Chapter 491: International Competition Field!
Gu Qian gritted her teeth. "You asshole. I even talked about how the two of us will share the same territory. You're abandoning me now?"
Her statement was ambiguous. Chu Lian remained silent for a while before saying, "I won't take responsibility for you."
Gu Qian was speechless.
She wanted to strangle this woman.
"Keep this amongst us. Don't let others know. Even our commanding officers didn't tell us. Qingjiu, your commanding officer probably told you because you were a member of the shooting department."
Chu Lian instructed.
Gu Qingjiu nodded. "I understand."
No wonder she felt slightly strange for saying it. She thought everyone knew about it.
But in fact, no one did.
From the looks of it, there was something fishy going on with this recruitment.
But even if it was fishy, it was an order from the country. As students, they just had to obey and follow.
After this, no one discussed it further.
Afraid that others would hear them.
Training for the week went as usual, but the recruitment started a new wave of discussion. Soon, applications filled up, and the discussions died down.
It was not only Gu Qingjiu's dormitory mates who noticed something fishy, but everyone chose not to say it.
And they applied in silence.
If they were chosen, they would probably get more information.
Friday afternoon, Gu Qingjiu was at the school gates.
She was going with the Shooting Department to a new practice field outside school that day. Regardless, she didn't slack off her other training.
She didn't even find the Chief Instructor.
The Chief Instructor probably had opinions about that, but without seeing Gu Qingjiu, he had nothing to say.
Standing at the school gates, Gu Qingjiu saw Lu Yimei along with the other members from a distance away.
Since Lu Yimei and the rest were fourth-year students, there were times they left earlier than the rest. Their clearance was relatively higher, and as such, they had more freedom in movement as compared to other students.
"Qingjiu, you're early."
Lu Yimei walked over, smiling as she greeted Gu Qingjiu.
Gu Qingjiu nodded and greeted Lu Yimei and the other members.
"We will go to the practice field directly today. Since students from the other schools are already there, we will all get to know them in the morning."
"The journey might take a while, so remember to buy some food to eat along the way."
After that, Lu Yimei brought the entire group and departed for the practice field.
Along the way, Lu Yimei took Lu Yixin's place and sat beside her, explaining the competition to her.
"Participate normally like before, but being careful is your priority since there are more people now. On the upcoming summer break this year, we have an international shooting competition in which Yin Ruoyi will participate. At that time, we will get you a ticket so you can familiarize yourself with the rules of the international competition."
The moment they got up, Lu Yimei already threw a grenade at her.
Gu Qingjiu was startled. "International competition? Me?"
"That's right!"
Lu Yimei smiled. "With your potential, it's only a matter of time before you take part in the international competition. Just nice, there's a competition this year, so how could we not let you attend? Usually, only members who have attended national competitions can take part, but you're a special case. Nian Chusheng, Chief Commanding Officer, already arranged everything for you. Qingjiu, I know that you're strong, but you will get to know that competitions are more intense in an international field."
Chapter 492: Can She Become Such A Person?
It would be more intense.
There was no need for further explanation from Lu Yimei. Just hearing the words International Competition...
It was enough for the blood in her to roar.
Before, Lu Yixin had already mentioned it once. Now that she had the means to go, Gu Qingjiu would naturally be more excited.
But summer break...
She might be in North City during that time!
"It will also be Yin Ruoyi's first time taking part in an international competition this year. After the competition in October, his battlefield will be overseas. Frankly, sharpshooting experts in our country do exist, but internationally, they are still not considered the best. Within the country, there are only a few veterans apart from Yin Ruoyi. We are still ranked below America in target shooting. Ever since Sheng Ming disappeared, we are always ranked second. Aish."
Lu Yimei sighed at the last part.
But Gu Qingjiu heard a foreign name.
"Sheng Ming? Who is Sheng Ming?"
Why did it sound a little weird when they talked about it?
She was befuddled.
The mention of this name was enough to make Lu Yimei's eyes sparkle. "I don't know either. It's all hearsay that there was someone incredibly strong, so strong that no one dared to annoy them on the battlefield. A king amongst the specialized troops. His name on the shooting field is Sheng Ming, but I've heard from others that his real codename was K. I can't say for sure say if it's true, though."
