Even though she was mentally prepared, when she suddenly heard he was leaving for another place, Cheng Suâs heart couldnât help but tremble, and tears fell without warning.
"Look at you..." Seeing a bead of blood appear on her pricked finger, Qi Taiguo felt a twinge of pain. He took her needle and thread, laid them aside, and took her bleeding finger into his mouth. It was only then that Cheng Su returned to her senses, and Qi Taiguo used his other hand to wipe away her tears. She quickly grabbed two tissues, dabbed her eyes, and said, "Itâs nothing!"
Qi Taiguo released her hand, took a small bag of cotton balls from the drawer on the coffee table, pulled one out, and pressed it to her hand. He said, "When youâre this careless, how can I not worry about you?"
"Then donât go!" Cheng Su blurted out, her tone a bit sharp, like a willful child.
"Susu..." Qi Taiguoâs tone was somewhat soft and helpless.
The two of them looked at each other, both knowing that saying he wouldnât go was impossible.
Cheng Su herself knew that she was just sulking, that she wouldnât really make a fuss about such an important matter.
Having lived together for years, although there were small separations, they were no more than ten days to half a month, the longest being three months. But now, there was no return date, entirely dependent on his own qualifications. If things didnât go well, he might spend his whole life in Zhu City.
Cheng Su wiped her eye corners again with the back of her hand, saying: "I know, you canât not go, I know all that. Iâm just saying, is it not allowed to even say it?"
As she spoke, she sniffed.
Qi Taiguo chuckled: "Youâre already a mother, yet still acting spoiled like a child."
Cheng Su gave him a light punch and pursed her lips.
Mother Cheng, hearing the noise, came out holding the child. Seeing the twoâs posture, she couldnât help but ask, "Whatâs going on?"
"Itâs nothing, Mom. You and Xiao Qi go back to the room, we need to talk." Qi Taiguo said with a smile.
Mother Cheng gave them a puzzled look, then took Qi Xiaoqi, who was staring at them, back to the room.
Once the door closed, Qi Taiguo said, "See, youâve even disturbed Mom."
Cheng Su snorted softly, asking, "Has the document really come down? When are you leaving?"
Qi Taiguo sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and said, "Itâs come down. Iâll be taking up the Regular Camp Position. In the next couple of days, Iâll complete the work handover and then report there."
"So soon?" Cheng Su was taken aback. "Doesnât that mean you donât even have time to have a farewell gathering with your comrades?"
"Weâll have a small farewell gathering in our unit at the canteen." Qi Taiguo replied, "There will be a lot to handle over there as well. Itâll take quite some time to adjust."
Cheng Su naturally understood that whether in the professional or official field, it was like a battlefield, especially in the military. To establish oneself, real ability was needed. In ancient times, generals had to win over the troops, which often took a long period and required true talent!
"I canât bear to be apart from you." Cheng Su leaned in, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Me too." Qi Taiguo gently patted her head and said, "But think about it. A couple of years back, when I went for training, didnât we not see each other for months? Now itâs just a bit longer, and once you graduate next year, weâll be together again."
Cheng Su responded with a hum, but her heart still felt uneasy.
They both understood that a temporary separation was for the future betterment of the family. But when the actual moment of parting arrived, no matter how open-minded they appeared, their hearts were still full of reluctance.