Chapter 251: Making the Decision to Enter the Military Academy!

"Major-General, as a person, you can't do this. If it was me or Yingcheng who sent you a message, you wouldn't even take a look at it. But then you would read it if it was Gu Qingjiu's?"

Those words sounded like a reprimand and yet ended up as a teasing smile on Nan Yingxuan.

He Niancheng had a bad habit of not reading his text messages.

He didn't like reading anything on his cell phone.

If there was a report, it was better to call him.

Unless they couldn't call, the last resort would be to send a text message.

Then again, don't put your hopes in He Niancheng reading it.

But when Gu Qingjiu's message popped in his inbox, he immediately read it?

He Niancheng considered it seriously. It seemed like he never once mentioned to that girl that he never reads text messages.

Moreover...

This wasn't the first time.

He Niancheng said nothing about that matter, and he instead explained, "It's an urgent matter."

"..."

So... going to the military academy was an urgent matter—so, so urgent that the Major-General had to think for it?

Nan Yingxuan mocked him deep inside his bones, but he knew how to read the atmosphere better than Huo Yingcheng so he simply smiled. "How did that girl get a chance to enter the military academy? I heard that the higher-ups gave Mu Nanji the right to recruit, but definitely not for the academy."

He Niancheng looked at him with a deep gaze. "You actually know more than I do."

Nan Yingxuan couldn't help but chuckle. "Major-General, I've been here for so many years. However, being able to enter a military academy is a huge chance for that girl. I heard about her sharpshooting talents as well and it's better for these talents to be groomed at a military academy or with a specialized training unit. It's something Dayi City's military cannot nurture."

"Of course I know that but that Mu guy... Why did he think of sending Gu Qingjiu to a military academy?"

That was what confused He Niancheng.

Nan Yingxuan thought for a while and tried to analyze something. "For talents like Qingjiu, the first consideration should be sending her to specialized facilities rather than a military academy. If it was the academy, I think it wasn't Instructor Mu who thought of that."

He Niancheng's gaze became sharp. "It's Mu Sheng!"

Nan Yingxuan nodded. "I think so too."

Just a few short statements and they've already managed to decipher the reason behind Mu Nanji's decision.

He Niancheng frowned.

Nan Yingxuan raised his chin to remind him. "Major-General, Qingjiu is still waiting for your reply."

He Niancheng finally turned back to his cell phone.

After remaining silent for two minutes, his slender fingers quickly typed two words.

'Tap, tap, tap...'

On Gu Qingjiu's side, she was waiting for He Niancheng's reply.

She held onto her cell phone. Before she even realized it, she was drowsily closing her eyes, almost falling asleep.

But the sudden vibration from her cell phone pulled her back almost immediately.

She rubbed her eyes as she looked at the reply on her cell phone. 'Can go.'

Simple but a strong reply.

Somehow, that reply made Gu Qingjiu not exactly that happy.

Once she entered the military academy, she wouldn't be able to see the Chief Instructor anymore...

But this was something she had to give up on.

She couldn't waste this chance because of some vague feelings she held.

Gu Qingjiu couldn't do that.

She made up a decision.

She had to go!

All else had to be placed aside for now.

She had to seek revenge on the Yu family. She had to suppress the Yu family, so that what happened in her previous life wouldn't be repeated.

Chapter 252: Happy News

Gu Qingjiu recalled.

Her roommate, Qi Xiaoran, was going to go to the military academy as well.

The reason she was nominated for the military academy was probably because of her sharpshooting talents.

But Qi Xiaoran, she didn't seem to have any special aspects?

Other than the fact that she held some mysteries to her.

She hadn't asked her for the past few days.

At night, she waited for Qi Xiaoran to return.

It was rare for Gu Qingjiu to take the initiative to speak to Qi Xiaoran.

"Last Monday, I heard from my instructor that both of us will be going to the military academy at the capital. Is that true?"

The moment she said that Qi Xiaoran raised her head up in shock.

"You're going too?"

It was probably unbelievable that she finally spoke to Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "Yeah, but I don't know when we will be going."

Qi Xiaoran lowered her gaze as a trace of surprise flashed across her eyes.

When she looked up again, her expression was back to that of indifference but it didn't feel as distant anymore.

"It should be by the end of this month. You should prepare well."

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "Okay!"

It wasn't too far off from the end of the month.

