Chapter 681-690

Chapter 681: Treat


She imagined countless reasons, but not once had she thought the reason might be this.


After all, he had killed someone's son...


He was merely asked to apologize. Wasn't this considered a significant concession already?


Seems like she still didn't understand Helian Niancheng's line of thinking.


Seeing the complex expression on Gu Qingjiu's face, he asked in a lowered voice, "Why? Did you think I did something wrong? Or are you afraid?"


Gu Qingjiu shook her head. "I don't think you were in the wrong. But from your viewpoint, I'm not afraid either."


How could she possibly fear Helian Niancheng?


Hearing this, he smiled. "Mm. Shortly after, we'll be moving to our new home. I hope you like it."


When she heard they were about to move into their new home, Gu Qingjiu blushed involuntarily. Just then, Helian Niancheng's thin lips pressed closer to hers...


...


During the weekend, just like they had agreed on, Gu Qingjiu asked Gu Qingmo and his girlfriend to come out. But Gu Qingmo told her something somewhat surprising.


"Qingjiu, I've told you about that dorm mate of mine Qi Yefan, right? He's also your dorm mate's older brother. It seems like he fought with his younger sister. Can you ask his younger sister to come out today as well?"


Gu Qingjiu frowned slightly. "Xiaoran? I'm not sure if she's around right now. I've got to call her. As her older brother, why didn't he coax her?"


"From how I see it, it was quite a severe argument. No idea. I've always thought that things were strange between this pair of siblings. Just do me this favour and ask her to come out for a meal, see if they can patch things up."


Strange?


Seems like she wasn't the only one who felt this way.


Her older brother, too.


"Okay, I'll call her and see if she's around."


Gu Qingjiu had never called Qi Xiaoran in private, but she knew her phone number.


Just in case there was a need to contact her in cases of emergency.


They were dorm mates, after all.


She hadn't expected to need this one day.


After it rang twice, she picked up. "Hello?"


Qi Xiaoran's voice sounded relatively low, as though she wasn't sure who the caller was.


"Xiaoran, it's Qingjiu."


Gu Qingjiu identified herself. Qi Xiaoran sounded relieved. "Oh, Qingjiu, what's the matter?"


"I'm giving a treat this afternoon, to celebrate my winning first place in the shooting competition. Do you want to join us?"


"...Where?"


To her surprise, Qi Xiaoran accepted it immediately.


"In the capital. I'll send you the address."


"Are you asking Gu Qian and Chu Lian along?"


Qi Xiaoran sounded sceptical. Gu Qingjiu let out a burst of silent laughter.


Her intention was to treat her dorm mates separately after she got back. But since Qi Yefan would be around, she should probably bring Qi Xiaoran along.


But she couldn't tell her that her older brother would be there.


"Err... yeah, I will. Do you have time to come over?"


Gu Qingjiu naturally played along.


Qi Xiaoran fell silent for a moment, then responded a few seconds later. "Okay. I'm in the capital right now, not far away."


Gu Qingjiu raised her brows. "Then you can just come over. We'll be waiting for you."


After telling Qi Xiaoran about the address, Gu Qingjiu hung up the phone.


She texted Gu Qingmo, 'Done. Qi Xiaoran is coming over right now.'


'Okay. I'll get Wange and Qi Yefan to come over.'


Gu Qingjiu didn't mind treating two more people to a meal.


She could afford to be wilful with the prize money she won.


Chapter 682: The Siblings Meet


Their meeting venue was a mid-tier hotel.


The renovation and facilities were pretty good, and the ambience was exquisite.


The prices weren't expensive, but the taste of the food was quite good. Qin Wange was the one who recommended this place.


When she entered the suite, Gu Qingjiu saw that other than her older brother and Qin Wange, Qi Yefan was also there.


He still carried that same gloomy vibe, and it was even more intense than before.


Still, even with his hair slightly messy, he always looked very handsome.


His looks would charm many girls everywhere he went.


Although she did not know why her older brother was so friendly with Qi Yefan, Gu Qingjiu didn't ask him about it.


"Aiyah, our champion is here!"


Qin Wange was the first to notice Gu Qingjiu. She instantly looked over with her eyes lit up.


She had a broad beam on her face, and she was dressed in a cream-coloured dress which made her look even more poised and elegant.


"Nationwide champion. Incredible huh, Qingjiu."


