Chapter 301:Commanding Officer's Praise
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The arrangement inside the military school was for each grade to have a Commanding Officer and a Chief Instructor in charge.
A Chief Instructor is in charge of different aspects, whether to keep track of student's information or to give them instructions.
A Commanding Officer, however, is in charge of the students' daily training and progress of classes.
The two did not interfere with one another and their power was limited in that sense.
When Gu Qingjiu arrived at the commanding officer's office, she saw computer science specialization's shooting instructor, Instructor Xiong present as well.
The surname of Year 1's commanding officer was Nian.
Nian Chusheng.
Just from his name alone, he seemed like someone with a handful of experience under his belt.
His office was large and wide. There were evident Chinese markings on the four walls.
And that made the room look extremely sacred and forbidden.
Beside the flag stood a man with a broad back. Donned in uniform, the man looked steady and reliable.
A rectangular face, the model carving of a soldier.
In front of him stood her shooting practice instructor, Instructor Xiong.
"Reporting. Year 1 computer science specialization, Gu Qingjiu, is here to report!"
Gu Qingjiu appeared at the entrance, immediately catching the two men's attention.
"Gu Qingjiu? Come in!"
When the broad back man saw Gu Qingjiu enter, his eyes shone.
Xiong Xuejian chuckled and waved her over as well. "Come over quickly!"
Gu Qingjiu had been practicing at his territory so he naturally knew about Gu Qingjiu's situation.
Gu Qingjiu walked over. Facing Nian Chusheng and Xiong Xuejian, she saluted both of them.
Nian Chusheng was such an eye-catching commanding officer. When she received the information about the leaders, he was the first person Gu Qingjiu remembered.
The impact after meeting the real person was massive.
He was similar to Huo Yingcheng. The only stark difference was Huo Yingcheng had a strong sense of justice which probably came along with his young age.
While Nian Chusheng was more like a stable and strong mountain.
His broad back was not an exaggeration.
His pat was more like a whack from a cattail leaf fan—it felt like it stripped off half of Gu Qingjiu's life.
"The younger generation is to be feared."
But the expression which Nian Chusheng looked at Gu Qingjiu was still considered gentle, reducing the pressure his burly body build brought.
He was, after all, a senior of fifty years.
There was a sort of stability and harmony in him.
Looking at Gu Qingjiu, he couldn't help but praise.
"Before you transferred to our school, I've read up about your information. Your first shooting practice, you hit the bullseye of the twenty-meter target. Within a few days, that became the fifty-meter target. Although you've only practiced for a month, when you came to our school, you hit the bullseye within four days. How shocking."
Not just shocking. In the entire school, one simply wouldn't be able to find another student who was as talented as her.
And that included students from the other two military schools as well.
When Xiong Xuejian knew about this result, he immediately reported to Nian Chusheng. News of it had not been spread yet.
Else, people from the National Defense University would shamelessly come to snatch her away.
This was within Gu Qingjiu's expectations. As she thought, it was about her shooting results.
She smiled lightly without being too humble. "Commanding Officer, I dare not comment about talent but for shooting, it does come to me more easily."
Seeing her speak about it directly, Nian Chusheng nodded in approval. "Great, that's the confidence I want to see!"
Furthermore, her results were not solely based on her confidence.
The reason why Nian Chusheng had such high hopes of Gu Qingjiu was that he already knew that she had never touched the hundred-meter target back at the training camp. Her first contact with it was in this school.
Chapter 302: Speaking For Qin Huai
"Talking about this, we still have to give credit to Old Qin."
Xiong Xuejian suddenly chuckled from the side as he added.
Gu Qingjiu's expression darkened slightly. Nian Chusheng looked at Gu Qingjiu's expression before turning to look at Xiong Xuejian.
As if thinking of something, he made a sound. "Oh?"
Xiong Xuejian said, "Old Qin's punishment was definitely uncalled for, but if he did not do this, I believe that we wouldn't find out about Gu Qingjiu's talent this quickly."
From that, Gu Qingjiu could tell that Instructor Xiong was partial to her.
But after knowing her results, he suddenly spoke for Qin Huai.
She wondered what he meant by doing this.
"It wasn't just uncalled for."
Nian Chusheng coldly laughed. He turned to look back to see that Gu Qingjiu's expression had already changed back to normal. "Gu Qingjiu, although this was your instructor's orders, I wouldn't cover for anyone. When the results of the test are out on Monday, I will get him to apologize."
