Canteen System Assistance Notes

? ? ?

Liu Helian's question mark expression returned, but he soon figured it out. Compared to later pistols, which started with a 9mm cartridge and considered 45mm a bit outdated, at the end of the 1930s, this small pistol cartridge, roughly the same energy as a small cannon, was the mainstream pistol cartridge. A relic of World War I, this pistol cartridge was designated by imperial decree as the "New Army Standard Pistol Cartridge" by the Qing Dynasty. It had been imported in large quantities since the late Qing Dynasty, and factories were subsequently established to produce copies, resulting in a naturally high stockpile supply.

The .32ACP has a long history, and there are numerous international self-defense pistols chambered for this ancient cartridge, including the Browning M1900, Colt M1903, and the PPK, the pistol used by the Führer to commit suicide. After considering cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacture, and availability, Liu Helian initially considered choosing the renowned Colt M1903 Continental Pistol. However, due to the Colt's high cost and delicate craftsmanship, he ultimately compromised and opted for a simplified imitation—a move similar to the Spanish imitation of the M1903 and the production of the "Ruby" Ruby pistol.

The M1903 boasts a simple and reliable structure, comprising only 37 parts when fully disassembled, and only six when partially disassembled. The "Ruby" pistol was even nicknamed "a piece of iron." After obtaining the original Colt blueprints and surveying the numerous "Ruby" pistols in China, the Eighth Route Army's industrial department began developing an Eighth Route Army version of the M1903, or rather, an Eighth Route Army "Ruby."

With the intervention of the Bureau of Industrialization and Standardization, the Eighth Route Army quickly mastered the production of this simple device. While its manufacturing process wasn't as good as the original American-made M1903, it still achieved consistent magazine specifications and universal compatibility compared to the Spanish "Rubi" magazines, which were designed specifically for the rifle.

In the end, the M1903 produced by the Eighth Route Army had an empty gun weight of 70g, a magazine capacity of 8 rounds, a magazine safety and a paddle safety, and could fire 32ACP bullets. After referring to the information of later pistols, the magazine release button was moved to the thumb position to facilitate users to change magazines in time.

In mid-1939, the Eighth Route Army's second domestically produced pistol passed inspection by the Military Commission and was finalized, named the "Type 77 Self-Defense Pistol" in commemoration of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Along with a small production run of the Browning HP'54 Combat Pistol (commemorating the May 4th Movement), it entered the Eighth Route Army's inventory. Throughout the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, over 60,000 of these simple and reliable "three pieces of iron" were produced, equipped to numerous Chinese officers and soldiers, medical and logistics personnel, and even underground workers, fulfilling their respective responsibilities.

Of course, given the reality of having too many people and too few guns, some "three-piece iron" pistols occasionally become the equipment of frontline soldiers. This low-recoil, low-power pistol inevitably sparks some people's skepticism, leading them to try to obtain a powerful combat pistol. As for those who prefer "box guns" with a selectable rate of fire and a large ammunition capacity, Liu Helian's answer is surprisingly simple:

"We can only repair box guns, not build them! If you want one, get a submachine gun!"

Chapter 218: Military History (4) Bullet Sprayer

Comrade Xiao Liu from the future has reason to despise box guns.

After leaving the country in late 1937, Liu Helian purchased a full license for the MP28 from the European FN Arsenal. This "flowered" submachine gun, derived from the MP18, had a strong domestic production base due to its largely machined, subtractive processing. The Dagu and Jinling factories, even warlord workshops, could produce this submachine gun. Furthermore, the Red Army had captured numerous versions, from the original model firing the Parry ammunition to Mauser-firing copies, eliminating any training challenges.

After adding some turning equipment, combined with workers from Shanxi Province and steel from Huinong, the Eighth Route Army achieved its goal of independently producing MP28 modifications as early as 1938. Later, with the improvement of workers' proficiency and the increase of steel, copper and lead smelting capacity, more than 4000 MP28s were successfully produced in 1938, arming the Eighth Route Army's so-called "four main forces" and some newly formed troops.

In addition, after switching to the 9mm bullet production line, the production capacity of 9Pa produced by the turtle was fully utilized, which saved one deep drawing and one closing step. In the first year of production, 10 rounds of ammunition were output, which successfully reached 1.287% of the Soviet Union's consumption in 1941. Just after the middle of 1939, the production capacity of 9Pa produced by the turtle had reached 2000 million, raising this proportion to 2.574%.

