113: Take action

Xiafei Manor, Lu Fan's study.

The heavy curtains were half-drawn, casting a serene light in the room.

Lu Fan sat behind the large desk, his face etched with deep exhaustion.

After confirming that today was already June 20, 1937, his mind had lost all peace.

Previously, he had focused all his attention on the upcoming Battle of Shanghai, completely forgetting about the July 7th Incident.

It wasn't until he saw the poster for 'Jinling Photo Studio' that he realized.

Time was running out for him.

Soon after, Chen Liting and Sheng Aiyi arrived together, both faces beaming with the vigor of spring winds and galloping horses.

After brief pleasantries, Chen Liting was the first to report, 'Boss Lu, the cotton futures battle with Youxin Foreign Firm,'

'though there were some twists and turns and the situation was once unfavorable, thanks to our ancestors' blessings, we emerged victorious after the ordeal.

'This battle struck at the arrogance of the little devils, shattering their myth of taking whatever they wanted in the futures market.

'It truly brought honor to the Chinese people and netted us a profit of thirteen million dollars in one go.'

His face glowed with the satisfaction of a successful hunt, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement.

'My situation is also quite good. The previous batch of goods has been completely cleared, totaling a profit of 890,000 silver dollars.

'In addition, participating in the cotton futures yielded a profit of 7.7 million dollars.

'Of that, 7 million has already been transferred to Lin Tianrong, who is in Eagle.'

Sheng Aiyi handed over a document and continued her report, her tone steady and efficient: 'Boss Lu, Lin Tianrong's progress is smooth.

'He has initially established a foothold. The first shipment of purchased materials mainly consists of various urgently needed metal raw materials.

'It set sail from the West Coast port three days ago and is expected to arrive at Magic City Port in twelve days.

'The relevant customs clearance documents have been prepared on our end.'

'Excellent,' Lu Fan nodded approvingly.

Whether it was Chen Liting or Sheng Aiyi, their achievements were truly impressive.

Moreover, Lin Tianrong opening up channels in Eagle was a crucial step that had been successfully taken.

But Lu Fan's face remained clouded with an unshakeable worry.

Sheng Aiyi keenly noticed and asked with concern, 'What's wrong?'

Lu Fan didn't respond, silently lighting a cigarette. The study fell into a brief silence.

Only the soft tapping of his fingers on the desk remained, as if he were weighing something.

Chen Liting and Sheng Aiyi held their breath, sensing that what came next might be quite explosive.

After finishing the cigarette, Lu Fan looked up, his gaze sweeping over the two.

'I have received confirmed information that the japanese will launch a full-scale war in Beijing on July 7th.'

His voice was low and clear, carrying an undeniable weight that exploded in the study.

'What?!'

'July 7th?!'

Chen Liting and Sheng Aiyi exclaimed almost simultaneously, the color draining from their faces.

Chen Liting half-rose from his chair abruptly.

Sheng Aiyi covered her mouth, her eyes filled with extreme shock and disbelief.

Although Lu Fan always brought incredible news, this time, the timing and nature of the war outbreak were too horrifying!

It was less than twenty days away!

The immense shock instantly froze the air in the study.

A minute later, Chen Liting heavily sat back in his chair, and Sheng Aiyi forced herself to lower her hand,

but both were still breathing heavily.

They didn't ask about the source of the information; their trust in Lu Fan had long surpassed conventional logic.

They only wanted to know what to do!

'Boss Lu... we...' Chen Liting's voice held a hint of dryness.

Sheng Aiyi also looked at Lu Fan urgently.

'Listen, time is tight. We must act immediately!' Lu Fan's tone was resolute.

He looked at Chen Liting: 'Sixth Brother, run your factories at full capacity, day and night!

'Also, don't be stingy with the money on hand. Purchase all kinds of materials that can be used in war.

'Gauze, bandages, simple medicines, soap, matches, canned goods, simple tools... buy whatever you can get.

'You can even ask someone to purchase gray cloth from Youxin Foreign Firm.

'As long as they're willing to sell, any price is acceptable.

'Additionally, use connections to find suitable storage points in the north. Spare no effort to transport the supplies there to support the resistance.'

Flames instantly ignited in Chen Liting's eyes, his patriotic fervor sparked by Lu Fan's instructions.

'Understood! I, Chen Liting, will go all out on purchasing supplies. As for warehouses... I have a way!'

He slapped his thigh decisively and said, 'I have a dye factory in my hometown of Zhou Village. It's quite large and well-located.

'I'll clear it out immediately and convert it into a warehouse as a reserve point for northbound supplies!'

'Good!' Lu Fan turned and advised, 'Relocate your family and loved ones from your hometown to New Port as soon as possible. Safety first!'

After speaking, he looked at Sheng Aiyi: 'Aiyi, your task is equally arduous.

'Immediately set aside all other business at the trading company. Take ample funds and head south personally! Target Yangcheng!

'Use your connections and channels to purchase grain at full capacity! Rice, flour, coarse grains... as long as it's edible, buy as much as you can!

'You can even mobilize forces in Hong Kong Island to smuggle directly from the Southern Monkeys.

'Again, don't worry too much about the price, but ensure the speed and quantity of purchases.

'Load the purchased grain directly onto ships and transport it along the Pearl River and Xiang River systems to Changsha for storage!'

Sheng Aiyi didn't hesitate for a moment, her gaze firm: 'I'll set out immediately. I guarantee the mission will be completed!'

She was already rapidly calculating the major grain merchants in Yangcheng and transportation routes in her mind.

Lu Fan's gaze swept over his two capable lieutenants again, his voice grave: 'Remember, we are racing against time.

'Act quickly, but also discreetly, and pay attention to your own safety.

'Before July 7th, the first phase of material transfer and storage must be completed!

'This is the foundation of our standing!'

'Understood!' Chen Liting and Sheng Aiyi responded simultaneously, their voices firm and powerful.

'Go!' Lu Fan waved his hand.

Chen Liting and Sheng Aiyi immediately stood up without any delay, leaving the study with hurried steps.

The heavy study door closed, restoring quiet inside, leaving only the faint city noise from outside the window.

Lu Fan walked to the window, gazing at the sky of Hangzhou, his eyes profound.

The dark clouds of war were approaching, and the pieces in his hand were beginning to move silently and swiftly according to his will.

Although meticulous arrangements had been made for the supplies, Lu Fan's expression didn't relax.

Even though this time-travel had filled his space with weapons and ammunition,

he still lacked confidence in facing the japanese invasion.

Because he had no usable forces at his disposal.

Right now, he was like a chef with all the pots, pans, rice, flour, oil, vegetables, and meat prepared, just waiting for the rice to cook.

But he was struggling with what kind of rice to choose for this grand meal.

Sichuan Army? Xiang Army? Or... At that moment, an urgent phone ring interrupted Lu Fan's thoughts.