As Qin Wange spoke, Gu Qingmo and Qi Yefan also turned their heads.


Gu Qingmo couldn't resist teasing Gu Qingjiu.


Gu Qingjiu revealed a pursed-lip smile. She cast a glance at Qi Yefan, who remained aloof-looking, then went over to sit next to Qin Wange.


"Have you guys ordered?"


Gu Qingjiu started looking at the menu the moment she sat down. Gu Qingmo, however, shot her a look. "Not everyone is here yet."


Qin Wange looked at Gu Qingmo with a baffled expression. "Who's not here yet?"


It seems like Gu Qingmo hadn't told Qin Wange that Qi Xiaoran would be here.


"Another friend of ours is coming shortly."


Gu Qingjiu responded blandly, not looking towards Qi Yefan.


But just then, Qi Yefan suddenly spoke up. "Since you guys have friends coming, I'd better leave first."


"Why leave?"


Gu Qingmo, who hadn't expected Qi Yefan to want to leave, pulled him back. "Yefan, just stay for a meal. Qingjiu's friend won't get in your way or anything. Why the hurry to leave?"


Qi Yefan frowned slightly, his gaze turning stern as he looked towards Gu Qingmo. "Are you hiding something from me?"


"..."


How sensitive.


He saw through his plot immediately.


Gu Qingmo seemed at ease and didn't mind that Qi Yefan saw through his plan. "It's just a meal."


Gu Qingjiu cast a glance at Qi Yefan. Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up and saw that it was Qi Xiaoran.


Gu Qingjiu stood up to answer the call. "My friend already reached. You guys can order the food while I go outside to bring her in."


With that, she left the suite.


When she reached the hotel entrance, Gu Qingjiu saw Qi Xiaoran gazing around.


Qi Xiaoran was clad in a simple tight-fitting T-shirt and long pants, her tanned skin complementing her fiery sexiness.


Especially Qi Xiaoran's figure.


Gu Qingjiu was quite shocked, for she had never seen Qi Xiaoran in such clothing, and most of the time she was in military uniforms.


She hadn't expected her figure to be so explosive...


Mainly, those school T-shirts were loose-fitting.


Qi Xiaoran was quite a sight to behold as she stood at the entrance, attracting the gazes of many passers-by.


Gu Qingjiu went over to fetch Qi Xiaoran with a smile. "Xiaoran, come in with me. It's inside."


At the sight of Gu Qingjiu, Qi Xiaoran revealed a rare pursed-lip smile as she nodded and followed Gu Qingjiu inside.


When she reached the entrance, perhaps Qi Xiaoran hadn't thought so much.


But when she saw Qi Yefan in the suite, she instantly froze.


Chapter 683: Like Eating a Mouthful of Dog Food


When Qi Yefan saw Qi Xiaoran enter, his expression turned stiff.


He got to his feet, clenched his hands into fists, and placed them on the table. He gazed at Qi Xiaoran and said in a dark tone, "Ran Ran."


Although Qi Xiaoran's body turned stiff, she subconsciously walked over and called out, "Brother..."


It sounded quite pitiful.


Qi Yefan made a surprising gesture—he pulled Qi Xiaoran over. Thinking that he would do something to Qi Xiaoran, Gu Qingmo subconsciously got up to stop him. However, he then saw Qi Yefan circle his arm around Qi Xiaoran's waist. "You're not at all obedient these days."


He then pinned her down on the seat next to him.


Seeing such a situation, Gu Qingmo then relaxed.


However, Gu Qingjiu was also somewhat surprised by that gesture earlier.


She had a nagging feeling that Qi Yefan and Qi Xiaoran were intimate to the point of absurdity.


Alas, she didn't dare to overthink this.


After all, it was risky speculation.


But apart from that, there didn't seem to be any conflict between the duo.


Mostly, from how Gu Qingjiu saw it, although Qi Xiaoran was an aloof girl, she was unbelievably obedient in front of her older brother.


Because Gu Qingjiu was the main lead that day, they tried to revolve around her topic.


Halfway through the meal, Qi Yefan and Qi Xiaoran walked out, saying they were going outside to talk. The remaining trio didn't think too much about this.


After they went out, Gu Qingjiu casually mentioned, "Brother, how's work coming along?"


Gu Qingmo paused, then replied happily, "Not bad. Our company is expanding our business. Perhaps I might be assigned overseas shortly after. The company has intentions of sending me over. Going over would mean better prospects for me."


