Chapter 741: Now That She Had Grown Up

There was still some time before the competition ended, but it was soon.

Gu Qingjiu and Yin Ruoyi ran together.

The duo engaged in a hushed conversation as they walked, and Gu Qingjiu raised her doubts.

"Didn't you sense someone coming?"

Since Yin Ruoyi could directly sense Cruff's attack in the previous round, there was no reason he deteriorated this year on the contrary.

Yin Ruoyi observed the surroundings as he walked with Gu Qingjiu, and upon hearing this, let out a bitter chuckle. "It's not this. I'm injured."

As he spoke, he raised his arm and showed it to Gu Qingjiu. "I was attacked by a venomous snake after the rain stopped yesterday. My entire left arm is completely numb. This venom can persist for a very long time, and it has some influence on my judgment. Hence, even as you and Cruff arrived nearby I didn't detect that. Over these two days, I didn't even dare to move towards places where players were densely clustered."

Even though he couldn't take it lying down, due to this accident, the only thing Yin Ruoyi could do was to try his best to keep himself safe.

Gu Qingjiu looked at the arm Yin Ruoyi raised, and couldn't tell any difference from usual. But upon careful look, she could see that his five fingers appeared very stiff.

Such disasters from nature indeed rendered one helpless. Gu Qingjiu cast a look of sympathy at Yin Ruoyi. "I hadn't expected such an accident would occur. But thankfully the two of us eliminated Cruff. For the remaining time, there shouldn't be much of a problem if we're careful. Just follow behind me. I will alert you if there's danger."

Yin Ruoyi nodded. "I know."

There was no other way.

He felt a tad bitter in his heart.

He had thought that he had put up a pretty good performance this year, but unexpectedly this accident happened, and now he had no choice but to follow behind Gu Qingjiu.

However, Yin Ruoyi did feel a kick seeing Cruff eliminated.

To him, regardless of whether it was him or Gu Qingjiu who eliminated Cruff, he didn't care. Cruff simply had the abilities but not the magnanimity that should come with it.

Hence Yin Ruoyi loathed this person and didn't feel an ounce of sympathy seeing Cruff eliminated.

This person ultimately was defeated by his arrogance.

Regardless, ending Cruff's quest for three consecutive wins was equivalent to China accomplishing half of its mission.

It would naturally be best if they won this competition.

It was already certain that Gu Qingjiu had the highest score, and China was also ranked first. Even if any accident should befall him, with Gu Qingjiu's high score, the China team didn't have anything to fear.

This was nothing. He still had opportunities in the future. He was still young. Just like Cruff, next time, three years later, he could continue to participate once more.

And fight alongside Gu Qingjiu.

At the thought of this, Yin Ruoyi inhaled a deep breath and carefully followed behind Gu Qingjiu.

On the screen, Yin Ruoyi could be seen following behind Gu Qingjiu. For such a tall and burly figure to need the protection of a girl, it was indeed a comical scene to witness.

But nobody cared about that now.

Because this girl had terrifying capabilities. After she eliminated Cruff and fired that shocking shot...

Nobody dared to belittle her anymore. Moreover, with Yin Ruoyi's injury, it was natural for them to act this way.

Huo Yingcheng watched that comparatively petite figure on the screen calmly take charge as she stood in this international competition and protected her teammate with her capabilities.

Although she wasn't big in build, she gave off the impression that she was filled with greatness.

Chapter 742: This Person Isn't Anxious About His Marriage Still

"Major-general, I still remember the first time I saw Qingjiu, I nearly knocked her down by my car."

Huo Yingcheng had a slight smile on his face as he recalled the past.

Helian Niancheng only slightly moved his eyes but didn't express his opinion.

"At the time I hadn't expected that Qingjiu would one day turn out like this."

Not just him, likely no one had expected this.

To think the ordinary-looking Gu Qingjiu of back then could one day grow into something like this.

On the screen, the way she protected Yin Ruoyi was filled with a strong resoluteness and self-confidence, like a ferocious beast with sharp senses, as though she was observing every single intruder that came into her territory.

"Mm."

Helian Niancheng responded blandly. It was rare to see him agree with something.

Huo Yingcheng changed the topic. "Speaking of which, when are you guys planning to hold the wedding?"

