Chapter 631: Stark Contrast Under Comparison

Finally, Gu Qingjiu and her family—excluding Gu Hong—left.

Gu He shot Judith a look for her to bring the few kids out, including Ella.

Gu Shouyan's husband brought Gu Xiaoxi out.

Now, only the three Gu family members were left.

After everyone had gone out, Gu Shouyan said, "Last time it was you who asked your older brother to go to America, and you even kept it from me. Now, tell me, what exactly is the deal with this Ella?"

Gu He let out a sigh and said, "Back then, I really shouldn't have adopted Ella."

In a weak voice, Gu Hong said, "When Third Brother asked me to go to America previously, it was because of Ella's matter. Third Brother asked me to help find Ella's biological parents. Or her family members. He wishes to send Ella back."

She had felt that Ella's temperament was a little unruly earlier. Upon hearing these words, Gu Shouyan frowned. "You've raised her for so many years. Why would you want to send her back now?"

"Big Sister, you have no idea. We don't know how to discipline Ella in hand. You know how troublesome the laws in America are. A mild lecturing and they would accuse you of abusing the child. All the more, we don't dare to hit her. Judith and I have no other solutions."

"She's only 16, and she hangs out with the hooligans in the US. She would also bully her two younger brothers at home all the time. And this is secondary. Last time, we found out she was smoking marijuana! Although this is common in the States, it is still drugs! If we hadn't discovered in time, we can't imagine the consequences."

"She's getting more and more out of hand these days. She even stole money from home. No matter how much effort I put into teaching her since she was young, she was defiant by nature. I suspect what people her biological parents are."

Although these were words said in spite, it was also clear from his tone that Gu He was helpless about the situation.

"We thought we would raise her properly when we picked her up when she was little. When we found out we were having twin boys, we also wanted a little girl. But Judith could no longer give birth. We hadn't expected things to turn out like this, Big Sister."

Gu Shouyan now realized the severity of the matter.

It wasn't as if Gu Shouyan didn't know what her brothers were like in terms of family.

Gu He, Gu Hong, and Gu Li were all elites, and their wives weren't too bad. The children they brought up were quite sensible and capable.

Even the little ones were courteous.

There weren't any significant issues with the way they raised their children.

But as for Ella, it involved something else.

After some hesitation, she asked Gu Hong, "Did you find out anything for our brother?"

Gu Hong shook his head. "Although we have Ella's DNA, we picked Ella up in the US. I only found out that Ella's parents should be Chinese. But this is too wide a range. It's like fishing a needle out of the sea."

Gu He could only sigh. "I guess we can only try our best. If nothing else works, I can only send Ella to some local organization in the US for rehabilitation."

"Actually, by bringing her up to the country this time, I have thoughts of letting her continue her studies here in China. See if she'll undergo any changes in an unfamiliar environment."

"Well then, who are you planning to ask to help you take care of the child here? With your situation, don't blame Big Sister for being merciless. We can fork out the money, but I absolutely will not allow her to live with my children."

Gu He: "..."

Chapter 632: Carefree Days

Gu Shouyan was saying it as it is.

For Ella's situation, if Gu He wasn't in the country, they could only leave her in the care of either Gu Shouyan or Gu Hong's family.

But wouldn't it be a torment for them?

Gu Shouyan definitely wouldn't agree to it.

"In the past, I felt that Qingjiu would always be an outsider no matter how you raise her. But now, under comparison, Qingjiu is sensible and capable."

Gu Hong: "..."

Gu He: "..."

Gu He looked towards his older brother with envy. "Say, both of us adopted daughters. Why is the contrast so stark?"

Gu Hong revealed a rare chuckle. "I guess it depends on affinity. But you have to handle Ella's matter properly. You know that things could get troublesome otherwise. After all, you've raised that child for so many years. Surely there's some kinship there?"

"I just fear that if she continues behaving this way, it will destroy the last of that kinship."

...

While the trio was discussing, Gu Qingjiu and her family returned home first.

In the car, Gu Qingmo said, "What is wrong with that Ella? If it weren't because she is my cousin, I would have scolded her."