Gu Qingjiu raised her brows. "Brother, what is Sister Wange to do if you go overseas?"


Qin Wange, who was eating, froze for a moment, then instantly replied with a smile. "Your brother's future is more important. I will find a chance to go over with him."


Gu Qingmo was a little shocked. "But isn't your company amid expansion as well? I've told you before, I wouldn't be overseas for long, for only about two years. It's not like I'm never coming back again."


As he spoke, he even set down his chopsticks.


The duo argued over this issue. But according to Gu Qingmo's wishes, he didn't seem willing for Qin Wange to go over with him.


Qin Wange revealed a rare aggrieved look. "We've only just graduated, and you're saying we have to be away from each other?"


Helpless, Gu Qingmo coaxed Qin Wange softly, "But Wange, think about it. Your company needs you right now. Besides, I will only be gone for two years. Can't you endure it for two years?"


Qin Wange lowered her head and stopped speaking.


Gu Qingjiu was speechless.


She felt like she had just eaten a mouthful of dog food[to witness a couple's public display of affection].


It was clear that there was a difference in opinion between the two of them. Gu Qingjiu decided to give them some private space, so she got up and said, "I'm going to the washroom. You guys can continue chatting."


Gu Qingmo also realized that with Gu Qingjiu around, it wasn't convenient for them to talk. Hence, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, also take the chance to check on Yefan and his sister. They've been gone for ages. See if they've left or something."


"Mm."


Gu Qingjiu nodded, then went out alone.


Perhaps because of having eaten too much dog food, at this moment, Gu Qingjiu particularly missed Helian Niancheng. She wondered what he was doing at the moment.


Chapter 684: No Blood Ties


The washroom wasn't too far away. On the way there, Gu Qingjiu didn't see Qi Xiaoran and her brother.


She had no idea where they went.


Gu Qingjiu came out of the washroom, then washed her hands.


She wanted to leave.


But she suddenly saw a glass door next to the washroom when she came out.


The glass door was transparent, but there wasn't anyone inside. However, Gu Qingjiu could see two figures reflected on this side of the glass door.


Gu Qingjiu, who was about to walk in the opposite direction, had two familiar figures flashing across her heart when she saw those figures.


She was merely a tad curious.


She was just curious.


So she went over to look.


But when Gu Qingjiu went over stealthily, she saw that in the innermost area in the glass door, against the wall, Qi Yefan held Xiaoran in an embrace, and the duo was locked in a passionate kiss.


Gu Qingjiu was speechless.


She felt her morals exploding all of a sudden!


And when Qi Xiaoran saw Gu Qingjiu, she instantly shoved Qi Yefan away with a horrified look.


Qi Yefan frowned in displeasure and turned around when he saw where Qi Xiaoran was looking.


He saw Gu Qingjiu, who had her eyes widened and tried her best to regain her calm.


His gaze turned dark slightly, but he didn't seem to care about having been found out.


Gu Qingjiu tried her best to calm down her shocked heart, then immediately turned to leave, pretending she had seen nothing.


"Qingjiu..."


Behind, Qi Xiaoran called out to her, but Qi Yefan pulled her back, who reassured her in a resolute tone, "She won't tell the others, don't worry."


Qi Yefan narrowed his eyes. This girl wasn't at all as gentle and harmless as she might seem on the surface, but she absolutely wouldn't poke her nose into such matters, which were none of her business.


Gu Qingjiu indeed wouldn't tell anyone, but she had, after all, suffered a great shock.


When she went back to the suite and saw Gu Qingmo and Qin Wange still arguing, she instantly said, "I'll foot the bill first. I have something on and need to leave first."


"So fast?"


Seeing that she was about to leave, Gu Qingmo waved nonchalantly. "Alright, alright, go ahead and leave. You, a student, are even busier than me."


Having seen such an explosive image earlier, Gu Qingjiu's heart was still trembling slightly, so she simply picked up her belongings and left.


When she settled the bill at the cashier, she had somewhat calmed down.


But a pair of siblings doing something like this...


No wonder Qi Yefan and Qi Xiaoran had been giving her weird vibes. To think that these two...


Tsk.


But it wasn't her place to say anything.


Just as Gu Qingjiu was about to leave, Qi Xiaoran caught up with her.


