Over in Guicheng, the severely injured Qi Taiguo managed to hold on, but since the injury was to his back and he was close to the explosion, his internal organs were also a bit shaken, making it hard to move him, so he could only recuperate quietly.
But with the injury on his back, he could only lie prone. Upon waking, he started coughing violently due to the lung injury.
Cheng Jiasheng woke up with a start and quickly walked over. "Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, youâre awake?"
Qi Taiguo was in a lot of discomfort, yet he was still concerned about Ning Ge. "How is Ning Ge?"
"Heâs well, Ning Le is keeping watch over him," Cheng Jiasheng replied. "Would you like some water?"
Qi Taiguo nodded, feeling a tickle in his throat.
Cheng Jiasheng took a water cup from the side, inserted a straw, and let him sip a couple of mouthfuls, then said, "Drink slowly, donât choke, itâs uncomfortable!"
Qi Taiguo drank a little and stopped, then asked, "How is the mission? Is it wrapped up? How long was I unconscious?"
"Youâve been unconscious for two days. The mission was successfully completed. Battalion Commander Jiang is writing a report, and I heard over in Guangcheng, they managed to seize a shipment meant to cross the border, packed with firearms and ammunition," Cheng Jiasheng said excitedly.
Qi Taiguoâs lips curled up. "Not bad, your first time on a mission, and youâve merited some credit."
"Youâre too kind, Deputy Battalion Commander!" Cheng Jiasheng stood tall.
"Youâre doing well, steady enough, strong in reconnaissance. Keep honing your skills, and someday aim for a major general position!" Qi Taiguo said, then started coughing again.
"Perhaps you shouldnât speak? Iâll go get a doctor to check on you!" Cheng Jiasheng quickly suggested.
Qi Taiguo also felt extremely fatigued, his eyes half-closed.
Cheng Jiasheng left the room, and soon there was movement at the door, followed by someone coughing.
Qi Taiguo thought he returned and looked over, but it was Ning Ge, sitting in a wheelchair, pushed in by Ning Le.
His face was pale, with an IV in his hand, looking much thinner. Qi Taiguo wanted to get up, but Ning Geâs dry, pale lips said, "Donât bother, just lie down."
The voice was hoarse, the demeanor frail, the smile weak, yet the eyes remained bright and clear.
"Indeed, Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, itâs great youâre awake!" Ning Le said with a smile, pushing Ning Ge to Qi Taiguoâs bedside, then checking the nearly depleted IV drip that needed changing.
He stepped outside, leaving the space for the two to talk.
Qi Taiguo extended his hand, forming a fist. Ning Ge understood and gently touched it with his own.
"Look at us now, donât we seem like a pair of woeful brothers?" Qi Taiguo managed a smile.
"Quite a fitting description," Ning Ge also smiled.
The two exchanged a look, suddenly and simultaneously whispering thanks.
"Thanks for what?" Qi Taiguo asked.
"Thank you for saving Ning Le. Without your stepping in for him, he might not even be luckier to be lying here on this hospital bed," Ning Ge replied.
Qi Taiguo said, "Thereâs nothing to thank me for. Heâs my soldier. Taking them out, I naturally have to bring them back! But as for you, I need to thank you. If it wasnât for striking the Loo Family and Jiang Conghe, you wouldnât have to endure such hardship. How have you managed these past days?"
He looked at the bandages wrapped around his hospital attire, feeling a pang of sympathy. Had he been just a step or two late...
"This wasnât for you, it was for the country!" Ning Ge said, "In our line of work, we have to be prepared to sacrifice for the nation at any moment."
Qi Taiguo nodded, "Now, it seems like dawn has come."
"Yeah!" Ning Ge sighed, "Finally, weâve taken down the big tiger!"
The two shared a glance, a burden-lifting smile appearing on their faces.
"Itâs a shame that us woeful brothers look like this now, otherwise Iâd really go for a bottle!"
"Once weâre better, wonât we get the chance? Donât come back until weâre drunk!"
"Itâs a deal!"