Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1600 - 1601: Gossiping

Qi Taiguo had only just returned, and he was injured once more, his physical and mental exhaustion apparent. After a brief conversation with Cheng Su, he succumbed to sleep.

Cheng Su quietly shut the door, her steps light as she retreated. Mother Cheng inquired from the side, "How is he? Is everything alright?"

"It's nothing, just a few complications during the mission. He's resting now. Let him sleep for a while," Cheng Su responded.

"Injured?"

Cheng Su, wanting to ease her mother's worries, stated, "Just a minor scrape on his thigh, it doesn't impede him." She omitted the detail that it was a gunshot, fearing her mother might become overly anxious and begin praying fervently.

"That's good to hear then!" Mother Cheng expressed her relief. "Is Xiao Qi asleep? If he is, I'll lay him down!"

"He's asleep," Cheng Su confirmed. As Mother Cheng began to loosen the sling, Cheng Su paused to ask, "Mom, have you seen Sister-in-law Gao these past few days? I haven't seen her for about two days."

"Sister-in-law Gao? A few days ago, I saw her carrying a large bag, taking her child along with others from the unit," Mother Cheng replied. "What's the matter?"

A faint ache resonated within Cheng Su's chest as she forced a smile. "Oh, nothing. I just realized it's been a while since I last saw her."

Perhaps she would never see her again.

Cheng Su's premonition proved accurate. Within a couple of days, an announcement from the unit declared Gao Linbing's sacrifice during a mission.

As for Sister-in-law Gao and her family, it was understood they would "return to their hometown," though their exact destination remained uncertain.

Qi Taiguo had mentioned the possibility of them being under surveillance.

Cheng Su let out a sigh, contemplating how Sister-in-law Gao would react to the news that her husband, an associate, was actually a spy for the enemy and had now defected.

Yet, despite everything, they had been married for many years and shared a child. To her, regardless of Gao Linbing's concealed identity, he was simply her husband and the father of her child.

Now, unexpectedly, he was dead, the living had departed, and whispers continued behind their backs.

Taking advantage of the bright sunshine, Cheng Su returned from school and pushed Qi Xiaoqi around the courtyard.

Quite a few residents were present in the courtyard that afternoon, enjoying the sun and engaging in knitting. They greeted Cheng Su upon seeing her and offered playful remarks to Qi Xiaoqi.

"...They say he sacrificed himself, but I heard that Deputy Battalion Commander Gao might have defected. Otherwise, why would they leave in such a hurry? They barely took anything from home. If it had truly been a heroic sacrifice, everything would have been meticulously arranged, wouldn't it?"

Cheng Su halted her stroll and turned, identifying the speaker as Sister-in-law Hong, known for her loose tongue.

"That can't be right? Perhaps it was due to the suddenness of the event. Deputy Battalion Commander Gao was usually quite upright, not like what you're suggesting about being a traitor. And Sister-in-law Gao, even more so – she was the women's director for our community," another person chimed in.

"Hey, as the saying goes, you can see a person's face but not their heart. Don't you know this? Seeing how proud she used to be, and now with this happening, not a word from her. In my opinion..."

Cheng Su moved Qi Xiaoqi forward and addressed Sister-in-law Hong directly. "Sister-in-law Hong, let's show some respect for the departed. They are no longer with us; what is the point of uttering such insensitive words? The deceased are gone, let us maintain some virtue in our speech."

Sister-in-law Hong flushed with embarrassment under Cheng Su's rebuke.

"Furthermore, the organization has already declared Deputy Battalion Commander Gao's sacrifice; therefore, he did make a sacrifice. Are you questioning the leadership of the organization? In reality, while the men fight on the front lines, we, as family members, should diligently manage our households behind the lines," Cheng Su continued. "Try to put yourself in their shoes and consider this: if it were you, and people spoke about you like this behind your back after your death, wouldn't you feel distressed?"

A wave of genuine anger surged within Cheng Su. What transgression had Sister-in-law Gao committed to endure the agony of losing her husband, compounded by her social standing, facing such a devastating dual blow? Who knew where she was suffering now, yet these people spoke of her so cruelly.