The time for Gu Qingjiu to prepare herself was not long.

After making her decision, she decided to call home.

It was Qi Yuefeng who picked up the call.

"Hello, Jiu'er?"

Qi Yuefeng's voice was always so kind and gentle.

"Mom, I'm going to tell you something."

In her call, Gu Qingjiu was direct and Qi Yuefeng felt confused. "What is it?"

"My performance in the army is going well. So with the military's permission, I can attend the military academy at the capital!"

"At the capital? To study in a military academy?"

Qi Yuefeng widened her eyes in disbelief. "Is that true?"

"Yes Mom, it's real."

Gu Qingjiu still felt excited talking about it

"That's great!" Qi Yuefeng was elated. "Isn't your older brother in the capital? Since you're going to the capital, he will be there and I can rest assured. Going to the military academy is better than staying at the camp. At least you will be able to come home!"

The term 'academy' meant that some of its rules were similar to a university's.

For example, one wasn't allowed to go home in the army camp, but that restriction didn't apply to the military academy.

Even if they trained privately, they would still allow students to return home during long holidays.

Even if Gu Qingjiu didn't return to Dayi City, she could go and find Gu Qingmo!

"Aiya, why did you suddenly get the chance?"

Qi Yuefeng's tone held some unconcealable joy in them. She didn't expect Gu Qingjiu to be so lucky to get this chance.

Going to the military academy meant that she would be able to graduate with a degree.

Although she didn't mind Gu Qingjiu's academic qualifications, it was better for her to get a certificate. Furthermore, for her to graduate from a military academy, how honorable was that!

"I'm not sure... It was something arranged by the higher-ups." Gu Qingjiu then continued humbly, "My shooting practices were slightly better than the rest so my instructor nominated me."

"Then you'll have to thank your instructor."

Qi Yuefeng didn't know the details of it so she naturally instructed Gu Qingjiu to thank her instructor.

"Okay, I will. Mom, if there's a chance, I will go back again, and oh, the problem with Dad's company, has it been settled?"

Gu Qingjiu still remembered the issue before she left.

"It's... it's nothing much." Qi Yuefeng's voice suddenly became softer and more solemn but because she didn't want Gu Qingjiu to realize, she raised her voice again. "Just stay well at the army. When you go to the military academy, study hard. Your parents are relaxed here. I will wait for you to come home."

After that, she quickly hung up the call.

Gu Qingjiu frowned, with Mom acting like that, it didn't seem like it was nothing.

Chapter 253: The Anxious and Irritable Yu Family 1

North City, the Yu family

Previously, an instructor from Dayi City's military camp suddenly made a scene at the Yu family manor just to rescue Gu Qingjiu.

Ever since that day, the entire Yu family had been in a state of unease.

First, someone took Gu Qingjiu away and the Li family had been constantly pressing them about the marriage. Even if a wedding couldn't take place right away, they still wanted to rush everything just to throw an engagement party.

Once the media announced it to the world, it was the same as casting an idea in stone.

Otherwise, should the Li family withdraw their investments, they would lose several hundred million yuan of funds. The Yu family could either suffer a blow to their morale, a relatively small consequence or suffer a blow to their internal management... which could completely end up in chaos and fall. It could even lead to bankruptcy.

Secondly, they hadn't properly investigated the instructor's identity.

They only scratched the surface and identified him as a newly appointed Chief Instructor from Dayi City.

With that insight, his status might appear to be of no threat. But the truth is, he had the power to barge into the Yu family's house and even had the gall to leave arrogantly. That alone left a traumatic impact on them.

That day, Yu Shaotian had rushed home and after hearing his subordinates' report. He naturally was furious and wanted to know who that instructor was.

However, after he had spoken to a few other leaders to investigate He Niancheng's position, all of them commented that Yu Shaotioan should adopt a smarter approach. He Niancheng was probably someone he shouldn't offend.

It was because they couldn't identify He Niancheng's status, and that alone was enough for people to fear him.

He suddenly appeared in Dayi City's military team.

He even brought guns to the scene and had the higher authorities' support.

All of these were sufficient for the leaders to come to a realization.

Yu Shaotian had a good background in dealing with different kinds of people. He clearly understood the secrets that were hidden from plain sight.

However, he couldn't believe that the second daughter of a lowly family actually had such a powerful person backing her.

