Chen Hai, as a close friend of Qi Tong Wei, couldn't stop praising Qi Tong Wei's heroic deeds.
He shared Qi Tong Wei's story with Hou Liang Ping in their dorm: "Liang Ping, did you hear? Qi Tong Wei really showed his prowess this time! He single-handedly took down Jiang Xiao's hideout, amazing!"
Hou Liang Ping, upon hearing this, showed a look of disdain: "Cut it out, what's so great about that? If I went, I would have taken care of Jiang Xiao long ago."
"Liang Ping, how can you say that? Qi Tong Wei risked his life to act, how can you be so nonchalant?"
"I'm just speaking the truth. Jiang Xiao is nothing special. Besides, if I went, I would have done better."
"Liang Ping, you're wrong to say that. Qi Tong Wei is our friend, we should respect his efforts and contributions. Moreover, his wisdom and courage played a crucial role in the success of this mission."
Seeing Chen Hai getting a bit angry, Hou Liang Ping quickly changed his tone: "Okay, okay, I won't say anymore. I actually admire Qi Tong Wei too. He stood up in that situation, truly worthy of our learning."
They chatted for a while longer, then each returned to their own spaces.
However, Hou Liang Ping's heart was restless.
Thinking of Qi Tong Wei's heroic figure and determined gaze, an inexplicable jealousy and unease rose in his heart.
He secretly vowed to surpass Qi Tong Wei and become a more outstanding person.
On a sunny weekend, Hou Liang Ping sat in his spacious and bright study. The newspaper in his hand slipped to the floor. His brow furrowed, seemingly particularly concerned about something in the newspaper.
At that moment, the phone rang, breaking the quiet of the study.
"Liang Ping, are you free this weekend? Want to go to Yantai together?" Chen Hai's voice on the other end was full of anticipation.
Hou Liang Ping was slightly stunned, asking in confusion: "Go to Yantai? Why suddenly there?"
Chen Hai smiled and explained: "Haven't you always been interested in Senior Qi? It's said he recently did something big in Yantai, becoming a hero."
Hou Liang Ping raised an eyebrow, saying nonchalantly: "Senior Qi? He is indeed talented, but going to Yantai to see him, isn't that a bit unnecessary?"
Chen Hai on the other end seemed dissatisfied, his voice raising a few decibels: "Unnecessary? How can you say that? Senior Qi helped us a lot when we were in school. Now that he's become a hero, we should even more go support him, visit him!"
Hou Liang Ping sighed and said helplessly: "Chen Hai, you know I don't mean it that way. It's just that I feel the media is overhyping Senior Qi a bit."
Chen Hai immediately retorted: "Overhyping? You haven't seen what Senior Qi did, so don't talk nonsense. He saved a whole village, if that's not a hero, what is?"
Hou Liang Ping remained silent for a while, then slowly said: "I know Senior Qi is amazing, but I'm also worried that excessive media promotion will make him proud and complacent, losing his original intentions."
Chen Hai, upon hearing this, spoke with even greater conviction: "Proud and complacent? Senior Qi is not like that. He has always maintained humility and a low profile. This incident is just one of his many good deeds. We can't deny his contributions and efforts because of our own biases."
Hou Liang Ping was speechless at Chen Hai's words. He took a deep breath and slowly said: "Alright, since you say so, then I'll go to Yantai with you. I also want to see firsthand how Senior Qi is living now."
After hanging up, Hou Liang Ping's mood was complex.
He was both looking forward to seeing Qi Tong Wei, his former senior, and worried that he might develop unnecessary biases towards him.
However, since he had already decided to go to Yantai, he intended to let go of his doubts and face this trip with a fresh mindset.
The weekend came quickly. Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai boarded the train to Yantai together.
The train carriage was bustling with people, yet Hou Liang Ping felt somewhat uneasy.
He didn't know what kind of Qi Tong Wei he would face, nor what kind of enlightenment and understanding this trip would bring him.
The train slowly pulled into Yantai station. Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai stepped out of the station with their luggage.
Sunlight bathed them, bringing a sense of warmth.
Following the address they had inquired about beforehand, they found the village where Qi Tong Wei lived.
The village was situated at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, with fresh and pleasant air.
Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai walked towards the deeper parts of the village along the winding and meandering path, their hearts filled with curiosity and respect for Qi Tong Wei.
As they reached Qi Tong Wei's doorstep, they saw him busy in the courtyard.
He was wearing an old work uniform, his hands covered in mud and sweat.
Seeing Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai arrive, Qi Tong Wei's face lit up with a surprised smile. He immediately greeted them and invited them inside to sit.
"Liang Ping, Chen Hai, why did you come?" Qi Tong Wei greeted them warmly.
Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai exchanged smiles, both saying they had come to visit Senior Qi.
Qi Tong Wei, upon hearing this, said with a touch of emotion: "Thank you for still remembering this old man. I haven't done anything big, I just did what I could."
Hou Liang Ping, looking at Qi Tong Wei's simple and unassuming face, and his humble and low-key demeanor, his doubts gradually dissipated.
He began to re-examine his opinions and biases towards Qi Tong Wei, and admired his former senior even more.
In the following time, Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai chatted a lot with Qi Tong Wei.
They talked about their school days, the challenges in their work, and their future plans.
Qi Tong Wei was always patient and attentive as he listened to their stories, offering them valuable advice and encouragement.