Chapter 948: Chapter 949: Charge Over Chapter 948: Chapter 949: Charge Over Meng Xinian stood atop a pile of mud and rocks, holding two flashlights, signaling the vehicle.
The team member driving gripped the steering wheel tightly, palms sweating.
Only at this place did they realize the gap they had cleared was still very small, barely enough for their vehicle to scrape through.
But the road was slippery, and as the vehicle reached this point, its tires kept skidding, somewhat out of control.
The first vehicle managed to force its way past while one of its wheels ground over a pile of dirt; everyone inside jolted and shouted, fearing they were about to roll over.
The vehicle narrowly made it through.
The second vehicle simply followed the tire tracks of the one in front, pressing on; its rear wheels skidded, flinging out a heap of mud and water.
âHold steady!â
âCharge through! We donât have time!â
âCharge through!â
Everyoneâs hearts tightened; on the vehicle, the villagers huddled together, each face etched with fear and unease, and also reluctance.
Their homes had already been flooded, and they were still in the midst of fleeing.
If the vehicle overturned at this moment, they didnât even know if they could escape safely.
The childrenâs cries weighed heavily on everyoneâs spirits; apart from the grandmother softly consoling the child, no one else even made a sound.
The vehicle went through another shudder, clanging loudly.
Above them, the sound of rain splattering was so intense, it left them holding their breaths tightly.
The rain grew heavier and heavier.
âOfficer Meng! The dam canât hold!â
A voice that was almost a roar followed by a clap of thunder made Meng Xinianâs heart sink heavily.
If the dam couldnât hold, it meant Guan Town might be in danger.
They now had to evacuate to Guan Town before it was too late, all the while ensuring the safety of these villagers as they moved further out.
There were not enough vehicles; the team members still had to run.
Run all the way out.
âSpeed up, charge!â he abruptly raised his hand, the light flickering.
Several vehicles recklessly dashed out, but the last one got one of its wheels stuck in the mud heap.
âEveryone, hold on!â
Meng Xinianâs hoarse voice shouted, as he himself also rushed forward.
The vehicle tilted but before it could fall, it was propped up by dozens of team members who pushed it back on track with their bodies.
With a screech, the accelerator was pressed; finally, it powered through successfully, flinging mud and water, dousing the team members behind with muck.
Meng Xinian wiped his face roughly with his sleeve, âRun! With your fastest speed! Run!â
Dozens of exhausted team members clenched their teeth, dragging their heavy legs, running, continuing to run.
Meng Xinian stood still, repeatedly reaching out to pull those who ran past him.
He had to ensure that everyone passed by in front of his eyes.
No matter what, he had to be the last one!
âOfficer Meng, Director Yeâs vehicle is coming and can take thirty more people!â Dai Gang ran back to report.
Ahead, Director Ye and others who had come out to clear the road, had now caught up.
âGet the vanguard team on the vehicle!â
Meng Xinian yelled.
The vanguard team, those who had arrived here before them, members from the main camp.
âYes!â
The vanguard team boarded the vehicle, leaving only Meng Xinian and his team members on the dark and perilous road.
âNow, we race against the floodwaters! Run! Once you get out, Iâll grant you leave to visit family, to go on dates, any leave you want! Did you hear me?!â
Meng Xinian shouted.
âHeard it!â
âCharge!â
Someone yelled with a voice that was already breaking, but it was quickly drowned out by the sound of the rain.