory as her."


Jiang Yu pursed her lips slightly, an indistinct glint flashing across her eyes.


This indeed piqued Gao Rui's curiosity. "Why? Is she on bad terms with you guys?"


"Not just bad!"


Feng Meiyun glanced at Jiang Yu. Seeing her remain silent, she turned towards Gao Rui and began recounting their past conflicts with Yu Bao'er and Gu Qingjiu in an exaggerated manner.


Of course, if one yearned to badmouth someone, they would naturally pin all fault on the other party and make themselves sound like an aggrieved and pitiful person.


"She actually beat you up?"


The astounded Gao Rui widened her beautiful eyes. "Then why didn't you tell the instructor?"


=


In an aggrieved manner, Feng Meiyun said, "How would I have the guts to? She threatened me and I didn't have evidence. Even if I were to tell the instructor, he wouldn't believe me."


She truly didn't have the guts to. How much truth was there in her embellished story?


But this Gao Rui seemed kind of naïve.


She appeared to believe whatever Feng Meiyun said.


Anger clouded her eyes. "She went overboard! I will tell the instructor right now. I'll get him to assign me to your dormitory. If she threatens you guys again, I'll help you!"


Feng Meiyun was speechless.


She and Jiang Yu were dumbfounded that instant.


They hadn't expected Gao Rui to be so righteous.


If they assigned her to their hostel, wouldn't the cat be out of the bag?


Since when was Gu Qingjiu the one to start a conflict with them?


But if they were to stop her...


It would appear fishy.


The anxious Feng Meiyun wanted to say something, but Jiang Yu shot her a look that made Feng Meiyun instantly shut up her mouth.


Jiang Yu gazed at Gao Rui and gently said, "Alright, you can tell the instructor. I'll wait for you to come and protect us."


As she spoke, her tone seemed as if she was kidding around with a bestie, making Gao Rui laugh out loud. "Okay!"


...


On Gu Qingjiu's side, she naturally didn't know about Jiang Yu and Feng Meiyun's little tricks behind her back. After eating, Chen Haoyang notified her to retrieve her results.


It was regarding the advanced training camp.


Actually, Gu Qingjiu had already known about the results since yesterday. She was only heading there to be officially informed.


When she reached the office, Xie Ya was already there.


There was a bright smile on her face. Upon seeing Gu Qingjiu enter, she turned her head towards her.


The corners of her lips were visibly arched in a gloating manner, and her eyes filled with disdain.


She was looking at Gu Qingjiu like she was looking at a defeated opponent.


Gu Qingjiu disregarded Xie Ya and walked past her to get to Chen Haoyang.


"Hello, Instructor Chen. I am here."


Her expression and gaze were calm as she looked at Chen Haoyang.


She appeared nonchalant as if she didn't care about the results at all.


"Mm."


Chen Haoyang also just found out about the results. Although he had considered that the first person to enter was Xie Ya, but facing Gu Qingjiu who wasn't selected, he felt the need to comfort her.


"The results of the advanced training camp are out. They selected Xie Ya first. But they also said that if you keep up your performance, you still have a chance next month."

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