"You are very committed to being useful in annoying ways."
He did not answer.
Probably wise.
They reached the low stone wall near the western ridge. From there, the orchard road curved sharply before opening into the outer field. The pursuing vehicle would have to slow or risk overturning.
Tang Li Yue looked at the bend, then the trees, then the drainage groove near the road. "Here."
Lu Chengran gave her one look.
Then nodded.
No debate. No explanation needed.
Good.
She liked being understood when it saved time.
Gao Jun and Fang Yi took positions behind the stone wall. Major Lin's soldiers moved farther left, rifles ready but lowered. Lu Chengran crouched near the road curve, close enough to strike, far enough not to be obvious.
Tang Li Yue tied the thin wire between two low posts hidden in the grass and dusted the near-side ditch with a faint layer of irritant powder. Not enough to poison the air. Just enough that anyone forced into it would regret owning a nose.
