The sky collapsed, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself transported to Nanluoguxiang.

Li Kaixin returned to the transportation station.

The courtyard was much quieter over the weekend than yesterday, with only a few staff members on duty walking around. The old man at the gate, fanning himself with a palm leaf fan, was still sitting in the same spot, his eyes half-closed as if he were dozing off.

Li Kaixin approached familiarly, greeting him with a smile, "Grandpa, are you still on duty today? Thank you for your hard work!"

The old man looked up at the sound, peered over his reading glasses, and after a moment recognized him: "Is that kid from yesterday? What brings you here again? It's Sunday, no office today."

"Excuse me, sir, is Director Xie here?" Li Kaixin asked with a smile.

The old man paused, holding his palm-leaf fan.

He lowered his voice slightly: "You're in luck, kid. Director Xie is usually not around on weekends, but today there was an urgent transport mission, so he came back to work overtime and is in his office right now. Come on in!"

"Alright! Thank you, sir!" Li Kaixin was overjoyed. He thanked him and quickly walked inside.

Reaching the door of the director's office, Li Kaixin straightened his collar, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

"Come in," came Director Xie's calm voice from inside.

Li Kaixin pushed open the door and entered, only to find that Director Xie was not the only person in the office.

On the sofa by the window sat a slightly older, more dignified middle-aged man. He was wearing a well-tailored dark Zhongshan suit and was slowly sipping tea from a white porcelain teacup.

Director Xie sat in the chair opposite him, his posture quite respectful.

"Uncle Xie," Li Kaixin greeted politely first.

When Director Xie saw Li Kaixin, a smile appeared on his face, but then he seemed to remember something and turned to the leader on the sofa, introducing him in a humble manner: "Station Chief, this is the kid I just told you about yesterday, Li Kaixin."

Then he gestured to Li Kaixin.

"Kaixin, this is Station Master Zhao from our transportation station."

Li Kaixin's heart skipped a beat. Stationmaster? This is the head of the transportation station, a proper department-level cadre!

Li Kaixin immediately composed himself, straightened his back, and bowed respectfully to Station Chief Zhao, greeting him in a clear voice, "Station Chief Zhao, hello!"

Station Chief Zhao put down his teacup, his sharp gaze sweeping over Li Kaixin like a searchlight, before he spoke immediately.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, his voice deep and magnetic: "Oh, you're Li Kaixin? Old Xie was just talking about you. You're so young, but you're quite capable. It's not easy to get wild game at this time of year."

Director Xie added with a smile, "Yes, stationmaster, this kid is clever, bold, and meticulous. And it's already agreed that he'll come to the station as an apprentice."

Li Kaixin quickly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, leaders, for giving me this opportunity. I will definitely learn well, work diligently, and not let the station or Uncle Xie down!"

Upon hearing this, Station Chief Zhao nodded slightly, his tone carrying the concern of an elder and the reminder of a leader: "Yes, it's a good thing that young people have drive. Once you're in the transportation station, learn the skills diligently and do your job with peace of mind."

He took a sip of tea and continued, "Driving is a skill, but more importantly, it's a responsibility. It concerns the safety of the nation and its people's property, so there's no room for carelessness. I hope you'll remain humble and learn quickly so you can contribute to the development of our country."

"Yes! I will keep the stationmaster's words in mind! I will never let the leader down!" Li Kaixin answered resolutely.

Station Chief Zhao nodded in satisfaction, picked up his teacup again, and said to Director Xie, "Old Xie, you go ahead and get busy. I'll go check on how the tasks are being assigned." With that, he stood up.

Director Xie and Li Kaixin quickly got up to see them off.

Station Chief Zhao walked to the door, then seemed to remember something, turned back to Li Kaixin with a kind smile, and patted Li Kaixin on the shoulder: "Work hard, young man, your future is bright."

Only then did he step out of the office.

After seeing Station Chief Zhao off, the atmosphere in the office noticeably relaxed.

Director Xie sat back down in his chair and pointed to the seat next to him: "Sit down, kid. What brings you here today? You'll have to wait until next week to start work, and it's the weekend now." His tone was teasing.

