Return to 1983 Hunting Xing'an Mountains

Chapter 753 Buying Pigs and Sheep: That little bastard is always scheming against me.

The car engine hummed loudly, and the bumpy ride made people sway from side to side.

As soon as Chang Xifeng finished speaking, Bian Baoguo, sitting in the middle, stared at him with a flickering gaze and questioned, "Are you sure?"

Chang Xifeng's eyes were calm. He had already considered the worst possible outcome: he would just be locked up in jail for a few days. Gambling wasn't a big deal. As long as he confessed honestly and paid some money, he would probably be out soon.

"I'm sure he didn't play games today; he was just peeking at me from the side."

Bian Baoguo frowned and asked, "So you're saying you were playing around?"

"Yeah, the four of us are playing mahjong."

Bian Baoguo looked at Chang Beifeng and asked, "Is what he said true? He wasn't lying, was he?"

Chang Beifeng glanced at his brother and nodded silently: "He's not lying, he really wasn't playing around."

"Then why did you say he played?"

Chang Beifeng shrank his neck and said, "I don't think I'll take as many as I can."

Bian Baoguo pointed at his forehead and said, "You're quite good at lying and talking nonsense. Who else here hasn't played yet?"

"Comrade, only those two didn't play. We'll tell you everything you want to know. Could you please be lenient with us..."

Bian Baoguo waved his hand: "I can't say anything about this, and I can't guarantee anything to you. Here's what we'll do: have them get off the bus later, and then you can ask them to tell their families that they should come to our Hongxing Police Station later."

"Okay, thank you, comrade!"

Bian Baoguo shouted towards the front of the car, "Xiaoyu, pat the front of the car twice and let my master stop at the village ahead."

Xiaoyu nodded, got up and patted the roof of the car twice. When the car reached the east entrance of Qing'an Village, Zhou Dayong stepped on the brake.

After the car came to a stop, Bian Baoguo got out and walked to the front of the car, saying, "Master, I just did a preliminary check. Two people were just wandering around watching the fun, but the rest of the group were involved in gambling."

Zhou Dayong said, "Let them get off the bus and go home."

Bian Baoguo went back to the back of the car and told Wang Changhai and another person to get out, saying, "There's nothing more for you to do. You go home first and tell them tomorrow. It's not that we're heartless, you should tell them where they live."

After everyone finished speaking, the man standing next to Wang Changhai said, "Comrade, my home is in Beitun. How am I supposed to get back in this pitch black?"

Bian Baoguo frowned and said, "What, you want us to send it back to you?"

Wang Changhai chimed in, "Dude, why don't you stay at my place for the night and go home tomorrow?"

"It can only be this way."

Beitun is quite far from Qing'an Village, requiring a journey through the entire forest. Wang Changhai and the Chang brothers walked to Beitun, which took them nearly an hour and a half.

After the old Jiefang truck slowly drove into the street, the man standing next to Wang Changhai muttered, "Old Guo must have had someone set up a hideout, otherwise, would these guys have just driven over to arrest him?"

Wang Changhai nodded: "Definitely. Let's go, stay at my house for the night, and then go to Beitun to find someone tomorrow."

"Who do you think it is? It can't be Li Da Maitai from Nantun, right? That guy had a fight with Lao Guo last time, saying that Lao Guo was making money against his conscience."

"How would I know who it is? Li Da is just bad-tempered; you can't resort to underhanded tricks behind people's backs."

"Hey, this time Lao Guo is really in trouble. Gambling is no small matter, he might even be sentenced."

"It's all fate. I was originally thinking of just taking a day off today because of the holiday, and then making arrangements again after the holiday, but I never expected Lao Guo to actually do it..."

"He was thinking of getting more people involved during the holiday so that he could pump more water. Is this your house?"

"Oh, you haven't been here before? I remember you came here with Liu Laoliu last time."

"No, I usually don't gamble, I just watch others play. Qing'an is too far from my home, and I don't want to walk in the dark at night."

Upon entering the house, Wang Changhai felt a wave of heat. The man laughed and said, "You live alone, and someone even heats the kang (heated brick bed) for you."

"Ah, Lao Guo took me to the village office to make a phone call, and I had someone help me burn it."

The man squinted and nodded, then tilted his head and asked, "You didn't order this place, did you?"

Wang Changhai's heart skipped a beat, and he frowned, saying, "What are you thinking? Where am I supposed to go? I am my own business. Are you saying I'm not going to open for business anymore?"

"To be honest, your motive is the strongest. You and Lao Guo are competitors, and you even made a phone call today..."

"Damn it, Lao Guo was listening right next to me when I made the call. Are you out of your mind? I kindly invited you to stay at my place for the night, and you're still doubting me. Did a donkey kick your head?"

"Hey, we were just chatting, why are you getting so worked up?"

"How can I not be furious? What good news is this? Am I going to quit business? If you're talking nonsense, you're ruining my reputation!"

"I was just kidding. Is there warm water in this thermos? I'm going to pour some in to soak my feet."

