Chapter 1716: Chapter 1717: Probing
Qi Taiguo gazed at the sea, at that gambling paradise. Ning Ge said that Chiang Qing’s new protector is quite a powerful figure from that Heaven.
He couldn’t understand what motivated that person to shelter a crazy woman like Chiang Qing. What was he thinking? Could it be just because of lust?
"I’ve also heard of people smuggling themselves over from here, including Hong Kong," Qi Taiguo said, smiling at Qu Wei.
Qu Wei took a drag on his cigarette and said, "There’s plenty of that. When I patrolled the seas with the navy, I saw a guy with a tire and a plastic bag stuffed with some clothes, just swimming across like that."
"Oh?" Qi Taiguo burst into laughter. "Smuggling like that?"
"Yeah! Those two places are so desirable. Once over there, no matter what, you can always find a bowl of rice," Qu Wei sighed. "But actually, working as an illegal laborer there, what’s so good about it? There’s no human rights whatsoever, even if you die, you’re dead for nothing."
Qi Taiguo said, "It’s all about striving for something greater. Some people disregard life and death just to make a name for themselves."
Qu Wei nodded, quite agreeing with this statement and asked, "Why are you looking at the sea? Do you want to go over and check out that Heaven too?"
"I’m quite curious to see it, and also to appreciate the scenery abroad," Qi Taiguo said with a laugh, then probed further, "You’ve been here a few years, heard anything about the people over there? I hear the casino bosses all have significant backgrounds."
"I’ve heard bits and pieces, but it’s impossible to deeply understand. We are soldiers, we belong to the righteous faction, and with The Gang, we shouldn’t get involved, you must remember this." Qu Wei glanced at him and said.
"Of course I know that." Qi Taiguo showed no expression and responded with a smile.
"Even though what they do over there is legal, they’re actually part of The Gang, which stains the righteous," Qu Wei whispered again.
Qi Taiguo listened intently, but even after Qu Wei finished speaking, he didn’t hear a single thing about the person Ning Ge mentioned.
Qu Wei only said a little, then changed the subject and asked him, "Been here a few months, have you adapted? The South is different from the North, especially here by the sea, the UV is high, the sea breeze salty, some people find it quite hard to adjust."
Qi Taiguo touched his face and said, "Apart from getting significantly darker, it’s been alright."
"Miss your wife and kids?"
When family was mentioned, Qi Taiguo’s expression softened and he said, "I do miss them."
Qu Wei laughed heartily.
"Here, the environment isn’t great, not suitable for accompanying military families. On the main island, it’s better. After all, the naval camp was established back in the 1950s and 60s, all facilities have been completed. Our camp has only been around ten years, accompanying military families have to live on the main island and it’s inconvenient." Qu Wei laughed and said, "That’s why not many families live in our camp, conditions aren’t strong enough. If you really miss your wife and kids, you can have them come for a visit and stay a few days."
Qi Taiguo laughed and said, "We’ll talk about it later. My son is still young. Besides, the rules are here, I shouldn’t break them."
"Visits are possible." Qu Wei patted his shoulder and said, "Let’s head back; it’s almost time for dinner!"
Qi Taiguo walked down the slope with him, chatting about various matters in the military camp as they headed to the canteen, temporarily putting his thoughts aside.
Behind them, the silhouette of the buildings by the sea looked hazy, and some people were staring into the boundless ocean in a daze.
