Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2064, Time Magazine Cover

Zhang Yong never planned his actions.

They all act on impulse, doing whatever comes to mind.

He used to think this was a fatal flaw. He felt out of place with others.

Everyone else is wise and capable, a master strategist.

He later discovered that the entire Kuomintang party actually had no plan at all.

Whether it's the bald guy or anyone else, they basically make decisions on a whim. The more detailed the plan, the more tragic the consequences.

Were the operational plans formulated by the German military advisory group flawed? Who executed them?

Were the operational plans devised by the Soviet military advisory group flawed? Who cares?

They're all castles in the air; they haven't been implemented at all.

and so……

What's the next step?

I really didn't expect that. It seems like there aren't many opportunities around.

It wasn't that there were no Japanese invaders. It was that there was no opportunity to annihilate them.

The Japanese invaders are incredibly cunning now; they've even started learning the tactics of the Eighth Route Army.

It's suspected that Okamura Neiji had grasped the essence of "preserving people even if land is lost, and preserving both people and land" beforehand. Therefore, he fled early.

"or……"

But suddenly, an absurd thought popped into my head.

Are troops stationed at Nanyuan Airport?
Like Tianjin? With several thousand people stationed there?

I'll just control the airport. A thousand or so people will be enough.

If the Japanese invaders attack, I will retaliate. We will engage in a protracted and exhausting struggle with them.

The overall goal was to deplete the Japanese invaders' manpower.

They'll stab you in the ribs. Then they'll keep bleeding you until you bleed to death.

"Commander Song..."

"Mr. Chen, please speak."

"How about you deploy a regiment at Nanyuan Airport?"

What is it used for?

"Control Nanyuan Airport. So I can arrive at any time."

"You mean, to maintain control of Nanyuan Airport? Even after the Japanese invaders returned to Beiping?"

"Correct."

"If the Japanese invaders attack, we won't be able to hold them off."

Commander Song spoke the truth.

There were so many Japanese invaders around Beiping.

If even a single tour group were dispatched, Nanyuan Airport would be overwhelmed.

He is still self-aware.

"If the Japanese invaders attack, send me a telegram immediately."

"you……"

"I'll fly over right away."

"This……"

Commander Song hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

It's not that he wasn't brave enough. It's just that this thing is too unbelievable.

At that time, the entire airport will be surrounded by the Japanese invaders. It can be said that it will be trapped in a tight encirclement by the Japanese invaders.

This rigid tactic is not the style of the Eighth Route Army.

"That's fine..."

Zhang Yong did not insist. Then he thought of Hu Zongnan.

Hu Jintao desperately needs military achievements right now. Some of the elite troops of his First Army are stationed at Tianjin Airport.

If you asked him to mobilize an entire regiment and airlift it to Nanyuan Airport, he would probably be more than willing. He wouldn't worry about the safety of an entire regiment if it meant gaining merit in battle.

Besides, Zhang Yong had vouched for him in this matter. If he didn't trust himself, wouldn't he trust Zhang Yong?

"Commander Song, please ask him for instructions later. See if it's feasible."

"it is good."

Song Fusheng turned and left.

The final outcome was rather tactful. It was too dangerous.

Zhang Yong understood and complied.

After all, this is a very difficult task for the Red Party.

They don't have enough experience. Nor do they have enough strength. Trying to do too much at once is a bad idea. Taking too big a step is definitely not a good idea.

They still need to keep a low profile for now and develop steadily.

Since that's the case, we have no choice but to approach Hu Zongnan. That guy will definitely agree. He'd be more than happy to oblige.

Perfect timing! Now I have a legitimate reason for my trip to North China.

Therefore, the 5C communication center was launched.

Looking for Hu Zongnan.

"Shaolong, I heard you went to North China? And you even quietly went to Beiping?"

"Yes! I came here a few days ago."

"You didn't even give the Chairman a heads-up beforehand. Now many people are gossiping about you to the Chairman, saying you're going to defect to the Red Party!"

"Let them say whatever they want. I need to talk to you."

"You said."

"I have already used the Red Party's power to seize Nanyuan Airport. I'm preparing to ask you to send a regiment to garrison it. You..."

"Okay, okay, okay!"

Hu Zongnan agreed without hesitation, and even cheered with joy.

