190: Is this reason sufficient?

Tang Jifeng went to make a phone call, while Lu Fan picked up the list he had left behind and began to read it.

Soon, a familiar name caught his eye: Feng Tiankui of the Sichuan Army 122nd Division.

Seeing this name, Lu Fan's heart stirred. Scenes from the disaster relief efforts in Sichuan Province over a month ago flashed before his eyes.

His impression of this responsible soldier was quite favorable.

He just hadn't expected Feng Tiankui to leave Sichuan to join the war of resistance so soon; it was somewhat surprising.

According to records, he should have left Sichuan during the later stages of the Battle of Shanghai, missing that brutal campaign.

Afterward, he led his troops wandering through various war zones, an unwelcome force drifting between the major fronts.

Finally, in the Battle of Taierzhuang, facing shortages of food and ammunition, isolated and without reinforcements, and outnumbered several times by the Japanese devils,

Feng Tiankui led his men in a bloody battle for seven days and nights, ultimately all sacrificing their lives heroically for the nation.

Now, with his presence here, perhaps this outcome could be changed, at least a little.

"Brother Fan, I've already told my brother about the matter. He'll definitely pass on the message, but whether he'll listen, I can't guarantee!"

Tang Jifeng took a cold can of cola from the refrigerator, immediately setting expectations.

"We do our best and leave the rest to fate! I hope I'm just being overly worried."

Hearing this, Lu Fan saw no other way. This was just his speculation, after all.

Then he changed the subject and asked, "This list of yours includes Feng Tiankui's 122nd Division. Do you know where they are currently stationed?"

"Brother Feng's 122nd Division just arrived in Pudong yesterday. Barring any surprises, they should be fortifying positions along the Chuansha line."

Drinking his cola, Tang Jifeng asked, "What, do you know Old Feng?"

"Mhm! Last time I entered Sichuan, Brother Feng was a huge help." Lu Fan stood up. "Come on, take me to see him."

The two drove for over two hours to the Chuansha area, quickly locating the Sichuan Army's 122nd Division.

At a glance, the 122nd Division's encampment appeared particularly shabby compared to other military units.

Most soldiers wore faded uniforms and straw sandals.

They carried old "Lao Tao Tong" rifles, and their ammunition pouches looked flat.

Yet, they worked with exceptional diligence, digging fortifications and moving supplies.

Their eyes held a tenacious, unyielding spirit and a fierce desire to fight the enemy.

At a temporary division headquarters, Lu Fan met Feng Tiankui.

He was darker and leaner than before, but his spirit was vigorous, and his gaze remained as sharp as an eagle's.

"Brother Tang? What brings you here? Oh~~ Boss Lu, you're here too." Seeing the two visitors, Feng Tiankui was both surprised and delighted.

He wiped his face and strode forward, gripping Lu Fan's hand firmly.

"Brother Feng, it's been a while since we last parted. I hope all has been well!" Lu Fan smiled, shaking Feng Tiankui's hand.

"All is well, all is well!" Feng Tiankui gestured to the side. "Please, both of you, come inside."

Entering the command post, the corners of the military map on the wall were curled up, the tables and chairs were simple, and the communication equipment was antiquated.

"Brother Lu, Brother Tang, the place is humble. I apologize for the poor reception!" Feng Tiankui said courteously,

yet his face still wore that optimistic, straightforward expression, as if he didn't mind the harsh conditions at all.

With a solemn expression, Lu Fan remarked with feeling, "Division Commander Feng and your brothers, traveling thousands of miles from Sichuan to fight in the war, are the ones who are truly enduring hardship."

Feng Tiankui waved his hand, his expression turning serious. "When the nation is in peril, every man has a duty!

We Sichuan Army troops may not have much else, but we have our strength and hearts unafraid of death.

As long as we can fight the Japs, make those bastards know we're not to be bullied, then it's all worth it for us."

These words were simple and unadorned, yet contained a deep sense of patriotism, moving both Lu Fan and Tang Jifeng.