"Soon. After she finishes this competition, I will first go to her home to propose marriage. Don't the Chinese have such a custom?"

Huo Yingcheng let out a 'tsk' sound. "Oh please. You two have already registered your marriage. Surely your mother-in-law and father-in-law wouldn't refuse to give their consent?"

Helian Niancheng's voice was calm like pure water. "This is etiquette."

"Then why was your proposal so slipshod back then?"

Helian Niancheng isn't a romantic person. Hence, back then when he proposed to Gu Qingjiu, it just happened naturally.

It was like having a meal at home. He had simply taken out a ring and mentioned it in passing, and Gu Qingjiu, after pausing for two seconds, accepted his proposal.

None of the TV dramas that Huo Yingcheng had ever watched applied to these two.

Back then he had even planned to painstakingly help his major-general think up a romantic scenario for proposal. Who knew, these two didn't play according to the rules.

He very nearly vomited blood out of anger.

"Once a relationship reaches a certain stage, there is no need to be particular about all this. But for the wedding, I will give her a once-in-a-lifetime wedding."

In Helian Niancheng's opinion, a proposal should be natural. But the wedding had to be serious.

Hence, he would give Gu Qingjiu an unforgettable wedding.

Over in Penalan, preparation was already underway.

Although Gu Qingjiu was aware, she didn't know the details. Helian Niancheng would make the arrangements based on what she liked.

Hence, Gu Qingjiu didn't know the exact details.

"Tsk."

Huo Yingcheng seemed to disagree.

Helian Niancheng cast a glance at him. "You ought not to be concerned with my affairs. Instead, you should go find a proper girlfriend. How many times has your mother urged you?"

Never mind if she was just urging her son. But sometimes she would even cry in front of Helian Niancheng.

Since she was his elder, Helian Niancheng naturally couldn't say anything. But anyone would be annoyed.

Hence, Helian Niancheng had more than on a few occasions bugged Huo Yingcheng about this.

Huo Yingcheng's lips arched in an awkward smile. "No hurry, Major-general. Look at yourself. You only got married when you're approaching 30. I still have one more year before I reach that..."

He was one to two years younger than Helian Niancheng.

Under Helian Niancheng's gaze, which suddenly turned cold, Helian Niancheng swallowed the rest of his words into his stomach.

He, too, wanted to formally date someone!

But relationships are an illusory thing, to begin with. Just like back then nobody had expected Helian Niancheng to get married earlier than him.

Now that his wedding was about to take place, over on Huo Yingcheng's side, he had indeed yet to find a girl who caught his fancy.

He was used to behaving frivolously throughout the years. Although he had had a few women, he never had a formal girlfriend.

Hence, seeing as Helian Niancheng was about to get married soon, and hearing no news from her son, Huo Yingcheng's mother started getting anxious.

Chapter 743: Ferociously Slapped In the Face

"Alright, alright, Major-general. Let's watch the competition."

Huo Yingcheng, who didn't wish to continue with this topic, reminded Helian Niancheng to keep his eyes on the competition.

But their purpose for coming was to watch the competition, to begin with, and clearly, it was him who first raised this topic.

At present, there were still two hours before the competition ended.

Helian Niancheng glanced at his watch. "No need to watch the rest of it. Let's prepare for the celebration party."

With that, he got to his feet to leave.

Huo Yingcheng was dazed. "You're so confident? Forget it, forget it..."

Since Qingjiu finished off even the strongest Cruff, there wasn't anything worth watching for the remaining time.

Huo Yingcheng and Helian Niancheng left the viewing room together.

Meanwhile, Chairman Song and Nian Chusheng were still highly worked up. When they saw Helian Niancheng left just like that, they didn't have any thoughts about that.

They were still holding back the strong urge to call back home to inform the higher-ups of the good news.

They were just waiting for the competition to end, after which they would be sure to send back this good news to their home country at the very first instant!

And at this very moment, Chairman Song glanced towards the US team, and the US shooting coach seemed to be taking some sort of a call.

He seemed to be scolding something in a lowered voice and with an incredibly terrible countenance before he got up and walked outside.

Nian Chusheng, too, saw that, and he said in a hushed tone, "I'm guessing they already fetched Cruff."

"I know Cruff's temper very well. I'm pretty sure he's throwing a fit right now. With his character, I don't at all sympathize with him being eliminated."

