Over in Guicheng, the severely injured Qi Taiguo managed to hold on, but since the injury was to his back and he was close to the explosion, his internal organs were also a bit shaken, making it hard to move him, so he could only recuperate quietly.
But with the injury on his back, he could only lie prone. Upon waking, he started coughing violently due to the lung injury.
Cheng Jiasheng woke up with a start and quickly walked over. "Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, you’re awake?"
Qi Taiguo was in a lot of discomfort, yet he was still concerned about Ning Ge. "How is Ning Ge?"
"He’s well, Ning Le is keeping watch over him," Cheng Jiasheng replied. "Would you like some water?"
Qi Taiguo nodded, feeling a tickle in his throat.
Cheng Jiasheng took a water cup from the side, inserted a straw, and let him sip a couple of mouthfuls, then said, "Drink slowly, don’t choke, it’s uncomfortable!"
Qi Taiguo drank a little and stopped, then asked, "How is the mission? Is it wrapped up? How long was I unconscious?"
"You’ve been unconscious for two days. The mission was successfully completed. Battalion Commander Jiang is writing a report, and I heard over in Guangcheng, they managed to seize a shipment meant to cross the border, packed with firearms and ammunition," Cheng Jiasheng said excitedly.
Qi Taiguo’s lips curled up. "Not bad, your first time on a mission, and you’ve merited some credit."
"You’re too kind, Deputy Battalion Commander!" Cheng Jiasheng stood tall.
"You’re doing well, steady enough, strong in reconnaissance. Keep honing your skills, and someday aim for a major general position!" Qi Taiguo said, then started coughing again.
"Perhaps you shouldn’t speak? I’ll go get a doctor to check on you!" Cheng Jiasheng quickly suggested.
Qi Taiguo also felt extremely fatigued, his eyes half-closed.
Cheng Jiasheng left the room, and soon there was movement at the door, followed by someone coughing.
Qi Taiguo thought he returned and looked over, but it was Ning Ge, sitting in a wheelchair, pushed in by Ning Le.
His face was pale, with an IV in his hand, looking much thinner. Qi Taiguo wanted to get up, but Ning Ge’s dry, pale lips said, "Don’t bother, just lie down."
He looked at the bandages wrapped around his hospital attire, feeling a pang of sympathy. Had he been just a step or two late...
"This wasn’t for you, it was for the country!" Ning Ge said, "In our line of work, we have to be prepared to sacrifice for the nation at any moment."
Qi Taiguo nodded, "Now, it seems like dawn has come."
"Yeah!" Ning Ge sighed, "Finally, we’ve taken down the big tiger!"
The two shared a glance, a burden-lifting smile appearing on their faces.
"It’s a shame that us woeful brothers look like this now, otherwise I’d really go for a bottle!"
"Once we’re better, won’t we get the chance? Don’t come back until we’re drunk!"
"It’s a deal!"

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