Smith found himself in a state of unease. Following his order to bar Qin and Han soldiers from the swimming pool, he fretted over their potential return. The recent presence of wounded individuals hindered the possibility of a confrontation. However, Smith remained convinced that these seemingly robust Qin and Han soldiers could return armed.
The moral dilemma of occupying this land, which still belonged to the Qin and Han Dynasties, weighed heavily on Smith. At times, he contemplated escaping, but the thought dissipated quickly. In a world devoid of escape options, Smith's responsibilities to his three hundred students tethered him. These students played a vital role in collecting supplies, hunting zombies, and ensuring the base's survival.
Stuck in this predicament, Smith pinned his hopes on the pursuit of the Qin and Han soldiers. If they were sent by the consulate, his safety might be assured.
As Smith anxiously paced, a foreign teacher burst into the room with excitement.
"Mr. Smith, there are many people outside."
"Who is it? Are the soldiers from Qin and Han coming back?"
"NO! This time it is our compatriots, our soldiers of the United States and the United States!"
"What? Where did they come from?"
"I heard they were sent by the consulate, but I haven't seen anyone from the consulate."
"Quick, go and have a look!"
Overwhelmed with anticipation, Smith rushed out of the room to witness a sight that nearly brought him to tears. More than twenty United States soldiers stood below, armed and clad in familiar military uniforms.
The leading soldier, identified as a platoon leader, spoke to Smith in their native language. The soldiers, claiming to be from the Bingcheng Consulate, reassured Smith of their authenticity. The relief in Smith's eyes was palpable.
While initially concerned about how they arrived from Ice City, Smith dismissed the thought, as the soldiers' authenticity became unquestionable.
John, one of the soldiers, initiated a conversation with Smith, sharing hometown details and establishing a connection. Smith's worries about the Qin and Han soldiers vanished in the presence of these compatriots.
Eager to secure their safety, Smith quickly agreed to open the door. The students, witnessing Smith's unbridled excitement, felt uneasy. Recent events, including classmates' deaths and the confrontation with Qin and Han soldiers, had left them disillusioned about life's prospects.
Smith unlocked the swimming pool door, extending a warm welcome to the soldiers. Scout John led the way, instructing Smith to gather his compatriots. The soldiers, wielding firearms, insisted on disarming everyone else.
Although hesitant, Smith complied, surrendering their firearms. With the situation seemingly settled, the soldiers guided the foreign teachers out, promising to lead them to a safe location.
Smith's eyes lit up at the mention of a potential base. The soldiers assured him that a base would be established soon.
Excitement and optimism filled the air as Smith led the foreign teachers out. However, their path took an unexpected turn when they encountered another group of soldiers, armed to the teeth, blocking their way.
Fear gripped Smith as he exclaimed, "There are enemies! Get ready to fight!"
To his surprise, John approached the officer leading the opposing group, saluting and declaring, "Sir, the mission is accomplished!"
Dumbfounded, Smith realized that John referred to a Qin and Han officer as "chief." The young officer, revealed to be Ye Fan, addressed Smith with familiarity.
"You...you traitor, I will definitely report you to the consulate."
In shock, Smith accused John of treason. Unfazed, John acknowledged the rebellion, prompting Smith to vow reporting to the consulate.
John nodded directly: "Well, it's been almost an hour since we rebelled."
Ye Fan, recognizing Smith's feeble attempt, declared, "It depends on whether you have the opportunity."
Smith trembled all over: "Ye Fan, after all, I am your teacher. According to your country, there is a master-disciple relationship. You won't hurt me, right?"
Panicking, Smith appealed to their supposed master-disciple relationship. Ye Fan, however, coldly reminded him of the atrocities committed against Qin and Han students.
"Then when you were running wild in our land and hurting our Qin and Han students, did you ever think of the relationship between master and disciple?"
Seeing that his intercession was of no use, Smith braced himself and howled: "I am a citizen of the United States. You have no right to judge my crime. Whoever dares to harm me will not be spared by my motherland."
Ye Fan slowly turned around: "Since you said so, our people will not hurt you."
Smith's eyes suddenly showed surprise. It seemed that the United States' signboard still worked.
But Ye Fan delivered a cold verdict and knocked him into the ice cave the next moment.
"Whoever hurts you, your motherland will not let him go, right? Then let your motherland come to find these dogs, Xiaotian! Why are you rubbing around that bitch? Let's eat!"