Reborn in 1985, starting from the mountains of Northwest China

Chen Jun nodded, his voice carrying the worry typical of an elder brother: "Third brother, I know you're anxious. But setting a trap in Dongshan empty-handed isn't easy, and with a gun... in our current situation, where are we going to get one?"

Chen Feng knew his brothers' concerns.

In this era of scarcity, it's unrealistic for a family like theirs to buy a hundred.

In the winter mountains and forests, without the right tools, it is indeed difficult to harvest anything.

"Don't worry, elder brothers, I don't fight battles I'm not sure I can win," Chen Feng said calmly.

"I learned a trade from Zhang the blacksmith, and I just made a gun today..."

"Do?"

Before Chen Feng could finish speaking, Chen Jun and Chen Lin exclaimed in surprise.

A gun costs at least two or three hundred yuan. Making one would cost less, but it's still not something a family like theirs can afford!

Not to mention that these words came from the mouth of the family's third child, who loves to play the most!

"Yes, we mainly rely on Uncle Zhang."

Chen Feng explained, "I didn't have enough money. I originally wanted to try and see if I could get some on credit and pay back later when I went hunting. Who knew Uncle Zhang would not only teach me his specialty but also not charge me..."

When Chen Feng said this, Chen Jun and Chen Lin were so shocked that they were speechless.

Everyone in the surrounding area knows Zhang Tiechui's temper.

His craftsmanship is exceptionally good, but he's also incredibly stubborn.

In the early days, many people would bring generous gifts to his door asking him to make a good hoe, but they might not be able to get it, let alone a hunting rifle, which was considered taboo!

The third brother actually managed to persuade him, and practically gave him away for free?

"Fengzi, tell me the truth, what exactly did you promise Zhang Tiechui?"

Chen Jun's expression turned serious. He was afraid that his younger brother, being young, might make some promises that were hard to keep for the sake of this gun, or get involved in trouble he shouldn't be involved in.

Looking at the worried eyes of his older brothers, Chen Feng felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that they genuinely cared about him.

"Big brother, second brother, don't worry."

He said sincerely, "Uncle Zhang didn't ask for anything else. He saw that I wanted to learn, so he taught me."

He could vaguely sense Uncle Zhang's thoughts; if Uncle Zhang was willing to teach, he would learn well.

He raised his head and looked earnestly at his two elder brothers: "Uncle Zhang was willing to teach me, willing to pass on this skill that makes a living to me, because he saw my sincerity, and also... truly regarded me as a junior. I didn't dare to accept the title of 'apprentice,' afraid that I couldn't bear it, and also afraid of causing trouble for Uncle Zhang. But in my heart, he is the master who taught me this skill, and also family."

Chen Jun and Chen Lin were deeply moved as they listened.

They knew that Zhang Tiechui had no children and that the lack of successors to his extraordinary skills was a great worry for him.

The third brother's words not only clarified the reasons but also corrected his attitude.

This is not opportunism or empty promises, but genuine respect and gratitude.

"Uncle Zhang is... treating you like half a son."

Chen Lin sighed, feeling both sympathy for Zhang Tiechui's loneliness and entrustment, and a bittersweet sense of relief for his younger brother.

The third child has truly grown up and become sensible. He can understand the hardships of others and shoulder a heavy responsibility of loyalty and affection.

Chen Jun's serious expression softened, and he patted Chen Feng on the shoulder: "Fengzi, our Chen family will remember this kindness for a lifetime."

"right!"

Chen Feng nodded heavily, "That's why I want my eldest and second brothers to come along. If we brothers work together, we can take this first step steadily and well. With the gun Uncle Zhang gave us, the skills Dad taught us back then, and the three of us looking out for each other, I feel at ease."

With their concerns dispelled, the three brothers were now united in heart and mind.

Chen Lin rubbed his lower back, his eyes regaining their light: "Alright! Fengzi, we have the gun. What are you planning to do with it? Where to go first?"

Chen Feng already had a plan in mind, and immediately said, "I've been observing for a few days, and there are fresh footprints on the leeward slope of Eagle Cliff in Hougou, like those of roe deer. The snow is thick, making it difficult for them to find food, and they're easy to trap. I was thinking, why don't we go there first thing tomorrow morning and set a few traps to test it out? That place isn't too deep, and it's easy to get there and back."

Chen Feng had originally planned to set off first thing tomorrow morning.

But since my older brothers are back, I invited them to go together.

With a family member taking care of me, it's safe to go into the mountains.

If the harvest is good, it can also help the eldest and second brothers' families make some money.

Chen Feng looked at Chen Jun: "Brother, you're strong and have good eyesight. Come with me to set the trap and keep watch. We can look out for each other. It's my first time using that gun. With you there to keep me in check, I'll feel more confident."

Chen Jun knew about Eagle Cliff; his father had taken him there years ago.

He was worried about his younger brother going hunting alone, and he wanted to accompany him.

Chen Jun nodded thoughtfully, "Okay, I'll go with you. There are some old lassos and machetes at home; I'll go back and find them, fix them up, and they'll be ready to use. We'll set off early the day after tomorrow."

Chen Feng nodded after listening.

He also wanted to take his second brother along, but his second brother had a back injury and probably needed more time to recover.

Let my second brother rest at home for a while until after the New Year.

Thinking this, Chen Feng turned to Chen Lin again, his tone even more earnest: "Second Brother, I know your back is inconvenient, and it's difficult for you to cross mountains and valleys."

"Brother, you've always been a master at handling game since you were little, helping Dad with everything. You know how to skin the animals without damaging the fur, how to divide the meat without wasting any, and where to cut the tendons and bones most effectively... neither my older brother nor I can compare to you in these areas."

He paused, then continued, "This is the only trip before the New Year, just to test the waters. Why don't you help us handle this? I'm not good at this."

"With you overseeing things, our harvest can be transformed into tangible benefits, and we won't waste anything."

As Chen Lin listened, his back seemed to straighten up a bit.

His younger brother's words struck a chord with him.

He's currently injured and can't go along, but he's thinking of helping his brother out.

If the prey can be turned into something that can be exchanged for money or cooked, then he has done a good job, and in his heart, it is a very good thing.

"Before the New Year..."

Chen Lin thought for a moment, then said, "Okay! I'll be waiting for you at home before the New Year!"

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of what you bring back! I know exactly how to dry the hides, how to marinate the meat, and which cuts will fetch a good price. I guarantee your hard work in the mountains won't be in vain!"

Seeing the renewed sparkle in his second brother's eyes, Chen Feng and Chen Jun both breathed a sigh of relief and felt genuinely happy.

The three brothers each have their own place and their own use; this is what it means to be truly united as one.

"Then it's settled!"

Chen Jun made the final decision: "We'll set off the day after tomorrow at the first cockcrow. Second son, please take good care of things at home, with Mom, and the children."

"Don't worry, brother, leave it to me."

Chen Lin readily agreed.

The three of them discussed the details in great detail until the oil in the lamp was almost gone and the wick crackled a few times before they went back to their rooms.

Chen Feng groped his way home in the dark, but his heart felt warm and bright, as if he were carrying a small fire inside.