Chapter 821: Gu Xiaobao (19)

The day his younger sister turned a month old, many came to visit.

Huo Yingcheng and Yu Bao'er, Gu Qingmo and Qin Wange, and even her Senior, Yin Ruoyi, brought his girlfriend.

Many of her classmates had partners now.

But no one was as fast as Gu Qingjiu who already had her second baby.

Yu Bao'er asked Gu Qingjiu about her experience, "Qingjiu, it's not that I want to comment, but I heard that giving birth is scary. How did you give birth to another one? Does Helian Niancheng not care for you?"

Yu Bao'er's heart ached for her. She appeared like a naïve girl.

Gu Qingjiu was not sure if she should laugh or cry. "Don't say that. When are you planning to marry and give birth? Not that I want to comment but the two of you have been together for a few years. You should've already gotten married, not to mention having children. Does his mother not rush you?"

"They do." Yu Bao'er waved her hand nonchalantly. "But I'm not prepared..."

They were of the same age, so Yu Bao'er was already twenty-five and Huo Yingcheng was thirty.

These two people had time to waste.

"With you being this careful, Huo Yingcheng might just run away one day."

Yu Bao'er and Huo Yingcheng were a match made in heaven. The two of them did not feel any urgency. Instead, it was the people around them who were more anxious for them.

"Aiya, let's not talk about this. Look at your baby. Aiyo, Gu Xiaobei is getting cuter..."

As Yu Bao'er played with Gu Xiaobei, she couldn't help the tiny sigh in her heart.

Qingjiu was already a mother of two, but she still had no news. It was indeed a little absurd.

Furthermore, the two children were too adorable, so much so that she wanted one of her own.

"God mom!"

Gu Xiaobao dashed over and tugged at Yu Bao'er's pants.

"Ah, Xiaobao, my darling!"

Yu Bao'er spoke exaggeratedly as she scooped Xiaobao up, to which Gu Xiaobao grinned. He especially liked this god mom because she was funny.

"Look at our Xiaobao. Not just any regular handsome face, he would grow up into a good-looking man who would capture the hearts of young maidens. Aish, it's a shame that I was born too early...

"Bleh, don't spew rubbish!"

Gu Qingjiu rolled her eyes at her while Yu Bao'er stuck out her tongue. "I just said that in passing. My fault, all my fault."

With Gu Xiaobao in her arms, Yu Bao'er went to look for familiar faces. Meanwhile, with Gu Xiaobei with her, Gu Qingjiu met a few old classmates and friends.

And her Teacher who personally came to Penalan.

Knowing that he couldn't see, Gu Qingjiu let the old man feel the child's tiny face.

Elder Gong smiled kindly.

After the party ended, life continued as usual.

Gu Qingjiu stayed at Penalan and had intentions to bring Gu Xiaobei to China when she was old enough.

Gu Xiaobei grew day by day.

As she grew, her features opened up. Her adorable face would charm many hearts.

Furthermore, Gu Xiaobei loved smiling. When she was three months old, she was already smiling widely.

It was at that time when Gu Xiaobao finally dropped all the disdain he felt for his younger sister's ugliness, calling 'Gu Xiaobei' over and over again.

He even boasted at his kindergarten that he had an exceptionally beautiful younger sister.

He had superior looks in his class so he was popular with the girls and mixed around well with the boys. Many people were curious about this younger sister he spoke of.

Chapter 822: Gu Xiaobao (20)

Gu Xiaobao boasted a lot but didn't allow people to see Gu Xiaobei.

He was stating that his younger sister was only for his eyes.

When Gu Qingjiu found out, she thought it was extremely funny.

Other than liking to smile, Gu Xiaobei still slept as much as before.

Her sleeping habits were quite good, and she wouldn't kick up a fuss in the middle of the night.

But she would get hungry, so she needed to be fed once per night.

It was entirely different from Gu Xiaobao, who always made a fuss at night when he was still a baby.

So much that Helian Niancheng and Gu Qingjiu had to take turns to coax the child.

Whenever Gu Qingjiu was free, she would bring Gu Xiaobei about and recount these things to Gu Xiaobao.

Now that Gu Xiaobao was older, he refused to admit it. He was even recalcitrant. "Mom, you're talking about Gu Xiaobei, not me. I refuse to admit it!"

