Volume 1: The Fierce Tiger Leaves Its Leash Chapter 24: Brothers of Life and Death (Part 1)

  His voice finally changed from yelling to sobbing, but Ling Tianxiang did not calm down at all. He never thought that the result would be like this now. At this moment, he did not resent the enemies who injured Wei Daming, nor did he resent the doctors who could not save Wei Daming's arm. He only hated himself, hated that he had not run faster, and had not been able to send Wei Daming back earlier. If he could have done it a day or two earlier, maybe the result would have been completely different.

  After losing an arm, Wei Daming may still be able to live a normal life, but he will never be able to stay in the "Snow Leopard" unit again, nor can he partner with Ling Tianxiang. For more than two years, Wei Daming has been Ling Tianxiang's partner, instructor, older brother, and most reliable comrade. Since entering the "Snow Leopard" unit, Ling Tianxiang has always looked up to Wei Daming as his own elder brother. For this orphan who lost both parents at a young age, it may be difficult for him to open his heart to someone, but once he establishes a certain emotional connection, he will consider this fraternal bond more important than anything else. This is also why Ling Tianxiang risked his life to rescue Wei Daming - having experienced the pain of losing loved ones at a young age, he knows how long that pain can linger in one's heart.

  A heavy footsteps echoed outside the door, Ling Tianxiang did not lift his head, still staring at the ground under his feet. The door was opened, and the strong light from the magnesium lamp shot in, but Ling Tianxiang remained motionless, like an old monk in meditation, as if the real world was ten million eight thousand miles away from him.

  "Get up!" Gu Weimin's voice was still rough, but with a hint of sadness. He kicked Ling Tianxiang, who was lying down. "Get up, I'll take you to see Wei Daming."

  Upon hearing the three words "Wei Daming", Ling Tianxiang suddenly turned his head, and his eyes quickly focused on Gu Weimin's face.

  "Give yourself ten minutes to tidy up, you don't want Da Ming to see you in your current state, do you?" Gu Weimin's voice was much calmer.

  Ling Tianxiang quickly stood up, this time he didn't joke with the captain, but instead rushed out of the small black room. Ten minutes later, after taking a cold shower and changing into a clean casual outfit, Ling Tianxiang followed Gu Weimin onto the helicopter. After the helicopter took off, neither of them spoke, both in heavy spirits.

  "I just made a phone call." Gu Weimin broke the silence, "Daming's condition has stabilized and is getting better. After a period of recuperation, he will be able to leave the hospital. I discussed with Vice Captain Qi and Vice Captain Gan that after Daming leaves the hospital, we will bring him back. Although he can no longer participate in combat operations, he can continue to serve in the squadron. We also need professional instructors, and in addition, the squadron's..."

  "Captain Gu..." Ling Tianxiang interrupted Gu Weimin's words, pulling out the recorder from his pocket. "This is a clue I found, maybe it can help us find out who the traitor is."

  Gu Weimin was shocked and immediately took over the tape. "Where did this come from?"

  "A US intelligence officer." Ling Tianxiang briefly explained the situation, "He mentioned a spy lurking in the country, definitely related to this operation. If we follow this lead, we should be able to find some clues."

  Gu Weimin nodded slightly and thought for a moment before saying: "I'll take care of it. Have you mentioned this to anyone else?"

  Ling Tianxiang shook his head. He too had only thought of it when he was changing clothes and hadn't even had time to mention it to a second person.

  "So, don't tell anyone else for the time being." Gu Weimin hesitated for a moment, "Especially people from our battalion, you also know that we still can't be completely sure if the traitor is among us or in the intelligence department."

  "I know." Ling Tianxiang let out a sigh, his expression turning gloomy once again.

  "That little girl, I've already arranged for her to be taken care of." Gu Weimin put the recorder in his pocket. "For now, she's temporarily at Deputy Gan's house with a nanny taking care of her, so you can rest assured. After this matter is dealt with, you can go pick her up and decide how to arrange things yourself."

  Ling Tianxiang just slightly nodded his head, and his expression didn't change much.

  Gu Weimin didn't make another sound. Ling Tianxiang was someone he had personally trained, and he knew very well about his emotions and temperament. More than a year ago, during the execution of a mission, Gu Weimin suffered severe injuries, and Ling Tianxiang insisted on carrying him for over 100 kilometers through mountain roads back to their camp. It could be said that in the entire squad, Ling Tianxiang was the most emotional and also the hardest to understand. Sometimes he would act wildly, sometimes calmly, just like a sharp sword with two edges, unpredictable. But one thing is certain: Ling Tianxiang was someone who cared deeply about his comrades' feelings. This time, when Wei Daming got injured and became disabled, the one who received the greatest blow was definitely Ling Tianxiang.

  "Captain Gu, there's something I want to ask of you."

  "What?" Gu Weimin looked over at Ling Tianxiang who had suddenly spoken up.

  "Can I have a few days off?" Ling Tianxiang leaned against the cabin door, looking very tired.

  "I've been thinking about this too, don't you think the current situation is not suitable for continuing to stay in the team?" Gu Weimin said while carefully observing Ling Tianxiang's expression.

  After a while, Ling Tianxiang nodded slightly.

  "Want to take some time off to relax?" Gu Weimin still looked a bit uncertain, if he let this kid out, what kind of trouble would he stir up again, that would be a big headache.

  "I just want to be alone for a while and live a normal life for a few days." Ling Tianxiang took a deep breath, "In the past two years or so, I haven't taken any family leave, which adds up to at least half a month, right?"

  Gu Weimin nodded slightly. "Alright, I'll give you a two-week leave of absence, and you can also take the opportunity to adjust your state."

  Ling Tianxiang looked at the captain with gratitude and then shifted his gaze back outside the cockpit.

  The sky had already brightened slightly, and the helicopter was still flying at high speed in a northeasterly direction. Ling Tianxiang's thoughts also flew far away. At this time, he just wanted to be alone for a while, thinking about seeing Wei Daming as soon as possible. For more than ten days, he hadn't had a stable rest once, and for more than two years, he hadn't had a single day off, all of which were spent in intense training and combat. For more than two years, he had never felt tired, but at this moment, he felt that his entire body's energy seemed to have been drained away.