Chapter 481: Signing the Official Contract

Her lips trembled slightly, as if not knowing what to say.

Lu Ziyang watched her reaction as something akin to surprise flashed under his eyes.

But he didn't let Gu Qingjiu see it.

"Really?"

An indifferent question and Lu Ziyang revealed an amused expression. "Looks like even you are not fully clear about the potential you hold. Of course, I shouldn't tell you this much now but let me officially introduce you to the kind of existence the Ninth Department is."

As he finally got to the main point, Gu Qingjiu frowned lightly.

"The Ninth Department is entirely a secret. Even if there were other country-level departments, except for the highest-ranking officials, no one else has the clearance to know about its existence."

Except for the highest-ranking officials, no one else had the authorization to know.

Gu Qingjiu's heart shuddered.

The Ninth Department, was it such a powerful existence?

"We've searched through China and gathered the most talented people – computer scientists, business people, and strongest soldiers, including some people with special talents. And you? Probably a sharpshooting genius."

Lu Ziyang paused. "Of course, the boss recruited you. Even I am unsure of his thoughts."

"Who is your boss? If it's a top-secret department, then why does a boss even exist?"

A boss meant that there was a superior, but to call this person 'boss' in this kind of department was a bit strange.

"The boss is the boss. Gu Qingjiu, that's all I can tell you truthfully. You don't have the authority to know who the boss is."

"You even have to forget that you've already joined the Ninth Department. Of course, that means that you have to forget on the surface. I believe that you are not the kind of person to flaunt."

Lu Ziyang's words were a warning.

Gu Qingjiu frowned. "I know that."

Even if she hadn't tasted pork, she had seen it run. Gu Qingjiu had watched dramas similar to this before.

She just didn't expect for the procedures to be the same as that of a drama.

However, the only doubt Gu Qingjiu still had was the reason they recruited her.

Did they recruit her because of her talent in sharpshooting?

Normally, she wouldn't suspect anything but based on Lu Ziyang's words, she felt... strangely uncomfortable.

The feeling was something indescribable.

"Entering the Ninth Department will bring you many benefits that you won't expect. We will arrange for your identity and our members may know you, but they would not entice trouble. I believe that you will do the same for them. Beyond these walls, you have to forget the people who you know from the Ninth Department.

"Unless I take the initiative to tell you, you currently don't have the clearance to receive any news related to the Ninth Department.

"If you understood my words, you can sign on this agreement.

"This document will be kept top secret and placed at a secured place. It is also legally bounded. Of course, the legal courts at our level means a completely different thing. You might not last until then. However, at the most critical juncture, this document will be your trump card."

Lu Ziyang's lips curled into a meaningful smile. Gu Qingjiu however, did not frown a single bit.

She took the document and skimmed through its contents. It was a simple confidentiality agreement.

It had two copies – one to be left with the department while the other would be kept with Gu Qingjiu.

Chapter 482: What a Shame That Your Reflex Terrible

Without much deliberation, Gu Qingjiu signed the agreement...

Even if she had yet to see what special place this Ninth Department was or if it was a place for her to prove her uniqueness.

However, other than the weird quirks in Lu Ziyang's speech, Gu Qingjiu was sure that the Ninth Department belonged to the country.

After signing, Lu Ziyang passed her personal copy to her, and then he stretched out his hand. "I am officially welcoming you into the Ninth Department."

This time, he finally shook hands with Gu Qingjiu.

After they had completed the agreement, Gu Qingjiu still felt befuddled. Did she sell herself off just like that?

At that moment, she didn't even have the slightest idea of what the Ninth Department was.

Lu Ziyang was sorting the documents when he suddenly paused.

Gu Qingjiu noticed his strange action and was left confused. Suddenly, her scalp tingled ominously. Without hesitation, she pushed Lu Ziyang down onto the table with a single arm. "Careful!"

At that moment, a small bullet flew over Lu Ziyang's head at a fast speed.

"Bam—" The bullet struck the metal wall on the opposite side.