It startled Gu Qingjiu, but she was able to calmly reply, "Commanding Officer, it's not a big thing."
She didn't reject his suggestion nor did she accept it.
Her attitude was not overly humble or stubborn.
Nian Chusheng admired this student even more.
He couldn't see arrogance from her and there was a sort of calmness in her which was different from others.
Her aura itself was unique.
And she had only entered the army for half a year.
There were recruits who were not as polished as her even after a few years of staying.
What Qin Huai did was uncalled for, but he was still an instructor after all.
His reasoning was still acceptable so Nian Chusheng allowed the test on Monday to take place.
But if Gu Qingjiu passed, he would get Qin Huai to apologize in private.
It was a huge compromise.
In a camp, withholding apologies, if one met with an instructor who was sour, as long as it wasn't against the rules, he could demand anything from you.
Apologize?
Dream on!
And Qin Huai's background was not simple.
It was Gu Qingjiu's own capabilities that would force him to apologize.
Gu Qingjiu's answer was neither humble nor arrogant, showing that she had the fundamental demeanor which she should have—one which was not weak but not domineering as well.
It gave people a better impression of her.
Just by looking at the satisfaction in Nian Chusheng's eyes, she knew her answer was correct.
Xiong Xuejian was satisfied with her words from the side. This was for the best to prevent accidents from happening that may cause grievances between the two.
One was a once in a decade talent while the other was an instructor with a strong background. For them to hold grudges with each other right after they entered school spelled bad things.
"Okay, that's all I have. I just asked you here so that I can take a look. Continue with your regular training for now. I know that the chief management department gave you the order to follow your specialization so pay more attention to that. Once you're good with the other aspects, I will arrange for you to train your shooting. The talent you have for shooting shouldn't hinder your other training. That's all, I won't hold you back. You may go."
Commanding Officer Nian Chusheng's words were pretty good. None of his orders felt out of place for Gu Qingjiu.
After affirming, she had prepared to leave when she heard Nian Chusheng meaningfully say, "But in school, if you can remain on a low profile, do so."
It startled Gu Qingjiu, and she nodded before leaving.
When Gu Qingjiu left, Nian Chusheng turned towards Xiong Xuejian. "What's your purpose of speaking for that brat Qin Huai?"
Chapter 303: The Fifth Ranking Military School From the Back
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Nian Chusheng frowned, disapproval of Qin Huai evident on his face.
Xiong Xuejian's expression turned serious as well. "I'm not speaking for him. Commander, do you know about the newly transferred Chief Instructor, He Niancheng?"
A glint flashed across Nian Chusheng's eyes when he heard that. "Of course I've heard about him. Didn't he reveal his identity during the school meeting? The moment he transferred, he became Year 1's Chief Instructor... Speaking about it, wasn't that brat Qin Huai vying for that position?"
Nian Chusheng did not like interfering with his subordinates' matters, so he didn't have a good grasp of the situation.
But because of how interconnected their social network was, he had briefly heard about it.
"Yes. The problem stems from this Chief Instructor. Student Gu Qingjiu and He Niancheng came from the same Dayi camp."
The moment he said that, Nian Chusheng came to a realization. "Because of that, Qin Huai purposely pinpointed this student?"
Xiong Xuejian sighed. "That's not the only reason! I heard that his thoughts were not too proper. There's a reason why the higher-ups chose not to give him the position."
"How did He Niancheng react?"
Nian Chusheng frowned. For Xiong Xuejian to mention this incident, it was probably more than just Qin Huai specifically aiming for Gu Qingjiu.
"The problem is here! Commander, you saw Gu Qingjiu's information. You should take a look at He Niancheng's information as well. His relationship with her might not be simple."
"Qin Huai targeted Gu Qingjiu, and He Niancheng called him over this morning. Last night, Old Qin received He Niancheng's phone call, do you know what he said?"
"That his person was not someone a good-for-nothing like him can touch! Listen to that! For him to directly call Qin Huai a good-for-nothing, this new Chief Instructor is something..."
The moment Nian Chusheng heard that, he instantly understood the implications behind it.
Instantly, he was happy and yet angry. "There is even a relationship side to this?"
"That's not just it!" Xiong Xuejian frowned. "Qin Huai went overboard but this new chief instructor went too far with his words as well. On the surface, he has yet to join us..."
"Join us my ass!"