Nian Chusheng also despised Cruff as a person.

One who had the capabilities but not the good grace to match it wasn't worthy of being viewed highly by others.

Chairman Song was always one to say peaceful words. After all, there was a need to place importance on the image in dealing with other countries.

But even then, he wasn't able to disguise his joy. "Let's not care about all that. It's normal to be angry after losing a competition. Let's just wait for Qingjiu and the rest to return in triumph."

"You're right."

If you were to ask everyone in the room, most of the people here were gloating over Cruff's elimination.

There wasn't a single person who truly felt pity for him.

After all, there was a problem with Cruff's character.

That female player who he eliminated on the first day when she fell into danger, all the more didn't bother to mask her delight at seeing him get eliminated.

Probably if Cruff himself were standing in front of her, she wouldn't be able to stop herself from throwing in a sarcastic remark or two.

And at that moment, the eliminated players were being brought to the lounge. Cruff was amongst them, and he was viewing the replay of the competition with a dark countenance.

The second he returned, the staff had replayed the video for him.

When he saw Gu Qingjiu intercept the bullet he fired out, Cruff abruptly covered his face with his hands.

As though he couldn't bear to recall the incident.

The atmosphere was so depressed that even the staff could sense it.

Shortly after, his coach appeared.

At the sight of Cruff, the coach was unable to suppress the rage in his heart. "I have told you early on that you should strike the moment you have the opportunity. What the hell were you hesitating over at the time? Are you very full of yourself? Are you very proud? You gave that girl ample time to prepare. You allowed her to fire this shot and let her have her way. Yet, you completely turned into the butt of jokes!"

The coach was berating him very loudly, which made the staff retreat from the room instantly.

They gave these two some private space to talk.

In the face of those reprimands by his coach, there was nothing Cruff could say in defense of himself, for that was the truth.

He was indeed too proud and full of himself.

He had thought that there was no way Yin Ruoyi would escape his clutches, hence the smugness.

In the end, Gu Qingjiu's shot gave him a ferocious slap across his face.

Chapter 744: Competition Ended, Obtained Victory!

"That's not all. You even went on to be eliminated by her. She won five points from hitting your forehead! Five points!"

"If this is the so-called retiring after three consecutive wins, and you're still thinking of retiring in glory, then those trash from the political world are going to drown you in their saliva after you return home!"

The coach continued scolding him.

Cruff, a proud one, to begin with, didn't feel good about suffering such a colossal defeat either.

He had already been suppressing rage in his heart due to the elimination. When he heard the five-points elimination, he flared up and rebutted, "Surely I couldn't have anticipated such a situation? I'm not God!"

The coach scoffed and glanced at him. "Don't you regard yourself as God all along?"

He had always thought of himself as being high-and-mighty, and in the end, he suffered such a nasty fall.

Rendered speechless by his coach's words, the furious Cruff declared with hatred, "I want revenge! I want to continue taking part three years from now!"

"Stop disgracing yourself. That girl will be at her peak three years later. You, an over thirty-year-old person, going to fight her? I'm afraid you'll suffer an even more humiliating defeat! Cruff, you have said before the competition that you're going to retire after this regardless of whether you win or lose. The whole world knows about this. You may have no shame, but our country does!"

Although back then he had said that he would retire regardless of whether he won or lost, Cruff hadn't thought there was a possibility of him losing at the time.

Now that it happened, it didn't matter what he said, for it was too late.

The enraged Cruff smashed a stool in front of him.

Seeing Cruff in this manner, his coach let out a silent sneer.

He had a hunch about this early on, but he hadn't expected that it had become a reality. Cruff would refuse to accept it.

The arrogant Cruff suffered a defeat as terrible in intensity as his arrogance.

This year, due to Cruff's carelessness, their country's ranking fell to the bottom.

The US was not going to be happy with them bringing back such a result.

Moreover, nowadays, people only cared about one's current results. One just had to fail once, and others wouldn't remember the contributions that person made in the past.

Furthermore, Cruff had been too arrogant all along and had offended too many people.

The coach could just imagine what sort of a treatment Cruff would receive once he returned.

Cruff's face had already turned green from all that anger, and his entire body was shaking.

After venting the rage in his heart, the coach let out a sigh.

