The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 133 Parting ways and the beginning of a new journey

After Lei Tao successfully led everyone out of the county, he ran for several miles until he reached the edge of the mountain. Everyone was panting, but their faces were filled with relief and excitement at having survived the disaster.

Some of the national army soldiers quickly put on their uniforms and equipment. The officer had a serious and firm expression on his face and saluted Lei Tao with a standard military salute: "Brother, I'm grateful for your kindness. We have to go find the troops and rejoin them. The war is urgent and the troops need us." Lei Tao nodded slightly in return: "Take care on your journey and see you later." The national army soldiers hurried away in the general direction of the troops.

The mountain bandits gathered together, and the leader said after thinking for a while: "Our old nest must have been targeted by the Japanese, and we can't go back. We have to find a new place to stay and regroup. We must avenge this hatred." After that, he turned around and clasped his hands together to Lei Tao: "Brother, today is thanks to you. The mountains and rivers remain unchanged, and we will meet again in the future." Then the bandits shouted and ran towards the deep mountains and forests, and soon disappeared into the woods.

The Eighth Route Army soldiers gathered around, and a leader said sincerely, "Comrade, you saved us this time, showing us your ability and courage. We, the Eighth Route Army, are fighting guerrilla warfare against the Japanese in the nearby mountains to protect the people. Would you like to join us?" Lei Tao replied with a firm look, "Actually, I'm a temporary instructor for the guerrillas led by the Eighth Route Army. Because the guerrillas had a seriously wounded soldier who needed to be sent to the division hospital for surgery, and the Japanese army set up checkpoints along the way, I raided the county town to divert the troops and help the wounded pass."

The Eighth Route Army soldiers showed admiration. The leader said, "I see. You've worked hard, instructor. What are your plans?" Lei Tao gazed into the distance, then thought and said, "First, I'll ensure the wounded get safely to the hospital. Then I'll return to train the guerrillas and fight the Japanese with all my strength."

At this moment, the civilians rescued by Lei Tao gathered around. An old man, with tears in his eyes, said in a trembling voice, "My benefactor, we are homeless and don't know where to go. Please be kind and help us again." The civilians echoed him, their eyes filled with helpless anticipation.

Lei Tao felt pity and turned to the Eighth Route Army soldier, saying, "Until I have settled the people, it will be difficult for me to join you with all my strength. But I will deal with it as soon as possible. If there is an opportunity, I will fight with you." The Eighth Route Army soldier nodded in understanding, "Don't worry, comrade. We are nearby. Come to us if you need us."

Lei Tao began to relocate the civilians. He tended to the wounded, then took out some silver dollars and compressed rations from his pocket and gave each person a silver dollar and a few pieces of compressed rations, saying, "I have important matters to attend to right now. This is all I can give you to help you escape. I hope you will survive this disaster safely." The civilians wept with gratitude. Though reluctant to leave, they also knew Lei Tao had more important things to do. After making all the necessary arrangements, Lei Tao resolutely left to reunite with the team escorting the wounded, his figure gradually disappearing into the distance...

After reuniting with the team escorting the wounded, he continued on his journey with everyone...

After two days of traveling, dodging Japanese patrols along the way, sleeping in the open air and daring not to slack off, they finally arrived at the field hospital of the Eighth Route Army Division Headquarters.

After arranging the wounded, the soldiers of the guard company of the field hospital looked at the weapons and equipment of Lei Tao and his men and complained: "Hey, are they the guerrillas or are we the guerrillas? Their weapons and equipment are better than ours!"

Because Lei Tao and his team brought several boxes of special anti-inflammatory drugs and two sets of exquisite surgical instruments with them when they escorted the wounded to the hospital, the hospital director was alarmed. The director hurried over, and after seeing Lei Tao, he shook his hand tightly and said, "Comrade, thank you so much! These medicines and surgical instruments are so important to us!"

Lei Tao said jokingly, "Dean, you're welcome. Helping you is also helping my wife's family. If they're in trouble, shouldn't I, their cheap son-in-law, lend a hand?"

The dean laughed heartily at his amusement. "You're quite talkative, boy. But it's a blessing for Xiaoyu to have a son-in-law like you... well, a live-in son-in-law."

As he was speaking, Meng Xiaoyu rushed over after hearing the news. When she saw Lei Tao, her face lit up with joy at first, then she said coquettishly, "Lei Tao, what nonsense are you talking about!"

Lei Tao chuckled: "What I said is all true."

Meng Xiaoyu rolled her eyes at him and said, "You're the only one who can talk nonsense. Don't you even know where this place is?"

Lei Tao quickly became serious: "Xiaoyu, don't be angry, I'm just happy to see you."

Meng Xiaoyu shook her head helplessly: "You are always so unruly. But thank you so much for sending these things this time."

Lei Tao patted his chest and said, "Why are you being polite to me? As long as it can help you, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

The two were walking and talking, and this scene happened to be seen by Ai Li. Ai Li was working on business at a certain division of the Eighth Route Army with several US military observers as an assistant reporter of the US military observers. Seeing Lei Tao and Meng Xiaoyu so close, she immediately overturned the jealous jar in her heart.

She strode over, stood in front of Lei Tao and Meng Xiaoyu, crossed her arms, and said with an unhappy look on her face: "Lei Tao, so you are here to talk about love!"

Lei Tao was a little surprised when he saw Ai Li: "Ai Li, why are you here?"

Ellie snorted coldly: "Huh, if I weren't here, I wouldn't be able to see this sweet scene!"

Meng Xiaoyu looked at Ai Li and Lei Tao with some confusion: "Lei Tao, who is this?"

Just as Lei Tao was about to introduce himself, Ai Li said, "I'm his friend, but it seems like I don't have much place in his heart."

Lei Tao explained helplessly: "Don't get me wrong, Xiaoyu, Ai Li was a reporter for The Washington Post in China. We knew each other before..."

Ai Li curled her lips: "Lei Tao, you are such a playboy."

Lei Tao didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Aili, don't talk nonsense."

At this time, the American military observers nearby also came over and watched this "farce" curiously.

Meng Xiaoyu said generously: "Since you are Lei Tao's friends, then don't stand here, let's go sit together."

So, several people walked towards the resting place together. Along the way, Ellie rolled her eyes at Lei Tao from time to time, and Lei Tao looked helpless. The scene was very lively.