Chapter 701: Charlotte

When they heard the way Gu Qingjiu addressed them, both Hilda and Helian Man let out a chuckle.

Helian Niancheng glanced sideways at Gu Qingjiu. "If you don't know how to address them, call my Mom 'Auntie,' and just call my Aunt 'Aunt' as I do."

Despite what he said, Gu Qingjiu found it embarrassing to call them that.

Hilda went over and held up Gu Qingjiu's hand. "Child, here, come over."

She spoke to Gu Qingjiu in Mandarin cordially.

Helian Niancheng's gaze, however, looked towards that elderly man. "Grandfather?"

Helian Man nodded as she gazed at him. "Go over and speak with him. You didn't even see him the last time you came back. Although he doesn't say it, he misses you dearly. I have given you my advice, and it's okay if you choose to be stubborn. But Grandfather is already advanced in age, and you've got to respect him at least."

Watching as Helian Niancheng creased his brows as she spoke, Helian Man could only let out a silent sigh.

Next to them, seeing this, Gu Qingjiu wanted to say something, but Hilda then pulled her away.

Hilda truly treated her exceptionally well; while maintaining her etiquette, she didn't make Gu Qingjiu feel a sense of distance between them.

The worries she had before arriving dispelled entirely and Gu Qingjiu finally chatted with Hilda with her heart put to ease.

Just then, she saw Helian Niancheng walking towards that elderly man outside.

She could only see that elderly man's back view, but his back was still relatively straight even though he was advanced in age.

Despite his head of white hair, he appeared spirited and energetic.

It was as though there was a difference between prominent families and those of ordinary families. Yet, at the same time, there didn't seem to be any difference.

"I hadn't expected Lance to bring you back so early. I'm relieved, though."

Hilda personally poured Gu Qingjiu a cup of tea. The latter took it from her and, after thanking her, asked curiously, "Why do you say so?"

"Qingjiu, I'm afraid you don't know how old my son is this year."

Hearing this, Gu Qingjiu instantly recalled that the Chief Instructor should be 26 this year.

She let out a dry cough, having roughly understood the implied meaning behind Hilda's words.

Before she came, she hadn't considered the disparity in their statuses. It was only upon arriving that she realized just how wide that disparity between them was.

Could Hilda and the rest, who came from royalty, not have any opinion of her?

"Auntie..."

Just then, a little kid suddenly came running over.

Hilda revealed a smile right away and lifted her.

"Charlotte."

Gu Qingjiu looked up and was instantaneously stunned.

The little girl before her eyes...

She was indeed too beautiful.

She had such exquisite features and looked like the sort of princesses that lived in fairytales. She even exuded a mysterious aura that differentiated her from ordinary people.

Especially those eyes of hers, which sparkled like crystal, brimmed with moisture like jadeite, and mysterious like the Brumaire.

She was so beautiful that mere words weren't sufficient to describe it.

She seemed like a mixed-blood child, and from her facial features, one could see traces of an Asian.

She was the most beautiful mixed-blood child Gu Qingjiu had ever seen.

The little girl and Gu Qingjiu sized each other up, and suddenly the other party revealed a bright smile. "You're really beautiful, Beauty from the East."

She praised her in English in her melodious voice.

Gu Qingjiu was caught off guard, for she hadn't expected to hear something like this coming from this little girl.

After a momentary pause, she immediately flashed her a vibrant smile. "Thank you, young lady."

"You're more beautiful than I imagined you smile."

She suddenly spoke again, making Gu Qingjiu pause once more.

Chapter 702: Grand Daughter-in-Law

This was a little girl?

Why was her tone so mature she didn't sound like one?

Moreover...

Gu Qingjiu had to admit that she felt delighted shamelessly.

It was rare for her to feel shy about being praised by a child. "You're beautiful as well. Charlotte, is it?"

Her English pronunciation was pretty good, making Hilda cast a surprised glance at her. She smiled and explained, "Charlotte is like her mother in certain ways, and she's just a tad mature for her age."

"No, she's sweet-tongued, and I like her."

"I like you too."

Charlotte broke out of Hilda's hug and leaped down from her and confessed to Gu Qingjiu out of nowhere, coupled with a flying kiss.

She then ran off happily.

Gu Qingjiu's gaze trailed after her for a while, and before long, she blended into that group of little kids outside.

