Chapter 71: Duel (3)

On the other hand, Yu Bao'er who returned to the squad, cast a happy glance at Gu Qingjiu.

With pursed lips, Gu Qingjiu's gaze swept over her.

Yu Bao'er's performance made her highly satisfied.

"Next pair: Ji Ruoqing and Hu Zhixuan."

Chen Haoyang announced the next pair who would duel with each other.

For recruits in their first month, girls would go up against girls.

But later on, guys and girls would take part in mixed-gender duels.

In the army, they simply didn't care if there's a natural disparity in physiques or stamina between a man and a woman.

Furthermore, there were plenty of women who were stronger than men in the military.

Of course, to the guys, it was embarrassing enough if a girl were to defeat them.

But those were things that only happen as they continue.

Jiang Yu was the most outstanding one among the girls.

Duels generally went on for a rather long time, unless one had nimble reflexes and was talented in that area.

Jiang Yu was that sort of person. With two or three moves, she defeated the opponent and was not at all dilly dally like the others. Naturally, she attracted many admiring looks.

In Gu Qingjiu's class, there weren't many girls, to begin with. Hence shortly after, it was her turn.

She and another girl were the last pair.

"Come out, Gu Qingjiu and Xie Ya!"

Gu Qingjiu and the other girl stepped out immediately.

Gu Qingjiu rarely interacted with the other recruits, so she didn't quite understand their temperaments.

But Gu Qingjiu knew Xie Ya. The latter had kept a bob style of hair even from before, and the delicate-looking girl seemed to have a quiet demeanor—she didn't look that intimidating.

Among the recruits, she kept a rather low profile.

And she seemed to get along pretty well with Jiang Yu and the rest.

Xie Ya entered the duel arena, a glint flashing by in her eyes.

Although Xie Ya didn't appear to be outstanding, she was in fact even stronger than Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu knew about Xie Ya and admired this quiet-looking girl. She knew that Xie Ya only chose to come here because of family reasons and that she worked hard during training, unlike Gu Qingjiu and those who liked to show off.

Gu Qingjiu, on the other hand, had no idea that Jiangsu labeled her as a showoff.

Since no one was allowed to speak, Yu Bao'er simply mouthed the words 'go for it' to Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu didn't see that, though.

Because at that moment, she focused her eyes on Xie Ya.

Xie Ya suddenly smiled at Gu Qingjiu. It was as if they were practicing taekwondo; she bent over and bowed at Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu paused in surprise, then bowed at Xie Ya, too.

There was a deep and meaningful glance in Xie Ya's eyes as she gazed over at Gu Qingjiu.

"Start!"

However, the instant Chen Haoyang declared to start, the look in Xie Ya's eyes changed.

That moment, she seemed to exude an intense murderous aura, like a leopard revealing its sharp claws after waiting for its prey on the grassland. She attacked Gu Qingjiu with insane speed.

Gu Qingjiu was astonished.

Xie Ya's actions were so swift that she didn't look like someone who had just learned how to fight.

Her attack was vigorous and aggressive, her fist going straight for Gu Qingjiu's face. Gu Qingjiu quickly reacted and turned her body sideways, narrowly dodging the attack. She could even sense a fiery gust of wind as Xie Ya's fist grazed past the side of her face.

Chapter 72: A Talent That Can Be Groomed

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Gu Qingjiu didn't mind the opponent. How Xie Ya attacked her, even stunned Yu Bao'er was stunned.

Under that situation, she felt that she couldn't dodge Xie Ya's attack if it were her.

Seeing Gu Qingjiu narrowly dodging it, Yu Bao'er was so anxious that she was close to losing her breath.

That shouldn't be the case—Qingjiu was formidable!

But the observant Yu Bao'er instantly sensed that there was something unusual with Xie Ya.

Someone around her whispered. "I think Xie Ya's family used to run a martial arts school? Looking at her aggressive moves, Gu Qingjiu is in danger of losing."

"Not in danger of losing, but bound to lose."

Someone ridiculed disdainfully.

"What's the use of only having a pretty face?"

If it weren't because she couldn't turn around, Yu Bao'er would have retorted back at them.

They were a bunch of people who couldn't bear to see others do well.

But learning that Xie Ya's family ran a martial arts school still surprised her.

