Meng Yuan cried for quite a while before finally swallowing her sobs and stopping slowly, mumbling, “I didn’t mean to blame you.”

“Mm.”

“There was another soldier who came just now. How many of you are there?”

“Two.”

“Why are there still so many soldiers in the city when the main force has retreated?”

“No boats, plus the orders weren’t transmitted properly – fighting the enemy on one side while retreating on the other.” He Feng took off his military uniform and tore off the gauze from his back. “The officers abandoned the city and ran. The scattered soldiers are in complete chaos.”

Meng Yuan sniffled hard, raised her hand to rub her red and swollen eyes, and by the faint moonlight coming through the broken window, saw the hideous wounds on He Feng’s back.

At that moment, like receiving a tremendous blow to the head, her muddled brain cleared up. All her grief and sorrow transformed into righteous indignation, igniting a blazing fire in her chest.

Staying immersed in sadness was meaningless. Meng Yuan forcefully wiped away her tears and looked at him with determined eyes. “Teach me to shoot. I’ll fight devils with you. I want to kill them all and avenge Xiao Wangyun!”

He Feng took a light breath and carefully took out medicine. “You don’t look like the type. Just hold onto your head properly.”

Meng Yuan had just mustered her spirits but was crushed again by this remark. She looked sadly at the head in her arms, placed him against the wall, and slowly crawled over to He Feng’s side. “Then let me help you bandage it.”

He Feng was just worrying about not being able to reach his wound, so he handed her the medicinal powder. “Use it sparingly.”

Meng Yuan looked at his torn and bloody flesh, her hands trembling nervously. “This is so serious. Bear with it.”

“Be quick about it.” He Feng casually threw the bandages to her.

Meng Yuan caught them and saw they were already soaked with blood. “Don’t you have new ones?”

“Not much left. Have to save what we can.”

“Use new ones. These can’t be used – they’re completely soaked.”

“Having something to wrap with is already good. Stop talking nonsense.”

Meng Yuan carefully tied it for him.

He Feng picked up a half-smoked cigarette butt from the ground, blew off the dust on it, wiped it with his hand, then put it in his mouth. He took out matches and struck them twice without lighting it. Meng Yuan took them over. “Let me do it.”

She struck once and the fire lit. He Feng lowered his face, lit the cigarette, immediately blew out the flame, leaned his head against the wall, and took a slow drag.

“Thank you for saving me.”

He Feng glanced at her lightly, then looked toward the head by the wall. “What was he to you? Holding him and running through the streets risking your life.”

“Nothing really.” Meng Yuan sat hugging her knees. “I was almost taken away by devils. He protected me and got chopped down with one blade.”

“Does A’Zhi know?”

“A’Zhi?”

“Wanzhi.”

“Probably doesn’t know. She’s very busy. We haven’t seen each other for a long time.” Meng Yuan looked at his downcast eyes. “What’s your name?”

“He Feng.”

“I’m Meng Yuan. I’m an opera singer – Kunqu opera. Have you heard of it?”

“Can’t tell different types of opera apart. Maybe I’ve heard it.” He Feng watched the thin smoke, remembering that day boating with A’Zhi, squinting and smiling slightly.

“Are you thinking of her?”

He Feng looked up, stubbed out the cigarette, and said “mm” neither lightly nor heavily.

Meng Yuan saw the large and small bloodstains on his clothes, covered with mud and ash, black and red. Her heart ached. “Let me sing you something.”

“You want to attract the devils?”

Speak of the devil – the sound of boots clattering came from the distance.

He Feng immediately sat up, grabbed his gun and moved to the window, leaning slightly to peek out.

“Devils?”

He Feng signaled her to be quiet, took his knife and gun, and jumped out.

After a while, He Feng came back with some weapons and had also stripped the Japanese soldiers’ clothes.

Meng Yuan looked at him in surprise. “You killed them all?”

“Mm.”

“How many?”

“Three.”

“The bodies?”

“Dragged them far away and burned them.”

“You weren’t hurt, were you?”

He Feng looked himself over. “No.”

He pulled out some candy from the devils’ uniforms and threw a few pieces to Meng Yuan. Meng Yuan caught the candy and viciously threw it against the wall. “Little devils’ stuff – disgusting.”

“This isn’t the time to be stubborn. Food is scarce everywhere.”

“I’d rather die than eat it.”

He Feng picked them up one by one. “If you won’t eat it, fine – saves me rations.”