He looked stern as he defended himself, but he was just a child so it was so adorable that it melted her heart.

How did such a cute child exist?

And this cute child was hers.

"Gugu..."

Gu Xiaobao couldn't make much sound nor could she move much, but she made soft gurgling baby noises from the cradle.

Gu Xiaobao bent down to listen. After listening, he expressed his disdain. "Sister, what are you saying? I don't understand. Repeat it!"

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

It might be a coincidence but upon hearing that, Gu Xiaobei gurgled again.

It was as soft as a kitten's mewl, tickling at people's hearts.

Gu Xiaobao's expression turned serious. "Mom, Gu Xiaobei wants to poop."

Gu Qingjiu said, "...Don't spout nonsense. She has her diapers."

"It's true," Gu Xiaobao insisted adamantly, "Because she smells bad..."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

She walked over to take a look. Gu Xiaobei did poop.

Her baby didn't know what was happening but simply smiled widely when she saw Gu Qingjiu.

Just that there was no sound.

But she looked very happy.

As Gu Qingjiu cleaned Gu Xiaobei, Gu Xiaobao who always loved to be beside his younger sister stood a distance away in disgust. He even let out a dubious sound. "Eeee~~~"

Gu Qingjiu found it funny, and yet she felt angry at the same time. "Gu Xiaobao, stop standing there. Help bring me her diapers. Don't be disgusted with her. You were the same when you were younger!"

Gu Xiaobao brought the diapers over but he was adamant. "I wasn't."

Gu Qingjiu was about to take the diapers when he retracted his hand. "If you say that I wasn't like that, I will give it to you."

Gu Qingjiu was speechless.

This child was becoming naughtier by the day!

"Give me. Look at your sister's bare buttocks. If she gets cold, she will cry."

Hearing that she would cry, Gu Xiaobao hesitated for a short while before passing the diapers to Gu Qingjiu.

Gu Qingjiu snorted.

There were usually nannies to help but Gu Qingjiu preferred doing it herself for she wanted to raise her children. Only when she had other matters would she let the nannies step in.

She couldn't be rest assured to let other people care for her child especially in the royal family.

Seeing that his sister was clean and smelled good, Gu Xiaobao happily stepped forward.

He caressed her tiny face and looked about curiously. Suddenly, he lamented, "Aiyo, Gu Xiaobei, how are you so cute?"

Pft!

Hearing that, Gu Qingjiu cracked up.

She was starting to realize Xiaobao's talent at making people laugh. She wondered who he inherited that from.

Chapter 823: Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei (1)

Gu Xiaobei became prettier as days passed by.

And more energetic.

She was especially energetic, just like Gu Xiaobao when he was younger.

Many people in the royal family loved this pretty and energetic princess.

The only thing was that she had a bigger temper than her brother.

And a greater strength too. When a toy reached her hand, she would hold onto it with her life.

She would only let go when her brother wanted it.

Which was a great surprise for many.

The six-month-old Gu Xiaobei had big eyes, a smallmouth, and a high nose bridge. With a small hat, she looked like a living doll.

Gu Xiaobao wanted to carry his sister out to boast but it was a pity that he couldn't carry her.

The six-month-old Gu Xiaobei was a little too heavy for the four-year-old Gu Xiaobao.

He was afraid that he would drop her.

There was this one time when his sister was chewing on a toy on the bed. Recently, she liked chewing on toys.

Gu Xiaobao helped her up and tried to make her sit. In the end, Gu Xiaobei's body tilted and she fell over. Probably because her head hit the toy – which wasn't very hard – Gu Xiaobei started crying.

Gu Xiaobao was scared witless since it was his first time seeing Gu Xiaobei like this.

Tears welled up in his eyes as well. Teary-eyed he apologized, "Sorry sister. I'm sorry..."

And so, he called for his mother.

Gu Qingjiu was not too far away when she heard crying.

"What's the matter?"

Seeing the two crying children in front of her, Gu Qingjiu had an inkling of what had happened.

Gu Xiaobao looked at Gu Qingjiu as he rubbed at his eyes. "I wanted to let her sit up, but she fell and hit her head on the toy. It's my fault. Mom, I'm sorry..."