(wry smile)

Anyway, what's the point of a box gun when you have this 32-round portable machine gun?

However, at this time, the soldiers in the base raised a very strange but very realistic objection: there were too few MP28s!

"The submachine gun is good, but there are too few of them! Our team mostly engages in close combat, and it would be ideal if each squad had 3-4, double the current number." The feedback submitted included this: "And the new troops still don't have enough guns. After using these submachine guns, no one wants to go back to box cannons. Can the central government find a way to produce more of them? Even simpler ones are fine."

Emmmmm...

Pretty simple needs.

Given the massive demand for basic Chinese ground forces, the demand for submachine guns, the backbone of the Red Army and the Eighth Route Army's automatic firepower, is substantial. While Liu Helian managed to smuggle 3,000 EMP35 submachine guns, abandoned by the French due to a lack of magazines, during his time with the International Brigade in France, it seems the supply still falls short of our army's expansion.

As a submachine gun originally based on World War I, the MP23, though simplified, still required extensive turning and machining. This advantage, which facilitated the initial production of submachine guns in the impoverished border regions, became a disadvantage when the military needed to be expanded and production capacity increased.

Despite its widespread acclaim, the MP28 was not without its share of complaints and criticisms. For example, the double-stack, single-feed 32-round magazine was difficult to load, could malfunction in winter, and gripping the magazine well while firing could damage the magazine. While Liu Helian, foresighted during production, had already modified the magazine to a downward-feeding position, mitigating the problem of shifting the center of gravity while holding the weapon, the MP28 was, for all these reasons, merely adequate on the battlefields of World War II.

We need to find ways to improve productivity.

Liu Helian, a future resident, began to think about solutions. Trial-producing a few firearms wasn't a big deal for him, but when it came time to transition to mass production, he'd be wise to look for proven designs in history. Considering that the border region had chosen the 9mm PA round as its primary submachine gun ammunition for ease of production, Liu Helian searched for proven products among several well-known 9mm ammunition from World War II.

The first to emerge was, of course, the British plumber's masterpiece: the Sten. A masterpiece of cost-cutting, its infinitely simple construction and its undeniable price of $9, the Sten became a legend of World War II for its exceptional ease of production and adequate performance, trading aesthetics for safety and user experience.

Well... giving the Eighth Route Army a Sten rifle? While the Military Commission certainly has no problem with that, Liu Helian still can't get over it psychologically. Since they already have a cafeteria, can't they just increase the cost a little bit... a little bit, and make the submachine guns a little better?

The MP18, the origin of the "single large recoil spring, barrel-shaped receiver that also serves as a recoil spring guide, and a massive, one-piece blowback action," spawned notable firearms, including the MP28 and Sten, as well as postwar models like the Sterling. After much deliberation, Liu He ultimately settled on the M/45 submachine gun, a product of the small postwar Nordic nation of Sweden.

As a mature postwar product developed with references to German and British submachine guns, the M/45 absorbed all the experience gained from World War II submachine guns, offering a simple structure, reliable performance, and ease of production (though still not as good as the Sten). Compared to the other fully ramjet submachine guns of World War II, it was more of a "rolling barrel submachine gun," with a certain "plumber" quality.

The M/45 is constructed entirely from a single sheet of steel, stamped, bent, and welded. If welding skills are limited, a seamed steel tube can be cut to form the upper receiver, and the lower receiver can be stamped from steel and riveted together, simplifying production. The receiver contains only a few parts, consisting of a large recoil spring and the bolt machined from a single bar. Because the charging handle is manufactured separately and then assembled, the bolt utilizes a much higher turning efficiency than the MP18. Aside from the bolt, the only machined part, like the Sten, is the barrel.

As for reliability, the M/45 has stood the test of actual combat: in this version of the Vietnam War, US Marines could pull it out of the mud and shoot it, whereas the M16 required the use of a condom, careful maintenance between battles, and a sincere hope that the ammunition it was fed was of good quality to ensure smooth operation. In other words, the M/45 was durable enough to survive the extremely demanding "Yellow River Water" test.

With the assistance of Liu Helian, Li Qiang and border area machining masters Wang Daxun and Ma Wenyu, several sample guns were quickly manufactured. The M/45, which had abandoned the wooden stock, receiver and bayonet lug, was 552 mm long and weighed 3.5 kg empty. It had a foldable wire stock and a new 36-round double-row, double-feed magazine. It was given the new name of "Type 1 Submachine Gun" (to commemorate the August 1 Nanchang Uprising) and was equipped to the Eighth Route Army after undergoing testing and improvements.

