141: Donating anything is the same as donating.

The Security Team, riding in troop carriers, soon caught up with the Japanese Devils.

The fleeing Japanese Devils were like startled birds, relentlessly pursued and attacked by the Security Team, leaving behind many corpses and equipment.

After more than three hours of pursuit, they were on the verge of completely wiping out this remnant enemy force.

At that moment, Ah Fu, who was responsible for reconnaissance, suddenly warned: "Boss, Kamikaze Special Agents detected—those elite Japanese Devils!"

When the news spread, instead of retreating, the Security Team Members became even more enraged.

"Boss, let's take them on, we'll deal with those beasts~~"

"Damn it, they were the ones who ambushed us last time. Let's settle old and new scores together."

"By the heavens, we'll show these Japanese Devils what we're made of."

"Those bastards, I want to see what these Japanese Devils are really about. Let's take them down."

Facing their old adversaries again, Li Zhenshan and Zhang Tingshu looked at Lu Fan, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Lu Fan's gaze sharpened. Since they had encountered them, they might as well clash.

He also wanted to know what kind of breed this damn Kamikaze Special Agents were.

Thus, he decisively ordered: "Prepare for battle!"

Both sides soon engaged in close-quarters fire.

The Kamikaze Special Agents were indeed well-trained and had tenacious combat will.

Despite the Security Team's powerful firepower and first-move advantage, they couldn't immediately crush their opponents.

The Japanese Devils stubbornly withstood the Security Team's fierce assault and then launched a counterattack on the spot.

Gunfire, explosions, and shouts intertwined, making the battle exceptionally intense and deadlocked.

Just as both sides were locked in a stalemate, fighting inextricably, Ah Fu's voice rang out again.

"Boss~~ Large numbers of japanese devil tanks detected on the flanks and rear. They're trying to encircle us."

Sure enough, the heavy roar of engines could be heard in the distance. japanese devil tank groups were closing in from both flanks.

Their intent was quite clear: to completely annihilate the Security Team, which had advanced deep into enemy territory alone.

"Those damn Japanese Devils, they really have no honor!" Li Zhenshan cursed angrily.

Lu Fan's heart also sank. He knew that fighting head-on would only lead to death.

He made a swift decision: "Tingshu, immediately organize people to lay infantry mines. Be quick! Everyone else, prepare to board the vehicles and retreat!"

Although reluctant, the Security Team Members followed orders strictly and acted immediately.

Some quickly laid mines along the retreat route to block any possible pursuit;

Others swiftly boarded the pre-prepared troop carriers.

"Retreat!"

The truck engines roared, charging out of the not-yet-fully-closed encirclement and kicking up dust as they sped away.

Shaking off the pursuers, the convoy raced ahead.

Only after confirming safety did they stop to rest in a hidden location near Tong County.

After counting heads, although relying on bulletproof vests, there were no casualties.

But this battle was exceptionally fierce, and there were many more injured than usual.

Especially several team members whose thighs were hit by bullets or shrapnel, bleeding profusely, urgently requiring professional treatment and rest.

"Boss, we must quickly find a safe place to settle the wounded."

Li Zhenshan, looking at the injured brothers, was extremely anxious.

As the vehicles approached Tong County, Zhang Tingshu's voice came through the headset.

"Boss, turn right ahead, to the Chen Family Dye Workshop in Tong County."

Lu Fan didn't ask any questions, immediately turning the wheel right and heading straight for the dye workshop.

Soon, the vehicles arrived at the entrance of the Chen Family Dye Workshop in the suburbs. Zhang Tingshu stepped forward and negotiated.

The vehicles smoothly drove into the courtyard.

"Hello, Mr. Lu! I am Zhang Shuai's former subordinate, an underground Party member in the Tong County area and the captain of the First Jidong Security Team, Zhang Qingyu."

A tall, burly man directly and unreservedly introduced himself.

Then, with an awkward smile, he explained: "Circumstances forced it. Without a cover, work is hard to carry out.

"Work necessities, understood!"