If only Cruff knew to show a little restraint, he wouldn't have landed in such a state earlier on.

But it was precisely because he was unlucky.

To have run into that kryptonite!

"You think it over properly yourself. We'll be going back to the US later."

The coach said this before leaving.

Now that the US didn't even make it to the top three, there wasn't any need for them to stay any longer.

That remaining player from the US was a piece of trash.

This was also the sorrow of Cruff being the only powerful player on his team.

Once he got eliminated, it was game over for the US.

In the viewing room, as the end pressed nearer, although there was still some time left, the rest of the officials didn't think anyone could rival Gu Qingjiu after she had eliminated Cruff.

In the end, that turned out to be the case.

Unlike in the previous years, after the competition ended, Gu Qingjiu and Yin Ruoyi didn't encounter many other players on their way back.

All retaliation attacks were gathered in the center, towards the northern area.

And Gu Qingjiu and Yin Ruoyi were in the south.

After all, the forest was too massive, and it would take some time to walk over.

By the time the competition ended, China had the highest score of 38 points!!

Gu Qingjiu single handedly took down 28 points!

Twenty-eight points. Other than Sheng Ming back then, Gu Qingjiu's score was ranked second-highest ever in history.

Chapter 745: Now, He Finally Didn't Feel Ashamed Towards His Country

She created a miracle!

When the countdown ended, the international judge panel announced that the competition had formally ended.

They finalized China's score at 38 points.

Chairman Song couldn't help but cry tears of happiness.

He covered his face with his hands, his fingers wet from his tears.

No one could understand how he felt.

Back then, when Sheng Ming suddenly announced his retirement, the shooting association had since lost its ace and was reduced to a state of disunity.

At that time, Sheng Ming was still young and could continue participating.

But no one knew the reason behind his sudden retirement.

China had also gotten used to Sheng Ming being invincible in the competition and was heavily reliant on him.

But ever since Sheng Ming retired, no one could carry the weight of the shooting association.

Or carry the heavy burden of the international competition.

Three years later, China, which had been used to crushing the opponents in the international competition, couldn't recover from the setback. And despite their best efforts, that year, they only managed to clinch third place.

Since then, the overseas shooting association had been mocking China, that other than Sheng Ming, they didn't have any talent who could conquer the world stage.

At the time, the shooting association was very vexed over this. The chairman at the time even directly tendered his resignation, and no one dared to take over the position.

After some twists and turns, this hot potato landed in the hands of Chairman Song.

Back then, Chairman Song was still young, for, after all, he was merely approaching his forties, in his prime, and with lofty aspirations.

He had thought that he would be able to salvage the shooting association, but reality dealt him with a heavy blow.

In the first international competition after he took over, China directly fell out of the top three.

After bringing the team back home, he was given a harsh dressing-down by his superiors.

He quietly swallowed down all the aggrievedness and grief and had no choice but to continue leading the shooting association.

However, the year after the next, young Cruff suddenly emerged out of nowhere and even arrogantly declared that no one in China was a worthy opponent.

That turned out to be the truth as well, for he led the US in taking down two victories in the international competition.

It had only been thrice, and yet already nearly ten years had passed.

How many ten years could there be in a person's life?

The lofty ambitions that Chairman Song started with had diminished bit by bit until eventually, all that remained was fear and shame.

Back then, when Yin Ruoyi appeared, he had held high hopes towards Yin Ruoyi.

But ultimately, the failure three years later caused that hope to turn into despair.

All along, he had to maintain the gracious demeanor of a chairman that represented China's image as a superpower nation.

He couldn't reveal a tiny bit of weakness.

No matter how terrible the results were.

But he was also a man with a dream.

However, dreams didn't manage to turn into reality, and he had to endure pressure from everywhere, including doubts and mockery from his association.

Plus, there was immense stress given by his higher-ups.

If the shooting association were a competition event that was open to the entire world, probably Chairman Song would be blasted into oblivion by the internet trolls in China.

Much like many other sports in China.

Reality grounded a firm and unyielding man into an official who had no choice but to become slick and diplomatic for the sake of survival.

He was an official who was about to get fired from his position.

Hence, when Gu Qingjiu appeared out of nowhere, he already didn't dare to believe in anyone.