As for the production of the "stamped version of the h'M/45", it had to wait until 1941. Under the rigorous training of British shipbuilders and Soviet welders, the Eighth Route Army finally mastered the spot welding process of stamped parts and changed the riveted "Type 81" submachine gun into a truly stamped "Type 81-1".

The M/45, which appeared six years ahead of schedule, lived up to its design. In the subsequent War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, it accompanied the Eighth Route Army and People's Liberation Army soldiers from all over the country in fighting against the sky and the earth, spewing out continuous bullets, knocking down the enemies in front of it who dared to fight back, and made a significant contribution to our army's victory.

However, considering the large inventory of Mauser pistol ammunition in China, making complete elimination unrealistic, our army, while refining the M45, also utilized Xiao Liu's existing information to create a mature design from World War II to equip troops using the German ammunition system. As a strong contender for the title of "Best Submachine Gun of World War II" in this time and space, this emergency product, born amidst the siege of a large army, was born four years early among the earthen collapses in northern Shaanxi.

According to the Eighth Route Army's idea, it should have been produced in parallel with the total number of our army's German missile units until the end of the war. However, when this crude little submachine gun, which looked like a knot of steel wire, was held in the hands of a Soviet general in mid-1939, things began to change strangely.

Chapter 219: The Soviet Delegation

In June 1939, shortly after the end of the Southeast Shanxi Campaign, two DC3s marked with the Soviet Civil Aviation Administration quietly crossed the rolling air currents over North China and landed at Yanhe Airport in Fushe.

At that time, the country's northern air defenses and borders were practically nonexistent for an aircraft. Before the Eighth Route Army seized control of the Northwest Passage, Liu He's company's disguised DC-3s had repeatedly flown through Xinjiang, delivering much-needed supplies to the border regions. These two genuine DC-3s, crossing the 2,000-kilometer route via Dihua and flying directly to Fushe, went unnoticed.

The plane's engines were shut down, and two tractors approached, grabbed the towing points on the front landing gear, and pulled it into the hangar. Then, two boarding ladders were placed on the plane's door. For the Eighth Route Army's ground crew, this operation was very familiar, just like a normal drill and training.

Then, a group of Soviet men with deep eye sockets and high noses disembarked from the plane. This was a Soviet delegation on an official visit to this small city in northern China.

—--—----

Given that no country internationally recognized the A-Bie as an independent entity, the Maozi delegation, while a formal diplomatic group, could only come to the Eighth Route Army under the guise of a fraternal party. However, judging by the standard of this delegation alone, it could not be described as high or low. Besides the newly brought-in support cadres and instructors, there were also several historically notable figures.

The visiting delegation is divided into two parts: military and political and civil affairs, with a total of 5 people, and the focus is on the military and political aspects.

The military and political divisions were led by Sergei Semyonovich Biryuzov, a divisional commander of the Front, along with Chief of Staff Peter Kirillovich Koshevoi, an expert in cavalry and armored forces. Their primary focus was to assess the Eighth Route Army's military development, political work, and equipment, and to assess its combat effectiveness.

As for civil affairs, the Soviets were clearly more focused on industrial production. The three officials they sent were all pragmatic officials with promising futures. One was Alexei Nikolayevich Kosygin, who would later become one of the Soviet Union's "Troika." He was a provincial minister and textile expert, and also served as the head of the delegation. The other was Vasily Kuznetsov, a metallurgist and economic expert. And the last, despite his unremarkable name and his titles of mechanical expert, administrative expert, and district party secretary, was likely enough to bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him.

This is the "Medal Emperor", Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev.

--------

"Ah, hello, fellow Soviet comrades, welcome to this place that is like the rising sun."

After all, it was the first visit from the world's number one communist country, and the Eighth Route Army sent high-level personnel to receive them. Zhou Gong, on behalf of the Eighth Route Army, sent blessings to several Soviet representatives.

Tang Lingyun, standing aside, was wearing a Soviet military uniform and acting as an interpreter for Zhou Gong. In addition to being the founder of the Eighth Route Air Force, he was also a senior student at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy and a Soviet military academy-level officer. It was no problem for him to serve as an interpreter.

The main purpose of the delegation leader, Kosygin, was to inspect the administrative construction of the Eighth Route Army. However, when he was still flying in the sky, the chimneys erected in the narrow river valley of Fushi City gave him an unexpected surprise. After landing on the ground, the neatly laid electric wires around the airport also gave him a basic judgment.

