Chapter 6 - Squad Formation

Upon exchanging the remaining Japanese yen for gold, Zhou Lin excitedly visited the bank and converted all the yen into gold, totaling 224 grams. These 224 grams were then exchanged for points, giving him a total of 402 points. With one day of retrospective ability requiring a hundred points, Zhou Lin now had the option of four days of retrospection or four instances of single-day retrospection.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Zhou Lin faced an issue. He had mistakenly sent the money intended for activity funds to the families of his deceased brothers. Now, he needed to figure out how to obtain more money.

When the squad leader approached Zhou Lin to inform him that the higher-ups had approved his request and would proceed according to Zhou Lin's plan, Zhou Lin, with a mournful expression, requested, "Captain, can you lend me three thousand francs?"

"Why do you need so much money?" the squad leader inquired.

"Satou was delivering activity funds. One thousand francs per family, three hundred yen each."

"Didn't you already receive that money?"

"I did, but I used it to send to the families of the captain and the brothers."

The squad leader and the platoon leader investigated, confirming Zhou Lin's honesty. Currently, Zhou Lin had no choice but to rely on the squad leader to raise funds.

After visiting seven or eight places, the squad leader managed to gather the required three thousand francs, cautioning Zhou Lin, "Don't lose it again."

Zhou Lin assured and promised to repay the squad leader the three thousand francs. A day later, the barracks of the 20th squad were filled with people once again.

This time, three people were transferred from the main squad, five from other squads, two from headquarters, and the remaining fifteen from the military. With Zhou Lin as the captain, the two from headquarters served as vice-captains: Wang Xi and Xiang Zijun. In addition to the mentioned personnel, a dedicated telegrapher named Ma Chuan was assigned to the 20th squad.

With the team assembled within a day, the process was remarkably fast. The two vice-captains and the telegrapher from headquarters seemed well-informed beforehand, collaborating smoothly with Zhou Lin. During the meeting, everyone acquainted themselves, deepening their impressions. After the meeting, Zhou Lin kept the two vice-captains behind.

Zhou Lin instructed Jiang Xi, "The intelligence team will depart at 4 am tomorrow, divided into three groups, each responsible for a target."

Jiang Xi asked, "Yes, Captain. What are the three target locations?"

Zhou Lin provided the addresses and warned, "You must inspect the situations of these three groups carefully. Be extremely cautious. The people in these three locations are Japanese undercover agents who have been infiltrating for over three years, familiar with the terrain and personnel."

Jiang Xi expressed concern, "It's challenging to keep tabs on such people."

Xiang Zijun added, "Captain, the three locations you mentioned are indeed tricky."

Zhou Lin chuckled and said, "Then let's play wounded soldiers! We'll take action this afternoon."

At 1:30 pm, three soldiers entered Zhangshu Street, one with a bandaged left hand, another with a slightly crooked right foot, and the third with a large patch over the left eye. They had a few drinks and reached Zhangshu Street.

Approaching a tobacco and liquor shop, one remarked, "Out of cigarettes."

The one-eyed soldier said, "Let's go in."

The three entered the shop, causing distress to a young man inside who, upon seeing them, turned pale.

"Three gentlemen, the shop is closing now. I have urgent business outside."

The wounded soldiers caused trouble upon entering. Instead of paying the original five yuan, they only handed over five jiao and took away the goods.

Refusing to sell? Then comes a fight. After the fight, they might even smash things. The losses incurred could easily surpass fifty yuan.

Therefore, upon seeing the wounded soldiers, the young man decided to close the shop.

The cripple cursed angrily, "You damn..."

The young man, burning with anger, retorted, "Who are you cursing?"

"I'm cursing you! What's wrong? Don't want to do business with me and try to drive me away? If not you, who else should I curse?"

The young man couldn't tolerate a loss, charging forward. Soon, others joined, and the one-eyed soldier called for help outside.

After a series of fights, the young man surrendered, crying out, "I give up!"

The three wounded soldiers then ransacked the shop: three packs of cigarettes for each, two bottles of alcohol for one.

As they indulged in their loot, a dozen people rushed in from outside.

Sensing trouble, the wounded soldiers retreated into the shop, locking the door from inside.

The one-eyed soldier spotted a public telephone and dialed a number.

"Captain, we're under attack! Come save us."

The call reached the ears of those outside, but they paid little attention. When you have both legs and arms intact, your captain manages you. Once you become a wounded soldier, kicked out, your captain won't help.

However, they made an incorrect assumption.

After about ten minutes, a group of people stormed in from the street.

These people were also wounded soldiers, but they carried weapons.

A person holding a gun led over twenty wounded soldiers into the street.

Some gang members tried to stop them, but without a second word, the one with the gun fired, injuring several of the gang members.