Page 510

The early morning found Lin Mi already in his car, waiting outside.

He had been waiting for half an hour.

Normally, Quan Shaoqing would have been up by now.

But this morning, it was already close to eight o’clock.

He sat in the living room, where Quan Gui and Song Xu were playing with Quan Mo.

The two elders seemed to be in a rather good mood.

Quan Mo, just like Lin Mi, noticed that Gu Xiaoxi and Quan Shaoqing hadn’t yet gotten out of bed.

Looking anxiously at his grandparents, he asked, "Can I go call Mommy to come eat?"

"Be good! Mommy hardly gets to rest, let her sleep a bit longer," Song Xu said with a beaming smile.

Upon hearing this, Lin Mi glanced at his watch and understood.

He probably couldn’t wait any longer; otherwise, he would be punished.

"Uncle, Auntie, once the superior officer wakes up, tell him I’ll be waiting in my office," Lin Mi said, about to turn and leave.

Song Xu hurried over, "Have breakfast before you go. Look, I’ve made it already."

"No need. Mr. President’s car has just left. Tell the superior officer that I’ll be waiting in my office," Lin Mi said and strode out.

At that moment, in the bedroom,

Gu Xiaoxi had her face flushed as she hurriedly put on her clothes.

Quan Shaoqing was leisurely fastening his buttons, the corners of his mouth curling into a pleased smile.

Although it was faint, for someone who rarely smiled like him, it was especially precious.

Gu Xiaoxi, in a rush, put on a shirt and long pants, turning to head out but was pulled back by Quan Shaoqing.

"Wait a second, help me tie my tie!" he said, tossing the tie into her hands as he stood there.

Gu Xiaoxi’s cheeks blazed red, this man shone with the slightest bit of sunlight.

Still, she gently walked up to him, stood on tiptoe, and slipped the tie around his neck.

In the past, when they were in the military and had meetings or major events, they would also wear ties.

So, she was quite skilled at it.

Soon, she had his tie neatly tied. She helped him get organized, straightening his clothes.

Quan Shaoqing watched her deft movements, his large hand gripping hers, and said with a light smile, "I didn’t realize you were so handy."

Gu Xiaoxi glared at him, "Are we done? Can I go now?"

But Quan Shaoqing cupped her face, gazed into her autumn-water-like eyes, and gently kissed her forehead, "Come back early. If you miss me, you can call me."

His cool lips on her forehead felt like a feather had brushed across her heart, rippling with a melody of happiness.

She nodded at him, "I’ll go now! I’ll come back once I’m stronger."

Quan Shaoqing gave her a hug and then walked away without looking back.

He feared that if he turned around, he wouldn’t bear to leave, and wouldn’t bear to see her go either.

Gu Xiaoxi watched his tall figure, the white edges of his shirt fluttering. His features became even more exquisite, oozing charm, even just his silhouette was incredibly handsome and captivating.

The moment the door closed, he completely disappeared from her sight.

Gu Xiaoxi held her face in her hands, rolled around on the big bed, feeling an indescribable happiness in her heart.

She was someone easily satisfied, even without a wedding, without a marriage certificate, knowing he was willing for her to wait was enough to fill her with contentment.

*

Gu Xiaoxi returned to her room, changed into a fashionable black and white striped shirt, pulled on trendy, tight long pants, draped a black trench coat over her shoulders, picked up her bag, and descended from upstairs.

Her long, silky black hair flowed smoothly; at this moment, there was none of the heroic bearing of a military uniform, but rather an indescribable feminine allurement and elegance.

She approached Quan Gui and Song Xu, who were sitting on the sofa, and respectfully bowed, "Dad, Mom, I’m leaving now."

"You’re leaving so soon? It’s only ten o’clock," Song Xu immediately rose to her feet, Quan Shaoqing had just left a short while ago.

And now she was departing too.

Quan Mo also hurried over, clutching Gu Xiaoxi’s hand, his expression full of reluctance, "Mommy, can you play with me a bit longer?"

Gu Xiaoxi touched his cheek with her hand, shaking her head, "I have a flight at eleven thirty; I need to hurry."

"You’re in such a rush! I even had the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes," Song Xu said with sadness in her heart. With Gu Xiaoxi leaving now, who knew when she would return.

But Gu Xiaoxi hugged Song Xu with a cheery smile, "Mom, I’m not leaving forever. There’s no need for you guys to see me off. I’m going to find Jing Haoran, he’ll leave with me."

Quan Mo pouted her little mouth, seeing that she couldn’t keep Gu Xiaoxi any longer, she hurriedly followed her, "Mommy, I’ll wait for you to come back."

Gu Xiaoxi bent down and kissed the little girl’s forehead, then waved goodbye to her family.