How could he possibly refuse such a great opportunity?
The garrison at Nanyuan Airport effectively meant control of most of Beiping (Beijing). That glory deserves to be boasted about…

Later, he could proudly tell others, "My troops, Hu Zongnan's troops, have always fought on the front lines..."

Tianjin and Beiping. Who dares to say they weren't on the front lines?

Who dares to say there was no fighting?
They're fighting almost every day...

but!

and many more.

"Shaolong, what did the Red Party say?"

"Their troops suffered heavy casualties and were quite resentful towards me. What else could I say?"

"Oh? Their troops suffered heavy casualties?"

"Yes. We suffered heavy casualties in several field battles with the Japanese invaders. The Japanese invaders were quite capable in field combat."

"That's good. That's good. I'll report to the Chairman immediately."

"doing what?"

"Your strategy is excellent, killing two birds with one stone. It not only eliminated the Japanese invaders but also weakened the Red Party's strength. The Chairman likes it best."

"Uh……"

Zhang Yong thought to himself, "Old Hu really knows how to flatter."

Whether it was genuine or not, her words certainly sounded nice. I guess the bald guy's side listened.

Using someone else to do the dirty work. Killing two birds with one stone. A lose-lose situation. How could the bald man not be happy?
The key point is that, at this moment, the bald guy really needs to make a statement.

To make a good impression in front of the US special envoy.

Look, my troops have already launched a counterattack and entered Beiping.

That's right, it's Hu Zongnan's troops under my command. They're stationed at Nanyuan Airport.

Why don't you go over and take a look?
We flew there. We took photos on site. The results are verifiable.

"that's all!"

"it is good!"

The two discussed and agreed on the plan.

Hu Zongnan was in charge of mobilizing troops. They assembled at the airport.

Zhang Yong was responsible for mobilizing DC-3 transport planes and arranging air routes. Then the planes were airlifted.

Since it doesn't require carrying heavy weapons or logistical supplies, only troops, the transport mission isn't very demanding.

Each DC-3 transport plane can carry about 25 people at a time. If there are twenty transport planes, 500 people can be transported in a day.

Actually, it's quite fast.

If we work quickly, we can even make two trips a day, which means a thousand people can arrive.

In any case, Zhang Yong only needs people to come.

Zhang Yong would arrange other weapons, equipment, and logistical supplies on the spot.

"Commander Song."

"Mr. Chen, what are your orders?"

"Go back and report to your commanders that you have been fighting continuously and have suffered heavy casualties..."

"understood."

"The more casualties you suffer, the happier they are."

"We'll make the arrangements."

Commander Song certainly knew Zhang Yong's true identity.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been assigned here. He truly understood Zhang Yong's meaning.

If it were said that the Eighth Route Army had achieved a great victory, Chiang Kai-shek would certainly not be happy.

When they're unhappy, they'll cause trouble. They'll try every possible way to make things difficult.

"I will arrange for Hu Zongnan's troops to be stationed at the airport. At that time, your merits will probably be attributed to him."

"no problem."

"That's settled then. You get the substance, and Hu Zongnan gets the face."

"it is good."

Commander Song led his troops in retreat.

Nanyuan Airport is currently unmanned. No troops are stationed there.

Because there were no more Japanese invaders or puppet troops nearby, the vast city of Beiping was now a blank slate.

Zhang Yong began to remotely command.

The first batch of twelve DC-3 transport aircraft took off from Changsha Airport and arrived at Xi'an Airport. They landed and refueled.

Hu Zongnan's assembled troops have also arrived at the airport. They are only carrying firearms for self-defense.

After the plane was fully fueled, the first batch of people transported over were maintenance personnel from Xi'an Airport, as well as some ground crew and communications personnel.

Their main task is to ensure the basic operation of Nanyuan Airport.

A flurry of activity ensued.

At 10 p.m., the first batch of Nationalist troops arrived.

The leader was someone I knew. It was Sun Ce. He's here again.

He was the one who went to Kolkata before. Now, he's at Nanyuan Airport. He's really making a scene.

If Hu Zongnan hadn't been without a daughter, Zhang Yong would have suspected that the other party was Hu Zongnan's son-in-law.

"Reporting, Your Excellency! Sun Ce is here to report for duty!"

"it is good."

Zhang Yong raised his hand in return.

Since we know each other, things will be easier.

