That evening, Qi Taiguo dined with the main troops. Just halfway through, someone called him away, but no one knew who it was.
The person picking up Qi Taiguo came in a military vehicle, which inevitably sparked discussions among onlookers. Even Qiu Dahai, who came along, quietly asked Gao Linbing who the person was.
Gao Linbing said, "Donât ask. Some things weâre not supposed to know, just pretend you donât know." He vaguely guessed who it was but didnât say more, only feeling a bit envious.
Seeing Gao Linbing remain silent, Qiu Dahai stopped asking.
Qi Taiguo was taken to a large residence in a military district; it was the Ning Familyâs home.
Entering the mansion, he met Old Master Ning and Ning Gang, quickly snapping to attention and saluting them: "Greetings, Old Chief! Greetings, Chief!"
"Alright, no need for formalities. I heard youâre here for training. We havenât seen you in a while, so I called you over for a cup of tea. Have you eaten?" Old Master Ning asked with a smile.
"Reporting to the Old Chief, Iâve eaten!" Qi Taiguo replied immediately.
"Alright then, come and sit!" Old Master Ning gestured towards the sofa.
Ning Gang gave him a glance and also sat down.
Qi Taiguo was a bit tense but sat down, legs together, back straight.
"Weâre all family here, no need to be so tense. Speak freely." Old Master Ning chuckled as he observed.
Qi Taiguo acknowledged but continued to sit upright, slightly facing the Old Master.
Ning Gang nodded subtly, acknowledging his manners.
"Do you have confidence in the upcoming training?" The Old Master asked first.
"Reporting to the Old Chief, I am confident." Qi Taiguo replied immediately.
"Alright, no need to be so formal all the time." Ning Gang noted his consistent deference. He then changed his tone: "Donât be overly confident in what you say. This training is an elite officer training session, the best of the best. Itâs much harder than any previous training or leading experience youâve had, with potential life risks."
"Chief, Iâm aware of all that." Qi Taiguo looked at him, speaking neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "But Iâm not afraid."
Ning Gang sneered, "Itâs not about whether youâre afraid or not, itâs about whether youâre capable enough."
"If the Chief didnât think I was capable, I wouldnât have been recommended to join the training, right?" Qi Taiguo retorted.
Ning Gang was momentarily speechless. What a kid, he knows how to counter!
"Therefore, not to disappoint the Chiefâs support and guidance, even if I lack the ability, I must become capable and not let the Chief down," Qi Taiguo added.
Ning Gang let out a snort, "Donât overestimate yourself. This training prioritizes ability, but if youâre too self-centered, no matter how capable, you canât avoid otherâs hidden pitfalls."
Qi Taiguoâs expression turned serious, his eyes emitting a sharp light: "I understand what you mean, Chief."
Ning Gang noticed his determination and said nothing further.
"The Chief is right, vigilance is necessary, but donât become like a startled bird, overly constrained. Taiguo, youâre one of the rare promising talents Iâve seen in recent years. The country needs upright seedlings like you. I hope you wonât let the country down," Old Master Ning chimed in.
Qi Taiguo felt a surge of righteous fervor, and with a composed and resolute expression, he said: "I will devote myself to the country with all my heart, willing to sacrifice my life for it. I will never let you down, Old Chief."
"Good! Then this old man will be waiting to see your performance!" Old Master Ning laughed heartily.