Nian Chusheng scolded, causing Xiong Xuejian to pause.
It was then followed by Nian Chusheng pointing angrily at him. "Xuejian... Xuejian... You're my subordinate. How did I teach you? To not interfere with things which you're unsure of. You felt that He Niancheng went overboard with his words so you wanted to speak up for Qin Huai? Naïve!
"Let me tell you. You guys shouldn't anger this He Niancheng!
"You will let the Qin family worry about how Qin Huai should clean up this mess!"
Nian Chusheng's sudden words caused Xiong Xuejian to be perplexed. "Commander, that He Niancheng..."
"That He Niancheng is someone you can never imagine. He doesn't have any identity or history. Why don't you think about it? For him to be specifically transferred over from Dayi camp at his will and for him to become the chief instructor of this school, have you ever heard of cases like this?"
With Nian Chusheng's scolding, Xiong Xuejian understood.
Realizing his mistakes, he stuttered, "Commander, I... I..."
He almost did something foolish.
"Stop stuttering. Since this is the case, Gu Qingjiu definitely has some ties with him. Don't ask any more about this incident. Let Qin Huai clean up his own mess. Oh and about Gu Qingjiu's shooting results, do not spread it. No matter what, since she is here now, we have to keep her here."
"Our shooting department has been ranked fifth from the back for three consecutive years. Even if you don't feel bad, I do! If anything else happens and we cannot keep her, you will be held responsible!"
"Okay, okay, okay."
Xiong Xuejian stuttered as he promised.
Chapter 304: Penalan Empire, Where Royalty Reigns Above All Others
When Gu Qingjiu got back to her dormitory...
She was still thinking about Nian Chusheng's reminder.
That wasn't advice for her to stay low but more like not show off her results to outsiders.
Naturally, she would not do it, but she didn't know the reason behind Nian Chusheng telling her that.
The soft clatter of keyboard clicking echoed through the dormitory as Qi Xiaoran typed.
Because of these past few days, Gu Qingjiu had neglected her studies so Qi Xiaoran's progress was faster than her.
Since Gu Qingjiu couldn't figure out his meaning no matter what, she decided to call He Niancheng.
After all, the two of them had already affirmed their relationship and were closer than before.
Gu Qingjiu dialed without any hesitation.
Of course, she avoided Qi Xiaoran and made the phone call outside the dormitory.
He Niancheng quickly answered the call. After listening to Gu Qingjiu, he coldly laughed.
"He's afraid that someone would steal you away."
He Niancheng quickly explained the reason to Gu Qingjiu.
"Your results are different from those people in the past. Once people from the National Defense University hear about it, it would be hard for them to not make a move. For now, it's better for you to stay in this school. The other two are too complicated."
"Okay, I understand."
Gu Qingjiu had always listened to He Niancheng's instructions, so after she finished asking, she started talking about other things.
"Chief Instructor, what are you doing now?"
They had just met but Gu Qingjiu always felt that she had never-ending things she wanted to share with him about.
"What I am doing, don't you want to come and see for yourself?"
His low voice which was pleasing to the ear was heard over the call, causing Gu Qingjiu's heart to tremble.
The smile on her face could no longer be hidden. "I think not. If I keep going over, people will realize."
After all, she was a Year 1 student who was in a relationship with someone who was like a teacher to her. It was not wise to be too high profile with it.
But she still wanted to go.
"Am I too shameful to be seen or too hard to show?"
That sentence suddenly caused the atmosphere around her to feel dangerous. Gu Qingjiu trembled and quickly denied, "Of course not!"
"We've just started our relationship and we're still in school. The military school does not allow for relationships."
Near the end, Gu Qingjiu's voice became as soft as a whisper.
"Coughs..."
A sneer was heard from the other end. "Chinese..."
The word blurred out before he could finish.
Gu Qingjiu frowned. "Chief Instructor, are you not Chinese?"
She had always wanted to ask that since a long time ago.
He Niancheng's facial features did not look like he was purely of Asian descent.
It was more of that of mixed blood.
And some of his actions were different from traditional Chinese as well.
But his perfect Chinese and the way he did things still had the shadow of one.
Which confused Gu Qingjiu.
Which country's mixed blood child was he?
Since the start, she had never heard either the chief instructor or Commander Huo talk about his parents.
Normally, people of mixed descent are not allowed to enter the army, right...
Unless she guessed wrongly...