To make matters worse, not only could he not threaten Gu Qingjiu, he still had to be wary that Gu Qingjiu might use that person's authority to get back at the Yu family.

After all, looking at how she behaved, she clearly didn't treat the Yu family as her real family.

"Hubby, how's everything at work?"

A week had passed, and the trauma caused by the gun incident last week was slowly dissipating in Tan Yalan's mind.

Since she didn't suffer any physical harm, her usual arrogance gradually came back.

That night, the Li family spoke to Tan Yalan about the marriage again. Yu Shiwei was displeased and left for a party with someone else, and she even decided not to return home.

Tan Yalan felt anxious deep down.

Once Yu Shaotian returned, she asked him about things at work.

Yu Shaotian sat on the master seat and Mama Wu served him some exquisite dishes.

Even though the wane of their company was impending, their meals were still luxurious and excessive, as usual. Before the problem surfaced, frugal living wasn't part of the Yu family dealings.

From the frown on his face, Yu Shaotian couldn't hide his exhaustion. Because of things at work, he had been feeling anxious and irritable in the past few days. Looking at the various reports of his company, he also noticed many problems that rendered him helpless.

The only condition the Li family had before offering assistance would be to proceed with the wedding.

He felt as though this condition was tightly clutching around his throat, threatening the Yu family's survival.

Because the crux to this issue was that Yu Shiwei disagreed with the marriage.

A wave of fatigue crashed over him as he picked up his chopsticks. He suddenly had no appetite to eat, and so he put down his chopsticks back on the table.

"What happened at work? Can't you tell me? If this goes on any longer, it'll be a huge problem for our company! The Li family won't just let the wedding go. If we disagree, they'll withdraw their investments!"

Chapter 254: The Anxious and Irritable Yu Family 2

Because of Tan Yalan's persistence, Yu Shaotian felt rather angry deep down.

However, since he pampered his daughter, he would never show that he was displeased with her decision. But then again, he still couldn't help but blame her for not thinking of the corporation's sake.

The Li family wasn't solely trying to marry off their sickly member, but they also had their eyes on the Corporation.

The Li and Yu families were two large companies. Even if the Li family wanted to take over the Yu family, it wouldn't be so simple.

After all, there would be many implications if the two large companies clashed.

However, it was to the Yu family's disadvantage that they didn't have any other allies.

The Li family, on the other hand, wielded control in Chang-Dong Province. If they were to attempt to extend their reach to North City, the Yu family might not be able to fight back.

An alliance through marriage was necessary.

"Did you think I wanted to drag this any longer? It's all because of Gu Qingjiu!"

Speaking of Gu Qingjiu, Tan Yalan was full of rage. It was clear that she completely didn't love her second daughter at all.

"If only that stupid lass weren't so stubborn! We would've long settled the matter with the Li family! Our plan at Dayi City is also almost complete. We'll go harsh this time around and put her adoptive father in jail. I don't believe think that stupid lass will still defy us!"

As she spoke about Gu Qingjiu, Tan Yalan clenched her jaw.

Even Mama Wu who was serving Tan Yalan felt surprised to see her so furious.

After all, the second daughter was still the Madam's second biological daughter. Moreover, they look almost identical.

How could she hate her so much?

The corners of Yu Shaotian's sharp eyes creased as he narrowed his eyes. He had a fierce look in her as he said, "This is your idea. If anything bad were to happen, you'll have to deal with it yourself. You're only giving me such terrible ideas. We didn't even do a proper check on the people backing her up. How could you think about targeting her?"

Seeing how angrily Yu Shaotian looked at her, Tan Yalan was infuriated. "What's there to check? Nothing has happened in the past few days. I bet she won't dare to do anything anymore. If she were planning something, why hasn't she done anything after so long? Moreover, if we stay quiet about what will happen to her biological father, who will know that we're the culprits? She has no reason to accuse us!"

Yu Shaotian felt rather helpless.

His wife had been living a blessed life and was treated with the utmost respect for a long time. She had even forgotten about the dangers that could happen to people of the upper class.

How could those with true authority be unable to find out who did it?

Moreover, with the powers they wielded, they didn't even need to care if they had grounds to accuse them.

If they wanted the Yu family to perish, they could easily do so.

The Yu family wouldn't have a say or chance to fight back if such a superpower were to target them.

