Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan was so excited he almost jumped out of his chair! He knew Wei Chen's "luck" and ability all too well! Those wild boars from last time were proof enough! If Wei Chen was willing to personally take on this task, the chances of success for this seemingly impossible mission would increase countless times! This was practically a savior sent from heaven, a way to get the entire Third Group out of trouble!

"Great! That's wonderful! Wei Chen!" Liu Yuan excitedly walked around the desk to Wei Chen, patting him on the shoulder forcefully and gratefully, as if he could see his year-end bonus beckoning to him. "You're a real lifesaver for our Group Three! You're the savior of our purchasing department! If this task can be completed, you'll be the number one hero! You've brought honor to our Group Three and the entire purchasing department! You've also made a name for yourself in front of the factory leaders!"

"Fake? No problem! You're going out to buy supplies, not taking leave! How many days? Three days? Five days? A week? Just name it! I'll cover everything for you at Corey! Need a letter of introduction? I'll write it for you right away! And stamp it with the company seal! Need the factory to send you a car? I'll go to the logistics department to coordinate it right away!" He spoke rapidly, as if he wanted to pile all the convenient conditions in front of Wei Chen.

"Thank you for your full support, team leader!" Wei Chen also stood up, sensing Liu Yuan's heartfelt urgency and reliance. "The specific time is still hard to say; it depends on the situation and weather there. I'll approve two weeks first. If that's not enough, or if there are any changes, I'll try to contact you again. Please issue a letter of introduction. No need for a car; I'll ride my bike back myself; it'll be more convenient. I'll go back and pack now, and try to leave this afternoon; time waits for no one."

"Okay! No problem! I'll write you the note right away! Be careful on the road! It's cold in the mountains, wear more clothes! Bring some dry food! Safety first! Mission second!" Liu Yuan agreed repeatedly, quickly opened the drawer, took out letter paper and official seal, and started writing quickly. His enthusiasm was even greater than if he had tried to find a way to get things done himself.

He personally handed the completed letter of introduction to Wei Chen, and then earnestly escorted him to the door, repeatedly reminding him to be careful on the road. His attitude was warmer and more intimate than ever before.

Wei Chen said goodbye and went outside, but a gust of cold air reminded him of something, so he turned back.

"Is there anything else?" Liu Yuan asked again when he saw Wei Chen return.

"Team leader, it's like this," Wei Chen walked in, closing the door behind him to shut out the chill of the corridor. His tone carried a hint of deliberation. "When Director Li was assigning the task earlier, I was thinking about going into the mountains. This icy, snowy landscape, deep in the forest, is quite dangerous; we might encounter wild boars or wolves. The last two times we went into the mountains to hunt game, we relied on the village chief's connections and borrowed some old rifles from their militia company..."

Upon hearing the word "gun," Liu Yuan slapped his forehead with a sharp "smack," his face instantly filled with regret: "Oh dear! Look at my brain! Foolish! So foolish!"

He stood up, walked around the table to Wei Chen, and patted Wei Chen's shoulder apologetically. "Wei Chen, it's all my fault! My fault! I was so worried about the meat that I completely forgot about this most important piece of equipment!"

He pulled Wei Chen down to sit, then dragged over a chair himself, leaned closer, and lowered his voice: "You're hunting for the factory on an important mission, so the factory should find a way to get you a gun! Actually... a few years ago, our purchasing staff, especially those who frequently traveled to remote mountainous areas, were all allowed to be armed!"

Liu Yuan's eyes became complicated, filled with reminiscence and lingering fear. "You have no idea how chaotic it was back then! Our men would go to the countryside with purchase funds or permits for scarce supplies, and they would often be robbed on the way! Some of our brothers... sigh!"

He sighed heavily, his voice heavy with sorrow, "and he never came back... So at that time, the factory's security department made a special exception and issued weapons to the purchasing staff who frequently went out, both for self-defense and as a deterrent."

Wei Chen's heart skipped a beat; he hadn't expected such a past. He listened quietly.

"Later," Liu Yuan changed the subject, his tone becoming helpless, "the policies from above tightened, and the management became more and more standardized and strict. It was clearly stipulated that firearms are strictly prohibited for non-specific high-risk professions or national armed forces. We purchasing staff, in the end, are in charge of supplies, so naturally we are not on the list of those allowed to carry firearms."

The factory had no choice but to take back all the issued guns. Over the years, everyone has been on edge when going out, trying to travel in groups, or operating during the day and absolutely never spending the night outside.

He looked at Wei Chen's young yet composed face, and his tone became more earnest: "However, rules are rules, but people are flexible! Special circumstances require special treatment! You're currently carrying out a special procurement mission for the factory, venturing deep into the mountains where wild beasts might roam, so the situation is completely different! Moreover..."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Liu Yuan's eyes. He lowered his voice and said, "Didn't Director Li give us the absolute authority to 'provide maximum support'? I think we can handle this!"