"There's some cold water in the tank, can you add some?"

To be honest, Wang Changhai was a little nervous, but he had to put on a show. He brought this person home so that he could help him testify.

Just as this person said, he had a motive. He and Lao Guo were competitors, and he had also called the village, so anyone with eyes could tell that it was him first.

At the same time, Wang Changhai also regretted it. Why did he agree to do such a thing for Xu Ning? He was really blinded by money! He only made 20 yuan in total, and almost ruined his own reputation.

Wang Changhai felt that he couldn't have any contact with Xu Ning in the short term, otherwise it would easily arouse suspicion. Besides, since Xu Ning stopped gambling and stopped doing it, the number of times the two had met could be counted on one hand. He crawled into bed and thought to himself: What's done is done, let nature take its course.

The wind was unusually cold tonight, but Xu Ning felt quite warm in bed. Meng Ziyan, lying next to him, saw his happy expression and asked, "Are you in a good mood? What's on your mind? Tell me."

Xu Ning glanced at Meng Ziyan's face and said with a smile, "I just thought it was really funny that Dad made such a fuss about Erzheng today, I couldn't help but laugh."

"Oh dear, what kind of son laughs at his father? You should stop thinking like that."

"While I'm in a good mood, I'll teach you a lesson first!"

"Hey, don't...stop!"

The next day, Xu Ning opened his eyes and, not seeing Meng Ziyan, put on his clothes and went out.

Xu Feng sat obediently in front of the stove to add firewood, Liu Lizhen put rice forks and leftovers into the pot, Wang Shujuan and Meng Ziyan were feeding the dog, and the rest of the people had their own tasks. Only Xu Laonian, Yang Yusheng, and Wang Erli sat in the reception room chatting idly.

"Erning, your third uncle said we're spending the New Year here this year!"

Xu Ning nodded: "I know, I'm thinking of going to town to buy a pig today."

Old Xu was taken aback: "Buying a pig? Does your mother know?"

"Yes, we all know."

"How come I didn't know? No, why am I always the last to know about our family matters? Are you trying to play games with me?"

Xu Ning grinned and said, "Aren't you busy? Working all day must be mentally taxing. How could I let you worry about things at home when you get home?"

"Hmph! You're the worst kind of jerk."

Yang Yusheng laughed and said, "Dalin, as the saying goes, a son who resembles his father is a joy to his father. Erning has followed your example, so you should be happy."

"Oh my god, Third Brother, where am I supposed to be happy? This little bastard is always scheming against me."

"Haha... Give me a break, you're just scheming against each other."

Old Xu blinked and smiled, "That makes sense!" Wang Erli tilted his head and asked, "Who are you going to town with?"

"My older brother and Tiger, Shi Tou has to go to the farm today to count the number of people who went home for the New Year. He should send them back to the workers the day after tomorrow."

"Oh, okay, your second uncle will give you some money?"

"Forget it, a pig isn't worth much."

Old Xu chuckled and said, "Erli, you can pay me back if you want, just pay me back all of it."

At this moment, Li Fuqiang and Yang Shuhua walked into the house and asked, "Uncle, who should pay for what?"

"Isn't this little rascal going to town to buy a pig? Your second uncle said he'd give him some money."

Li Fuqiang waved his hand and said, "Oh, no need! I've already prepared the money from selling the pigs..."

Old Xu squinted and said, "Don't act all high and mighty just because you have a little money. Are you trying to show off?"

Yang Shuhua hurriedly explained, "Uncle, it wasn't just the two of us who paid. Lianfang and Leizi, Uncle Jiang and Brother Huang also contributed. We just chipped in and it was enough."

Yang Yusheng nodded: "This is a good idea. You guys usually eat and drink at your uncle's place, and I don't see what you eat here, but it adds up to a lot of money over the year. It's almost Chinese New Year, so you should make a good impression."

"What else is there to say, Uncle? That's exactly what I mean! You know, we don't usually have the opportunity to spend money. We spend more than 300 days a year eating and drinking, and sometimes we even bring things home. Now that the New Year is approaching, if I don't spend some money, how am I supposed to save up for having a baby?"

Yang Yusheng smiled and said, "Yes, that makes sense."

Xu Ning waved his hand and said, "Don't spend money on buying a pig this year. Wait until next spring when you catch the piglets, then you can pay for it. I've already announced that I'm going to buy a pig to slaughter for the New Year, so how can you compete with me for good luck?"

"It's not about trying to win good luck. I've earned a lot this year. I don't usually spend money, so it would be a shame not to spend some during the New Year."

"Oh dear, you're getting all upset. Everyone saves money to make a living, right? And you're getting all smug about it."

"Haha, isn't this because life is getting better?"

Liu Lizhen walked over and said, "Qiangzi, since Erning has already said so, you shouldn't try to take it."

“No, Auntie, Uncle Jiang and Brother Huang specifically told me to give them all the money. I can’t send it back to them.”