Biting her lips, though her disposition was as aloof as ever, there was an inconcealable panic in her eyes. When she rushed out, she said to Gu Qingjiu in a low voice, "I'll go back with you."


Gu Qingjiu glanced at her and nodded.


She didn't avoid Qi Xiaoran like she was poisonous after that incident. Instead, she was only profoundly puzzled.


After they went out, Gu Qingjiu went straight to the point. "Was your older brother the one who first..."


Qi Xiaoran shook her head and gazed at Gu Qingjiu pleadingly, "It's not what you think. Nonetheless, I hope you won't tell anyone about this. My older brother and I aren't related by blood."


Gu Qingjiu felt her heart quiver. "Not biological siblings? Then you guys..."


But after all, the two of them shared a surname, so it still felt bizarre.


No wonder they weren't very much alike in appearance.


Although she felt it was weird, Gu Qingjiu had to admit that when she heard they weren't related by blood, she inwardly heaved a sigh of relief for Qi Xiaoran?


Chapter 685: Don't Interfere In This Matter


"No. Because Brother is a kid my parents adopted."


Qi Xiaoran told her the truth without deliberately hiding anything.


But she didn't say much about other stuff.


She merely said vaguely, "My older brother and I depended on each other since young..."


This cleared up the matter.


No wonder. Two people not related by blood who grew up together and depended on each other since young.


In other words, they were childhood sweethearts. It shouldn't be surprising that they developed feelings for each other.


Now Gu Qingjiu finally understood how that weird vibe she got from Qi Yefan came from.


It was an intense possessiveness towards Qi Xiaoran.


As though, Qi Yefan would get displeased if he even saw her get close to Qi Xiaoran.


After hearing Qi Xiaoran's words, Gu Qingjiu fell into thought.


"Even so, I do not wish for others to find out about it. After all, you're aware that in front of others we're a pair of siblings. Although we have no blood ties, not many people would agree with what we're doing. They would feel... disgusted."


At this point, Qi Xiaoran's face turned pale.


So it turned out she feared Gu Qingjiu would divulge this matter.


Fingers slightly trembling, Gu Qingjiu had wanted tto grab Qi Xiaoran's hand to comfort her, but after some hesitation she didn't reach out her hand and instead merely said, "Don't worry. I absolutely won't tell anyone about this."


She didn't even meddle in the matter of Qin Wange hiding something from her older brother, so all the more she wouldn't tell others about Qi Xiaoran's affairs for no rhyme or reason.


Gu Qingjiu spoke sincerely, and Qi Xiaoran nodded in response.


After this matter was resolved, Qi Xiaoran and Gu Qingjiu left together.


As for why Qi Xiaoran quarreled with her older brother, Gu Qingjiu naturally wouldn't be a nosy-parker and ask her about that.


Although she had claimed she was going back to school, in actual fact she was going to look for Helian Niancheng.


She went separate ways with Qi Xiaoran halfway through.


When she reached the hotel, she was still feeling astounded about what she had just found out.


But even if it was Helian Niancheng, she didn't divulge a word to him. It was just that Helian Niancheng, who happened to be at the hotel right now, was surprised to see her come back so early. "You're back so early?"


"Mm, just went out to have a meal."


"Oh yeah? Did something happen?"


Just by looking at Gu Qingjiu's countenance, Helian Niancheng could guess it.


It was like his eyes had radars installed in them. Gu Qingjiu hesitated a moment, then told him about her older brother's matter. "Do you remember what I told you about my older brother? Never mind that matter between him and Sister Wange. This time my brother is planning to go overseas to advance his career, and Sister Wange looks like she planned to give up her own job and go with my brother. My brother disagrees with her doing so."


Helian Niancheng paused for a moment, a trace of surprise in his eyes. "It's not so easy for her to go overseas with your older brother. But for her to have such an intention, it seems like she's serious."


Gu Qingjiu walked over to stand in front of Helian Niancheng. "I remember you mentioned Sister Wange is a Miss of the Qin family?"


"Yes."


He nodded subtly. "Although she's not of the Qin family's legitimate line, she's also considered a Young Miss. The Qin family wouldn't agree to her going overseas with your older brother."


Helian Niancheng raised a practical issue, making Gu Qingjiu's brows crease slightly. "Although I want to help my older brother..."


"Don't interfere in this matter."


Helian Niancheng said blandly, "Qin Wange ought to be the one handling this matter. As his younger sister, however you meddle in this matter it will be inappropriate."


