Fireworks rained down.

Fireworks are like a dream.

The night sky above District 13 finally had a hint of Lunar New Year atmosphere.

However, the occasional explosions and firecracker-like gunshots on the streets constantly reminded the people here that the war was still ongoing, and the fireworks before their eyes were just a fleeting moment.

Many residents living in Chinatown peeked out of their houses to secretly watch the commotion at the two extremes of the world.

Among these people, some were newcomers, while others had lived overseas for many years. Who among them had ever seen such a strange scene?

Fireworks may seem festive, but gunfire is merciless.

......

In the due north direction of District 13, 112 Leclerc (AMX-56) tanks were lined up in a row, their dark main gun muzzles angled towards the street buildings in front of them.

Behind the tank formation were 120 imposing infantry fighting vehicles.

Further away, there is a self-propelled artillery position of the 9th Armored Brigade.

Twenty-four LG1 105mm howitzers, painted in dark green, are ready to fire in unison.

......

In the northeastern night sky, armed helicopters with flashing navigation lights flew in like a flock of night owls.

Three kilometers above District 13, the owls were stunned by the sky filled with fireworks.

Unaware of the situation, the attack helicopter squadron commander had no choice but to order the formation to halt its advance and remain in mid-air on standby.

"It's an AH-64 attack helicopter."

After observing for a while with the infrared telescope, Fatty Cheng whispered:

"Unfortunately, it's too far away for our air defense weapons to reach."

"Captain, the portable man-portable missiles we have have a maximum range of only 2,000 meters, but we only have 50 of them."

Not far behind Fatty Cheng, a black cloak floated, now speaking in human language:

"We have quite a few RPG rocket launchers, but their effective range is too short. To deal with these flying things, we have to wait until they get within 300 meters, otherwise we can't hit them accurately at all..."

Fatty Cheng nodded. Although no one could see anyone else while they were completely invisible, he still pretended to be deep in thought.

“Ah Hai, you’re right. Our biggest advantage is our familiarity with the terrain and our ability to remain invisible.”

"But the disadvantages are also very obvious: insufficient manpower and lack of large air defense weapons and heavy equipment."

"No wonder the boss instructed us that our mission wasn't to launch an offensive, but to hold firm in District 13, then distract the authorities and muddy the waters..."

Ah Hai in the black cloak: "Boss Lin is wise, we have no choice but to admit it."

Fatty Cheng in the black cloak: "Hey, of course... Ah Hai, when did you start copying me and stealing my words?"

Ahai: "Captain, don't be like that, we've just been influenced by our surroundings, hehe..."

Fatty Cheng: "Get lost!"

...

"boom!"

"boom!"

"boom!"

"Boom!"

As the two were talking, a continuous barrage of artillery fire and explosions suddenly rang out from the direction of Rue Yveline and Boulevard Masséna, due north.

Even from more than two thousand meters away, Fatty Cheng could still see the flames rising from the buildings along the street.

"Captain, judging from the sound, the tank group has started firing, and there's also a salvo from 105mm howitzers!"

"Damn French, they even dare to bomb residential buildings!"

Ah Hai was a little excited, his black cloak, hidden in the night, kept trembling.

"Isn't this normal? Even if it's just for the sake of saving face, they have to win this battle in District 13."

"Pass down the message: tell the Qingtian Gang and the Razor Gang in this direction not to engage in direct combat, but to avoid the enemy's heavy firepower and retreat 1 kilometer."

Fatty Cheng's voice gradually turned cold:

"Have we almost finished with our fireworks?"

"Once Chief Lanso's party arrives, we'll have roast chicken..."

....................................

The night of February 6th was destined to be sleepless for many.

Lieutenant General Mattis, sitting in the temporary command post room, had already smoked half a box of cigars.

Zorn brought over a glass of hot milk and gently placed it on his desk:

"General, the 9th Armored Brigade has begun a probing attack and has not encountered fierce resistance yet."

"The army aviation regiment's 36 attack helicopters are still waiting on the outskirts. Once the shelling stops, they will send out a formation to enter from the northeast."

Mattis stretched out two fingers and rubbed his furrowed brow: "What on earth are these Eastern monkeys up to? Have they finished setting off all the fireworks in District 13?"

"I was just about to report to you, General, the fireworks have just ended, but..."

"Just what?"

"According to reports from the front lines, half an hour ago, many journalists from European media outlets arrived at the outskirts of 13th district, including the BBC and RTL television stations."

"Even the BBC is here? Aren't they chaotic enough already?"

"General, should we drive them away?"

"No need. We in the West value freedom of speech, and we can't afford to offend media outlets like the BBC."

....................................

At almost the same time, in Jakarta, 8,500 kilometers away, it was already 3 a.m.

The Lunar New Year bells have already rung.

The newly opened Longyin Nightclub's iron gates were pulled down, the customers left, and the staff went home.

The Dragon Roar Nightclub shed its glitz and glamour and returned to tranquility.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!