CHAPTER 30: CHAPTER 30: REFUSING MARRIAGE

"Grandpa, is that what you think too?" Gu Junming ignored him and looked directly at the old man.

Gu Dongfang didn’t speak, but his eyes showed the same attitude as Gu Zishan’s.

Gu Junming looked at Bai Chuan, "Chairman Bai truly cares about my affairs, I am very grateful." His tone was very sarcastic. Over the years, Bai Chuan’s suppression of him was something he was well aware of, he wasn’t a fool. This time, Bai Chuan probably came to use the birthday celebration as an excuse to cancel his spot abroad.

"This has nothing to do with me, I’m just an outsider here for the birthday feast." Bai Chuan hurriedly waved his hand with a smile, "But Junming, recklessness for credit is undesirable, you’re too conspicuous, which isn’t good. Why not take it slow?"

Gu Junming’s expression was calm, and he said indifferently, "A soldier who doesn’t want to be a general is not a good soldier. I am willing to contribute my blood and passion for my country. I’m about to turn twenty-six, and if I don’t work hard this time, I might face transfer by the end of the year. I don’t want to take off my uniform. I hope grandpa and father understand."

The Gu Family father and son didn’t say anything for a moment, they had been soldiers all their lives, of course, they couldn’t let their son change professions.

Only Bai Shan frowned slightly, "You don’t have to do this necessarily. Actually, there is a civilian position in my artillery regiment, your qualifications and abilities are enough for it..."

"No! Chairman Bai, I appreciate your kindness. I don’t like working in civilian positions, nor do I fear bleeding and sacrifices. I’m a soldier, I can’t just think about my own interests and let others make sacrifices while I live a comfortable life, that’s not what a soldier should do. This time, I was normally admitted through examinations, the selection was fair and just, there wasn’t any backdoor dealings, so there won’t be any gossip. I hope the chairman can rest assured. I will do my utmost to complete my mission!" He saluted Bai Shan.

Gu Dongfang nodded in satisfaction, "Good! Truly worthy of being one of us Gu Family! When I first heard about it, I worried you were taking extremes just for promotion, I misunderstood you. You must work hard and shine for the collective, fearless of sacrifices."

Gu Junming stood up and saluted, "Yes, I will do my best, don’t worry grandpa!"

Gu Zishan didn’t speak either, feeling his son’s words about sacrificing others’ interests were somehow alluding to his own past actions, his face faintly flushed. Bai Chuan saw the father and son were swayed by Gu Junming’s few words, knowing it was pointless to say more, he could only let it go. Although he was smiling, he cursed inwardly, what stubborn and foul stone in the latrine pit! Hopefully, this time fails, so you can taste the harshness of reality.

Gu Junming naturally noticed Bai Chuan’s expression, his face unchanged, wearing a calm expression.

At this moment, Wang Guihua knocked on the door, "Dinner’s ready, Jun Tao is back too."

"Great! It’s rare to have the whole family together." Gu Dongfang, being older, naturally liked the feeling of being surrounded by people.

Gu Junming maintained a calm demeanor, it was hard to discern his feelings towards this younger brother.

The table in the dining room was filled with dishes, with an old man’s favorite braised fish in the center.

When they arrived, Bai Fanglan was setting the table with the help of the nanny, and Gu Juntao was pouring wine into each cup. Gu Junming raised his eyebrows, he hadn’t seen this brother for months, yet he’d gained a lot of weight, seemed his meals were not lacking.

Upon seeing them approaching, Bai Fanglan greeted sweetly, "Happy birthday, grandpa!"

"Good! Lanlan is very virtuous." Gu Dongfang sat down with a cheerful smile.

Gu Juntao greeted his brother, exchanging a few words about army affairs, neither too far nor too close, and then everyone was seated.

The men at the table weren’t much for talking, fortunately, Wang Guihua and Bai Fanglan were chatting to liven up the atmosphere, preventing awkward silences.

Wang Guihua suddenly laughed, "Junming. Is it time to think about settling down now?"

Bai Fanglan’s hand holding the chopsticks tightened, she sneakily glanced in Gu Junming’s direction.

Gu Junming chuckled, "My marriage matters are not urgent for now, you don’t need to worry."

"How can it not be urgent? Twenty-five is old for a young man, isn’t it?" Bai Chuan laughed, "Us old folks are all waiting to attend you young people’s weddings."

After he spoke, everyone laughed.

Bai Fanglan felt grandpa was being too obvious, her face flushed. She shyly glanced at Gu Junming.

Gu Junming laughed, "I’d rather have achievements at work before considering this. Why not have Bai Fanglan’s wedding first? She’s the same age as me, a prime age, her work is good too. I’m sure there’ll be suitable young talents for her."

Gu Junming actually drew a clear line with her directly at the table, speaking so plainly and ruthlessly that everyone was taken aback.

Moreover, Bai Chuan said he was considered old at twenty-five, and he mentioned Bai Fanglan’s age too, that’s a slap in the face, isn’t it? Wang Guihua didn’t show it but thought Gu Junming’s words were quite venomous.

Gu Dongfang didn’t know about these underlying currents, only regretted missing out on marrying Bai Fanglan, but it wasn’t a big deal. Just like himself, future partners would be his parents’ concerns, no need to worry.

Bai Chuan suppressed his inner resentment, laughing as he said, "Back in the day, we didn’t delay marriage even during revolution, but nowadays, the young men and women aren’t in a rush."

"Exactly. The children have grown up, can’t do much about it." Gu Dongfang said regretfully, "Seems we’ll have to wait a while longer for great-grandchildren."

Bai Chuan smiled faintly, but inwardly a fire was blazing. His old face was hard to maintain.

Gu Juntao laughed, "Brother, I thought you were often together... is it really not?"

"Absolutely not." Gu Junming lowered his head, picking food for grandpa, "I am just a soldier, Fanglan is a top student at the military medical university, we differ greatly. Such rumors are too excessive, I will investigate them when I go back."

Wang Guihua furrowed her eyebrows lightly, being just a stepmother, it wasn’t appropriate for her to speak, nor could she comfort Bai Fanglan, after all, it hadn’t been mentioned that Bai Fanglan liked Gu Junming.

Bai Fanglan’s face turned pale, but she quickly smiled and said, "Indeed, I want to find a good partner too, with all these rumors, who dares to pursue me?"

Wang Guihua laughed, "Now people are idle, have some fish." She picked food for Bai Fanglan.

Bai Fanglan ate, but the food tasted like wax, Gu Junming’s words felt like a big slap on her face, all along, everyone thought they were going to be together. She believed that despite Gu Junming’s coldness, it might be due to his character, who would’ve thought he truly didn’t like her!