The Sweet Little Fulang

Chapter 126

"Dai Hui found?" Lu Gu's eyes widened in amazement as he gently rubbed the big grey dog's head. Despite Dai Hui only receiving head rubs while his fluffy tail wagged excitedly, it was evident he was happy.

"Yeah," Shen Xuanqing nodded. "It was getting late, so I took the lead to walk back. I got thirsty and tired around noon, rested by the stream, and had some dry food. Dai Hui ran off on his own, and I couldn't shout for him. I just had to let him go and walk behind, calling his name so he could hear and find me."

"The dog's nose is keen, and it's fast. I don't know where Dai Hui found him. I only heard barking in the distance and knew they were together. Afraid of losing my direction, I stood calling both their names, waiting."

Back in the yard, Lu Gu broke two steamed buns for the hungry boy. He devoured them, not even realizing they lacked meat. Dai Hui also enjoyed the steamed buns and water.

Seeing Shen Xuanqing's dirty hair and clothes, Lu Gu suggested, "You wash your hands first, I'll start cooking. After I finish eating, I'll boil water for your hair."

"Alright," Shen Xuanqing agreed. "I'll take Da Hei to fetch the bamboo basket. Yesterday, I caught two pheasants and a tit. I wonder if they're still there."

Lu Gu busied himself in the kitchen. The cress he cut yesterday was still unfried, and there were plenty of steamed water scallops left. He prepared the bamboo shoots and anticipated a larger meal since they hadn't eaten well the night before.

In the woods, Shen Xuanqing and Da Hei found the bamboo basket with the hatchet inside. The bound pheasants were nearby, still alive. As for the injured tit, Da Hei found it in the grass, half a mile away, following the blood trail.

The injured tit, larger than the pheasants, couldn't fly due to a wing injury from the previous day. Shen Xuanqing put it in the bamboo basket, intending to give it to the dogs.

The proximity of the yard prevented these prey from being eaten by other animals overnight. Over a decade ago, hunters like the old hunter pushed the wild animals deeper into the mountains, allowing these prey to survive.

During dinner, both Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing smiled more than they did in the morning.

Before sunset, the good boy returned home and enjoyed a large piece of meat while lying on the ground. Dai Hui and Da Hei joined him, though they ate standing up.

As bathwater boiled in the kitchen, a sense of tranquility filled the air. Shen Xuanqing added firewood to the stove and suggested, "Rest tomorrow, and I'll take you home the day after."

Lu Gu hesitated, then looked at Shen Xuanqing silently.

With a soft sigh, Shen Xuanqing continued, "The mountains are teeming with wild animals, especially in summer when they roam more freely. Tigers, bears, and wild boars are dangerous. It's safer to stay home."

"If you're back, what about dinner?" Lu Gu frowned.

Shen Xuanqing smiled reassuringly, "I can cook, and I've survived in the mountains before. Don't worry."

"Now that we're raising rabbits, I won't rush you back after bringing you down the mountain. You can catch rabbits nearby. In a few days, you could have ten breeding pairs. Instead of constantly hunting, focus on catching bigger game like deer or goats. A sheep alone can fetch a good price."

"As long as you catch something, drag it down the mountain to sell. Even if it's just one sheep a month, you'll still earn. You'll spend less time in the mountains, and I won't need to rely on your cooking when I return home."

Shen Xuanqing's confidence in his hunting abilities reassured Lu Gu, who nodded in agreement.

"If you go down the mountain, I won't have to worry. Dabai will watch the house, and I'll bring the good boy up with three hounds for security. There's a lot of livestock at home, and my sister-in-law is pregnant. My mother and eldest brother are busy, so your help would be appreciated. I'm at home for more than ten days a month, and it's exhausting," Shen Xuanqing added, prompting Lu Gu to agree, albeit with a hint of reluctance.Seeing this, Shen Xuanqing grabbed Lu Gu's hand and squeezed it tightly, saying with a smile, "You're at the foot of the mountain, I need to hurry back."