It was no wonder that her stance had such a contrast from the beginners.

Although Qingjiu was formidable, she was but a beginner. Yu Bao'er really couldn't be sure if she would be able to defeat Xie Ya, who had been learning martial arts from a young age.

Chen Haoyang, too, raised an eyebrow as he watched them fight.

With years of experience training recruits, he could tell who was the stronger opponent.

Xie Ya was both quick and aggressive, and he knew from her records that her family ran a martial arts school, so she definitely had a firm foundation.

As for Gu Qingjiu...

Her reflexes weren't slower than Xie Ya, else she wouldn't have been able to dodge Xie Ya's attacks.

However, she might ultimately lose because of the lack of practical experience.

Stroking his chin, Chen Haoyang watched as the duel unfolded before his very eyes.

As he had expected, Gu Qingjiu was having a harder time dealing with her opponent in the duel arena.

After her rebirth, she realized that her agility and sensitivity became rather high, but that didn't mean she immediately turned into an expert.

In the past, she had never undergone combat training and had only learned for a month like the others. She was only at a slight advantage because she had a talent for it.

Xie Ya was no ordinary recruit!

Since Xie Ya had completely suppressed her, she could only defend passively.

And somewhere in the distance, two people were peeking at them from the woods.

"That lass Qingjiu probably won't defeat this girl!"

Huo Yingcheng smacked his mouth and let out a sigh.

They strolled there by chance and saw that the Third Company's Seventh Squad was training its recruits in the art of fighting.

When they saw Gu Qingjiu, it stunned Huo Yingcheng for a good while. He could not believe that in the brief span of ten odd days, Gu Qingjiu had undergone such a great transformation. If it weren't for her strikingly fair skin and the traces of the old Gu Qingjiu in her eyes, Huo Yingcheng wouldn't have thought it was her.

She wasn't like that ten days ago. How did she turn into a little beauty in such a brief span of time?

As Huo Yingcheng observed them, he saw that Gu Qingjiu and the other girl began fighting with each other, and it seemed like Gu Qingjiu was about to face defeat soon.

The sharp-eyed Huo Yingcheng could tell at one glance that Gu Qingjiu's opponent was an expert at taekwondo.

Although Gu Qingjiu's reflexes were quick, she was new to fighting and wasn't a match for her opponent, so losing was just a matter of time.

He Niancheng was next to him.

He trained his eyes at the duel. Shortly after, he saw Gu Qingjiu hit the ground and heard Chen Haoyang announcing that she had lost the duel.

"Embarrassing!"

He gently spat out this word. It bewildered Huo Yingcheng.

So what if she lost? How was it embarrassing?

However, within a few seconds, he heard He Niancheng speak in a cold tone of voice. "She's a talent that can be groomed."

That left Huo Yingcheng speechless.

Chapter 73: Free From Arrogance and Impetuosity

She's a talent that can be groomed?

Huo Yingcheng redirected his attention back to Gu Qingjiu in the distance.

Suddenly, an amusement struck him.

"Heh. Major-general, you mean you wish to groom her?"

He Niancheng neither denied nor admitted.

"Let nature take its course."

With that, he turned his head and began walking down the hill.

As one of his assistant commanders, how could Huo Yingcheng not understand what He Niancheng meant?

He meant that the lass Gu Qingjiu was a talent that can be perfected over time.

However, He Niancheng would help Gu Qingjiu advance only if there was a suitable opportunity.

It would depend on the lass's luck.

Despite that being the case, Huo Yingcheng still found this amusing. He let out a chuckle and then followed He Niancheng down the hill.

At the Third Company's Seventh Squad's training.

Gu Qingjiu, who Xie Ya had defeated, felt a fiery and painful sensation in her chest.

Xie Ya didn't attack to hurt or kill, so Gu Qingjiu didn't feel like her defeat was anything to grumble about. She didn't appear mad or anything as she returned to the squad.

Yu Bao'er, however, looked a little worried.

Gu Qingjiu knew what Yu Bao'er wanted to say and simply made an expression for the latter to relax.

Other than feeling shocked with Xie Ya's hidden capabilities, Gu Qingjiu thought there was nothing unfair about it

Xie Ya defeated her with her true capabilities, so that was that.

