Chapter 42: Escaping from the Tiger's Mouth (2)

  "Li Fei, let's go take a look ahead," Tian Hu said.

  "Yes!" Li Fei replied, following Tian Hu.

  As they walked, Li Fei asked, "Tian Hu, I find it strange that Mawa caused such big trouble, and yet you don't seem to blame her. In fact, you seem to think she's done something good."

  Tian Hu explained, "Mawa has a stubborn temper, but she didn't do it on purpose. She just hates the Japanese too much and wants to kill them all. Her age is also younger than us, so it's normal for her to be a bit immature in her thinking. Besides, if it weren't for her familiarity with the terrain, we wouldn't have been able to escape from the city through this small road."

  Tian Hu continued, "The Japanese dared to leave us behind and focus on the mountain pass because they thought that was the only way out of the city. If they had solved the problem outside the city first, it would be too late for us to escape. So, Mawa made a mistake, but she also made up for it with her bravery in battle. We're all forced to take up arms against the Japanese, and we can forgive each other's mistakes as long as we're fighting for the same cause."

  Li Fei nodded, "I understand now. It seems my thinking is still immature too."

  Tian Hu said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's get closer and take a look."

  They carefully observed the enemy's situation under the light of the cannon fire.

  Tian Hu analyzed, "Judging from their firepower, there should be around 400-500 people, with only company-level equipment. If we can lure them out of the city one company at a time, we have a good chance of annihilating them."

  Li Fei didn't understand how to analyze the enemy's situation based on their firepower and said, "It would be better if it were daytime, so we could see more clearly."

  Tian Hu smiled, "Do you think the Japanese would let us stand here and observe their battle so easily in daylight? Besides, if it were daytime, they would have already discovered our true strength and launched an attack. We wouldn't be able to hold out, and neither would Guo Miao and Mai Haier."

  After observing for a while longer, Tian Hu said, "Let's go tell Mai Haier to lead the second batch of people to retreat."

  Mai Haier suggested, "Tian Hu, why don't you lead the second batch to retreat instead? I'll stay behind and cover our rear. You've been fighting all day and must be tired."

  Tian Hu replied, "I want to see if the enemy has any other troops that haven't been deployed yet. You go ahead and retreat first. Remember to find a good location to ambush with Lü Liangwei and Mai Haier after you meet up with them. If the enemy dares to pursue us, our gains tonight will be even greater."

  Mai Haier joked, "Tian Hu, you always come up with so many reasons for what you want to do. You're the leader, and I can't argue with you. Just be careful, everyone needs you."

  Tian Hu smiled, "Am I that amazing?"

  Mai Haier replied, "Yes! Since you joined our team, our combat effectiveness has improved so much!"

  Tian Hu said, "It's all because of the Japanese pressure, and also thanks to Guo Yinan. He has a book on guerrilla warfare tactics that's truly exceptional. I'll ask him to teach us sometime."

  Mai Haier exclaimed, "That would be great! You must get Guo Yinan to share it with us too!"

  Tian Hu promised, "I will, definitely."