Chapter 18: The Ambush

Chapter 18: The Ambush

Sergeant Wu ignored her explanation and said directly, “See that patch of woods? That’s the closest point to their perimeter. You go there and get their password.”

Xu Qiao instinctively wanted to ask how she was supposed to get it, but then she realized and quickly nodded. “Don’t worry, leave it to me.”

“Uh... is there anything else you need me to do?”

Sergeant Wu waved his hand dismissively. “The rest is up to me. Once you get the password, don’t leave. Just stay there. I’ll come find you.”

With that order, the two went their separate ways.

Xu Qiao didn’t have time to see what he was up to. Carefully avoiding the open ground, she moved cautiously through the woods.

Although she had been with Sergeant Wu for less than two days, she had already learned far more than during her entire time as a recruit.

At least now she knew how to move through the forest without being detected.

After nearly half an hour, she finally crawled carefully to the edge of the woods Sergeant Wu had mentioned.

It was late at night, and the camp was kept dark to avoid detection. Still, from this distance, most of the vehicles could be seen working.

“Sir!” a sentry snapped to attention.

The two of them leapt over him and walked straight ahead.

“I won’t cover your mouth again. One more scream and it’s over,” Sergeant Wu interrupted her without mercy.

He pushed open the vehicle door and climbed in.

At that moment, Xu Qiao instinctively felt something was wrong and stepped forward. “Careful!”

She never imagined the task would be completed so easily, but she didn’t dare move recklessly. Instead, she carefully searched for Sergeant Wu’s silhouette.

Listening to his words, Xu Qiao was surprised. “So, turning on the jamming system alone doesn’t disrupt communications?”

Sergeant Wu chuckled wryly. “It’s not that simple.”

The camp had plenty of equipment vehicles. If Xu Qiao were to look, it seemed any one of them could be sabotaged. But if asked which was the most important, she wouldn’t be able to tell.

Luckily, Sergeant Wu was with her and led her directly to the communications vehicle.

Before she could speak again, he asked, “Did you hear the password?”

“Isn’t it too early for a shift change yet?”

Sergeant Wu nodded lightly. “Alright, let’s go have a look. Besides, there shouldn’t be any more missions today. Let everyone rest well.”

As they spoke, they approached the communications vehicle and exchanged a glance, falling silent.

While Xu Qiao was lost in thought, a voice suddenly came from behind.

So, she crouched carefully in the bushes, ignoring the night’s mosquitoes, motionless and focused on the guards and sentry ahead.

Xu Qiao’s heart skipped a beat—the moment she wanted to learn, she was given no chance.

Only then did she relax and follow him out.

Seeing how unhesitant he was, Xu Qiao couldn’t help but give him a thumbs up.

“They need to analyze the enemy’s communication frequencies and coding methods, then use jamming devices to send specific electromagnetic signals to disrupt their communication systems, making them inoperable,” Sergeant Wu explained.

He paused. “Of course, if there is a vast difference in strength and the enemy’s communication equipment is outdated by a generation or more, then it’s basically a crushing blow.”

“Password!” A sentry stopped them just as they reached the jamming vehicle.

“Report: Everyone else has gone back to rest. Only the duty officer remains,” the sentry replied without hesitation.

Xu Qiao didn’t know what Sergeant Wu went to do, but she knew her task was clear—and she had to complete it.

This electronic warfare battalion was clearly very important.

The soldier wore a relatively slim blue army uniform.

“It’s me!” Sergeant Wu’s voice came at just that moment.

Xu Qiao thought the task would be complicated, but as she cautiously concealed herself there, she soon saw the shift change take place.

Before she could act, a large hand suddenly clamped tightly over her mouth.

Without wasting words, Xu Qiao nodded directly.

Hearing them exchange the password almost made her want to laugh.

“This technology requires not only solid theoretical knowledge but also rich practical experience and quick reflexes,” Sergeant Wu said.

When the two emerged again, they walked openly and confidently through the camp.

For a moment, she worried that Sergeant Wu might hesitate to act and instinctively glanced at him.

As soon as he released his grip, she glared at him and lowered her voice. “Why did you cover my mouth?”

“Up the mountain! Repeat the order!” Sergeant Wu led the way, speaking casually.

“Down to the sea!” the sentry responded, saluting briskly when he saw the captain’s insignia on his shoulder.

Just in communications alone, countless lives had been sacrificed.

The fact they were still busy here meant this place still carried significant communication duties.

Her body stiffened, a dreadful premonition rising in her heart.

“If the enemy is equipped with the latest communication and radar systems, it’s quite possible they can’t be jammed.”

But she saw Sergeant Wu ignored this and strode forward, intent on knocking someone unconscious.

“Didn’t I say everyone’s resting? Why are there still people at the communications vehicle?” Sergeant Wu asked, pointing to the vehicle behind him.

This sudden move filled her with panic and fear.

If only such advanced equipment had existed back then, victory might not have come at such a terrible cost.

“Still, even so, electronic jamming units are the last line of defense protecting our command systems,” Sergeant Wu said.

His words brought Xu Qiao back to memories of her past life—faced with a huge equipment gap, their communications were utterly crushed.

At that moment, Xu Qiao suddenly understood. Sergeant Wu had found her a concealed spot so she wouldn’t become a liability.

“I told you to study in the communications company—otherwise, this would be your regular duty,” Sergeant Wu said irritably.

“Go change into this,” he said, tossing her a uniform.

Unexpectedly, as he walked, Sergeant Wu explained matter-of-factly, “Electronic jamming is a very complex skill, requiring precise calculation and expert handling.”

Hearing a female soldier’s voice wasn’t surprising—after all, most in the communications company were women.

Inside the vehicle, a single person was tapping away at a computer—likely the duty officer the sentry had mentioned.

Sergeant Wu reached out and seized the person from behind.

In that instant, the female soldier reacted, spinning and kicking toward Sergeant Wu.

Fortunately, Xu Qiao reacted swiftly, grabbing her tightly.

Just as the kick was about to land on Sergeant Wu, Xu Qiao struck her hard with an elbow.

(End of chapter)