It was a fact that she lost.

Victory and failure are common things among soldiers. Moreover, this was just an ordinary duel.

Gu Qingjiu understood this.

Such a mentality was rare to come by.

After all, not everyone could deal with their first failure with ease the way she did.

As for Xie Ya, after she had returned to the squad, everyone looked at her with astonishment and admiration.

With Jiang Yu and Feng Meiyun's gazes, it was evident they felt pleased with the result.

However, when they looked towards Gu Qingjiu in a mildly mocking manner, they discovered she didn't appear embarrassed like they had imagined she would be. On the contrary, she appeared relaxed and at ease like always.

She remained calm and quiet as if she didn't face defeat earlier on.

Her attitude made others displeased.

After the girls finished sparring, next up would be the guys.

The victorious recruit could take part in the monthly fights.

After the afternoon's training was over, everyone went to the canteen for a meal.

Yu Bao'er finally grumbled about the fact that Gu Qingjiu didn't win.

"Qingjiu, it's unfair that you lost. I had no idea that Xie Ya's family ran a martial arts school. I heard she started learning taekwondo at a young age!"

During mealtime, Yu Bao'er, who sat with Gu Qingjiu, complained to Gu Qingjiu about that afternoon's event.

When Gu Qingjiu heard this, she smiled. "What's unfair about that? I lost because I wasn't as capable and as strong as the opponent and that's normal. Don't talk about it anymore since it's in the past now. You even won this afternoon, so by the day the next day, you will duel against other recruits from other classes. Go for it!"

Yu Bao'er pouted. She didn't appear that concerned, just a bit worried. "I told you before about the advanced training camp. If we lose, would it affect our application for the training camp?"

Although she was the one who told Gu Qingjiu about it, she wasn't exactly clear about the criteria for that tryout either.

Gu Qingjiu paused. She felt that this matter was a long time from now. Besides, many recruits weren't even aware of the advanced training camp.

Chapter 74: Failed at Sowing Discord

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"We'll see how it turns out."

Gu Qingjiu sighed. "If the opportunity presents itself before me, I will certainly grab it. If it won't, it's because I am not fit for it."

Although she looked forward to this advanced training camp a lot.

"I guess we can only leave it at that."

Yu Bao'er was confident in Gu Qingjiu before, but unexpectedly, Xie Ya defeated her. Gu Qingjiu's capability was the least of Yu Baoe'r's concern. What she was worried about was if Gu Qingjiu's defeat would affect her application for the advanced military camp later on.

However, she didn't wish to voice out her concerns.

After the meal, both of them walked back to the dormitory together.

But before they reached their destination, Gu Qingjiu and Yu Bao'er heard laughter coming from inside.

It wasn't just Feng Meiyun and Jiang Yu—there were also other girls.

"Did you see Yu Bao'er's expression at this afternoon's duel? It felt damn good seeing that!"

This gloating voice belonged to Feng Meiyun.

Yu Bao'er's expression changed instantly.

Gu Qingjiu's brows didn't even move, but her gaze met Yu Bao'er's before they walked in.

There were several girls in the hostel. Other than Feng Meiyun and Jiang Yu, Xie Ya and two other girls from their training class were present.

Seeing Gu Qingjiu and Yu Bao'er enter, the smile they had on their faces stiffened slightly.

After all, they were gossiping behind others' backs, thus those who had any shame would naturally feel awkward.

Gu Qingjiu entered but said nothing to them. She simply and calmly walked towards the washroom.

On the other hand, Yu Bao'er sat down next to Gu Qingjiu's bed and looked at Feng Meiyun with a hint of sarcasm in her eyes, making the latter feel flustered. She then whipped out her phone and sprawled on Gu Qingjiu's bed and played some games.

The atmosphere was super awkward.

But they didn't have plans to go out either.

While everyone was looking at each other in silence, Xie Ya saw Gu Qingjiu coming out of the washroom, shaking her moist hands. She smiled. "Qingjiu, sorry about what happened earlier on."

With that, Yu Bao'er instantly looked up from her phone to the girl.

As for the rest, they were excited to hear Xie Ya speaking to Gu Qingjiu.

Was a confrontation in the making?