After the pleasantries, Lu Fan's expression grew slightly more serious. He glanced around and asked in a low voice, "Division Commander Feng, is it safe to talk?"

Understanding, Feng Tiankui gave his Adjutant a look. The Adjutant immediately went out, closed the door, and stood guard personally outside.

"Brother Lu, speak freely. The men here are all brothers who have faced life and death with me, absolutely reliable."

Lu Fan got straight to the point. "Division Commander Feng, forgive my bluntness. I heard that back in Sichuan, your unit once had... contact with the Red Army?

Even... in places like Yuquan, there were some... delicate 'frictions'?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Tiankui's expression changed instantly, his eyes turning sharp and wary.

The atmosphere tensed immediately.

Seeing this, Tang Jifeng quickly tried to smooth things over, smiling as he lowered his voice. "Brother Feng, no need to be nervous.

Brother Lu is definitely not from that side, and he's certainly not here today to dig up old accounts.

You know him, don't you?"

Feng Tiankui stared at Lu Fan and Tang Jifeng for a long moment before the tension on his face gradually eased.

He sighed, as if putting down a heavy burden, and whispered, "Since you two brothers have brought it up to this point...

It's true. Back in Yuquan, I... I indeed used the situation to my advantage, playing both sides, putting on a few shows.

Then, thinking thatDon't let the good stuff go to outsiders. (one shouldn't let benefits flow to outsiders), I did them a favor, sent over quite a bit of grain and ammunition... I figured they were a good force fighting the Japs, why drive our own people to the brink?"

Lu Fan pressed on immediately, "Then, in Division Commander Feng's view, what kind of force is the Red Army?"

A complex look flashed in Feng Tiankui's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he said gravely, "Poor, truly poor, poorer than us Sichuan Army.

But... their backbone is hard, their discipline strict, theirbelief (conviction) frighteningly strong!

They genuinely work for the common people. They're not afraid to die in battle, their tactics are flexible, their commanders are often strategic... It's an admirable force. If not for...well (sigh), let's not talk about it."

With Feng Tiankui's candid and highly complimentary words, Lu Fan felt completely assured.

Without further hesitation, he took out a prepared list from his coat and handed it over.

"Division Commander Feng, please take a look at this."

Puzzled, Feng Tiankui took the list and scanned it:

type 85 submachine gun: 1500 units

QJY-201 general purpose machine gun: 350 units

JS 7.62mm medium-caliber sniper rifle: 100 units

7.62mm Ammunition: 30 million rounds

40mm Rocket Launcher: 300 units

Level III Bulletproof Vest: 2500 sets

Military Compressed Rations: 300 crates

Military Uniforms and Rubber Shoes: 5000 sets

First-Aid Medicine: 200 crates

Looking at the astronomical numbers of equipment and supplies listed on the paper,

Feng Tiankui's eyes grew wider and wider, his breathing gradually heavier, the hand holding the list beginning to tremble uncontrollably.

He abruptly looked up, his face filled with extreme shock and disbelief, his voice cracking, "Lu... Brother Lu?

This... this list... you... you're not joking with me, are you?"

He simply couldn't believe his eyes.

He had never heard of most of these weapon names, but the quantities alone made his scalp tingle.

After the shock, immense joy and confusion surged in his heart simultaneously.

Clutching the list tightly, he asked with a stern expression, "Brother Lu, why would you go to such great, costly lengths to help me, Old Feng?

To help our ragtag army with no backing?"

Lu Fan looked at him, his gaze sincere and resolute. "Precisely because of the words you just spoke, Division Commander Feng.

Precisely because you, Feng Tiankui, are sincerely fighting the Japs!

Good equipment should go to those who can fight the hardest and are the most daring.

I believe that in the hands of you and the brothers of the 122nd Division, this equipment will certainly be put to its greatest use.

Making the Japs pay in blood for their acts of aggression.

That's the reason. Is it sufficient?"