Chapter 686: Can't Run Away From What Was Destined


Gu Qingjiu had the same thoughts. Of course, she wouldn't be a busybody and abruptly interfere in this matter.


It was rare for her and Helian Niancheng to get intimate with each other, so they did that for a while. She even stayed around for the weekend before returning to school.


Her winning the nationwide shooting competition invoked a tremendous response in school.


Of course, the school's leaders were extremely pleased with her.


On Monday's school assembly, they praised Gu Qingjiu to the skies.


Then, according to the military schools' custom, they encouraged Gu Qingjiu to continue to work hard.


On top of one hundred thousand yuan's prize money from the nationwide shooting competition, the school gave her an additional ten thousand yuan.


Although the amount wasn't a lot, they were pretty generous with the military points, awarding Gu Qingjiu five points for her accomplishment.


There were many advantages to having military points.


All in all, by winning this championship, Gu Qingjiu was set for a bright future.


Gu Qian and Chu Lian naturally pestered Gu Qingjiu to treat them to a meal.


And just then, after having not heard anything from her Great Aunt for a long while, her Great Aunt finally brought her news about the Yu family.


The longstanding aggrievedness in Gu Qingjiu's heart finally had an outlet to vent.


At long last, she could be at ease.


The Yu family was now wholly hopeless.


After some hesitation, Gu Shouyan proposed to her company to take over the Yu Corporation, acting on Gu Qingjiu's information back then.


The Yu family didn't struggle for very long. Without Ye Huinan's financial backing, they quickly reached the point of breakdown.


Despite Yu Shiwei's desperate pleas, Ye Huinan didn't change his mind about not helping them. Instead, he would tease Yu Shiwei from time to time while quietly allowing the takeover to take place.


As such, Gu Shouyan's company acquired the Yu Corporation.


Regardless of how Yu Shaotian and Tan Yalan tried to hang on, they couldn't reverse things from a devastated state.


The Yu family received a sum of money from this acquisition that could be considered a considerable amount of money for ordinary folks. But to the Yu family, who are used to living extravagantly and being fawned on by others, this was as good as going bankrupt.


Back when Yu Shiwei was clinging on to Ye Huinan in the capital, she at least had the title of the Yu family's Young Miss.


Now that they no longer had the Yu Corporation's backing, a featherless phoenix was worse off than a chicken.


Moreover, she wasn't any phoenix, to begin with.


Those capital socialites had long found this sexy enchantress from another city an eyesore. After witnessing what had happened to the Yu Corporation, Yu Shiwei was nothing in Ye Huinan's eyes.


They would point fingers at Yu Shiwei and gossip about her in private. Even the Young Miss of the Ye family cut off all contact with Yu Shiwei.


She had a hard time in the capital. If it weren't because Ye Huinan hadn't completely lost interest in her, she might not even have the chance to struggle.


However, the proud Yu Shiwei wasn't one who will bow down to someone. With Ye Huinan treating her with increasing condescension, Yu Shiwei finally couldn't take it any longer and get into a fight with Ye Huinan. He even treated her like one of those women he could bed simply by spending some money.


This thoroughly angered Ye Huinan.


Ye Huinan still had a bit of gentlemanliness in him and didn't plot an act of revenge on Yu Shiwei and merely completely ditched her.


But without Ye Huinan's protection, there were plenty of people in the capital waiting to deal with her.


Moreover, with her reputation as North City's sexiest enchantress and with the thought that Young Master Ye's standards in women must be of a certain level, there were bound to be people who were still willing to keep her as a mistress.


But this wasn't something that Yu Shiwei could tolerate. In her despair, she wanted to go back to North City, for she could at least live off with Tan Yalan and Yu Shaotian for some time.


However, just then, after many twists and turns, she still ended up running into Su Lingche.


Chapter 687: Finish Off the Yu Family Once and For All


This was something Gu Qingjiu wouldn't have imagined.


Of course, when she accidentally bumped into Su Lingche and the wealthy woman who had kept him as a lover boy, her expression was just slightly shaken. And yet, Helian Niancheng bore that to mind.


Later, after investigating Su Lingche's background, he did nothing except toss the evidence of his adultery with that wealthy woman in front of the wealthy woman's husband.


The wealthy woman and her husband each had affairs and typically let their spouse have other lovers. However, now that someone had taken such pictures, it meant that the wealthy woman's affair was exposed.