After all, Gu Qingjiu had lost to Xie Ya in the afternoon; all of them were eager to see Gu Qingjiu's reaction.

But the way Gu Qingjiu responded wasn't what they expected.

She merely paused for a moment upon hearing Xie Ya's words. She then picked up a towel to wipe her fingers, and she pulled a smile as she replied, "It's okay. You're truly impressive. I willingly concede defeat."

The girl's voice was soft and calm, like a piece of rock with a smooth surface.

Others couldn't find fault with her reply and could not continue mocking her.

Jiang Yu sat by the side of the bed, with legs shaking. Seeing Xie Ya purse her lips and nod as she turned to look towards her, Jiang Yu said with a smile, "Qingjiu, you can't blame yourself for this since Xie Ya's family runs a martial arts school. When she first told us about it, it surprised us, too. Xie Ya is the strongest among us, so it's normal if you lose to her."

"Mm."

Her indifferent tone of voice put one at a loss for words.

Trying and failing several times to provoke Gu Qingjiu, they glanced at each other and felt bored.

Jiang Yu could only bring her group outside the dormitory.

Once they left, the entire building hushed down.

Sprawled on the side of the bed, Yu Bao'er laughed. "They think everyone is like them—petty over losing a competition!"

Chapter 75: Your Older Brother is Here

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Gu Qingjiu merely smiled lightly at Yu Bao'er's words, but she did not respond.

"Qingjiu, we've been wanting to visit the village located down the foot of the mountain for some time. How about we go this week?"

Yu Bao'er suddenly mentioned this matter to Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu, too, felt bored from staying in the military camp, and they couldn't simply go out at whim.

But since Yu Bao'er had mentioned the village several times, Gu Qingjiu also wanted to check that place out.

Hence, she nodded. "Okay, let's go this week. But you've got to work hard the day after tomorrow. If you win, there might be a reward or something."

"Forget it." Yu Bao'er pouted. "At most, it will be some merit award to complement one on winning glory for the team. The military is miserable!"

It seemed like in Yu Bao'er's eyes, nearly everyone in the military was rather stingy.

Gu Qingjiu smiled and didn't remark.

Although she had lost the duel that afternoon, Gu Qingjiu didn't take it to heart.

The training the next day didn't go easy on those who failed but proceeded as usual.

However, when afternoon came, something that Gu Qingjiu had nearly forgotten about happened.

She was eating with Yu Bao'er at noon when from outside the busy canteen, a senior soldier entered.

He looked ordinary. But since he had undergone training for a long time, he was full of spirit. The instant he walked in, he asked a few people something and then turned to look towards Gu Qingjiu—a visible surprise and joy in his eyes.

While Gu Qingjiu was eating, Yu Bao'er nudged her with an elbow. "Qingjiu, someone's looking at you."

Gu Qingjiu raised her head and saw a male soldier walking towards her.

She didn't know him, but when he walked over, he spoke in a friendly tone. "You're Gu Qingjiu, aren't you? I'm a friend of your older brother, Gu Qingmo. Your brother came to look for you."

Hearing her brother's name, Gu Qingjiu instantly got to her feet.

"My brother is here?"

There was a tone of delight in her voice, for she didn't expect that her brother would come looking for her in the military.

The guy nodded with a smile. "Yes, come with me. He's waiting for you in the rest area."

Without any hesitation, Gu Qingjiu nodded.

Seeing this, Yu Bao'er stood up and grabbed Gu Qingjiu's sleeves. "Qingjiu, I want to come along with you."

Gu Qingjiu didn't object. She softly replied, "Okay, then let's go together."

Then the two of them went with the man.

The military wasn't that strict about family visitations; so long as they reported accordingly, they would approve their visits. But Gu Qingjiu didn't expect her older brother to come over.

Recalling that she hadn't mentioned this matter to Gu Qingmo over the phone, she wondered if Gu Qingmo would be angry when he saw her.

Or have some other major reaction.

On the way there, Yu Bao'er, who was extremely curious about Gu Qingjiu's older brother, kept asking this and that. Gu Qingjiu simply replied and told Yu Bao'er that she would find out when she saw him later.

As for the man who came to pick them up, although he was her older brother's friend, he appeared particularly interested in Gu Qingjiu's situation since he kept asking Gu Qingjiu about some unrelated matters.