At least this place is not a barren land with only farmers and merchants as many people say.

"Thank you for your warm welcome. Let's get to work without further delay!" he replied with a nod. Dmitri Anatolyevich Midyvedovsky, the translator beside him, translated the message back. Following the Chinese personnel's instructions, he and the others boarded two passenger trucks.

"This is?"

"This DND truck is from England and is manufactured in Canada. While we don't have the capacity to manufacture and assemble complete vehicles yet, we can still repair and modify them." Tang Lingyun slapped the metal plate on the truck and vomited. "This truck was originally used to transport ground equipment and pilots."

The truck started up and drove towards Pagoda Mountain, carrying a few curious babies and locals who had long been accustomed to it.

The truck chugs along the smooth gravel road, seemingly without much jolt. Kosygin peers out from inside and sees only a crowd of people strolling the streets. They're in groups of three, five, two, or four. Among them are soldiers in military uniforms, students in uniforms, and men, women, and children dressed in the style of a Black Sea resort. They linger in front of renovated street vendors and street vendors.

The small vendors, with their dazzling array of goods, sold everything from needles and thread to cigarettes and soap to fried potatoes, always attracted crowds of people to gather and watch and buy. Farther away, in front of a three-door shop with a wider entrance than the other single-store shops, there were several people queuing, and even more people just craning their necks to peer into the doorway.

"Midi, what is that?"

Kosygin turned to ask his translator "Bearsky". This scene made him almost forget that he was in a foreign country. Instead, it was more like being on a state-owned shopping street in a Soviet state town - some people were strolling, some were chatting, and some were queuing to shop.

Midi-Vedov turned and whispered to Tang Lingyun, a look of doubt on his face. After double-checking, he returned and relayed to Kosygin, "Nevsky (Tang Lingyun's Russian name) said that's the supply and marketing supermarket of the commercial system, mainly selling daily necessities and other consumer goods. In addition, their commercial system has three branches: Guanghua Store, which sells agricultural products and means of production; Yongchang Clothing, which handles transportation and commerce for bulk trade goods; and Yongchang Clothing, which specializes in supplying cloth and ready-made clothing."

"Comrade Alexei, if you have time, you can find some time during your visit to see it for yourself and experience it for yourself." Zhou Gong added, "But it's late today, and as the hosts here, we don't want our guests to go without a delicious dinner after a long journey.

"According to Chinese tradition, the biggest thing is eating, even though the sky is big and the earth is big!"

"No problem. I also know an old Chinese saying: The guest should act according to the host's convenience. So tonight, I'll follow the arrangements of our fraternal party comrades."

As the head of the delegation, Kosygin made the decision on behalf of the members of the delegation. However, as a provincial government official with extensive experience in handling inspections of lower-level units, he turned to Midyvedov, gave him some instructions, and handed him a small wad of rubles. He told him to leave early and go to the "supply and marketing supermarket" to investigate what the Eighth Route Army could provide for the people in the controlled area.

"When the time comes, Midi, you can also help everyone buy some things. Anyway, we will need them during these days of investigation here. Just don't spend all the money and make a big fool of yourself, understand?" "No problem, I understand!"

Mr. "Bear Translator" agreed in a low voice.

Chapter 220 Red Star vs. Red Star

Tonight's welcoming dinner, in line with the Premier's principle of "thrifty exchanges," ordered approximately ten dishes, along with some fruits, vegetables, and pastries, for the five Soviet representatives, five Chinese guests, and a few other personnel, according to cadre kitchen standards. However, the arrangement was a fashionable buffet, as everyone wanted to chat and discuss matters, and sitting in a circle around the table didn't quite suit the Soviet style. This model, however, had been tested by numerous Soviet cadres and experts assisting China, and had received unanimous praise.

Of course, in a sense, the two boxes of "Red Star" displayed near the venue were the main reason the Soviets liked it. The dishes themselves were a natural blend of Chinese and Soviet influences.

Because many Eighth Route Army members had studied or worked in the Soviet Union, they were familiar with Russian cuisine. Therefore, a small Russian food counter was maintained in the cafeteria next to the Pagoda Mountain venue, and several comrades volunteered to enter recipes and instructions. Thanks to the cafeteria system's ability to "demonstrate cooking and then serve in batches," tonight, the cafeteria counter could serve up D, which, while not necessarily authentic, was definitely clean, hygienic, and cost-effective, serving as the chef for this "buffet."

