Courtyard House: Home Alone

When Manager Zhou and his group came into view, Lin Yifan could clearly see that although the leader was dressed in an ordinary long gown, his steps exuded a composure and determination that was beyond the reach of ordinary people, as if the surrounding crises could not shake him in the slightest.

As they approached, Manager Zhou seemed to sense something and his gaze swept warily toward the direction where Lin Yifan was hiding.

Lin Yifan appeared at the right time, nodded slightly to Manager Zhou, and then turned his gaze to the leader, bowing respectfully. Although he was still a little nervous, he felt more excited and solemn to see his idol.

The leader also noticed Lin Yifan. His gaze was gentle yet profound, scrutinizing, but without the slightest hint of aloofness.

He nodded slightly, his voice steady and calm, carrying a unique affability: "This must be Lin Yifan, young friend Lin? Manager Zhou and the others have mentioned you before, a young hero who has made many contributions to our Party's anti-Japanese cause."

Lin Yifan felt a chill run down his spine. He hadn't expected the other party to call him by his name so directly. It seemed that Manager Zhou had already introduced him beforehand.

He composed himself and replied respectfully, "I dare not accept such praise from a leader. I merely did what I could. It is an honor for me to meet you."

He deliberately used the term "junior" to express respect while also blurring the lines of their relationship.

The leader smiled slightly, his smile encouraging: "No need to be so modest. In a time of national crisis, everyone who steps forward deserves our respect."

We've all heard of your deeds; the name "Ghost" struck fear into the hearts of the Japanese invaders.

When the word "Ghost" came out of the leader's mouth, Lin Yifan's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected that his identity had already been known to the top brass of the Red Party, but it seemed that they regarded "Ghost" as an organization.

He figured that outsiders probably thought "Ghost" was an organization, which was fine, at least he hadn't been completely exposed. He glanced at Manager Zhou subconsciously.

The leader seemed to see through Lin Yifan's thoughts, waved his hand, and said in a relaxed tone, "You don't need to be surprised. Your actions in Beiping have caused quite a stir. If we still can't detect them, then we'll truly be deaf and blind."

But don't worry, we will keep your identity strictly confidential. You have your own way of doing things, and we respect your choices.

These words were like a reassuring pill, completely putting Lin Yifan's mind at ease. He took a deep breath and bowed again: "Thank you for your trust and understanding. Yifan will do his utmost to live up to this trust."

At this moment, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion! As expected of someone who is respected by all, a few words from him swept away his hesitation and concerns, replacing them with an unprecedented sense of belonging and mission.

The leader nodded in satisfaction and patted Lin Yifan on the shoulder: "Good, that's ambitious. No wonder 'Ghost' took a liking to you. Comrade Guoqing, take some men in and check if Bi Dianqing has come out yet. We'll go in and discuss this in detail."

Manager Zhou immediately replied, "Yes, sir! I'll make the arrangements right away." After saying that, he gave a wink to the guards behind him and led the two men quickly into Baiyun Temple.

The temple had already been cleared and fortified as instructed, and apart from the necessary guards, there was no one else inside.

Manager Zhou personally inspected the side hall and, after confirming that it was safe, returned and gestured for the leader and Lin Yifan to come in: "Leader, Xiao Fan, please come in."

The leader stepped into the gate, his gaze quickly sweeping over the ancient buildings and the surrounding environment. He nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied with the seclusion of the place.

Lin Yifan followed closely behind, remaining highly vigilant. His mental energy was like an invisible net, covering the entire Baiyun Temple and its surrounding area, ensuring that no movement could escape his perception.

The side hall was simply furnished with only an eight-immortal table and a few long benches. A charcoal fire burned in the corner, dispelling the chill of the mountains.

The gentleman sat down in the main seat and gestured for Lin Yifan to sit as well. After everyone was seated, Manager Zhou personally refilled the gentleman's and Lin Yifan's teacups, then tactfully withdrew outside the hall to stand guard at the door with the other guards, ensuring the conversation would not be disturbed.

For a moment, only the teacher and Lin Yifan remained in the hall. The atmosphere was somewhat solemn, yet it also carried a peculiar sense of peace.

The gentleman picked up his teacup, gently blew on the steam, and looked at Lin Yifan with a gentle gaze: "Young friend Lin, the main reason I came here this time is that you told our comrades last time that 'Ghost' has more than 300 aircraft of various types and wants to make a deal with us."

These 300-plus aircraft represent a strategic asset capable of altering the battlefield landscape for any armed force.

Especially for the army led by our Party, it has long been in a state of extreme shortage of equipment, let alone aircraft.

The Japanese planes recklessly bombed and conducted reconnaissance over our heads, posing a huge threat to the construction of our base areas, the movement of our troops, and the safety of the lives and property of the people.

Countless comrades fell victim to enemy air raids, and countless important supplies and facilities were destroyed.

We desperately want to have our own air power, even just a few aircraft. It would greatly boost morale, let the soldiers know that we also have the ability to fight back, and let those arrogant Japanese devils taste the bitterness of being bombed!

And now you say you have more than 300 aircraft, which is an unimaginable number, enough to form several air squadrons.

If these aircraft can be delivered successfully and become combat-ready, their impact on the entire anti-Japanese war will be revolutionary.

We can not only seize air superiority in local areas and cover ground troops in their operations, but also effectively strike important Japanese military targets and transportation lines, and even directly support friendly forces on the main battlefield.

The strategic value of this cannot be overstated!

However, you should also know that the Red Party was very poor, and our soldiers were fighting the Japanese on empty stomachs.

We have absolutely nothing of value to offer you "ghosts" in exchange.

Since you're here today representing "Ghost" to talk to me, I wonder if "Ghost" has told you what he needs us to offer in exchange for these planes?

"As long as it's something we have, we'll find a way to provide it, even if it means tightening our belts. But if it's something we truly don't have, then perhaps we can only..."

As the man spoke, a hint of helplessness lingered in his voice, yet he remained candid.

He knew that this deal was too significant, and the conditions proposed by the other party were likely beyond the Red Party's current means. However, he had to make things clear first, both out of respect for the "specter" and out of a sober understanding of reality.