It was a rubber bullet!

Gu Qingjiu narrowed her eyes and turned towards the direction where the shot was fired. From an entrance opposite of where she entered came two people.

A male and a female.

And they were both pretty good looking.

Both seemed exceptionally close, and they even looked alike. They were probably siblings.

As the two walked in, the man twirled a gun in his hands as if treating it like it was his toy.

He looked at Gu Qingjiu in surprise. "Wow, this newbie is pretty good!"

Although he had said that, it seemed to barely conceal the imposing and arrogant aura he carried as a senior who arrived at the department before her.

"You guys are too much!"

Lu Ziyang's glasses almost fell off when Gu Qingjiu pushed him down.

He straightened up and looked at the cold gaze in Gu Qingjiu. Adjusting his glasses, he said, "Do both of you still respect me as a superior?"

"It's just a joke. We wanted to test the reflex of the recruit. Boss, it's not as if you don't know it was a rubber bullet. It would just hurt a little."

The one who spoke was the man. He had the face of someone who treated things indecorously, as if not taking everything to heart.

Their relationship was strange – or at least Gu Qingjiu felt that it was strange.

Lu Ziyang was their superior, so why would they treat him in this manner?

As he turned to look at Lu Ziyang again, he looked helpless against this pair.

"Testing the recruit while using your superior as a bait?..."

Before he could complete his sentence, the man smirked cheekily and threw the gun onto the table. "Hey newbie, aren't you a talented sharpshooter? Take the gun and point at me. See if you can..."

Before he could complete his sentence, Gu Qingjiu abruptly swept the gun up and pulled the trigger without hesitation.

He reacted quickly, but since he wasn't expecting Gu Qingjiu to shoot even before he could finish his sentence, he only barely avoided it. However, due to the short distance, she still scored a shot on his chin.

"Ouch!"

Even if it was a rubber bullet, it still hurt a lot when it hit his chin.

He cried out in pain as he cradled his chin.

The girl beside was stunned. Her icy gaze instantly turned towards Gu Qingjiu and saw her put the gun down.

The smile on Gu Qingjiu's face was mild, but her words were cold.

"What a shame that senior's reflex is terrible."

Chapter 483: Whether She Could Become a Trump Card is up To Her Performance

"You!"

That girl threw a furious glare at Gu Qingjiu.

Lu Ziyang looked at Gu Qingjiu in surprise as well. He raised a hand to stop them. "That's enough. He was the one who said he wanted to test her."

Who could he blame if his reflex was not as good as Gu Qingjiu's?

The man cradled his chin looking like he was in great pain.

Even if it was a rubber bullet, it could still reduce a person into misery when fired at a fast speed. From the looks of it, it probably tore his skin.

Gu Qingjiu was completely calm.

"It's not her fault."

Beyond her expectations, although the man was still cradling his chin in pain, he said, "You have some guts, I like it!"

Lu Ziyang was speechless.

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

For a person to enter this department, how can they not have guts?

Lu Ziyang rubbed his head helplessly and said to Gu Qingjiu, "I will get Lie Feng to send you out. Remember my words."

Gu Qingjiu nodded seriously, glancing briefly at the pair beside. Without asking about their identities, she followed Lu Ziyang out.

Lu Ziyang got the decadent man from before to send Gu Qingjiu out. After he had returned, the girl begrudged, "This is the recruit? Other than her talents in sharpshooting, what else does she have? Did our department stoop to the level where they have to recruit the likes of her?"

Lu Ziyang frowned, the original amicable expression disappearing.

"Zong Wenjia! You can interfere with some matters but don't forget, these matters are not of your concern. You do not have the right to question it."

Probably because of the incident, Lu Ziyang's tone of speech was not at all pleasant.

Zong Wenjia felt dissatisfied hearing that. But after she remembered something, she pulled a frown and kept quiet.

Zong Wenxuan, who was beside her, rubbed his chin before showing it to Lu Ziyang. "Look at it, did the skin tear?"

