"I am fine. I just have some small scratches. It is no big deal. I will deal with them when we go back tomorrow. You don't need to worry about me. The most important task at hand is to make sure these drug dealers don't get away until the police arrive," ordered Daisy calmly. It was still early, so there should be enough time for the police to come and arrest the dealers before it grew dark. It would be better if they could transfer them to Mr. Yi, the director of the police station, today itself. She did not want to wait until tomorrow. Too many unpredictable things could happen in between.
"Don't worry! They have all been tied up. Those who are injured may still suffer a bit though. The military medics could only give them a simple treatment for their wounds. The bleeding has been stopped. But they will have to wait until they get to the hospital to take the bullets out by surgery," reported Mark. Though they had just undergone an intense battle, he was quite enthusiastic. The Colonel had once again done a great job. Her merits were earned by her excellent abilities. Who could still disapprove of her title?
"Did you ask for the ambulance too when you called Mr. Yi?" asked Daisy, frowning deeply. Apparently, she hadn't thought as far as Mark had. All she could wonder at was how lucky she had been this time that she was still alive. It was not like she feared death much. But her life didn't merely belong to herself, but also to her beloved Edward. She couldn't afford to lose it since that would break his heart utterly.
Yes, Colonel! I've mentioned that already. Shall I ask the military medic to take a look at your wounds too?" asked Mark. He was concerned about Daisy's wounds, but he didn't want to see an angry Edward either. He was already imagining how mad Edward would be when he got to know Daisy had been hurt again. Every time she got injured, he grew frosty and truly acted like a demon from hell.
"Not yet. It does not matter. I will deal with them when I get back," answered Daisy. Her emotionless face was still covered with oil paint from their training. It was hard to figure out what she was feeling. But Mark had been her comrade for so long, he could see that she was exhausted.
"Maybe you should take some rest inside the car then? I will wake you up when Mr. Yi arrives, Colonel," suggested Mark. Mark had always been attentive. It was not always that a man was as considerate as him.
"Okay then. But pay heed to their training progress. I hope that they can finish soon," said Daisy. She did feel tired after completing the tasks. So she did not reject Mark's suggestion this time. After giving her final orders, she went to the Humvee that stood at a distance.
"Yes, Colonel! I'll notify the leaders. Have a good rest!" Mark said, confirming her orders. As he watched her get on the Humvee, Mark realized he was happy. He had a brilliant smile on his face, similar to that of a young teenage boy.
Daisy had thought of only taking a nap. But she must have been too tired, and had fallen asleep right away. By the time Mr. Yi arrived, she had slept for more than an hour.
Colonel Ouyang, thank you very much! We have been tracking these drug dealers for a long time, but could not execute their arrest due to lack of evidence. We never thought they would have the courage to trade drugs in your area. It is unlucky for them to meet you here, but they deserve it. With the proof you have collected this time, we could charge them prison sentences for life. We are so grateful to you!" Mr. Yi exclaimed fervently.
Actually, he felt quite small in stature every time he met Daisy Ouyang. It was not due to her high ranking in the military base, but because of her ability to solve complications and successfully complete impossible missions. Compared to her, he felt his own work did not match up in significance.
"It's our responsibility to protect our country and society. The safety of the people also relies on us. Arresting those who endanger our society comes under that. We just did what we were supposed to do. You do not need to thank us," Daisy said politely. She was never someone who cared a lot about her merits, even though it had cost her many promotions.
In any case," Mr. Yi complimented, "You have made a great contribution to our country and to the people today." To be precise, it was not just Daisy who had made the contribution. By tracking down such a large drug transaction case and apprehending this group of drug dealers, Mr. Yi would also be rewarded. That was the main reason he was so enthusiastic.
"It is not a big deal. We just did what we had to do. I think it would be better if you take the drug dealers back to your station now. I can't go with you as I still have a training session to monitor. But if you have any problems, feel free to call me anytime. I am willing to assist in your investigation. Keep in touch," Daisy said, her tone still civil but cold. Watching the sun sink to the west, Daisy was lost in her thoughts. Whether she got merits for such missions was no longer as important as it used to be. She was no longer the young soldier from a few years ago, who needed to work hard and do her very best to earn her title. At that time, she did not have anyone to rely upon. She was forced to take up dangerous and deadly missions one after another, to make meritorious contributions and climb up the ranking ladder. The reason for the difference today was only one person - Edward, her beloved husband. She had been pushing herself so hard for all the merits not because she wanted them for herself. She had needed them to prove her abilities. She wanted to be approved by others so she wouldn't feel like she wasn't good enough for Edward. After all, Edward was so extraordinary, that to be with him, Daisy needed to be outstanding too. But now, he was hers, a man who only belonged by her side and would always belong there. She did not feel the need to push herself so hard anymore.
"Okay, then we will leave now. If there is anything that might need your assistance, we will call you. We will be in contact," Mr. Yi replied humbly. He had always been deferential with Daisy every time they met, both because of her military ranking and her patriotic attitude. She was indeed a responsible officer who completed all her missions perfectly. Mr. Yi believed that Colonel Ouyang was a lady who demanded respect.
"Of course. I will be cooperative," Daisy said. When Mr. Yi left with the arrested drug dealers, she finally got some quietude back. There would be a report to write regarding today's event when she got back. She sighed deeply. She frankly did not like that part of the job. They were only formalities without any meaning to them. No one would ever read those reports. What a waste of time!
As the police cars roared to life and headed out, the wicked drug dealers and their goods were gone with them too. But Daisy could not feel complete relief. She knew drugs would never fully disappear from the world. People could easily earn much profit by trading them. As long as there were people who worshiped money, there would be many other Shuras in the future. Just like what he said, people like him only cared about getting lucky and receiving the coin, while someone else's future could be thrown under the bus for all they cared. Human beings were selfish. Each one of us was, to some extent. But it all depended on how badly we craved for things that didn't belong to us, and to what degree we were willing to sacrifice to get to them.