Both she and her husband were reputable people. If it leaked out, it might create a stir online.


Hence, just to be safe, the husband made the wealthy woman ditch Su Lingche.


At the same time, he sent his men to fix Su Lingche.


It was because he thought that Su Lingche had deliberately taken those photos to blackmail them.


Su Lingche would have never seen this coming. After they kicked him to the curb, he couldn't take it lying down and bore great resentment towards this world.


While he was in this state, he coincidentally bumped into the down-and-out Yu Shiwei on the streets.


Perhaps because it was fated, Su Lingche fell in love at first sight with the down-and-out Yu Shiwei, who bore a slight resemblance to Gu Qingjiu.


Maybe it was love at first sight. In any case, the two of them hooked up just like that.


Of course, Gu Qingjiu wasn't aware of this.


By the time she learned of it, the two of them had gotten into the situation of tormenting each other.


The two people who made her life wretched in her previous lifetime reaped what they sowed after all.


Amid the finger-pointing and hurling of verbal abuse, both ended up in jail for taking drugs.


Just then, Gu Qingjiu received news of the Yu Corporation officially being acquired.


When she heard her Great Aunt Gu Shouyan recounting this calmly over the phone, an emotion oddly stirred up in her heart.


Finally, it was settled.


Even though she didn't finish them with her own hands, she had a part to do with all that had happened to them.


If Tan Yalan didn't have such a rigid mind and came over to mess with her, making Ye Huinan wary about offending Helian Niancheng, he wouldn't retract his financial support from the Yu family. In that case, Gu Shouyan's company couldn't swallow the Yu Corporation so quickly.


"I'm already the Yu Corporation—about to be renamed the DLK—Corporation's Vice-general Manager. At present, I'm fully in charge of all matters at the Yu Corporation. The Yu Corporation belongs to your biological parents, so I'm calling to inform you about it."


Gu Shouyan told her niece as it was.


Gu Qingjiu gently pursed her lips and smiled. "I understand, Great Aunt. This is very normal in business. Besides, whatever happens to the Yu family doesn't concern me."


"Really?" Gu Shouyan seemed to read something from Gu Qingjiu's words. "Qingjiu, when did you have such deep thoughts? Do you think Great Aunt can't tell you hate the Yu family? As for the reason, I will not ask you. All thanks to you, I've received a promotion and a raise. After the quiet state of things for so many years, something so major suddenly happened. When I come back, I'll treat you to a meal."


"It's okay. We can just gather frequently as a family. Oh right, Great Aunt, how's Ella's matter coming along? The last time I heard from Brother, he said she's going back to the US with Young Uncle?"


Now that they resolved the Yu family matter, Gu Qingjiu took the chance to ask about Ella.


Her Great Aunt should know this better than her older brother.


"Your Young Uncle is too softhearted. If it were me, I would have tossed Ella back to her biological parents' side!"


Don't blame Gu Shouyan for being cold-blooded. It was just that she had worked in a senior management position in a corporation for a long time and had a swift and fierce style of doing things. Since she didn't raise Ella and considering Ella's temperament, it was perfectly normal for her to dislike Ella.


Chapter 688: Did Brother Propose?


"However, they sent Ella back to the States, and there will be a dedicated organization to educate her. If that still doesn't work, in any case, I'm all for sending her back to her mother."


Gu Shouyan was used to speaking sternly, and at the moment, her tone sounded very aggressive. "But since your Young Uncle raised her for so many years, it's normal for him to develop kinship for her."


Gu Qingjiu shared the same opinion as her Aunt, and she understood her well.


But standing from the viewpoint of an outsider, Ella indeed went overboard.


If they disciplined her too strictly, it was, on the contrary, inappropriate.


Her Great Aunt seemed to relent and didn't force Young Uncle what he should do.


"Great Aunt, I got it. If I have the time this coming Chinese New Year, let's go visit Second Uncle and the rest."


Gu Shouyan fell silent for a moment, then said, "Okay, I'll try my best to free up some time at year's end. With the Yu Corporation's recent acquisition, I'm bogged down by many matters at work, so I can't promise for now. But I'll go if I have the time."


It was rare for her to chat so much with her niece.


She felt that Gu Qingjiu spoke calmly, even though she was still a student. Unknowingly, she started to have a high opinion of her.