Qi Yuefeng rolled her eyes at Gu Qingmo. "As a big boy, aren't you embarrassed to be so calculative with a little girl?"

"She was insulting my younger sister. Mom, you have no idea how nasty that Ella's words were. She said the way Qingjiu eats is so brutish it's as though she's never eaten anything in her entire life. Are you able to tolerate that?"

Qi Yuefeng paused. "Did she say that?"

"Why else do you think I got so mad?"

Qin Wange placed a hand on Gu Qingjiu's arm and comforted him with a smile. "Alright, Qingmo, stop it. Qingjiu's not even angry about it."

Gu Qingjiu pursed her lips. "I'm a patient."

"I haven't even told you off about your injury!"

Qi Yuefeng pointed at Gu Qingjiu and said, "But it seems like the last time your father went overseas. It was about Ella's matter."

"Ella's matter?"

Gu Qingmo, who was at the wheel, asked in a puzzled tone.

"Right, your dad said that Gu He intends to send Ella back to her biological parents. They've raised her for so many years and surely must feel a kinship for her. Why are they thinking of sending her back?"

The three youngsters exchanged gazes.

They thought more deeply than Qi Yuefeng and instantly understood the reason.

Gu Qingmo said, "Young Uncle isn't able to tolerate Ella in certain matters?"

"No idea. Your great aunt and dad will handle this. You kids should stay out of this," Qi Yuefeng reminded.

Gu Qingjiu said with a chuckle, "Mom, we didn't intend to meddle in this. It's more important for you to stay out of this."

"Why would I meddle in it?"

Although Gu Qingjiu said she would change her wound dressing when they reached home, she didn't dare to show them her wound.

After making up some excuse, she escaped to her room, then secretly changed her wound dressing inside.

At night, as there were quite many people at home, Qi Yuefeng made Gu Qingmo, Gu Qingjiu, and the few of them sleep at a hotel.

Early the next morning, Gu Qingjiu ate breakfast outside before rushing back home. When she got back, she then learned that Gu Hong and Gu He and his family had taken a flight to the capital.

Gu Shouyan also went with them.

It was said that they were going there to attend to some matter.

Likely it had something to do with Ella's matter.

Great Aunt had left Xiaoxi behind for the time being and asked Qi Yuefeng to take care of her.

Qin Wange and Gu Qingmo didn't stay long at home before leaving because the two of them now had to work and weren't that free.

After pretty much everyone left, Gu Qingjiu, Gu Xiaoxi, and Qi Yuefeng were left at home.

Such carefree days were rare.

Chapter 633: Why are You so Calculative When We're in a Relationship!

"Sister Qingjiu, I can't clear this round..."

Early in the morning, Gu Xiaoxi was pestering Gu Qingjiu to help her clear a round in the game, in her cartoon pajamas.

At that moment, the sleepy Gu Qingjiu had her head buried in the blankets.

She felt that life at home was too carefree and that she was getting increasingly lazy.

After helping Xiaoxi clear the round, she received a call from Commander Lu Yimei.

"Qingjiu, you must remember to return to the capital on the 17th of July. You're taking the eight pm flight that night with Commanding Officer Nian to the UK. The venue for this year's international competition is out. It's going to be held in the UK."

Gu Qingjiu instantly felt awake.

"They have confirmed the competition venue?"

"Mm. 17th July, remember that. The school took care of your visa for you."

"Okay, got it! Thank you, Commander!"

"You're welcome. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up first. Bye, Qingjiu. Have fun and enjoy the delicacies there, haha."

Gu Qingjiu felt excited.

She didn't know where the competition would be held before this. Now, she learned that the venue was overseas this year.

That meant she had to go overseas.

But only Gu Qingjiu could go.

Back then, she had promised Yu Bao'er she would get her an entry pass, but it seemed like that wouldn't work now.

Because the international competition wasn't an open event, those invited to view were senior officials from various countries.

For Gu Qingjiu, the only reason Commanding Officer Nian could bring her to view the competition was that she was a sharpshooter.

Even Lu Yimei couldn't go.

Yu Bao'er wasn't even someone from a military school. All the more couldn't go.

But at the thought of going overseas, she felt kind of excited.

