The flashlight beam was faint in the dead of night, but Zhang Laibao, who was picking corn with his back to Zhao Jun and Li Baoyu, still noticed it.
But the instant he turned, he saw a black muzzle aimed at him spit fire.
"Aaaargh!"
Zhang Laibao's bloodcurdling scream tore through the night sky, echoing across the vast, open fields.
Nearby, Zhang Laifa, who had been engrossed in picking corn, jumped at the sudden gunshot. His hand trembled, and the cob he had just picked slipped from his grasp.
Immediately after, Zhang Laifa heard Zhang Laibao's gut-wrenching scream.
"Brother!" Zhang Laifa cried out in anguish and turned to run. But he didn't run toward the sound of Zhang Laibao's voice; he bolted in the direction of the village.
"Agh…"
From not far behind him came the sound of intermittent, agonized groans.
Li Baoyu was on his knees, clutching his right shoulder. His forehead was pressed to the dirt, and pained sounds escaped his lips.