"I'm not."
Who knew that He Niancheng would admit to it directly?
"Oh, you're not. Which country are you from then? America? France? Germany...?"
Gu Qingjiu guessed most of the countries.
The traditional meaning of mixed blood were usually people from these countries.
"Penalan Empire."
Penalan Empire.
It startled Gu Qingjiu.
Wasn't that a country which was still under a monarchy. A country where royalty reigned above?
That was the country which she wanted to visit the most!
Chapter 305: Older brother, I Will Visit You Tomorrow
Penalan was the seventh-largest migrant country in the world.
In terms of power and influence, it was on the same level as China and America.
The time when it was established was roughly the same as America's founding.
Before World War Two, it was just a minor power in Europe. After the eruption of the war, some people from China escaped to that country.
After the consolidation of its power, it established an empire where Europeans and Asians could coexist peacefully.
Currently, it has already developed into a world power.
Penalan had a great geographical advantage as well. It possessed numerous scenic locations and was the dream country to migrate to for many.
And the treatment of its citizens was great.
But they had high requirements for its migrants.
The unique thing about Penalan is that it is ruled by both Asians and Europeans.
That unique point meant that mixed blood like He Niancheng was very common.
But it was still rare to see such great genes gathered to structure such a handsome person.
"I really want to go to Penalan but I cannot get it processed."
Gu Qingjiu's words sounded a little regretful. "The demands are too strict."
Penalan did not do group or family verifications. Within her family, only Mr. Gu was in line with their qualifications.
A few years ago, Mr. Gu even went on a business trip to Penalan.
And he brought back many unique and beautiful souvenirs for Gu Qingmo and Gu Qingjiu, especially that beautiful scenery which Gu Qingjiu's heart sought after.
"I will bring you there after this year's mission ends."
He Niancheng's voice was low. If she ignored the cold tone to it, there seemed to be a warmth in it that was specially reserved for Gu Qingjiu.
"Mission?" Gu Qingjiu caught onto the main point. "The reason why you came to China was for a mission?"
Penalan always had a great relationship with China. Internationally, goods exchange was prominent and the same could be said for political issues.
If that was the case, for the Chief Instructor who was from Penalan to be able to enter China's army was nothing unusual.
"Yes and no."
His ambiguous answer confused Gu Qingjiu.
Some things were not meant for Gu Qingjiu to know.
Gu Qingjiu played smart and didn't continue probing.
She changed the topic back to where they started. "Chief Instructor, is Penalan very beautiful?"
"Yes, it is."
These short three words were his reply to Gu Qingjiu.
His words were crisp and clear. It was as if Gu Qingjiu could see the scenery just from the tone of his voice.
Looking at the time, Gu Qingjiu estimated that it was already getting late. She still had to revise and continue her shooting practice tomorrow.
Although she had already found the feeling, the test was still on Monday.
Nothing should go wrong during the test.
"Chief Instructor, I'm going to revise. I... will end the call here."
She sounded like she couldn't bear to hang up, just like any young couple who are deeply in love.
But Gu Qingjiu felt that no matter what, her relationship with the chief instructor couldn't be considered deep in love.
It was just a feeling.
"Okay."
The conversation ended that way.
They did not drag to end the call, cutting it off crisply.
Gu Qingjiu breathed out, deciding to visit her older brother over the weekend.
She had yet to tell her older brother that she came to the capital.
She wondered if he would be shocked once he saw her.
Upon reaching her dormitory, she heard Qi Xiaoran's voice and she seemed to be with her older brother on a call.
Qi Xiaoran's tone was unlike the softness from before, it contained something more indulgent.
"Older brother, I will visit you tomorrow."
Chapter 306: Qi Xiaoran's Older Brother
Qi Xiaoran's older brother is in the capital too?
This was something Gu Qingjiu hadn't expected.
But she wasn't someone who asked too many questions about someone else's affairs. She first stuck her head in for Qi Xiaoran to notice that she was back.
There was still a remnant of a smile at the corners of Qi Xiaoran's lips. Upon seeing Gu Qingjiu, although that smile had faded a little, it wasn't as flustered as it was the first time.
"Brother, my roommate is back. I'll hang up first."
"Okay."
That voice sounded as gentle as Gu Qingjiu heard the last time. This time, before Qi Xiaoran ended the video call, Gu Qingjiu caught a glimpse of a blurry figure.