This was how things had been since the olden times.

It was applicable to everything in life.

The hierarchy was clear in society. The people at the bottom of the hierarchy had no right to speak for themselves.

If the Yu family were to pressure Gu Qingjiu using their status, they had to be prepared that she could use the same method to retaliate.

They didn't know if this would happen now or in the near future.

However, under the Li family pressure, the Yu family had no choice but also to take action.

If Gu Qingjiu refused the marriage alliance, the Yu family might not be able to survive.

Ultimately, Yu Shaotian had pinned all his hopes on Gu Qingjiu since he couldn't bear to let his eldest daughter get married.

Even at this critical time, Yu Shiwei was having the time of her life outside.

The Yu family, the household with the highest status in North City, was now stuck in a situation with seemingly no solution.

Although some rumors had spread, most of them were purely hearsay and most people wouldn't be able to find out the truth.

Now, the Yu family was feeling rather anxious and irritable.

Yet, they had no idea that Gu Qingjiu was going to be posted to another place, where she would begin an unknown journey.

Chapter 255: About to Depart

Military academies were probably patriotic citizens' dreamland.

Different military academies in China also had different methods of application.

With the minimum requirements, it could deter a volume of people from entering.

Including the most basic, which was to not have any natural ailments and not be short-sighted.

There were, however, some specializations in the army that were exempted from these requirements.

Gu Qingjiu also found out that the military academy she was going to attend was the National Military University of China.

It was different from the National Defense University and Lizheng Military University. Her school was the kind where common folks had a chance to enter as long as they were sufficiently talented and are willing to work hard.

Sufficiently talented.

It proved that people who entered this university wouldn't be of poor standards.

In the last two weeks, she continued her training although her family matters worried her a little.

Instructor Mu never mentioned it and Gu Qingjiu didn't tell anyone that she was going to the military academy as well.

She didn't explain it, not even to Tang Yuyu.

But Tang Yuyu could still sense that Gu Qingjiu was about to be transferred away.

Although they haven't been friends for long, Gu Qingjiu quite liked this girl who smiled with her canines.

Yu Bao'er was the kind with a boisterous personality.

While Tang Yuyu was more attentive, a gentle smooth talker kind of friend.

In the last few days, Gu Qingjiu did the best exhibition of her talent. Within a short span of two weeks, she hit the bullseye of a fifty-meter target in record time.

This caused a lot of people to suspect that it probably wasn't Gu Qingjiu's first time using a gun, and they all thought she actually secretly trained before.

But what they weren't aware of was what Instructor Mu was thinking. Ever since Gu Qingjiu hit a fifty-meter target bullseye, he never allowed her to train any other kinds of targets.

Only the fifty-meter target.

He didn't let Gu Qingjiu try the moving targets either.

Looking at it, it seemed like he wanted Gu Qingjiu to continue that skill after she had entered the military academy.

On the day she was leaving the camp, Mu Nanji called Gu Qingjiu to his office.

When she arrived at the office, she realized that Qi Xiaoran was there as well.

She stood there with a perfect posture, her thin lips pursed into an exquisite line.

Her skin color was tanned but her lips were a seductive red as if she was born with lipstick on.

She was even cloaked with a cold and distant aura as she stood at the center of the office.

Besides her, there were two other people in the office.

One was Instructor Mu while the other was the commander, Zhou Jianguo.

Gu Qingjiu walked over and greeted them. "Commander Zhou, Instructor Mu!"

"Okay, you're here."

Mu Nanji nodded in return, while Zhou Jianguo only smiled at her.

"This is the genius sharpshooter under Comrade Mu? Meeting her in person truly can't compare to hearing about her!"

Gu Qingjiu smiled lightly and courteously replied, "Commander Zhou, you're flattering me."

"Which part of it is flattery?"

Zhou Jianguo waved his hand and looked towards Mu Nanji. "Comrade Mu, since both of them are here, you can explain it to them now."

"Okay!"

Mu Nanji nodded and passed two letters to Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran respectively. "Don't open the letters. Pass them to the Chief Instructor of the new recruits at the university."

Gu Qingjiu held the letter in her hands as she revealed a strange expression. Two letters?

They looked like recommendation letters.

As if the two of them were recommended to go there...

Chapter 256: Jealousy and Hatred

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Qi Xiaoran was evidently calmer than Gu Qingjiu.

