The three of them spent the entire morning talking in the office. The political commissar tried his best to persuade Yuan Si, but all she did was shake her head. She really couldn't just leave for years on end.
In the end, the political commissar was out of options. "Let's leave it at that for today," he said. "Go home and have a good discussion with your Little Xiao. I'm sure he's a good comrade and will support you."
Yuan Si stood up without a word. 'You people don't know him at all,' she thought. 'If he finds out I'll be gone for years—and without him—he'll absolutely go ballistic.'
"You have our number. If you change your mind before the first of next month, feel free to contact me anytime. And let me say it one last time: I sincerely hope you will contribute your strength and talent to the country and its people." The political commissar shook her hand, then followed Commander Tao, who had already started walking out, and left.