Just then, someone spoke on Gu Shouyan's side, and she instantly said, "Alright, I got to get busy, let's talk when we meet next time."


"Alright, bye, Great Aunt."


After ending the call, Gu Qingjiu sighed in her heart.


Suddenly, everything had ended, and she finally resolved the issue with the Yu family.


Even though the greatest source of hatred in her heart had dissipated, she didn't feel a sense of emptiness because of that.


After the Yu Corporation was acquired, one could imagine how Tan Yalan and her daughter would end up.


Even if Yu Shiwei had some tactics, without the Yu Corporation as her backing in the future, she would not have an easy life ahead of her.


Unless she was fortunate.


But Gu Qingjiu didn't believe that.


At that moment, her mind was filled with the international competition three years later. She resolved to claim victory together with Yin Ruoyi.


Or else, there didn't seem to be any meaning to all her efforts.


However, what she cared most about was going to Penalan with Helian Niancheng, as he had mentioned.


Meeting Helian Niancheng's parents made it inevitable for Gu Qingjiu to be nervous, especially that his family is of prominent status.


But nervousness aside, she didn't feel inferior.


Her future was just taking off—joining the Ninth Department, and her achievements in the shooting competitions meant that her military status in the future definitely wouldn't be low.


She was striving hard independently, and she didn't have to look up to Helian Niancheng.


Thankfully, in terms of relationship, she and Helian Niancheng were of equal standing.


She loved him, and he loved her too. That was enough.


But what caught Gu Qingjiu by surprise was something surprising that happened to her older brother.


He and Qin Wange were in disagreement, and Gu Qingmo planned to go overseas and had already informed his parents about it.


But he felt it was best that Qin Wange not follow him overseas.


After he went overseas, Gu Qingmo had to settle everything himself. Being an outsider in a foreign land, he was afraid he wouldn't have the time to take care of Qin Wange.


Qin Wange ultimately insisted on going overseas with Gu Qingmo. Under such circumstances, it was inevitable for there to be a conflict.


But Gu Qingjiu suddenly received a message from her older brother.


He went straight to the point. "Qingjiu, to make myself accountable to Wange, I proposed to Wange."


Gu Qingjiu was speechless.


Meow meow meow?


What kind of rhythm was this? She suddenly felt defeated.


Chapter 689: Untitled


"Your Sister Wange accepted my proposal."


Gu Qingmo's words surprised Gu Qingjiu. "Have you met Sister Wange's family?"


"No, I plan on visiting Wange at her home after this proposal."


"..."


That meant he had yet to meet her parents.


However, these two...


Suddenly, Gu Qingjiu didn't know what to say.


After a momentary hesitation, Gu Qingjiu raised her doubts. "Brother, I don't mean to douse your enthusiasm. If after you visit Sister Wange's parents and they forbid you to be together, what are you going to do?"


"..."


Gu Qingmo fell silent for a while, then replied, "Actually, I considered this issue too. I feel that I'm quite a scumbag. At present, I can't give Wange any promises, and yet I proposed to her. Although she accepted my proposal, I fear her parents wouldn't give their consent."


Although Gu Qingmo's considerations were the same as Gu Qingjiu's, their thought process was different.


Gu Qingjiu had considered Qin Wange's identity, whereas what Gu Qingmo thought were the practical issues.


Pursing her lips, Gu Qingjiu recalled Helian Niancheng's reminder to her to not interfere in their affairs.


Hence, with her heart slightly trembling, she said, "Brother, since that's the case, you can try. Regardless of what happens, you and Sister Wange have my support."


If Qin Wange genuinely wanted to live the rest of her life with Gu Qingmo, the two should strive hard to vie for it.


Of course, whatever consequences there were, the two of them had to endure it together as well.


"Mm, got it. Qingjiu, from how I see it, you like the Chief Instructor a lot too as well, right? Then you should understand what I'm feeling. But after all, your Sister Wange and I have been dating for a long time. As for yourself, you ought to feel more sure."


Gu Qingjiu halted for a moment, then said, "Chief Instructor said he is bringing me to meet his parents this year."


"...You're terrific, huh." The shocked Gu Qingmo let out a hearty chuckle. "Then it seems like the two of us are facing the same issue, just that mine is going to come earlier. I'm about to go overseas soon, so I plan to visit the Qin family one of these days. Wait for my good news."


"Mm, Brother, bye."


