Night fell, shrouding the landscape in darkness. The artillery position was barely visible under the faint moonlight. Everything was silent, save for the occasional chirping of nocturnal insects. Leitao lay on a large bluestone, softly humming the melody of "My People, My Country," the tune drifting low through the stillness of the night.
A female medic, busy organizing medical supplies nearby, was drawn to the faint humming. She approached on tiptoe and, seeing Leitao lying on the stone, her eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise and curiosity.
Sensing someone nearby, Leitao stopped humming and turned toward the medic. "What? Was my singing that captivating?" he teased. The medic gave a playful, feigned scold: "You weren't humming that well, and you ended up drawing people over here." Despite her words, a faint smile played on her lips.
Leitao sat up and patted the space beside him. "Come, sit for a while. It’s rare to have a moment of peace in the midst of war." The medic walked over and sat down, her eyes fixed on him. "How do you still have the heart to hum?" Leitao gazed at the night sky and said slowly, "When I hum, I remember the days of the past, and it gives me more strength to face the current plight." The medic nodded thoughtfully. "True, life now is so different from how it used to be."
Just then, the weather took a sudden turn. Clouds completely obscured the moonlight, and a wind began to howl, carrying a biting chill. Leitao sat up, took some dry rations from his pack, and handed a piece to the medic. "Eat something to keep your strength up." She shook her head. "I'm not hungry. You eat it; you might have a more arduous task ahead." Leitao shrugged. "This might be our last meal before a big battle, so you’d better eat something." She shot him a glare. "Hush, don't talk nonsense." But she took the ration and took a small bite.
Leitao didn't press her further and began to eat himself. Once finished, he stood up, his expression turning grave. "We have a critical mission. First, we must level the artillery position, then move the parts for the three 120mm howitzers from the cave, assemble them, and hide them. This will be a 'surprise' for the Japanese Army."
Some of the remaining soldiers picked up shovels and other tools to level the ground. "It’s too high here, we need to flatten it!" one soldier shouted, and another replied as he threw himself into the work. The others headed toward the cave. Inside, the howitzer components sat, their metal surfaces gleaming coldly in the dim light. A burly soldier gripped the large gun wheels, muscles straining and veins bulging on his forehead as he lifted them, inching slowly out of the cave. Another soldier carefully carried the barrel, his eyes fixed on it, not daring a single lapse in concentration as he moved toward the exit. Others worked in pairs to carry the heavy parts; their steps were heavy but steady, sweat beading on their brows. They knew these parts would decide the outcome of the battle.
Once the parts were brought back, Leitao directed the assembly. Just as they were working in a feverish rush, an observation scout ran back to report: "A Japanese field battalion, working with traitors, is searching outward from Nanjing City. It’s a force of about half a Japanese squadron and a dozen traitors, heading our way. At their current pace, they'll arrive in about two hours."
The news threw everyone into a panic. "This is a disaster," one soldier said anxiously. "If we're discovered, the whole plan is ruined!" Another roared in anger, "Let's fight them to the death!"
Leitao frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "We cannot fight them head-on; that would only lead to our certain demise. I will go alone to lure them away. It's easier for one person to stay hidden, and with my combat skills, I’m confident I can keep them from getting suspicious. This is our only chance."
The soldiers were horrified and tried to talk him out of it. One stepped forward eagerly: "Leitao, that’s too dangerous! Absolutely not!" Another added anxiously, "Leitao, let’s think of another way together. There must be another path."
Leitao shook his head firmly. "There is no time. They will be here soon. Only if I draw them away can you continue the mission."
The medic bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes as she stepped forward and grabbed Leitao's arm. "Leitao, you must be careful. You cannot leave us behind—you must come back alive." Leitao looked at her with a hint of tenderness. "Don't worry, I'm tough. I still want to see the victory of the war and see everyone living a good life." With a choked voice, she replied, "You always say that, but this is truly too dangerous." Leitao gently wiped the tears from her eyes. "I will come back. When I return, I'll hum that song for you again."
Leitao checked his weapons and equipment, took a deep breath, and resolutely turned away. Facing the biting wind, he walked steadily toward the direction of the approaching Japanese Army and traitors. His figure gradually merged into the darkness, leaving only the sound of his firm footsteps echoing through the night air.
The Huaxia National Security soldiers watched his retreating back, their hearts filled with admiration and worry, but they secretly swore to assemble the howitzers as quickly as possible to ensure a better chance of success for the shelling mission that would disrupt the Japanese Army's victory parade.