The appearance of a wild boar causing injuries in the mountains was a major event. Liao Guizhi’s suspicion proved correct—after Bai Fumin visited Zhao Ligang in the hospital, he began organizing a team to hunt the wild boar in the mountains.

Bai Fumin gathered the entire production brigade on the large threshing ground, cleared his throat, and began his address: “This meeting is called for one main reason. As you all know, a wild boar has appeared in the mountains. Comrade Ligang from the hunting team was injured by it and is still in the hospital. This is a serious matter. If the wild boar comes down the mountain, it could not only destroy crops but also harm people. Therefore, the brigade has decided to organize a hunt for the wild boar.”

His words immediately sparked an uproar, and the team members broke into animated discussions.

“It’s a wild boar—one wrong move could cost us our lives!”

“Exactly. Even the hunting team got injured. How are we supposed to take it down?”

Some, however, were eager: “It’s just one wild boar. With so many of us, we could overwhelm it just by piling on!”

“I heard that boar is huge. If we manage to take it down, there’ll be plenty of meat to share. It’s been so long since I’ve had meat.”

After letting the discussion run for a while, Bai Fumin spoke up again: “There’s no need to worry too much. Although the hunting team didn’t manage to kill the boar last time, they did injure it. We’ll strike while it’s weak and finish it off. This time, we’ll send more people and take it down in one go. If we succeed, we’ll divide the boar and distribute the meat to every household so the children can have some nourishment.”

This proposal was met with enthusiastic agreement: “Good!”

“Count me in!”

“Me too! I’ve got plenty of strength!”

Bai Fumin smiled warmly at the energized team members. “Excellent. Those willing to join the hunt, come to me to sign up.”

With that, the meeting adjourned, and many of the brigade’s young men rushed to sign up afterward.

It wasn’t just the brigade members who craved meat—the educated youths were also tempted by the prospect of wild boar meat. “If they really take down the boar, will we get a share?”

“Probably. Brigade leader Bai has always been fair. I’m sure he’ll include us.”

Those who had lived long in the Qinghe Brigade knew Bai Fumin’s character—he treated the educated youths no differently from the brigade members.

Lin Xingdong nodded in agreement. “We’ll likely get a share, but we should also go and help.”

Some of the educated youths hesitated. They had seen Zhao Ligang’s grievous injuries and feared becoming the next victim. Moreover, they lacked the physical strength of the brigade members. Sending them up the mountain wouldn’t be hunting—it would be offering themselves as meals for the boar.

But a few of the bolder educated youths were eager, looking to Lin Xingdong for a decision.

Lin Xingdong glanced toward the sign-up area, where a crowd had gathered, blocking Brigade Leader Bai from view. Gritting his teeth, he selected a few of the stronger male educated youths, including Lin Bangguo.

Lin Xingdong led the group through the crowd and said to Zhao Xingye, who was registering participants, “Secretary, we’d like to sign up too.”

Zhao Xingye gave a slight nod. “Alright, stand over there.”

Most of the Qinghe Brigade members held a friendly attitude toward the educated youths, as long as they didn’t cause trouble.

Seeing that they were joining the hunt, the brigade members immediately distributed tools to them. “Here, take these. A enraged wild boar can be deadly. Use these to defend yourselves.”

Lin Bangguo gripped the hoe he was given, lost in thought. He had a premonition—if he could play a significant role in hunting the wild boar, his life in the brigade would become much smoother.

But how could he make a significant contribution?

By the time he snapped out of his thoughts, the team for the hunt had been finalized, and they were now discussing strategies.

Lin Bangguo’s eyes flickered as he slowly approached Bai Fumin. He was about to speak when someone cut him off.

“We can use traps.”

Lin Bangguo choked back his words and looked at the person who had stolen his idea—Bai Junwu. He could only fall silent and wait for another opportunity.

Zhao Xingye became interested. “Elaborate.”

Bai Junwu explained, “We can set up a trap along the path and lure the wild boar into it. Once it falls in, we strike and kill it.” As he spoke, he drew diagrams on the ground. “Uncle Xingping often hunts and knows the mountains well. He’ll know where to set the trap and how to do it best, so this part will rely on him.”

Uncle Xingping, or Zhao Xingping, was the captain of the hunting team. He frequently hunted in the mountains and knew Jin Mountain better than anyone else.

“Good.”

Zhao Xingping himself was burning with frustration. In decades of hunting, this was the first time a wild boar had made things so difficult for him and even caused Zhao Ligang’s injury. The thought made him wish he could immediately head up the mountain, drink the boar’s blood, and eat its flesh.

Amid the chorus of agreement, Lin Bangguo watched Bai Junwu in the crowd with a complex expression, filled with regret. That was exactly what he had wanted to say—why had he been a step too late?

But there was still a chance.

This time, Lin Bangguo seized the opportunity to speak up: “What if the wild boar doesn’t fall into the trap?”