Probably no one wouldn't feel happy being complemented by such a pretty little girl.

"How many days are you planning to stay here this time? Can you go back after Chinese New Year? I know this is your first time in Penalan. I can get Lance to tour Penalan. You can enjoy the glamors of our country to your heart's content."

By Lance, Hilda was referring to Helian Niancheng's English name.

"I'm sorry, Auntie, I'll have to leave Penalan in two days. My older brother is in the US all by himself and can't return home, so my mother wishes for me to go over there to keep him company over the new year."

"Oh, that's regretful. But it's okay, and I'm sure you'll have the chance in the future."

Hilda crossed one leg over the other and winked at Gu Qingjiu as she raised her coffee cup. Just then, an imposing voice rang from behind.

"Your girlfriend?"

This voice had a special quality of iciness which gave one an urge to shiver.

Gu Qingjiu instantly turned around. Hilda had already gotten up and walked over. "Father, be gentler. You're going to scare the child."

She supported the awe-inspiring elderly man as he walked.

Gu Qingjiu had seen this elderly man's photo online when she was looking up information. She recognized him to be Helian Niancheng's grandfather, Helian Yongshuo!

Even in the photo, this elderly man gave off an intimidating air. In front of Gu Qingjiu, he wasn't any less imposing.

Even when he saw Gu Qingjiu's countenance, he continued to size her up with an indistinct dislike.

Gu Qingjiu got up from her seat right away and greeted him respectfully, "Hello, Grandfather Helian!"

She greeted him in Mandarin, thinking that everyone here spoke Mandarin.

Helian Yongshuo didn't say anything in response.

His gaze remained fixated upon Gu Qingjiu as though he wasn't too happy.

All of a sudden, even Helian Niancheng, who was standing behind, tightly furrowed his brows.

The atmosphere was a tad awkward, so Hilda pulled Gu Qingjiu and said, "You've just reached, so you should be hungry. I'll take you and Lance for a meal now."

"Hold it there."

Helian Yongshuo spoke up the moment Hilda finished speaking.

He snorted. "Am I not allowed to size up my granddaughter-in-law? What did all of you think I was going to do?"

Hearing the mention of 'granddaughter-in-law,' Gu Qingjiu's face turned red. Though, the atmosphere eased instantly as well.

Helian Man went up and said with a beautiful smile, "Father, we thought you were going to... never mind. The two kids have yet to eat. It's time for them to eat something."

"Let's eat together. Get Xiyi to come with us."

Helian Yongshuo relented. Helian Niancheng walked over and grabbed Gu Qingjiu, then said in a low voice, "Are you hungry? If you are, we'll go and eat something."

Helian Yongshuo suddenly turned his head. Seeing the duo's fingers intertwined intimately, he let out a 'tsk' sound.

Chapter 703: Untitled

Gu Qingjiu got to see Helian Niancheng's father on her first day in Penalan.

His father, Helian Xi, was just as she had seen on the information she read online.

He had a refined and elegant disposition, like a natural-born aristocrat.

He must have been countless girls' Prince Charming in his younger days.

As for his temperament, he was rather amiable as well.

He could even be considered humorous.

It was a little wonder that he was the chief diplomat.

This family treated Gu Qingjiu so well it exceeded her expectations.

As for Helian Niancheng, in terms of temperament, he seemed to take after Hilda.

Hilda's assertiveness wasn't concealed beneath the surface, whereas Helian Niancheng was equally assertive both on the surface and in his heart.

The dinner went rather pleasantly. At night, Gu Qingjiu was arranged to have her room.

It went without saying that she couldn't possibly sleep with Helian Niancheng here.

On her first night in a foreign land, Gu Qingjiu couldn't sleep that well.

Especially since before she went to bed, several servants had helped her lay out the bed, and the service was so attentive that someone handed her a towel when she bathed.

Gu Qingjiu wasn't used to this.

After taking an uneasy shower, she laid down on the bed.

Although the Helian family treated her exceedingly well, she started feeling a tad lonely.

This bedroom was more than double the size of her bedroom back at home. It was so big that it gave off a feeling of emptiness.

It was also her first time sleeping on a luxurious large palace bed, and she also wasn't used to that.

Still, the place was very down-to-earth in the sense that there was wifi.

Gu Qingjiu laid on the bed and played with her phone. At this time, Helian Niancheng and his family were off to attend some family meetings, so she guessed that he would come and look for her later. Hence, she was waiting up for Helian Niancheng.