Lu Ziyang looked at the trace of blood and rolled his eyes. "Serves you right!"

"Tsk, so unpleasant."

Zong Wenxuan took a cold breath because of the pain. "Although her talents are not exceptional, this personality of hers is to my tastes."

"This is arrogance!"

Zong Wenjia stepped closer and looked at Zong Wenxuan with concern in her eyes. "See, the skin on your chin tore."

Zong Wenxuan felt a little resigned. "Sister, I'm already so old. Also, what kind of person am I if I couldn't even handle such pain? Could I have entered this department?"

The sibling's conversation caused Lu Ziyang to snort inwardly.

As he stepped out, he tugged at his tie irritably.

They truly have been arrogant for too long, for them to not even see Gu Qingjiu's most crucial problem.

Thinking about that, Lu Ziyang sighed quietly.

He took out his cell phone and dialed a number.

After three seconds, the call went through but no sound was heard.

As if no one answered the call.

Without waiting for the other side to make a sound of acknowledgment, Lu Ziyang walked to the side and reported, "Boss, perhaps your guess wasn't wrong."

Lu Ziyang paused a little before continuing, "Her strongest potential might not lie in her sharpshooting, but I don't think the person herself has realized it. She seems to believe that besides her talent in shooting, she is just a normal person."

"If that's the case, guide her well. Whether she can become a trump card is all up to her performance."

A hoarse and deep voice ordered and swiftly cut off the call thereafter.

Chapter 484: She is Still the Same Old Her

After exiting from the base, Gu Qingjiu returned to the secluded alley she passed by earlier on.

She turned to look at Lie Feng who was guiding her before politely asking, "You are Lie Feng?"

"Yes."

Lie Feng answered directly before he added on, "If we're going by age, I can be considered as your father. Be more respectful and call me uncle."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

It was a little shameless.

"But I can't tell that you're that old."

"Thanks, I will take it as a compliment."

Gu Qingjiu laughed silently at his reply. Lie Feng's way of speaking was quite interesting.

After leaving the alley, she sat in Lie Feng's car for him to send her back.

She took the back seat this time. After she had entered, Lie Feng started the engine and looked at her through the rear mirror. He asked, "Did you meet Zong Wenjia and the rest?"

"Who?"

Gu Qingjiu was puzzled.

"A pair of siblings."

Gu Qingjiu immediately recalled the arrogant pair and nodded. "I met them."

"They like to do weird things like testing the recruits out of the blue. Not sure if they bullied you this time as well."

"Is that so?"

Gu Qingjiu raised her brows as a semblance of an amused smile appeared on her face. "I find it especially pointless, so I shot at the younger brother and hit his chin."

Surprise flashed across Lie Feng's eyes.

Soon after, he smacked the steering wheel as he erupted in laughter. "How interesting. You're the first recruit who retaliated right away. They are considered experienced in this field. Except for me and a few others, they gave almost all the recruits a hard time. However, before the recruits grasped the situation, they usually swallowed it. But you, you dared to retaliate."

"Why wouldn't I dare? He was the one who asked for it."

Gu Qingjiu didn't like being treated in this manner.

Although a flowery way of saying it was 'to test a recruit's abilities,' that attitude and arrogance were detestable.

She had seen the internationally renowned Mu Sheng who had an arrogant aura as well, but that was because she was deserving of it.

This pair of siblings didn't feel strong so that arrogance felt disgusting.

"Zong Wenxuan will one day get himself into trouble."

Lie Feng was not as cold to Gu Qingjiu as before. Instead, he was sizing Gu Qingjiu up with an amused gaze.

"An eighteen-year-old young lady. You're still very young."

This statement seemed to be said meaningfully.

Gu Qingjiu replied simply, "Being young is an asset, which is why I don't know what to fear yet."

This reply showed that she understood Lie Feng's meaning.

Saying that she was too impulsive.

She understood and did not deny it.

Lie Feng started to feel a sense of appreciation for Gu Qingjiu.

He kept quiet after that.

