Chapter 16: Nearly Discovered

Chapter 16: Narrowly Avoided Discovery

Whether Sergeant Wu intended it or not, throughout the journey and even right under the enemy’s nose, he kept teaching Xu Qiao new things. From him, Xu Qiao was slowly learning what it meant to be a modern soldier—not just in combat skills, but in mindset and awareness.

The army of the past was too weak, requiring people like them to stand up and fight. But now, they were merely cogs in a powerful war machine that demanded everyone's effort. Though sacrifices and bloodshed still occurred, the army no longer allowed its soldiers to fall needlessly.

Realizing this, Xu Qiao understood there was still much to learn.

Surveillance was even more tedious than tracking. After the reconnaissance unit entered the camp, there was no further movement. People came and went, but it was easy to tell they were insignificant. It seemed the first phase of their mission was complete, and they were now on standby.

Having eaten only a single breakfast and marched rapidly for hours, Xu Qiao was starving—her stomach growled louder than her footsteps.

“Sergeant, I’m going to find some food. If we keep this up, we might not get discovered by the enemy, but if the target is exposed first... that would be such a waste,” Xu Qiao said awkwardly.

Sergeant Wu glanced at her with a smile but had to admit he’d overlooked something. Since the cooking unit was not a combat squad, they didn’t carry compressed rations. Besides, they were too busy chasing the enemy to search for food.

Gone were the earlier idle thoughts; whether before or at the start of the exercise, Xu Qiao had never imagined she, a new recruit in the cooking unit, would encounter such an experience during the drill.

It was already past three in the afternoon. The day had been packed—ambushes, counter-tracking—and felt incredibly fulfilling. This operation truly reminded her of missions she’d undertaken in a past life.

“This exercise is all about eating!” she muttered, complaining but moving forward without glancing back.

Her grip on the rifle tightened until her palms sweated, dampening the handle.

From their movements, it was clear this was a small patrol team, out on their scheduled rounds.

Not only were combat personnel gathering, but among the shadowy figures, Xu Qiao sensed a few who were different.

Sergeant Wu didn’t answer her directly but looked toward the group as well.

Seeing only her pale face without other unusual signs, he relaxed.

One person walked over alone, and before Xu Qiao could breathe easier, two more followed closely.

Snapping back to attention, Xu Qiao hurriedly said, “Sergeant, it looks like something’s happening. Let’s head back and check.”

Fortunately, nothing more unexpected occurred.

The tension had been immense—facing the enemy directly, the pressure was palpable.

Xu Qiao’s face shifted; she lowered her head and slowly backed into the bushes, hiding herself without daring to breathe.

Whether or not they had spotted her, the three approached directly in her direction.

With three closing in, Xu Qiao clenched her teeth, controlling the urge to strike first. Even if she could take on three, there was no way to do it silently.

A sharp sting surfaced, nearly causing her to cry out, but she kept telling herself not to move, no matter what, as long as she wasn’t discovered.

Without Sergeant Wu, she felt unsafe—no safety net behind her, relying entirely on herself.

After a moment, he suddenly laughed, “Looks like you’ve really caught a big one this time.”

Sergeant Wu didn’t expose her but simply nodded and led her around the danger zone to the front of the camp.

They stayed there for nearly an hour, but nothing happened.

Unexpectedly, during their watch, distant shadows stirred—apparently gathering. Though the number was small, it was the largest they’d seen all day.

Xu Qiao didn’t realize this wasn’t a guess but a conclusion drawn from Sergeant Wu’s experience—a single glance was enough to discern their intentions.

They had to stay fully alert, eyes fixed on the camp, watching for any changes.

The people behind stopped as well, turning around. “It’s quiet enough. Where’s the noise? Let’s head back quickly to catch dinner.”

“What’s going on? Has something happened?” Sergeant Wu tensed again upon hearing Xu Qiao’s report of passing figures.

Xu Qiao’s eyes lit up. “You guessed it!”

Sergeant Wu scanned carefully. “There should be scouts among them, but those carrying equipment don’t look like scouts.”

Seeing this, Xu Qiao frowned. “If they move by military vehicle, how do we follow?”