Just then, she heard the door open.

The rooms here were left unlocked, but the servants wouldn't dare to open the doors without permission.

Gu Qingjiu turned her head over and saw that the person entering was Charlotte. She had already opened the door before knocking on it. "May I come in?"

The little girl's voice was soft and delicate.

Gu Qingjiu was especially fond of this little girl, so she immediately nodded. "Sure, come on in."

Charlotte walked in, clad in a black and white little vest that appeared very cool.

She walked over and sat in a sloped way on the edge of the bed. "I heard that your name is Gu Qingjiu."

Her pronunciation was very standard when she spoke her name in Mandarin.

Gu Qingjiu nodded with a smile. "Yes, your Mandarin is very fluent."

Charlotte smiled.

At that moment, Gu Qingjiu believed that if there existed a fairy on earth, Charlotte would be a representative.

She was like a little fairy, and when she smiled, it felt like the world shimmered.

"I heard from my mother that your Chinese name is very beautiful. I feel so too."

Gu Qingjiu was astonished. "Your mother?"

However, Charlotte merely smiled and didn't reply to that. Just then, Helian Niancheng walked in from outside. At the sight of Charlotte, he frowned and said, "Charlotte, what are you doing here?"

When Charlotte saw Helian Niancheng, she turned her head casually then walked over. "Lance, I just came over to see your girlfriend. You're thinking too much."

Charlotte indeed didn't at all resemble an ordinary little girl when she spoke.

Helian Niancheng cast a cold glance at Charlotte, who swung her arm and walked out.

Chapter 704: Untitled

Charlotte's style was also relatively calm.

Gu Qingjiu smiled at her back view. Helian Niancheng walked over and lowered his gaze at Gu Qingjiu. "Don't talk to her. She's a little kid with great mischief."

A little kid with great mischief.

It was rare for Gu Qingjiu to hear Helian Niancheng giving his opinion of someone.

Gu Qingjiu spoke her mind. "Charlotte is beautiful."

Wasn't this a superficial world?

Helian Niancheng chuckled. "You like the good-looking one."

"Are you comfortable sleeping here tonight? If you're not..."

He suddenly said something like this. He unexpectedly lowered his head for the remaining part of his sentence and edged closer to Gu Qingjiu's ear before continuing to speak. "I'll find time to come over and keep you accompany at night."

"Nah, why would I not be comfortable?"

Gu Qingjiu shoved Helian Niancheng with a smile. Just as he was about to look up, an incredible female voice suddenly rang from outside the door.

"Lance?"

The duo looked towards the door unanimously and found Hilda standing at the door with an astonished expression on her face.

Gu Qingjiu shifted away from him embarrassedly, while Helian Niancheng got up calmly. "Mother."

"Lance, can you let Qingjiu and me have some time together? I need to speak with her in private about some matters."

Hilda's words made both Gu Qingjiu and Helian Niancheng pause in surprise.

When Hilda spoke in English, she exuded the calmness and elegance, which had a convincing quality.

Helian Niancheng nodded. "Sure."

He then glanced at Gu Qingjiu and indicated for her to be at ease before walking out.

After he had walked out, Hilda walked over.

She gazed at Gu Qingjiu gently. "Do you feel at home here?"

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "It's pretty nice."

"That's great. I more or less understand what's going on with you and Lance. You're now attending military school in China and are also an outstanding trainee of the shooting department?"

"Mm, something like that."

"I know that you and Lance have been dating for some time now. I more or less know what Lance is thinking. For him to bring you back shows that he's serious about you. Then, I need to ask you this: Qingjiu, if you and Lance get married in the future, and the royal family requires you to end your military life in China and come here to be the princess consort, are you willing to do that?"

Hilda's words astonished Gu Qingjiu and made her heartbeat furiously.

End her life in China and come here to be a princess consort? How was that possible?

"Us, the Helian family, although we no longer participate in the royal family's activities, Lance is still a royal prince. Do you understand what I'm saying, Qingjiu?"

Hilda wore a beam on her face when she spoke of all this.

She didn't make Gu Qingjiu feel pressured. But still, Gu Qingjiu found this hard to accept.

She then looked at Hilda. Before she could even consider what thoughts Helian Niancheng might have about this, she quietly shook her head.

