Jing Lei nodded. "I understand, but don't get too deeply involved. When romance takes hold, it's hard to separate."
I said, "All of this was arranged by Xie Jiabao. I'm just playing along with them. Rest assured, once they fall into our net, I promise to return a complete Li Hua to you."
Jing Lei pouted and nodded reluctantly, burying her head in my arms.
I drifted off, unsure how long I slept, until Young Master Wu woke me. "We've arrived."
So soon. It felt like I had just closed my eyes, dreamt, and then we were here.
Young Master Wu said, "We are about three kilometers from the government army headquarters. Let's send some scouts ahead to check the location General Bo Gang mentioned. You should call him now."
I agreed and took out my phone to call him.
It was eleven o'clock at night. We had plenty of time.
Bo Gang said, "You've arrived? Excellent. Our observation post sent a message; they are deploying troops and appear to be launching a full-scale assault. The situation is critical."
I replied, "We've dispatched scouts to reconnoiter the terrain and ascertain their troop deployment. We aim to open the underground passage before midnight to evacuate the officials."
Bo Gang said, "From now on, we'll communicate every ten minutes to report progress."
I agreed and told him to await my news.
After hanging up, I saw several dark figures emerge from the ranks and head towards headquarters.
I said to Young Master Wu, "You're skilled at leading troops. I'm just offering a suggestion. Should we divide the force into three detachments? One for the front line, one to assist with the evacuation of officials, and one for security?"
Young Master Wu exclaimed, "You say you're an outsider, but your suggestion is exceptionally astute! Yes, we'll deploy according to your plan! I'll go gather the troops immediately."
Qian Fugui was one of their own. I asked him to accompany Young Master Wu and assist him.
Qian Fugui nodded and followed Young Master Wu to the convoy's location.
Young Master Wu's men had already disembarked and were forming ranks according to their original structure.
I also got out and followed them to the assembly point.
Three hundred men formed five long lines, awaiting the commander's instructions.
Young Master Wu approached, gave a brief motivational speech, and then instructed teams one, two, and three to remain stationary. The other two teams were quickly integrated into teams one, two, and three.
They were well-practiced in such drills, so the redistribution was completed swiftly.
At this point, the three squad leaders ran over to report that the troops were assembled and requested further instructions from the commander.
Young Master Wu stated, "Team One is responsible for clearing the garrison at the target location. Team Two will assist the headquarters officials in their evacuation. Team Three will provide cover. Do you understand?"
The three squad leaders replied, "Understood!"
Young Master Wu continued, "Good! Now, on my command, Team One will advance one hundred meters! Teams Two and Three will follow. Once the formations are in place, hold your positions!"
The three squad leaders promptly directed the teams to move.
After the formations were set, everyone held their positions.
Despite the presence of so many people, there was not a sound.
At this moment, the scouts returned with a report stating that the passage was not heavily guarded. They speculated that the enemy might not realize it was an exit.
I said to Young Master Wu, "In this case, let the security detachment expand its perimeter slightly. This will create a larger safe zone and increase our chances of success."
Young Master Wu ordered, "Team One, advance one hundred meters on either side of the passage! Maintain a strict defense, and guarantee the passage's safety even at the cost of your lives! Team Three, assist Team One with the aftermath of the officials' evacuation. Upon completion of your mission, ensure everyone withdraws from the battlefield!"