She didn't bother looking at the letter and simply went back to her former position, with hands behind her back.

"The two of you can return to your homes to prepare for a few days. The air ticket is on the 5th of March. Report at the university yourselves, no one will bring you there."

Zhou Jianguo spoke. When Gu Qingjiu heard that it was an air ticket, she was a little alarmed.

The military was so generous?

"The flight is eight in the morning on the 5th of March. Remember."

Mu Nanji added on.

After that, Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran were allowed to leave.

At the door, she and Qi Xiaoran met eyes. It was rare but Qi Xiaoran spoke up first.

"See you at the airport."

After that, she rushed off, probably to pack her luggage at the dormitory.

Seeing that, Gu Qingjiu's lips lifted up.

She returned to the dormitory as well.

The moment they left, Zhou Jianguo looked towards Mu Nanji. "It's quite understandable for Gu Qingjiu to go, but this Qi Xiaoran..."

Evidently, even he didn't know why Qi Xiaoran was nominated on the list.

It startled Mu Nanji. "Didn't Commander Zhou and the higher-ups opted for this?"

He didn't know as well.

Zhou Jianguo then realized something.

Mu Nanji's words meant that he had no idea which in turn gave the sociable Zhou Jianguo an idea.

Qi Xiaoran's approval didn't go through him.

It was directly sent down by the higher-ups.

No one knew who exactly the said person was.

It seemed like he had to take a look at Qi Xiaoran's background information.

...

The two who returned to the dormitory began to pack their belongings.

Qi Xiaoran's things were as little as Gu Qingjiu's.

In the dormitory's cabinet, both of their clothes occupied less than half the space in it.

March was still cold, so it was better for her to bring more winter wear.

But since she would be able to return to Dayi City during the summer break, she didn't have to worry about the changing seasons.

Gu Qingjiu was already thinking about rushing home while packing.

After all, Commander Zhou said that they could go back home to prepare.

With her luggage done, Gu Qingjiu went to Tang Yuyu's dormitory.

Tang Yuyu was resting in her room. When she saw Gu Qingjiu, she was a little shocked.

"Yuyu, I'm here to let you know something."

When Tang Yuyu strode towards her, Gu Qingjiu lowered her volume and said, "I'm leaving the camp because I've been transferred away."

Tang Yuyu recovered from her trance and her eyes twinkled. "Congratulations. Where are they transferring you?"

She was just casually asking, but Gu Qingjiu seemed to hesitate for a moment before she answered. "To a military academy."

It astonished Tang Yuyu.

Going to the military academy was something she didn't expect, but her first thought was to be happy for Gu Qingjiu.

It was rare to have a girl like her who would genuinely be happy for her.

Standing outside of Tang Yuyu's room, Xie Ya saw Gu Qingjiu as she passed by.

Seeing Gu Qingjiu, Xie Ya's eyes burned with anger.

She originally thought that entering the advanced training camp before Gu Qingjiu was considered a victory.

Who knew that after Gu Qingjiu entered, that prodigious shooting ability completely took away everyone's attention?

She was the first person to enter the advanced training camp from their group. With the exception of combat, which she was proud of, her other skills weren't exceptionally good.

Against people who have trained for years in the advanced training camp, they would only barely treat her as a rival.

She wasn't like Gu Qingjiu whose name was now known throughout the entire camp!

With that, how could Xie Ya not grit her teeth in jealousy and hatred!?

Chapter 257: Come, I'll Send you

Gu Qingjiu saw Xie Ya as well.

The burning flames in her eyes were too obvious.

It made her incredibly uneasy.

She turned to look at Xie Ya, but the latter then quickly avoided her gaze.

As if she didn't want to meet her gaze, Xie Ya ignored Gu Qingjiu and brushed by her with a proud air.

Gu Qingjiu's lips twisted into a mocking smile.

It was so obvious that she despised her so much, but she still had to act on her high airs.

It was worth laughing at.

This short excerpt between Gu Qingjiu and Xie Ya confused Tang Yuyu.

"Qingjiu, you know her?"

Tang Yuyu asked in a hushed tone of voice.

After all, it had been so long but Gu Qingjiu and Xie Ya never interacted. Hence, Tang Yuyu had no idea.

The scene that unfolded in front of her stunned her.

