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

After leaving the state-run restaurant, Li Kaixin walked for a while, thinking that he might as well pick up the gun he bought from Director Xie today.

So, they first turned into a deserted place and took out a bag of mountain produce weighing about 20 pounds from the secret space.

Considering it was his first visit, he took five catties of meat, a pheasant, and two bottles of Fenjiu liquor from the tiger in the secret realm.

Li Kaixin had carefully considered his choice of tiger meat.

We're keeping the venison for our own family. We just sold some wild boar to Director Xie a few days ago. This tiger meat is perfect. It sounds rare, but it's actually quite gamey and doesn't taste good without spices. Giving it to Director Xie wouldn't be a disgrace.

Carrying these things, Li Kaixin found the tenement building where Director Xie lived, climbed the stairs, and knocked on the door.

Soon, a commotion came from inside the door.

The person who opened the door was a kind-looking middle-aged woman who saw a stranger.

With a hint of doubt, he asked, "Young comrade, who are you?"

Li Kaixin immediately put on a shy smile and said, "Hello, Auntie, my name is Li Kaixin, and I'm here to see Uncle Xie and Director Xie."

Director Xie came out of the house upon hearing the sound. Seeing it was Li Kaixin, he smiled and said, "Kaixin's here? Come in and sit down!"

He then said to his wife, "Shufen, this is Li Kaixin, whom I often mention to you."

Liu Shufen suddenly realized what was going on and warmly stepped aside, saying, "Oh, it's Kaixin! Come in, come in and sit down."

"Sorry to bother you, Auntie."

Li Kaixin said as she carried the things into the house.

Director Xie glanced at the items and feigned annoyance, "Why did you bring so much stuff? Don't be so polite with your Uncle Xie!"

Li Kaixin put the things by the door, scratched his head, and laughed:

"Uncle Xie, it's my first time visiting an elder's house, what would it look like empty-handed?"

"These are all local products from the mountains, they're not worth much, but you and Auntie can have a taste."

These words pleased Director Xie, and his smile deepened.

He called to his wife, "Shufen, don't let Kaixin stand there doing nothing, hurry up and take it."

Liu Shufen quickly stepped forward to take the things, muttering, "This child is too honest."

Director Xie gestured for Li Kaixin to sit down on the old sofa.

Li Kaixin waited for Director Xie to sit down first before sitting down with her back straight and her hands on her knees.

Director Xie didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "You're here today because of the guns, right?"

Li Kaixin nodded, showing a hint of surprise, and flattered, "Uncle Xie, you are truly a genius."

Director Xie was amused by Li Kaixin and said, "Stop flattering me, I'll get it for you right now."

Then he got up and went into the inner room, took out a long object wrapped in dark old cloth, and then took out a black bullet pouch.

He placed them both on the coffee table and said, "Put the gun and bullets away."

Li Kaixin took the cloth bag, but didn't open it on the spot. She just nodded solemnly and carefully placed the bag next to the sofa.

Director Xie appreciated this trust.

After the handover was complete, the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Director Xie took a sip of tea and asked, "Are you happy? That meat just now didn't look like pork to me?"

Li Kaixin answered frankly, "Uncle Xie has a good eye; it's tiger meat."

As Liu Shufen walked back to the living room after putting her things down, she couldn't help but gasp when she heard the words "tiger meat."

Director Xie turned his head, glanced at his wife, and said in a gentle but authoritative tone, "Shufen, there's nothing more for you here. Go back to your room and rest."

Liu Shufen realized she had misbehaved, smiled apologetically, and turned to go back to her bedroom.

With only the two of them left in the living room, Director Xie's eyes became meaningful and knowing as he quietly looked at Li Kaixin without saying a word.

Li Kaixin felt uncomfortable being stared at and shifted her body, saying, "Uncle Xie, why...why are you looking at me like that?"

Director Xie then spoke slowly, lowering his voice and saying with a hint of mockery, "You little rascal, you're not being honest."

He paused, then added, "This tiger meat, and that fine tiger penis they sold me yesterday, they're from the same tiger, right?"

Li Kaixin felt embarrassed, but he forced a smile and said, "Uncle Xie, what are you saying? It was just a coincidence, a coincidence that I got some meat."

Li Kaixin was determined not to admit it.

Director Xie saw that Li Kaixin was being stubborn and didn't pursue the matter further.

He changed the subject, his expression turning serious as he said:

"Alright, let's not talk about that. You should really focus on learning from your master these days."

"Your driving test is in two weeks. Although you haven't studied for long enough, you probably won't pass. But this is still a reward from the station for you."

Director Xie took another sip of tea and continued, "Don't take it lightly. It's still a valuable experience, and your mentor, Old Chen, is the best driver in the transport team besides Old Wang."

Li Kaixin's expression turned serious. He immediately stood up, bowed respectfully, and thanked them.

"Uncle Xie, thank you so much for introducing me to Master Chen!"

"My master is incredibly kind to me; I will always remember his kindness."

"Don't worry, once we get back to the station, I'll definitely do my best to learn from my mentor!"

Director Xie was very pleased to see that Li Kaixin was so grateful, and quickly got up to help Li Kaixin sit down.

His tone became more friendly: "Alright, alright, why are you bowing? We don't do that. Sit down."

Director Xie sat down again, looking at Li Kaixin with admiration.

After a moment's hesitation, he lowered his voice and warned, "Also, you used the gun that came with the car to hunt on your trip to Northeast China, didn't you?"

Seeing that he couldn't hide it any longer, Li Kaixin nodded honestly.

Seeing this, Director Xie immediately said earnestly, "Don't do that again next time. After a long-distance trip, the gun and ammunition must be checked and registered! You were lucky this time; from now on, you should use your own!"

Li Kaixin was somewhat relieved to have handed over his gun yesterday, and was even more grateful for this advice.

It was clear that Director Xie truly treated him like one of his own.

So, seizing the opportunity, he said with utmost sincerity, "Uncle Xie, I've remembered your guidance! I'll definitely listen to your advice in the future!"

Director Xie listened and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

Next, Li Kaixin inquired about the locations of his master's house and Director Wang's house, saying he wanted to visit them.

Director Xie was in a good mood, so he gave her the address in detail and also mentioned the two people's preferences and personalities.

After chatting for a while, Li Kaixin got up to say goodbye.

Director Xie didn't linger. He escorted Li Kaixin to the door, then turned around and took out a carton of Daqianmen cigarettes and a packet of tea weighing about a pound from the cabinet, stuffing them into Li Kaixin's hand.

Li Kaixin quickly declined, saying, "Uncle Xie, how can this be..."

"Take it if it's offered to you, why are you refusing to take it from your Uncle Xie?" Director Xie said sternly.

Seeing that he couldn't refuse, Li Kaixin understood that this was a further gesture of goodwill, and refusing again would be too distant. He gratefully said, "Then I'll shamelessly accept it. Thank you, Uncle Xie!"

"That's right, be careful on the road." Director Xie's smile returned as he saw Li Kaixin out.

"Hey! Got it, Uncle Xie, please wait." Li Kaixin said, holding a gun and bullets in one hand and a cigarette and tea in the other.

Then he turned around and went downstairs.