Cheng Su and Guiying were talking about the men, who were far away in Xiangxi, Wan Dahe, and Qi Taiguo, were also discussing the women at home.
"Platoon leader, do you miss my sister-in-law?" At the quietest time, Wan Dahe and Qi Taiguo, disguised as tree people, were lying in ambush on the route where tomb robbers were expected to appear.
Qi Taiguo glanced at him upon hearing this, "What, missing your wife?"
Wan Dahe scratched his head and gave an awkward, goofy smile, "You know, I do miss her a bit after a few days away."
It was the first time he had left his wife for so long since they got married, naturally he missed her, and he didn’t know if Guiying missed him too.
Qi Taiguo said, "Stop thinking about it, stay alert. Once we catch these people, you can go home and hug your wife!"
How could he not miss her? He and Cheng Su were in the honey-moon phase, even when not on a mission, he could miss her just by eating a meal, thinking of the food she made, her voice, and her smile.
But as much as he missed her, he knew his priorities. During a mission, absolutely no mistakes were allowed, which is why he did not permit himself or his teammates to be distracted or absent-minded.
However, she was so busy, he reckoned she probably didn’t have time to miss him. Thinking of this made Qi Taiguo’s heart sour again; the now independent and strong Cheng Su was someone he loved yet sometimes resented.
Wan Dahe’s expression turned serious and he said, "Understood." After a pause, he asked, "Platoon leader, do you think these people will really show up tonight?"
They had been lying in wait for several days, yet they had not seen a single tomb robber, and they didn’t know if those people had got wind of something or what, but they stubbornly had not shown up.
Indeed cunning as weasels!
Qi Taiguo’s expression also turned grim; the longer a mission dragged on, the more disadvantageous it was for them. It was like ancient warfare, when the battle was prolonged, it was a contest of morale and resources. Could a victory be won if morale was low?
And if these people continued hiding, Qi Taiguo and his men couldn’t wait indefinitely; after all, as soldiers, they weren’t born just for one mission.
Thus, a quick battle and a quick decision was the best. However, stubbornly, these people remained unseen.
"We have confirmed that past this mountain range, there is an ancient tomb of a Han Dynasty noble. As the saying goes, a thief never comes for nothing; they are bound to take something from here," Qi Taiguo whispered.
Wan Dahe pursed his lips and said, "These people, they deserve to be executed by firing squad, these are all national historical artifacts."
Qi Taiguo hummed lightly, his face stern, "Tomb robbers only care about their own interests, never the collective welfare of the nation or the people, which is unforgivable. What’s more unforgivable is that they don’t hesitate to kill for their own benefit. That is unforgivable."
Thinking of those families who had lost loved ones, all with the elderly and young to care for, and one man’s wife who was still pregnant, losing their main support was like losing the sky itself—how desolate.
"I must bring them to justice, make them kneel down and atone for their crimes," the young man said fervently, gritting his teeth.
Qi Taiguo nodded and refocused his gaze ahead.
Time ticked away, and the mosquitoes had already bitten several welts on both of their faces. Until the sky brightened considerably, not a single shadow of a person was seen.
Qi Taiguo’s face darkened, watching the rising sun, which meant that another day’s time had been wasted and they must change the strategy.
"Let’s go. Back," Qi Taiguo stood up, signaling to Wan Dahe.