Okay, now the chopsticks, knives and forks are ready, and we are waiting for you to start eating.

"The Communist Party won't always be forced to eat only coarse grains and vegetables. The reason we don't eat well now is because the people don't have enough to eat and wear. If the people can get by, the Eighth Route Army will naturally be able to eat better."

The Premier's response dispelled the Soviet delegation's doubts and earned the Chairman's nod of approval. The Chairman, Zhou Gong, General Zhu, and other comrades were all present for tonight's dinner. Upon seeing eight large metal insulated boxes containing Russian potato patties, mixed vegetable salad, jam-covered biscuits, and borscht, along with spicy Shaanxi mashed potatoes, salt-and-pepper chicken nuggets, and pork knuckles, the Soviet delegation's leader, Alexei Nikolayevich Kosygin, raised some rather rude and pointed questions.

As a fraternal party still in trouble, your hospitality to us is very generous, but isn't it too unfair to the people of this land?

After all, his previous research revealed that in this southern neighboring country, a large number of people were still struggling on the brink of starvation. Ordinary people had to beg for food, let alone meat. He and the others in his group had prepared for a difficult few months before their expedition.

"We control this area and part of the plain oasis near the Yellow River, in the neighboring Huinong area of ​​Ningxia Province. The fields there are all fertile irrigated land. In recent years, we have promoted several improved varieties, fertilizers, new agricultural machinery, and a production model combining farmers' cooperatives and public farms. This year, we have produced quite fruitful results."

"According to estimates from our colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture, the grain production capacity of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region could increase by approximately 50% compared to 38, and is expected to reach 23 tons. Furthermore, animal husbandry is being developed in various regions. I believe that in the future, we will be able to provide a wider variety of food for the base area."

Zhou Gong's conversions were seamless, and he could almost effortlessly compile all sorts of data. He confidently turned to the Soviet representatives and offered them a welcome. "Don't worry, Soviet comrades. The actual cost of tonight's meal won't be too high. The current border region government can still afford it."

-----——-

Once the situation was clarified, the atmosphere in the meeting hall began to become harmonious.

After the chairman's brief speech, everyone ate something to fill their stomachs. The main dishes tonight were fried noodles and bread. Most of the Eighth Route Army members had some fried noodles.

The Maozi used bread with jam and served with Colonel chicken nuggets and corn.

Because the canteen system served food very quickly, after everyone had eaten a few rounds, there was basically no waste of food, and the dishes were almost all empty.

Then, it's time for the Russians to perform their "traditional arts".

Come on, Davarish, you shouldn't serve wine that can't be lit, right?

The fourth floor of the cafeteria served as the à la carte area, so they also offered a variety of alcoholic beverages. Tonight, based on their experience with Soviet experts, the comrades from the Logistics Committee had provided some "Red Star" glass bottles and prepared some Ringwax. As a result, virtually none of these Russians could even look at the dark brown fermented bread; they were all drawn to the clear 55% alcohol.

Biliuev and Koshevoi, two division-level Soviet officers, need no introduction. Kuznetsov and Kosygin, two men in economics and administration, were also incredibly strong drinkers. On the other hand, our "Medal Emperor" had a moderate alcohol tolerance. Besides being a heavy smoker, this administrative expert, who once said, "Russians can't do anything without vodka," had a drinking tolerance that was only average for Russians.

The situation quickly began to get "out of control".

The two officers discussed military development with General Zhu, then surrounded him and toasted him, then began to digest the alcohol among themselves. The two administrative and technical officials chatted with the aid cadres and Chinese representatives about their daily work, clinking glasses from time to time and then downing the Erguotou in their glasses as if they were drinking water.

Not satisfied with the small cups, they quickly switched to bowls, then teacups. A red star opened the mouth and poured the liquid into the teacup, clinking it with everyone they met and taking a big gulp with their bread. Before long, a row of people had fallen onto the floor. The staff, seeing the twitching eyes, hurriedly dragged those people aside to rest. The remaining Russians, hugging their own experts or Chinese companions, took advantage of the situation and began to dance in circles around the conference hall.

No, this can't happen.

Zhou Gong could hold his liquor quite well, but trying to knock out all those Russians wouldn't be good for him. He whispered something to a nearby comrade, who quickly understood and slipped out of the meeting room, escorting a Chinese representative wearing glasses who was still able to stand upright. Not long after, another thin, bespectacled, and elegant man walked in. He donned a pair of glasses, changed into the comrade's clothes, and nodded to Zhou Gong.

