Cheng Su had guessed wrong this time; Hualing was far from feeling at ease. Her heart had clenched when she heard that Chen Shouwang had proactively secured a spot on this mission.
In Hualingâs heart, she was extremely conflicted: she wished for Chen Shouwang to be filled with military honors and to get promoted, but she didnât want him to be involved in danger. Hence, when she heard he was going on a mission, she was both shocked and scared.
"What kind of mission is this? Is it dangerous? Will it be very difficult? Are you confident? How long will it take?"
Hualing buzzed around Chen Shouwang incessantly, until he felt dizzy, and said, "Hey, stop circling, youâre making me dizzy."
Hualing plopped down next to him, grasping his hand and said, "Then donât go, I always feel itâs dangerous, Iâm scared."
Chen Shouwang was somewhat displeased and frowned, "Whatâs gotten into you? Iâve told you before that when there is a mission, I would volunteer to go for the military honors, and you said you would support me."
Hualingâs expression turned sour, "Look at you, am I not just worried about you? You are unappreciative."
"I know, but what mission comes without risks? Donât worry, I wonât come back empty-handed," Chen Shouwang said, a strong will flashing in his eyes.
Hualing was still not reassured and said, "Just listen to me, donât always rush to the front. Since youâve been assigned, just go, but stay behind, make sure youâre safe. As long as you come back safely, you wonât miss out on any creditâI have my dadâs support. Do you hear me?"
Chen Shouwang felt all sorts of unpleasant emotions inside upon hearing this; she made it sound like he was good for nothing, just following behind others to pick up credit. What was the point of that? But he didnât want to argue and upset her, so he replied, "I got it!"
Hualing was somewhat satisfied, paused for a moment, and then asked, "Qi Taiguo is going, too?"
Chen Shouwang nodded, which was another thing he felt indignant about. Heâd heard that Qi Taiguo was personally chosen by a superior for support, indicating that someone higher up valued Qi Taiguo.
Thinking about this made him feel a pang of jealousy.
"Qi Taiguo, heâs never absent from a mission, hogging all the military credits for himself," Hualing clicked her tongue and offered her advice, "Old Chen, since Qi Taiguo is going, just stick with him."
Chen Shouwangâs face changed, as he glared at her, "What do you mean by that?"
Hualing rolled her eyes and said, "Qi Taiguo, with his many missions, when has he not returned with military credit? His combat experience is vast. By following him, you not only ensure your own safety, but you also can claim military credit. Itâs a win-win situation."
Her remarks implied that Qi Taiguo had experience and strength, and that he himself should just follow behind and take advantage. Wasnât she just looking down on him?
"Who says that? During the Vietnam War, if it werenât for Zheng Guixiang taking that stray shot for him, would he be where he is today?" Chen Shouwang retorted, unconvinced.
Hualing was taken aback, "Which Zheng Guixiang?"
Chen Shouwang waved it off, "Never mind, letâs drop it. Pack a few clothes for me, Iâm going out for a walk."
Without waiting for Hualing to respond, he pushed open the door and left.
Chen Shouwang didnât go far, merely strolled around the vicinity. After some thought, he went to the military district and made a call in the communications room.
"Hello. This is Chen Shouwang." Once through, he stated his name and said, "Nothing much, Iâll be going on a mission tomorrow?"
There was a pause on the other end, "Oh."
"Nothing, just wanted to let you know. Iâm hanging up if thereâs nothing else!" Chen Shouwang felt restless and wanted to end the call.
"Wait a minute." The person on the other end hesitated for a while, "Big Brother Chen, please be careful. I wish you a triumphant return."
The line clicked off, but a smile curled at the corners of Chen Shouwangâs mouth.