After hearing Qin Siyang out, Qi Tian wore a faint smile. His right hand, resting on the sofa, pointed toward Qin Siyang with a gesture of admiration. "'Hearts change easily' and 'press the attack'-those two phrases of yours speak straight to my heart, Army Commander Qin."
Winning praise from a veteran like Qi Tian was no easy feat. Qin Siyang nodded in acknowledgment.
But then Qi Tian changed tack. "Though your words were decisive enough, Army Commander Qin, they still weren't persuasive enough. Human nature can explain most things, but it can't move everyone. Every one of these fellows here is an obsessive who acts against human nature. Fame, achievement, wealth, status-they don't care about any of it."
Qin Siyang glanced at the others. Indeed, there was little clear approval in their expressions.
"If Gu Weiyang were still alive, he might wholeheartedly agree with you. But he would support you because he had his own limitations-the same limitations you have."
Qi Tian's praise followed by a change of tack was clearly meant to offer guidance.
Qin Siyang held a certain reverence for an elder who had navigated the world for so many years, so he immediately adopted a humble attitude. "Please enlighten me, Commander Qi."
"I wouldn't call it enlightenment. You have far more talent for handling people and affairs than I do. At your age, I was little more than a reckless youngster. I'm simply older and have been through more, so I have some experience of my own."
Qin Siyang grew even more respectful. "I hope you'll share your wisdom, Commander Qi."
Seeing how earnestly Qin Siyang sought his advice, Qi Tian was willing to guide him and began explaining in detail.
"I've seen how you speak at meetings. Whether you're concealing your edge or covering your shortcomings,