She speedily got out of bed, got changed, and washed up.

Seeing her excited expression, Xiaoxi asked curiously, "Sister Qingjiu, are you pleased?"

"Yeah, Sister is thrilled."

Gu Qingjiu replied as she brushed her teeth. After she was done, she went out and told Qi Yuefeng about this. "Mom, I must return to the capital in a few days. I need to go overseas to take part in this school event."

She simply said she was taking part in it to avoid having to explain a great deal more.

Qi Yuefeng, who was washing the clothes, paused for a moment. "You need to participate in an event during the summer break? Moreover, you'll have to go overseas?"

"Yeah, to the UK. This is my first time going overseas. Mom, is there anything you'd like from there? I'll bring back some local specialties."

"Don't waste money."

Qi Yuefeng smiled. "But I've got to confirm with your commanding officer."

After all, going overseas was a significant affair. Qi Yuefeng felt worried.

Gu Qingjiu nodded, not minding it. "Go ahead and ask."

Qi Yuefeng went to call up the commanding officer.

A few minutes later, Gu Qingjiu received a call from Helian Niancheng.

He was straight to the point. "You ought to have been informed of the competition venue. When are you coming back to the capital?"

"It's still early." Gu Qingjiu mumbled, "It's only the start of July, and we'll only be heading to the UK on the 17th. I'll be staying at home to keep my mom company."

"Then when are you coming back to keep me company?"

Once the deep voice rang, Gu Qingjiu felt shy. "At most, I'll keep you company for a few days more after returning from the UK."

"..."

After a momentary silence, he continued, "Your father is in the capital."

Gu Qingjiu paused, then said, "Ah right, but they're there to attend to some matters."

"I know that your family is currently investigating something. With no other help, they won't be able to uncover something that happened so long ago. Do you need my help?"

Helian Niancheng tossed out a seduction. Gu Qingjiu hesitated, then said, "That's my Young Uncle's family affair. But Chief Instructor, if you can be of help, you can..."

"That certainly isn't a problem. How are you going to thank me?"

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

Why are you so calculative when we're in a relationship!

Chapter 634: Surprise

Gu Qingjiu asked testingly, "How do you want me to express my thanks?"

"You should know."

He chuckled, then said in his deep voice, "Think about it properly. Good day."

With that, he hung up the call.

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

What could she possibly think of?

She had a rough idea of how Helian Niancheng wanted her to thank him, and she couldn't help but think along those lines.

She gently patted her face. Gu Xiaoxi walked over as she rubbed her bottom, curious. As she gazed at Gu Qingjiu, she said, "Sister Qingjiu, your face is so red..."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

She hurriedly pulled Gu Xiaoxi towards her and gently smacked her on her little bottom. "Nonsense, Sister's face isn't red."

Qi Yuefeng, who was in the kitchen, overheard them. She stuck her head out in astonishment. "Face is red? Do you have a fever?"

"..."

Fine, so long as her mom didn't think it was something else.

"No."

Gu Xiaoxi suddenly let out a chuckle. Seeing that Gu Xiaoxi was still in her pajamas, Qi Yuefeng instructed Gu Qingjiu, "Help Xiaoxi change out of her pajamas. We'll go out and buy some stuff after breakfast."

"Okay."

Although one of Gu Qingjiu's arm was injured, she had no problem handling most matters with one arm.

The obedient Xiaoxi knew how to put on clothes by herself.

While she was helping Gu Xiaoxi get dressed, Gu Qingjiu looked at her wound.

After some medication and stitching up of the wound, her flesh was slowly growing out.

At the start, when she changed her wound dressing, she couldn't bear to look at it.

So, while Gu Qingjiu was at home, she had been avoiding Qi Yuefeng and the rest while she changed her wound dressing.

After that, the trio went out.

By 'buying' some stuff, Qi Yuefeng intended to bring Gu Qingjiu out to buy clothes.

She kept saying Gu Qingjiu had few clothes to wear now, and she wanted to buy all sorts of clothing for her.

That was basically how the days at home passed.

It was fine at the start when she just came back, but as time went by, she began feeling incredibly bored.