Gu Qingjiu's lips pursed together while her eyes smiled slightly. "We were from the same class in the new recruits' training camp, but we didn't really talk to one another."

She briefly brushed it off and didn't bother to explain the grievances between them.

"Oh!"

Tang Yuyu suddenly recalled that Gu Qingjiu was going to go to the military academy, so she did not probe further. "When will you leave the camp to go to the military academy?"

Gu Qingjiu lowered her voice once again. "I will be going to the capital on the fifth of march."

"That's great! I'm so envious of you."

Tang Yuyu's envy was out of pure admiration.

After all, going to a military academy was a life-long dream for many people.

But because of various reasons, they all entered the army first.

Then again, being able to enter the advanced training camp was already something worth celebrating.

Tang Yuyu was satisfied. For Gu Qingjiu, she was truly happy for her.

After their conversation, she quickly went back to continue packing since she would be leaving soon.

When she returned to the dormitory, Qi Xiaoran had already left.

Gu Qingjiu also realized that many of the other female recruits saw their empty room and probably saw Qi Xiaoran leave. At that moment, they were all pointing fingers and speculating behind her back.

Gu Qingjiu faced it calmly. After confirming that she had packed all her belongings, she carried her luggage and left the dormitory.

Along the way, people were looking at Gu Qingjiu in shock.

After all, it had only been a month and she was already leaving.

This Gu Qingjiu was like a god.

"I guess she's being transferred away, how admirable."

"She just entered the advanced training camp, and yet now she's transferring to a better place. How nice it is to be talented."

Along the way, many people were whispering.

And Gu Qingjiu could hear some of the words they uttered.

Leaving the camp, she stood at the bus stop.

She turned around and took one good look at the camp behind her.

It was still so glorious with its overall scenery. The mountain that surrounded the camp was slowly transitioning from yellow to green, hinting that spring was coming.

Green sprouted and the birds were loudly chirping.

Although it was still cold, spring was quickly approaching.

Gu Qingjiu would no longer be able to see this beautiful scenery again.

The time she spent in the camp was not that long—approximately half a year.

But many things happened in that period of time...

Making her a little hesitant.

But now that she was leaving, Gu Qingjiu no longer had any feelings of longing left.

Because deep inside, she had a feeling that this was not her battlefield.

She stood by the bus stop waiting for the next bus when she received a call from the Chief Instructor.

She picked the call up only to hear a single sentence. "Come, I'll send you."

Chapter 258: What Are You Pausing There For, Let's Go

The Chief Instructor knew that she was leaving today?

She was shocked but He Niancheng had already cut off the call.

Ever since her last text message to him, it had been quite a while since Gu Qingjiu saw the Chief Instructor.

And she didn't send him any text messages nor call him.

She was still a little shy to do so.

But He Niancheng's call caught her off guard.

Even if it was unexpected, Gu Qingjiu still dragged her luggage towards the new recruits' training camp.

It was also just in time for the new recruits to be finished with their training.

When people saw Gu Qingjiu pull her luggage over, they all looked surprised.

Gu Qingjiu's name was well-known in the camp because of her shooting prowess.

Her name spread like the wind.

Many of the new recruits looked at her with admiration and even worshipped in silence.

Now that they saw the said person pulling a suitcase along, they were a little confused about what was happening since they heard no news from the advanced training camp.

Was she kicked out of the advanced training camp?

And that obviously didn't escape Feng Meiyun and Jiang Yu's eyes.

"Isn't that the Gu person?"

Feng Meiyun and the rest were eating at the canteen. Since they were seated at the side, Gu Qingjiu, who was dragging her luggage, was so incredibly conspicuous across the glass pane.

Feng Meiyun's tone was coated with jealousy. "Didn't she go to the advanced training camp? And made such a big name for herself? So why is she coming back now?"

She didn't know much, but thinking about it she let out a gloating expression. "Could it be that she broke some rules there and was sent back here?"

Jiang Yu's expression was not as optimistic.

She shook her head. "That might not be it... She might've been transferred to a better place."

That statement said everything.

Feng Meiyun's expression hardened.

The gaze she sent to Gu Qingjiu couldn't hide the envy in it. "How is she so freaking lucky!?"

Jiang Yu looked at Gu Qingjiu's silhouette, but her expression was complicated.