He was clear in explaining his mistake. Gu Qingjiu quickly went over to check and realized that Gu Xiaobei was okay.

She probably cried because she was startled when she fell.

"It's okay. Look, your sister is fine. It's okay. You're a good child as long as you apologize. I don't blame you."

Gu Xiaobei was not injured. After her mother came to carry her, she stopped crying quickly.

And stared at her brother in a daze.

Since Gu Xiaobao caused her fall, he blamed himself more than anything. Even with his mother's reassurance, his tears wouldn't stop.

It was heartbreaking to watch.

Gu Qingjiu didn't continue to reassure him and instead stood in silence as she watched him cry.

She knew that children had to let their emotions out.

She placed Gu Xiaobei back on the bed. Gu Xiaobei laid on her with her elbows supporting her head and watched Gu Xiaobao.

Gu Xiaobao cried for a while and suddenly saw Gu Xiaobei crawling towards him with much effort.

Gu Xiaobao was startled.

Gu Xiaobei had only recently learned how to crawl.

It took quite a lot of effort.

As she crawled over, Gu Xiaobao, who was afraid that she would fall off the bed, used his arm on the edges of the bed as a barrier.

Gu Xiaobei placed her hand on Gu Xiaobao's.

She looked at Gu Xiaobao. Her eyes twinkled like the stars in the galaxy as they looked down upon the entire world.

In that manner, she stared at Gu Xiaobao quietly. Perhaps she didn't know what she was doing and simply crawled instinctively towards Gu Xiaobao.

Gu Xiaobao stopped crying and cleared his throat. "Sister, I'm not going to cry anymore."

Gu Qingjiu was stunned as she looked on at the scene. Even genius children wouldn't be able to understand much when they were only six months old.

Perhaps Gu Xiaobei simply followed her instincts. No matter what, at that moment, it felt like she had just received the entire world.

A touching and blissful moment.

Chapter 824: Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei (2)

Ever since that incident, Gu Xiaobao started caring more about Gu Xiaobei.

He started attending the class for the older age group in the kindergarten and there were more things to learn. His younger sister was slowly growing up as well.

Gu Xiaobei started growing up into a more likable baby and started crawling around more quickly.

As she got older, Gu Qingjiu could no longer stay home to take care of the siblings.

Since she had her assignments, she left Gu Xiaobei to both Hilda and Gu Xiaobao.

Although Gu Xiaobao was a child too, he loved and cared for his younger sister.

When Gu Qingjiu left, Gu Xiaobei hadn't spoken her first words yet. In front of Hilda, Gu Xiaobao said in a grave tone to the one-year-old, "Xiaobei, you're my treasure. The two heartless people don't want us anymore. You only have your older brother. You have to remember that I'm the only one who treats you well in this entire world, which is why your first words must be 'brother'!"

Hilda was speechless.

Gu Xiaobao was adamant about what Gu Xiaobei's first words should be.

With their parents absent, it was his best chance.

Gu Qingjiu left during the weaning period. Perhaps due to the lack of familiar people, Gu Xiaobei was throwing more tantrums than usual.

And cried more than usual.

But when she got tired after crying, she still drank the milk powder formula.

She used to sleep obediently after feeding, but now, she would still have a temper after eating and would frequently wake up crying in the middle of the night.

She probably knew about her mother leaving and was upset about it.

Gu Xiaobao originally wanted to sleep in the same room as Gu Xiaobei but seeing that Gu Xiaobei often cried in the middle of the night, Hilda decided against letting them sleep together.

Gu Xiaobao had to go to school during the day so if he wasn't well-rested, he wouldn't have the energy for his classes.

Gu Xiaobei was born during the hot summer. Her first birthday would naturally fall in summer.

But no one knew why Gu Xiaobei had yet to speak her first word.

A one-year-old child should've been able to not only walk but also call out to people.

Gu Xiaobei refused to call out to anyone. She started learning how to walk, trotting behind people for walks. If a person didn't pay her any attention, Gu Xiaobao would easily walk off on her own while holding onto something else.

As the most adored princess of the royal family, Gu Xiaobei was doted on by many.

There were a bunch of people who would play with her every day, but she liked her older brother the most.

Every day after his kindergarten, Gu Xiaobao would bring Gu Xiaobei to the royal gardens to play and coax her in a grave tone. "Xiaobei, you're already so big. It's time for you to call me older brother. Repeat after me, 'older brother'!"