Hence, on 10th July, Gu Qingjiu took a flight back to the capital.

Mainly because her father was about to return from the capital, she wouldn't have to worry about Qi Yuefeng and Gu Xiaoxi alone at home.

When Gu Qingjiu reached the capital and before she could even inform Helian Niancheng of her return, she received Helian Niancheng's call the moment she checked her phone after getting off the flight.

"I'm waiting for you at your favorite steak restaurant."

"Did you install a tracker on me?"

Gu Qingjiu curled her lips. The person on the other end of the line said, "More or less. Hurry over. I'll be waiting."

Gu Qingjiu took a cab to where Helian Niancheng was.

She had told Qi Yuefeng she was returning early to look for her older brother. But the first person she went to look for upon her return was Helian Niancheng, which made her feel a tad ashamed.

When she reached the restaurant, the servers could recognize Gu Qingjiu by now, and they immediately led her into an individual suite.

Gu Qingjiu joyfully entered, and it was then that she realized that other than Helian Niancheng, there was also the back view of an elegant woman in the room.

Gu Qingjiu's smile froze on her lips.

Her entry alerted those present in the room.

Helian Niancheng and this woman turned their heads at the same time. Gu Qingjiu could then see that the woman before her was a woman with an imposing appearance.

As she looked closely, her facial features bore a more remarkable resemblance to Westerners. She was an extremely gorgeous woman with an elegant disposition.

Chapter 635: His Mother

Without having to hear it from Helian Niancheng, Gu Qingjiu knew who this woman was.

She seemed to be wearing a designer outfit, and Gu Qingjiu recognized it to be Chanel.

The brand Chanel gave off a socialite vibe, and it appeared particularly noble on this woman.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Gu Qingjiu finally understood whom Helian Niancheng inherited his good looks from.

Standing there stiffly, although her expression couldn't be considered awkward, the shock on her face was rather apparent.

"Come over."

Helian Niancheng, dressed in a shirt with watercolor painting prints that complemented his celestial and elegant air, turned around.

He waved at Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu subconsciously walked towards Helian Niancheng, but her vision remained fixed upon that beautiful lady next to him.

"This is..."

She asked Helian Niancheng in a small voice.

The beautiful woman before her revealed a gracious and affable smile at Gu Qingjiu.

Only that as she gazed at Gu Qingjiu, she was indistinctly sizing her up.

Even though that gaze was rather affable, it made one feel a sense of pressure.

"Let me introduce her to you formally. This is my mother."

When he said this, the beautiful woman before him nodded with a smile.

She exuded an elegant aura.

Even though she was mentally prepared for this, Gu Qingjiu's heart couldn't help but skip a beat at hearing such a direct introduction. She hurriedly greeted her. "How do you do, Auntie? I am Gu Qingjiu."

Although she felt panicked, she could maintain calmness on the surface.

It wasn't that she was nervous, but that she felt constrained meeting her boyfriend's parents.

Although Helian Niancheng had mentioned his mother wanted to meet her, she never expected it to happen soon.

"Nice to meet you."

Hilda stood up and extended a hand in a friendly manner.

Gu Qingjiu also stuck out her hand.

She noticed that although the other party was sizing her up, her gaze was gradually turning gentler.

Next to her, Helian Niancheng said with a faint smile, "Mom, this is my girlfriend, Gu Qingjiu. You know that, right?"

Hilda, who wore exquisite makeup on her face, cast a helpless look at his son and replied, "Of course."

Her voice was melodious, and she sounded unusually demure speaking in Mandarin.

When she caught sight of Gu Qingjiu's arm, she asked with a hint of worry in her voice, "I heard you got injured a few days ago. Are you feeling better now?"

Flattered by the attention, Gu Qingjiu nodded and replied, "Auntie, it's nothing serious."

Although she knew that the other party's identity was very shocking, Gu Qingjiu could only address her as Auntie under such circumstances.

"Sit down."

Helian Niancheng reached out and helped to support Gu Qingjiu's arm, then pulled her to a side to sit down. Next to them, the chef started preparing delicious food.

"I've long heard about you. But this is my first time meeting you."