Give up on being in the military in China and come here to be a princess consort.

To put it in nicer words, she would be a vase here.

Perhaps a princess consort would have a different value, but Gu Qingjiu could never do something like this.

Seeing Gu Qingjiu shake her head so firmly, Hilda seemed surprised. "Are you certain?"

Gu Qingjiu pursed her lips and said nothing.

She didn't quite understand why she had to make such a choice.

Why couldn't she be with Helian Niancheng without giving up the life she had in China?

Hilda suddenly reached out a hand and stroked Gu Qingjiu's hair. "I was indeed not wrong about you."

Chapter 705: Untitled

She seemed not surprised by that, and she then said to Gu Qingjiu, "Good girl. I got it now. I merely wished to ask you and have no other intentions. I believe Lance will support you. Have an early rest. Good night."

Even though she still had questions, Gu Qingjiu said goodnight to Hilda nonetheless.

Honestly speaking, she felt confused.

But she wasn't planning on telling Helian Niancheng about this conversation.

After he came in, she didn't tell him anything.

But the Helian family members were all pretty busy. Ever since seeing them on the first day of arrival, she didn't even get to see Hilda on the second day.

Helian Niancheng explained that they were all swamped and didn't have much time to stay at home. Situations like this didn't happen all that often.

Gu Qingjiu just happened to be around in time to make it for this gathering.

This meeting was enjoyable, and two days later, Gu Qingjiu took a flight to the US to see her older brother.

As Helian Niancheng had matters to be busy with within Penalan, he didn't accompany Gu Qingjiu.

On the other hand, Gu Qingmo, who was incredibly busy in the States, was shocked to hear that Gu Qingjiu was suddenly coming.

"Qingjiu, what brings you here? Isn't Chinese New Year just around the corner?"

Gu Qingmo, who freed up some time to pick up Gu Qingjiu at the airport, was still shocked when he saw his sister in person.

As he wouldn't go back for a few years, he was quite happy to see his kin suddenly.

"Mom said you wouldn't be going back during Chinese New Year, so she asked me to come over and keep you company. Moreover, I just went to the Chief Instructor's home..."

After some thought, Gu Qingjiu felt that the only appropriate person she could tell this to was her older brother. After some hesitation, she told him about her trip to Penalan.

But Gu Qingmo still didn't know about Helian Niancheng's true identity for the time being.

He was shocked. "You guys are serious? Have you ever met his parents? How was his parents' attitude towards you?"

Gu Qingjiu said after a halt, "Brother, I'm going to tell you something. Don't get too worked up after you hear me."

"Why would I get worked up?" Gu Qingmo frowned, thinking that Gu Qingjiu was picked on while at the Helian home. "Did his family treat you poorly?"

Actually, from Helian Niancheng's manner of doing things, Gu Qingmo could see that the Helian family was no ordinary family, so he feared that she had suffered the same treatment as he did.

"Of course not, Brother. His family treats me pretty well. But..."

"But what?"

Gu Qingjiu summoned her courage and finally decided to reveal this to him. "Brother... the Chief Instructor doesn't come from an ordinary family..."

"I know. That's for sure. So how rich are we talking about?"

Gu Qingmo felt that he wouldn't get too worked up regardless of how rich they were.

"It's not a matter of how rich they are. Chief Instructor is, in fact, a royal prince of Penalan. If I marry over, I'll become the princess consort..."

Cough cough cough!

Gu Qingmo nearly agitatedly stomped on the brakes after Gu Qingjiu finished speaking.

After letting out several violent coughs, he jerked his head towards Gu Qingjiu. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Look in front! Look in front! I told you not to get too worked up!"

Gu Qingjiu was scared that Gu Qingmo would get into an accident, and they would end up making their maker here.

"I'll tell you after we reach your place. I'm afraid you'll get into an accident..."

Holding a breath, Gu Qingmo speedily drove towards his home in America. After settling Gu Qingjiu down, he then heard her recounting the entire story.

Chapter 706: Untitled

Gu Qingmo had always felt that what happened to him was already bullshit and dramatic enough.

He hadn't expected his younger sister to be in an even more bizarre situation.

Inside his US residence, the siblings chatted. After hearing the entire story, Gu Qingmo finally let out a murmur in disbelief. "What I thought was, it would be enough for you to marry a rich man..."