Zhang Yong's task for Sun Ce was to be stationed at Nanyuan Airport for an extended period.

Close face-to-face contact with the Japanese invaders.

It was like a nail, stuck in the throat of the Japanese invaders.

If the Japanese invaders launch minor skirmishes, then we should resolutely retaliate.

If the Japanese invaders launch a large-scale attack, summon them immediately.

The radio frequencies and other information have already been provided. There are also multiple backups.

In short, as long as everyone isn't wiped out at once, you can just call out on the frequency. Zhang Yong will be able to receive it.

When necessary, calls can also be made in plaintext telegrams.

That is, a frequency of 95.27 MHz.

"Sir, what should we do if anyone else tries to enter Nanyuan Airport?"

"Anything that isn't hostile is fine. Anything that is hostile is not acceptable."

"What should be done with them after they enter Nanyuan Airport?"

"Send them onto the plane, and then to Xi'an Airport or Luoyang Airport."

"understood."

Having resolved the two most crucial issues, Sun Ce began deploying defenses. Hu Zongnan valued this junior apprentice highly and had been grooming him for leadership. This time, stationed at Nanyuan Airport, he was the one leading the charge.

Of course, Hu Zongnan, while in Xi'an, would certainly be directing operations remotely, indulging in his desire to command.

At four o'clock in the morning, the second batch of Nationalist troops arrived.

The number of troops defending Nanyuan Airport has increased to more than 500.

The corresponding weapons were also provided.

In addition to various light weapons, there were also 155mm howitzers and 88mm anti-aircraft guns.

In addition, six French-made 105mm heavy cannons were deployed.

Zhang Yong needed to utilize its extremely long range.

Once the two sides engage in artillery combat, they can take the initiative from a distance and contain the Japanese artillery fire.

In fact, with Nanyuan Airport as the center, a 20-kilometer range already controlled most of the urban area of ​​Beiping.

If the Japanese invaders were to return, they probably wouldn't dare to stay within firing range.

Otherwise, once the artillery fire started, the Japanese invaders would immediately be hit by the shells and blown to pieces.

Ha ha.

Wonderful.

They indirectly controlled Beiping City with just two thousand men.

Unless the Japanese invaders remove the Nanyuan Airport, they will never have peace again.

So, were the Japanese invaders capable of removing this thorn in their side?
Hey.

I, Zhang Yong, will not agree to this.

dream.

Of course, various small-caliber Solothurn machine guns were also indispensable.

They could not only defend against air raids, but also destroy Japanese tanks. Together with various large-caliber heavy artillery, they formed a comprehensive firepower network.

Whether the Japanese invaders planned to come from the air or the ground, they would pay a heavy price.

The ultimate goal is to turn Nanyuan Airport into a hedgehog.

It wasn't that we were afraid of a Japanese attack; rather, we were hoping for one.

Whenever the Japanese invaders attacked, they would suffer heavy losses.

"report!"

"Your Excellency, the VIP office requests that you return the call."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong activated the 5C communication center and connected to the attendant's room.

As it turned out, Liu Zhenzhen answered the phone, not Director Lin. The other person spoke in a very businesslike tone.

"Your Excellency, the Americans are going to Beiping to inspect the battle situation."

"Who? Devonte?"

"No. They were reporters from American Time magazine."

"Just a journalist?"

"Yes, please state your identity."

"Got it. Where are they?"

"Chongqing."

"Okay. I'll arrange it."

Zhang Yong ended the call. He didn't ask any further questions.

On the surface, he's a journalist. But who he really is, even the Nationalist government probably doesn't know.

Why would an ordinary reporter be asked to come to Beiping at this critical juncture? It's very dangerous here!

Therefore, these hot potatoes could only be handed over to Zhang Yong to handle.

Fortunately, Zhang Yong accepts all comers.

Connect to Chongqing Baishiyi Airport. Contact Zhou Zhirou directly.

"Shaolong?"

"Commander Zhou, are there many more Americans?"

"Not many. Fifteen. They were all reporters from major newspapers, all carrying cameras and microphones."

"They're coming to Beiping?"

"Yes. They were clamoring to go. They even contacted the executive office. The executive office has already agreed."

"Okay. Arrange for them to fly over! I'm at Nanyuan Airport in Beiping."

"I'll arrange it right away. I'll be there immediately."