To make it easier for her, Gu Xiaobao even said it in Chinese.

Similar to him, Gu Xiaobei received education in both languages. Mom would talk in Chinese while Dad's family would speak in English.

Upon hearing that, Gu Xiaobei blinked and her long lashes fluttered. Her two eyes twinkled like gemstones. Her smile widened, revealing the new baby teeth, looking especially delighted.

But she just wouldn't say it.

Gu Xiaobao found it funny and frustrating at the same time.

Caressing his younger sister's cheeks, he had no idea what he should say. "Gu Xiaobei, all you know is to act cute. Is it so difficult for you to call me older brother?"

He was also a child but acted like an adult with the placating tone he used.

Chapter 825: Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei (3)

This was because Gu Xiaobao wanted to establish his place in front of Gu Xiaobei.

He was Gu Xiaobei's older brother.

He had to protect her, and only when he became a man could he protect her properly.

Gu Xiaobei's eyes twinkled as she stared at him. Stretching out her grabby hands, she held her brother's palm, calling out to her brother using a few unintelligible sounds.

Children tend to have a softer tone to their voice, which is capable of melting hearts. Gu Xiaobao sighed in fond exasperation. " If you don't want to call me, you don't have to."

"Heaviside."

Hilda walked towards them. Upon seeing Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei together, her smile widened. "Wow, you are both here. Sweet darling, your mother will be coming to bring the two of you back to China next month."

Gu Xiaobao eyes shone. "Mom's coming back?"

It hadn't been too long since their mother left, approximately a month. Gu Xiaobei had also successfully weaned off so it was about time for her to return.

"Yup. Your mother and father will be coming back together to fetch you. Be good and continue caring for Deborah."

Hilda came over to peck both Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei on the cheek.

"Ugu~"

Ecstatic at being kissed, Gu Xiaobei took the initiative to lean towards Hilda's cheek to give her a sloppy kiss of her own.

Hilda's eyes curved into crescents.

In the past, she often worried that her son wouldn't get married and give her grandchildren.

Now, it was her greatest fortune to have these two obedient grandchildren.

Especially Deborah who called out to people's hearts.

Once Hilda left, Gu Xiaobao continued with his lecture. "Xiaobei, did you hear that? The two heartless people are coming back. When they're back, don't treat them too well first. Who asked them to throw us away whenever they wanted."

The servants at the side were speechless.

Many servants were guarding the two children every day. It was fun to see the young prince try to educate the young princess.

The young prince was evidently elated at the notion that his parents would be back but acted all nonchalantly and even tried to teach his younger sister.

It was a relief that Deborah couldn't understand those words yet.

As expected, Gu Qingjiu and Helian Niancheng returned together.

Gu Xiaobao was on a stroll with Gu Xiaobei at the garden when Gu Qingjiu and Helian Niancheng suddenly arrived. Gu Xiaobei was the first to notice.

And she did something which broke Gu Xiaobao's heart.

He had tried for a long time to get his sister to speak but to no avail. However, once she saw Gu Qingjiu, her eyes shone, and raising her chubby arms she ran towards Gu Qingjiu while calling out 'Ma... ma... mama.'

Gu Xiaobao was speechless.

This shock was devastating for Gu Xiaobao.

"Aiya, my sweetheart, my darling!"

Seeing Gu Xiaobei, Gu Qingjiu stepped forward and scooped Gu Xiaobei up. Gu Xiaobei wrapped her arms around Gu Qingjiu's head as she continued calling out 'mom' in an unclear manner.

Gu Xiaobao, who was at the side, pouted as he complained, "This is unfair. I taught Deborah for so long and she wouldn't call me. Why did she call out to mom?"

Helian Niancheng chuckled lowly before scooping Gu Xiaobao up. "She started to teach Deborah while she was still caring for her. As for why she only said it now, we don't know as well."

Gu Xiaobao said, "Hmph! I don't love her anymore."

Chapter 826: Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei (4)

When Gu Xiaobei heard, she turned to look at Gu Xiaobao.

With half her head still in her mother's embrace, she smiled like an angel as she looked at Gu Xiaobao.

