Courtyard House: Reborn in the 1940s, Starting with Killing Japanese Devils

Zhao Heng smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "You're all too kind. It's fate that we've gathered here today."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats. Luo Lizhong smiled and said, "Director Zhao, these are all prominent figures in Chongqing. Their families all hope to join our Military Unification Department."

Zhao Heng picked up his wine glass and took a sip, saying slowly, "I understand everyone's intentions, but the Military Intelligence Bureau is not a place that just anyone can enter. If you want to get in, you have to have some real skills."

A slightly overweight businessman quickly spoke up: "Director Zhao, please rest assured, although our children have never been to the battlefield, they are all smart and quick-witted. Once they join the team, they will certainly not bring shame to the Military Intelligence Bureau."

Another wealthy businessman wearing wire-rimmed glasses quickly chimed in, "Yes, Director Zhao, as long as you give our children a chance, we will definitely repay you properly."

Zhao Heng put down his wine cup and glanced at the five people: "There's no need for repayment. Since everyone is so sincere, I don't want to spoil the fun."

Okay then, I promise you, as long as your children meet the basic admission requirements, I will let them go to one place.

The five wealthy businessmen were overjoyed upon hearing this and raised their glasses to toast Zhao Heng: "Thank you for your kindness, Director Zhao. We will do our utmost to fulfill your requests in the future."

"No problem, from now on we're all on the same side." Zhao Heng smiled and clinked glasses with everyone. Luo Lizhong, watching this scene, had a smug smile on his face.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the private room became increasingly lively and harmonious. The five wealthy businessmen had their boxes brought out, and when opened, they were filled with gold bars and silver dollars.

"Director Zhao, this is just a small gift, nothing more, but I hope you will accept it."

"Yes, Director Zhao, this is 20,000 silver dollars, plus ten small yellow croakers."

"I have five thousand silver dollars and twenty small yellow croakers."

On the other side, at Wanglongmen Wharf, Gu Yufei was busy escorting a batch of military supplies.

Zhao Heng and Luo Lizhong walked out of the Xilemen Ballroom one after the other.

Luo Lizhong was carrying two heavy boxes, containing 60,000 silver dollars and 30 gold bars. The weight made his steps a little sluggish.

Zhao Heng was also carrying two black leather suitcases, inside which were his 40% share of the profits—40,000 silver dollars plus 20 gold bars.

This time, the five wealthy businessmen brought a total of fifty gold bars and 100,000 silver dollars.

Luo Lizhong took 30%, and Zhao Heng would distribute the remaining 30% to the brothers in various departments of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

Zhao Heng opened the car door, placed two black leather suitcases into the back seat of the Dodge sedan, calmly closed the door, got into the driver's seat, started the car, and drove away from the Joyful Gate Ballroom.

The night was as thick as ink that could not be dissolved. The streetlights cast a dim yellow glow, and cold raindrops fell, pattering on the streets of the mountain town, as if gently washing away the souls left on this land after the Japanese bombing that morning.

Luo Lizhong followed closely behind, got into a black Buick sedan, and stared coldly out the window. Raindrops hit the glass, blurring the view outside.

This time, Zhao Heng was finally dragged into the mess.

Luo Lizhong secretly calculated that in this way, the two of them were now in the same boat.

If his own affairs are exposed and investigated, Zhao Heng will definitely be implicated.

Thinking of this, Luo Lizhong smiled broadly and instructed his adjutant to drive away from the Joyful Gate Ballroom.

……

Zhao Heng sat in the driver's seat, and with a thought, slowly drove the Dodge sedan into a secluded alley. Then, the two black leather suitcases disappeared into thin air and were stored in his system space.

He took a deep breath, secretly relieved that he had the system space by his side, which allowed him to hide important valuables in critical moments and avoid getting into unnecessary trouble.

Then, Zhao Heng gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands and drove towards Nanbin Road.

On his way home, he specifically found a public phone booth and dialed the number for Chunqiu Barber Shop.

"Hello, this is Chunqiu Hair Salon."

Mingtai's voice came through the receiver clearly and distinctly.

Zhao Heng deliberately lowered his voice: "Mingtai, it's me. Tonight I got a batch of penicillin and two mortars."

"I'll arrange this. Just have Red Heart Nine drive to Wanglongmen Wharf," Mingtai replied immediately.

"Please specify the exact location of the warehouse," Zhao Heng pressed.

Upon hearing "Penicillin," Mingtai's eyes lit up: "This is a rare and life-saving substance, and it's also a military supply strictly controlled by the Kuomintang."

"Stop talking nonsense and tell me quickly, which warehouse number?" Zhao Heng urged repeatedly.

"Warehouse No. 5 at Wanglongmen Wharf," Mingtai replied.

As soon as he finished speaking, Mingtai's face darkened, and his tone became serious: "I will immediately inform Luo Yong to go to the warehouse and guard it to meet up with Comrade Hongtao Jiu."

"Okay, let's do it this way." Zhao Heng agreed, hung up the phone, and walked out of the public phone booth.

……

Zhao Heng returned to his small villa, parked his Dodge sedan in front of the door, and did not remove the car keys.

With a thought, he took out five boxes of penicillin from his system space and placed them in the back seat. Then he went to the back of the car and opened the trunk.

He took out two American 60mm mortars, twenty mortar shells, and his signature Lone Shadow mask.

After putting on the mask, Zhao Heng calmly closed the trunk, glanced at his mechanical watch, and saw it was 11:25.

At 11:55 a.m. as agreed, Gu Yufei arrived at the villa in her Buick sedan right on time.

"Lonely Shadow, what do you want with me?"

Gu Yufei got out of the car and walked closer, her beautiful eyes taking in the Western-style villa in front of her.

The villa has a courtyard with artificial hills and fountains. The architectural style of the villa, with its pointed roof and round tower, is exceptionally elegant.

Nine of Hearts.

Zhao Heng called out softly, smiling slightly as he gestured for her to come closer, then lowered his voice.

"I acquired a batch of important military supplies, penicillin and two mortars, all in this Dodge vehicle."

Despite his mask covering his face, his voice remained deep: "Warehouse No. 5 at Wanglongmen Wharf. You drive there yourself; someone will meet you there."

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Gu Yufei's eyes.

She knew perfectly well how precious and rare these supplies were in the current situation.

"Don't worry, I guarantee I'll complete the mission." Gu Yufei nodded in agreement, then looked up at Zhao Heng with a complex expression in her eyes.

"Wait a moment."

Zhao Heng called her over, casually pulled an American-made hand grenade from his trench coat pocket, and handed it to her, saying, "Take this, for self-defense."

Gu Yufei looked down at the grenade in her palm, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and said with a gentle curve in her eyes, "Thank you."

She carefully placed the grenade into her handbag, and when she looked up at Zhao Heng, her gaze held a newfound determination and trust.

Gu Yufei turned and walked to the Dodge sedan, opened the car door, sat in the driver's seat, started the engine, and the car slowly drove away from the mansion, speeding towards Wanglongmen Wharf.