The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 278 Leaving Meng's House and Returning to Chongqing

After Lei Tao stayed at the Meng family for two days, the time agreed with the team members arrived.

The morning sun streamed through the window, gently illuminating Lei Tao's face. He slowly opened his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling both nervous about heading off to the battlefield and reluctant to leave the Meng family. Over the past two days at the Meng family's, he'd felt a long-lost warmth and tranquility. His father's appreciation for him and his mother's warm care had filled him with nostalgia.

But he knew that he had a mission and his comrades were waiting for him to fight side by side. He got up, washed up, and went to the living room, where he saw Father Meng already making tea.

Father Meng saw Lei Tao, smiled slightly, and said, "Lei Tao, you got up early. Come, have a cup of tea."

Lei Tao quickly walked over to sit next to Meng's father, took the teacup, and took a sip. The warm tea flowed down his throat, but the warmth was hard to resist the complicated emotions in his heart. He put down the teacup, his expression solemn, and said: "Uncle, the time I agreed with the team has come today. We have to leave for Chongqing, and Xiaoyu is coming with us. After all, she is still a military doctor in the Eighth Route Army, and she has tasks to be assigned to the troops." He bowed slightly, his eyes full of concern. "Uncle, Aunt, you two must take good care of yourselves. After this battle is over, Xiaoyu and I will definitely come back to visit you."

Upon hearing this, Father Meng paused while pouring the tea, then put the teapot down. Although he had a smile on his face, his eyes couldn't hide his reluctance. "I knew you two wouldn't stay long. The army has a mission, and it's a serious matter. Go ahead without worry. But the journey is long and arduous, so you must take care of each other and return safely."

At this moment, Meng Xiaoyu's footsteps came from the wooden stairs. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and saw the two people in the living room. She suddenly woke up: "Why are you up so early? What are you talking about?"

Father Meng looked at his daughter and said gently, "Xiaoyu, Lei Tao said you are going back to the army today. Go and pack up."

When Meng Xiaoyu heard this, her body froze, and a hint of loss flashed across her eyes for a moment, but she regained her determination in an instant and replied, "Okay, I'll go right away." After that, she turned around and quickly went upstairs.

While Meng Xiaoyu was packing her luggage, Father Meng took out an exquisite little box from the inner room and handed it to Lei Tao: "Lei Tao, this is specially prepared for you. There are some commonly used herbs and my homemade wound medicine in it. It may be useful during the march and battle."

Lei Tao took it with both hands, his heart filled with emotion: "Uncle, thank you so much, you are so thoughtful."

Father Meng patted Lei Tao on the shoulder and said, "I trust you, child. I'm relieved that Xiaoyu is with you, but you must also promise me that no matter what danger you encounter, you must protect yourself and Xiaoyu."

Lei Tao nodded vigorously, his eyes firm: "Uncle, don't worry, I will never let Xiaoyu suffer any grievances, let alone put her in danger."

After a while, Meng Xiaoyu came downstairs with her bag on her back, her eyes a little red. Meng's mother also came out of the room, holding several packages filled with various foods: "Child, eat on the way, don't go hungry."

Meng Xiaoyu took the package and hugged her mother tightly, her voice choking with emotion. "Mom, you and Dad need to take care of yourselves. I'll write back often." Her father stepped forward and gently patted his daughter's shoulder, his eyes filled with reluctance and concern. The family arrived at the door, and Lei Tao and Meng Xiaoyu bowed deeply to them once again. As they turned, Meng Xiaoyu burst into tears. Lei Tao gently put his arm around her shoulders, offering silent comfort. With determined steps, the two of them set off for Chongqing.

Along the way, Meng Xiaoyu leaned on Lei Tao's shoulder, silent. Lei Tao gently held her hand, conveying warmth and strength. They finally arrived at the small town market where they had agreed to meet Liu Zishan and the others. The market was bustling with people, the sounds of hawking and laughter intertwined.

Lei Tao observed his surroundings warily, whistling softly a few times as a signal. A moment later, a peddler-like figure approached, carrying a load on his shoulder. Lei Tao took a closer look and saw it was Liu Zishan. Liu Zishan's eyes flickered as he caught sight of Lei Tao and Meng Xiaoyu. He quickly set his load aside and walked over with a smile of excitement on his face. "Brother Lei, I've been waiting for you to finally come!"

Lei Tao smiled and patted Liu Zishan on the shoulder: "Zishan, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

At this moment, Chen Feiyang and Yi Guang emerged from the crowd and gathered around. Chen Feiyang smiled and made a face, joking, "Brother Lei, your trip with sister-in-law was so sweet and sweet. You must have missed us so much." As he spoke, he exaggeratedly wiped away nonexistent tears.

Meng Xiaoyu blushed and lowered her head slightly. Lei Tao glared at Chen Feiyang: "It's already this hour, and you're still talking nonsense. By the way, has nothing gone wrong these days?"

Just as he finished speaking, the crisp sound of horse hooves echoed, and the Li brothers, leading several sturdy warhorses, pushed through the crowd. Li Shuiniu, with a resounding voice, called out from afar, "Brother Lei, sister-in-law, we've finally seen you!" A simple smile graced his face, and Li Shuyang, beside him, nodded slightly, his eyes filled with the joy of reunion.

Yi Guang stepped forward, his expression serious: "Everything is fine, but everyone is waiting for you to come back and make a decision. When are we going to set off?"

Lei Tao looked around at the team members and said firmly, "Now that everyone is here, let's set off immediately. This time we will go to Chongqing first to catch the Japanese spies hiding among the people. After completing the mission, we will head to the Taihang Mountain base. This mission is difficult, so everyone must proceed with caution and must not take it lightly."

Everyone nodded and led their horses out of the county town. When they reached an open area outside the city, they all mounted their horses, their horses neighing and raising clouds of dust. Led by Lei Tao, the group galloped towards Chongqing.