Because Gu Qingjiu didn't understand the department, when they were about to reach, she asked, "Will the department send tasks at any time?"

"You've just entered so they won't assign any tasks to you. The tasks which our department handles will not let an inexperienced person like you participate – no matter how much potential you have. Just be a good student at the military school for now."

Lie Feng replied in great detail.

Gu Qingjiu was confused. If that was the case, what was their reason for recruiting her into the department this early?

But she didn't ask.

She remembered Lu Ziyang's words.

She needed to forget that she was a member of the Ninth Department. After all, she was still an ordinary student from a military school.

Chapter 485: This Small Thing Doesn't Deal Her Cards Like the Rest

When Gu Qingjiu arrived at the capital, it was late into the night.

After all, when she went out, it was already dark.

Gu Qingjiu requested for a room at the hotel for her to rest for the night.

When morning arrived, she rushed back to school.

She would definitely not make it in time for her training, but she had the Commanding Officer's permission. The first thing Gu Qingjiu did was to return to her dormitory.

When she reached her dormitory, she recalled that she didn't bring her cell phone along when she left.

She originally thought it would be fine, but when she saw her phone, there were several text messages and missed calls.

One of the messages and missed calls belonged to the Chief Instructor while the others were from Gu Qian and Chu Lian.

And one from Qi Yuefeng.

Probably assuming that she was training, Qi Yuefeng did not continue calling her.

Gu Qingjiu's could feel a headache coming when she saw the Chief Instructor's missed call and message.

She didn't know if the Chief Instructor knew about her not returning to the dormitory.

She did apply for leave, so it shouldn't be a big deal?

Since she felt that way, Gu Qingjiu decided to return her mother's call before calling the Chief Instructor.

After two rings, the phone call got through. He Niancheng did not reply immediately so Gu Qingjiu called out of guilt.

"Chief Instructor?"

"Where did you go last night?"

His voice was cold, and there was a trace of anger hidden within it.

The reason for his anger was because the people he had sent to follow her last night could not find her whereabouts.

Gu Qingjiu was not capable enough to lose a tail unless someone else was bringing her along.

Not returning for a night and the commanding officer not knowing about it, that could only mean that the orders came from a higher up.

He Niancheng could roughly guess what it was about, but he was still unhappy.

And it was all because Gu Qingjiu didn't even inform him.

Hearing He Niancheng's anger from his voice, Gu Qingjiu immediately admitted to her faults. "Something happened yesterday and because it was too sudden, I didn't get the time to inform you before leaving."

She was scared that He Niancheng would question her further, and by then she wouldn't be able to answer.

She didn't want to lie to him.

To her relief, the Chief Instructor did not probe further and instead said, "Don't do this next time. In the future, if something happened, remember to text me. This is my duty as your boyfriend and it's also your responsibility as my girlfriend. It can't be that I have no idea of what you're doing."

Gu Qingjiu could feel the tips of her ears turning red when she heard the words 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend.'

Her voice held traces of a pitiful whine when she replied. "I understand Chief Instructor. I was wrong..."

"Now that you know your faults, be good."

His tone was stern before it regained its usual gentleness. "Are you at the dormitory now?"

Just by guessing, he knew that the first place which Gu Qingjiu would return to after coming back to the school was her dormitory.

"Yes."

"If you've nothing on, come over."

Hearing that, Gu Qingjiu was slightly confused. "But there are a lot of students training outside right now..."

"What are you worried about?"

He Niancheng chuckled lowly. "Didn't you say that you know your mistake?"

"Since you were wrong, you have to accept your punishments."

There was an significant emphasis on the last word.

Gu Qingjiu could hear the ambiguous meaning behind his words – the sort which made her heart thump and her face flush.

She shook her head like a rattle drum. "If that's the case, I won't go over!"

He Niancheng was speechless.

He narrowed his eyes. This little thing just didn't deal her cards like others.

Chapter 486: She Was A Hardworking Child

With how the Chief Instructor made her feel pressured, how could she not go over?