Gu Qingjiu caressed Gu Xiaobao's cheeks. "You are jealous?"

Gu Xiaobao huffed and stayed quiet.

"You are so old already. Still getting jealous over this?"

As they spoke, the two of them carried the siblings away

"Xiaobao, we will be going to grandparents' tomorrow. It's been about a year since you've visited them."

Gu Xiaobao seemed to remember something upon hearing that. "Isn't aunt pregnant as well?"

Gu Qingjiu raised her eyebrow at him. "Pregnant?"

The aunt who Gu Xiaobao was referring to was Qin Wange.

When Helian Niancheng and her got married and pregnant, there was no news for them but they seemed to have made up at Gu Qingjiu's banquet.

Later, because of their careers, Gu Qingmo and Qin Wange's marriage dragged on for a long while. Knowing that Gu Qingmo's younger sister married into the Penalan royal family, the Qin family dared not to utter a single complaint at Gu Qingmo and Qin Wange's marriage.

Qin Wange's parents even apologized to Gu Qingmo.

Although these people held a certain amount of influence, the people who were getting married were Qin Wange and Gu Qingmo after all.

Which was why it was uncomfortable for the Gu family to comment. After starting work, Gu Qingmo, who had experienced many things, matured as well. He realized that he had been quite childish back then.

He had long placed the matter behind him.

It was true that he didn't have many capabilities back then. How could just his love for Qin Wange possibly suffice?

It was a relief that everything started to settle down when the two of them decided to start over anew.

Yet, because Qin Wange had been busy with her career, there wasn't any news of her pregnancy for the past few years.

Because Gu Qingjiu gave birth early, Qi Yuefeng and Gu Hong did not rush the other couple.

However, Gu Qingjiu's children were for the royal family to care for. Qi Yuefeng wanted her own to care for as well. Despite not rushing them for the past few years, she did so more urgently this year.

Gu Qingmo's age was already thrown out there.

If not now, then when?

However, before Gu Qingjiu went for her mission, she didn't hear about Qin Wange's pregnancy.

Gu Xiaobao nodded. "Grandmother called a few days back saying that a new baby would be coming. If she said that, it must be aunt's baby."

Gu Xiaobao was exceptionally smart. From Qi Yuefeng's words, he deduced that his aunt was pregnant.

He had only met this aunt a few times.

Helian Niancheng nodded as well. "She seemed to be pregnant."

Happiness colored Gu Qingjiu's face. "Then I have to quickly go back and take a look. Mom has been harping over them for so long. They do things at their speed."

Upon hearing that, Helian Niancheng chuckled lowly. "Not everyone is as fast as us."

Gu Qingjiu rolled her eyes at him. Gu Xiaobei suddenly turned to look at Helian Niancheng.

As compared to Gu Qingjiu, the only time Gu Xiaobei spent time with Helian Niancheng was only the first few months after she was born.

Afterward, Helian Niancheng only visited her once in a while.

Gu Xiaobei knew who he was but held not many feelings. However, the instincts born to a baby were still there.

Seeing Gu Xiaobei's attention on him, Helian Niancheng put Gu Xiaobao on the ground and stretched his arms out. "Dad will carry you."

Gu Xiaobei turned her head, looking unwilling.

Gu Xiaobao who saw it cackled at his father's plight.

Chapter 827: Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei (5)

On the second day, the family of four took a plane back to China.

When they returned home, Gu Qingjiu saw Qin Wange and Gu Qingmo there.

"Brother, sister-in-law!"

"Ah, Qingjiu, Niancheng, you guys are back?"

"Xiaobao and aiyo, my cute granddaughter Xiaobei."

Qi Yuefeng and the rest were chatting when Gu Qingjiu returned. Upon seeing them, joy colored their faces.

Especially Qi Yuefeng who immediately walked over to scoop Gu Xiaobei up.

Although Gu Xiaobei was young, she wasn't afraid of strangers. Even if she only saw Qi Yuefeng when she was younger, she didn't feel foreign to her.

And stayed obediently in Qi Yuefeng's arms as she walked over.

Thinking back about how Gu Xiaobei didn't want Helian Niancheng to carry her even after trying for a long time, Helian Niancheng stiffened. It continued for a short while before he started relaxing.