Gu Qingjiu usually didn't appear too friendly towards strangers. Even though this man was her older brother's friend, they weren't related by blood. But on the account that he came to pick her up, she answered him a word or two.

Chapter 76: Ugly duckling Transformed into a White Swan

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The resting area was a place where they received outsiders.

It was also an entertainment station with an indoor and outdoor area.

One could even play basketball among other entertainment activities around.

Since it was still training time, there were only a few people. The instant Gu Qingjiu walked over, she saw a familiar figure standing in the bright pantry.

It felt like a long time ago.

Momentarily, Gu Qingjiu felt a gush of complex emotions inside.

As if sensing her presence, the man turned around and saw Gu Qingjiu.

Perhaps because he was too overwhelmed, he quickly went up to her.

Gu Qingmo was wearing a winter coat. He had inherited his father's good looks and had a tall and broad frame. Other than appearing more fashionable from having stayed in the city, he looked the same as Gu Qingjiu remembered.

When the two of them saw each other, they both paused in surprise.

Next to her, Yu Bao'er let out a silly gasp. "Qingjiu, your older brother is so handsome!"

Of course. After all, Qi Yuefeng and Gu Hong both had decent looks, so their son naturally wouldn't be ugly.

When Gu Qingmo saw Gu Qingjiu, he dared not believe it was her.

The young lady before him had a delicate and petite face that even her bob cut hair could not conceal her exquisite facial features.

And the lady stood there with a quiet and calm demeanor.

The person standing before him was a pretty and gracious young lady, which was very different from the younger sister he remembered.

But seeing that face, Gu Qingmo knew very well that she was his younger sister.

However, he found the dramatic transformation quite unbelievable.

"Qing... Qingjiu?"

Because of overwhelming feelings, Gu Qingmo unconsciously stuttered when he spoke.

Gu Qingjiu walked up and looked at Gu Qingmo. Suppressing the violent tremble in her voice, she called out, "Brother!"

This was her older brother—the older brother who had doted on her for over ten years.

After they had lost contact in the previous life, Gu Qingjiu spent countless nights in regret.

How did she fall for the Yu family's lies back then and returned to that hellish place only to cause harm upon the three most important people in her life?

Recalling how they had humiliated Gu Qingmo when he showed up at the Yu family to look for her, Gu Qingjiu felt immense pain. It was as if someone had stabbed her heart.

It had been a long time since she saw her older brother.

Those around them could not quite understand why Gu Qingjiu was so emotional the moment she saw Gu Qingmo.

Gu Qingmo frowned slightly, going up to hold Gu Qingjiu's arms and sizing her up. He sighed in disbelief. "Does the military double as a plastic surgery hospital?"

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

This one line exposed her older brother's nature.

His remark disrupted the sorrowful ambiance in an instant.

Next to them, Yu Bao'er chuckled at Gu Qingmo's words.

Gu Qingjiu thought it was funny, too. "Brother, I merely lost some weight."

After slimming down, she found her appearance unbelievable back then, too. But then in the later part, tons of things happened that diverted her attention elsewhere.

"Wait a moment!"

After confirming it was his younger sister, the incredulous Gu Qingmo whipped out his phone and started taking photos of Gu Qingjiu. "Let me take a few photos of you. If Mom sees the way you look now, she will be shocked, too! Our ugly duckling transformed into a white swan!"

Chapter 77: Maybe You're Tired of living!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"Brother!"

Even though she knew Gu Qingmo was merely teasing her, Gu Qingjiu still felt shy.

"Ha ha ha."

Gu Qingmo laughed cheerfully and Yu Bao'er went boy-crazy at that.

If it wasn't for the need to maintain her image, she might have drooled on the spot. She kept nudging Gu Qingjiu with her elbow. "Qingjiu, Qingjiu, introduce us."

It was only then that Gu Qingmo noticed her.

Gu Qingjiu let out an 'orh' sound before she turned to Gu Qingmo and said, "Brother, this is my roommate. We serve in the military together. Her name is Yu Bao'er, you can just call her Bao'er."

Gu Qingjiu's introduction made Yu Bao'er satisfied.