In the past, she thought that Gu Qingjiu was the kind of person who liked basking in fame.

She even got into the favor of Instructor Chen Haoyang at the new recruits' training camp.

And quickly followed Xie Ya into the advanced training camp.

Afterward, her name as a prodigious sharpshooter became known.

She was actually also jealous of Gu Qingjiu but even so, she had no ability to catch up with her.

The truth was in front of her.

And the direction which Gu Qingjiu was going...

Jiang Yu's expression was sullen. That direction was the Chief Instructor's office...

Gu Qingjiu naturally didn't have any mood to catch up with these people from the new recruits' training camp and dragged her luggage to He Niancheng's office.

The car was parked outside, but He Niancheng was nowhere to be seen.

No one around as well.

After all, it was He Niancheng's office. People who had no official business with him wouldn't loiter around the place.

Gu Qingjiu looked into the car. There was no one on the driver seat either.

"Behind you."

Gu Qingjiu turned to the voice to see He Niancheng standing at the entrance of his office. His gaze was as deep as usual and no one could tell his mood from it.

She smiled widely. "Chief Instructor."

Because she was carrying her luggage, she forgot to salute.

But He Niancheng didn't comment on it.

He went to the car and opened the trunk. Gu Qingjiu picked up the luggage, but He Niancheng took it from her and placed it into the trunk.

Gu Qingjiu was dumbfounded.

He Niancheng didn't seem to understand why she had paused. He walked to the driver seat and said, "What are you pausing there for? Let's go."

Chapter 259: Something Went Wrong With Gu Family

Gu Qingjiu swallowed the urge in her heart and followed him up the car.

The car quietly drove away from the camp.

Gu Qingjiu turned to look back at the camp which she had stayed in for a while. From where she was, it got smaller and smaller. She sat back and softly asked, "Chief Instructor, are you not busy?"

"Yes." He Niancheng's reply was as straightforward as expected. "Not busy."

If he was busy, he wouldn't be able to send Gu Qingjiu off.

She was feeling sweet inside but Gu Qingjiu didn't know how to say some things.

This parting might mean that she would never see He Niancheng again.

Even if she had a way to contact He Niancheng, she wasn't He Niancheng's soldier anymore. So what rights did she have to contact He Niancheng again?

Perhaps because of these overwhelming thoughts, Gu Qingjiu couldn't help but ramble. "Chief Instructor, I'm going to the military academy so I won't be there to replace Commander Huo to buy those things for you. Sometimes, it might be better for you to learn how to buy those things."

He Niancheng was speechless.

He turned his head and offered Gu Qingjiu a strange gaze.

Gu Qingjiu paused. "If it really can't be helped, you can trouble Doctor Nan."

Doctor Nan was a great person, there was no better choice.

"You don't have to worry about these things."

Even though his words were plain, she could feel his usual coldness leaking through.

That tone went straight into Gu Qingjiu's heart.

Like a prick, not enough to cause intense pain, but it was enough to make one feel uncomfortable.

She lowered her head and retracted her gaze, knowing that she was the one who was overthinking.

The journey was three hours. In the end, Gu Qingjiu finally couldn't take it and fell asleep.

"Something happened to your house."

In a groggy state of mind, that statement startled Gu Qingjiu awake.

She looked up in distraught.

It was already dark outside.

The car was about to reach her house but from afar, Gu Qingjiu could see a row of flashing lights from police cars.

In the deep of the night, it was eye-catching.

There were a few policemen guarding outside Chen Yanhong's mart and Chen Yanhong was there, exaggeratedly talking about something.

Gu Qingjiu narrowed her eyes.

She couldn't confirm that it was tied to her family but with the police cars parked outside, it gave her a sense of uneasiness.

And the Chief Instructor just said that her family was met with a mishap.

But how was he so sure that it was her family?

Before she could ask, the anxious Gu Qingjiu rushed off the car the moment He Niancheng parked.

She was so anxious that she didn't close the car door.

When she ran to Chen Yanhong's mart, she saw a few policemen clearing out a crowd and making a pathway. Gu Qingjiu then saw two policemen walking on the path, and they were holding down her father, who, by then, had a miserable expression on his face.

His hands were cuffed too...

Walking down the center with a sort of desolation.

Gu Qingjiu's face instantly paled.

"Dad, what's happening?"

Gu Qingjiu wanted to rush over, but a few policemen had blocked her.