Li Kaixin didn't sit down, but leaned closer to the desk and whispered to Director Xie, "Uncle Xie, I came here today to... to borrow something from you."

"Borrow something? Borrow what?" Director Xie lit a cigarette, somewhat puzzled.

"Gun." Li Kaixin lowered his voice and uttered a single word.

Director Xie paused, his hand holding the cigarette still, and his brows furrowed immediately: "Nonsense! Do you think you can just borrow that? What are you trying to do, kid?"

Li Kaixin had already prepared his explanation. He looked at Director Xie with a sincere gaze and said, "Uncle Xie, to be honest, during my school years, whenever I had a holiday, I would go hunting with my grandfather. I am familiar with the mountains and forests near my hometown and I know the rules of the mountains."

Director Xie listened and continued, "I was thinking, since I have this skill, I should take advantage of these few days before starting my job to go into the mountains again. I know that the drivers at the station who drive long-distance trucks sometimes carry guns for self-defense, so I thought..."

Director Xie didn't speak, but took a deep drag of his cigarette and stared at Li Kaixin.

Knowing that empty promises were meaningless, Li Kaixin pressed on, his tone sincere yet confident: "Uncle Xie, I know the rules. I won't lend money for nothing. So, no matter what my harvest is like this time, I'll give it to you when I get back, and I'll also prepare a separate guarantee for the mountain goods."

"If we really beat up the big guy, the big cut will definitely go to you first, and we can also make up for the six hundred dollars we owe you as soon as possible."

These words demonstrated capability, sincerity, and highlighted the interests at stake.

Director Xie was clearly tempted. He flicked his cigarette ash, leaned back, and looked at Li Kaixin with a complicated expression.

The two then engaged in another verbal sparring session.

Director Xie repeatedly confirmed the authenticity of Li Kaixin's words.

Finally, Director Xie stubbed out his cigarette, as if he had made up his mind. He stood up, walked to the door, looked outside, closed the door, and returned to his seat.

He lowered his voice: "The gun, I can try to get you an old, unregistered one, but I can only give you 50 rounds of ammunition. But..."

Director Xie's expression turned unusually serious.

"First, you absolutely cannot say that you took the gun from me. Just say it was something your family had kept before, and that you've already reported it, understand?"

"Secondly, and most importantly, safety is paramount! If you encounter danger, saving your life is the priority! Anything that happens is your personal action and has nothing to do with the transport station or me. Do you understand?"

These words were incredibly tactful and diplomatic, offering help while absolving himself and his workplace of any wrongdoing, yet leaving Li Kaixin with a lasting impression of their kindness.

"Uncle Xie, I understand! I know all the rules! Don't worry, I absolutely won't cause you or the station any trouble! I'll take full responsibility!"

Li Kaixin felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders and quickly made a solemn promise.

"Hmph, you little rascal..." Director Xie shook his head helplessly, but a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

Director Xie opened the drawer, took out a piece of letter paper, quickly wrote a few lines, and then stamped it with a special seal from the security department of the transportation station.

"This is the hunting permit issued, the reason given being a temporary, auxiliary requisition of supplies based on the station's logistical needs. With this, you can have a plausible explanation if you encounter any inspections."

Then, Director Xie made another phone call.

after awhile.

A young man in overalls, with a sharp expression, walked in carrying a long object wrapped in oilcloth. He put it down and left immediately.

Director Xie pushed the items in front of Li Kaixin.

Li Kaixin suppressed his excitement and accepted the heavy oilcloth bag and bullets.

"Thank you, Uncle Xie! I will remember your kindness!" Li Kaixin's words came from the bottom of his heart.

"Don't give me that." Director Xie waved his hand, his tone returning to normal.

"Hurry up and go through the small back door, don't be too conspicuous."

Li Kaixin said no more and left the transport station.

Arriving at a secluded spot, he moved it to a secret realm with a thought.

Then I went straight to the bus station, bought a ticket, and boarded a bus heading towards Lijiacun.

When Li Kaixin arrived near Lijia Village again, he did not enter the village, but instead took a detour via a side road.

Relying on his memory and extraordinary perception, he avoided the villagers he might encounter and, like a skilled hunter, silently entered the rolling mountains once again.