Wang Chul and the others sprang into action. He wanted to avoid a fight. In their current condition, even a small clash could cost lives. Yet the heavy thudding above made his chest tighten. It seemed unavoidable.
Ma Guosheng and the others were nervous as well. Their faces were pale, lips dry, eyes darting toward the ceiling. Fingers trembled slightly as they tightened their grips on their weapons, as if trying to squeeze courage out of cold metal.
"Those who are still able to fight, get ready."
Before he could finish, a loud booming voice came from above.
"Grumpy Wang, are you in there?!"
The words hit like a stone thrown into still water.
Wang Chul froze.
That voice.
That nickname.
For a heartbeat, he wondered if exhaustion had made him hallucinate.
"…Madam Lin?" His voice came out hoarse, thick with disbelief.
Above, Lin Daxia let out a breath she did not realize she had been holding. "Wang, open the door. This is the rescue team from the base!"
Rescue team?
