In the evening, Cheng Su discussed trivial household matters with Qi Taiguo.
The conversation started with the Elder Sister and her husband. Recently, the Elder Sister had mentioned to her that Zhang Jisheng was constantly complaining about how tough the renovation work was and they were always arguing.
Cheng Su said, "They say it’s best for outsiders not to meddle in a couple’s affairs, so I didn’t say much."
Qi Taiguo frowned and said, "You did the right thing. It’s their marital issue, and we shouldn’t interfere. By the way, how is your Uncle doing?"
Cheng Su replied, "Uncle hadn’t said much; I think he’s settled down too. Actually, if he does well, he can really go solo in this business in the future. But..."
"What?"
"Uncle mentioned that the Elder Sister’s husband talked back to Dazhi twice!" Cheng Su cautiously said.
Upon hearing this, Qi Taiguo’s expression changed immediately. He sat up on the bed, his lips pursed, and a faint anger began to bubble up.
"Don’t be annoyed, and don’t interfere, to spare the Elder Sister any embarrassment!" Cheng Su immediately said.
"He just doesn’t know how to appreciate opportunities!" Qi Taiguo gritted his teeth.
The job of Zhang Jisheng was something Cheng Su had found for him; though it was tough, the pay was fair, without a penny missing. If one were really committed, there was a chance to set up one’s own renovation team in the future, but Zhang Jisheng?
Seeing him like this, Cheng Su quickly changed the subject and asked about Qi Taiguo’s recent mission—what kind of task it was, where he was going, and whether it would be dangerous.
"Susu, the military has its secrets, and this mission is no different; I can’t discuss the details with you," Qi Taiguo looked at Cheng Su. "However, this mission isn’t too significant; just a few heads of state are coming to a neighboring province for an important conference, and we need to deploy troops for defense, that’s all."
Cheng Su, not fully understanding, asked, "Is it to protect those people?"
Qi Taiguo hesitated for a moment and said, "You could say that."
"But isn’t that what special forces do?"
Qi Taiguo pinched her nose and said, "Each branch of the military has special forces units; we might have them here as well. Enough questions now. Rest assured, the mission won’t take too long. This conference is just ten days, and then I’ll be home."
Cheng Su gave an "oh" and after a while said, "No matter the difficulty of the task, don’t take it lightly. Be more vigilant."
"Are you that afraid I’ll be in danger?" Qi Taiguo raised an eyebrow and asked her.
"Afraid? Of course, I’m afraid—you’re my man. But fear won’t help; it’s your duty, and you can’t just skip it because you’re scared. That wouldn’t be very soldier-like, would it? Whatever you want to do, I will support you, just like you support me. I just hope you’ll be extra careful about dangers and safety! You know you’re not alone."
Qi Taiguo’s gaze deepened. He took her hand and held it, promising, "Okay! I’ll be careful. In the past, when I was alone, I didn’t think too much. Now that I have a family and you, I definitely can’t be as reckless as before!"
Cheng Su brightened her smile, "Then I’ll wait for your return."
She calculated the time, and then said, "When you get back, it will be just around the time of my examination!"
"I will personally take you to the exam hall when the time comes," Qi Taiguo immediately said.
"Great! And since you’re away, I can focus entirely on my revision!"
Qi Taiguo immediately instructed, "Don’t just eat anything for the sake of it; have your meals on time, and rest when you should. It’s important to balance work and rest!"
His tone was strict, but Cheng Su felt a sweet warmth in her heart and playfully scolded, "I know, you fusspot."
Qi Taiguo flipped over and pinned her down: "Dare call me a nag? I’ll have to punish you properly for that!"
Cheng Su let out a tickled laugh, but soon, the sounds from her mouth turned into soft moans and breathy gasps.