After hanging up the call, Gu Qingjiu fell into deep thought.


No idea how Gu Qingmo's visit to the Qin family would turn out, but Gu Qingjiu hoped it would be a good outcome.


But it wasn't like you could control certain matters. Just like Gu Qingjiu had worried, Qin Wange's family background was about to be exposed.


Gu Qingjiu hadn't met the Qins yet, and it was only from Helian Niancheng's mouth that she learned she came from an extraordinary family.


As for how extraordinary it was, Gu Qingjiu had no idea.


However, when Gu Qingmo suddenly called Gu Qingjiu later that day, his tone was rather scary.


"Qingjiu, are you free to come out to keep me company? I'm going overseas tomorrow."


Gu Qingjiu certainly knew about his going overseas, but his tone of voice worried Gu Qingjiu.


"Brother, what happened? How's your and Sister Wange's matter coming along?"


She asked cautiously, afraid that she would agitate Gu Qingmo if something terrible had happened.


But just as Gu Qingjiu worried, Gu Qingmo let out a sneer, his voice so cold it was terrifying. "How else could things go? I broke up with her."


Gu Qingjiu was speechless.


A hint of chilliness flashed across her heart at that moment.


Chapter 690: Untitled


He told her he had proposed a few days ago, and now the worst scenario had played out.


Broke up?


Gu Qingjiu knew that Gu Qingmo must be in great pain. Since the weekend was about to come, Gu Qingjiu would head to Elder Gong's to train. Hence, she directly set off from school.


But she called Elder Gong and told him she could only go over the next day.


She was meeting Gu Qingmo in a roadside store in the capital.


When Gu Qingjiu reached, Gu Qingmo was already there.


Compared to his lively manner a couple of days prior, Gu Qingjiu was shocked to see the bleak state he was in.


His face was visibly fatigued and pale, and the stubble on his chin was particularly obvious.


It was like he had aged quite a few years overnight.


He was seated at a table and drinking beer all by himself.


"Brother."


Gu Qingjiu walked over and greeted him.


Gu Qingmo raised his head. At the sight of Gu Qingmo, he smiled at her bitterly. "You're here? Have a seat."


He quietly poured himself another glass of beer. "Just order whatever you want. My treat. I'll be going overseas, and it will be three years before I get to see you and Dad and Mom again."


Gu Qingjiu paused. "Didn't you say you would be gone for two years?"


"That was the... quickest time I decided for her sake. There's no use for that now."


Gu Qingmo said that in a light tone. At the mention of her, he couldn't restrain his heartache.


Gu Qingjiu asked, avoiding his wound, "Brother, aren't you meeting up with your other friends before leaving?"


"I met up with all of them already. I'll be leaving tomorrow, and I just wish to have a good chat with you tonight."


"Mm."


Gu Qingjiu nodded.


"Go ahead and order something."


He urged, seeing as Gu Qingjiu wasn't ordering anything.


Gu Qingjiu shook her head. "I'll do it later, not much of an appetite right now. Brother, have you spoken to Dad and Mom about this?"


"I... haven't told them. I will do so when the timing is suitable in the future. In any case, I will be overseas for such a long time."


Speaking of this, Gu Qingmo felt a headache. He lowered his head and stroked his head vigorously. "Qingjiu, in the past, I always felt that with my talent, it wasn't a difficult task for me to make something of myself. That since the company is willing to give me opportunities, that if I work hard, I will accomplish great things in the future. But it is only now that I realize, compared to one's family background, all my hard work is nothing but a fart!"


"I work so darned hard, yet in the eyes of others, I'm merely a person who has no backing whatsoever."


"I have never been so looked down upon in my life. I nearly felt that my existence in this world has zero value."


Gu Qingjiu could directly hear the meaning behind his pained words.


She frowned; she hadn't expected that with Qin Wange's excellent temperament, her family's attitude was so atrocious.


Regardless, what they said was too hurtful.


Gu Qingjiu felt uneasy about her impending visit to Helian Niancheng's parents in Penalan once again.


However, she had met Helian Niancheng's mother before and had a pretty good impression of her.


So...


But she didn't dare to say it out loud.


"Brother, don't let your thoughts run wild. You've always been terrific since young."


Gu Qingjiu urged him in a soothing voice.


She suddenly recalled the events of the previous lifetime.


She had no idea how her older brother, who had fought for her, ended up afterward.

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