He hadn't expected Gu Qingjiu to be so extraordinary, to date a royal prince.

Moreover, thinking back on how Gu Qingjiu and Helian Niancheng had met, wasn't this a miracle that one only hears about in legends?

To think a royal prince and Gu Qingjiu got acquainted just like that?

Gu Qingjiu said in a displeased tone, "I had no idea back then. It was only subsequently that I found out."

Gu Qingmo took a sip of his coffee to soothe his frayed nerves. "So you're saying you're caught in a dilemma between choosing to be a princess consort and a sharpshooter?"

Gu Qingjiu thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Something like that. I feel so conflicted."

Gu Qingmo said, "... Sister, I feel like bashing you up."

"..."

Gu Qingmo increasingly felt sorry for himself.

While the girlfriend's family had disparaged him, Gu Qingjiu received a unanimous welcome from her boyfriend's family.

Wasn't it said that royal families tended to look down on girls who came from humble civilian backgrounds?

Of course, Gu Qingmo didn't feel that his younger sister was inferior in any way. He just found it incredulous.

It was mostly so since they were probably going to get married in the future, looking at how things were going.

It didn't take him many encounters with Helian Niancheng to realize that he was an intensely possessive man. Moreover, Helian Niancheng was approaching his thirties.

He heard that this was even Helian Niancheng's first relationship.

And now, he even directly brought Gu Qingjiu to meet his royal family. The intention was blatant.

He even remembered Gu Qingjiu suspecting the Chief Instructor was in a romantic relationship with that subordinate Commander of his...

Could it be due to this point that Helian Niancheng's family welcomed Gu Qingjiu?

But considering they were from the royal family, mm, the reason wasn't nearly stringent enough!

Gu Qingmo stroked his chin. "Then how are you planning to tell Dad and Mom about this?"

Since he found this incredulous, Qi Yuefeng and Gu Hong would likely think Gu Qingjiu had gone mad.

"Let's talk about it when things are confirmed."

Gu Qingjiu was in a difficult position. "I'm only 18 now. The Chief Instructor said that he would wait for me to graduate before getting married. But, we might register our marriage in advance..."

Although she felt it was very early, after all, Helian Niancheng's age was there.

Gu Qingmo glanced at Gu Qingjiu with sympathy. "Your most wonderful years are just about to begin, and you'll soon be a married woman."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

She felt that her older brother's tone made her feel like punching him sometimes.

"Up to you. That's your affairs in any case. If you know what you're doing, I won't say too much."

Gu Qingmo got to his feet. His tone suddenly became a tad melancholic.

Gu Qingjiu could tell that he recalled Qin Wange's matter.

Speaking of which, from the way things seemed, Gu Qingmo still had no idea that Qin Wange had also left the country. It wasn't Gu Qingjiu's place to tell him that now either.

When the timing was right, Qin Wange would probably take the initiative to look for Gu Qingmo. After all, Gu Qingjiu had said so much to her back then.

Getting up, Gu Qingjiu followed Gu Qingmo into the kitchen. "Brother, I'm hungry. Can you cook for me?"

"Can't you do it yourself? What are you to do in the future when you're lazy to this extent?"

"... There will be servants there in the future..."

"..."

To think he had no words to respond to that.

Chapter 707: Untitled

Gu Qingjiu accompanied Gu Qingmo over Chinese New Year in the States so that Gu Qingmo wouldn't feel too lonely spending this holiday in the US alone.

Gu Qingjiu knew that Qin Wange was also in the US, but she didn't know where in the US.

If Gu Qingmo needed to calm down, now wasn't the best timing to see him.

Gu Qingjiu officially returned to China after the Chinese New Year.

*

Winters passed, and springs arrived.

These three years seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye.

Over this period, a lot had happened, but overall it was considered to be relatively peaceful.

Gu Qingjiu, who was in her fourth year in school, would be officially graduating this year.

Once the international competition was over, it was the best timing for her to graduate.

Qi Xiaoran and her dorm mate Chu Lian, who were selected to be signaller soldiers, had to go over to the borders to start their training.

Since Gu Qingjiu got injured three years ago, the Ninth Department rarely sent Gu Qingjiu on a mission.

The missions she went on were more or less the same, but they had one point in common—that was, they seemed to be testing something.

Their main objective wasn't for Gu Qingjiu to complete the mission.

This was what Gu Qingjiu couldn't comprehend.