After hanging up the call, Gu Qingjiu thought about it for a moment before gritting her teeth. She then went over.

On her way, she tried her best to stay lowkey so she wouldn't attract unnecessary attention from students and instructors.

It was a relief that there were several tall trees near the office building, and since there weren't many classrooms around, there weren't as many students as well.

But there were still people passing by the area.

When Gu Qingjiu reached the building, she bumped into Lu Yimei.

Seeing Commander Lu walk down the stairs, Gu Qingjiu was startled. But she immediately calmed down and greeted, "Hello, Commander Lu!"

Lu Yimei was startled seeing Gu Qingjiu as well. "Eh, Qingjiu, do you not have training today?"

Although she was the Commander of the Shooting Department, she wouldn't dare pay attention to her member's extra-curricular activities unless it was related to target shooting. Therefore, she had no idea that Gu Qingjiu was not in school the previous night.

"I don't. I have some matters to find higher-ups."

She didn't expose herself and chose to say that she was finding a higher-up.

"Oh."

Lu Yimei was not a person of many words, so she smiled. "I was just with Instructor Xiong, and I'm returning to my building. Go ahead and go up."

After speaking, she was about to leave before she thought of something again. "Oh, I think I should tell you about it now."

Gu Qingjiu enquired, "What is it, Commander Lu?"

"This weekend, members from the shooting departments of Information Engineering University as well as Communications and Transmission University from the Changhui Province will be participating in our outdoor shooting practice. It is equivalent to that of a friendly match. You will be participating in it.

"I originally intended to get my younger brother to inform you this Thursday, but since I ran into you, I might as well tell you about it."

Gu Qingjiu understood and asked, "Is this the shooting competition between the five universities?"

"You can say so."

Lu Yimei smiled. "The three schools didn't spread the news about your achievements from the previous competition, but some news probably slipped out. Those two universities probably caught wind of it and decided to come and test the waters."

"Although they rank behind us, the shooting departments of these two schools are not weaker than us. Qingjiu, you have to work hard this time as well!"

The sound of competition was enough to cause the blood in her to roar. She nodded immediately. "I understand, Commander Lu. I will give it my all."

Even if her abilities were outstanding, Gu Qingjiu would forever enjoy the intensity of competition.

Especially the kind which competed against other schools.

The more she participated, the more she would improve.

Knowing that there would be a competition this weekend, Gu Qingjiu skipped in excitement towards the office.

When she was about to step into He Niancheng's office, she realized that there was somebody else present.

Just when she was about to turn around, the said person turned around, and it was Commander Huo.

Seeing that it was Commander Huo, Gu Qingjiu naturally had no reason to avoid.

However, since Huo Yingcheng already treated Gu Qingjiu as a traitor on his road to revolution, he narrowed his eyes at her. "What? What are you doing here? Not training at all and always bugging the Chief Instructor, your thoughts are not on the same page as the country! Always thinking about love and sorts!"

To get chided even before she entered the office, Gu Qingjiu felt dissatisfied despite hearing his teasing tone.

It was the Chief Instructor who had asked her to come.

She was a hardworking child!

Chapter 487: She's the One Who Wants to Meet You

"I'm still here!"

Before Huo Yingcheng could finish his farce, the person at the office table knocked hard.

His voice was extremely cold.

Huo Yingcheng shrunk.

Gu Qingjiu laughed out loud before moving forward to salute.

"Chief Instructor, Commander Huo!"

"Mm."

Seeing Gu Qingjiu, He Niancheng acknowledged plainly before sweeping his glance over to Huo Yingcheng.

His meaning was clear. He wanted him to get lost.

Huo Yingcheng understood right away but couldn't help but feel wronged.

He eyed Gu Qingjiu and He Niancheng, who was in front of him. His eyes showing his disdain as a single man.

But he only dared to show this disdain to Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu felt wronged by always being at the forefront and having to bear the brunt as the target of his attacks.

"Then I'll be off!"

He loudly announced his departure before leaving.

No one wanted him to stay.