-One by one——One by one

The Soviets, already drunk, didn't notice the newcomer, but soon, wherever the red-faced little fellow went, all the Soviets fell down. He was not polite when he saw anyone, and simply offered them a glass of kvass mixed with Erguotou, which they split equally, clinked glasses, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Come on, comrades, for the sake of revolutionary friendship." After finishing his drink, he even showed the clean bottom of the cup to the Russian provocatively, "It's your turn, comrade. You'd be doing a disservice to communism if you didn't finish it!" And this big and strong Russian man might be intimidated by such a skinny-looking "little guy"? Drink! Of course he had to drink! He wouldn't be a bear if he didn't drink!

He took the teacup and gulped it down, trying to endure the sweet taste and burning sensation. The "victim's" lips turned a little pale, but the pleasant taste and the fighting spirit that came with it made him drink the whole cup of wine without giving in.

Oh man, this stuff is awesome!

The sugar in kvass diluted the alcohol's flavor and, in turn, accelerated its absorption. After someone finished drinking it, they felt the burning liquor in their stomachs rush through their limbs and bones, finally converging into a powerful punch that struck them in the head, shattering their remaining consciousness. The "victim" felt like they were stepping on cotton, while a sky full of brilliant stars swirled leisurely. Finally, the unfortunate person collapsed to the ground with a thud.

One, two, three, four, five. In less than ten minutes, all the Maozi fell down!

"Zhou Gong, the mission has been completed. I should go take care of the drunk comrades here. Bye."

The frail comrade, as if nothing had happened, saluted Zhou Gong with a stiff fist. He and several other staff members then dragged the fallen man out, placed him on a flatbed cart, and escorted him out of the venue. With the help of this strange young comrade, the outcome of the day finally came down to the Soviet side's unconsciousness.

Chapter 221: Drunken Bear

Dmitry Anatolyevich Midi-Vedovsky was the delegation's translator.

This young translator, named after the Russian word "bear," held a civilian rank of colonel. He had traveled with the earlier preserved fruit aid team to Jiangcheng and Shancheng, making him a semi-China expert, speaking Mandarin with a distinct Sichuan accent. Compared to the quick-witted and alert Kosygin, his style was somewhat more relatable to the Chinese people of the time: he enjoyed drinking and was quite greedy, especially with sweets. His round head and chin were as clean-shaven as his hair. However, Comrade Dmitri felt he could maintain his boundaries at work. Even if he had a few drinks and was a little tipsy, he would still get the job done.

He fished out a small calfskin notebook from his trouser pocket, put a pen in it, and after explaining the situation to the security guard, he slipped out and headed for the supply and marketing store that was still open. As for dinner, Mr. Xiong had nothing to eat and could only make do with some food bought on the roadside.

"Damn it! Master, why are your mashed potatoes and shredded taro both spicy? Cough cough cough!"

Why do people here like spicy food so much?

Midiwedev, lacking the gene for spicy food, endured the numbing pain on his tongue and waited patiently in line at the nearest supply and marketing store. It was the time between the evening and night shifts, and workers in many factories and workshops were changing shifts. The store was crowded, and the salesperson with a tin horn was doing his best to maintain order. People were flowing in and out of the three doors, and the flow was quite fast.

"Brother! What are you buying today?"

Bald Mr. Xiong walked along the line. He patted the man in front of him on the back with a familiar look and asked, "Are you working around here?" "Foreigner? Yes! You speak Mandarin quite well!"

The man in front, wearing a wicker helmet, was easy to identify. Seeing this Chinese-speaking Russian, he wasn't as surprised or curious as he'd expected. He treated him like an ordinary stranger, his only slight surprise coming from his fluent spoken English.

"I'm a Soviet translator here to help us fight the Japanese. Naturally, I have to speak Mandarin. Brother, you haven't told me what you're here to buy!"

"Oh, me! I came to buy some pencils and writing paper. My son is going to start school this year and has to take exams. The exams will include math and science knowledge, and we have to do calculations. "Math! Math is a difficult subject."

"Well, it's hard to learn, but math is just a stick; it's used in everything. I was planning on having him attend a military academy or vocational school, where he could fight in battle or swing a hammer like me. But that brat wants to go to a normal school, saying he wants to teach and educate people, and it would make it easier for him to find a wife."