However, Gu Qingmo was not so keen on this young lass, merely nodding at her as a form of greeting. The man who had been left aside for some time spoke up. "Qingmo, if I'd known Gu Qingjiu is your younger sister, I should have befriended her earlier so someone would look out for her in the military, right?"

Gu Qingmo looked towards him, then smiled politely. "I just found out that Qingjiu joined the military. She didn't tell me before."

Gu Qingmo then recalled his true purpose for coming, which he had almost forgotten after seeing Gu Qingjiu's major transformation.

He pulled Gu Qingjiu aside, and he no longer sounded as gentle as earlier. "Qingjiu, why did you join the military?"

Although Gu Qingmo wasn't at home that much, he understood how his sister's mind worked.

She was delicate and couldn't take hardships, and their parents had spoiled her since she was young. Why did she suddenly join the military?

"Brother..." Gu Qingjiu pursed her lips, sounding determined. "I've already been training for a month. It's too late for you to say something like that. I chose to serve in the military, that's all."

Gu Qingmo's face dimmed. "You just wanted to serve in the military? I heard from Mom that you decided on computer science at first and changed your choice before the day of confirming. If that's really what you wanted, why didn't you say so earlier?"

Gu Qingmo did not interact with her for so many years for nothing. Gu Qingjiu's flimsy explanation might be able to convince her parents, but not Gu Qingmo.

Gu Qingjiu felt a little sorry for Gu Qingmo, but she couldn't tell him the truth. Hence, she played rogue with him like she usually did. "I just wanted to serve in the military, there's no particular reason. Brother, I'm doing fine here. Life in the military is not so bad. I plan on being a soldier for two years, then wait and see how it goes. Surely, it beats loafing around after opting out of the college entrance exams, right?"

Her voice was inaudible and soft, and it didn't arouse any other suspicions in Gu Qingmo. But he still felt quite unhappy with it, so he pulled Gu Qingjiu's arm and attempted to pull her somewhere. "This will not do. You're a girl, and you're also delicate. How can you join the military? It's only been a month, you should stop training from now on. Who's your superior?"

Gu Qingjiu unwillingly twisted her body and said with a frown, "Brother, I've made things clear..."

"Where did you come from, pretty boy? Why are you making a scene here? How dare you pull our female soldier under broad daylight? Maybe you're tired of living!"

Chapter 78: Indeed A Man of Striking Appearance

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

A loud voice came from a distance away, and it sounded gruff and ruffian-like. It caught both Gu Qingjiu and Gu Qingmo by surprise.

They looked up and saw two people walking towards them.

Even the army green military uniform could not conceal the ruffian-ish air on the tall and broad Huo Yingcheng.

Standing next to him was He Niancheng, who had a powerful aura.

His deep and cold eyes were looking at Gu Qingjiu, revealing a hint of coldness and murderous intent that created panic in the hearts of those who saw it.

Gu Qingjiu quickly straightened her body. A distance away, Yu Bao'er and her brother's friend saluted them.

"Hello, Commander Huo! Hello, Chief Instructor!"

"Hello, Commander Huo! Hello, Chief Instructor!"

"Hello Commander He! Hello, Commander Huo!"

The different forms of greeting were because of their different identities.

Hearing Gu Qingjiu and the others greet them, Gu Qingmo snapped back to his senses. So, this was his younger sister's superior?

When Huo Yingcheng and He Niancheng entered, they happened to see Gu Qingmo pulling Gu Qingjiu, and the latter appeared to be reluctant. Huo Yingcheng's first assumption was that Gu Qingjiu's lover from god-knows-where had chased her all the way to the military and was here to make a scene.

This young chap somewhat looked like a pretty boy!

Huo Yingcheng then turned around and glanced at his Major-General. His statement had made the latter look perplexed.

Huo Yingcheng strode up to Gu Qingjiu and sized Gu Qingmo up. Since he was half a head taller than Gu Qingmo, the way he sternly looked down from a taller height made the latter feel pressured. He then pulled Gu Qingjiu over to him.

Gu Qingmo paused in surprise and released his grip.

"Qingjiu, who is this? Don't be scared. With me around today, no one will dare touch you!"

Standing some distance away, Yu Bao'er's eyes nearly popped out. Damn. Since when did Xiao Jiu'er become so chummy with Commander Huo?