"Do you know? When Sheng Ming was part of the competition, other countries wanted to forfeit immediately. Our country was so glorious when he was still around! But it's a pity he vanished too soon. Some people said he sacrificed his life for the country, while others said he hid. We are only students, so we know little about these bigshots. All of these are what we've heard from others."
But even if they were just rumors, she could tell how powerful this Sheng Ming person was.
"That was ten years ago. The international competition is every other three years. This year Yin Ruoyi will take part, and three years later, it will probably be you and Yin Ruoyi together. Many have already placed their bets on Yin Ruoyi. Although he's a super genius like you, the Americans have a god-tier shooter taking part as well, so I think it would be difficult."
"I'm telling you so much because I want you to understand that the commanding officer wants you to not waste your talents!"
That again...
Words that had always caused turbulence in her emotions.
If Lu Yimei didn't provide her with these blueprints, she would probably not have such high expectations.
But knowing these, a feeling of anticipation sparked in Gu Qingjiu's heart.
Once again, she remembered what Lu Ziyang said – that her talent in sharpshooting was incredibly rare.
If that was so, could she make use of this talent to fight for her splendor?
After all, she had yet to compete with foreigners and see the legendary Yin Ruoyi's shooting practice video.
There were many areas in which she didn't have a good grasp, so she didn't dare to overestimate her abilities.
Her capabilities would probably only show its extent during the competition this summer break!
If possible, she naturally hoped that it would become a moment for her to shine.
To bring honor to her country.
In life, who has never wished for a day where one would stand at the peak of the world and become the person everyone envies.
It was something Gu Qingjiu of the past would never dare to dream of.
Can she become someone like Sheng Ming?
Chapter 493: She's The Trump Card Of Our Department
Because they had to travel straight to the practice field, the traveling time was longer.
When they arrived at their destination, it was already late at night.
Just like before, they flashed their permits before they entered.
From afar, they could see the bright lights of a small building in the wild.
Since Commander Lu said two other schools were attending, there wouldn't be as many rooms as before, and would have to bunk together.
When they arrived, they found all sorts of people gathered in the courtyard.
From the looks of it, they were not students from Haihe Military University or National Defense University.
Students from National Defense University were resting at another side and wouldn't mix with students from a different school.
Haihe Military University was located close, so they had the ease of reaching the next morning.
The students of the two military schools who just came would then naturally be at the same place as the National Military University of China.
The students from the two schools were full of energy.
The military uniforms were similar, but there were minor differences in their designs.
Information Engineering University's uniform was that of navy blue and white. Gu Qingjiu felt that their uniforms were nicer looking than the National Military University of China's.
Not that she was grumbling about her school.
"Comrades from Information Engineering University as well as Communications and Transmission University, it's nice to meet you."
Once they met, everyone greeted one another passionately.
The three leaders of the departments greeted one another first. As a female, Lu Yimei stood out.
It was because there weren't many female commanders for shooting departments.
"Commander Lu, it's been a long time."
The Commander from the Communications and Transmission University was unexpectedly a handsome-looking lad with sharp eyes.
The kind who looked like a playboy.
Especially the flirty tone of voice he used to greet Lu Yimei.
And the wink he sent her way.
The corners of Lu Yimei's lips twitched, and the rest of her members held in their laughter.
Gu Qingjiu noticed something. She laughed in a soft tone and asked Lu Yixin, who was beside her, "Does Commander Lu know this person?"
"More than knowing."
Lu Yixin whispered as if not minding that she was airing her older sister's dirty laundry. "Ex-boyfriend! And he's the kind who refused to give up after they broke up. Even now, he's still trying to get her back."
Gu Qingjiu was speechless.
As expected of the Commander!
Although romantic relationships were technically not allowed in military schools, they were still hot-blooded university students.
The school usually turned a blind eye to such things, but for the two commanders to have a long-distance relationship when their schools were so far apart was a little strange.
From the looks of it, they didn't seem like the type who would ignore each other for life after their breakup.
The commander of the Information Engineering University appeared to be a gentleman with an aura of a leader.