Regardless of what this Hilda said, it made one feel a sense of pleasure, that they were being taken seriously.

This was an upbringing that was hard to come by. Interacting with such a person was a scarce experience.

Gu Qingjiu immediately felt closer to Hilda.

Although this was her first time meeting Helian Niancheng's mother, the distantness she felt towards his mother quickly disappeared.

Chapter 636: Why I Came to China

"Back then, I had wondered what kind of girl would it be, for my son who never once looked at a girl since young, to desire to stay in China and be reluctant to come back."

When Hilda said these words, she even cast a glance towards Helian Niancheng.

Gu Qingjiu was about to speak when Helian Niancheng helped her get a plate and spoke up. "You know very well why I chose not to go back."

He spoke in English.

Gu Qingjiu very rarely heard Helian Niancheng speak in English. When he spoke in English, he sounded even more elegant and full of charisma.

Some people were born flawless.

Helian Niancheng's words made the atmosphere turn a little stiff. However, Hilda didn't seem to mind, and she turned to look at Gu Qingjiu. "I heard you even joined your university's Shooting Department. Also, you're going to take part in international competitions in the future?"

"Probably."

Gu Qingjiu wasn't so confident now.

After all, she hadn't yet recovered from her arm injury.

But she could sense that there weren't any repercussions from her injury.

"What a wonderful young lady."

Hilda's praise made Gu Qingjiu feel rather shy.

She poured a glass of freshly-squeezed fruit juice for Gu Qingjiu, then took a sip of her red wine and said in English, "I'll be heading to your aunt's later. I'll be staying in China for a while. Your father hopes that when the time comes, you can go back with me to visit your Uncle Herman."

"No."

Helian Niancheng refused straightforwardly.

Hilda set down her wine glass. Her actions were swift and decisive yet allowed her to retain her noble air. It made one feel that she looked beautiful no matter what she did.

"You can't be stubborn. Even if you feel that you've done nothing wrong, you have to apologize at least. You've caused too great a damage to your Uncle Herman."

When she said this, she sounded incredibly imposing.

Watching as this mother-and-son duo become confrontational after a few words, Gu Qingjiu suddenly felt a bleak future ahead of her.

The same thing happened when Helian Niancheng met his aunt previously; they had gotten into an argument after a short exchange.

Helian Niancheng didn't seem like the sort who was fond of being nagged at, but when he spoke, he indeed could anger the other party.

Helian Niancheng's cold eyes turned increasingly icy as he kept quiet.

Hilda's lips curled into a smile once more, as though nothing had happened. "I'll be staying in the capital for some time. Qingjiu, do you have time to keep me company?"

"I..."

"She's not free."

Helian Niancheng held Gu Qingjiu's shoulder and said, "I won't let her keep you company. The person you ought to look for is Aunt."

"Wow. Your behavior shocks me. You didn't use to be like this."

Hilda raised her wine glass and took a sip, then spread out her arms helplessly. "Ok, I won't force you. I hope you can consider it."

After that, Hilda got to her feet and revealed a vibrant smile at Gu Qingjiu. "Qingjiu, I hope you can keep Auntie company next time."

With that, she turned around and left with firm footsteps.

Gu Qingjiu only had time to wave and say goodbye. Honestly speaking, she was dumbfounded.

Helian Niancheng's mother exceeded her expectations.

Gu Qingjiu turned her head after she left and asked softly, "Chief Instructor, what's the matter with you and your mother?"

"Do you remember me telling you why I came to China?"

Helian Niancheng started recounting this incident, seeming as though he didn't at all care.

Chapter 637: She Will Be the Princess Consort?

"I don't recall you telling me..."

She never remembered Helian Niancheng mentioning this matter.

"My father and my Uncle Herman are brothers from different mothers."

"But because of an incident, I got into a conflict with my Uncle Herman. Because I -had refused to apologize to Herman, they banished me to China. Their intention was for me to undergo some training in the Chinese military."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

Undergo training?

What a lie!

She couldn't at all tell that Helian Niancheng was exiled. It appeared more like he was here to be a young master...

Though, Gu Qingjiu didn't dare to say this out loud.