However, it was as good as not seeing anything clearly.
"You're going to meet your older brother? What a coincidence, I'm going to meet mine tomorrow as well. He's studying at Yannan University."
As both she and Qi Xiaoran had an older brother, the instant Gu Qingjiu sat down she tried to start a conversation.
Qi Xiaoran's expression froze for a moment before she asked a rather strange question. "Your biological older brother?"
Gu Qingjiu nodded her head in a natural manner. "Yeah, why?"
This question made her feel a little odd.
"It's okay..."
Qi Xiaoran shook her head. Although her expression was calm and aloof, Gu Qingjiu could still sense a slight stiffness in the depths of her eyes.
Gu Qingjiu was a sensitive person, hence this subtle expression didn't escape her eyes.
She started feeling odd all of a sudden. Could it be that Qi Xiaoran's older brother wasn't her biological brother?
Else, she wouldn't have asked such a strange question.
"My older brother is studying at Yannan University as well."
No idea if it was due to this reason, Qi Xiaoran pursed her lower lip when she spoke, revealing a faint smile, an expression which one rarely saw on her.
Suppressing the odd feeling she had, Gu Qingjiu felt a little surprised. "Really? That's great. We can go to meet them together tomorrow."
Yannan University was considered the best institution of learning in China in recent years.
Those who were able to get in were naturally outstanding.
Most importantly, over ten years ago a legendary world-class superstar graduated from Yannan University.
This was what people enjoyed talking about.
"Oh... okay."
Qi Xiaoran's response seemed a little hesitant.
Gu Qingjiu wasn't an insensitive person. "If you don't wish to, we don't have to go together. My brother reads law at the university. It can't be so coincidental that your older brother also..."
Qi Xiaoran found it unbelievable. "My older brother reads law too..."
Gu Qingjiu was speechless.
How could something so coincidental happen in the world?
She had never asked before, and surprisingly when she did, she discovered such a big surprise.
"Let's go together."
Gu Qingjiu, too, nodded and smiled. "Alright, let's go together tomorrow."
Although Gu Qingmo reads law at the university, according to him he wasn't considered outstanding in the faculty—where there were tons of outstanding people. Moreover, he didn't have the intention of seeking a job in the law industry upon graduation.
He was interning at a foreign company at that moment, doing translation work.
Gu Qingjiu had no idea what her older brother was thinking.
After all, the students that graduated from Yannan had strong capabilities. It wouldn't be difficult for them to find a job that fits in with their vocational training.
If he had no interest in related work, why did he enroll to read law in the first place...
Gu Qingjiu had never asked him about this before.
But now, when she heard that Qi Xiaoran's older brother also reads law at the university, Gu Qingjiu couldn't help but feel curious.
Perhaps she might even find out tomorrow that her own brother knew Qi Xiaoran's brother.
After all, two people who belonged to the same faculty should have heard of each other?
Looking at Qi Xiaoran's manner, Gu Qingjiu had a feeling that her older brother wouldn't be too bad.
Chapter 307: The Top Institution of Learning
The next day, during the weekend.
The military school used a closed-off management style, and students weren't allowed to go out.
But it was different for Gu Qingjiu—after all, she had a chief instructor for a boyfriend.
She didn't feel any pressure at all going via a backdoor method.
She merely told the chief instructor what she wished to do, and he immediately approved her request to leave the school.
At night, he would ask Gu Qingjiu to wait for him and go for dinner together.
While feeling joyful about this, she also felt a little excited.
But what surprised her was Qi Xiaoran.
She had originally wanted to help Qi Xiaoran apply for leave together with her, but the latter said she had already obtained permission to leave the school.
Feeling astonished, she casually asked He Niancheng about this. His reply shocked her.
"She has someone influential backing her. She should be a 'dark hand' chosen by the higher-ups."
According to He Niancheng's explanation, a 'dark hand' was someone who was selected because of some special reasons to carry out a secret mission while they were in the military.
Although such a person didn't appear any different from others on the surface, they would secretly receive missions that ordinary soldiers would never be involved in their entire life.
These people usually had something special about them—that is, they were unbelievably outstanding in a certain area.
And that was why they were selected by the higher-ups to become a 'dark hand.'
Something similar to Gu Qingjiu's talent in the shooting.
And now, according to Gu Qingjiu's observation, other than her whereabouts and being mysterious, she couldn't quite see in what way Qi Xiaoran was outstanding.
