Zhang Heng got dressed and followed the female doctor to the residence of the bearded second lieutenant. The latter was cutting a cigar with a knife. When he saw Zhang Heng, he grinned and said, "Welcome, friend of the Finnish people! Freedom fighter! My yellow-skinned comrade! "
Zhang Heng sat down on the seat opposite him. For the past two months, he hadn't had much contact with the guerrilla commander. The last time he sat here was when he first arrived at the camp. At that time, the commander only said a few words to Zhang Heng before leaving. The female doctor was the one to talk to Zhang Heng. This time, for some unknown reason, Zhang Heng was called here.
The bearded second lieutenant put the cigar aside and took out a bottle of vodka from under the table. This was the vodka that the guerrillas had captured when they attacked a Soviet supply team that was transporting military supplies. Half of the vodka had been drunk, but there was still half left.
Maggie took out three glasses and filled them up one by one. The bearded second lieutenant raised one of them and said, "I've always wanted to thank you for everything you've done for the past two months. During the most difficult times, you fought alongside us and helped us defend our country. It's a pity that you're not a real Finnish soldier. Otherwise, you would've gotten a lot of credit for your performance."
Zhang Heng drank the vodka in his glass and waited for the second lieutenant to continue.
Sure enough, the second lieutenant continued, "You should know that the war is coming to an end. What are your plans after the war ends?"
Zhang Heng estimated that he had about a month left before the war ended. So far, he had earned 23 points. In the beginning, he discovered a guerrilla stronghold, killed an enemy, destroyed a tank with a Molotov cocktail, killed an enemy officer, and even seized 10 bullet-shell lighters.
The main mission of surviving in Finland for 20 days was completed a long time ago. In theory, there was no need for him to stay here anymore. If possible, Zhang Heng would like to visit the United Kingdom or the United States. The latter, in particular, was relatively safe during World War II. Most of the battles were overseas, and their homeland was not attacked. Of course, that was if the guerrillas were willing to let him go. Now that the war was coming to an end, the guerrillas had no reason to force him to stay.
However, to the public, Zhang Heng still told them that he planned to return to China. This was also the excuse he had prepared a long time ago.
The bearded Second Lieutenant and the female doctor looked at each other, then put down the cup in their hands and put the cigar in their mouths. "We've fought side by side, so I'll be straightforward. No matter what, we'll choose to trust you and treat you as one of our own. Unfortunately, some people don't seem to think so."
"What do you mean?"
"When you were at the camp last time, you were seen by the soldiers who were responsible for transporting ammunition to the guerrillas." The second lieutenant lit his cigar and deliberated over his words. "Some people are worried that you know too much and will talk nonsense after you leave."
"For example?"
"For example, the way the guerrillas treat their prisoners of war," the female doctor took the cigar from the second lieutenant and took a puff. "We're just doing what we have to do under such circumstances. But if word of this gets out, it might cause some bad publicity in the international community. Especially now, considering that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating with the Soviet Union, this is a very sensitive time."
The second lieutenant took out a pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Zhang Heng. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, but after a while, he put the pistol back on the table.
"The good news is that we all know what kind of person you are. Personally, I trust that you won't talk nonsense. So what we need to do now is very simple. We need to find a way to make those who don't trust you trust you as much as we do," the second lieutenant said.
"What else do you want me to do? Assassinate Brother Timoshenko?"
Maggie and Aji were amazed by how quickly Zhang Heng managed to control his emotions. Anyone would have a reason to be angry when faced with a situation like this, especially considering Zhang Heng's contributions to the guerrillas. During this period of time, he and Simon had killed a lot of Soviet soldiers. His performance was impeccable, but the guerrillas turned their backs on him. Yet, Zhang Heng was still able to control his anger and only taunt them. His mental fortitude was indeed strong.
But in reality, Zhang Heng's heart wasn't as calm as he appeared to be. He realized that he had made a serious mistake.
This wasn't as simple as playing a game on the computer. Choosing to join a faction meant that he would become a part of it. His skin color and his unverifiable past meant that he wouldn't be trusted by any party. He knew this from the beginning. The guerrillas were just using him to deal with the Soviets. But at the time, he did need to join a side to survive the difficult war. So, strictly speaking, both sides were just taking what they needed from each other.
However, as the situation changed, so did his relationship with the guerrillas. Initially, he was needed, but now, he was a hidden danger and trouble. It wasn't that he didn't notice it, but because everyone was getting along well with him, he thought that he had done enough for the guerrillas to get out of the war.
But now, it seemed like it was just wishful thinking on his part.
The bearded Second Lieutenant smiled. "Don't worry, we are reasonable people. We won't let you die in vain. In fact, what I want you to do is very simple. It should be easy for you. After you do this, all the grievances between us will be written off. After that, you can go wherever you want."
The female doctor blew out a ring of smoke. She had a complicated look on her face. It was the first time Zhang Heng saw such hesitation on her face. After a while, Maggie spoke again.
"Did you know that the child's name isn't Simon?"
Zhang Heng frowned. He didn't know why Maggie suddenly changed the topic to Simon.
The female doctor continued, "This country has reached its most dangerous time. More than ever, they need a hero to unite them. They can wait for this hero to appear, or … there's a safer way — to create a hero themselves."
Maggie's expression was strange. It looked like she was mocking him, but at the same time, there was a hint of respect.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