Commander Huo and the Chief Instructor were influential characters who were out of their reach!

Gu Qingjiu herself was confused, but she could tell that Huo Yingcheng was clearly speaking up for her. Unsure whether to laugh or to cry, she hurriedly explained, "Commander Huo, this is my older brother! Biological brother!"

Silence.

Huo Yingcheng felt a sense of awkwardness, but since he was someone who had a rich life full of experiences, he merely shifted his body and released Gu Qingjiu. A friendly smile flashed across his face as he slapped Gu Qingmo's body.

"Aiyah. Why didn't you say so earlier? So you're Qingjiu's older brother? Mm, indeed a man of striking appearance!"

Everyone went speechless.

Commander, you think nobody heard you calling him a pretty boy?

Gu Qingmo glanced at Huo Yingcheng in astonishment, then looked back at Gu Qingjiu, clearly asking her through his gaze who Huo Yingcheng was.

It was Huo Yingcheng's turn to feel awkward.

Gu Qingjiu nearly burst out laughing as she introduced them. "Brother, this is my superior, Commander Huo. Over there is the Chief Unstructor of us new recruits, Commander He."

As Gu Qingjiu explained things, she also introduced He Niancheng.

Actually, Gu Qingmo's gaze was fixed on He Niancheng.

After all, a man like He Niancheng would attract attention wherever he went. Gu Qingmo glanced at He Niancheng, then looked towards Huo Yingcheng, before extending his hand with a smile. "How do you do, Commander Huo? I am Qingjiu's older brother. May I be so abrupt as to ask directly, are you my sister Qingjiu's direct superior?"

Chapter 79: She's My soldier, I Forbid

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Even though he was facing a commander, Gu Qingmo appeared gracious. The way he behaved made others unable to belittle him.

Huo Yingcheng was curious about this Gu Qingmo. Indeed the lass Qingjiu is different from other people, even her older brother didn't have the aura of an ordinary guy.

Upon hearing such a question, Gu Qingjiu's expression changed instantly.

He still refused to give up!

Huo Yingcheng felt that it was a little weird, but he nodded. He pointed at He Niancheng who was standing behind him. "He's the one directly in charge. But you can speak to me as well."

"Alright then, Commander Huo. Pardon my frankness. I'd like to ask if my sister wishes to withdraw from the troops now, which paperwork needs to be done?"

Huo Yingcheng was stunned to hear this. "Withdraw? Why withdraw?"

Facing her older brother's aggressiveness, the anxious Gu Qingjiu couldn't remain calm anymore. She said, "I'm not withdrawing, Brother. Dad and Mom gave me their consent, so why don't you agree? I'm not going to withdraw from the troops!"

"What do you know? You're a girl, you have many choices to choose from. Why do you insist on wasting your youth in the troops?" Gu Qingmo's expression darkened as he began to reason with Gu Qingjiu. "Qingjiu, you're still young. Dad and I can give you opportunities. Why do you insist on wasting your time here? What are you going to do after you stop serving in the military later on?"

What Gu Qingmo said was the truth.

Gu Qingjiu knew he was doing this in consideration of her.

After a few years of training, most ordinary soldiers likely wouldn't have further opportunities and could only choose to retire and go home with some pension. In the end, they were still left to strive on their own, to look for a new job.

Or perhaps accept the higher-ups' arrangement and enter various official organizations as a traffic soldier or an ordinary policeman.

However, even then they had to pull strings to achieve that. Moreover, Gu Qingjiu's family didn't hope to see her join a profession where her life could be put at risk.

After several years of being in the military, other than counting that as an experience, it actually didn't serve as a practical purpose.

This was a practical problem in society.

Back then Gu Qingjiu chose the military in order to avoid the Yu family. It seemed like a decision made in a rash moment, but in actual fact, it was the only opportunity she could clutch on in this helpless reality she was in.

Hearing Gu Qingmo put things this way, her throat turned raspy, feeling terribly suppressed at heart, as if she wasn't able to utter a single word.

Because Gu Qingmo had no idea what would happen in the future, he naturally wanted to help Gu Qingjiu make the best decision based on what he knew.

And she was unable to voice out her helplessness.

