Qi Taiguo looked at the person before him, smiling with a rascal’s grin, the stern and cold hardness on his face when he was unconscious was nowhere to be seen—it was completely the look of a scoundrel. Could it be that he really saw the person wrong, just as Cheng Su had said, that having spent his days hunting geese, a goose had finally pecked his eyes?
"Who are you?"
Ning Ge put on a pitiful look, lifted his hands, and said, "Big brother, could you undo the ropes on my hands first? Being tied up like this can lead to poor circulation and cause death! You’re a good man, if you’re going to save someone, save them all the way. Help me get these ropes off first, then we can talk, okay? If I were to kick the bucket because of poor circulation, that would really let down your good intentions of saving me."
"Stop running your mouth—tell me, who are you? How did you end up in that small grove?" Qi Taiguo shouted.
Cheng Su heard the noise and walked over, standing at the doorway and looking over, her gaze meeting that of the young man.
Ning Ge looked away from Cheng Su’s face upon hearing Qi Taiguo’s question and sighed deeply, "It’s a long story..."
According to Ning Ge’s own introduction, his name was Ning Ge, he was from Beijing, and because he loved traveling, he roamed around exploring scenic spots. He particularly enjoyed adventure and was a mountain climbing enthusiast. When he went to Mount Water chestnut in Qing City for an adventure, little did he know he would encounter a few robbers who robbed him.
Being robbed was one thing, but those heartless criminals even wanted to kill him. Of course, Ning Ge wouldn’t have any of it. He struggled and finally escaped from their clutches, running all the way until he saw people. Before he could even cry for help, he passed out.
"What happened next, I don’t know," Ning Ge pursed his lips, "I vaguely remember before I blacked out, a woman kicked me fiercely; I don’t know if I was just confused or what."
As he spoke, he looked towards Cheng Su.
Cheng Su averted her eyes, touched her nose, and looked as if she would never admit that it was her doing.
It really was this woman, Ning Ge’s eyes flickered, and he lowered his head.
"You think I’ll believe what you’re saying?" Qi Taiguo snorted.
"Big brother, if you don’t believe me, you can investigate. It’s not just me saying this, but security’s getting worse by the day. I was dressed decently and got robbed," Ning Ge said with indignant frustration, "I heard people say that Qing City is so peaceful and beautiful, doors are not shut at night, and lost items remain untouched, but it’s all lies. I also heard there are troops stationed in Qing City, but there are still riffraff around. Looks like these soldiers mostly sit around twiddling their thumbs instead of working—they should just capture these robbers and execute them."
Pfft!
Cheng Su couldn’t hold back her laughter, and seeing Qi Taiguo glaring, she quickly coughed and sternly scolded, "Don’t spout nonsense. Soldiers are here to protect the country and handle big issues. These petty crimes aren’t something they should be bothered with. Of course, it’s the police’s job. If soldiers had to go after every robber and thief, then what would the police be there for? If you don’t understand, just keep your mouth shut."
Brother Ning’s eyes twinkled as he smiled ingratiatingly, "Sister-in-law is right, my vision is indeed shallow."
He guessed correctly. The upright figure in front of him was indeed a soldier.
"Big brother, I am truly an upstanding citizen, look, can you..." Ning Ge lifted his bound hands again.
Qi Taiguo’s eyes narrowed, seemingly contemplating something, but he swiftly untied the ropes on Ning Ge’s hands and feet.
Ning Ge breathed a sigh of relief, and just as he was about to stand, Qi Taiguo suddenly shouted, "Susu, get out." Then he reached his hands towards Ning Ge.