Eileen was taking Gao Yang to visit an ordinary house. After parking the car by the roadside, Gao Yang grabbed a case and a long bag from the back seat.

While Gao Yang was organizing the items, Eileen stayed in the car, applying lipstick using the vanity mirror. She pressed her lips together, tidied her hair, and then got out of the car.

Gao Yang, holding the case in one hand and carrying the bag over his shoulder, looked at Eileen and said, "Your long hair looks nice, why do you always keep it so short?"

Eileen rolled her eyes at Gao Yang and said, "You know why. Let’s go."

Eileen stood at the door and rang the doorbell. After a short wait, a man’s low voice asked, "Who is it?"

Eileen spoke into the intercom, "Hello, I am Martina Host. I have spoken with you online, and now I’m here to visit you."

After a brief moment, the door opened, and a middle-aged man appeared. Seeing Eileen, he warmly said, "Welcome, um, and this is?"

Eileen pointed to Gao Yang and said, "This is my husband, the person I mentioned to you. Dear, this is Mr. Bredo."

Gao Yang extended his hand with a smile, "Hello, my name is Rudy. I’m very pleased to meet you, Mr. Bredo."

The middle-aged man named Bredo paused slightly but still shook hands with Gao Yang, then gestured invitingly and said, "Please come in. We happen to be discussing matters related to the war reenactment. Please, come in."

Gao Yang and Eileen were led into a large living room, where four men were scattered on sofas, fiercely debating something. Upon seeing Gao Yang and Eileen, all four stood up.

Bredo pointed to Eileen and said, "This young lady and I have discussed some things online, and this gentleman is her husband. They, sorry, would you like to join us?"

Eileen immediately linked arms with Gao Yang, smiling broadly, and said, "Yes, both my husband and I are fascinated by war history. My husband often participates in war reenactments. Upon learning there’s a chance to partake in the Normandy landing reenactment, we ventured to visit."

After speaking, Eileen kissed Gao Yang on the cheek and smiled, "Introduce yourself, dear."

Eileen took advantage of the opportunity.

Gao Yang nodded and said, "I’m Canadian and currently living in Germany. I’m really fascinated by the history of World War II and very much want to join your group to go to France. Thank you."

Although Gao Yang’s German wasn’t very good and he had a heavy accent, he managed to convey his meaning. As soon as he finished, a younger man shook his head, plopped down onto a sofa, and loudly said, "That might disappoint you. We don’t accept foreigners, and there’s no chance to go to France."

Blake extended his hand, "Let’s sit down and talk. Would you like something to drink? Feel free, don’t be formal."

Someone got up and made a space on the sofa for Gao Yang and Eileen.

After Gao Yang and Eileen sat down, Eileen leaned close to Gao Yang and said casually, "I heard your team is most likely to go to France. Is there some trouble?"

Blake waved a hand and sighed, "We received warnings that we’re not allowed to go to France to perform as a civilian group, not even in an individual capacity. Our applications receive no responses, and time is running out. We’ve lost our chance. Let it go."

Eileen exaggeratedly said, "Do you mean to let the British and Americans dress as German soldiers? Sorry, I mean no offense, my husband is also a foreigner, but at least he’s married to a German. Are we to let battles we fought be entirely portrayed by foreigners who can’t even speak German?"

A young man dejectedly said, "What else can we do? It’s the only way."

Blake also shrugged helplessly and said, "Yes, that’s the only way. I appreciate your visit, but perhaps it’s better to discuss other matters. Besides, our association doesn’t accept foreigners, sorry."

Gao Yang smiled and said, "Please, wait a moment, everyone. I’d like to show you something."

Gao Yang stood up, opened his suitcase, and then the bag, and took out his rifle. Smiling, he said, "Everyone, these are my collectibles. I’d like you all to take a look."

A young man stood up in surprise, looking at the gun in Gao Yang’s hand, and exclaimed, "This is an original 98K, right? The scope and the gun are all genuine."

A middle-aged man pointed at Gao Yang’s case and said, "Where did you get your clothes from? This shoulder patch, is this genuine? If it is, it’s incredible! So well-preserved! May I take a look?"

Gao Yang smiled, "Please, feel free to look."

A middle-aged man touched the clothes and then said very seriously, "Can I pick it up for a closer look? I’ll fold it nicely for you."

Gao Yang laughed, "Please, be my guest."

Like gourmands facing a feast, the five people all clicked their tongues in wonder, showering praise, for the collection Gao Yang brought could indeed be considered top-notch, especially his rifle, pistol, and scope.

After a while, Blake looked at Gao Yang and asked, "Did you bring these to sell? If so, I’d be very interested in buying them."

Gao Yang shook his head and said, "No, no, these are my collectibles. I’ll never sell them."

Several people made gestures of disappointment. Then Gao Yang smiled and said, "May I ask what reason you used when applying to perform in France?"

Blake replied indignantly, "What other reason could there be? Reflecting, atonement, avoiding historical repetition, the usual."

Gao Yang quickly said, "There’s nothing wrong with that reason. If that’s still not enough to let us go, it’s too much, but, I have a friend in the media, I think he could help with some publicity, plus, I have a friend in the government, perhaps with their help, we still stand a chance of going to France, as long as you can reapply."

Everyone immediately looked at Gao Yang, and Blake, visibly tense, asked, "What do you mean?"

Gao Yang took a deep breath and said, "I really, really want to go to France to play the part of a World War II sniper. This is the gear I want to bring, so if you’re willing to accept me into your group, I can use some personal connections to help us achieve this."

The five of them looked at one another, and then Gao Yang dropped another bombshell, smiling, "As far as I know, none of you even have a complete set of appropriate clothing. It’s understandable, since the law doesn’t allow it, but going to France to perform without the proper attire is out of the question. I think I can provide these. I have a friend who’s the manager at a film prop company. They have a full set of German Army uniforms and accessories, replicas, but really good quality, and at a fair price. I can help you purchase them at a reasonable rate and even get legal paperwork for collection and use..."

Blake immediately said, "Welcome aboard, very welcome to our family. Can you hurry? Our time is really limited."