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墨書 Inktalez
On the morning of Evacuation Day, before dawn, the base was already bustling with activity. The wounded were carefully lifted onto stretchers, preparing to be taken to the helipad. The air was thick with a sense of parting, but it was also tinged with an almost imperceptible tension. I knew that Li Heng and his team must be monitoring everything closely from the shadows.
With the help of Old Wang, I made my way to the assembly point, leaning on my cane. Looking around, I saw other reporters also shouldering their bags, ready to evacuate. They seemed blissfully unaware of the potential dangers, excitedly discussing the insights they had gained from this assignment. Who could the spy codenamed "Nightingale" be? Was it the ever-smiling photographer? The taciturn writer? Or perhaps the seemingly harmless female anchor?
I couldn't help but observe each person closely, trying to pick up any clues from their words and actions. But I found nothing. If there truly was a spy among us, they were hiding too well.
Then Li Heng appeared. Dressed in a neat combat uniform, he showed no signs of fatigue; his sharp gaze swept over everyone present. He briefly outlined a few important points regarding our evacuation before announcing it was time to board.
The first helicopter would transport the severely injured and medical equipment. The second one would carry us lighter-injured individuals and reporters.
I stood in the middle of the line, using my cane as I made my way toward the helicopter, feeling a bit anxious. Would an attack really happen? Could Li Heng's arrangements ensure everyone's safety?
Just as I was about to board the helicopter, Li Heng suddenly approached me. He didn’t look at me directly but whispered something to the soldier in charge of boarding. The soldier paused for a moment, then nodded and turned to me.
" Reporter Xu, I'm sorry, but there’s been a change in plans. You need to take the next helicopter."
What?! The next one? Why did I have to switch to the next flight?
I was stunned, instinctively looking at Li Heng.
He still didn’t look at me, his face devoid of any expression.
“Why?” I asked the soldier in confusion.
The soldier stammered, “Uh… it’s Lieutenant Li’s orders… he said… considering your leg injury, the next flight is… smoother?”
This reason was absurd!
I immediately understood.
This was simply Li Heng’s excuse!
He didn’t want me on this potentially dangerous flight!
He wanted to pull me out alone to ensure my safety!
What a presumptuous jerk!
I was filled with anger and wanted to confront him.
But he didn’t give me a chance; after giving his instructions, he immediately turned to direct other tasks.
As I watched other reporters and injured personnel board the helicopter, the cabin door slowly closed.
The propellers began to spin, creating a massive gust of wind.
I was left behind, both furious and anxious, yet powerless.
All I could do was watch as the helicopter took off into the gray sky and disappeared.
Old Wang came over and patted my shoulder. “Zhi Yi, don’t be angry. Lieutenant Li is just looking out for you.”
Looking out for me?
What did he think I was? A fragile porcelain doll that needed special protection?!
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became.
But at this point, being angry wouldn’t change anything.
I could only wait for the next flight.
However, the so-called “next flight” remained silent for a long time.
Time passed second by second.
The sky gradually brightened.
Yet the atmosphere at the base grew increasingly tense.
I saw soldiers continuously fortifying various corners, while Li Heng held a walkie-talkie, constantly issuing commands with an unusually serious expression.
Was something wrong?
My heart raced.
Could it be… that the Nightingale had begun its operation?
At that moment, a faint explosion echoed from the distant sky.
Immediately after, a series of gunshots rang out!
The direction from which the sounds came… was precisely where that helicopter had just departed!
My head buzzed with disbelief.
Had they… really been attacked?!
Li Heng… what happened to them?!
I could no longer pay attention to the pain in my leg. I tossed aside my crutch and hobbled toward the command center.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Old Wang grabbed me firmly.
"Let go of me! I need to find Li Heng!" I was so anxious that tears nearly spilled from my eyes.
"It’s pointless for you to go! You’ll just cause more trouble!" Old Wang held on tightly, "Trust Lieutenant Li! He will handle it!"
Handle it?
How could he handle it?!
This was an armed assault!
My heart twisted in knots, filled with fear and worry.
Time stretched unbearably long.
Every minute felt like torture.
The gunfire and explosions came in fits and starts.
No one knew how the battle ahead was unfolding.
Inside the command center, Li Heng's voice came through the loudspeaker, still calm but laced with an undeniable aura of decisiveness.
He was mobilizing troops, commanding a counterattack.
Listening to his voice brought me a sliver of comfort.
As long as he was here directing operations, it meant… he was still alive.
I lost track of time until finally, the gunfire began to subside.
Everyone in the base held their breath, waiting for news from the front lines.
At last, a slightly fatigued voice crackled through the radio: "Report, Captain! The threat has been neutralized! Target 'Nightingale'... has been secured!"
Nightingale… secured?!
They succeeded?!
A cheer erupted in the base, a collective sigh of relief after the storm!
I too exhaled deeply; my legs weakened, nearly collapsing to the ground.
Old Wang quickly supported me.
"Great... so great..." I murmured, unable to hold back my tears. Was it excitement? Was it fear? I couldn't tell.
Soon, the soldiers who had participated in the operation began to return to the base one by one. They were covered in smoke and blood, their faces etched with exhaustion, yet their eyes shone with an unusual brightness. I eagerly searched the crowd for that familiar figure.
Finally, I spotted him. Li Heng was at the back of the line. His combat uniform was caked with dirt and... dark red stains. I couldn't tell if they were his own or someone else's. His face remained pale, but his gaze was sharp and alert. It seemed he had noticed me too. He paused for a moment before striding directly toward me.
He stood before me, looking down at me. The sunlight illuminated his face, outlining his resolute features. "It's okay now," he said, his voice a bit hoarse but carrying a reassuring strength.
I looked at him, at the bloodstains on his clothes, at the red veins in his eyes. A thousand words were stuck in my throat, ultimately transforming into just one sentence. "…You too."
He gazed back at me, silent for a few seconds. Then, unexpectedly, he reached out and gently ruffled my hair. The gesture reminded me of that year.
"Let's go," he said, "I'll take you home."
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