Just like how regardless of how Nian Chusheng tried to talk him into becoming more optimistic, he had lost even the most basic self-confidence.

Much less trust in Gu Qingjiu.

However, at this moment, when he saw the wish, he had had for many years transform into reality, and when he saw that young lass from China salvage his final reputation, the mild and slick Chairman Song finally couldn't hold back the tears from streaking down his face.

Chapter 746: The Most Blissful Moment Was Seeing Him Spread His Arms For Her

"Old Song, this is a happy affair!"

Nian Chusheng could understand Chairman Song's feelings. Hence he didn't say much else and merely patted his shoulders.

Officialdom was but a vanity fair.

Even though they got to live the glamorous life that was out of reach of ordinary folks, these officials had to bear the immense pressure that came with their position.

Those corrupt ones ruined officials' reputations in general, and they, who were dedicated to their duties, were being subject to doubts and suspicions for no reason.

However, it couldn't be helped since they didn't produce good results.

Nian Chusheng could understand the bitterness in Chairman Song's heart.

A patrolling guard consoled in a lowered voice, "Chairman Song, you ought to be happy. Classmate Gu and the rest are about to come back soon."

"Happy. Of course, I'm happy."

How could Chairman Song not be happy?

He raised his head, took the tissue handed to him by Nian Chusheng, and rubbed his eyes. "I'm just too happy. These are tears of joy. Haha, tears of joy!"

However, his voice sounded a little choked.

The remaining officials remained silent. Although everyone belonged to different factions, at this moment, they understood how Chairman Song felt.

And it was rare that they were all happy for him.

He could finally retire in glory.

As both Gu Qingjiu and Yin Ruoyi were still able to take part in the next competition, regardless of who took over the chairman position, that person had an advantage.

Unlike how it was when Chairman Song stood out during the most trying times in the shooting association. Today, he finally could hold his head up high.

The audience erupted in roaring applause that instant the competition ended.

Everyone was cheering for the fascinating battles they witnessed this time, as well as for Gu Qingjiu.

She was both capable and extremely gracious, making her a rare talent to come by.

After lying in hibernation for more than ten years, just like Sheng Ming back then, they made a glorious showing in the competition...

And stood at the peak of the world.

They could tell that Gu Qingjiu's skill with the gun had reached the acme of perfection.

At least, intercepting a bullet was only seen in TV dramas, and seeing it happen in real life was way too impactful.

One could just imagine that in the next few years, who could stop Gu Qingjiu?

Some countries with good ties with China came over to congratulate the Chinese officials, and only the US officials wore dark countenances.

As a superpower nation, they couldn't even be bothered to put up a pretense after losing the competition and simply left.

Facing the congratulations from all around, Chairman Song kept away his emotions and thanked those officials with a broad beam on his face.

Over at the international judge panel side, Gu Qingjiu and Yin Ruoyi were fetched back.

Due to Yin Ruoyi's injury, although he didn't request help, the rescue team immediately sent him to the hospital the minute he came back.

So they could check on his arm.

Gu Qingjiu was left to attend the prize-giving ceremony later alone.

This was also the glory that Yin Ruoyi felt Gu Qingjiu ought to receive.

After all, everyone could see who the main person who helped win this competition was.

However, when they brought Gu Qingjiu back to the hotel at the observation center, there was anticipation in her heart, and she subconsciously sized up the hotel.

No one wouldn't be happy after emerging victorious in the competition.

Especially since she had won first place and eliminated Cruff, and now stood at the top position in the world and ultimately proved herself.

Who could have thought that that ordinary young lady back then could one day stand in an international competition and peer down at the world from the peak, achieving the highest glory?

Not many officials returned to the hotel, and in the grand lobby, there were only the staff members and patrolling guards keeping a tight watch over the place.

At this moment, Gu Qingjiu suddenly saw a familiar figure walk from the wide corridor on the right-hand side of the lobby.

He gazed at her with a doting look. His eyes seemed filled with a clear sunglow.

It was such a gorgeous sight that it dazzled one's senses.

And then, he spread out his arms towards Gu Qingjiu, a gesture one wouldn't expect coming from him.

At that instant, there was an indescribable blissfulness spilling out from Gu Qingjiu's heart as she ran towards him with a vibrant smile.

Chapter 747: Chairman Song Visits Yin Ruoyi At The Hospital

"Hubby!"

