120: It's better to rely on yourself than on others.

On July 7th, 1937, the wheels of history arrived as scheduled amidst the sound of several gunshots.

After a night of ferment, the news spread across the entire country; the July 7th Incident, which shocked both China and the world, had broken out.

At this critical juncture, everyone woke up; even the Generalissimo far away in Jinling showed a rare moment of positive energy.

Upon learning of the situation, he urgently ordered Beijing into a state of maximum combat readiness and dispatched troops to rush to Beijing's aid.

At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a protest with the japanese.

On the same day, Yanan issued a declaration of resistance: Fellow countrymen, Beijing and Tianjin are in danger! North China is in danger! The Chinese nation is in danger!

In an instant, the entire nation united.

The afternoon of July 8th, Beijing Municipal Government.

The air was thick with a heavy gloom, like the calm before a storm; the municipal government was heavily guarded, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Accompanied by a burly middle-aged man with a resolute face, Lu Fan passed through layers of sentries and stepped into the Mayor's office.

This man was Old Li, Li Zhenshan.

The champion of the Security Team martial arts competition, a former battalion commander of the Northeast Army, and a member of the Xifeng Pass Big Sword Squad, he possessed a restrained, iron-blooded murderous aura.

At this moment, he served as Lu Fan's personal bodyguard and introducer.

Inside the office, the Mayor of Beijing and concurrent Deputy Commander of the 29th Army, Qin Yide,

along with the Commander of the 29th Army and top leader of Beijing, Song Zheyuan, were huddled over a map, discussing in low voices with furrowed brows.

Seeing Old Li enter, a hint of surprise and familiarity appeared on Song Zheyuan's face: "Old Li? It's you? Weren't you..."

He clearly recognized this fierce general who had carved out a formidable reputation at Xifeng Pass years ago.

"Army Commander, Mayor Qin."

Old Li snapped to attention with a standard military salute and reported in a resounding voice: "Your subordinate, Li Zhenshan.

I am now following Mr. Lu Fan, a returned overseas Chinese from Britain. We have taken the liberty of coming because Mr. Lu has urgent matters to discuss.

And he has brought a... generous gift."

Only then did Song Zheyuan and Qin Yide's gaze fall upon the man beside Old Li.

Lu Fan wore a well-fitted, British-style dark suit; his expression was calm, but deep within his eyes was a trace of imperceptible urgency.

He bowed slightly, greeting them neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Army Commander Song, Mayor Qin, I am Lu Fan. I have long looked forward to meeting you."

"Mr. Lu?" Qin Yide sized up Lu Fan with a scrutinizing look. "Since Old Li introduced you, you must be no ordinary person. What is the urgent matter?"

Lu Fan didn't waste time on pleasantries and went straight to the point: "I heard there has already been a conflict in the direction of Lugou Bridge.

In this time of crisis, I, Lu, though untalented, wish to contribute my meager strength.

I have raised a batch of supplies from the south, which has already arrived at a warehouse outside Beijing.

It includes: 2,000 tons of grain, 500 crates of medicine, 100,000 bolts of cotton cloth, 100 barrels of gasoline, and some tools and consumables.

Totaling about 3,000 tons. I now donate all of it unconditionally to the 29th Army to support military needs!"

"Three thousand tons? Unconditionally?"

Even though Song Zheyuan was used to great storms and Qin Yide was mature and steady, they couldn't help but gasp at this moment, abruptly standing up.

The teacup in Song Zheyuan's hand even tipped over, spilling tea.

Three thousand tons of supplies in a Beijing shrouded by the clouds of war and facing extreme shortages—this was an astronomical amount of aid.

Especially medicine and gasoline, which were strategic materials that money could hardly buy.

"Mr. Lu... are you serious?" Qin Yide's voice trembled with disbelief.

"The supplies are in the warehouse outside the city. You two commanders can send someone to inspect and receive them at any time," Lu Fan said with a firm tone.

Song Zheyuan took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, and a smile spread across his face.

He stepped forward and gripped Lu Fan's hand tightly: "Mr. Lu, your righteousness is profound! This is truly providing charcoal in the snow, resolving the 29th Army's urgent crisis.