Meng Yuan hugged her knees and stared at the guns and ammunition he’d put down. “Please teach me. I’m begging you.”

He Feng understood what she meant. “Men haven’t all died yet. Women should step aside.”

“You’re discriminating against women.”

He Feng brushed the dust off the candy wrapper and put it in his pocket, saying carelessly, “You think devils are so easy to kill?”

“But you easily killed three.”

“Easily?” He Feng laughed helplessly. “I risk my head every time. Twenty years of fighting with knives and guns, and look what state I’m in. You really think killing is so easy? Devils stand still for you to shoot? How did hundreds of thousands of soldiers sacrifice their lives? Do you really think all soldiers are like those you see now who throw down their guns and bullets, steal civilians’ clothes and hide in refugee camps?”

Meng Yuan lowered her eyes. “I know it’s not easy. I often hear battle reports on the radio. You’re all heroes.”

He Feng was silent for a moment, wiped his face. “Now we’ve become cowards.”

Li Changsheng came back, bringing a piece of chocolate. His blackened face smiled like a blooming black flower as he threw it to He Feng. “Try this.”

He Feng threw it to Meng Yuan. “Eat it.”

Meng Yuan took it, unwrapped the paper, divided it into three parts, giving each of them a piece.

He Feng lazily raised his eyebrows. “I don’t eat this stuff. You eat it.”

Meng Yuan forcibly stuffed it in his mouth.

He Feng frowned at her. “Don’t get handsy. Don’t think just because you’re her friend, I won’t dare hit you.”

Meng Yuan silently sat back, muttering, “If you dare hit me, I’ll tell sister Wanzhi.”

He Feng saw Li Changsheng laughing. “What are you laughing at?”

“Bro, doesn’t that sound like you’re really afraid of your wife?”

He Feng swallowed the sweet and bitter thing. “What’s wrong with being afraid of your wife? Being afraid of your wife isn’t shameful.”

Li Changsheng smiled as he pinched the chocolate, licked it a few times, then reluctantly took a tiny bite.

He Feng saw how he ate and wanted to scold him but felt heartbroken instead. He turned away and closed his eyes to rest.

Just when both thought he was asleep, He Feng suddenly said, “I’ll take you back to the safety zone when it gets deeper into the night.”

Meng Yuan immediately refused: “I’m not going back.”

“Then what do you want to do? Run around the streets to feed the devils?”

Li Changsheng opened his eyes and glanced at them. “Bro, why are you being so fierce?”

Meng Yuan pursed her lips. “I’m not going. I’ll stay here.”

“We don’t have time to take care of you.”

Meng Yuan looked down dejectedly and became sad again. “Devils go to the safety zone every day to drag girls away.” She held Xiao Wangyun’s head and moved to He Feng’s side. “Please take him back. Give him to sister Wanzhi, have her find A’Ru – A’Ru knows where to bury him.”

“Not going.”

Meng Yuan looked at him pitifully. “Please, they were friends. She definitely wouldn’t want him to be separated from his body either.”

“Don’t give me that nonsense.” He Feng wasn’t buying it. “If you want to bury him, go back and bury him yourself. Otherwise, let him slowly rot.”

“…”

Li Changsheng saw He Feng’s inhuman fierceness and said tactfully to Meng Yuan, “Following us two big men isn’t just unsafe – even going to the bathroom is inconvenient, and food and drink are scarce. Who knows when devils might discover us? When that happens, whether we change locations or fight, we’d at most lose our heads, but you being a woman would be tragic. The little devils are insane – you’ve seen it yourself.”

Meng Yuan was silent for a moment, crawled over to his side, still not giving up. “Then teach me to shoot. We’ll fight devils together.”

“No way.” Li Changsheng turned over to face the wall. “Sleep, sleep.”

…

In the middle of the night, five devils snuck into the safety zone and grabbed a girl.

The screams woke countless people, but no one dared stop them. The administrators weren’t there, and by the time they arrived, the Japanese soldiers had long finished their business.

They dragged her to an open area, taking turns one by one, while the devils waiting behind laughed and urged them on.

This area was dark. They were focused on their assault and didn’t notice when two soldiers crept up from behind.

He Feng and Li Changsheng didn’t use guns – shooting in the middle of the night was too dangerous, especially inside the safety zone. It would attract nearby devils.

They used knives to kill two, and by the time the others reacted, it was too late to raise their guns before having their throats slit.

He Feng turned his face away, picked up clothes from the ground and threw them onto the girl. “Go back.”

