Chapter 1782: Chapter 1783: As Long as I’m Here
After a sweet lunch, Qi Taiguo took Cheng Su and their son to a greenery-filled park. He held the drowsy Qi Xiaoqi against his shoulder, while Cheng Su’s hand was entwined in his arm, and she asked, "How did you find such a park?"
"I came here while hanging out with some comrades." Qi Taiguo found a big banyan tree, where the shade was cool, and said, "Shall we sit here?"
Cheng Su nodded, took out a large bedsheet she had bought at the grocery shop, spread it out, then indicated for Qi Taiguo to lay their sleeping son down.
After settling Qi Xiaoqi, they both lay down as well. Cheng Su rested her head on Qi Taiguo’s arm, watching the dappled sunlight, turned on her side and said to him, "I never thought we would have such a leisurely time together!"
Both were usually busy, and even more so after having a child. Later, he was transferred, separating the couple across regions, never imagining they would lie together under a tree, enjoying a serene afternoon.
"Didn’t you say that time is always squeezed out?" Qi Taiguo replied.
"True." Cheng Su toyed with a button on his T-shirt, and said, "I thought I would have to wait until after I graduated to see you!"
Qi Taiguo kissed her forehead and playfully tapped her nose, chuckling, "Miss me?"
"Of course I did, how could I not? When I was sick earlier, I missed you so much it hurt!" Cheng Su pouted, humming.
Qi Taiguo smiled, holding her close, kissing her a few times before releasing her, "I missed you too."
Cheng Su smiled and said, "Tell me about your camp, how are things here? Are you getting used to it?"
"At first, I wasn’t," Qi Taiguo began, "The sea breeze felt salty and damp, made my skin itch, but I got used to it. As for the people in the unit, none were impressed by paratroopers. Initially, I..."
He spoke slowly of the challenges and tests he’d faced over the past half year, his tone casual, as if narrating someone else’s tale.
Cheng Su listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with questions. The couple whispered closely, while beside them, a little boy was sound asleep. From a distance, the scene was like a warm painting.
"What about you, how are things?" Qi Taiguo asked after sharing his story.
Cheng Su replied, "Just the same as always. You know the family situation, it goes and comes like that. The shop in Guangcheng is up and running. Jianguo didn’t return home this summer break, and now I’ve come over, he’s helping oversee things. Oh, he actually brought a classmate along to work, I think he’s caught feelings for her."
"Oh? Is she nice?" Qi Taiguo raised his eyebrows.
"She’s okay, a straightforward Northeast girl, but I’ve heard her family is quite poor," Cheng Su said with a smile.
"If they like each other, it’s fine," Qi Taiguo was indifferent.
Cheng Su smiled knowingly, "Your mom might care about that."
Qi Taiguo touched his nose.
This was a matter still in the distant future, so they changed the topic. Cheng Su brought up the issue with Mi Shaoan, her smile fading, "Do you think he could be my enemy?"
This was her greatest fear. The mere thought was unbearable, filled with pain.
Noticing her worry and fear, Qi Taiguo empathized, held her close, and said, "Until we have things figured out, don’t overthink and add unnecessary pressure on yourself. Whatever happens, I’m here for you!"
Cheng Su embraced his waist, snuggled against him, feeling his reassuring presence, and gently closed her eyes.
Yes, he was always there for her, no matter what.
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