On behalf of all the officers and soldiers, I thank you for your generous donation!"

Qin Yide also solemnly cupped his fists: "On behalf of the elders of Beijing, I thank Mr. Lu!"

"When the nation is in crisis, every man has a responsibility; it is my duty," Lu Fan calmly withdrew his hand.

His tone suddenly shifted, becoming serious and urgent, "Army Commander Song, Mayor Qin, the supplies are a small matter.

Right now, the guns have already fired at Lugou Bridge. According to my reliable intelligence, this is by no means a small-scale friction.

The japanese have wolfish ambitions; they intend to swallow North China whole.

I implore you two commanders to immediately order all units into maximum combat readiness and take the initiative to attack."

Lu Fan's words were powerful and resonant, carrying a strong sense of warning.

However, the grateful smile on Song Zheyuan's face faded, replaced by a hint of dismissiveness.

He waved his hand and sat back down, his tone carrying a bit of reassurance and confidence: "Mr. Lu, I admire your sincere heart.

But it's just some minor friction; there's no need to be overly nervous. It's no big deal; we just need to handle it calmly.

Over at Lugou Bridge, I have strictly ordered Regiment Commander Ji Xingwen to hold his position and not move rashly.

It's likely just a soldier's accidental discharge or a small Japanese Army provocation.

I have already made solemn representations to the other side through diplomatic channels, and I believe it will be settled soon.

Full-scale war? Not likely, not likely. My 29th Army is stationed in Beijing and Tianjin with strong troops and sturdy horses; I doubt they would dare!"

Qin Yide, standing to the side, was relatively more cautious. But he also shook his head and said: "Mr. Lu, I understand your concern for the country.

Rest assured, Mr. Lu, not an inch of our territory will be surrendered. I have ordered the Wanping garrison to fight for every inch of land.

But taking the initiative to attack... I'm afraid that's not the best strategy. For now, we should focus on stabilizing the situation."

Song Zheyuan added with a smile: "Although the Japanese Army is making small moves, our Beijing city defenses are solid and the garrison's morale is high.

As long as we don't take the initiative to escalate the situation, the Japanese Army might not actually dare to launch a large-scale invasion.

Defense is enough."

Listening to Song Zheyuan's casual 'minor friction' and 'defense is enough,' as well as Qin Yide's conservative defense,

Lu Fan's heart instantly sank to the bottom. A massive sense of disappointment and powerlessness surged in his heart.

He knew the course of history; he knew that these two generals before him, who held heavy troops and decided the fate of Beijing and Tianjin,

were still immersed in a dream of luck and arrogance!

Standing behind Lu Fan, Old Li's clenched fists had veins popping out, and his eyes were filled with grief and anger.

He thought of the shame of the loss of the Northeast, thought of the big swords at Xifeng Pass; his teeth were clenched, but he was unable to speak due to his status.

Looking at Song Zheyuan's certain expression and Qin Yide's conservative posture, Lu Fan knew that more words would be futile.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and his tone returned to calm: "In that case, I have said all I can say.

Regarding the supply handover, my subordinates will coordinate with your army's quartermaster. Farewell."

With nothing more to say, he didn't give the two commanders another look. He signaled to Old Li and turned to leave.

That sense of decisiveness and disappointment was clearly written in his departing figure.

"Mr. Lu..." Qin Yide seemed to want to say something, but in the end, he didn't try to make him stay.

Walking out of the oppressive municipal building, Lu Fan looked up at the lead-gray sky of Beijing and slowly closed his eyes.

The system mission clearly appeared in his mind.

[Emergency Mission: Resist the Invasion. (Time limit: one month)

The July 7th Incident has broken out. Use all means and methods to unite all forces that can be united to resist the full-scale invasion of the japanese.]

When he opened his eyes again, his gaze had become incredibly cold and determined.

"Old Li," his voice was low, carrying an unquestionable iron-bloodedness: "Back to the base. Arm all our men.

Since others can't be relied upon, we'll do it ourselves. We are all descendants of yan and huang; anyone who fights the devils is a fighter."

Lu Fan no longer placed his hopes on the decisions of the high-level leadership.

He was going to take his Security Team, armed to the teeth, and rush to the front line.