He looked at the pair in front of him with a knowing, small smile.
At that moment, the sharp-eyed commander looked past Lu Yimei and then looked at Gu Qingjiu. He raised an eyebrow. "Yimei, could that be your school's new member?"
His gaze was focused on Gu Qingjiu.
The other students turned to look at Gu Qingjiu.
Lu Yimei turned to look at Gu Qingjiu. Without hiding, she admitted, "Of course, that's our department's new trump card."
When she spoke of trump, her tone was bold.
Chapter 494: Commander, To Speak Of These Words, Won't Your Conscience Hurt?
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Logically, Gu Qingjiu's abilities were more or less kept in the dark at that point.
But now that Lu Yimei mentioned it, only few people will believe her words.
He smiled and did not take another look just because of Gu Qingjiu's beauty. "For a newcomer to become the department's trump card, what about you?"
The corners of Lu Yimei's lips lifted, smiling schemingly towards Gu Qingjiu.
Lu Yixin chuckled softly. "Sister, you're playing tricks again."
If they didn't believe her words, they would suffer in the competition later.
The video of Gu Qingjiu's competition had yet to spread, and the forum shared amongst the three universities was not something other military schools had access to.
So people who have heard of Gu Qingjiu were quite rare.
Most of them were higher-ups who would hoard the news zealously.
Such a talented sharpshooter. One Yin Ruoyi in the spotlight was enough, so there wasn't a need to reveal her this quickly.
The commander of Information Engineering University was Jiao Yujin, while the sharp-eyed commander was called Pan Shiyuan.
"Yimei, speaking of recruits, I have one here as well. You can get them acquainted with each other."
After speaking, Pan Shiyuan cast a glance back into his team. Right after, a quiet and obedient looking girl walked out.
It shocked people.
Why were most of the talents this year females?
A year for females to rise?
"Hello, I am Yan Hanqi. I joined the Shooting Department of Communications and Transmission University this year. Please take care of me."
After her speech, she even bowed down exaggeratedly.
Her formality caused everyone's eyelids to twitch a little.
Pan Shiyuan let out a hearty laughter. "Don't be too distant. Hanqi has a Japanese father and a Chinese mother. She grew up in Japan, so she's more conscious about formalities. Get used to it."
So she was a mixed blood of Asian descent...
But her Chinese was so fluent and without an accent...
...like she was a native Chinese.
But basic manners was something everyone had. They greeted back, "Hello, Hi."
"Yimei, this recruit of mine hasn't entered for long, but her potential runs deep. I think you guys will have to suffer from a shock tomorrow! We are planning to let her take part in the competition."
Pan Shiyuan's words seemed to be his assertion of dominance.
But it wasn't the kind with ill intentions, more like a scowling kid who was being rebellious.
He was, after all, Lu Yimei's ex-boyfriend.
But when the National Military University of China's team heard that, their expressions were strange.
Lu Yimei couldn't hold back the twitching of her lips. "I get it. My new member will take part tomorrow as well."
After her words, the members behind her couldn't help but snort.
Pan Shiyuan's expression stiffened. "What are you guys laughing about? Are you worried our newcomer won't perform well? Or if we will defeat oldies like you?"
"Of course not!"
Lu Yimei quickly eased the situation. "We didn't mean it that way, don't we have a newcomer taking part as well? I'm just afraid that since they're both newcomers, how will their hearts take it if they do not fare well?"
Members of the Shooting Department of the National Military University of China were speechless.
Commander, won't your conscience hurt from saying that?
Chapter 495: Student Gu, Are You A Senior?
Pan Shiyuan's expression relaxed, and he smiled like a blooming flower. "Of course not. Yimei, you better take a good look. Even if it was National Defense University, we won't fare any worse."
For him to have the audacity to say that, it was because his school's ranking was not bad. He even had the guts to say that in front of the National Military University of China...
He had the guts to do so!
From what he said, he had absolute confidence in Yan Hanqi. Otherwise, he would not have said that.
But Lu Yimei did not believe that another insanely talented person like Gu Qingjiu in the same time frame would be possible.
Otherwise, this world will end up in chaos.
Gu Qingjiu even defeated the National Defense University...