After a few years, Gu Qingjiu was not as squirmy as she was before.

She was in a great mood after the competition and was eager to share this happiness with someone.

And that someone appeared at a great time.

She immediately jumped out to Helian Niancheng.

Helian Niancheng returned her hug and, with a vaguely teasing voice, "Very happy, aren't you?"

"Of course I'm happy!"

Gu Qingjiu's smile was radiant, and her joy shone through. Looking at Helian Niancheng's face, she couldn't resist giving him a light peck on the lips.

"Playful."

He lightly slapped her buttocks, and it was a relief that there were not many people in the hall.

At this moment, Huo Yingcheng happened to walk over from the corridor.

To see the two of them embracing each other.

He swore inwardly.

F*ck!

Unlucky to the max.

He had to be blinded even here?!

The single dog was raging, directly turning around to return to where he came from.

Seeing Huo Yingcheng, Gu Qingjiu retreated shyly from Helian Niancheng.

"I'm going to take a shower. I can't stand feeling sticky all over."

Gu Qingjiu was too excited just now that she forgot everything and hugged Helian Niancheng.

He was a clean freak, and Gu Qingjiu hadn't showered for three days in that weather.

No matter if she was in nature, she must have reeked.

Just not as serious.

"No worries, go and shower. I'll wait for you."

Helian Niancheng brought Gu Qingjiu to the hotel room. Before Gu Qingjiu entered the bathroom to shower, she shouted out, "Chief Instructor, when Chairman Song and Nian Chusheng comes later, help me tell them to wait a while. I'll take a quick shower."

For so many years, 'Chief Instructor' has already become a special way for Gu Qingjiu to call Helian Niancheng.

It was a term of endearment she used for him.

It depicted the beginning of their love and also showed the special status of Helian Niancheng.

"Mm."

He sat quietly by the sofa as he waited for her.

Knowing that she hadn't had much rest for the past three days, he didn't bother her when she went for a shower.

Gu Qingjiu gave herself a good scrub all over, which would naturally take a longer time than usual. After a while, Chairman Song and the others indeed came over.

This was Helian Niancheng's room.

But Gu Qingjiu was not in her room, and Chairman Song could guess where she would be.

After ringing the doorbell, Chairman Song and Nian Chusheng saw that the handsome Helian Niancheng opened the door. They were only surprised for a moment before smiling widely. "Is Gu Qingjiu here?"

Helian Niancheng nodded and replied politely, "She's washing up. Can you two wait for a while?"

"Yes, of course. You can tell her that we will be at the hotel lobby."

Chairman Song was in a pleasant mood, so he would naturally express his understanding in any situation.

Moreover, Gu Qingjiu was a girl, and her husband was also there. Surely, their group of leaders shouldn't go into the room and wait there.

Chairman Song returned to the lobby and thought for a while before saying, "The award ceremony is this evening. Old Nian, when Gu Qingjiu is out, help me talk to her a little. I will go to the hospital to see Yin Ruoyi."

Nian Chusheng was a little surprised. "Student Gu just won the competition. It will be better for you to be here. How about I go to see Yin Ruoyi on your behalf?"

Chairman Song waved his hand. "I will go. Yin Ruoyi's performance could have been better if he hadn't got injured. No matter what, he did well too. As the chairman, I cannot justify not going to see him. There's still time anyway, and Student Gu wouldn't mind these either."

Chapter 748: America Already Left

As a chairman, Chairman Song's considerations were reasonable.

He didn't put Yin Ruoyi aside just because Gu Qingjiu was the one who earned the final glory for them.

Furthermore, since he was injured, it was only natural for the chairman to visit him.

No matter what, the two of them were Elder Gong's beloved disciples. With Elder Gong's seniority, he was someone even chairman Song respected.

Chairman Song left. Nian Chusheng sat for a while in the lobby before Gu Qingjiu came.

Gu Qingjiu had finished showering and changed into a girly beige-colored long dress with rose designs.

And a pair of color-coordinated summer sandals.

Her snow-white skin with that dress made her look like she was glowing in the lobby.

This was what Helian Niancheng had prepared for her.

It had only been a month since graduation, so Gu Qingjiu yet had to be officially deployed to a place.

She did not tidy her hair.

