Courtyard House: Home Alone

Grandpa Tang became interested upon hearing this and leaned forward, saying, "Oh? The Japanese are sending it over? What's the story behind that? Tell me quickly."

Lin Yifan smiled, put down his teacup, and slowly said, "Right now, the Japanese hate us to the core, but they're helpless. If word gets out that Beiping is short of food... what do you think the Japanese will do?"

They are now looting grain everywhere in the occupied areas. If they knew that we in Beiping were short of grain, they would definitely try to drive those people who can't get food to our side. They just want to rely on us to support these people, deplete our grain reserves, and then watch us cause trouble.

The Japanese are eager to send these useless burdens over to wear us down, so they will definitely make an exception for us in secret, and may even help urge the people to come this way.

All we need to do is arrange for a reception at the entrance and bring people in in batches, which saves us the trouble of dealing with the Japanese along the way.

After listening, Grandpa Tang suddenly realized what was going on and slapped his thigh in praise: "Good lad, you really are worthy of your name. This move of taking advantage of the situation is brilliant. The Japanese never dreamed of it. They originally wanted to trick us, but in the end, they helped us a lot, which is exactly what we wanted to do to recruit people."

He frowned again as he said this, "But do we have enough food reserves? With so many people coming in, if we can't supply enough food, then the Japanese will have really figured it out, and it will be troublesome if things really get out of control."

Lin Yifan smiled and waved his hand: "Grandpa, don't worry, 'Ghost' has already made arrangements for the grain. The grain in Tianjin was enough for us to prepare and store a quarter of it. Another batch of new grain will be put into storage soon, which is enough to support these people. We won't run out of our grain reserves at all."

Grandpa Tang was relieved and laughed heartily, "Then there's no problem. We'll do it your way. I'll have someone spread the news today, and I guarantee that everyone on the Japanese side will know."

Just as they finished discussing the matter, there was a knock at the door. Shi Tou announced from outside that Commander Kong Jie had arrived.

Lin Yifan stood up and said with a smile to Grandpa Tang, "Grandpa, it seems the Red Party's information network is quite efficient. They already knew about my return. Since we have some free time now, why don't we call him in and discuss this batch of weapons?"

Grandpa Tang nodded in agreement and called for Commander Kong to come in. The two of them stood up to prepare to greet him.

The office door opened, and Commander Kong Jie walked in. When he saw Lin Yifan, his eyes lit up immediately. He strode over, stretched out his rough hand, and shook Lin Yifan's hand several times before letting go: "Brother Lin! You're finally back. I've been running to Old Tang's place three times a day, just waiting to hear that you're back."

Lin Yifan smiled and led the person to a chair next to him, saying, "I just got off the train and came here. Old Tang also told me that you've been concerned about that batch of weapons, so let's talk about it today."

Commander Kong didn't mince words and went straight to the point: "To be honest, we've just recruited over 30,000 new soldiers, and more than 10,000 of them are still unarmed. That's why we're doing this—to better protect Beiping. Brother Lin, what do you think...?"

Lin Yifan nodded and stated directly, "This batch of weapons and the thirty-six T-26 tanks were all lost to me by the Soviet Union. To be honest, they're not of much use to me. However, you should know the value of these weapons. I wonder if your superiors have given any instructions?"

Kong Jie laughed heartily, put down his teacup, and said, "Brother Lin, don't worry. Our Red Party has always believed in not taking a single needle or thread from the masses. We will absolutely not let you and 'Ghost' suffer any losses. The higher-ups have already given me feedback. We can issue IOUs for this batch of weapons."

As for how the IOU should be drawn up, as long as 'Ghost' comes up with a plan, we will definitely follow it.

Lin Yifan tapped the edge of the table with his fingertips and said slowly, "Now that your superiors have given a definite answer, the matter of the IOU is easy to discuss."

If this batch of weapons and tanks were converted into money, it wouldn't be a small sum. However, talking about money is a bit vulgar.

Although providing you with weapons and ammunition was Ghost's promise, Ghost has already given you what it promised.

After all, you took these weapons to protect Beiping and fight the Japanese invaders. Fighting against Japan together is what we should do.

However, we are also working hard to rebuild Beiping, and there is a shortage of supplies everywhere. If you have any antiques, paintings, calligraphy, gold, silver and jewelry that you have captured, you can convert them into cash to offset our losses. We will calculate the market price, so neither of us will lose out. How does that sound?

After listening, Kong Jie hesitated for a moment and said, "We usually have some spoils, but most of them are exchanged for money and food. As for whether headquarters has any stock left, I don't know. I need to contact my hometown and report 'Ghost's' request. The specifics will depend on what the higher-ups decide."

Lin Yifan smiled and nodded: "This is a matter of give and take. It's only right that you consult your superiors first. I'm not in a hurry. I'll just wait for your message from above."

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie breathed a sigh of relief, his smile widening. He stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lin Yifan and Tang Baolin, and said, "Thank you both very much. I will go back and send a telegram to headquarters to reply to you as soon as possible."

Lin Yifan stood up and said with a smile, "Then I'll wait for Commander Kong's news."

Kong Jie had just reached the door when he suddenly turned around and said seriously to Lin Yifan, "By the way, Brother Lin, there's something important I almost forgot."

I'm telling you, someone from our headquarters came and said they'd like to meet with you in person. When would be a convenient time for you?

Lin Yifan raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and then smiled and replied, "I'll be in Beiping recently, so timing isn't a problem. Just have them set a time and let me know when it's time."

Kong Jie was overjoyed and quickly agreed before turning and leaving the office.

Watching Kong Jie's departing figure, Tang Baolin, holding his teacup, smiled at Lin Yifan and said, "The Red Party is certainly quick on their feet, eager to see you already. How do you plan to contact them?"

Lin Yifan sat back in his chair and said with a smile, "It wouldn't hurt to meet. We're all fighting the Japanese together. The more we get to know each other and talk things out, the smoother things will be in the future."

Tang Baolin nodded, agreeing with Lin Yifan's statement, and then picked up a document from the table and handed it over: "By the way, this is the municipal committee's income and expenditure statement from last month. Take a look, and if there's anything wrong, we can make adjustments in time. Otherwise, 'Ghost' might have something to say about our work."

Lin Yifan took the document and carefully flipped through it, discussing the unreasonable parts with Tang Baolin as he read. It wasn't until nightfall that they finally sorted out the matter at hand.