But if it was merely a conflict, would it be so severe to exile Helian Niancheng?

Gu Qingjiu cautiously asked, "What was the conflict about?"

It must be a very serious conflict.

Helian Niancheng shook his head. "Internal strife. It's inappropriate for me to tell you for now."

Gu Qingjiu nodded in enlightenment to express she understood at his direct reply.

Although large clans appeared luxurious and prosperous on the surface, outsiders rarely knew what was going on inside.

It was just like the Yu family and their many scandals. Much less mention such a family that wielded such great power.

"I heard that the Helian family has relations to the royal family. Is your Helian family also considered royalty?"

It was Gu Qingjiu's first time meeting a royal member in person, so she definitely had many questions.

Royalty sounded powerful and prestigious, like the sort you only got to read about in the newspapers.

Although the news didn't state the Helian family's background clearly, the royal Morian family of Penalan was a relatively high-profile family.

That sort went on headlines once every two to three days, and everyone in the world would talk about it with delight.

The Helian family used to be on equal footing as the Morian family. It was just that for the past two consecutive reigns, it was the Morian family that got chosen. The latest was even a queen.

The Helian family seemed to be gradually disappearing from everyone's sight.

"Yes. Back then, my father was one of the heirs to the throne. But he gave up on it."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

It was the first time Gu Qingjiu knew what it meant to be quietly impressive.

Helian Niancheng was like that.

Back then, my father was one of the heirs to the throne.

In other words, didn't that make Helian Niancheng a successor to the throne as well?

"Doesn't that make you a prince or something?"

Gu Qingjiu's eyes were nearly glowing.

A royalty in real life.

It felt like a megastar suddenly appearing before an ordinary person.

"That's right."

Helian Niancheng nodded as he gazed at Gu Qingjiu with his deep eyes. He pinched her chin and shook it. The way she was staring at him made her resemble a curious kitten.

"Why are you interested in such stuff?"

"Of course I'm interested. Ordinary people like to pay attention to such gossip when they have nothing better to do."

Gu Qingjiu sighed with emotion. "In all my years of existence, this is the first time I'm seeing a prince in real life."

There were many members of royalty, princes, and princesses in the world. They always felt like a different world from her.

Now that she got to see one, it was inevitable that she felt incredulous.

Helian Niancheng: "..."

He suddenly let out a burst of muffled laughter, unable to hold himself back any longer. It was rare to see him so joyful.

"Oh, you."

He dotingly pinched Gu Qingjiu's cheeks once more. "Why don't you think about what you'll become when you marry me in the future?"

Gu Qingjiu's face turned red in an instant.

Princ... Princess Consort?

Chapter 638: Heading to the UK – International Competition Venue

Let's first not talk about whether or not marrying Helian Niancheng would become a reality.

If she really ended up marrying him, wouldn't she become a princess consort?

If that happened in the future, how would she tell her mother that she was about to become a princess consort?

Her mother would probably faint from shock...

Helian Niancheng was pleased to see Gu Qingjiu's reaction.

Just then, the chef had just finished preparing the steak. With one arm wrapped in a cast, Gu Qingjiu could not cut her steak, so she urged Helian Niancheng in a justified tone, "Chief Instructor, quick, help me cut this."

Helian Niancheng cast a glance at her and helped Gu Qingjiu cut her steak as she asked.

Gu Qingjiu opened her mouth after it was done and waited for him to bring it to her mouth. That he did, but before that, he first kissed Gu Qingjiu on her lips before feeding her the meat.

As Gu Qingjiu sank her teeth into the succulent steak, she glared at Helian Niancheng.

Gosh, seriously. The chef was still around.

After she and Helian Niancheng finished eating, they left.

In the days that followed until when she left for the UK, Gu Qingjiu hung out with Helian Niancheng.

But they didn't really do much.

After all, Gu Qingjiu was still injured. Other than some kissing and touching, he couldn't really go overboard with things.

But whenever he helped Gu Qingjiu change her wound dressing, his countenance would be so dark it looked like someone owed him eight million yuan or something.

Gu Qingjiu felt that his gaze would probably kill the people in the department.

