Chapter 74 - The Mannerheim Line Welcomes You XVI (2/2)

Morale in the base camp ran high. Weller was locked in a noisy arm-wrestling battle with a few young men, no surprise there for the brutish Finn. There was a carnival atmosphere of sorts, with many drinking heartily and wagering bets on card games at the same time.

When Zhang Heng entered the storeroom, he saw a new wooden bed, with a handsome pile of daily supplies beside it.

“Aren’t you going to join them?”

Maji suddenly materialized at the door like a specter. She leaned her curvy hips on the wooden door as she lit up a cigarette. She had just stitched up a 5-inch gash in the leg of a wounded guerilla, leaving her collar with the cliche bloodstains of a war doctor.

“No,” answered Zhang Heng politely.

“Do you think that they will all die on the battlefield soon?” she asked, looking at him with soulful but emotionless eyes.

“…”

Zhang Heng did not know how to answer her. He knew he had to be cautious when she talked to the crafty Maji. She could read him like an open children’s book.

“What is it that you’re afraid of? Doesn’t the entire Europe think the same bloody way? Even an idiot will know who the winner of this war will be. But that’s all in the future anyway. Right now, enjoy each day as if it’s your last!”

Zhang Heng did not say anything else after that, probably because he was the only one that knew that ending of this war. Having the knowledge of how a movie ended was like a spoiler, and this one didn’t have the best of endings. He knew how this one ended. After all, a man out of time like him didn’t share those deep-set goas, which defined the cause of the guerillas. He just wanted to survive in this cruel environment.

“Anyway, Ah Ji wants to tell you something. He said you did a good job. We treat our own well, and since you are part of us now, we will not allow you to suffer. Initially, we wanted to house you with the others, but it seems you prefer to be alone.”

“This place is good enough. No need for any changes.”

For him, it was pointless staying with the others as he could not speak in Finnish. Silence would suit him better for now. Besides, as a rookie, he needed to wake up early to catch up with what the others new. Shooting near a horde of sleeping Finns didn’t sound like the brightest idea.

Sighing, Maji nodded her head, encouraged him, and left after that.

Zhang Heng placed his snowboard at the corner of the wall before opening up his backpack. The loot of bullets fell to the ground as he unzipped the bag. In total, he had received 513 rounds from the fight, enough for many many sessions of shooting practice. After witnessing Simone’s incredible aiming,

Zhang Heng was filled with a strong desire to improve himself. To a sniper, distance meant safety.