Facing a revolutionary martyr, Lu Fan stood at attention and gave a standard military salute.

"You all are... Quick! Follow me. The inner room can accommodate the wounded."

Zhang Qingyu returned the salute. Seeing this somewhat disheveled yet fierce-looking team,

He was momentarily stunned, then quickly beckoned them.

Led by Zhang Qingyu, the Security Team was settled in a hidden room inside the warehouse.

Night fell. After the wounded were treated, they slept exhaustedly.

Only Lu Fan, Zhang Tingshu, and Zhang Qingyu remained in the side room.

The kerosene lamp's flame flickered gently inside the lampshade, casting the three men's elongated shadows on the mottled walls.

The conversation naturally turned to the current situation and future prospects.

Zhang Tingshu stroked the edge of his teacup, his tone heavy: "The battle at Southern Camp, the brothers fought satisfyingly.

But... just when we could have expanded our gains, we... sigh!"

That urgent telegram ordering them to stop the pursuit still felt stifling when remembered.

If all forces had been mobilized, even if the Japanese Devils deployed tanks, we could still have annihilated them.

Zhang Qingyu's eyes appeared exceptionally resolute under the flickering lamplight.

He continued: "Brother Tingshu, it's far from just this battle that's frustrating.

It's not just Song Zheyuan alone; from top to bottom in Jinling, they're all the same.

The Japanese Devils are already at our doorstep, yet they're still scheming against their own people.

They are timid and hesitant, burdened with worries, even willing to sacrifice the opportunities frontline soldiers fought for with their lives.

Such authorities, expecting them to lead the nationwide resistance and save China, is nothing but a pipe dream!"

His voice wasn't loud, but each word was forceful, like a heavy hammer striking Zhang Tingshu's heart.

Zhang Tingshu fell silent, his brow furrowing tighter. Clearly, Zhang Qingyu's words touched the doubts deep in his heart.

"Captain Zhang is right," Lu Fan took a deep breath and added. "The problems in Jinling are not minor.

It's a typical case of a thousand people with a thousand minds, and the internal strife is severe."

He had already discerned Zhang Tingshu's inner thoughts. Seizing the moment in the conversation, he decided to break through this barrier.

After passing around cigarettes, he lit one, took a deep drag, and his tone grew even firmer.

"From all we've seen, heard, thought, and experienced along the way, I am convinced:

The only ones truly determined, capable, and action-oriented to lead the people in resisting to the end are those in Yanan!

Their principles, their organization, their spirit—these are the hope for this country's future!

To save the nation, look to Yanan!"

These words struck Zhang Tingshu's heart like a heavy hammer.

From the Northeast to Jinling, having personally experienced various constraints and injustices, he yearned for change—thorough change.

Lu Fan's words were like a beam of light, piercing through the fog in his heart.

The vague thoughts he had before gradually became clear.

Zhang Qingyu listened nearby, his eyes flickering with agreement.

But he didn't say much, just silently refilled hot water for the two.

Seeing the intense changes in Zhang Tingshu's eyes, Lu Fan knew he was undergoing a huge internal impact and decision.

He reached out, firmly placing his hand on Zhang Tingshu's shoulder. "Tingshu, you are an idealistic, passionate, and capable soldier.

The country needs pillars like you. Staying in the Security Team is a waste of your talent.

If you already have a direction in your heart, then bravely pursue it!

Go to a place where you can truly realize your ambitions and serve the country and people with loyalty!"

Lu Fan clearly encouraged Zhang Tingshu, his tone sincere and full of strength.

Zhang Tingshu shuddered, looked up, and met Lu Fan's encouraging gaze.

The hesitation in his heart completely dissipated at that moment, replaced by an unprecedented firmness and clarity.

Lu Fan smiled sincerely: "Whenever you decide to go, just say the word. I'll give you a big gift!"

For now, he still needed to lie low and develop, so it wasn't convenient to have too much contact with Yanan.

Then he'd first send a great general. After all, donating what isn't a donation is still donating."