mtl008 Chapter 464 That's more like it!
Chapter 464 That's more like it!
After teaching his son to write, Li Xiangyang patted Li Wangchen's head and said with a smile, "That's enough for today. Dad still needs to go up the mountain to bring back the rest of the game."
"Dad, can I go with you?" Li Wangchen looked up at his father with anticipation.
Just as Li Xiangyang was about to refuse, Li Xiaoyun interjected, "Wangchen, if you really want to go up the mountain, Daddy will definitely take you when you're older. It's too dangerous up there now; little kids shouldn't go."
"But......"
“No buts,” Li Xiaoyun said gently but firmly, “How about Dad brings you a present when he comes back?”
The little one was a little disappointed, but still nodded: "Okay, then Daddy must come back soon!"
Li Xiangyang squatted down to be at eye level with his son: "Dad promises you, I'll come back soon."
After saying that, he stood up and looked at Li Xiaoyun: "Don't worry, today we're just going to bring back the rest of the prey; there won't be any danger."
Li Xiaoyun rolled her eyes at him: "I don't believe you. I'll go get you some dry food."
Not long after, Li Xiangyang set off with his hunting rifle on his back and the dry food and water bottle prepared by Li Xiaoyun.
As soon as they reached the village entrance, they saw Wang Ergou already waiting there, along with Li Daqiang, Zhang Weiping, Li Dabao, and others.
Seeing him from afar, Wang Ergou called out, "Hurry up, Xiangyang, we're waiting for you."
Li Xiangyang smiled and nodded: "Thank you everyone."
The group chatted and laughed as they went up the mountain.
Along the way, Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou recounted their hunting experience from the previous day, though the dangerous part about fighting the black bear was greatly downplayed.
After about an hour's trek, the group finally arrived at the place where they had processed the game the day before.
Everyone was happy to see that the prey had not been taken by other animals.
"Xiangyang, is your back alright?" Wang Ergou asked in a low voice.
"It's alright, much better." Li Xiangyang patted his shoulder and raised his voice to the others, "Come on, let's put it down quickly, while it's still early."
The group began to divide the work and carry the prey down the mountain.
On the way down the mountain, everyone was a little nervous, but fortunately, they did not encounter any more danger and the group returned to the village safely.
With such a large harvest, Li Xiangyang wasn't stingy and sent most of the meat to the village committee for distribution.
After dividing the meat, Li Xiangyang returned home and saw Li Xiaoyun teaching Li Wangchen to write in the yard.
The little guy sat on a small stool, his face tense, writing carefully stroke by stroke.
"Dad's back!" Li Wangchen looked up and saw his father carrying a bag of things as he entered the door. He immediately dropped his pen and skipped over.
"Slow down, don't fall." Li Xiangyang smiled and squatted down to welcome his son's hug.
"Dad, where's the gift you promised me?" Li Wangchen asked impatiently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Li Xiangyang pulled a small bow and arrow made of twigs and animal hide from his pocket: "Here, your father made it on the mountain. On the way back, he picked up a few feather arrows to make. I'll teach you how to shoot."
"Wow!" Li Wangchen took the small bow and arrow with delight, touching it with great affection.
Li Xiaoyun also came over, and seeing her husband covered in dust and sweat, she said with concern, "You must be exhausted. Come inside and rest for a while."
Li Xiangyang nodded and led his son's little hand into the house. The stove inside was burning brightly, making it warm and cozy.
"Dad, can this bow and arrow really hit things?" Li Wangchen carefully touched the small bow and arrow, his eyes full of curiosity.
"Of course you can, but you'll need to practice." Li Xiangyang smiled and ruffled his son's hair. "When the weather gets better, Dad will teach you how to use it."
"Great!" The little guy jumped up excitedly.
Li Xiaoyun placed the steaming hot meat soup on the table: "Alright, let's eat first. Wangchen, wash your hands."
After Li Xiangyang and his son washed their hands, the family of three sat around the table, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
During the meal, Li Xiangyang thought about the only winter college entrance examination that was approaching and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Li Xiaoyun noticed her husband's absent-mindedness.
Li Xiangyang snapped out of his thoughts: "I was thinking about Xiaohua. She's taking the college entrance exam this year; she must be very nervous these days."
"She studies very hard, and if she performs normally, she should be fine," Li Xiaoyun reassured her. "But if you're worried, you can go to town to see her tomorrow."
Li Xiangyang nodded: "It's time to go see her."
After dinner, Li Xiangyang held his son and told him hunting stories until Li Wangchen fell asleep in his arms.
……
The next morning, Li Xiangyang got up early, preparing to go to the city to visit his sister.
"Dad, where are you going?" Li Wangchen asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes as he just woke up.
"Daddy's going to see Auntie. You have to stay home and listen to your mother." Li Xiangyang squatted down and looked his son in the eye.
"I want to see Auntie too!" The little guy immediately perked up.
Li Xiangyang looked at Li Xiaoyun, who nodded: "I was just thinking of going out for a walk too, let's go as a family."
So the three of them packed up quickly, took some local specialties, and rode the brigade's tractor into the city.
The city was much more lively than the village; pedestrians hurried along the streets, and vehicles came and went in an endless stream. Li Wangchen leaned on his father's shoulder, curiously looking around.
"Dad, what's that?"
"That's a car."
What about that one?
"That's someone selling candied hawthorns."
Along the way, Li Wangchen kept asking questions, and Li Xiangyang and Li Xiaoyun patiently answered them. Soon the family arrived at their home in the city.
"Brother! Sister-in-law! Wangchen! What brings you here?"
Upon seeing Li Xiangyang and his family arrive, Li Xiaohua asked with delight.
"I've come to see you. With the college entrance exam just around the corner, as your older brother, I have to check on you," Li Xiangyang said with a smile, handing his bag to his younger sister.
"Come in quickly." Li Xiaohua took the bag and ushered everyone into the house.
Inside the house, Li's mother was busy in the kitchen. Hearing the noise, she poked her head out and asked, "Is Xiangyang and the others here?"
"Mom!" Li Xiangyang hurried over and took his mother's hand. "Are you still cooking? I brought some game; we'll have extra dishes tonight."
Looking at her son's family, Li's mother smiled so broadly her eyes narrowed into slits: "Good, good, good. It's rare for you to come over, so let's cook a few more dishes. I'll have Xiaohua invite your Uncle Wang and Xiaoying over for dinner."
Soon after, Wang Jingyun and his daughter Wang Ying were also invited by Li Xiaohua.
Everyone sat together, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.
After the meal, Li Xiangyang took the opportunity to talk to his sister alone.
"Xiaohua, how's your preparation for the college entrance exam going?" Li Xiangyang asked with concern.
Li Xiaohua smiled and looked down, "It's alright, just a little nervous."
“It’s normal to be nervous,” Li Xiangyang patted his sister’s shoulder. “But no matter the outcome, you’re already luckier than many others. Having the opportunity to take the college entrance exam is an honor in itself. As for how well you do, that’s just one result, not the whole story.”
Hearing her brother's words, Li Xiaohua felt a great weight lifted from her heart, and a smile appeared on her face: "Thank you, brother, I'll do my best!"
"That's more like it! We've been staying here with you these past few days, doing our best. If you don't understand anything, just ask your sister-in-law."
Li Xiangyang smiled and ruffled his sister's hair, just like when they were little.