Lu Yimei couldn't bear to tell the truth to Pan Shiyuan.
Information Engineering University, on the other hand, had a much more stable department as compared to the National Military University of China and Communications and Transmission University.
All the while he just smiled along, not saying a single word.
His members were like him, calm and indifferent.
Just from their might, the Information Engineering University was a hiding beast.
Who held great strength!
The first person Gu Qingjiu set her eyes on was this Commander, and she knew he was not a simple person.
His skills were something else. After all, Information Engineering University ranked amongst the top five for military schools.
At this place, the only schools which were at the same level as them were the National Defense University and Haihe Military University.
In other words, this Commander Jiao Yujin was looking at two lower-ranked universities boasting.
But his gentle smile and glance seemed to have swept across Gu Qingjiu as if he noticed something.
And that gaze made its way to Yan Hanqi as well.
Gu Qingjiu observed that girl, too.
She could feel that this girl's skills were decent.
A sort of gut feeling.
Which was something she trusted.
The girl was always smiling cutely.
But somehow, she felt there was a dark, dangerous aura surrounding her.
She was like those Japanese dolls with a cute appearance that held a terrifying lethality beneath it.
At once, Gu Qingjiu felt that tomorrow's competition would be interesting.
She was excited beyond measure and couldn't wait for tomorrow to arrive.
But she wouldn't take part in tomorrow's hunt.
That was Lu Yimei's plan.
If they hunted a lot, they wouldn't be able to finish the food, anyway.
Especially since there were two additional teams now.
After the three schools got to know one another, everyone started turning to rest when the night was dark.
Was it a coincidence? Lu Yixin and Gu Qingjiu had to be in the same dormitory as Yan Hanqi, but it was a relief that Lu Yimei was also there.
Three women make a market for a fair.
Gu Qingjiu wasn't talkative, so she was excluded.
In their dormitory, only Yan Hanqi was from a different school.
Since it was already late, they didn't have the mood to chat after everyone returned to their rooms.
But since they were girls, there were certain unspoken rules.
They had to queue to shower.
Lu Yimei was their Commander, and hence, everyone let her be the first to shower.
Lu Yixin yawned as she waited while Gu Qingjiu's eyelids grew heavy.
Their body clocks were long protesting. Timings were routine in military school, and once broken, it would cause a mess.
However, Yan Hanqi, who was sitting opposite Gu Qingjiu, was full of energy.
After a while, she carefully asked, "Classmate Gu, you're a senior, right?"
Chapter 496: Don't Like to Sit Passively and Await Doom
"Senior?"
Gu Qingjiu froze. Next to her, Lu Yixin spoke on her behalf. "She's not your senior. Qingjiu is a newbie like you."
"I meant, did Classmate Gu receive shooting training before this?"
Yan Hanqi asked cautiously.
Gu Qingjiu and Lu Yixin instantly realized that she was here to sound them out.
Gu Qingjiu shook her head and revealed a faint smile. "No, I trained for a month in the troops before I was transferred to the university. I've had three months of shooting practice ever since."
"Then you're a true newbie like me, Classmate Gu."
Yan Yanqi smiled, revealing the standard eight teeth.
"Yeah, you're both newbies. I'm the only old bird here."
Lu Yixin, too, revealed a toothy grin.
Just then, Lu Yimei came out in casual shorts as she wiped her short hair with a towel.
With her hair wet, she gave off the dashing vibe of a male under the lighting. Heart shapes formed in Lu Yixin's eyes. "Sister, you're so handsome!"
Lu Yimei stuck out her long leg, assuming a posture of kicking her younger sister. "Hurry off to shower. Which one of you goes first?"
"We'll let Hanqi go first,"
Lu Yixin said.
Lu Yimei glanced at Yan Hanqi and nodded. "Sure."
Yan Hanqi, however, waved a hand and said, "I'm fine showering last. You don't have to give in to me, seniors."
She indeed seemed to behave politely like a Japanese, and even the way she addressed them sounded respectful.
"No, no, no. We like to give in to newbies. Go."
With the air of a commander, Lu Yimei curled her lips at Han Hanqi as she said that to her.