He left as a lonely soul.

Gu Qingjiu started to find this Huo Yingcheng pitiful.

He was like a lonely old man.

He should find a girlfriend...

As Gu Qingjiu lamented inwardly, He Niancheng called out, "Come over."

She cheerily walked over to He Niancheng.

He Niancheng looped an arm around her waist. Instead of kissing her immediately like the other time, he asked, "You looked happy when you came in. Did something wonderful happen?"

His observation skills were sensitive for him to see Gu Qingjiu's subtle change.

"Commander Lu told me there would be an outdoor shooting competition this weekend. Two other schools will be attending as well, and I'm excited at the prospect of competition."

"Pfft..."

He Niancheng let out a low chuckle, as if not taking it seriously. "It's just a competition."

"But I like them!"

Gu Qingjiu's reply was immediate.

He Niancheng narrowed his eyes as something unfathomable flashed within those orbs. "Between me and competitions, which do you like more?"

"Of course, it's you."

Gu Qingjiu replied even faster. As she leaned closer to He Niancheng, her eyes shone like twinkling stars.

"There's nothing I like more than the Chief Instructor."

The man in front of her finally curled his lips up in satisfaction.

If Huo Yingcheng were there, his jaw would probably fall.

This girl was getting pretty smooth doing sweet talks.

Everything seemed to fall in place, and something ambiguous brewed in the air. He Niancheng suddenly pulled a burst of grim laughter. "Next weekend, we will be having a meal at Auntie's house."

"Ah?"

Gu Qingjiu didn't catch it in time. "Which Auntie..."

Right after those words left her lips, she recalled the aunt she met the other time, He Lianman.

He Niancheng's aunt?

"Didn't you say that...."

Gu Qingjiu widened her eyes. As far as she could remember, the Chief Instructor and his aunt's conversation didn't end on a good note.

As if knowing what Gu Qingjiu was thinking about, He Niancheng reached out to lightly pinch Gu Qingjiu's smooth face. "It's just a meal. She's my aunt after all."

The Chief Instructor wasn't as cold as she thought.

She thought of him as the kind of person who could use extreme means even on his relatives.

That aunt of his was a noble lady of high status, and she would have a meal with her at her house this time.

Gu Qingjiu expressed that she was just a measly commoner who was frightened at the prospect of the meal. She asked carefully, "Is there anything I need to take note of, like what she dislikes, what should I..."

"Not needed."

He Niancheng cut off her messy thoughts by using domineering thoughts. "She's the one who wants to meet you. I wasn't the one who wanted to bring you to meet her."

Chapter 488: You Didn't Come Back Yesterday Night

"..."

As expected, there were still times when the Chief Instructor didn't give any face.

Gu Qingjiu was of the younger generation, so it was only natural for her to take note of the older generation's likes and dislikes.

But since He Niancheng phrased it that way, he was not going to provide her with the information.

It would be up to Gu Qingjiu's performance for that day.

"Which day will it be?"

"The next weekend you have free, so there's still more or less ten days. But don't worry and just focus on your training."

"You're telling me that I would be meeting your aunt quite suddenly, how can I not worry... mmh!"

Before Gu Qingjiu could even finish her sentence, the Chief Instructor attacked her lips again.

Her face flushed slightly before she melted in his embrace, and that allowed him to enjoy the kiss.

When it was about time, He Niancheng finally let go. His eyes were dark and threatening. "There's still so much time before you graduate. It's too long."

"What happens after I graduate?"

With her flushed face, she asked and pretended not to understand what he had meant.

But how could she not understand?

He Niancheng leaned towards her ear, whispering in an intoxicating tone, "To make you mine."

Those words wormed its way into her ears.

Like electricity, it snaked its way into her tummy and tickled her numb.

Her legs felt like jelly all of a sudden, and she felt too embarrassed to even lift her head.

She would only appear shy in front of the Chief Instructor.

Gu Qingjiu was always calm and indifferent in front of others. If they saw how she was acting, their spectacles would probably fall off.