"What are you doing? Young lady, who are you? This is a crime scene. You're not allowed to enter!"

The policemen who pulled her back barked out a warning using a low tone of voice.

Chen Yanhong looked at her with wide eyes, and she pointed at her. "Aiya, dear policemen, it's her. She's the daughter of the suspect!"

Gu Hong saw Gu Qingjiu as well and his face showed his shame. "Qingjiu, you... why are you back?"

Gu Qingjiu's eyes reddened.

Chapter 260: Because I Met You

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

She would've never expected her happy return to turn into this scene in front of her.

Realizing that Gu Qingjiu was Gu Hong's daughter, they no longer tried to stop her and instead released their hold on her, letting her go forward.

Gu Qingjiu stopped in front of Gu Hong, she was anxious and in disbelief. "Dad, exactly what happened?"

Surprise filled the policeman holding Gu Hong upon seeing Gu Qingjiu's uniform, hence he explained on Gu Hong's behalf.

"Your father was involved in financial fraud. Together with a few other people, they plotted and scammed tens of millions of dollars from others. One of the suspects already fled. We are arresting your father under the law to assist in the investigation."

"Fraud? That's impossible!"

Gu Qingjiu wouldn't believe it no matter what.

She was very clear about what kind of person her father was.

But Gu Hong's lips trembled as if he couldn't face his daughter. "I... I treated him as a friend but I didn't expect him to do such a thing!"

Gu Qingjiu instantly understood.

Her father trusted his friend, but he ended up deceived.

But somehow, she felt that this case was not that simple.

After explaining to Gu Qingjiu, the policeman brought Gu Hong away.

Gu Qingjiu was a soldier. She was clear that it was illegal to obstruct the police while they were on duty.

She could only watch as the police took her father away.

Gu Hong turned to take one last look at her, pain evident in his eyes. "Your mom is upstairs. Go up and comfort her. Nothing will happen to me. I'm going with them by will."

But he knew that there was one thing which he couldn't hide from Gu Qingjiu.

If his 'friend' ran away and avoided arrest, the suspicion would definitely be pinned on her father.

And once the time is up, her father might even face a jail term should the victim sue him!

She watched her father's wary silhouette enter the police car. He even looked like he aged decades within a night.

Gu Qingjiu couldn't control herself. Her legs went weak, and she almost fell on the shelf behind her.

"Aiya, spare me some trouble."

Chen Yanhong walked over and looked condescendingly at her. "Aish, a criminal's daughter."

But her words caused Gu Qingjiu's gaze to shift dramatically.

Her eyes reddened as she glared daggers at her. She then reached out to strangle Chen Yanhong's neck. Her voice was dark like a demon as she snarled, "My dad is not a criminal!"

Chen Yanhong didn't expect Gu Qingjiu to use violence, so she couldn't defend herself. The force Gu Qingjiu used caused her eyes to turn white.

And blood rushed up to her face, causing it to turn red.

"Let her go."

Just when Gu Qingjiu was about to lose her sanity, someone walked over and gently tugged at Gu Qingjiu's elbow. That gesture alone made Gu Qingjiu release Chen Yanhong.

Chen Yanhong screamed as she fled outside.

She yelled, "Murderer. The criminal's daughter is killing someone!!"

But no one in the mart acknowledged her words.

He Niangcheng pulled Gu Qingjiu back, and when their eyes met, all she saw was the calmest gaze. It was as if his gaze was shining in the most gorgeous and soulful light.

"Calm down a little. You shouldn't be so rash. Your mother's upstairs. Go up and comfort her. The person who deceived your father, I will catch him within a day."

Such powerful words pulled Gu Qingjiu back from her trance. She looked at He Niancheng's indifferent and unworldly handsome face.

Tears of gratefulness welled up in Gu Qingjiu's eyes. "Chief Instructor, I don't know how to thank you..."

"There are some things which are beyond your control, and I can help you with those. As for the rest, you have to settle them yourself."

A person so proud and high up, why would he help a person like her?

Gu Qingjiu looked at him as her vision blurred. "Chief Instructor, why are you always helping me?"

He straightened his posture and let go of her elbows. His eyes were as clear as the moonlight. And his supposedly cold voice that could seep into the deepest parts of people's hearts resounded in the air⁠—

"Because I met you."