She Lives without Regret in This Life

Chapter 655: Chapter 681: An Unprofitable Deal

”I’m just concerned about Xu Qigang, so I wanted to ask you, how are they doing now?”

Mr. Chen rose to his feet, ”Come with me to the study to talk.”

”Okay!”

The study was on the second floor. Sheng Ning supported Mr. Chen as they made their way up to the study. Once the door was closed, Mr. Chen’s expression shifted dramatically, becoming very serious and worried, yet his eyes remained piercingly keen.

”Now, we are facing a big trouble,” Mr. Chen cut straight to the point, ”Ningning, I trust you, and that’s why I’m telling you all this. You must ensure that not a single word of our conversation today leaks out.”

”You can trust me, senior leader. I definitely won’t talk recklessly. Moreover, I truly didn’t know what to do, which is why I came to you.”

”Mm-hmm!” Mr. Chen gestured for her to sit down, ”Ningning, you are smart. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

”It’s just that I’m worried and have this nagging feeling. When Xu Qigang and Chen Yingjie went on the rescue mission, the more than a hundred people sent earlier had all lost contact. I don’t know what will happen to them.”

”Ningning, don’t be too concerned. The day before yesterday, I received news that out of the missing one hundred and thirty-nine people, one hundred and one have been found but thirty-eight have perished.”

”Really?” Sheng Ning was overjoyed, ”That’s great, that’s really great...” The number of one hundred and one survivors was much better than she had anticipated.

”All thanks to the brilliant suggestion you gave to Lu Yuan; otherwise, even if they hadn’t died, they might have frozen to death.” The old man was very relieved, and this was also why he was willing to share intelligence with her.

When the news came back the day before yesterday, Lu Yuan mentioned her suggestion in front of several senior leaders. Everyone was appalled. If it hadn’t been such a top-secret mission, she would definitely have been praised. It didn’t matter that they couldn’t commend her now—owing a huge favor to the Dean of the Research Institute meant Sheng Ning would have a much easier path ahead.

Sheng Ning’s intelligence could greatly assist her granddaughter’s future. It wasn’t that he was being pragmatic, but of course, he wanted his grandchildren to be friends with more outstanding people. If they were all like Su Yun, it would worry him to death.

”Xu Qigang has continued on with the mission and should be back before long.”

”Really?” Sheng Ning looked at Mr. Chen skeptically, feeling that the situation couldn’t be that simple. ”If that’s the case, then why do you still seem so worried?” The worry in the old man’s eyes was unmistakable.

”Because the day before yesterday was the last time news came back.” Mr. Chen sighed and gave a bitter smile, ”Actually, the one hundred and one comrades are already en route to return, expected to arrive at the General Union tomorrow morning.”

”Xu Qigang and the others haven’t come back?” Sheng Ning suddenly stood up, her worst fear realized.

”Yes! Xu Qigang’s rescue mission had been completed, so in principle, he should have returned with the rescued personnel. Qigang has a steady temperament; he definitely wouldn’t act recklessly. It’s impossible for him to go against orders and not return with the comrades.”

That was the latest news and the reason why the entire General Union was on high alert. When the message came back, the top leaders were furious, giving everyone a severe rebuke.

Although not explicitly stated, for the top leaders, this rescue mission was a loss. The rescue world had already lost a Meng Fan; they couldn’t afford to lose Xu Qigang. Their Northern rescue world needed a General Star, a star with absolute strength and leadership capabilities.

This deal was not worth it.