Of course, she considered the possibility that Qi Xiaoran could be deliberately concealing her capabilities.
But He Niancheng usually only said something when he was sure of it.
Gu Qingjiu didn't ask in detail, merely hiding this secret that she accidentally came to know about in the depths of her heart.
She went to Yannan University with Qi Xiaoran, pretending she knew nothing about it.
Yannan University was rather far away from the military university; it was situated in the city, whereas the military university was located in a more remote area.
After all, the special training techniques of the military school had to be kept a secret, and certain aspects were confidential. Hence, it naturally couldn't be built in the bustling city area.
The two of them took a cab to Yannan together.
She and Qi Xiaoran weren't chatty people, and when they got quiet, others couldn't quite tolerate it.
They didn't even chat at all during the cab ride.
As the capital was very big, it would take an entire morning to get to Yannan University from the military university.
It was despite the fact that Gu Qingjiu and the rest had set off very early in the morning.
Since there wasn't much time, Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran both decided not to go back for the night.
Gu Qingjiu was staying at a hotel by herself, whereas Qi Xiaoran had other accommodation plans.
"We've reached."
After sleeping for god knows how long on the car, Qi Xiaoran woke Gu Qingjiu up.
Gu Qingjiu raised her head and sized up the scenery outside.
Yannan University was located in the bustling city center of the capital, in a very prosperous area.
In the streets on that spring day, there were many cars and people going to and fro. Just this bustling scene alone was something that Dayi City couldn't compare to.
The plaque of Yannan University was hung right before Gu Qingjiu.
Behind were countless enormous and magnificent architectural buildings.
Those were the school buildings.
It was very pretty, and it looked dignified and solemn like what one would expect of an institution of learning.
"What a great place."
Gu Qingjiu couldn't help saying with a sigh.
If she wasn't forced to make a decision under tight time constraints when she was reborn, she might have wanted to enroll in this place?
After all, this was the top institution of learning in China, the place many students dreamed of entering.
This was her first time here, but clearly, Qi Xiaoran had been here several times.
Chapter 308: Someone Else's Older Brother
The school didn't prohibit outsiders from entering, but they had to register before entry.
Before she and Qi Xiaoran entered the school, they found two public bikes.
The interior was very large, and the law faculty was situated behind the buildings. If one didn't ride a bike, it would take him/her half an hour to an hour's time to walk.
The school term had already started, and there were quite a lot of people on campus.
Many students were walking on the road that extended in all directions.
There were also many youthful and beautiful girls like Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran on the campus.
The two of them didn't attract too much attention.
Gu Qingjiu had never visited Gu Qingmo before, so she had no idea where the law school was.
She leisurely rode behind Qi Xiaoran and let the latter lead the way.
Around more than ten minutes later, the two of them arrived at their destination.
Not far away, Gu Qingjiu could see a tall guy waving his hand at Qi Xiaoran as he stood before the law school building.
Through the specks of sunlight, his vibrant and dazzling smile could be seen.
"Brother!"
Qi Xiaoran shouted excitedly, an emotion rarely seen on her. She sped over on her bike.
With a screech, the bike stopped in front of that guy.
He walked up and helped Qi Xiaoran hold down the bike handle. Qi Xiaoran cast away the bike and pounced into that guy's arms.
"Brother!"
She sounded like she was wheedling.
That guy, too, held her with a doting smile as he stroked her head.
"Good girl, Ran Ran."
His voice sounded like a cello, exuding an elegant and heavy magnetism. It was so gentle that it felt like it was melting into water.
Gu Qingjiu stopped her bike behind them. She felt that their interaction was a little weird...
They were like a role model pair of loving siblings.
When she and Gu Qingmo saw each other, they would usually greet each other, before getting into a squabble. To be hugging each other so intimately...
Gu Qingmo would be considered benevolent if he didn't smack her head or something.
Qi Xiaoran's older brother looked kind of...
Different from Qi Xiaoran.
But he was very good looking.
Stunningly good looking.
He couldn't be compared with He Niancheng however, for they were of completely different types.
But a guy like him could probably count as the school hunk.
This situation made Gu Qingjiu feel awkward. She had no choice but to whip out her phone and prepare to call Gu Qingmo.
Qi Yefan, too, noticed Gu Qingjiu.
More accurately speaking, he had already noticed her when Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran arrived on their bikes. Now that Gu Qingjiu also stopped here, he was sure that Gu Qingjiu and Qi Xiaoran came together.