Her dark hair, which was tuck on both her ear loops.

She is exuding an aura of the youthfulness of a young girl.

The only difference was that she now had fearless confidence.

It was hard for others to imagine that she has already been married for two years.

She was a married woman who still had the most youthful aura.

Her ideal eastern-style beauty attracted the attention of many officials who stopped to watch at the lobby.

Because Gu Qingjiu changed her clothing and how foreigners couldn't differentiate their people, they almost didn't recognize who Gu Qingjiu was.

Nian Chusheng couldn't help but sigh with emotions when he looked at Gu Qingjiu.

He witnessed this girl's growth over the past few years.

From the reserved personality back when she entered university to the stability she had now.

She was still a girl at her peak.

"Student Gu."

Nian Chusheng revealed a radiant smile, which deepened his wrinkles.

Gu Qingjiu strode over and smiled at Nian Chusheng. "Commanding Officer Nian, good afternoon."

Gu Qingjiu felt overjoyed from winning the competition.

Which was why she was more prone to smiling now.

She looked around and noticed Chairman Song before noting, "Chairman Song went to visit Senior Ruoyi at the hospital?"

Nian Chusheng startled before acknowledging, "He did."

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "Senior Ruoyi is injured. I wanted to take this time to visit him too."

Nian Chusheng replied, "You don't have to be anxious. You just won the competition so people from the international judging panel will be looking for you. Besides, Chairman Song went over to take care of Yin Ruoyi. No worries there."

"Mm."

Gu Qingjiu looked around before smiling meaningfully. "Did Commanding Officer Nian see America's Cruff around?"

Nian Chusheng chuckled in understanding, immediately understanding her meaning. "I saw them arranging for a car, so I guess they will be leaving soon. You won him in that manner, so I don't think Cruff has the face to stay around. Furthermore, America didn't even make it into the top ten this year."

Nian Chusheng was gloating.

He was, after all, a senior from the military, meaning that his words were often blunter than Chairman Song.

Four points. America had never had this score in her entire history.

China's newbie caused all this. Not only Cruff, but many people from America would also probably see Gu Qingjiu as a thorn in their eyes.

This was within Gu Qingjiu's expectation. If she were in Cruff's shoes, she would quickly leave this foreign land after losing.

Chapter 749: I Want to Thank You

But she wasn't like Cruff.

She would be lying if she said she wasn't proud of winning, but there wasn't a trace of arrogance.

She wouldn't think that she was peerless in the world.

Her happiness was not fake, and inwardly she wanted to see Cruff's current state.

After all, no perfect person exists, and Gu Qingjiu never thought of herself as a kind person as well.

The vicious words Cruff spouted before the competition... Not putting the entire China shooting association in his eyes and mocking Yin Ruoyi three years ago...

Those were debts Gu Qingjiu remembered.

It was evident on Yin Ruoyi's face when Gu Qingjiu eliminated Cruff.

Even if it was Senior Ruoyi, he must have been gratified at the outcome.

"What a pity. I wanted to see his current state."

Gu Qingjiu mumbled in a chilling tone.

Nian Chusheng shook his head. "Student Gu, as people, we have to keep an open heart. He already received his retribution from this competition."

Nian Chusheng was especially reminding her to keep her emotions under check.

Of course, Gu Qingjiu understood. Nian Chusheng continued, "Let's go. I will introduce you to the other players from other countries. It's not only the international competitions. Sometimes you may participate in practice matches with them to promote bilateral relationships."

"I understand, Commanding Officer Nian."

They would hold the awards ceremony in the evening at the tournament center, and there was also a small self-organized banquet in the afternoon.

Many high-ranking officials from different countries were present, so it was beneficial for Gu Qingjiu to get to know them.

Numerous countries had good relations with China.

From the many news reports, agencies had their complex method of reporting, and it seemed that China was not popular amongst the people of the world.

In the eyes of higher ranked people, they only prioritized gains and the strength of military power.

The former laid the foundations for negotiations, while the latter indicated if the country had sufficient backing.

China was one of the main players in that field, so no one would be dumb enough to mention that they looked down on them.

People were shallow like that.

Helian Niancheng mentioned to Gu Qingjiu that he hated these gatherings, so he did not come out.

Of course, no one knew of Gu Qingjiu's relationship with the youngest major-general of Penalan.

