171: Mission accomplished, time to have some fun!

Zhang Zhizhong was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, his brow furrowing visibly into the shape of the character 'Chuan'.

He had just spent a long time painstakingly analyzing the situation and explaining the necessity of avoiding the enemy's sharp edge for now.

This kid seemed like a smart person and appeared to have taken his words to heart.

Why the sudden change in topic to starting a cooperation now? What was he playing at?

He asked cautiously, "What does Mr. Lu mean by..."

Just as Zhang Zhizhong thought Lu Fan was about to propose some shocking plan for an immediate attack...

He heard Lu Fan speak calmly, "I would like to invite General Zhang to lunch. As for the specifics of our cooperation, how about we discuss them in detail then?

The location will be at Miss Sheng Aiyi's residence; it's quiet and safe there.

I wonder what the Commander thinks."

This proposal was beyond Zhang Zhizhong's expectations.

An invitation to lunch?

At the residence of the Seventh Miss of the Sheng Family?

This turn of events left him a bit bewildered, but for the sake of the upcoming battles, he would naturally grant this favor.

Moreover, it was indeed a good opportunity to have an in-depth conversation away from prying eyes.

After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement, "Very well. In that case, I, Zhang, will certainly be on time for the appointment tomorrow."

After seeing off Zhang Zhizhong and his party, the warehouse became quiet once again.

Lu Fan immediately issued orders: "Everyone, return to the station to rest and reorganize. The Medical Team is to go all out in treating the wounded."

His gaze swept over everyone, and his voice rose: "Two days. We only have two days to rest and reorganize.

Two days from now, only those whose physical condition has returned to its peak will be eligible to participate in the upcoming large-scale military operations!"

The order was quickly relayed. Though the team members were exhausted, their eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Late at night, inside the study of Xiafei Manor.

Alone, Lu Fan opened his mission system.

The interface expanded, and the mission log no longer contained the usual clear main or side quests.

Instead, there was a strikingly blood-red title: 【Special Mission: Battle of Shanghai】

No mission intro, no specific objective descriptions, no stage prompts.

No rewards for completion or penalties for failure—only a cold and grand name.

What he was currently doing was trying to change the outcome of the Battle of Shanghai based on his own understanding.

However, this was the first time he had seen such a vague mission.

So, he wasn't even sure if what he was doing now was right.

Currently, he was like a blind man feeling an elephant. Meeting Zhang Zhizhong today made him want to try other possibilities.

Following the strategy of "casting a wide net, catching many fish, and choosing the best to follow" could never be wrong.

Soon, the core members who had arranged the rest for the team arrived at the study one after another.

Li Zhenshan, Bai Jinbiao, Brigade Commander Huang Meixin, Deng Guang, and A-Fu gathered together.

Lu Fan first looked at Huang Meixing and Deng Guang: "Brigade Commander Huang, Director Deng. General Zhang already knows your identities.

Continuing to stay in the core area of the front lines might bring unnecessary trouble to both you and the team."

The two of them tensed up, looking as if they wanted to say something but hesitated.

If Zhang Zhizhong could tell, then several people in the staff department who were close to them probably could too.

Once the matter of faking their deaths got out, it would truly bring endless trouble to the entire team.

Lu Fan raised his hand to stop them and continued, "I have an important task for you.

Tomorrow morning, you will lead the seriously wounded back to our New Port base in Changsha."

"Boss, you want us to leave the Shanghai?" Brigade Commander Huang Meixin was somewhat taken aback.

"Yes." Lu Fan handed out a round of cigarettes and nodded with certainty. "Besides having you escort the wounded, there are two purposes for going back:

First, you must undergo in-depth learning and master tank driving and tactical coordination at the New Port base.

As well as the operation and maintenance of all new equipment.

Second, there is a batch of newly recruited reserve members at the base. I am entrusting the heavy responsibility of training them to you two.

Please train them into qualified warriors according to the strictest standards.

When they have completed their training, that is when you can return with this fresh force!

One last thing, and the most critical: you must escort a top-secret blueprint back to New Port.

The success or failure of our war against the Japanese may very well depend on this blueprint."

He paused and added with a solemn tone, "Gentlemen, leaving today is for the sake of killing more Japanese tomorrow.

Please trust me, you will definitely have the chance to return to the Shanghai to fulfill your long-cherished wish of killing the enemy and serving the country.

Besides, you have seen the cruelty of the battlefield; we urgently need strong reserve forces as reinforcements. Furthermore..."

He looked at the two of them, his tone softening slightly, "Take this opportunity to quietly move your families to New Port as well.

It's relatively safe there, life is guaranteed, and you can focus on your work."

ThisA few words was both an entrustment of heavy responsibility and a thoughtful consideration.

Huang Meixing and Deng Guang exchanged a glance, both seeing determination in each other's eyes.

They stood at attention and saluted: "Yes! We guarantee to complete the mission! We will not fail Mr. Lu's trust!"

After making arrangements for the two of them, Lu Fan looked at Li Zhenshan and A-Fu.

"Old Li, your task is to pick a team of clever brothers with good physical strength to coordinate with A-Fu.

Within the next two days, survey the area around Baoshan and Luodian in as much detail as possible and draw up a topographical map.

Especially the possible landing sites for the Japanese after they send reinforcements, as well as places suitable for the movement and concealment of armored units.

I want the most detailed first-hand information!"

"Understood, Boss! I, Old Li, graduated from the Military Academy; my map-making is top-notch," Li Zhenshan guaranteed, patting his chest.

A-Fu also nodded vigorously, his enhanced bionic eyes shimmering with a faint light.

Finally, Lu Fan's gaze fell on the steady-looking Bai Jinbiao: "Jin Biao, your task is equally critical.

Select some veterans with extensive experience in the world. Tomorrow, accompany Old Huang, Old Deng, and the others on the train to leave."

"Understood."

"Remember, your mission is not to go to Changsha," Lu Fan instructed in detail. "When the train reaches Jinling, you get off.

First, establish hidden communication points and safe houses in Jinling to prepare for the future.

Second, Tang the Fourth is already in Jinling. This time he came out, he brought a lot of supplies like ammunition and bulletproof vests.

Since he holds a military position, it's inconvenient for him to come to the Shanghai. After you go there, take over this batch of supplies and then transport them back.

Finally, with the war starting in the Shanghai, many experienced workers have headed to Jinling.

Go find Tang the Fourth and set up a recruitment station, focusing on recruiting talent in mechanical processing.

Your time is tight, and the task is heavy! Take this money with you!"

As Lu Fan spoke, he handed over the briefcase beside him and cautioned, "Remember, when you're away from home...

Don't take risks yourself for things that can be solved with money."

Lu Fan had given the most difficult task to the most patient and meticulous Bai Jinbiao.

"Understood, Boss. I will act with caution," Bai Jinbiao accepted the task steadily.

With the tasks assigned, Lu Fan handed out a round of cigarettes, looked at everyone, and said calmly, "It's done. Shall we find a place to have some fun?"