Gu Xiaobao, who was sweet with words, immediately called out to everyone. "Grandfather, grandmother, uncle, auntie."

"Aish, Xiaobao is so obedient."

Qin Wange pulled Gu Xiaobao over. The more she looked, the more she liked him. She became happier when she thought about having an equally obedient child in the future.

She had always liked children so it was only natural for her to adore Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei.

Gu Qingmo looked at Gu Xiaobao. "It's been a long time, you seem to have grown."

Gu Xiaobao puffed up. "Of course, uncle. If I didn't grow, it would be a problem."

His eloquent words made everyone laugh.

Gu Qingjiu sat by Qin Wange while Gu Qingmo sat near Helian Niancheng and Gu Hong as they chatted.

"Sister Wange, are you pregnant?"

At Gu Qingjiu's direct question, Qin Wange nodded shyly. "Yes, I am. Qingmo and I have been preparing for a child recently. With good luck, I got pregnant shortly after. I'm three and a half weeks into the pregnancy. Knowing that you had a mission, we didn't get to inform you."

Seeing the blissful look on Qin Wange's face, Gu Qingjiu felt relieved as well. "Are you going to check if the baby's a boy or a girl?"

Qin Wange shook her head. "We are not going to check. We will just let nature run its course."

"Since I just got pregnant, there are still a few things which I'm not sure about. Can I ask you about them in the future?"

It was Qin Wange's first pregnancy while Gu Qingjiu was already a mother of two. Getting advice from her was naturally the best decision.

Gu Qingjiu agreed easily. "Of course. Ask me anytime."

Qi Yuefeng, who was carrying Gu Xiaobei, asked, "How long are you staying this time? Your Great Aunt and the rest will be coming over a week later. We can have a family gathering together then?"

Ever since Gu Qingjiu left for her mission, Gu Xiaobao and the rest spent most of their time in Penalan and they rarely had time to meet the Gu family.

Gu Qingjiu nodded. "Sure. We will leave after the gathering then."

"Aish, I heard that your Great Aunt got promoted again. For the past few years, we keep hearing about her getting promoted. She had always been a career woman. Your father said that when he talked with his old friends in Dayi city at the capital that they had heard of her."

Gu Qingjiu smiled. Ever since her aunt made use of her words to buy over the Yu family back then and took over the management for the Yu Corporation, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that Gu Shouyan had been getting promoted every year.

She already became an irreplaceable asset of the Yu Corporation.

Her brother had also reached the management level at his company at his young age. The Gu family could be said to have risen quickly to their success.

Chapter 828: Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei (6)

This time, they brought along their two kids to have fun and stayed for some time.

These few days, Gu Xiaobao went to quite a lot of places with Qi Yuefeng, as well as his younger sister.

This was Gu Xiaobei's first time in China. The young Gu Xiaobei was filled with curiosity about the local customs and practices of China.

She could often be seen gazing around with wide eyes while being carried. This little girl charmed plenty of passers-by.

Gu Xiaobei even got famous once, because she was too pretty.

With eyes as big as a doll, she looked just like a mixed-blood Barbie from overseas. Passers-by took a photo of her and uploaded it, and those photos went viral.

Later, it was the Penalan royalty that secretly placed pressure on these public places via Helian Niancheng's companies in the capital, which caused the photos to disappear from the Internet completely.

They didn't wish for the little prince and little princess's photos to be revealed to the public.

One week later, Gu Shouyan brought Gu Xiaoxi and Gu Qingjiu's older cousin Yao Yanshen to the Gu residence.

The two young uncles that received the news also rushed back from overseas.

Though, this time they didn't bring along that extremely irksome adopted daughter of theirs, whom they had previously met once at a family dinner.

Nobody asked about that adopted daughter's current condition.

This was a gathering among them, family members.

Gu Shouyan had a private chat with Gu Qingjiu.

Standing at the balcony, gazing at this niece of hers who had fully blossomed into a mature young woman, Gu Shouyan couldn't tell that Gu Qingjiu was already a mother of two kids.

Gu Shouyan revealed a rare gentle expression. "I heard some things after I took control of the Yu Corporation."

Upon hearing the words 'Yu Corporation', Gu Qingjiu's expression froze momentarily. "Mm, I wonder what you have heard, Great Aunt."