"I... I'm going back. There's lunch later, I'm hungry."

In her panic, she had no idea how to respond to the Chief Instructor.

She removed herself from his embrace and quickly found an excuse to leave.

He Niancheng didn't stop her and simply chuckled in a low tone, causing the panic in Gu Qingjiu to heighten further.

And she left immediately.

He Niancheng moved back to his seat with his half-lidded eyes adorning his handsome face.

That little thing's fresh scent remained in his embrace. Whenever he had Gu Qingjiu in his arms, he seemed to get this uncontrollable urge.

He was a person with incredible self-control, but he didn't want to hold it back in front of Gu Qingjiu.

His words had caused her to flush, and it was a form of enjoyment for him.

...

Gu Qingjiu felt her heart jumping out every time she went over to He Niancheng's office.

It would be the death of her.

Gu Qingjiu sighed.

Once she left the office, her heart seemed to calm down after it had a bout of panic. She then went to the canteen.

After eating at the canteen, Gu Qingjiu's heart finally calmed down completely.

She strolled back to the dormitory.

Qi Xiaoran was in their dormitory, but Gu Qian and Chu Lian had yet to return.

The girl was reading a book on her bed. When she saw Gu Qingjiu, she swept a glance towards her. "You didn't come back last night."

It startled Gu Qingjiu. She thought of Qi Xiaoran as a person who never bothered with others' business.

She nodded in response. "I had some things to settle."

While she was eating with Chu Lian yesterday, Qi Xiaoran left as well and she didn't probe.

Who would expect Qi Xiaoran to ask about her?

But after that statement, she didn't probe any further.

Nodding her head, she turned back to her book.

Gu Qingjiu went back to lie on her bed as well.

Chapter 489: Signaller Soldier

"Eh, Qingjiu? You're back?"

Gu Qian asked Gu Qingjiu upon seeing her the moment they returned to the dorm.

Gu Qingjiu drowsily replied, "Mm."

She didn't sleep well the previous night, and she had to wake up early.

Now that she was lying on her bed, she couldn't help but feel drowsy.

Seeing that she was about to fall asleep, Gu Qian didn't ask more.

And instead, she got busy with her things.

When afternoon training began, Gu Qingjiu was well-rested enough to practice.

But she heard another news in the afternoon.

The commanding officer said that the higher-ups ordered a new group of signaller soldiers. In other words, they wanted to recruit people who were good at both combat and technical skills.

They would start training from year one and transfer to the borders. Applications are for anyone willing.

They would also be treated very well.

The conditions at the borders were not great, but the good treatment they offered was enough to tempt many students.

After all, many students from the National Military University of China had an ordinary background. They were all here for a better future.

Since there was a chance now, many people wanted to grab it.

There weren't many slots. Only a hundred were offered to the entire school.

Temptation hadn't dawned on Gu Qingjiu yet, and the Commanding Officer informed everyone that several students from their class couldn't make this choice.

One of them was Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu was slightly befuddled. The Commanding Officer told her that since she belonged to the Shooting Department, the department wouldn't allow her to do so even if she wanted to go.

And special troops like signallers required stamina, something which Gu Qingjiu didn't have.

Although Gu Qingjiu could follow her usual training, she was only average amongst them. If she were to try for it, she wouldn't make the mark.

Gu Qingjiu had no intention of going, but she couldn't deny the truth in the Commanding Officer's words.

She had long known that she had a weak constitution. Although the situation was turning for the better, it still wasn't the best.

Hence, Gu Qingjiu didn't mind not having the choice to choose.

She had already affirmed her direction to develop her shooting, so she yet had to make considerations for the other aspects.

Hence, she didn't think too much about her stamina.

After all, most of the people here had similar levels of stamina!

When she returned to the dormitory, she found out that Chu Lian and Qi Xiaoran had signed up.

Gu Qingjiu was puzzled. "They will transfer you to the border in the future. Will you guys be able to stand it?"

Chu Lian shook her head and sighed. "You don't understand. The borders are fun. I want to fight in the war!"

