Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

At this moment, Zhao Lei's family was having dinner, and all the relatives and friends who had come to help with the work were there.

Upon seeing Qin Mancang arrive, many people stood up and greeted the captain.

"Captain Qin, what brings you here? Have you eaten? Come and sit down!"

Zhang Sangong also raised his wine glass and warmly invited, "Mancang, come and have a drink!"

Qin Bowen and Qin Yuchan also came over one after another, ready to pull their father down to eat.

"Father, you've come at just the right time. Please sit down and eat."

Qin Mancang waved his hand, making way for the two people behind him: "You two continue eating, I've already eaten, I'm here to take care of some important business."

Qin Yuchan continued to persuade, "Father, eat some more after you've finished eating. These two friends should sit down and have some too."

Zhao Lei, standing beside him, chuckled and chimed in, "Yes, Dad."

Qin Mancang declined repeatedly.

Finally, he took Zhao Lei aside and lowered his voice, saying, "Lei Zi, your father has come to see you about something important. This gentleman next to you is Zhou Defu, the production team leader of Zhoujia Village in Sanhe Township."

A middle-aged man with a square face and a kind expression immediately stepped forward and extended his hand to Zhao Lei: "You must be young brother Zhao Lei? I've heard so much about you, it's amazing to see you so young!"

Zhao Lei shook hands with the other person: "Captain Zhou, hello."

Qin Mancang then introduced another tall, thin middle-aged man to Zhao Lei.

"This is Zhu Kaitian, the brigade leader of Zhujia Village in Sanhe Township."

Zhu Kaitian smiled and extended his hand: "Oh, Brother Zhao Lei, you are indeed as handsome and dashing as everyone says! Your great achievements in hunting bears, protecting grain, and eliminating pests have long been known. Today I finally get to see you in person!"

Zhao Lei didn't recognize the two people and was a little confused, wondering why they had come to see him.

However, since they were brought by his father-in-law, it wasn't appropriate to ask too many questions. They all politely shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

"Haha, you two are too kind. I'm just an ordinary farmer, how could I be as amazing as you say?"

Zhou Defu shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, no, Brother Zhao Lei, if you're considered just an ordinary villager, then how are the others supposed to survive? Look at you, through hunting, your family has even started building a brick house. You're really capable!"

Zhu Kaitian chimed in, "That's right, Brother Zhao Lei, who could afford to build a red brick house without real skill? Your reputation isn't just limited to your Tuanjie Township now; it's practically a household name in our Sanhe Township!"

Zhao Lei scratched his head somewhat awkwardly: "Really? Am I that famous?"

"Absolutely true!"

Zhao Lei asked, "What brings you two brothers here?"

As they spoke, the two of them looked at Qin Mancang beside them.

Qin Mancang picked up the conversation, saying, "Lei Zi, I know you're busy repairing the house right now, but we really need your help with this."

Zhao Lei asked in confusion, "Huh? What's wrong, Dad?"

"Actually, it's not a big deal. Sanhe Township is also in the busy harvest season right now, but they've encountered the same situation as our brigade. A lot of grain in their threshing grounds has been ruined by wild animals; I estimate the loss is over 500 jin (250 kg)."

Zhao Lei was also surprised: "What? So many? Then why not let the village hunters get rid of them?"

Zhou Defu sighed helplessly: "Alas, Brother Zhao Lei, it's not that we didn't want to. We didn't pay attention when it first happened, but in just two or three days, several hundred pounds of grain were wasted."

Therefore, our brigade cadres held an emergency meeting and learned that the Heping Brigade had successful experience in handling such situations and had also established a hunting team to eliminate pests and protect grain.

Zhu Kaitian continued, "Yes, both of our brigades have formed hunting teams of seven or eight people. But the problem is, our Sanhe Township mainly focuses on fishing, and when it comes to playing with homemade guns, everyone is practically blind."

Seven or eight guns were only occasionally enough to graze the hide of their prey. After several days, they had only managed to shoot one small wild boar, which was practically useless.

Zhou Defu chimed in, "Yes, Brother Zhao Lei, our group is decent at fishing, but we're really bad at hunting. We don't really deter those wild boars and goats. If we can't kill them, they'll just ruin our crops."

Later, when we had no other choice, several teams discussed it and decided to ask experienced hunters to help eliminate the pest.

After much thought, we realized there aren't many well-known hunting teams around Qingfeng Town, and most of them are still busy with farming. Only your Heping Brigade and Taiyang Production Brigade have already completed their harvest and planting tasks. So, my brother and I had no choice but to swallow our pride and come ask for your help.

After listening, Zhao Lei looked at his father-in-law, Qin Mancang.

Qin Mancang, also looking troubled, advised, "Lei Zi, if you have time, please help everyone. After all, the loss of the collective's food supplies affects the survival of hundreds or even thousands of people."

Before Zhao Lei could even respond to Qin Mancang's words, several friends and relatives who were eating nearby also perked up their ears.

Seeing that Zhao Lei was still hesitating, Zhou Defu quickly added, "Brother Zhao Lei, I know you're busy repairing the house right now, with a lot of work to do. Logically speaking, we shouldn't bother you at this critical moment."

"But there's really no other way. Those beasts are too rampant. If they continue to squander the land like this, our two production brigades will have trouble delivering our grain taxes this year."

Zhu Kaitian nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, Brother Zhao Lei, don't worry, you won't work for nothing. Our two brigades have discussed it, and the wages will be calculated on a daily basis. All the game you hunt is yours, and you'll also get an extra ten catties of grain coupons every day."

As long as you're willing to come, you can name any conditions you want. If it's within our capabilities, we'll definitely do it without hesitation!

Zhao Lei pondered for a moment after hearing this.

He is indeed very busy right now.

The foundation has just been dug, and the walls will be built soon. Someone has to keep an eye on the house every moment.

Although Xinyue was watching over him, Zhang Sangong was still reassuring.

It felt wrong that such a big project as repairing a house wasn't being done without a man in the house overseeing everything.

But since the father-in-law personally led the people to the door, and it was two brigade leaders who spoke up for him, it wouldn't be appropriate to refuse.

Zhao Lei thought for a moment and said, "Brother Zhou, Brother Zhu, do you think we can postpone it for a couple of days? Right now, my family needs people to lay the foundation."

Going alone might not affect the project schedule too much, but if I'm going hunting, I'll need at least two or three helpers. So, could you wait until I'm done with these next couple of days?

Zhou Defu grew anxious: "Oh dear, young Zhao Lei, we don't want to make things difficult for you. But if we delay for even a day, our collective will lose several hundred kilograms of grain. We simply cannot afford such a loss!"