When the banquet was about over, Yin Ruoyi and Chairman Song returned from the hospital.

When they came back accompanied by the patrolling guards, Gu Qingjiu and Nian Chusheng immediately went over.

"How is it? It's not too serious, right?"

Nian Chusheng asked first.

Chairman Song chuckled. "It's not anything major. The doctor said that the poison is not life-threatening. After two days, the poison is almost entirely gone. The arm will remain numb for about two days, but it will not affect him in the future."

Hearing that, Gu Qingjiu and Nian Chusheng let out a breath of relief.

Yin Ruoyi's expression was joyful as well. Although the injury caused accidents during the competition, it did not affect anything much. He smiled softly at Gu Qingjiu. "Please continue chatting. I will excuse myself for a shower. I really cannot stand it anymore."

Similar to Gu Qingjiu, he competed for a few days. These guys were all clean freaks. How would they be able to stand it?

"Okay, go ahead."

"Go on."

With their permission, Yin Ruoyi left. Chairman Song looked at Gu Qingjiu and sighed solemnly. "Student Gu, I'm happy for you for winning the competition, but no matter what, I wish to thank you."

Chapter 750: For the Glory Of Everyone!

Gu Qingjiu was startled hearing that.

She had a vague understanding of Chairman Song's feelings.

But she didn't feel too deeply for him.

Although she belonged to the shooting association, she had always trained under Elder Gong.

She always treated Elder Gong as her teacher, so her feeling of belonging to the shooting association was not strong.

But she knew that her fame belonged to the shooting association.

And the shooting association's awkward position for decades was evident to anyone, especially its head, Chairman Song.

It went without saying why Chairman Song thanked her.

She smiled. "There is nothing to thank, Chairman Song! It is our shared glory to bring honor to our country!"

"Great!"

Chairman Song appreciated that Gu Qingjiu was able to reach such a realization.

Nian Chusheng nodded from the side.

This young lady's political awareness was unusually high.

"Old Nian, it's almost confirmed. I have already sent news back and have also officially handed in my resignation to the shooting association."

Gu Qingjiu and Nian Chusheng were startled by his declaration. Nian Chusheng especially frowned. "You're leaving?"

Chairman Song had his hands behind his back before smiling lightly. "It's almost time, so I should leave. Retiring with glory is always better than letting people talk behind my back, saying that I won't go the moment I see a bit of chance. You know about them too. However, before I leave, I will settle the issues with Yin Ruoyi and Gu Qingjiu."

Gu Qingjiu was confused. "We still have things that you need to settle?"

Nian Chusheng explained. "It's not you guys. The shooting association is not very reliable when it comes to doing things. I heard some things as well. If Chairman Song retired, the next chairman would be from another party, and that party does not interact much with the military. Both you and Yin Ruoyi are from the military so we are afraid that they would do things to you which may affect international competitions."

Chairman Song nodded thoughtfully. "These people like to stir things. Personal gains are more important to them than the country's glory, but we won't let these things affect the two of you."

Gu Qingjiu remained silent. She has heard of these conflicts amongst parties, but they were too complicated.

Even she couldn't fully understand it until then.

It was also why she remained silent.

Nian Chusheng and Chairman Song didn't continue on that topic as well.

They stood in a row as they waited for the award ceremony before returning to their country tomorrow.

At night, the award ceremony seemed to be more exciting than the previous years.

This year, there were many countries that didn't return right away to their countries. With nine members from each country, they stood together on the stage.

Although they were all officials below the stage, they were also the audience.

Showering the competitors with loud applause.

Gu Qingjiu stood in between Yin Ruoyi and another Chinese player. Representing China, she received the champion trophy from the hands of the international panel.

When she calmly reached out as they handed the trophy to her...

It seemed as if the heavy responsibility she shouldered was suddenly lifted.

It lifted the oppression she felt, and she was finally free of her restraints.

She could finally happily shake off her past and forget about those terrible things she often looked back on.

Now, it was like she was on top of the world. She turned an unattainable dream into a reality.

Below the stage was the person she loved, looking at her with such gentle eyes, looking as she received the glory. His eyes and heart seemed solely focused on her.

Some officials from China couldn't help but be touched by the scene.

At this very moment, they shared the glory amongst all of them!