Gu Qingmo couldn't bear it as he watched Gu Qingjiu's expression turn fragile too, but he really didn't wish to see his younger sister waste the best years of her youth in the military where she had no way out.

Huo Yingcheng was a little angered. "How can you as an older brother speak so irresponsibly? You claim to be doing this for her own good, but why didn't you ask her for her opinion? Since she wishes to enter the military, it must be her own decision. Adults ought to be responsible for their own decisions. If she knew and could take the consequences of her decision, even as her older brother, you have no right to be saying that!"

When he first learned this young chap was Qingjiu's older brother, he started to grow more pleasant to the eyes. But looking at him again now, he looked like a thief!

No matter how he looked at him!

At that moment, an extremely cold voice sounded from behind.

"She's my soldier, I forbid."

Chapter 80: Since You're Not as Skilled as Her, You Ought to Work Harder

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

His voice was ice-cold and sharp, bringing about a sense of torment to those who heard him.

He Niancheng remained where he was standing, his icy gaze piercing the surrounding air and falling upon Gu Qingmo with precision.

It caused the latter's heart to tighten.

Gu Qingjiu paused in shock too, unable to fathom why this usually cold and aloof Chief Instructor was suddenly speaking up for her.

The instant he spoke, Huo Yingcheng's indignant gaze turned to look at He Niancheng, then towards the baffled looking Gu Qingjiu. Stroking his chin, he felt somewhat amused.

Gu Qingmo's brows furrowed as she looked at He Niancheng.

He was astounded.

This man's gaze was way too scary.

The other party was like fish meat waiting to be minced up on the chopping board and without the slightest bit of power to struggle.

Was this person Qingjiu's Chief Instructor?

Under such a gaze, the words Gu Qingmo had prepared to persuade Gu Qingjiu got stuck in his throat.

Gu Qingmo felt embarrassed by this.

Gu Qingjiu thought about it. With a resolute look in her eyes, she looked up at Gu Qingmo and said, "Brother, I know you're saying this for my good, but it's my dream to serve in the military. Regardless of what happens in the future, regardless of whether I'll carve out success here, it's my choice. I know you have my interests at heart, but I hope you'll understand my choices just this once."

After they would resolve the Yu family's matter, she would choose to return to the Gu family.

She had to hold on after that sickly man in the Li family passed away; only then would the Yu family no longer have a reason to look for her.

Although her thinking was considered immoral, it was something that would inevitably happen.

Of course, the future is unpredictable, and no one knows what it would bring about in one's life.

Looking at his younger sister's resolute gaze, Gu Qingmo felt a myriad of emotions.

He had never seen Qingjiu look so determined before; it was as if the frail and dull younger sister in his memories had grown up overnight.

The mature and quiet aura about her made Gu Qingmo feel dazed and made his chest constrict.

He had no idea what had happened to his younger sister, because according to his parents, no accident happened at home, only that Qingjiu joined the military.

He kept feeling that there was a major transformation in his younger sister, and this transformation made him feel pain in the chest.

But he couldn't quite pinpoint why.

Finally, Gu Qingmo left.

There wasn't a place for family members to stay overnight in the troops, but since the city was near, Gu Qingmo went home.

After Gu Qingmo had left, Gu Qingjiu remained rooted to her spot, biting her lips extremely hard.

Power was a good thing. Because of the Yu family's influence, she entered the military.

Yu Bao'er went up to Gu Qingjiu and saw that the latter appeared down. She wanted to ask her to go back to the dormitory, but He Niancheng suddenly walked over.

And it gave Yu Bao'er such a scare that she bounced far away.

Seeing Yu Bao'er's reaction, Huo Yingcheng let out a 'tsk' sound.

Look at how scared the girl was of him!

He Niancheng walked to Gu Qingjiu. Ignoring her emotions, he uttered something that surprised her. "You lost the duel this afternoon."

Gu Qingjiu raised her head and nodded, somewhat dazed. "Yes, Chief instructor."

He Niancheng narrowed his eyes. "You know why you lost?"

Gu Qingjiu answered honestly, "I'm not as skilled as her."

"Since you're not as skilled as her, you ought to work harder. Instead of shedding tears over the changes of seasons here."

He Niancheng finished speaking, then turned to leave.

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.