Yan Hanqi had no choice but to nod and bring her pajamas to the shower.
When she left, she bowed again. "Thank you, seniors."
After she went in, Lu Yimei held a hand to her forehead. "In all these years of my existence, this is the first time someone bowed so low to me."
"Hahahaha, she has Japanese blood running in her veins. From the plenty of Japanese dramas I've watched, I'm under the impression that all Japanese act like this."
Lu Yixin grinned throughout. Lu Yimei sat down on the bed opposite her and looked towards Gu Qingjiu. "Did she say anything while she was here?"
"No, she merely asked about Qingjiu. I covered things up."
"Covered things up? There's no need for this. Although we don't know much about this newbie, I know Pan Shiyuan very well. He never fights a battle he isn't confident of. Try your best to follow this Yan Hanqi around when she hunts tomorrow. See what her capabilities are like."
Lu Yimei analyzed this matter, then looked towards Gu Qingjiu. "Qingjiu, are you confident about tomorrow's competition?"
"Mm?"
The surprised Gu Qingjiu was about to nod when she heard Lu Yixin's mocking voice. "Sister, if Qingjiu doesn't feel confident, who else dares to feel so?"
"I'm not referring to this."
Lu Yimei cast a disgruntled glance at Lu Yixin. "You are silly."
Lu Yixin was speechless. "..."
"What I meant was, don't produce too absurd a result this time around, Qingjiu. I'm guessing the two military schools are here because they've heard the news. It's one thing for us to produce a sharpshooter that can win glory for our country, but what these military schools place importance on are local competitions such as this. Now that a strong opponent already appeared, they must be eager to test your capabilities."
After all, there were only a few spots for those international competitions. Most of those in China's military schools didn't even have a remote chance of claiming those spots.
Naturally, what they focused more on were their school's reputation and glory.
"But Commander Lu, I don't have control over this."
Gu Qingjiu's eyes narrowed in crescents as she smiled, making her exquisite face appear as delicate and gorgeous as a peach blossom petal.
Chapter 497: Yin Ruoyi Personally Showed Up!
"Unless I get eliminated, I wouldn't sit passively and await doom."
Her objective in participating in the competition was to improve her skills, so she wouldn't play with an overly conservative strategy.
Youngsters were, after all, filled with a drive.
Lu Yimei smiled helplessly. "I knew you would be like this, but I won't stop you. Do it however way you wish."
"But there will be a lot of members eliminated in tomorrow's competition. After all, there are two more participating teams this time."
As they talked, Yan Hanqi came out of the washroom.
"Seniors, I'm done showering."
Like them, she was wearing shorts and an army green T-shirt, and the moment she came out she bowed at Qingjiu and the rest once more.
Gu Qingjiu, who had met a few Japanese in the past, felt it was quite rare for a Japanese to show such absurdly strict etiquette.
Lu Yixin nudged her to make her go into the shower next.
Everyone felt sleepy after showering and weren't in the mood to chat anymore. After lying down on the bed, they fell asleep in no time.
Before the skies brightened the next day, Pan Shiyuan's loud booming voice could be heard from downstairs.
Gu Qingjiu and the rest were startled in the middle of their sleep.
Opposite her, Yan Hanqi rolled out of bed in an instant and speedily got changed.
Lu Yixin rolled around in bed a while more, while Lu Yimei and Gu Qingjiu both got up too.
"Hurry up and gather downstairs."
Lu Yimei called out to Lu Yixin and only then did the latter reluctantly crawled out of bed with a pout.
Though she was already a year-three student, Lu Yimei and Lu Yibin seemed to be quite indulgent of her at most time.
She seemed like someone used to being doted upon.
But not in an annoying way.
After changing their clothes and gathering downstairs, Lu Yimei rolled her eyes. "It's not even six yet. Can't you just let the members rest a little while more?"
"Aiyoh Yimei, are the students from your school all so lazy? The morning air is so fresh. The students from Haihe[Haihe Military University] have already set off and will be here shortly."
"Really? Why didn't Chen Yan inform me?"
"Why should he inform a mere girl?"
"... Pan Shiyuan, you're crazy."
