That evening, Qi Taiguo dined with the main troops. Just halfway through, someone called him away, but no one knew who it was.
The person picking up Qi Taiguo came in a military vehicle, which inevitably sparked discussions among onlookers. Even Qiu Dahai, who came along, quietly asked Gao Linbing who the person was.
Gao Linbing said, "Don’t ask. Some things we’re not supposed to know, just pretend you don’t know." He vaguely guessed who it was but didn’t say more, only feeling a bit envious.
Seeing Gao Linbing remain silent, Qiu Dahai stopped asking.
Qi Taiguo was taken to a large residence in a military district; it was the Ning Family’s home.
Entering the mansion, he met Old Master Ning and Ning Gang, quickly snapping to attention and saluting them: "Greetings, Old Chief! Greetings, Chief!"
"Alright, no need for formalities. I heard you’re here for training. We haven’t seen you in a while, so I called you over for a cup of tea. Have you eaten?" Old Master Ning asked with a smile.
"Reporting to the Old Chief, I’ve eaten!" Qi Taiguo replied immediately.
"Alright then, come and sit!" Old Master Ning gestured towards the sofa.
Ning Gang gave him a glance and also sat down.
Qi Taiguo was a bit tense but sat down, legs together, back straight.
"We’re all family here, no need to be so tense. Speak freely." Old Master Ning chuckled as he observed.
Qi Taiguo acknowledged but continued to sit upright, slightly facing the Old Master.
Ning Gang nodded subtly, acknowledging his manners.
"Do you have confidence in the upcoming training?" The Old Master asked first.
"Reporting to the Old Chief, I am confident." Qi Taiguo replied immediately.
"Alright, no need to be so formal all the time." Ning Gang noted his consistent deference. He then changed his tone: "Don’t be overly confident in what you say. This training is an elite officer training session, the best of the best. It’s much harder than any previous training or leading experience you’ve had, with potential life risks."
"Chief, I’m aware of all that." Qi Taiguo looked at him, speaking neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "But I’m not afraid."
Ning Gang sneered, "It’s not about whether you’re afraid or not, it’s about whether you’re capable enough."
"If the Chief didn’t think I was capable, I wouldn’t have been recommended to join the training, right?" Qi Taiguo retorted.
Ning Gang was momentarily speechless. What a kid, he knows how to counter!
"Therefore, not to disappoint the Chief’s support and guidance, even if I lack the ability, I must become capable and not let the Chief down," Qi Taiguo added.
Ning Gang let out a snort, "Don’t overestimate yourself. This training prioritizes ability, but if you’re too self-centered, no matter how capable, you can’t avoid other’s hidden pitfalls."
Qi Taiguo’s expression turned serious, his eyes emitting a sharp light: "I understand what you mean, Chief."
Ning Gang noticed his determination and said nothing further.
"The Chief is right, vigilance is necessary, but don’t become like a startled bird, overly constrained. Taiguo, you’re one of the rare promising talents I’ve seen in recent years. The country needs upright seedlings like you. I hope you won’t let the country down," Old Master Ning chimed in.
Qi Taiguo felt a surge of righteous fervor, and with a composed and resolute expression, he said: "I will devote myself to the country with all my heart, willing to sacrifice my life for it. I will never let you down, Old Chief."
"Good! Then this old man will be waiting to see your performance!" Old Master Ning laughed heartily.