Ten minutes later, six hundred meters west of the landing point, at the edge of a barren forest.
Deep in the darkness, the beams of two headlights pierced the night, flashing three times at precise intervals from afar.
After a brief pause, the miniature flashlight in Song Heping's hand responded with two quick flashes.
Signal confirmed.
The engine sound was barely audible, and a dark-colored SUV glided ghost-like, stopping steadily at the edge of the forest's shadow.
The car door opened, and a man agilely stepped out sideways, quickly blending into the tree shadows.
The newcomer was about forty, lean and fit, wearing an unremarkable dark gray fleece jacket and dark tactical pants, with dusty hiking boots on his feet.
His movements revealed a precision and alertness, exuding the aura of a rigorously trained agent.
"Mr. Song?"
The man's English had a faint, indiscernible accent, spoken in a low tone.
"Jamie."