To everyone's surprise, those two commanders started quarreling after exchanging a few words.
The other members were unsure whether to laugh or to cry.
Jiao Yujin had also walked down from the building, and was buttoning up his military uniform in an elegant manner. Seeing this situation, he revealed a gentle and refined smile. "What's the matter, quarreling this early in the morning?"
"Pan Shiyuan is behaving like a mad man!"
Lu Yimei responded. Standing by the side, a hint of rage flashed across Pan Shiyuan's sharp eyes.
He looked aggrieved for some reason as he stared at Lu Yimei.
Gu Qingjiu raised a brow. No wonder Lu Yixin would say that Pan Shiyuan hadn't given up on Lu Yimei.
His aggrieved expression was totally like that of an abandoned husband.
It didn't match that playboy face of his.
Jiao Yujin chuckled but didn't speak. Just then, a voice rang from outside the door. "Huh, you're all awake already. I thought all of you would still be sleeping."
This sounded like the voice of the National Defense University's Commander Yang Guanglin.
Looking up, they saw that it was indeed him.
Commander Yang Guanglin of the National Defense University came over with his members.
Behind him, it was still those same old members, but amongst them, there was one person in the center, who looked like the moon and the stars twinkling were around him.
There was a slight aloofness on his handsome face as his vision swept over these people. There wasn't an ounce of emotion in his eyes.
Everyone in the courtyard, other than Gu Qingjiu and Yan Hanqi, were dumbfounded.
Even Lu Yimei and the other two commanders appeared shocked.
Yin Ruoyi?!
Why did he personally show up?
Chapter 498: NMUC Must Be Feeling Immense Pressure Huh?
Yin Ruoyi?!
Hearing the whispers going on around her, Gu Qingjiu immediately realized who it was.
Even though she had heard of this name before, she didn't bother to look up Yin Ruoyi's information. Surprisingly, she managed to catch a glimpse of him here.
Wasn't it said that he no longer took part in such outdoor activities?
Gu Qingjiu focused her gaze and looked over. This Yin Ruoyi indeed looked quite remarkable—not only was he a genius in shooting, he was blessed with exceptional looks.
His figure was also tall and slim, and he had long legs.
He was many girls' Prince Charming.
He walked over and swept a nonchalant gaze over those present. Then, with some hesitation, his gaze landed on Gu Qingjiu.
His gaze was too obvious that it simply made one understand instantly that Yin Ruoyi was here specifically for Gu Qingjiu.
But Pan Shiyuan didn't get that. He merely stared at Yin Ruoyi and felt perplexed.
This person's level of talent was perverse even among the geniuses, and he had long stopped mixing with them. Why was he here for the activity today?
Surely the National Defense University (NDU) wasn't planning on sending Yin Ruoyi to take part in the competition?
Damn, then there was no point in playing anymore! They might as well surrender now!
Just as he was internally grumbling, Jiao Yujin, who was next to him, asked with a smile, "Big Boss Yin, were you free that's why you came over today? Are you planning to take part?"
Judging from his attitude, he seemed to be on pretty good ties with Yin Ruoyi.
Yin Ruoyi turned his gaze towards Yang Guanglin, his attitude becoming slightly more normal. "Mm, I knew you'd be here so I came by to take a look."
Yang Guanglin wore a very smug smile. "Our Big Boss Yin isn't here to participate in the competition today. He's merely here to see his old friends."
However, he glanced towards Gu Qingjiu as they spoke.
There seemed to be a wariness in his gaze.
Gu Qingjiu seemed not to mind at all that she even met Yang Guanglin's gaze with a smile.
But for some reason, the young lady's peach blossom-like smile made Yang Guanglin's heat up. He quickly looked away.
Thankfully for him, everyone's attention was on Yin Ruoyi and no one saw that.
"I'm surprised a legendary figure like Big Boss Yin is on pretty good ties with you."
As Pan Shiyuan said that, he didn't sound like he was buttering up on Yin Ruoyi. It was clear that he classified Yin Ruoyi to be in a league above others.
It was apparent who among them were loyal to Yin Ruoyi.