And when she turned twenty, she and Helian Niancheng registered their marriage.

Although they were two people of different nationalities entering a marriage, with her special identity, Gu Qingjiu's nationality remained unchanged. Still, the law recognized her marriage with Helian Niancheng.

But if something should happen in the future, to put it more nastily, if they were to get a divorce someday, things would get troublesome.

This was as good as saying it was nearly impossible for them to get divorced once they got married.

But Gu Qingjiu never minded this.

As the wedding would only take place this year, other than Elder Gong and those people, not many people knew of this.

Even her parents weren't too clear about it. They understood very well that if no surprises cropped up, their daughter would marry Helian Niancheng.

Over this period, Gu Qingjiu and Helian Niancheng had gone back home together quite often, so their relationship was no secret to her family.

The international competition would commence in July, and once June was over, Gu Qingjiu would officially graduate from school.

On the last night before leaving, Gu Qingjiu and her dorm mates started their final graduation gathering.

The four girls were gathered together. Gu Qian had the opportunity to enter the capital troops, and as for the other three—Gu Qingjiu was preparing for the international competition, while Chu Lian and Qi Xiaoran were heading to the borders.

They each had somewhere they were going to go to.

Other than Qi Xiaoran and Chu Lian, the others were going to be separated from each other.

"I hope we'll meet again in the future."

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The four of them were gathered in a suite inside a restaurant. As they were graduating, they let their hair down and ordered some beer.

Other than Qi Xiaoran, who was quiet as she always was...

Chu Lian and Gu Qian appeared much more melancholic. Especially Gu Qian, whose eyes turned red as she gulped down the beer.

"I don't know if we'll have the opportunity to meet again in the future."

Gu Qian sounded choked as she said this.

"I'm sure we'll meet again soon."

Gu Qingjiu pursed her lips. Once the international competition was over, she would hold her wedding with Helian Niancheng, and when the time came, she would invite these three.

Gu Qian thought she was joking. "Hope so."

After all, they had only just graduated and were about to embark on their separate paths, so it was likely they wouldn't have so much free time.

Unless it was some significant occasion.

"Work hard once you enter the troops, guys. Xiaoran and I will be at the borders and won't have much chance to struggle. Gu Qian, you and Qingjiu have got to make a good showing."

Chu Lian spoke up. Gu Qian smiled and said, "You ought to say this to Qingjiu."

With that, she looked towards Gu Qingjiu. "Qingjiu, you've got to give your best for the international competition in July. You're now our school's legend!"

Chapter 708: Untitled

The current Gu Qingjiu had become a legend in their school.

In any case, her results in shooting class were mind-blowingly incredible, and they already regarded her as the second Yin Ruoyi.

This July's international competition would be Gu Qingjiu's first battle on the international battlefield, and many held high expectations of her.

Upon hearing Gu Qian's words, Gu Qingjiu nodded and smiled. "Mm, I will."

She and Yin Ruoyi could cooperate seamlessly now.

Although chemistry didn't give one advantage during the international competition, if the opportunity arose for them to make a joint attack, they hoped to obtain victory.

Moreover, before this year's competition started, Cruff only heard that China would send a newbie this year again. And since this would be his final match before retirement, he had long spoken boldly that regardless of what kind of person China sent out, they could only be his stepping stone in this battle in which they would crown him a deity.

Hence, China felt immense pressure facing Cruff's provocation.

To Gu Qingjiu, she couldn't fail in this battle.

Thankfully, she didn't feel that tremendous psychological stress yet.

"Since we graduated today, let's not talk about other matters. Come, let's eat and drink well."

Chu Lian spoke up once more, and everyone raised their cups together and then started chatting about another gossip.

The topics of conversation between girls were only those few types, and very quickly, they came to the issue of relationships.

Chu Lian and Gu Qian were aware that Gu Qingjiu and Helian Niancheng were still dating, for she frequently chatted on the phone with him in their dormitory.

But very quickly, they asked Qi Xiaoran about her relationship. "Xiaoran, speaking of which, why have we never seen you looking for a boyfriend these few years?"

Gu Qian, with her face flushed from drinking, suddenly asked her this. Qi Xiaoran and Gu Qingjiu froze in surprise.

Gu Qingjiu cast two glances at Qi Xiaoran, who pursed her thin lips, then shook her head and said, "I don't have an interest in that for the time being."

