Once Li Yuemin finished his arrangements, he unhooked the cowhide waterskin from his waist, emptied the water, and skillfully sliced it open with his dagger to fashion makeshift armor, which he strapped to his arms and lower legs.
He then took off his smelly socks and tore them into strips. He bound himself with some of them and handed the rest to Zhang Chuntao and Li Guolin.
"There are many pythons in this area; tie these around your ankles and wrists. The pythons hate this smell. Now, while it’s still light, the two of you must get down the mountain immediately, find my father-in-law, and have him call the commune to borrow a sidecar motorcycle. Wait at the foot of the mountain to receive us. Once I rescue Xiaoxue, I need to get her to the hospital immediately. Do you understand?"
Chapter 19