Courtyard House: Home Alone

After finalizing the equipment handover, the two discussed opening up an air corridor. Li Da was incredibly excited when Lin Yifan mentioned that Nanyuan and Xiyuan airports were intact and could provide the Japanese with a batch of trainer and fighter planes. He immediately agreed, saying he would arrange for flight trainees as soon as he returned.

Then, when the topic of the aerial corridor came up, Li Da praised it highly: "Mr. Kobayashi's suggestion is really crucial. Our base is currently lacking in medical supplies and medicines, and many important materials cannot be transported in from the outside."

"Now that an air corridor has been opened, travel will be much more convenient. We completely agree. Thanks to the support of 'Ghost,' we have already trained a batch of pilots. However, we are running low on aviation fuel. What do you think..."

Lin Yifan smiled and said, "Don't worry about aviation gasoline and ammunition. I can provide both of them, and the price is negotiable. Anyway, they're all for fighting the Japanese, so I won't let you suffer any losses."

As for the airports, the runways, hangars, and control towers of Nanyuan and Xiyuan airports have been completely preserved and can be used immediately once your personnel arrive.

Li Da repeatedly expressed his gratitude, his tone full of emotion: "Mr. Kobayashi, with this equipment and the aerial corridor, we will have much more confidence in fighting the Japanese. I really don't know how to thank 'Ghost' for his righteous help."

Lin Yifan waved his hand and said seriously, "We are all Chinese. Fighting the Japanese is our duty. As long as you can use this equipment to kill more Japanese, that will be the best way to thank me."

By the way, when will your pilots be able to arrive? We need to get the air corridor up and running as soon as possible.

Li Da said, "I will send a telegram in a moment. The pilots and the leadership of the Beiping Military Region will arrive in three days. As for the subsequent handover matters, we will discuss them in detail when they arrive."

Lin Yifan nodded, stood up and said, "Alright, let's stop here for today. Go to Kong Jie's place and wait for the team to arrive. It's relatively safer there."

Li Da quickly stood up to thank him, and together with Manager Zhou, they took their leave. The two hurried out of the courtyard to arrange the telegram.

Lin Yifan saw the two to the door and watched them walk away before turning back to the courtyard. He had just sat down when Yu Wenxiu came over with a plate of washed fruit, placed it on the table, and said with a smile, "Finished talking? Everything went smoothly, right?"

Lin Yifan picked up an apple, took a bite, nodded, and smiled, "Everything is settled. We're just waiting for their people to come and hand over the equipment. Now we'll see how they use it to fight the Japanese."

Yu Wenxiu sat down next to Lin Yifan, reached out to straighten his clothes, and said softly, "You've been busy with these things these days, you should take a good rest. Tonight, I'll have Xinyi make your favorite braised pork knuckle."

Lin Yifan smiled and hugged her waist. The soft touch made his heart flutter. Damn this age!

Three days later, Manager Zhou and Li Da returned to the east courtyard, followed by a middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses, riding boots, and a short leather jacket.

It was Commander Chen, who had met Lin Yifan once in the Taihang Mountains. However, he seemed to have lost a lot of weight compared to last year, but his spirit was exceptionally high. He stood up straight and his eyes revealed a calm and sharp energy.

He burst into laughter and extended his hand as soon as he entered: "Brother Lin, we meet again!"

Lin Yifan quickly stood up to greet him, smiling as he shook his hand: "Commander Chen, I didn't expect you to come in person this time. You're a rare guest."

Commander Chen waved his hand with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard, and exclaimed, "I've long wanted to come to Beiping to see this place run by 'Ghost,' and this is a good opportunity to broaden my horizons."

Lin Yifan smiled and invited the three of them to sit down. Yu Wenxiu brought out tea, filled everyone's cups, and then smiled and stepped aside.

Brigade Commander Chen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down before speaking directly: "Mr. Lin, the higher-ups sent me here this time, firstly to take over the position of commander of the Beiping Military Region."

Secondly, I came personally to finalize the equipment and air corridor arrangements with you. The support you've given us is tremendous; the headquarters leaders insisted I thank you in person.

Lin Yifan smiled and said, "Commander Chen, you're too kind. We're all family, so thanking me is too formal. I've prepared everything I need. The equipment is temporarily stored in the granary on the outskirts of the city. The list was given to Comrade Li Da yesterday. Whenever it's convenient for you, we can go over to check and hand it over."

As for the air corridor, once the ground crew arrives, the plane can land directly at Nanyuan Airport. The airport facilities are well-maintained, and we have sufficient fuel and spare parts, so it can be put into use at any time.

"The airport guards are all your troops anyway. The weapons we're preparing for you this time include a large batch of anti-aircraft weapons, which the Japanese were preparing to use against the Soviet Air Force. Now they'll be used to protect the airport and the skies over Beiping."

Commander Chen nodded, stood up, and grasped Lin Yifan's hands with both of his. He said sincerely, "Brother Lin, let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart. With the war of resistance against Japan so difficult across the country, only you, 'Ghost,' are willing to risk your life to help us."

"We, the entire Eighth Route Army, will remember this favor. From now on, whenever it comes to fighting the Japanese, just say the word, and we'll do it without hesitation."

Lin Yifan said, "Commander Chen, you're exaggerating. Driving out the Japanese invaders is something that all Chinese people should do together. It's only right that 'Ghost' can contribute."

Let's put aside these formalities for now. You've just arrived in Beiping, and you must be tired from your journey. I've already had some light refreshments prepared. Let's eat and chat, and we can also discuss how to cooperate in fighting the Japanese."

Upon hearing this, Brigade Commander Chen laughed heartily: "Then I won't stand on ceremony. I've long heard that Brother Lin's cook here is excellent, and I'll take this opportunity to enjoy his cooking today. You've been to the Taihang Mountains, so you know the conditions there. To be honest, we're already lucky if we can get enough to eat."

Lin Yifan laughed along and replied, "I promise you'll eat your fill today. If you're satisfied, I'll pack two more braised pork knuckles to take back for Commander Kong and Political Commissar Xiao to try as well."

He then gestured to Xia Yan and Wen Xiu to set the table with dishes. In no time, the small round table was filled with steaming dishes. The braised pork knuckle was glistening with oil, the stewed chicken smelled delicious, and there were several refreshing seasonal vegetables. Commander Chen's eyes lit up at the sight.

Several people sat down around the table. Brigade Commander Chen picked up his chopsticks, took a large piece of braised pork knuckle, and couldn't help but praise after taking a bite: "This cooking is more than twice as good as the cooks in our base area. I'm really in for a treat today."

Lin Yifan poured wine for everyone, then poured himself a cup of tea. He raised his glass and said, "First, a toast to Commander Chen, and also to all the soldiers fighting on the front lines. I wish us smooth cooperation in the future, that we kill more Japanese devils, and drive them out of China as soon as possible."