Very soon, the 17th arrived, and it was time for Gu Qingjiu to depart. Finally, she would leave Helian Niancheng for some time.

Before she set off, Lu Yimei called her. She had initially planned on arriving just in time. Still, when she heard from Commander Lu Yimei that Commanding Officer Nian and the rest had just set off, Gu Qingjiu was so startled that she had left her hotel way ahead of time.

Other than Commanding Officer Nian, there was also the guard regiment in charge of protecting them.

There were quite a lot of officials going to the international competition. As a participant, Yin Ruoyi had already set off.

Because of his eyesight issues, Elder Gong never went to view such competitions.

When Gu Qingjiu arrived at the airport, she bumped into Nian Chusheng and the group he came with.

With several officials in formal wear next to him, Commanding Officer Nian appeared particularly eye-catching in his military uniform.

The plane they took was one specially used by the military, and they would take a unique flight route to their destination.

When Nian Chusheng saw Gu Qingjiu's injured arm, he was a tad shocked. "How did you get injured, Gu Qingjiu?"

Although Nian Chusheng was a commanding officer, he had heard nothing about Gu Qingjiu's injury. Even the Shooting Department heard nothing about it.

Gu Qingjiu said with a dry laugh, "Hello, Commanding Officer Nian, this was an accident. Nothing serious. I suffered a fall and injured my arm. I should be fine in a few days."

"Aiyoh, as a member of the Shooting Department, your arms are your most precious assets. You've got to protect them well!"

Nian Chusheng knew how important Gu Qingjiu was.

Naturally, he felt distraught.

Those officials felt curious as they looked at Gu Qingjiu. "This is that newly emerged sharpshooter young lady, right? Aiyoh, what a good-looking lass."

The officials spoke more casually, unlike the military.

They were full of smiles.

Gu Qingjiu didn't know any of them. Nian Chusheng shot her a look, and she obediently went over to stand next to him. Occasionally, when someone would ask her a question, she would reply a sentence or two with a faint smile.

Other than Nian Chusheng's group, several groups of officials were heading there as well. They came relatively early.

Chapter 639: International Competition Venue – Competition About to Begin

It was a long flight to the UK.

Other than Nian Chusheng, Gu Qingjiu didn't know anyone on the plane. But she was also the only one who could view the international competition with these powerful and influential officials.

Even the family members of most of these officials couldn't tag along.

Among these people, several faces frequently appeared in the news. Although Gu Qingjiu didn't know them, she searched on the Internet to realize that they were influential bigshots.

It would be an honor to tell others one had seen these people in real life.

Since her identity was exceptional, there wasn't anyone she could chat with on the plane. Most of these officials even greeted Gu Qingjiu in a friendly manner.

An elderly official even asked Gu Qingjiu about the situation in China and the state of some reforms.

Though Gu Qingjiu didn't know about all these, she responded a little with a smile on her face.

There would be someone around her helping to answer on her behalf.

Hence things didn't turn awkward.

Although Gu Qingjiu felt bored during this long flight, she didn't appear tired.

When they got off the plane, UK diplomats welcomed them. Gu Qingjiu even saw some bigshots in the UK.

If it weren't because no one could take photos, Gu Qingjiu would undoubtedly have taken a picture of such a historic moment.

Since some of them saw that Gu Qingjiu had come with these Chinese officials, they dragged Gu Qingjiu in for a photo with a broad beam on their faces.

Although Gu Qingjiu didn't know who they were, she greeted them in a friendly manner.

Using the English she just picked up, she didn't face any obstruction in communicating with them.

The officials seemed accustomed to speaking in a bureaucratic tone. The moment they got off the plane, they ate and met with people. Throughout, Gu Qingjiu tagged along without really understanding what was going on.

Since Nian Chusheng had to accompany some other people, he merely told Gu Qingjiu to follow them closely.

Because of the time difference, when they arrived in the UK, it was slightly late. They were kept busy until night time, and it was only when the day had ended that Gu Qingjiu could finally rest.

But she realized she was still pretty energetic. Unless she was fatigued to an extreme, she wouldn't feel tired even if she kept herself busy until late at night and woke up earlier the next morning.