Before stepping out, she put on her sunglasses and strode away.

Moreover, she had decided that she would not return unless there was a major event at the Military Department or she was assigned a mission.

Since it was their own trial, how could half a month be enough?

Just as Gu Xiaoxi stepped out, Jing Haoran also came out of the room, carrying a suitcase in his hand.

Upon seeing Gu Xiaoxi, he immediately widened his eyes and ran over with hearts in his eyes, "Hi beautiful! What’s your name, can we get to know each other?"

Gu Xiaoxi felt a twitch in the corner of her mouth, and slapped her palm onto his shoulder, "Pick up your suitcase and get in the car, or we’ll be late for the flight."

Hearing the familiar voice, Jing Haoran twitched the corner of his mouth, "It took me so long to realize it’s you, I thought you were some beauty. But I must say, Fairy Sister, you’re getting prettier and prettier."

Gu Xiaoxi’s head was full of black lines; this guy was too good at bootlicking.

...

Standing at the international airport, Gu Xiaoxi glanced at the city behind her. She silently said goodbye to Young Master Quan in her heart.

"Gu Xiaoxi, what are you doing? Hurry up! We’ll miss the flight if we’re any later," Jing Haoran urged.

"Coming." Gu Xiaoxi, holding her ticket, walked briskly into the bustling airport.

Jing Haoran watched Gu Xiaoxi’s profile and couldn’t help admitting that Gu Xiaoxi, out of her military uniform, really was breathtakingly beautiful.

Her features were delicate, her figure stunning, her hair flowing. Especially a pair of eyes like autumn waters, always memorable.

Jing Haoran casually placed a hand on Gu Xiaoxi’s shoulder and sighed, "If it weren’t for the fact that you’re Shaoqing’s wife, I’d make it my life’s mission to win you over."

Gu Xiaoxi slapped his hand away and chided angrily, "Get off! You’re here to experience the world with me. Keep messing around, and I’ll punch you."

"Hey, I’m speaking the truth," protested Jing Haoran unwillingly.

Gu Xiaoxi turned and glanced at Jing Haoran, whose features had lost their youthful naivety, his brows thick and eyes lively.

Luckily, he had grown up a lot over this past year.

Gu Xiaoxi couldn’t help but sigh solemnly, "You haven’t met your true love yet. When you do, you’ll understand what it truly means to like someone."

Jing Haoran lifted his face and snorted coldly, "Unless she’s prettier than you, I won’t be interested."

"Looks are just skin deep; don’t be so shallow, alright!" said Gu Xiaoxi, exasperated.

"Don’t accuse me of being shallow. Shaoqing is the same; if you were an ugly creature, she definitely wouldn’t like you," Jing Haoran retorted, unconvinced.

Gu Xiaoxi was immediately choked up, glaring at Jing Haoran, really wanting to crack open his skull to see what was stuffed inside.

The two of them, joking and laughing, boarded the plane.

This was a flight to Texas.

Gu Xiaoxi’s first stop was planned to be a visit to Su San.

Of course, finding Ya was also the first important thing she had to do.

When Gu Xiaoxi left, she didn’t bring much money. The checks that Quan Shaoqing had given her, she had placed them all on his nightstand.

She could totally support herself, not to mention that she didn’t need such a luxurious life.

Her goal was simple: to grow stronger, to have friends and a lover, even if it meant living off the land, she would be happy.

So, she booked an economy class ticket.

"Gu Xiaoxi, are we that poor? Can’t you book better seats?" Jing Haoran felt highly dissatisfied with the cramped economy class.

After thinking for a moment, Gu Xiaoxi bluntly said, "I brought seventy thousand US dollars, which was from the last mission’s allocation. I think there will be bigger expenses later on, so we need to save."

Upon hearing this, Jing Haoran suddenly cried out, "You penny-pincher, with all the money Quan Shaoqing has, you only brought this much? We still need to stay in hotels, buy equipment, and of course, buy weapons on the spot. Did you think missions don’t cost anything?!"

Gu Xiaoxi dug in her ear and nestled into the seat, speaking indifferently, "Don’t you have money?"

"Please, sister, my parents are strict with money, I’ve only got a little living allowance, which is the bonus I got last time from the mission with you," Jing Haoran felt like crying.

Young Master Quan had called him in the middle of the night, asking him to accompany Gu Xiaoxi on a trip far away for experience.

He had initially thought that going out with Gu Xiaoxi meant enjoying a vacation, sightseeing, and having fun.

Now, with so little money on hand, they could only last for just over ten days.

If they purchased any decent weapons, they’d instantly be broke.

Oh, the agony!

Jing Haoran felt life was so hard!

He shouldn’t have agreed to Young Master Quan’s request, tricked by Gu Xiaoxi into coming.