He lowered his head and looked at the person in his arms. "Ran Ran?"
He continued to hold her in his arms and didn't loosen his embrace.
Qi Xiaoran turned her head with much difficulty in his arms, before pointing at Gu Qingjiu and saying to him, "Brother, this is my roommate in the military school. She came with me from Dayi military zone to the military school. She also has an older brother..."
Before she finished speaking, she was interrupted by Qi Yefan's gentleness. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Mm, Ran Ran?"
The corners of his lips curled up into a smile. However, under the sunny skies, it exuded a gloomy vibe for some reason.
Qi Xiaoran was dazed for a moment before she turned her head abruptly. "Brother, she's just here with me to look for her older brother. She's not..."
She seemed to be carefully explaining something.
Gu Qingjiu had already dialed Gu Qingmo's number. She kept feeling like Qi Xiaoran's older brother was looking at her in a funny manner.
It felt a little dangerous.
She lowered her head as she spoke to Gu Qingmo. In order to prevent Gu Qingmo from making wild guesses, she directly told him she was on the first floor of his school building.
Gu Qingmo's cheerful voice came from the phone. "Why did you only tell me when you've already reached, Gu Qingjiu? Look at how I'm going to deal with you when I come down!"
Contrasting the attitude of Qi Xiaoran's older brother, Gu Qingjiu suddenly felt tears welling up in her eyes.
Ah, someone else's older brother!
Chapter 309: I'm Dating Someone
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Qingjiu."
Qi Xiaoran broke away from her older brother's embrace and shouted to Gu Qingjiu.
When Gu Qingjiu looked over, Qi Xiaoran waved at her. "I'm going to eat with my brother. Are you waiting for your older brother?"
Gu Qingjiu nodded. "You guys go ahead. I'll wait for my brother."
Qi Yefan nodded, before pulling Qi Yefan's arm and leaving with him.
Right before leaving, Gu Qingjiu saw a hint of coldness in Qi Yefan's eyes as he gazed at her.
Gu Qingjiu was dumbfounded.
Did she offend Qi Xiaoran's older brother?
Also, Qi Xiaoran should at least have introduced Gu Qingjiu to her own brother, but she didn't.
Of course, Gu Qingjiu didn't care much about that, but she somehow felt weird about it.
Shortly after, Gu Qingmo came down from the hostel behind the school building.
When he saw Gu Qingjiu, he couldn't quite believe his eyes. "Qingjiu, you're really here!"
At the sight of Gu Qingmo, Gu Qingjiu immediately waved at him with a smile and bounced. "Brother."
Gu Qingmo went over a curious look on his face. "Why are you in the capital? Aren't you busy in the army?"
"Brother, I'll tell you a good piece of news. I'll be staying in the capital from now on. I've transferred from the troops and am currently studying at the National Military University of China. It's the weekend today, so I decided to come over to visit you."
Gu Qingjiu was fidgeting and had a gloating look on her face.
Gu Qingmo was indeed stunned. "Did you step on dog poop1?"
Gu Qingjiu was speechless.
He was indeed her older brother!
"What step on dog poop? Your sister—I—was transferred here because of my brilliance, okay?" Gu Qingjiu shamelessly praised herself, before pushing at Gu Qingmo's body. "Go, go, go, bring me to eat. I haven't eaten, I'm starving."
Upon hearing that she was hungry, Gu Qingmo instantly prepared to bring Gu Qingjiu to eat. "I'll bring you to eat outside. I know there's a restaurant that serves tasty food. During lunch tell me what exactly is going on. You're truly bold, even Dad and Mom didn't tell me about this."
Gu Qingjiu was all smiling.
Could she have told him?
There was another major matter that happened at home, and she certainly couldn't tell him about that.
Gu Qingmo first went upstairs to retrieve something. As Gu Qingjiu couldn't enter the guys' hostel, she simply waited for him downstairs. After Gu Qingmo came out, he too rode a public bike and the two of them rode out to eat outside.
The place Gu Qingmo brought Gu Qingjiu to served home-style cooking.
The food served by this small eatery was indeed not bad, and the prices were friendly to the wallet as well.
Despite that, it would be considered to be on the more expensive side in Dayi City.
One meal cost several hundred yuan.
As she ate, Gu Qingjiu told her brother about her life in the military in detail.