The girl cried as she hurriedly put on her clothes and left.

He Feng called to her, “Don’t say you saw us, understand?”

The girl understood his meaning, nodded, and ran back crying.

He Feng and Li Changsheng stripped the corpses, dragged them to a distant ditch and buried them. They couldn’t leave the Japanese uniforms here – they had to take them far away to burn.

Just after climbing over the wall and walking a few steps, they heard movement behind them.

Xie Chi poked her head out. “He Feng.”

She climbed over the wall and jumped out. He Feng stood below to catch her, frowning fiercely. “What are you following for! Get back.”

Xie Chi stood steady, looking at him innocently.

With that look, He Feng’s heart melted.

Li Changsheng coughed lightly. “I’ll keep watch. Bro, you two take your time talking.”

He Feng put his arm around Xie Chi’s waist, sighed deeply, and suddenly became gentle again. “It’s dangerous. Don’t run around, okay?”

Xie Chi nodded, hugging him tightly.

He Feng gritted his teeth. His whole body hurt terribly, but his heart was overjoyed. No matter how much pain he was in, being held by her soft body made all ailments disappear.

He Feng kissed her forehead. “I’m dirty.”

Xie Chi nuzzled his chest. “Not dirty.”

“Don’t I stink?”

Xie Chi shook her head. “Very fragrant.”

Xie Chi stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips. He Feng dodged, pressed her shoulders to push her down. “Alright, go back quickly.”

“Are you always around here?”

“No.”

“Then how did you happen to be here just when something happened?”

“Just happened to run into it.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Xie Chi looked up at his face with tender feelings, even though she couldn’t see anything in the pitch darkness. She raised her hand to touch his forehead, eyes, nose, features. “You’ve lost weight.”

He Feng lightly pinched her waist. “So have you. Is there enough food at the hospital?”

“Enough.”

“Eat more. Don’t sacrifice yourself for others.”

“I’ll steal some food for you.”

“No need. We have food.”

“You’re lying. Even devils don’t have food. Where would you get it?”

“We rob theirs. We even had bread this morning.” He Feng’s expression relaxed as his lips touched her cold earlobe. “It’s cold outside. Go back.”

Of course Xie Chi wouldn’t agree. No matter how He Feng pushed, she just wouldn’t let go. “Take me with you.”

“It’s dangerous following me. Right now, being with that American is best for you.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“I am.” He Feng gently rubbed her head with his chin. “I’d go crazy if something happened to you.” He bent his back and kissed her fragrant, soft neck. “Be good.”

“You be careful outside. Hide well. Don’t fight head-on.”

“I know.” He Feng straightened up and kissed her right cheek again. “Is that little friend of yours with me?”

“Hm?”

“The one who sings opera, the one we met on the boat, called Meng something…”

“Meng Yuan?”

“Right.”

“How is she with you?”

Before He Feng could answer, Li Changsheng said quietly to them, “Devils coming.”

He Feng held her waist, whispering close to her ear, “I need medicine. Can you get some?”

“Yes, I’ll get it for you.”

“Don’t go anywhere. Tonight – no, tomorrow night I’ll come find you. Tell me which direction.”

“Second floor, westernmost room.”

He Feng suddenly crouched down and lifted her by the legs. “Go in.”

Xie Chi climbed onto the wall and sat looking at him.

He Feng waved. “Go quickly.”

Xie Chi jumped down.

He Feng immediately turned and walked to Li Changsheng’s side. “How many?”

“Couldn’t see clearly. Probably three or four.”

“Let’s go. Take care of them.”

After dealing with the devil corpses, they collected weapons and equipment, found some food, then returned.

On the way, Li Changsheng said to He Feng, “Sister-in-law is prettier than her photo.”

He Feng curved his lips. “You haven’t seen her normally – that’s when she looks like a fairy.”

Li Changsheng laughed. “No wonder you’re so obsessed.”

The two climbed up to their hiding place.

Meng Yuan was fast asleep.

They quietly put down the supplies and leaned against the wall together.

Tonight the moon was bright, its light shining in and falling right on Meng Yuan.

Li Changsheng looked at her and sighed. “At times like this, being a beautiful woman is a sin.”

“Women aren’t sinful, and being beautiful isn’t sinful either.” He Feng faced toward the window, looking at the cool moonlight. “The devils are the sinful ones.”

…

Xie Chi prepared some medicines and didn’t sleep all night, nervously waiting for He Feng.

