Chapter 51: Preparing for the Bear Hunt

Li Huifang heard her name being called and instinctively moved to open the door.

Zhang Yan, however, winked at her and said, "Mother, let Yangzi go."

Li Huifang hesitated for a moment, then understood. She felt pleased but also thought it might be somewhat inappropriate.

Zhang Yan, cradling her baby Yaya, fed her while mulling over the words her brother had said. A renewed sense of hope for the future ignited in her heart.

“Mother, why would it be inappropriate? Our Yangzi is diligent and hardworking; he will surely succeed one day!”

“If Qiu Shui truly cares for Yangzi, our family will never treat her unfairly.”

“Besides, this box of pastries may not even be meant for you!”

Li Huifang smiled and decided to follow her daughter’s suggestion, resuming her work stitching shoe soles inside.

Seeing no movement in the main room, Zhang Yang thought they hadn’t heard him, so he hurriedly opened the door.

Lin Qiu Shui had run all the way over, panting and exhaling white breaths in the cold air, but her smile was unmistakable.

“Zhang Yang, you’re back!”

Her joy was evident as she studied him carefully.

“That wound on your head... does it still hurt?”

Lin Qiu Shui’s willow-shaped brows furrowed slightly. “Walking all that way must have been difficult, wasn’t it?”

“Not really, I’m fine.” Zhang Yang recalled something and invited her inside. “If you hadn’t come looking for me, I was going to find you. I brought you a little gift.”

Lin Qiu Shui was stunned. “A gift? For me?”

Zhang Yang spoke as he walked, “Yes. I went to the city’s supply and marketing cooperative. They have so many things! I exchanged some sugar coupons and bought you some chocolate.”

“You...” Lin Qiu Shui hesitated, unsure what to say. She didn’t understand his intention, but it was awkward to ask directly.

“Please, you must accept it.”

Seeing her hesitate, Zhang Yang gently pushed the gift forward. “We agreed we’re friends, right? Besides, you even brought over those pastries yourself.”

Lin Qiu Shui was embarrassed and stammered, “That’s different...”

Zhang Yang said, “There will be plenty more things I’ll need your help with. Consider this small gift as the tuition fee I’m paying you in advance for my two little sisters.”

Only then did Lin Qiu Shui accept the gift.

“How are your rabbits? I made two cages for them, similar in shape and size. Take whichever you like better.”

Lin Qiu Shui was momentarily confused. “Two rabbits?”

“Yes.” Zhang Yang, realizing she didn’t know their story, began to explain:

“When we found the little bunnies from the same litter, there were three. One didn’t survive. Another hurt its leg, so I gave it to my mother. The remaining healthy one I returned to your youth brigade.”

Lin Qiu Shui was overjoyed. “So it has a sibling alive somewhere!”

Laughter came from the inner room—Zhang Yan teasing, “See? Another person who treats rabbits like their own children!”

Though teasing, it was said affectionately, and Lin Qiu Shui relaxed considerably.

Seeing her smile, Zhang Yang led her to see the cages.

He was skillful with his hands; the rabbit cages were finely crafted and sturdy, with every sharp corner smoothed to eliminate any danger.

Inside the cages, he had carefully laid dry hay.

Anyone looking would feel it was a warm, cozy home.

“It’s a bit large for the rabbits now but practical and durable,” Zhang Yang explained, gesturing. “Wild rabbits grow bigger than domestic ones, so these cages will last until they reach adulthood.”

Lin Qiu Shui listened intently.

When he finished, she curiously asked, “Have you read a lot of books?”

Zhang Yang was surprised. “No... I just listen and watch a lot, and I have a good memory, so I seem to know a bit about everything.”

“Sure enough, labor and life are the best teachers,” Lin Qiu Shui smiled warmly.

She selected one cage and set it aside, then took the pastries inside to share with Li Huifang and the others.

Zhang Yang didn’t join them for idle chatter.

His mind was preoccupied with the old man Jiang’s plan to hunt bears.

Bears were larger than wolves, with thick fur comparable to wild boars.

Spears wouldn’t work against them.

Neither would bows or crossbows.

Only guns could ensure killing a bear.

That meant if he wanted to take the brothers along on this mission, he needed to teach them how to use homemade guns quickly.

Zhang Yang first picked a gun and handed it to Zhao Dong.

“Dongzi, remember how I told you to use this?”

“Practice the movements first.”

Zhao Dong was excited, eager to try, but soon realized there were no bullets loaded.

Zhang Yang said, “This is the village; you can’t just practice shooting anywhere. Learn the stance first. Tonight, when we go up the mountain, I’ll let you fire real shots.”

Zhao Dong was even happier and patiently practiced holding the gun properly.

“Besides stance, you need to practice accuracy.”

Zhang Yang made a simple slingshot for Zhao Dong. “Use this to practice your aim.”

Zhao Dong accepted eagerly and asked, “Yangzi, did you encounter a bear on the way to town this time?”

“Not yet. A benefactor spotted it.”

Zhang Yang briefly explained the situation, and Zhao Dong couldn’t wait to go find the bear.

“Bears live deep in the mountains and aren’t easy to find. They like to dig dens on slopes as their homes but don’t establish permanent lairs like wolves. Their dwellings are more transient.”

Zhang Yang laid out his plan. “I intend to make some larger traps and bury them near the dens.”

“Also, since I’m unfamiliar with the area, on the first trip, we’ll mark noticeable signs on trees or other places so we don’t get lost if we can’t find the bear.”

“We’ll also watch the trees and rocks along the way. Some bears, though clumsy-looking, can climb trees. Bear claw marks on trees indicate their frequent haunts.”

“If there are many claw marks, that means bears often live there.”

Zhao Dong’s mind raced, following Zhang Yang’s reasoning. “If there are many claw marks, does that mean there is more than one bear?”

“Yes,” Zhang Yang acknowledged. “That’s why you, Wang Gang, and I will go. If we find others more suitable among the younger team members, I’d be happy to bring them along too.”

Zhao Dong grinned foolishly. “Those lucky fellows! Going with Yangzi means guaranteed meat and soup!”

...

At the same time, in Wulipu.

Qian Chunfen took the wolf meat allocated by the commune and returned home.

Wang Zhaodi slouched on the kang stove as soon as she entered, scowling coldly.

Wang Jie, having finished chopping wood, went straight to the kitchen.

Seeing only a few ounces of meat, he couldn’t help but sneer, “Wang Zhaodi, is this all they gave you? Is this enough for you to eat?”