This question immediately shattered everyone’s immersion in their victorious fantasies. Right—what if the wild boar didn’t fall into the trap? Wouldn’t all their efforts be in vain?

Lin Bangguo swelled with pride. See, in the end, it still came down to him. He cleared his throat, ready to speak.

“We’ve naturally considered that as well,” Bai Junwu interrupted at just the right moment.

Having his words stolen once was something Lin Bangguo could tolerate, but this second time, even with his considerable patience, he couldn’t hold back. His face instantly darkened.

Bai Junwu didn’t even notice and continued, “To lure the wild boar into the trap, we’ll need bait.” He scanned the crowd, and when his gaze met Lin Bangguo’s, the displeased Lin Bangguo immediately composed himself, showing no trace of his irritation.

“But this task is very dangerous. One misstep could lead to injury.”

The crowd murmured among themselves, but no one spoke up. Everyone knew the risks of being bait. They craved wild boar meat, but none wanted to risk their lives for it.

Even Lin Bangguo, who had been eager to prove himself, fell silent. He had originally planned to contribute ideas without involving himself further, but now that his opportunity had been stolen, this was the only chance left to make an impression.

As everyone hesitated, a clear, youthful voice rang out: “I’ll do it.”

It was Zhao Hu.

“Tiger, why are you back? How’s your dad?”

“Yeah, shouldn’t you be at the hospital taking care of your dad? Why are you here causing trouble? This isn’t something for a kid to get involved in.”

Zhao Hu clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. “My mom is taking care of my dad. I’m going up the mountain—I want to avenge my dad.” He longed to personally slaughter that wild boar.

“Silly boy, with so many people here, there’s no need for you to go!” Zhao Xingping smacked Zhao Hu on the head. They wouldn’t let a child take on such a dangerous task.

Zhao Hu called out, “Grandpa Xingping.”

The Qinghe Brigade was primarily made up of two clans, the Bai and Zhao families, who had lived there since the village was founded, so everyone was somewhat related.

Despite Zhao Xingping and Zhao Ligang being around the same age, there was a generational difference. By family hierarchy, Zhao Ligang should address Zhao Xingping as uncle, so it was correct for Zhao Hu to call him grandpa.

Moreover, Zhao Xingping was the cousin of Brigade Secretary Zhao Xingye, so Zhao Hu also addressed Zhao Xingye as grandpa.

“If Tiger wants to go up the mountain, let him come along,” Zhao Xingye said. “But forget about luring the wild boar. Stay behind me when the time comes.” Zhao Xingye always believed that boys should be responsible and resilient—being weak and unable to endure hardship was unacceptable. Thus, he agreed to let Zhao Hu come but would ensure his safety.

Knowing this was the best he could get, Zhao Hu acknowledged and fell silent.

They still lacked someone to act as bait to lure the wild boar into the trap, and no one was willing to volunteer.

As the standoff continued, Bai Junwu spoke up: “I’ll do it. I’ve hunted before and know how to lure the boar out quickly.”

At this, everyone’s eyes shifted from Bai Junwu to Bai Fumin beside him.

Bai Fumin smiled slightly and made the final decision: “In that case, let’s divide the tasks accordingly. Xingping, take your team to set up the trap. Second Son, once the trap is ready, you lure the wild boar.”

Since the brigade leader had no objections, no one else raised any issues. Everyone dispersed to carry out their tasks.

However, the brigade members held even greater respect for Bai Fumin. Willing to let his own son take on such a dangerous task showed he truly had no selfish motives and was fair and just.

Bai Junwu intentionally lagged behind, waiting for Song Jing’an, who had remained silent throughout. Full of questions, he asked, “Why didn’t you say it yourself? These were all your ideas.”

Indeed, everything Bai Junwu had said earlier was instructed by Song Jing’an—except for volunteering to lure the boar. Even the timing of his statements was guided by Song Jing’an’s cues.

Song Jing’an gazed deeply at Lin Bangguo, who was leaving unwillingly. “It doesn’t matter who says it.” As long as it wasn’t Lin Bangguo.

In his previous life, Lin Bangguo had stolen the spotlight this way. This time, Song Jing’an wouldn’t let him have his way.

He withdrew his gaze and looked at Bai Junwu. “Why did you volunteer to lure the boar? It’s dangerous.”

“Someone had to do it,” Bai Junwu retorted, using his own words against him.

Song Jing’an was momentarily speechless. “See how you explain this to Auntie and Second Sister-in-Law.”

He wasn’t too worried—there had been no accidents in his previous life, so likely there wouldn’t be any this time either.

Bai Junwu: “…”

Oh no. He spoke too quickly and forgot about the two family members who would worry.

Bai Junwu looked at Song Jing’an, hoping he could think of a solution. But Song Jing’an proudly turned his head and walked away.

He wasn’t going to deal with this. He still had to explain to Bai Zhizhi that he hadn’t sent her second brother into danger. Knowing Bai Zhizhi, she would surely blame him for this.

He had no intention of carrying that blame!