The relationship between her and her older brother was, after all, a secret that only Gu Qingjiu knew.

From the way it seemed, Gu Qingjiu also knew that Qi Xiaoran wouldn't possibly find another boyfriend. Hence, Qi Xiaoran had always appeared like she was single all along.

Chu Lian and Gu Qian, on the other hand, had secretly started dating someone in private.

"Aiyoh, after all, our age is here for all to see. You're so good-looking. It will be a pity if you don't experience a satisfying romance."

Gu Qian let out a burp. The sharp Chu Lian sensed this topic caused Qi Xiaoran's countenance to darken, so she reached out a hand to pat Gu Qian. "Go drink your beer and just take your boyfriend in hand."

Chu Lian saved Qi Xiaoran from the predicament by changing Gu Qian's focus.

Gu Qingjiu merely cast a glance at Qi Xiaoran.

After the meal ended, Chu Lian sent Gu Qian home, while Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran left together.

One was heading to the villa in the capital, while the other returned to her older brother's side.

It had been a long time since Gu Qingjiu asked Qi Xiaoran about this, so on the way back, she asked with deep thought, "Then what are you and your older brother planning to do in the future?"

Qi Xiaoran paused for a moment, then looked up at the sky, a rare melancholic expression on her face. "Brother said he plans to get married to me. But after all, our names are registered under the same household, and with my identity as a soldier, it would be too troublesome. I'm fine with the way things are now. So long as I can be with my older brother, I'm content."

Judging from Qi Xiaoran's condition, it seemed like she was poisoned too profoundly.

Gu Qingjiu also knew that Qi Xiaoran loved her older brother very much, and her older brother also had an intense possessiveness of her. When Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran went out, so long as Qi Yefan was around, his face would appear tense.

It seemed like he couldn't tolerate seeing anyone together with his younger sister.

Chapter 709: Untitled

Gu Qingjiu knew that two such people could never part from each other.

Hence, after this, she stopped asking any further questions.

Today was their graduation day; other than having a meal together, everyone did nothing much.

Gu Qingjiu went back to the house Helian Niancheng bought for her three years ago, and upon entry, suddenly saw a gigantic gift box in the living room.

That gift box was very high, about as high as Gu Qingjiu.

It was rectangular, making her wonder what was inside.

Gu Qingjiu froze in surprise when she saw this.

Did someone come?

Over these few years, Helian Niancheng was frequently in Penalan, even though the two were married.

But Gu Qingjiu had to train, and he had work to be busy with. As such, they didn't get to spend a lot of time together.

As Gu Qingjiu's graduation date approached recently, she asked him if he had time to come to the capital.

He didn't reply to her at the time, so Gu Qingjiu thought that he wouldn't be coming back.

But seeing this thing in the living room, she had a hunch.

She went forward and quickly unwrapped the present.

Gu Qingjiu was still wondering what it was when something white entered her vision with the gigantic present unwrapped.

She was stunned by what she saw.

It turned out it was a wedding gown...

It was a tube dress with a hemline that spread out like an enormous flower bud, and it was adorned with many fine diamonds.

It was so beautiful that it dazzled one's eyes.

The overall design could be described as dreamy.

Such a wedding gown was something Gu Qingjiu hadn't expected.

Helian Niancheng suddenly appeared behind her. Gu Qingjiu had already sensed it, but she didn't stop him.

She allowed him to hug her while he whispered in her ear, "This is my present to you. Do you like it?"

Still in disbelief, Gu Qingjiu's lips arched at the edges involuntarily. "This is a wedding gown, eh? Doesn't the bride need to try on the wedding gown? Why did you give it as a present?"

"This wedding gown is just my present to you. There are several other wedding gowns for the wedding itself. Didn't you say you like wedding gowns? Since you're graduating today, this is my graduation present to you."

How convenient.

But it had to be said that this wedding gown was truly gorgeous.

So gorgeous that Gu Qingjiu's heart couldn't help but tremble.

Indeed, it was confirmed that she liked wedding gowns; it was her dream from her previous lifetime.

And now, her dream had turned into reality, giving her an urge to cry.

Helian Niancheng said straightforwardly, "I designed this wedding gown."

She couldn't believe her ears. "You're the one who designed it?"

"Mm, hence, this is my graduation present to you."

