After the start of the school year, Bonnie could clearly feel that the children were under more pressure.
Gu Xuanyi put away his guitar, which he never played in tune. Apart from morning practice, Liu Jiu hardly had time to go to the training ground in the evenings, only going to practice on the afternoon of his rest day.
There are fewer familiar friends now; everyone is moving forward on their own life paths.
The leaves have turned yellow, and the autumn wind is chilly.
After running 3,000 meters, Liu Jiu stretched his muscles and bones. Apart from the carefree little children, it was hard to see any older children on the entire training field.
After the resumption of the college entrance examination, parents hoped their sons would become dragons and their daughters would become phoenixes, all wanting their children to have a bright future and live better lives than they did. Children who used to play and joke around were sent to children's palaces to learn various talents.
Families with better financial means have already started hiring tutors for their children. The more they learn, the higher their chances of getting into university.
When Mu Nanfang came over, he saw Liu Jiu stretching his muscles from afar and felt that he was different from others.
"Mu Nanfang, what are you daydreaming about?"
Liu Jiu also discovered Mu Nanfang, a friend who sparred with her; they had known each other for many years.
"No, it feels like it's been ages since I've seen you."
"You're in your second year of high school! Even though my grades are usually pretty good, I can't let my guard down. The college entrance exam is such a tough bridge to cross."
Liu Jiu has always had a clear understanding of herself. Compared to San Qi and Gu Xuanyi, she's actually not as bright. The fact that she's consistently achieved good grades is the result of her perseverance.
The same knowledge might be mastered by Sanqi in one or two readings, but it might take her three to five readings or even more. Fortunately, her family understands her, doesn't rush her, and doesn't compare her to others, allowing her to relax and focus on her studies.
"It's quite difficult. Every year there are millions of applicants, but only a few hundred thousand are admitted. Liu Jiu, have you decided which university you want to apply to?"
"The Air Force Command Academy."
This has always been Liu Jiu's goal; it's the best school in the Air Force.
"The Air Force? I thought you would choose the same school as Ma Zijun? Do you want to be a pilot?"
Mu Nanfang was very surprised; he had never known that Liu Jiu longed for blue skies and white clouds.
"Yes, I've always wanted to be an excellent air force pilot, to fly fighter jets and defend the airspace of our motherland."
Liu Jiu looked up at the sky above her head; that would be her battlefield from now on.
"That's great. There aren't many female fighter pilots in our country yet. You'll definitely be the best pilot in the future."
Mu Nanfang also looked up at the sky above. Would he have to look up to search for Liu Jiu's shadow from now on?
"Yes, that's what my dad said too. He didn't expect me to want to be a pilot, but he respects my choice, no matter what the future holds."
Liu Jiu knew that compared to other professions, being a pilot was far more dangerous. But what job isn't dangerous? If we didn't do anything because we were afraid of danger, would we still have the peaceful life we enjoy today?
Fifteen-year-old Liu Jiu may not fully understand what sacrifice means, nor has she ever faced death. However, she has been doing morning exercises with her father since she was a child, living in one compound after another, and has had the most contact with soldiers.
Being a soldier had always been her dream.
Mu Nanfang understood the underlying meaning in Liu Jiu's words. His older brother was also a pilot, and as a child of the Air Force compound, how could he not understand the dangers involved?
“I also believe that Liu Jiu will protect herself, knowing that her parents are waiting for her at home, as well as me and her friend.”
Mu Nanfang and Liu Jiu leaned against the railing side by side, looking up at the blue sky, neither of them speaking.
After a while, Liu Jiu waved and left the training ground. Mu Nanfang watched Liu Jiu's back, wondering if Liu Jiu had heard what he said just now, or if he understood what he meant.
He really hadn't expected that Liu Jiu would want to fly a fighter jet, and he felt a mix of emotions.
He turned eighteen, just celebrated his birthday, and is now an adult. He has crossed a stage in his life and is at an age where he needs to bear criminal responsibility. He is no longer a child.
Mu Nanfang glanced at the sky again, then at Liu Jiu's retreating figure, and walked home.
Liu Jiu, who had just left, hadn't really heard Mu Nanfang's words clearly, but his tone had suddenly made her heart race, and she didn't know why. She wondered if there was something wrong with her heart, which meant she couldn't be a pilot anymore.
After a while, she calmed down on her own. She figured her heart wasn't the problem; it was probably Mu Nanfang's that was acting strangely. Liu Jiu scratched her head, deciding to give up and do a set of practice questions.
When Mu Nanfang returned home, he happened to run into his father.
"What's wrong with you? You look so listless."
"Huh? Nothing, just thinking about something."
Mu Nanfang glanced at his father and sighed, "How come I'm going to fall into my father's hands again?"
"What kind of look is that? I get the feeling that you're looking down on me."
Commander Mu is no ordinary person. To become a commander at his age, his acumen must be exceptional.
"Oh dear, you wouldn't understand even if I told you."
"Then just explain until I understand, come in and explain clearly."
Commander Mu also stayed behind; he was determined to get this kid to explain himself today.
Ever since he received his university acceptance letter, he's been simmering with anger, wanting to find a chance to beat that brat up.
Mu Nanfang reluctantly followed his father into the study, sensing that things were not going to end well today.
"Close the door and tell me what happened. What were you doing just now?"
"Nothing much, just went to the army compound."
Mu Nanfang couldn't lie either; none of his brothers, including Mu Jiaojiao, had ever managed to escape their father's eyes.
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