Sergeant Wu only shook his head with a smile and said nothing more, pulling Xu Qiao to circle around the perimeter quickly.

This time, luck ran out; she stepped on the back of her own hand pressed to the ground.

Xu Qiao immediately spoke up, “Don’t worry, I know. I won’t act rashly.”

If they moved out, it would be through the main gate. Apart from a small road leading out to the mountains for vehicles, everywhere else was foot traffic only.

Xu Qiao was startled and stopped to look carefully.

At that moment, she felt as if her nose almost touched an enemy’s shoe.

If the enemy appeared now, she would have no chance to resist.

She waved her hand to indicate she was okay, then pointed ahead. “Look, those people carry what looks like communication equipment. The armed personnel around them seem to be protecting them.”

As they approached from another direction, the camp’s occupants had already packed up, ready to depart.

Sergeant Wu warned, still uneasy, “No matter what’s going on, don’t act rashly. Wait for me to return before making a move. And... stay hidden.”

Thanks to a month’s training in the communications unit, Xu Qiao recognized the equipment related to communications.

Suddenly, the leader stopped and asked, “What was that noise?”

Not to mention their own communications unit had just been attacked; how could she not take this seriously?

While Xu Qiao observed, the three approached, their faces growing clearer, heightening her tension.

As Xu Qiao forced herself to endure, the three reached her side, one foot brushing her face while stepping on the ground near her.

During communication, Xu Qiao never forgot her responsibility, continuously monitoring the camp’s situation ahead.

She wasn’t afraid of being discovered or even death, but after all their efforts, she couldn’t let a small mistake cause them to die here.

“Can you still move? Let’s follow them,” Sergeant Wu said.

“How could I let Xu Qiao go find food? I’ll go. You stay here and watch them carefully,” he instructed firmly.

“Do you think... they’re on some important mission?” Xu Qiao guessed to herself.

Soon, footsteps sounded as figures approached. Xu Qiao recognized the three, all bearing the Blue Army insignia, eyes scanning their surroundings as they walked.

The footsteps faded, and Xu Qiao exhaled deeply, relaxing, sweat soaking her entire body.

But as she kept watching, a shadow moved nearby again.

After waiting so long, the target finally appeared—how could she not follow? No matter how tired, she had to endure.

“They wouldn’t drive with so few people,” Sergeant Wu confidently said. “Based on their gear, they must be heading into the mountains.”

Besides, Xu Qiao lacked the capability now, so she had no choice but to endure, even if it meant losing the initiative.

She nearly gasped but stayed frozen.

Yet Xu Qiao remembered Sergeant Wu’s words—they had more patience and endurance than the enemy.

As they drew closer, Xu Qiao tensed, ready to spring at any moment.

Just moments before, she felt weak and drained; now she jumped up. “I’m fine. I can follow!”

With Sergeant Wu here, she felt supported. Even while carefully observing the Blue side’s camp, she instinctively felt no mistake, knowing Wu was right behind her.

Finally relaxed, she found herself completely exhausted, unable even to lift her arms to hold her gun.

It was already afternoon, and besides breakfast, she had only drunk some water. Without professional training, hunger was natural.

As if to prove his words, the gathered squad didn’t use vehicles, walking directly out of the camp.

After resting a while, she slowly crawled out of the bushes, watching the camp while recounting the events to Sergeant Wu.

Alone now, the feeling was very different from when she was with Wu.

No matter how nervous, the enemy was closing in. If discovered, she wouldn’t just stand idle.

Her breath stopped momentarily.

Upon hearing Xu Qiao, Sergeant Wu hurried back without delay.

Though these three carried weapons, they weren’t lightly equipped—big backpacks, some carrying heavy devices.

“What’s going on?” Sergeant Wu asked, worried after Xu Qiao nearly exposed herself.

In both past and present, effective communication was a crucial link that could change the entire battlefield.

They not only had guards but also patrols to check for any lapses.

“Could they be escorting these people to deliver something?” Xu Qiao asked instinctively.

Her words made Sergeant Wu laugh, “Very possible. So, what do you think we should do?”

“Of course, follow them and see if we can catch a big fish!”

Her eyes shone brightly as she said this.

(End of Chapter)