Yang Yusheng, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, said, "Sister-in-law, let them spend it. They save so much money on food and drink all the time. If they don't spend some money during the New Year, the villagers will start to complain."

"Let whoever wants to gossip gossip, as long as our family members are comfortable..."

Xu Ning pondered for a moment and said, "Then let my older brother and the others pay for it. If they don't spend the money, they'll definitely be unhappy."

"That's right! My brother is absolutely right."

After breakfast, Xu Ning, Li Fuqiang, and Wang Hu got into the car and drove off into the street.

Wang Hu, sitting in the passenger seat near the door, said, "Second Brother, my uncle and my mother gave me the money so we can buy a pig together."

Xu Ning slapped his forehead and said, "What are you all trying to do? Are you all scrambling to spend money?"

"No, there are quite a lot of people during the Spring Festival this year. My mom had some mutton offal soup before and thought it was pretty good, so she was thinking of buying another sheep."

Li Fuqiang laughed and said, "That's definitely enough! I have money from three families, a total of two hundred and forty yuan. Hu Zi, how much do you have?"

"I have exactly two hundred here."

"Then buying a pig and two sheep will be more than enough, brother. This year is definitely going to be very lively. Didn't you say that Hedong was coming?"

Xu Ning nodded: "Yeah, he'll be coming on the third day of the Lunar New Year. Brother Quan and his wife will also be bringing their child, probably on the third day of the Lunar New Year as well."

"The more people, the more lively it will be. Let's also buy some candy and soda for the kids. You guys drink alcohol during the New Year, and I'll drink some soda..."

"Haha, okay, tell me the truth, do you always mix your drinks with alcohol?"

Li Fuqiang rubbed his face and said, "I used to be quite reluctant to drink, but now it doesn't matter whether I drink or not. Life is getting better and better, and it's time to enjoy life."

"Mantang isn't even in high school yet, don't you have to save some money for him to get married?"

"Is the money he's saved up enough for him to get married? How much does it cost to get married?"

Xu Ning laughed and said, "Having money in your pocket makes you stand up straight, and you even speak with such confidence."

"Absolutely! Hey, I heard from Tang Er this morning that Old Guo's family in Beitun was wiped out last night?"

Wang Hu blinked at the two of them and said, "Really? Second Brother, does this have anything to do with us?"

Xu Ning waved his hand and said, "What does this have to do with us? We were eating dumplings at home last night."

"Haha..." Li Fuqiang and Wang Hu laughed loudly upon hearing this. Since Xu Ning said so, it must be related to him.

"The Chang brothers and the two Zhao brothers have all been arrested, and about 300 yuan of their gambling money has been confiscated. This is no small matter."

Wang Hu asked, "How many years could he be sentenced to?"

Xu Ning shook his head: "They won't get a few years in prison. They'll probably only serve ten days or so before being released. And it's almost Chinese New Year now. If they pay a fine, they should be able to get out in the next day or two."

"Oh dear, that's too good for them."

While the three brothers were chatting, the old Dongfeng car arrived at the crossroads in the street. After parking the car on the side of the road near the supply and marketing cooperative, Xu Ning jumped out of the car and walked into the cooperative. He immediately spotted Qian Shude doing accounts.

Old Qian looked up and gestured to him, indicating that he should wait a moment. Xu Ning wasn't idle either; he wandered around the house with Li Fuqiang and Wang Hu, buying a lot of milk candy and snacks, and also two cases of orange soda...

When they arrived at the cashier area to pay, Lao Qian looked up at him with a smile and said, "I'm really busy today. Why don't you go inside and sit for a while?"

"Okay, take your time, we're not in a hurry."

The three of them sat in the break room for half an hour before Lao Qian finally managed to squeeze in a quick visit. He came in and said, "Director Zhou told me that those four people can't be convicted, they can only be fined. But the two brothers surnamed Zhao have something going on. He dug deeper and feels like he can pull some strings..."

Xu Ning laughed and said, "It must be quite troublesome, right?"

"No trouble. They're repeat offenders, so they'll probably only get six months in jail."

"Then let them stay in jail for six months. They almost blew us up with landmines on the mountain before. This time, they have to learn their lesson!"

"Absolutely! Shall we go catch some pigs later? We've already contacted the people."

Li Fuqiang said, "Well, we'd also like to buy two more sheep."

“Buy sheep? There are places to buy sheep. They all live in the same village, and I know them all. I just go there, pick whichever sheep I like, and that’s it.”

Xu Ning nodded: "Okay, you and my sister-in-law are coming over on the 28th of the lunar year? I also invited Lao Jin, but it seems he has to go to his father-in-law's place."

"Twenty-eight years old... Okay! I'll go home and tell your sister-in-law, is Old Liu going?"

"Of course I'll come. I'll treat you all to a meal before the New Year, and then I'll have to treat other people after the New Year."

Old Qian laughed and said, "You're really busy these days, always organizing dinner parties during holidays."

"Oh dear, after the New Year, when we go out to do business, there will be a lot of dinner parties. You should get used to it first."

"Okay."

(End of this chapter)