Yin Ruoyi raised his chin in a manner that didn't make him seem arrogant, and he greeted Pan Shiyuan, "It's been a long time since we met, Commander.|
"Indeed, indeed. I really never expected to see you this time."
Pan Shiyuan was all smiles. However, he then pointed the arrow head towards Lu Yimei. "Yimei, now that even Big Boss Yin came to view the competition, NMUC[National Military University of China] must be feeling immense pressure huh?"
Lu Yimei was speechless.
Why was this person raising flags[to 'raise a flag' means to make the mentioned, improbable occurrence happen] all the time? She criticized him internally.
Since she couldn't very well retort him in the open, she merely smiled and replied, "Yes yes yes..."
Her perfunctory attitude was quite blatant.
Though initially confused, Yang Guanglin quickly understood what was going on.
Likely, word of Gu Qingjiu's results from the previous competition didn't spread to Pan Yishuan's ears, else he wouldn't be acting like this.
Well, it was good that he had no idea. This way, he could look forward to seeing a few confused faces later.
Just like how he was the last time!
Gloating in his heart, Yang Guanglin didn't bother to correct him.
Yin Ruoyi also cast a few surprised glances at Pan Shiyuan.
But with his identity, he definitely wouldn't take the initiative to bring up such matters.
Chapter 499: The School Whom She Eliminated the Most Players Was NDU
The Shooting Department members of the National Military University of China (NMUC) kept their heads lowered and chuckled to themselves. Those who weren't in the know didn't know why they were behaving like this.
Though baffled, Pan Shiyuan didn't pay particular attention.
Shortly after Yin Ruoyi's arrival, the folks from Haihe Military University arrived as well.
Just like before, the one leading them was Chen Yan.
Chen Yan had no idea Yin Ruoyi would come, for he appeared astonished to see the latter.
He then looked towards Gu Qingjiu, and he had an answer in his heart.
Though Yin Ruoyi and this Jiao Yujin from Information Engineering University were considered friends, they could have met in private.
Yin Ruoyi most probably came because of Gu Qingjiu.
If Yang Guanglin didn't forbid Lu Yimei from letting Gu Qingjiu come last week, Yin Ruoyi might have shown up then.
It was just that since Yin Ruoyi was around, Yang Guanglin couldn't voice out his objection to Gu Qingjiu participating this time.
Or else he would appear too petty a commander. Yin Ruoyi likely wouldn't allow him to do so either.
Although Yin Ruoyi didn't have a position in the shooting department, he was the National Defense University (NDU) Shooting Department members' idol. No one could criticize him.
Moreover with his capabilities, one didn't have the right to criticize him anyway.
The five military schools came together, making for a sizable crowd. After the commander gave instructions, all the members entered the mountain forest and started hunting.
Gu Qingjiu didn't go.
After everyone had gone away, only Gu Qingjiu remained by Lu Yimei's side. Those commanders were quite puzzled to see this.
Those in the know might not find it strange, but Pan Shiyuan found it extremely strange.
"Yimei, why isn't your newbie taking part in the hunting?"
Gu Qingjiu merely stayed by Lu Yimei's side quietly, for she knew the latter would speak on her behalf.
"She's not going."
Lu Yimei couldn't even be bothered to cook up some excuse for Pan Shiyuan.
"Why?"
Pan Shiyuan asked relentlessly, and Lu Yimei continued ignoring him.
The other commanders, like Chen Yan, surrounded Yin Ruoyi and started discussing some problems.
Gu Qingjiu vaguely overheard them discussing this year's international competition.
Because this matter was the most important matter at hand.
After all, this was Yin Ruoyi's first match in the international competition this year.
The few commanders had pretty good ties in private, especially those three in the capital, and they even frequently met up.
Yin Ruoyi didn't put on airs in front of them and merely kept a calm face as he discussed with them.
Only Pan Shiyuan kept pestering Lu Yimei, making all manner of quips and jokes. This, however, made Gu Qingjiu who was standing by the side feel a little awkward.
Though they were exes, this Pan Shiyuan didn't even bother to hide this relationship between them.
Just as she was standing there quietly, Yin Ruoyi looked towards her, sizing her up. "Commander Chen, when your team took part in the competition last time, are you aware of the exact details?"
