The two of them opened up and felt relieved; Qi Taiguo felt the burden of guilt from many years was lifted, and as for Cheng Su, her doubts were resolved.
Just as she expected, Qi Taiguo did not lie to her, her trust was justified, and he did not let her down.
The two of them agreed to find a time to visit Little Yuâs family and then shifted the topic back to the matter of the separatists. Cheng Su talked again about the recent security situation, the incident of someone from the compound being robbed, and the murder and robbery of her classmate.
Qi Taiguo frowned and said, "Security is indeed worse than before. You need to be more careful when going out. If you encounter such a situation, donât worry about money or valuables, just focus on protecting yourself."
Cheng Su nodded. She of course knew that money and possessions were superficial compared to life itself; she was merely sighing.
"Did Chiang Qing and the others leave?" Cheng Su asked.
Qi Taiguo replied, "Theyâre still in the hospital. After something like this, shouldnât they have left by now?" After all, there are people like Secretary Gao among them, such cautious people wouldnât stay longer than necessary.
But Qi Taiguo didnât expect there was indeed someone who clung on and didnât leave.
When he heard his direct superior, the battalion commander, say they were going to visit Secretary Gao and the injured Chiang Qing, Qi Taiguoâs face turned pale.
"Battalion commander He, we havenât had much interaction with Secretary Gao and the others. Do we really need to visit?" Qi Taiguoâs face showed clear displeasure: "Besides, werenât they supposed to leave?"
He had been in the military for so long and never imagined needing to visit and comfort the fellow compatriots rescued from hostage situations.
"As the chief commander of this mission, and since the injured target of the rescue is Commander Chiangâs daughter, reason and feeling both dictate you should visit them," battalion commander He looked at Qi Taiguo and said. "Comrade Qi Taiguo, I know you dislike such social obligations, but sometimes, being stubborn isnât a good thing; knowing when to adapt is important. After all, thereâs an old saying of a close tie between the military and the civilians!"
Qi Taiguo was aware of this but had no intention of expressing goodwill to the whole Chiang Family.
"Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, this visit also represents our militaryâs stance," Dong Jun said from the side.
Qi Taiguo gave him a cold look.
Dong Jun felt uneasy meeting his eyes and looked away. He wouldnât admit that the visit was his idea.
Of course, it was all just a coincidence that he and Chiang Qing clicked so well.
Since the superior decided, even the regiment commander thought it was necessary to go, Qi Taiguo couldnât reasonably refuse, so with a sullen face, he accompanied the group to the hospital.
Chiang Qing was a bit excited. She had already received the news from Dong Jun that Qi Taiguo and the others would definitely come to visit.
Nice, Dong Jun truly was competent.
Her eyes flickered, her mind racing with thoughts on how to retain them, and suddenly, she had an idea.
"How are you feeling today, Xiao Qing?" Secretary Gao pushed the door open and entered.
Chiang Qing forced a smile, feigning weakness, and said, "My headâs still spinning, and I feel weak. I had nightmares last night, always dreaming of that moment when the separatist lunged at me with a knife. Secretary, do you think that even though these people were caught, there might be others seeking revenge who would come to kill me?"
Secretary Gao frowned, "Donât let your imagination run wild. Weâll leave tomorrow, and once weâre back in the Capital, everything will be fine."
"But Iâm still scared," Chiang Qing sniffled, "there are so many people coming and going in this hospital; it would be nice to have someone for protection."
Secretary Gaoâs face grew serious as he contemplated.