"I didn't hear it from elsewhere. Your biological mother Tan Yalan came to look for me once. She said some things to me, including why they didn't search for you after you went missing back then."

Gu Qingjiu remained silent.

She didn't know why Tan Yalan still went to look for Gu Shouyan, for it was utterly meaningless.

"Actually this wasn't what I wanted to talk to you about. Back then Tan Yalan came to me, and from the way she talked, I could tell she resents our company for destroying the Yu Corporation." Gu Shouyan patted Gu Qingjiu's shoulder. "Qingjiu, I only wish to tell you, there's nothing wrong with the way you have treated that family. People like that aren't fit to be your parents."

After saying that, Gu Shouyan walked back into the house.

Gu Qingjiu looked up at the skies. The sunshine was vibrant and even glaring.

Her lips indistinctly arched in a smile.

That was all in the past now. The trauma in her heart had more or less dissipated.

The missions she had undertaken all these years had also trained her mentally. Those matters from the previous lifetime were gradually becoming so blurred that all clarity was lost.

Now, she had Gu Xiaobao and Gu Xiaobei, as well as a husband who loved and doted on her. With such a blissful family, what else could she hope for?

Gazing at the skies outside, momentarily, she seemed to see that haggard and dejected version of herself in the previous lifetime, gently smiling at her under the dazzling sunshine. And then, that Gu Qingjiu waved her hand and vanished into thin air.

Gu Xiaobao shouted from inside the house, "Mommy, come over! Daddy is bullying me!"

Following that, a man's deep voice could be heard. "What bullying? Gu Xiaobao, as a man, you must be willing to concede defeat."

Gu Qingjiu replied with a smile, "Aye, I'm coming over. Gu Xiaobao, did you make a bet with Daddy..."

...

Everything ended at its most wonderful moment.

Chapter 829: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (1)

Yu Bao'er had never imagined that she could one day enter such an upscale country as Penalan.

She still remembered back then when she received the call from her bestie, asking her to go to be her bridesmaid.

She knew that Gu Qingjiu was about to get married, but she had never expected that the aloof and unattainable Chief Instructor, whom she had once drooled over, turned out to be the major-general, and even prince, of Penalan...

Her bestie Gu Qingjiu was seriously goddamn lucky!

"Country bumpkin, are you stunned?"

Laughter rang from beside, making Yu Bao'er retract her astonished gaze immediately. She saw Huo Yingcheng standing not far away in a thin black trench coat, gazing at her with a teasing and amused smile.

Yu Bao'er's face flushed. "Commander Huo, you know that I am an ordinary citizen who hasn't seen much of the world..."

Yu Bao'er has had brief interactions with this person, who used to be her commander. She remembered him to be quite a nice person.

"You're honest though."

Huo Yingcheng walked over with a beam and stroked Yu Bao'er's head. "The Penalan palace is huge. With no one leading the way, if you lose your way, it'd be difficult to find you. Can you speak English?"

Yu Bao'er's face turned even redder, and an ashamed feeling started welling up within her. "Not quite. Does 'thank you' count?"

Huo Yingcheng was speechless.

"If you can't, you ought to learn. You're Gu Qingjiu's bestie!"

Yu Bao'er was indignant. "That's different. I'm not as capable as Qingjiu to marry such an elite husband in the future."

Huo Yingcheng sighed. "You're indeed an ordinary citizen."

Yu Bao'er was speechless.

She felt the contempt of capitalism.

Yu Bao'er thought that she, who lived in the capital, had seen much of life and nothing should faze her.

However, at that moment she saw the Penalan palace, Yu Bao'er experienced the huge discrepancy between capitalism and socialism.

And also, the pressure of a monarchy.

"Let's go, I'll bring you around because we're old acquaintances."

Yu Bao'er heaved a sigh of relief at this offer.

Coming here, although Gu Qingjiu took pretty good care of her, she was after all a bride-to-be and was very busy of late. As she didn't quite know anyone else around, it would be awkward for her to forcibly hang out with them. As for the foreigners, all the more Yu Bao'er didn't dare to mess with them.

She couldn't even speak English...

Now, seeing Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er even felt a tad touched.

At least someone was willing to pay heed to her?

