The Bravest

Dinner was served at six o'clock in the evening for the people in the concentration camp. The British and Americans who were once high and mighty were now pale and thin. Under the scolding of the guards, they obediently lined up in a long queue, waiting for food to be distributed.

The people who cooked and distributed food in the canteen were of course prisoners, and the Japanese were only responsible for supervision. Today's food was the same as usual, with each person having only a spoonful of thin batter mixed with cornmeal and potato cubes.

Smith, who left and came back again, pulled out four Americans who were standing together in the team. They were all American staff members who, like him, stayed behind in Shanghai and did not have time to evacuate.

When the guard on the side saw this, he immediately picked up his baton and walked forward aggressively, wanting to teach these disobedient guys a lesson.

"What are you doing? Line up!" the guard asked angrily, and was about to hit Smith with the baton in his hand. Fortunately, the soldier sent by Kameda stopped him immediately and whispered a few words in the guard's ear.

At the same time, Smith and the four men beside him were standing together, with anxious looks on their faces.

"Mr. Smith, what's going on? Is there any progress on that matter?" One of the men asked anxiously, with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. The other three men also gathered around, their eyes also full of hope.

"Hush! Don't talk, just follow me first." Smith nodded and said in a low voice. Then, he quietly left the team with the four people and followed the soldiers in one direction.

"You wait here and don't walk around!" The soldier took the five people to the other side of the cafeteria, which was a small cafeteria reserved for guards.

After the soldiers went in, Smith stopped his companions from talking: "Don't say anything. I'll tell you when I get back."

After a while, the soldier came out following Kameda, carrying a small basket.

"Mr. Smith, is this the person you have chosen?" Kameda's eyes were like knives, sweeping over the four Americans one by one, and asked Smith seriously.

"Yes, Captain Kameda, these are all selected according to the requirements."

"Well, register your name, as well as the contact person's address and name, and I'll pass it on to Director Lin. Don't be clever. If you can't get in touch, you'll be the only one in trouble."

"Don't worry, Captain Kameda. I have explained everything clearly to them this afternoon." Smith took the folder handed over by Kameda, then turned around and gave it to the person behind him.

After the four Americans had registered, Kameda took a look and forced out an ugly smile: "Mr. Smith, the food tonight is good, but I advise you not to rush to eat it all. It's better to let the British see it. After all, Director Lin requires five people. Otherwise, the subsequent supply may not continue. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Captain Kameda, I will take care of it. But even if I fail to deal with the British, I hope the food supply will not be stopped. It is best to wait until Director Lin comes over next time to discuss it."

"Haha, Mr. Smith, you don't have to remind me every time. I still have the final say here. Okay, you guys go back."

As soon as Kameda finished speaking, the soldier behind him handed the basket to Smith, turned around and followed Kameda in.

This time, Smith did not wait for his companions to urge him and immediately lifted the lid on the basket.

Five heads were crowded together, staring at the steamed buns, eggs and five tomatoes in the basket. Five pairs of eyes turned green.

"Let's talk about it when we get back." Smith put the lid back on and looked at his four companions seriously.

"Okay, go back quickly."

They hurried back to Smith's room. The five of them originally lived together in a room that was supposed to accommodate ten people. Over the past year, three of them had disappeared for various reasons. Now, in addition to the five of them, there were still two people queuing outside to receive food.

"Mr. Smith, let's eat quickly. It would be bad if they come back and see us." One of the young men was eager to share the food.

"Jack, wait a minute, if we share a little, it will be enough for seven people." The other older middle-aged man was more stable and immediately stopped the young Jack.

"Don't be in a hurry. Listen to me first." Smith was the leader now. He looked at his four companions sternly.

"Yes, listen to Mr. Smith first." The other three patted Jack on the shoulder.

Smith nodded with satisfaction. This was one of the benefits that Lin Jie mentioned, which was prestige.

"Gentlemen, this is a long-term plan. The seven of us in this room must be treated equally so that we can unite and avoid trouble. Do you understand?"

"Mr. Smith, why don't you bring these two in as well? That way we can have seven portions of food, right?" Although young Jack obeyed Smith's arrangement, he was still very confused.

Since there were many people working outside in the afternoon and there were many things to talk about, Smith did not explain it in detail. He just briefly told them that he had reached a cooperation with a Chinese person and could provide better treatment.

"Gentlemen, I only have ten places now. As you heard just now, five of them are designated for the British. I can't do anything about it. I will try to get them next time the Chinese come. I will explain the details to them when they come back. Jack, go get some water. Damn, I forgot to ask for some tea."

"Okay, Mr. Smith, I'll be there right away." Jack looked at the basket reluctantly and left quickly. Smith was actually his uncle, but his uncle emphasized that he should not be exposed to outsiders. So he was not afraid that the food would be stolen.

After Jack left, the four middle-aged men chatted casually. They were in a good mood. After more than a year, they finally saw normal food and a glimmer of hope.

"Mr. Smith, who is this Chinese man? Is he from Chongqing?" One of them couldn't help but ask what was really in his mind. If the Kuomintang agents came, would that mean there would be a way to escape.

"You want to kill everyone? No one is allowed to say such things in the future. Let's take care of the things at hand first. Do you understand?" Smith glared at the person asking the question.

Why the hell can't they keep calm? Even if they are really people sent by the Kuomintang to rescue us, they will naturally have a detailed plan. We just need to wait here. If we are exposed, not only will Lin Jie die, but they will also have no good consequences.

"I understand." The three people were frightened by Smith's stern eyes. They remembered that this was Japanese territory and talking nonsense could really kill people.

"Well, don't think too much. I got a hint that the war won't last much longer. The Allied forces have already started the counterattack. We just need to wait for victory here peacefully and don't create any unnecessary troubles!"

Smith still revealed some information to prevent these guys from feeling uneasy. People who see no hope are likely to do anything.

"Really? That's great. Mr. Smith, any other news?" The three of them didn't even peek at the tempting little bamboo basket, but stared at Smith excitedly.

"The Japanese must have monitored today's conversation, so they didn't say much. I will naturally find out more information as we get to know them more. But I think the Japanese can't hold on any longer, so just be patient and wait."

"Well, Mr. Smith is right. Since the Chinese have come to us, it proves that the situation has definitely improved. Otherwise, they are too busy taking care of themselves to care about us."

"Yes."

……