Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1596 - 1597: Blow

Qi Taiguo remained seated on the hospital bench, his head cradled in his hands, his gaze lost somewhere on the floor. The final words of Gao Linbing replayed endlessly in his mind, a relentless echo.

He had been incredibly foolish, truly, utterly foolish!

"Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, your leg, allow me to assist you with bandaging..." Cheng Jiasheng, pushed forward by the surrounding crowd, spoke with evident concern. He felt he had no other choice, having the most familiarity with Qi Taiguo.

Qi Taiguo’s gaze drifted down to his own injured leg, and his eyes instantly grew dark, his lips pressing together even more tightly.

This wound on his leg was precisely what Gao Linbing had inflicted, striking only the side of the thigh. Though the bullet had pierced the flesh, it posed no significant danger and certainly wouldn't result in disability, as it narrowly missed the vital arteries or tendons. Otherwise, a crippling fate might have befallen him.

While Gao Linbing's marksmanship might not have been that of a legendary sharpshooter, it was undeniably precise. He had aimed solely for the leg, rendering mobility temporarily hindered.

He had done it intentionally!

Perhaps, in that moment, Gao Linbing had already cast aside his guise as an agent, relinquished any hope of returning to his homeland, with only a flicker of resolve and his deeply held principles compelling him to make a final statement.

Ultimately, he had compelled his brothers to fire, thereby fulfilling both loyalty and duty.

He had honored his identity and the deep brotherhood forged over countless years.

Qi Taiguo’s eyes began to water slightly.

This particular outcome left him profoundly unsettled. Gao Linbing should have either committed a complete betrayal or, conversely, remained steadfastly loyal to his country from beginning to end!

"Deputy Battalion Commander Qi, someone is approaching!" Another individual stepped forward, flanked by two men in military attire.

Qi Taiguo’s eyes scanned the insignia on their shoulders. He rose to his feet and offered a salute.

The arriving officers were there to take custody of Zhao Ming, the intelligence officer. Once this handover was finalized, the mission would be officially deemed complete.

The attending physician overseeing Zhao Ming emerged, explaining that the patient remained in critical condition and required intensive care, but was capable of speaking a few words at this time.

The two men in uniform promptly donned disinfected gear and accompanied the doctor into the emergency ward.

Life was undeniably precious, but the intelligence Zhao Ming had brought back was of even greater consequence, representing the very security of the nation.

Before long, the two men reappeared and addressed Qi Taiguo, stating, "Comrade Zhao Ming's condition is critical. We will be transferring him to the Army General Hospital for emergency treatment. Comrade Qi Taiguo, you have worked diligently."

"We failed to protect him," Qi Taiguo replied, lowering his head.

"Securing the intelligence already constitutes a significant contribution to the country," one of the uniformed men asserted. "Regarding the matter of Gao Linbing, we will initiate an investigation, so you can rest assured!"

Qi Taiguo offered a silent nod in response.

The two men shared a few words of encouragement, advising Qi Taiguo to seek medical attention himself before departing.

Qi Taiguo slumped back onto the bench, his support system momentarily gone. Cheng Jiasheng, unable to bear watching any longer, swiftly brought a wheelchair over, intending to help lift him onto it alongside the other brothers. However, Qi Taiguo obediently settled into the wheelchair himself to proceed with his treatment.

The blow was undeniably severe, yet he could not afford to wallow in despair. Gao Linbing had left behind a wife and a son!

Even if they would face isolation and scrutiny, the brotherhood shared over the years had been genuine, and he owed them a final word.

What Qi Taiguo hadn't anticipated was the organization's swift response. Almost immediately upon receiving the news, Sister-in-law Gao and her son were isolated.

He found himself facing an empty space, completely unaware of their whereabouts or even if they were still alive.

Even if they were alive, would they be subjected to numerous interrogations?