Of course, she kept that not-so-peaceful incident at the Gu family from him.
But towards the end, when Gu Qingmo heard the reason Gu Qingjiu was transferred to the military school, he burst out laughing instantly. "You, a sharpshooter? Why do I find it so hard to believe?"
Gu Qingjiu slapped him, her brows slightly furrowed. "Why don't you believe it? You despise me, your younger sister."
"Of course not, of course not." Gu Qingmo smiled perfunctorily.
"Oh right, Brother..." Gu Qingjiu picked up a piece of potato. She had wanted to ask about Qi Xiaoran's older brother, but she suddenly recalled that Qi Xiaoran never told her what her brother's name was. Subconsciously, she blurted out, "Err, I started dating..."
When those words came out, even she herself was stunned.
Gu Qingmo didn't appear as happy as she had imagined he would be. He instantly set down the cup he was holding and asked, "Who?"
Chapter 310: Untitled
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Can you not be so nervous? You know that person too."
Gu Qingjiu knew what Gu Qingmo was worried about—he was afraid that she would be on the losing end because she had never dated.
"I'm not being nervous. Tell me who that person is first."
Gu Qingjiu glanced at him, before whispering, "That guy whom I told you might not be interested in women... Chief Instructor..."
Right away, Gu Qingmo knew who she was talking about.
His expression was a little difficult to understand.
It looked a little twisted like his cheeks were twitching and trying to hold back a smile or something.
"You chased after him?"
Gu Qingmo picked up some food with his chopsticks, unable to hold back a smile from his lips. "Doesn't feel so surprising."
"How did you know I was the one who chased after him?"
Gu Qingjiu was puzzled. Was it that obvious?
"Because he doesn't look like the sort who would chase after someone."
Gu Qingmo's judgment was spot-on indeed. One look and he knew the chief instructor was prideful, and it was difficult to imagine him chasing after a girl.
On the contrary, Gu Qingjiu surprised him.
In the past, Gu Qingjiu used to be introverted and reserved. Why did she suddenly become so bold as to take the initiative to chase after someone now?
The crux was, the first guy she went after was someone so difficult. Most importantly, she succeeded.
"Qingjiu, as your older brother I'm not cursing you. But why did you choose such a superior man for your first love? If something should happen in the future, it will affect you when you look for your second boyfriend..."
Her first boyfriend was way too outstanding; this would make the guy feel immense pressure.
Gu Qingjiu made a spatting sound. "I've just started dating him and you're cursing him. If it weren't for the chief instructor, how would I be able to come out to visit you?"
"Yo, you sound different now that you have a Chief Instructor for a boyfriend. Even the way you sit seems straighter!"
Gu Qingmo teased her.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingjiu felt a little embarrassed. "Nah..."
However, Gu Qingmo was merely teasing Gu Qingjiu and didn't seem to have any objections towards her dating the Chief Instructor.
"Brother, don't tell Dad and Mom about this."
Gu Qingmo said, "I know, I know. When the time is right, you tell them yourself. Oh right, how long can you stay this time? I'll ask your sister-in-law if there's time I'll arrange for you two to meet each other."
At the mention of 'sister-in-law', Gu Qingjiu's eyes lit up. "Is Sister-in-law here right now?'
"No." Gu Qingmo shook his head. "She's busy with her graduation internship and will be working overtime this weekend. I'm merely checking when you're free first."
Gu Qingjiu felt disappointed. "Then we might not be able to see each other. I need to return to the military school tomorrow morning because I have a test the day after. There's an instructor who's picking on me. Sigh..."
She then told him all about Qin Huai.
"What a petty man." Gu Qingmo sputtered with laughter in disdain. "Don't be scared. Aren't you a sharpshooter? You said you even passed a hundred-meters target. When Monday comes, just slap him in the face with your good performance."
Gu Qingmo seemed to be gloating over his younger sister's misfortune a little. One could not detect an ounce of sympathy from him.
Oh, how it pricked at Gu Qingjiu's heart.
As the two of them chatted over the piping hot food, before they knew it it was already two in the afternoon.
Someone called Gu Qingmo and asked him to return to the school.
Gu Qingmo paid the bill, before bringing Gu Qingjiu to a nearby hotel and checked her into a room, while checking himself into the adjacent room.
Since his younger sister was here to visit him, he couldn't very well let his sister stay alone in the hotel.
And it certainly wasn't appropriate for her to stay on campus.