"Exact details?"
Chen Yan paused slightly, then smiled and replied, "This was all captured on the video, wasn't it? Did you not watch the entire video, Big Boss Yin?"
Even with his high position, Chen Yan had to address Yin Ruoyi as Big Boss Yin.
This was Yin Ruoyi's most widely known nickname.
"I did." Yin Ruoyi frowned slightly. "But after all it was dark, and I've never competed with her before, so I can't be too sure of my assessment in certain areas. I guess you can say I have a 50% understanding of it."
"Even you are saying something like that?"
Chen Yan was astonished. "There weren't many members in our team who sparred with her face-to-face the last time. Looking at the situation, the school whom she eliminated the most players was NDU..."
Before he could even finish his sentence, Yang Guanglin's countenance grew dark.
Chapter 500: Pinning All Hopes on Yin Ruoyi
"Old Chen, what's the matter with you? Why do you keep poking at one's wounds? Ask NMUC [National Defense University]. National Military University of China] to not send her if they dare!"
Hearing this, Chen Yan laughed mercilessly. Though, he did stop talking.
Jiao Yujin appeared in deep thought. "Are you people talking about her?"
He pointed towards Gu Qingjiu slightly with a finger.
Even though it was only a subtle gesture that wasn't obvious, Gu Qingjiu, who was back-facing them, still turned around with a confused look and fixed her gaze upon Jiao Yujin.
Momentarily, Jiao Yujin felt something inexplicable, and he hurriedly retracted his finger with an incredulous look in his eyes.
"Amazing response abilities."
Seeing Gu Qingjiu turn her head back, Yin Ruoyi narrowed his eyes. "She's simply born for the battlefield."
This sentence made Yang Guanglin's jaw drop.
"How... how is she as good as you make her out to be?"
"From the sounds of it, the rumors of NDU[1] being completely wiped out the last time was real?"
Jiao Yujin's words made Yang Guanglin's face and ears flush. "What completely wiped out? You made it sound so awful. It's not like she singlehandedly eliminated our team!"
"She singlehandedly finished off 18 players. Technically speaking you guys were indeed completely wiped out. We were two short of that."
Chen Yan took things easier than Yang Guanglin, for he could still say that with a smile.
Yang Guanglin was seething with anger.
This person was itching for a beating!
Jiao Yujin appeared shocked. "She did that all by herself? Did you guys change your strategy last time, leading to so many of your members getting eliminated?"
The tradition of holding outdoor activities applied to every military school, and they were more or less similar.
When they heard the news, Jiao Yujin's first reaction was that they had changed their strategy to battling as a group.
Or else, one person couldn't eliminate so many people by herself.
It wasn't as if she was Yin Ruoyi!
But unexpectedly, Chen Yan sighed and shook his head. "Nope. If that was the case it's nothing surprising. She indeed killed off 18 players singlehandedly. Although I've watched the video, I still couldn't quite understand how she had that kind of judgment prowess under such a situation. Moreover, she finished those 18 players and one snake off with 20 bullets. Only one of her shots missed."
"Yujin, I've got to admit this world is full of surprises."
He had thought that Yin Ruoyi was the only one with such a perverse amount of talent, and hadn't expected there to appear a second one. But judging from what limited information they had, even Yin Ruoyi back then couldn't quite compare to her...
This was way too scary.
No wonder NMUC had kept this under wraps.
They didn't deliberately manage her in a certain way so that she could have a quiet training environment.
Even the commanding officer that had a conflict with her was transferred away; furthermore, that person came from the Qin family.
"Sounds like..."
Jiao Yujin fell into deep thought. "Since that's the case, wouldn't our country be more confident about our chances in the international competition three years later?"
"Can't be sure about that."
Yin Ruoyi frowned. "That depends on her performance going forward. If she continues to improve, she will clinch a spot in the international competition three years later."
"But we've still got to depend on you this time. Don't worry about other matters, we'll deal with that."
Jiao Yujin patted Yin Ruoyi's shoulder. "Don't be too stressed out about the summer competition."
As Yin Ruoyi's good friend, he was also aware of how many people in the country were pinning their hopes on Yin Ruoyi.