He stood up abruptly, his demeanor decisive: "Let's go! Wei Chen, come with me to the security department! We need to find Deputy Section Chief Jin Aimin! This matter falls under his jurisdiction. He has connections, and he's a reliable person. As long as the reason is sufficient, there's always a way to overcome the difficulties!"

Liu Yuan led Wei Chen away from the purchasing department building in a hurry, braving the biting wind, and walked through the empty factory area towards the security department compound, which was located in the heart of the factory and was much more heavily guarded.

This is a detached bungalow with walls painted military green. There are guards standing at the door wearing thick cotton military overcoats and carrying wooden training guns, creating a solemn atmosphere.

After the announcement, the two were taken to the office of Jin Aimin, the deputy head of the security department. Jin Aimin was in his early forties, not particularly tall, but exceptionally lean and muscular, like a compressed steel ingot.

He wore a faded old military uniform, without a hat, with a buzz cut, a square face, thick eyebrows, and sharp, hawk-like eyes, exuding the competence and authority of someone with a military background. He was writing something at his desk, the pen tip making a scratching sound as it went across the paper, his hands with large, calloused knuckles.

"Old Jin!" Liu Yuan was clearly familiar with him, greeting him with a smile as he entered, his tone warm and friendly, like old acquaintances. "Busy, huh?"

Jin Aimin looked up and saw Liu Yuan. A smile appeared on his serious face, but when his gaze swept over Wei Chen following behind, his sharp eyes lingered on him for a few seconds. Then, his smile became deeper and more intriguing.

He put down his pen and stood up: "Old Liu? What a rare guest. And this is...?" He asked knowingly, his gaze scrutinizing, but without malice.

"Section Chief Jin, hello." Wei Chen stepped forward and bowed slightly in a respectful manner. "I am Wei Chen from the third purchasing team."

"Wei Chen?" Jin Aimin walked around the table and stood in front of Wei Chen, looking him up and down carefully. His eyes showed undisguised appreciation and interest, and even a hint of eagerness to test him.

"You're the hunting expert who brought wild boars to the factory? The one who carried a whole wild boar by himself without even breaking a sweat? Good lad! I've heard of you before! I've seen you twice from afar, impressive physique! Impressive strength!"

He stretched out his large, fan-like hand and patted Wei Chen's arm forcefully. The force was solid and carried a probing meaning, making a dull thud as it hit the thick cotton-padded coat. "Not bad! You're good material for a soldier!" he praised sincerely, his tone carrying the straightforwardness of a soldier.

Liu Yuan quickly chimed in, explaining his purpose: "Old Jin, you wouldn't come here without a reason. Wei Chen is here with an urgent mission personally assigned to him by Deputy Factory Director Li. The factory is facing a severe meat shortage before the New Year, and Director Li specifically requested that Wei Chen use his expertise to go into the mountains and bring back a batch of wild game to alleviate the emergency!"

Venturing deep into the Yanshan Mountains in the dead of winter, one can't go without a reliable weapon for self-defense! The first two times he borrowed guns from the village, but this time the mission is heavy and time is tight, so borrowing again wouldn't be convenient or safe. So…you see, could you perhaps find a way to specially approve a gun for Wei Chen? This is also for the factory's mission! Factory Director Li has given instructions to provide 'maximum support'!”

Jin Aimin's smile slowly faded, and his brows furrowed habitually, forming a deep "川" (river) shape. He walked back to his desk, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he placed his hands on the edge of the desk, leaned forward slightly, and scanned Liu Yuan and Wei Chen's faces back and forth with a serious, businesslike expression.

"Old Liu," he began, his voice deep and clear, "we've known each other for a long time. You know my character; if I can help, I, Jin Aimin, will never hesitate. But, the gun..."

He paused, then emphasized, "This is no small matter! You know the situation now; it's not like a few years ago. The higher-ups have repeatedly stressed that gun control is a red line! Except for public security personnel, active-duty military personnel, specific armed escorts, dedicated security personnel in factories and mines, and members of regular militia organizations during training and missions, everyone else is strictly prohibited from possessing or using firearms! This is an ironclad rule!"

His gaze shifted to Wei Chen, carrying a hint of explanation mixed with an undeniable sense of authority: "Comrade Wei Chen, you're a purchasing agent, and by that nature of your job, you don't meet the regulations for carrying a gun. Although the security department manages the factory's armory, those are state assets that can only be used for militia training and emergencies. Every gun and every bullet must be registered, their whereabouts clearly recorded, and responsibility assigned to specific individuals! If I were to arbitrarily issue a gun to you, that would be a serious violation of regulations and discipline, punishable by death!"

The atmosphere in the office suddenly became heavy. Liu Yuan's eagerness cooled somewhat, and his brows furrowed.

Wei Chen remained calm, his gaze fixed intently on Jin Aimin, awaiting his next words. He knew that Jin Aimin hadn't invited them here and said so much just to refuse them.

Sure enough, Jin Aimin abruptly changed the subject, straightened up, put his hands behind his back, paced a couple of steps, and his gaze became deep, as if he were considering a feasible solution. He looked at Wei Chen again, his eyes now carrying a hint of consideration and recruitment.