The next day, Nian Chusheng sent a guard and introduced him to Gu Qingjiu. "Gu Qingjiu, Commanding Officer Nian said that if you wish to go out to play, you can do so for today. Just be careful not to get lost. We can send two bodyguards and one translator to follow you."

Flattered by the attention, Gu Qingjiu waved her hands. "No need. Can I just go out by myself? I'll just walk around in the streets of the city. Nothing's going to happen."

The guard hesitated for a moment. Likely because he was notified in advance, he quickly nodded.

"Alright, Gu Qingjiu, do be more careful when you're out, and try your best to stay around this hotel."

"Okay."

Gu Qingjiu only planned to take the chance to shop around.

Considering her injury, Gu Qingjiu wisely strolled around in the vicinity. She bought some souvenirs, then quickly returned to the hotel.

She was currently a trump card China had yet to make known to the world, so no one suspected her. Likely, they merely thought she was tagging along for fun.

But actually, that was indeed the case.

Chapter 640: Cruff's Confidence

Before viewing the competition, Gu Qingjiu finally saw Yin Ruoyi and the rest.

The participants would meet at a banquet before the international competition started.

But because they each had strict dietary requirements, the banquet was a mere formality.

Many people attended and gathered, including the officials from the UK, US, and China. Yin Ruoyi and the rest were like monkeys in the zoo as the visitors viewed them.

At least that was what it looked like from Gu Qingjiu's perspective.

Because this group of people was essential officials from various countries, and one couldn't afford to offend them.

Gu Qingjiu finally got to see the participants from the other countries.

Honestly, one couldn't see anything wrong just based on appearance alone. But Gu Qingjiu noticed a participant standing with Yin Ruoyi, and this man gave off an exceptional quality yet didn't appear striking.

It was an ordinary American man with fair skin, a face full of freckles, and regular facial features.

However, there was a determined and arrogant smile at the corner of his lips.

He riveted his gaze upon Yin Ruoyi of China throughout.

Gu Qingjiu could right away guess who this American man was—he was likely that legendary 'Chameleon' Cruff from the US.

At the sight of Cruff, Gu Qingjiu's lips indistinctly arched in a smile.

She quite enjoyed competing against such highly skilled opponents in a competition arena.

Although she might not have sufficient capabilities for now, Gu Qingjiu believed that one day she would stand upon that position alongside the world.

Yin Ruoyi was the most significant focal point at this banquet.

It was because he bore the reputation of 'genius from China' and represented China this year. Although he wasn't the only participant from China, he was undoubtedly the most outstanding one.

Yin Ruoyi paid no heed to the gazes of those officials sizing him up, and he merely quietly pondered something.

He completely ignored Cruff's challenging gaze as well.

He was quiet and calm.

All of a sudden, he sensed something. When he looked up, he saw Gu Qingjiu sizing them up as she ate the delicacies at the banquet with no qualms.

Strictly speaking, Gu Qingjiu was Yin Ruoyi's junior.

When he caught sight of Gu Qingjiu's unperturbed expression, for some reason, he revealed a smile at her.

Gu Qingjiu froze for a moment before nodding at him.

Cruff from the US was paying attention to Yin Ruoyi's situation all along.

When he saw Yin Ruoyi, Cruff lowered his voice and asked his coach, "Is this guy really the trump card from the China team?"

"I'm not sure."

The coach appeared to be in deep thought. "The Chinese have always been cunning. If they let out false news, you might miss out on other people by placing all your attention on this Yin Ruoyi."

Cruff replied nonchalantly, "Oh please. You saw it too. This year, other than this Yin Ruoyi, they didn't send out any new players. I know the capabilities of all these other participants from China. How could they possibly pose a threat to me?"

Cruff, who had won the championship once, naturally had the confidence to say something like this.

Because in the previous international shooting competition, he had defeated every one of them.

"Cruff, there's a Chinese saying that goes 'Arrogance makes a person complacent.'" Don't be blinded by one victory and think too highly of yourself. Don't forget, China has always been a country that exceeds one's expectations, even if they're temporarily asleep. Don't forget how pathetic a state we were in back when Sheng Ming was around."