Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1592 - 1593: The Impermanence of Life

Qi Taiguo, the person Cheng frequently mentioned, was also conversing with Gao Linbing about his son and proudly produced a photograph from his pocket to display.

"Doesn't my son look handsome?" Qi Taiguo declared with pride. "Without boasting, in this entire residential compound, I've never encountered a child as intelligent and good-looking from birth as my son."

Gao Linbing chuckled, "You must be content now, having both a wife and a son. Perhaps another promotion awaits you next year."

Retrieving the picture, Qi Taiguo responded, "It's not contentment, but rather an increase in responsibility." He then added, "Don't feel disheartened; we are both deputy battalion commanders. It's possible we'll both be promoted next year. Furthermore, what I possess, you also have. Your son is already a few years old now."

A shadow crossed Gao Linbing's eyes, but he swiftly masked it with feigned nonchalance. "I can't compare to you," he replied.

His gaze drifted into the distance, appearing somewhat vacant.

"What's troubling you? Is there something at home causing unhappiness? Just mention it, we are like brothers, can't I offer some assistance?" Qi Taiguo inquired.

"It's nothing! I just feel that life is so unpredictable, and often, things don't unfold as we wish," Gao Linbing said with a smile.

Just as Qi Taiguo was about to respond, Cheng Jiasheng approached, announcing, "Reporting, the suspected target has appeared."

Both men immediately became alert, ceasing their conversation and assuming their positions.

Qi Taiguo raised his binoculars to scan the village entrance, and an 'elderly man' with white hair came into view.

"Cheng Ning, proceed to the rendezvous point, verify the identity, and escort the individual back. All units, maintain vigilance for any environmental changes."

"Understood!"

A short while later, a woman clad in a floral padded jacket, with long braids, joyfully approached the 'old man.' She raised her hand as a young wife would to greet her father-in-law.

Upon reaching him, she embraced the 'father-in-law.'

A collective sigh of relief swept through the observers; the identity had been confirmed. The intelligence officer had signaled through an embrace.

"Cheng Ning, that kid, really nails it when dressed as a woman. It's no wonder he enjoys playing pranks so much," Qi Taiguo remarked with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Indeed..."

Rat-tat-tat!

Suddenly, chaos erupted as gunfire broke out, targeting Cheng Ning and the intelligence officer named Zhao Ming.

Qi Taiguo's expression turned grave. "Direction at eleven o'clock, focus all force on protecting the target," he commanded while rapidly descending.

The team reacted instantly, and the crackle of gunfire filled the air.

Cheng Ning was already on the ground, still 'embracing' the intelligence officer, whose survival remained uncertain.

A sharp pang of sorrow struck Qi Taiguo's heart.

The barrage of gunfire directed at them had ceased.

"Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, the gunman is fleeing north. Please issue the order," a subordinate reported.

"Pursue," Qi Taiguo ordered in a deep tone.

Casting another glance at the two figures on the ground, he clenched his jaw, strode over, and Gao Linbing also hurried to their side, asking, "Are they dead?"

Qi Taiguo shook his head. "Not yet certain."

"It sounded like a machine gun. I fear mercenaries are on their tail. The younger ones might not be able to match them," Gao Linbing speculated.

Qi Taiguo's face grew even more somber. He halted his advance and issued further commands to ascertain the gunman's identity.

Meanwhile, Gao Linbing had already moved forward, gently pulling Cheng Ning aside. After checking for a carotid pulse, he looked at Qi Taiguo and declared, "Dead!"

Though Qi Taiguo had braced himself for the worst, hearing the confirmation sent a fresh wave of heartache through him.

Just moments before, they had been joking about his convincing female disguise. In the blink of an eye, a vibrant life had been extinguished.

The young man had only been enlisted for two years. Was this the 'unpredictability of life' that Gao Linbing had spoken of?

Qi Taiguo's eyes welled up. He forcefully suppressed his grief and tears, turning his gaze to Zhao Ming, fervently hoping that the person they had risked lives to protect was still alive.