Zhou Zhirou breathed a sigh of relief.

These American old men can finally leave.

Otherwise, he really couldn't stand being constantly bothered at Baishiyi Airport.

But they dared not get angry.

Foreigners are not to be trifled with. Even Chiang Kai-shek wouldn't dare.

Sometimes, it really takes the intervention of the Commissioner to keep those foreigners in check.

It's like that Frenchman Fischer from before, who was incredibly arrogant, but after being taught a lesson by Zhang Yong a few times, his attitude improved a lot.

He seems to have become extremely infatuated with the Commissioner and has become a devoted fan of Zhang Yong.

That Deventer too. At first, he had a really sour face. After being mentored by Zhang Yong for a while, he seemed to improve.

The following night, a DC-3 transport plane slowly landed at Nanyuan Airport.

At this time, the Japanese invaders had not yet returned.

“Commissioner,” a tall, thin man with hawk-like eyes and a hooked nose said, “I would like to speak with you alone.”

"Okay." Zhang Yong knew the other party was no ordinary person. They must have a secret mission.

The other reporters were all in hiding.

What Time Magazine? Are you kidding? Does Zhang Yong think he's going to be on the cover?

"please."

"please."

The two sat down alone.

Zhang Yong remained calm.

“Mr. Commissioner, my name is Halkins. I am President Roosevelt’s private secretary. I rarely appear in public.”

"So, you came here on President Roosevelt's secret orders?"

"You are very smart."

“Mr. Halkins, you should go see our Chairman.”

"I want to hear the truth."

"What truth?"

"Will you surrender to the Japanese?"

"of course not."

"What if your Chairman has such intentions?"

"I'll kill him!"

Zhang Yong's tone was calm, but his attitude left no room for doubt.

If the other side dares to surrender, they will immediately become the target of public criticism, condemned by all, and then wiped out.

Can you swear an oath?

"Of course. I swear to God, I mean what I say."

"Alright. Now, we can talk about the Lend-Lease Act."

“Callahan and I have already spoken.”

"No. This is the complete bill. It requires the cooperation of your Chinese government."

"Please say."

"If we establish an anti-fascist alliance in Southeast Asia, would your Chinese government be willing to accept British command?"

"This……"

Zhang Yong frowned. This was a tricky question!

It's not that the other party is deliberately making things difficult. Rather, this is a problem that must be addressed and requires coordination.

Clearly, some Americans have a long-term vision. They spotted the key point at a glance.

That is the question of who will be in charge.

If war were to spread, it would involve many countries.

Among them, the three strongest are the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. France and the Netherlands are also included, just to make up the numbers.

The United States has no presence outside the Philippines.

Therefore, in the Far East, the British still held the top position.

Zhang Yong seemed to be deep in thought.

The other party came specifically to address this issue.

That being the case...

Then feel free to speak your mind.

Zhang Yong took out a pen and paper and wrote down his thoughts.

It's all in black and white. crystal clear.

Finally, sign your name and the date.

It was passed on to Halkins.

Halkins was very satisfied after reading it.

"Mr. Commissioner, your suggestion is excellent. We are happy to work together."

"Happy cooperation!"

Zhang Yong then knew that the other party had achieved its goal.

Sure enough, the next thing they talked about was romance.

What Gone with the Wind...

Las Vegas...

And the beaches of Miami...

Until the very end, Halkins took out his camera.

"doing what?"

"Mr. Commissioner, please have a seat."

"no need……"

"Absolutely. You're going to be on the cover of Time magazine."

"what?"

"Sit down."

Halkins suddenly became serious.

Zhang Yong had no choice but to straighten his face and sit properly.

then……

"Crack!"

"Crack!"

Halkins pressed the shutter button repeatedly.

He only let go after taking several photos in a row, satisfied.

"Commissioner, January next year."

"actually……"

Zhang Yong hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

He wasn't interested in that Time magazine cover.

Because the cover model, after being specially processed, always looks a bit strange.

In a word, it's ugly.

Two words: extremely ugly.

I'm a handsome guy now, after all. After being dealt with, it looked like a car crash.

However, in the end, there was no objection.

how to say?

I'm going to play on the international server soon.

Appearing on the cover of Time magazine might be beneficial in the future.

In this case, then...

"Thank you!"

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)