Courtyard House: Home Alone

A flicker of surprise crossed Andrei's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "I understand, Zhirong. I know there's a more powerful force at work behind this."

We don't need you to provide the medicine directly; we just need you to act as a go-between, giving us the opportunity to contact those who control these resources. We are willing to put in sufficient effort and believe this will be beneficial to both parties.

He paused, then added, "If you need weapons, ammunition, or even military advisors, we can consider providing support. Faced with a common enemy, cooperation is the only way forward."

Qin Zhirong's heart skipped a beat; weapons and ammunition were exactly what the Red Party was currently lacking. Looking into Andrei's earnest eyes, he slowly nodded: "Alright, Andrei. I can try to make contact for you, but I can't guarantee success."

"That's enough, my old friend!"

Andrei smiled, letting out a sigh of relief. "As long as we have the opportunity to make contact, we can show our sincerity. Time is of the essence, Zhirong, I hope you can give me an answer as soon as possible."

Qin Zhirong nodded: "I will do my best. Find a safe place to stay and wait for my news."

Andrei stood up and shook hands with Qin Zhirong again: "Thank you, Zhirong. I look forward to our next meeting, and I hope we can reach an agreement." After saying that, he turned and left the office, walking hurriedly, as if staying even a second longer would be dangerous.

Qin Zhirong watched Andre disappear through the door, put down his pen, and began to ponder how he could persuade Tang Baolin.

After all, Tang Baolin has a close relationship with "Ghost" and is currently the only bridge that can be established with him.

He knew that this matter was of great importance, and that if successful, it would be a huge boost to the development of the Red Party. However, he also had to be careful not to arouse the 'Spectre's' resentment.

He walked to the window, looked at the gray sky outside, and pondered how to phrase his words in a way that would express his sincerity in cooperating without appearing too eager or coercive.

The "Ghost" is secretive, ruthless, and extremely power-hungry. It would be inappropriate to directly mention the Soviet Union's needs. In any case, we should discuss it with Zheng Shucheng first, since Zheng Shucheng is the top leader of the Red Party in Beiping.

With that thought in mind, he tidied up the documents on his desk, turned around and left the office, heading towards Zheng Shucheng's office.

The journey was relatively smooth, and the train arrived at Beiping Station on time at noon. After getting off the train, Lin Yifan said to Chen Gongshu, "You guys go back to the pharmaceutical factory first. I also need to go back first. I've been away for several days, and my family must be worried."

The special training needs to be expedited. I'll go to Chongqing after I've settled things in Beiping, and I won't be looking for you in the meantime. If I haven't returned by the time of the next transaction, you should take some men to Tianjin.

Remember, prioritize saving lives in any situation. As long as people are safe, that's all that matters. If the medicine runs out, we can find another way.

Chen Gongshu replied in a deep voice, "Don't worry, young master, I understand. Please be careful on your journey."

Lin Yifan nodded, then parted ways with the three, hailed a rickshaw, and headed towards Nanluoguxiang.

In the afternoon in Beiping, sunlight streamed through sparse clouds, and the streets were bustling with pedestrians and vehicles. Beneath the seemingly calm surface, undercurrents were surging.

Lin Yifan keenly sensed that several pairs of malicious eyes seemed to be watching him from the shadows. He remained calm, but his vigilance increased.

The train station and the Eight Great Hutongs are places where all sorts of people mingle. When we have time, we must have the old man arrange for someone to clean them up, so that these places don't become breeding grounds for Japanese devils and traitors to gather intelligence and cause sabotage.

Soon, the rickshaw stopped at the entrance of the east courtyard. He paid the fare, looked around, and then knocked on the gate.

A moment later, footsteps came from the courtyard. He used his spiritual power to "see" and found that it was Yu Wenxiu who was coming. He noticed that she was holding a Browning in her right hand.

Reaching the door, Yu Wenxiu cautiously asked, "Who is it?"

Lin Yifan smiled from outside the door and said, "Wenxiu, it's me. I'm back."

Upon hearing Lin Yifan's voice, Yu Wenxiu quickly put away her pistol, her wariness instantly replaced by joy. She hurriedly unlatched the door, hugged Lin Yifan who had just entered, and said in a tearful voice, "Young Master, you're finally back! Yesterday I even asked Xia Yan to inquire with the old man!"

Lin Yifan felt a warmth in his heart as he felt the trembling of the person in his arms. He gently patted her back to comfort her and said, "I'm sorry to have worried you. I'm back safe and sound."

"Something came up, so I'm two days late." As he spoke, he helped Yu Wenxiu into the courtyard and closed the gate behind him.

Yu Wenxiu then raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears, and looked him up and down. Seeing that he had no obvious wounds, she felt a little relieved.

Lin Yifan looked at her red and swollen eyes and was deeply moved, but he also felt helpless thinking that he would be away from Beiping for a long time in the future.

After thinking for a moment, she asked softly, "By the way, where are Xia Yan and Xin Yi?"

"The two of them are in the backyard, looking at what vegetables they can plant after spring."

The other day, Xinyi was saying that it was a pity that the empty plot of land in the yard was being wasted, and that it would be better to plant some green beans and cucumbers, which could be used as vegetables in the summer, and the vines could also provide shade for the yard.

Xia Yan was thinking of planting some chili peppers and tomatoes, saying that since you love spicy food, when they bear fruit, she could make you your favorite spicy chicken and scrambled eggs with tomatoes. The two of them were squatting in the backyard, marking out their territory with small stones.

"Then go and ask Xinyi to get me something to eat. I haven't eaten yet. My stomach has been growling since I rushed back from Tianjin."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenxiu quickly wiped away her tears and replied, "Okay! I'll go call her right away! You go inside and rest first. I'll have Xinyi quickly make you something. What would you like to eat?"

Lin Yifan thought for a moment and smiled, "A simple home-cooked meal is fine. Eat whatever is available. I love everything Xinyi makes."

Yu Wenxiu gave him a reproachful look, then turned and strode quickly towards the backyard, calling out as she went, "Xinyi! Xinyi! I'm back! Stop messing around with your things, I haven't eaten yet, I need you to make something to eat!"

In the backyard, Xia Yan and Jiang Xinyi were squatting on the ground, holding pebbles in their hands, enthusiastically planning their respective "vegetable gardens".

Upon hearing Yu Wenxiu's voice, Tian Xinyi was first taken aback, then suddenly stood up, her face instantly lighting up with surprise.

He almost ran towards the front yard, not forgetting to turn back and shout to Xia Yan, "Sister Xia Yan, I'm back!" Xia Yan also quickly stood up, patted the dirt off her hands, and hurried after him.

Lin Yifan had just sat down in the chair in the main room when Tian Xinyi rushed in like a whirlwind. Seeing him sitting there unharmed, her eyes reddened, but she held back her tears and said with a choked voice, "Young Master, you're back!"

Lin Yifan looked at her slightly tired but joyful face, nodded, and said gently, "Yes, you're back. I'm sorry to have worried you."

Xia Yan then came in. She was relatively calmer, but her eyes were also full of concern and relief. She said softly, "It's good that you're back."