Qi Taiguo returned to the troops and first spoke with Regimental Commander Mai about the mission, detailing the entire process.
"Taiguo, I have heard about it. In this mission, you left the team without permission, although your intentions were good and you indeed captured Zhao Wei. Even though he died, it was not without merit; at least you got that item," Regimental Commander Mai paused and said, "I’ll give you a heads-up here; given that there were casualties among the soldiers, I guess the credit for this mission won’t likely be attributed to you. However, as far as responsibility goes, there shouldn’t be any, since you did find that ’thing’ on Zhao Wei— that’s a merit in itself, at most it would just offset any demerit. So, write a complete report of the material and submit it!"
"Yes!"
"Also, be mentally prepared. The organization might send someone down to talk to you."
Qi Taiguo pursed his lips and nodded.
"Then go back and rest for now; you’ve been away from home for quite some days!" Regimental Commander Mai said with a smile.
Qi Taiguo nodded, closed the door behind him, and then heard the sound of Regimental Commander Mai dialing the phone inside.
As he walked away from the military district building, Qi Taiguo encountered Dong Jun coming towards him.
"Comrade Qi Taiguo, I heard that in this mission, you were eagerly pursuing quick success, disobeyed orders, and left the team on your own accord, leading to a shortage of manpower and casualties among soldiers. I hope you remember this lesson and refrain from reckless behavior, thinking you know best," Dong Jun spoke with the air of a superior officer as he looked down on him.
Qi Taiguo glanced at him indifferently and said, "Deputy Battalion Commander Dong’s lesson is noted."
Dong Jun narrowed his eyes slightly as he passed by Qi Taiguo, paused in his steps, and said, "I thought you would have remembered the lesson, but you still make the same mistakes. It was the same during the war before, and it’s the same now. Comrade Qi Taiguo, when will you learn to think for your comrades? How many must die before you’ll seriously consider your own attitude, thoughts, and control your own actions to prevent needless deaths on our side!"
Qi Taiguo’s face changed slightly, his lips tightened, and the fists at his sides clenched.
"Comrade Qi Taiguo, luck is a thing. If you use too much of it, it will eventually run out. Take care of yourself," Dong Jun patted his shoulder and strode away.
Qi Taiguo stared fiercely at his retreating figure, his clenched fists cracking at the knuckles.
"Commander Qi."
Chiang Qing ran over, saw his upset expression, and looked at Dong Jun, who was walking further away, and asked, "Did Deputy Battalion Commander Dong say something upsetting? Don’t listen to him; he often speaks unpleasantly."
"Doctor Chiang has also been out for many days; you should rest well. I have things to do, I’m going home now!" Qi Taiguo responded off-topic, indifferently, and walked away.
Chiang Qing’s face fell, and her eyebrows furrowed tightly.
So cold, back to square one again!
Qi Taiguo, carrying his bag, returned to his long-missed home, sensing the unique fragrance in the air that belonged to Cheng Su, and his entire tense body relaxed.
He dropped his bag and went straight into the room. The bedclothes were smoothly laid out, and two pillowcases embroidered with magpies perched on branches were on the pillows. On the white pillowcases, there were two long strands of hair, belonging to Cheng Su.
He lay directly on that pillow, grabbed a strand of hair, twisting it around one hand while gripping the blanket with the other, eyes staring at the canopy ceiling, with Regimental Commander Mai’s and Dong Jun’s words echoing in his mind.
When will there be no needless deaths among our own? Dong Jun’s words hit him like a heavy punch to the chest, making it hard for him to breathe, and before his eyes, he seemed to see that bloody scene once again.