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

Qin Dajun suddenly realized what was happening, and his face instantly turned angry: "So it was this scoundrel! How dare he provoke Bowen in our Qingfeng Mountain?"

"It's a long story."

Zhao Lei said in a deep voice, "He led his men to occupy our mountains and forests, stole my snares and game, and even beat Bowen up. Bowen is my brother-in-law. When someone bullies him, I, as his brother-in-law, and you, as his cousin, have to stand up for him! Besides, Qingfeng Mountain is the territory of our Heping Brigade. It's not up to outsiders to run wild."

Upon hearing this, Qin Dajun was instantly enraged, and a string of curses escaped his lips: "Damn it! This Ma Guohua is utterly lawless, a complete scoundrel! Does he really think our Peace Brigade is weak, daring to ride roughshod over us like this!"

Looking at the indignant Qin Dajun, Zhao Lei said firmly, "Dajun, you have the most experience dealing with these local scoundrels. We need your help with this."

Upon hearing this, Qin Dajun immediately patted his chest in agreement, his eyes sharp and unwavering.

"Brother-in-law, leave this to me! Daring to hit my brother and steal our game from the mountain, they're asking for trouble! I'll go get some men right now, specifically the boldest, most outspoken, and quickest brothers—they're absolutely reliable!"

Zhao Lei nodded: "The sooner the better. We'll meet at the fork in the road leading into the mountains. I'll lend you my bicycle; hurry and go get the people."

"Okay!" Qin Dajun took the handlebars of the old-fashioned bicycle without saying a word.

Just then, Wang Xiaoli came out of her house carrying a full ladle of water. Seeing the two of them hurrying away, she quickly called out, "Dajun, brother-in-law, the water's boiled! Have some before you go!"

Qin Dajun didn't even turn his head, casually replying, "This is none of your business. Go back inside and wait."

Wang Xiaoli pursed her lips, wanting to ask a few more questions, but when she saw that she was going out with Zhao Lei, she immediately felt at ease.

Nowadays, everyone in the village knows Zhao Lei's character and sense of propriety. He is steady, principled, and never acts recklessly.

My husband follows Zhao Lei and only does the right thing and gets things done properly; he would never cause any major trouble.

She didn't ask any more questions and quietly turned and went back to the courtyard.

Qin Dajun hurriedly rode away on his bicycle, while Zhao Lei went alone to the fork in the road leading into the mountains to wait.

The mountain road was cool and breezy, but it couldn't quell the anger in Zhao Lei's heart. He took out a pack of cigarettes and smoked one after another, finishing four or five cigarettes in just half an hour.

Just then, a bicycle came speeding by in the distance; it was Liu Erwa.

As soon as the car came to a stop, Liu Erwa jumped out, calling out, "Brother Lei!"

Zhao Lei looked up: "Why did you get here first? Where are Dajun and the others?"

"Brother Jun is walking behind with Xiaopingtou and the others."

Zhao Lei was slightly puzzled: "The bike was lent to Dajun, so why is he walking instead of riding it?"

Liu Erwa chuckled: "Brother Lei, Brother Jun said that walking together with the brothers makes us more united and cohesive!"

Zhao Lei understood immediately and nodded to himself.

I never expected that beneath Qin Dajun's rough and rugged nature, he would have such a knack for winning people over; he's quite a talent.

He silently calculated that the reform and opening up would soon arrive, bringing both opportunities and conflicts.

In the future, there will inevitably be disputes and struggles with local thugs and ruffians over the mountains, forests, sources of goods, business, and boundaries.

Qin Dajun, a man who dares to take action, knows how to form a team, and can keep things under control, is a perfect helper, able to shield himself from these trivial troubles.

The two waited at the fork in the road for another ten minutes or so.

On the mountain path in the distance, several figures walked briskly. Qin Dajun led the way, followed by five people including Xiaopingtou and Dalaocu. Their steps were swift and their demeanor was imposing.

The group stopped at the fork in the road, and Qin Dajun immediately stepped forward to introduce them.

"Brother Lei, I've brought everyone you need. This is the guy with the buzz cut, and this is the roughneck. They're all reliable and capable brothers who grew up with me."

The group was used to wandering around, and they usually used nicknames to get by, so no one remembered their real names.

Zhao Lei knew that this was the case for people who frequented such places; their nicknames were more famous than their real names.

As Zhao Lei's gaze swept over the crowd, he noticed that everyone was carrying a weapon. Some were carrying thick wooden sticks, while others had small knives or daggers tucked into their waistbands; they were all fully armed.

I heard that today's opponent is the domineering and tyrannical Ma Laosan gang, and no one dares to come empty-handed.

Everyone looked at Zhao Lei with great respect.

They had long heard of Zhao Lei's reputation, knowing that he was the first person in the village to get rich and build a red brick house, and that he was Qin Dajun's most respected elder brother.

In their minds, Qin Dajun was the leader, and Zhao Lei was the real "boss of the boss".

The group greeted each other, some calling him Brother Lei, others following Qin Dajun's lead and calling him Brother-in-law, all with humble and proper manners.

Without much formality, Zhao Lei took out a whole pack of Daqianmen cigarettes and distributed them to everyone.

"Brothers, you've worked hard. I'd appreciate it if you could lend a hand today."

Everyone quickly expressed their opinions, each one full of enthusiasm.

"Brother Lei's affairs are our affairs! Brother Jun has already explained everything to us. If there's anything we can do to help, just let us know!"

A faint smile appeared on Zhao Lei's face.

"Brothers, we're all just trying to make a living. But now that things are getting better, it's inevitable that we'll attract some envious glances. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble you all with many things in the future."

Upon hearing this, Qin Dajun and his entourage immediately showed joy on their faces.

The meaning of this statement couldn't be clearer.

Zhao Lei plans to bring them along to work together.

Being able to follow Zhao Lei means having a way to make money and no longer having to suffer through poverty.

Having endured poverty for so many years, they felt honored to be valued by Zhao Lei and finally had a chance to prove themselves.

Qin Dajun urged, "Brother-in-law, let's hurry up the mountain! If we delay any longer, and Ma Laosan and his gang go back down the mountain, we'll have come up empty-handed today."

"That's right, brothers, let's go."

Liu Erwa handed the old-fashioned bicycle back to Zhao Lei. Zhao Lei took the bicycle but didn't ride it.

Cycling too fast can easily cause you to fall behind the main walking group. We're all doing the same thing, so we can't be treated differently.

Remembering Qin Dajun's method of winning people over, he simply pushed his cart and walked with the group, which allowed him to talk more along the way and strengthen their bond.

He had prepared before leaving home, carrying several packs of Daqianmen cigarettes in his pocket. He handed one pack to each of the seven people.

The group smoked as they hurried down the dirt mountain path.

Soon they arrived at the foot of the mountain. Zhao Lei pushed the old-fashioned scooter deep into the dense grass and hid it with tree branches.

The seven people looked solemn and started walking up the mountain.

We searched for over an hour, wandering around in the mountains and forests.

Zhao Lei paused, revealing a used noose on the ground.