Gunpowder smoke filled the air, and a pungent odor permeated the surroundings. After Leitao neutralized a wave of the Japanese Army, he turned his head to see Hu Hansi still using his machine gun to provide suppressive fire against the enemy. He quickly reached into his backpack, pulled out several smoke grenades, yanked the pins with force, and threw them toward the Japanese Army. With a few muffled thuds, thick gray smoke billowed out, blinding the Japanese Army in the blink of an eye.
"Hu Hansi, retreat! Link up with the Eighth Route Army Task Force! This smoke won't last long!" Leitao shouted at the top of his lungs. As he yelled, he sprinted toward Hu Hansi, kicking up a cloud of dust beneath his feet.
Hearing the call, Hu Hansi immediately stopped firing. He grabbed the ammunition bag beside him, slung it over his shoulder, shouldered his machine gun, and hunkered down to move rapidly under the cover of the smoke. The two met at the edge of the smoke, exchanged a glance, and moved in silent coordination toward their planned escape route.
Chapter 256