Yu Bao'er felt a sense of closeness towards Huo Yingcheng, who used to be her commander. While she was roaming around the palace with him, Yu Bao'er asked, "Commander Huo, why did you go to China's basic military camp to be an instructor with Commander He back then?"

Yu Bao'er was curious as to why two members of the royalty would go to such a place.

Huo Yingcheng glanced at Yu Bao'er. "The more you speak, the more mistakes you're prone to make. Don't ask such questions in a place like this."

The warning embedded in his words made Yu Bao'er shiver. She twitched her lips. "I was just casually asking. You can choose not to answer."

She understood now that this involved secrets of the royalty, hence it couldn't be revealed.

Gazing at the gorgeous scenery around, Yu Bao'er had to admit that Penalan had superb scenery. Especially this capital city. Yu Bao'er had long wanted to come here, but the visa was too hard to obtain.

She hadn't expected that one day she would be able to come here all thanks to her bestie.

Chapter 830: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (2)

"I was surprised that Qingjiu ended up marrying Chief Instructor He."

Yu Bao'er sighed with emotion as she said this.

Huo Yingcheng smiled and glanced at her. "Why are you surprised? Isn't there a saying in Chinese that 'All things are possible? In the past, I didn't quite believe that, but in the end, I accepted it as true. It was very strange back then when they first got to know each other. I had never seen Major-general show a good countenance to any girl previously. There have been countless women who were dying to be with Major-general, but look at how many had succeeded."

Yu Bao'er nodded vigorously. "Back then when I first saw Chief Instructor He, I felt that he was so handsome it felt unreal. He's simply not someone people like us can get in touch with. I hadn't expected Qingjiu to have such courage! And to think she succeeded!"

Huo Yingcheng asked indignantly, "Are you saying I'm not handsome?"

Yu Bao'er said, "...If I'm looking at you alone, you're quite handsome."

Huo Yingcheng was the sort of muscular man who exuded a masculine aura. His appearance wasn't too bad.

So long as he didn't stand beside Helian Niancheng.

"What do you mean by 'if you're looking at me alone'? So you're saying that when I stand next to Major-general, I'm not handsome?"

Yu Bao'er wasn't fearful of death. "Commander Huo, why would you say something like that that invites humiliation?"

Huo Yingcheng was speechless.

"I won't bring you around anymore. Have fun roaming this place by yourself today."

Huo Yingcheng turned and prepared to leave.

"Hey, don't go!"

Yu Bao'er speedily went up to grab Huo Yingcheng's sleeve and said pitifully, "Commander Huo, I'll get lost here if you leave me alone. You don't wish to see news of 'nameless female corpse shockingly found in the palace, determined by experts to have starved to death,' do you?"

Hearing this, Huo Yingcheng burst into laughter. "That's impossible."

Yu Bao'er thought that he meant she couldn't die in the palace. But in the end, Huo Yingcheng added, "Even if you lose your way and starve to death, news from the palace wouldn't be known to media outlets. There will at least be someone clearing away your corpse, don't worry."

Yu Bao'er was speechless.

Damn, he's worse than an animal!

Yu Bao'er tightly gripped Huo Yingcheng's sleeve and refused to let go. "No, Commander Huo, you can't leave! I'm afraid of starving to death here!"

She had no idea where Huo Yingcheng had brought her to. All that surrounded her was a vast expanse of green bonsai, and also forests in the faraway distance. Although the palace was a short distance away, Yu Bao'er feared that she would meet dangers in such an unfamiliar place...

Seeing Yu Bao'er's timid manner, Huo Yingcheng found it hilarious. "Someone like you shouldn't go out and disgrace Gu Qingjiu."

Yu Bao'er puffed up her small chest. "That's impossible. Qingjiu won't possibly find me disgraceful!"

With that, she shrunk back and complained, "Commander Huo, at least we used to be in the same team in the army, and you were even my commander once. How could you be so heartless? I still remember you had once punished me to sweep the toilet!"

"You still remember something that happened that long ago? Back then if you hadn't fought, would I have punished you? If I hadn't done so, you would have been kicked out of the army. Never mind that you didn't thank me, to think you still bore hatred over that until now. Women's hearts are indeed vicious!"

Huo Yingcheng started playing the blame game.

Yu Bao'er was speechless.

Dammit. Was this Commander Huo's head kicked by a donkey or something?!