He lowered his head and kissed Gu Qingjiu on her forehead. "This is a present, so you can wear it anytime you wish."

"Nobody wears wedding gowns on any random day."

Despite what she said, Gu Qingjiu stepped forward to touch the gown. She was very fond of this wedding gown Helian Niancheng designed.

"Mom is pressing me about our wedding."

Helian Niancheng curled his lips as he stroked Gu Qingjiu's hair. "Also, us having babies. It's time we plan for that."

At the mention of the word 'babies,' Gu Qingjiu's heart quivered. "If it's more or less time, we can start trying for one."

As Gu Qingjiu was training for her shooting competition, she and Helian Niancheng had restrained themselves and hadn't had plans for kids yet.

But now that Gu Qingjiu had graduated, Hilda probably couldn't wait any longer.

After all.

Gu Qingjiu deliberately looked towards Helian Niancheng. "You're already 30 this year. It'll be too late if we hold it off any longer."

Chapter 710: Untitled

At the mention of age, Helian Niancheng's countenance darkened.

He was indeed already 30, whereas Gu Qingjiu was only 22 this year.

When Hilda was pressing them previously, they could still use the fact that Gu Qingjiu had yet to graduate as an excuse, and she would often mention this, "You're already 30!"

Helian Niancheng wasn't that passionate about having children because now that Gu Qingjiu had graduated, they could spend more time together, and he wanted to have her all to himself.

But hearing this still made him uncomfortable.

He narrowed his eyes. "Since that's the case, you can try and see if a 30-year-old man still has it in him."

With that, he lifted Gu Qingjiu onto his shoulders.

The extremely happy Gu Qingjiu giggled as he carried her into the bedroom.

*

In July, this year's international competition officially began!

Gu Qingjiu met up with the chairman of the association and the rest early on.

This year, other than a few newly-added officials, the same crowd attended the event.

Commanding Officers such as Nian Chusheng were among those who accompanied them there.

This year's competition was held in a tropical area in South America.

It was more commonly known as the forest system.

The topography was much more complicated than the last time, and at the same time, more bizarre and changeable.

When Yin Ruoyi and Gu Qingjiu arrived at the competition venue, Elder Gong was still imparting his wisdom remotely.

"You yourselves know the outcome of your regular training. Ruoyi, you need to perform as you usually do. You did a pretty good job in the previous battle, but this year other countries introduced a new player as well, so don't think that you have no threats other than Cruff."

Upon hearing Elder Gong's words, Yin Ruoyi's countenance turned cold, but he responded with a severe expression, "Got it, Teacher."

As for Gu Qingjiu, Elder Gong merely gave her a short piece of advice, which Gu Qingjiu had never heard Elder Gong says to her before.

"Qingjiu, you only need to remember one thing: when there appear any deviations in situations during the battle, just trust your intuition and ignore everything else."

Elder Gong's words had deep meaning behind them, making Gu Qingjiu freeze for a moment. Yin Ruoyi, too, cast two surprised glances at Gu Qingjiu.

Since her teacher said this, he must have his reasons for doing so. After snapping out of her trance, Gu Qingjiu nodded and replied, "Got it, Teacher."

"Alright, that's all from me, lest my words affect you two. The two of you mustn't let Cruff take down three consecutive wins in this match!"

Elder Gong said. With that, the communications were cut off.

Gu Qingjiu and Yin Ruoyi glanced at each other and nodded.

Competing in tropical rainforests made the competition more complex. Besides having to guard against the swift and alert opponents, they also had to watch out for all sorts of dangers in the forests.

This competition would last for three entire days.

The players could bring along a small bag that didn't contain quite enough food. If one eliminated another player, the other party had to leave behind their bag. This way, the players could obtain sufficient nourishment.

Besides testing the shooters' response abilities, it was also a test of their survival skills in a forest setting.

Gu Qingjiu felt that this was indeed much more difficult than the previous one.

However, competing in a forest was her forte!

After resting for a day in the hotel, the players were blindfolded and led into the competition venue.

They brought each person down from the plane, and the particular spot they were led to was utterly random.

The engine sounds from the surroundings would also affect the players' judgment. Hence, when the game first started, there was no need to worry about others finding out about the location you descended upon.

The players each wore an ear mike, which was used to listen to the international judge panel's instructions. Other than that, there was no further help.

Gu Qingjiu's first battle in the international competition had officially begun!