The border was the line of defense for the country. Soldiers guarding them had to face numerous difficulties.

There were many criminals and foreign threats. Skirmishes were frequent, and conditions were harsh and dangerous.

Soldiers often lost their lives.

And it was because of their protection that the country gets to enjoy its peace and prosperity.

Chu Lian's reason was bold.

Qi Xiaoran's reason was more casual. "I got first in dueling. The Commanding Officer asked me to try out, and so I agreed."

"I wonder what your brains are made of? We are students of a military school. When we graduate, entering any department would be better than going to the borders. Must you change your aspirations now?"

Gu Qian was even more confused.

Gu Qingjiu knew Chu Lian's reason, but Qi Xiaoran's reason was not this simple.

She was already a dark hand, so why did she have to transfer to the borders?

It might be an order from the higher-ups.

That was just her speculation, but she couldn't voice it out either.

Chapter 490: Hard to Get Chosen

"What do you know?"

Chu Lian rolled her eyes. "You're such a simpleton. Do you think they will transfer us like this? They are recruiting in our school now, but I heard that the Haihe Military University is recruiting as well. Let's not talk about the National Defense University, which is not on the same level as us, but I think that transferring over will bring about other opportunities. 'Signallers' is just a facade. Do you think they are so desperate to choose students? For them to start the training from year one, there possibly is a hidden meaning!"

Her words brought some clarity to Gu Qingjiu.

Chu Lian thought and understood more than others. It was evident from the way she teased Gu Qingjiu about her boyfriend.

Hence, she probably had guessed a secret that others haven't.

Gu Qingjiu surreptitiously looked at Qi Xiaoran.

As expected, even Qi Xiaoran was looking at Chu Lian in surprise.

That meant that Qi Xiaoran knew something.

It tickled Gu Qingjiu's heart.

Did this group of soldiers hold another secret?

How frustrating! Why was her stamina this bad!

She wanted to take a look.

But most importantly, she was a member of the shooting department. It was indeed not quite possible for her to join.

"Is that the case?"

Gu Qian seemed to understand a little.

But she was still perplexed. "But the conditions at the border are so poor that I wouldn't be able to stand it. My parents are still waiting for me to get deployed to somewhere near the capital so that they can enjoy the good fortune."

Chu Lian rolled her eyes. "Weak!"

Gu Qian huffed and turned to look at Gu Qingjiu. "Qingjiu, did you sign up?"

"I..."

Gu Qingjiu smiled. Just when she was about to answer, Chu Lian butted in. "Qianqian, are you silly? Qingjiu has such great talent for shooting. The shooting department wants to keep her, so why would they want her to sign up for this? We can't compare her future to us!"

She said it in a calm tone and without any other meanings. It was as if reciting the simple truth.

"That's not the case. If I didn't enter the Shooting Department, I would want to sign up." She laughed bitterly and continued, "But the commanding officer told me that being in the shooting department was not the only reason. He said that with my stamina, I wouldn't be able to catch up with the training of special troops."

"Special troops?"

Chu Lian didn't expect Gu Qingjiu to reveal such news. She clapped her hands. "I knew there was something weird about this. Why would normal signallers be at the standard of specialized troops? No wonder they needed to train starting year one, and Xiaoran's commanding officer recommended her to go! There is something else. I must secure a slot among the hundred!"

Chu Lian's image did not coincide with that of a female soldier, but her skills were not bad.

Qi Xiaoran pursed her lips. "Qingjiu, your commanding officer told you that?"

Hearing Qi Xiaoran's question, something flashed across Gu Qingjiu's mind, but her expression didn't change as she nodded. "Yes, my Commanding Officer told me."

"Aiyah, then I've missed out on a good chance."

Hearing Chu Lian's explanation, Gu Qian finally felt uneasy. "Did I miss out on a great opportunity?"

"Don't think so."

Chu Lian doused her in cold water. "With your results, it would be quite difficult to get in. There were quite a lot of sign-ups."