As soon as they got off the plane, Shen Feihu was already waiting with his team at the tarmac.
"President!" He saluted everyone with a ramrod-straight posture.
"You’ve worked hard," Shen Feihu said with an unprecedented solemnity, nodding back at them, "Follow me!"
The group swiftly walked along the path of the Rescue Association, drawing many sidelong glances. Xu Qigang’s return seemed to carry a storm, making the atmosphere in the entire Association tense like never before.
After arriving at the Rescue Association’s control room, Chen Yingjie had also just arrived.
The two exchanged a look, then walked shoulder to shoulder.
The control room was fully on alert, and after everyone entered, they took their seats without wasting words.
A huge strategic map hung on the wall, and Shen Feihu personally stepped forward to explain the terrain, the strategic action routes, and the deployment. Even though he was known for being loud and hot-tempered, at truly critical moments, he was more serious than anyone. Those seated had long been familiar with another side of Shen Feihu and listened intently, occasionally taking notes.
Xu Qigang slightly narrowed his eyes, his gaze as sharp as lightning on every detail. His pupils would contract momentarily from excitement when he spotted something of interest or particular importance. The pen in his hand spun quickly without him noticing. He didn’t take any notes; everything was already etched into his mind.
"This is the plan for the initial phase. The administration and logistics personnel will start immediately. The rescue team will depart in thirty minutes!"
"Xu Qigang, Chen Yingjie, you two stay behind. Give me ten minutes."
The others gradually left, and the door to the control room was closed from the outside. The moment the door shut, Shen Feihu’s normally erect posture seemed to stoop considerably, and he sat in the lead chair with a hint of defeat.
Xu Qigang and Chen Yingjie had never seen this side of him and exchanged glances, catching a glimpse of concern in each other’s eyes.
"President, are you alright?"
"I’m fine!" Shen Feihu waved his hand, mustering his energy to sit upright and said with a sense of guilt, "This matter has been tough on you both."
"Look at what you’re saying, President. Being able to serve our country on missions is a great honor for us," Chen Yingjie said, puffing out his chest with vigor and fervor.
Xu Qigang nodded in agreement, "President, rest assured, we will definitely complete the mission. Being assigned this mission in S Country was my request to begin with."
"You’ve just gotten married..."
"Comrade Sheng Ning understands; she will understand," Xu Qigang reassured.
Shen Feihu, moved, patted their shoulders, "You’re both good comrades. This time, I have no demands on you, except for one: come back alive, come back safe."
"President, what haven’t we been through? There’s nothing we can’t handle," Chen Yingjie said, his blood boiling at the thought of returning to battle.
It had been three years since he left the battlefield, and he often reminisced about the days when he fought side by side with his captain.
"President, time is almost up; we’re leaving!" Xu Qigang glanced at his watch, stood up, and saluted Shen Feihu, "Take care, President."
Shen Feihu returned their salute, watching their figures disappear through the Outer Door. He maintained the gesture, his right hand lingering in the air long after they had gone.