Chapter 670: 697: Responsibility

Chapter 670: Chapter 697: Responsibility

“President,” we awaited rescue, but only Captain Xu and Chen Yingjie broke through to shield our retreat from the encirclement. Before separating, we reached the rendezvous point using the coordinates he provided. After waiting approximately half a day, others also arrived successively.

The last group to return was Captain Xu, and his first words were that the remaining thirty-eight had been forever lost in this snow. He urged us not to wait any longer and to retreat immediately. We had just boarded the plane when suddenly a team of hired soldiers burst forth. To cover our escape, not one of them got on the plane.”

The situation was dire, and had no one stayed behind to cover us, then none of us would have made it out. Originally, nobody agreed with Xu Qigang staying behind, as regulations dictate that the highest ranked should command. However, Xu Qigang’s words stopped everyone in their tracks.

He said, ‘Only if he stayed behind could more people survive.’

Compared to Xu Qigang, Shen Jianguo felt inferior for the first time in his life.

Shen Jianguo’s feelings reflected those of all the survivors, and this was all documented in the report, leaving every leader present utterly shocked.

Su Jiang looked at the complex expressions on everyone’s faces and couldn’t help but sneer.

Idiots, bastards! Aware of the importance, yet failing to cherish it. If he hadn’t prepared in advance, Xu Qigang might have ended up like Meng Fan. Such an outstanding commander sacrificed so easily. His life’s value far exceeded his loss.

“Alright, you’ve worked hard. Go rest.”

“Thank you!”

After Shen Jianguo and his team left, the conference room instantly erupted into intense debate. Most argued for immediate rescue, while a small faction advocated for continuing the mission.

The core data was crucial and had to be secured as soon as possible.

“Su Jiang, what do you think?” Hai Yuntian looked at Su Jiang, and as he spoke, everyone else fell silent, warily watching him.

“Looking at what?” Su Jiang stood up from his seat, “Is this the attitude you should have for a rescue? Expecting you lot to come to a decision, the man would be long dead by now.”

“Could he die that easily?” Hai Shuangjie said coldly and sarcastically, “Xu Qigang is the king of our Northern District, not some green rookie.”

“Just is…”

“You’re right.” The others joined in regardless of whether it made sense, rallying together as if that couldn’t be wrong.

“Who says we’re not in a hurry? We’re more anxious than anyone, but what’s with your urgency?”

Su Jiang sneered, “He’s my old subordinate; of course, I’m worried.”

“I doubt that,” someone whispered, casting a glance at Shen Yu, and daring to confront Su Jiang, “It’s because he’s your niece’s husband that you’re so nervous, isn’t it?”

Su Jiang was furious, wanting to curse the man out, trying to sling mud at Xu Qigang, implying nepotism, which was utterly despicable. “Sick in the head, save him or not, it’s up to you.”

With that, he kicked the table over and left without giving face to Hai Yunfeng or Meng Xingzhi.

Shen Feihu, who had been silent, also stood up angrily, glaring at the person who had just spoken, bellowing: “I think you’re just a mad dog, biting for no reason. Xu Qigang is a rescue hero who risked his own life to save others, and you’re attaching this scandal to him? Are you out of your mind?” He imitated Su Jiang’s actions, kicked the chair over and stormed out.

The person who was scolded turned blue, having not expected his words to openly disparage Xu Qigang. They just slipped out in the heat of discussion.

The conference room fell silent. No one expected that Su Jiang and Shen Feihu would be angered into leaving. But on second thought, it wasn’t out of character for these two, known for their bold influence.

After all, it wasn’t the first time they had caused a ruckus.

Hai Yunfeng suddenly stood up, and before anyone could react, he slammed his hand on the table, creating a loud bang.

“Look at yourselves, sitting here as if it still makes sense. This is your meeting, Meng Xingzhi. Look at your people… what sort of material they are made of; I’m worried for you.”

Meng Xingzhi’s face was iron blue. He was about to blow up when Hai Yunfeng’s next words sent chills down his spine.

“Do you want Meng Fan’s incident to happen all over again?”

“I’m sorry, it was our inadequate planning, our intelligence wasn’t precise enough.”

“I think there are those among us who deliberately delayed,” Hai Yunfeng hinted at an undefined individual, causing displeasure to ripple across the faces of those present.

Even if they were lent the courage, they wouldn’t dare to be accused of delaying on purpose.

Meng Xingzhi, with a face iron blue, said: “When I arrived, the leaders had given the order; we must ensure the safe return of the ten-person team, and if any issues arose, everyone here would be held accountable.”

“Yes! We will do our utmost. Arrange the next batch of rescuers.”

“It’s too late!” Meng Xingzhi pointed at the door that had just closed, “Forget further rescue discussions; as for the mission, that’s on hold too.”

“And the man?”

“What about him? Of course, hand him over to the Southern District,” Meng Xingzhi said irritably: “It’s you who generously gave away the opportunity. Do you think Su Jiang came these past days just to take care of personal matters?”

A bunch of idiots, schemed against and they’re still clueless. He had exited with Su Jiang directly from the number one leader’s side, having made a bet already. If their rescue effort was slack, they would pass the task and rescue over to the Southern District.

Hai Yuntian was the witness at that time.