The Gu family’s genetics were not bad.
Yao Yanshen, who took after Great Aunt, had good looks as well.
He was the same handsome city boy like how Gu Qingmo was.
But this older cousin was like her great aunt—he treated the members of the Gu family pretty well, but towards Gu Qingjiu he wasn’t as affectionate.
For Gu Qingmo, it was because he had regarded Gu Qingjiu as his true younger sister that he doted on her, but Yao Yanshen who rarely saw much of Gu Qingjiu didn’t feel as deeply towards her.
He didn’t give much regard to this younger cousin in name.
Even back then, Gu Qingjiu could feel that people like Yao Yanshen liked to interact with pretty girls; wooden girls like Gu Qingjiu didn’t much catch his fancy.
Gu Qingjiu could laugh away the matters of the past now, but she remembered that back then she felt upset for quite some time because Yao Yanshen disliked her.
Perhaps Gu Qingjiu wasn’t used to being repulsed that way.
Because in the past, when Gu Qingjiu tried to speak with Yao Yanshen, the latter would ignore her.
Especially since at that time, he was at a rebellious and carefree age and in his second year in high school.
Because they rarely met, only a few times a year, Gu Qingjiu never told her family about this.
Seeing Yao Yanshen’s shocked reaction, she understood why he was behaving this way.
It’s undeniable that most people are after the visuals only.
When she returned to the living room, her great aunt walked out again.
Seeing Gu Qingjiu, she took the initiative to speak to her, which was pretty rare. “You need to return to the troops after a week, don’t you?”
Gu Qingjiu nodded. “Yes.”
“I heard that one needs to stay in the troops for two years and isn’t allowed to go home.” Gu Shouyan had a thoughtful look on her face. “You sure you’ve decided? It’s not so easy to spend two years in the troops. You can’t even return home once, so you won’t be seeing your family for two years. Even if you can endure it, have you thought about your parents’ feelings?”
There was an indistinct sternness in her voice.
Gu Qingjiu knew her great aunt was reproaching her.
Standing from her younger brother and his wife’s viewpoints, she didn’t wish to see Gu Qingjiu join the military.
Gu Qingjiu kept quiet for several seconds, subtle darkness flashing across her eyes before she raised her head again. She replied, “Great Aunt, I’ve discussed it with my parents. It’s only for just two years.”
If she could enter the advanced training camp, it might be longer than two years.
But she said nothing about that.
Gu Qingjiu gazed at Gu Shouyan, not at all feeling any pressure as they both locked eyes.
There was a resolute look in her gaze.
Gu Shouyan was a senior executive in a foreign company and was a leader who had the effect of making others feel pressured at work.
When she was with the Gu family, she was also the big sister whose words were non-negotiable. When her expression turned cold, there weren’t many people who didn’t fear her.
In the past Gu Qingjiu was afraid of her, too.
But never mind those things she had been through—she already had to put up with the Chief Instructor in the military. Hence, facing her great aunt, she didn’t feel the slightest bit of pressure.
Seeing Gu Qingjiu look straight into her eyes with a resolute gaze, Gu Shouyan’s brow slightly furrowed.
Her lips had just slightly parted, and she was about to speak when Gu Hong interrupted.
“Qingjiu, your great aunt is just saying that out of concern. No need to take her so seriously. Whatever your decision is, you have our support.”
He was clearly helping Gu Qingjiu out of this predicament, and also his way of getting Gu Shouyan to stop talking about it.
Hearing Gu Hong’s words, Gu Qingjiu responded with a ‘yes.’
Next to them, Yao Liguo tried to be a mediator as well.
“The child has her own choice. Stop talking about this. It’s New Year, don’t make everyone unhappy.”