In the latter half of the night, he silently climbed through the window. Xie Chi handed him the medicine. “The hospital is also short on medical supplies. I couldn’t take too much – just this little bit. If it’s not enough, next time…”

He Feng quickly kissed her lips. “It’s enough.”

Xie Chi stared at him intently.

Both fell silent.

He Feng smiled. “Have something to say?”

Xie Chi bit her lip, controlling the sourness in her heart. “Are you alright?”

“Fine, full of energy.”

“Where are you injured?”

“Not injured.”

“Then why do you need medicine?”

“My brother is injured.”

Xie Chi knew he was lying to her. “I want to go with you. Can’t you take me along? I can kill devils too. You taught me to shoot – you know I’m very accurate.”

“It’s dangerous following me. Don’t talk about this anymore.” He Feng pulled out several pieces of candy from his pocket and stuffed them into hers. “Found some candy. Don’t give them to others – keep them for yourself.”

Xie Chi reached into her pocket, took out one piece, unwrapped it and put it in her mouth.

He Feng smiled. “Does it taste good?”

Xie Chi nodded, then suddenly put her arms around his neck and kissed his mouth. The sweetness spread between their lips and teeth – it was peach flavored.

Long-suppressed desire slowly rose in the lengthy silence. He Feng pushed her away – if he kept kissing, he wouldn’t be able to leave for a while. He breathed heavily, finally kissed her nose tip. “I’m leaving.”

Xie Chi hugged his arm. “Stay a little longer. Dawn is still far away.”

He Feng turned his back to her without looking back. He was afraid that looking longer would make him unable to resist, unable to bear it, unable to let go.

“Eat well, dress warmly, rest more. Don’t show off just because you have some skills. Hide well.”

“You too. I…”

Before she could finish, He Feng pushed away her hand and swiftly jumped out the window. Xie Chi stood at the window watching him run quickly toward the wall and climb over without looking back.

“I’ll wait for you.”

…

The devils were going to hold an entry ceremony. Recently, patrol squads had been frequent. He Feng and Li Changsheng didn’t dare venture out much at night, let alone with Meng Yuan. They could only have her stay there temporarily.

Early the next morning, things got busy outside. From what several passing Japanese soldiers said, the ceremony was in the afternoon, and several high-ranking generals would appear.

Li Changsheng gritted his teeth, saying repeatedly he wanted to snipe them.

But all the high points were guarded by Japanese soldiers specifically to prevent any incidents during the entry ceremony. They didn’t dare even show their heads, not knowing where snipers might be positioned.

At 1:30 PM, the ceremony began. Japanese soldiers stood on both sides of the road. Matsui Iwane rode his horse at the front of the troops, entering the city from Zhongshan Gate with great fanfare and reaching the National Government building.

Meng Yuan heard the commotion and asked, “What are they doing?”

Li Changsheng replied, “The devil leader came. They’re holding a ceremony.”

After a while, music began playing outside.

Li Changsheng saw He Feng covering his ears and leaning against the wall. “What are they singing?”

He Feng tore at the gauze to stuff in his ears, held his head and lay down. “Their national anthem.”

Li Changsheng punched the ground. “Damn bastards! Singing your mother’s funeral dirge!”

…

The arrival of the commanding officer didn’t bring any control to the Japanese army’s atrocities.

Li Changsheng hadn’t gone out on missions recently. When killing people the day before yesterday, he got stabbed in the leg, and the wound was somewhat infected. While Meng Yuan was sleeping, he undid his pants and silently changed the dressing.

“Do you want me to help?”

Li Changsheng was so startled he shuddered. Gunfire wasn’t as nerve-wracking as her voice.

He hurriedly pulled up his pants. “No need.”

Meng Yuan saw his face red with embarrassment and looked away. “How old are you?”

“Sixteen. I’ll be seventeen next month.”

“You don’t look sixteen at all.” Meng Yuan leaned against the wall, saying weakly, “Then you definitely haven’t married yet.”

“Mm.”

Meng Yuan sighed. “I haven’t married either.”

Li Changsheng stopped talking.

“Do you have someone you like back home?”

Li Changsheng shook his head.

Meng Yuan looked at him with heartache. “We two could make do together.”

Li Changsheng’s heart trembled.

Meng Yuan sighed deeply and lay down on her side. “Just don’t know if we can survive.”

Li Changsheng lowered his head and secretly smiled. “I’ll protect you.”

…