"What did you say?"
"You just encountered a wild spotted leopard less than a hundred meters away from both of you?"
Outside the deep pit, Qin Gang's eyes widened in shock as he heard the narration from Qin Chuan and Yang Zimo.
Qin Yang, who had already returned from hunting, also had his pupils constricted, his expression filled with solemnity.
"Yes, that wild spotted leopard was as big as a calf, with a reddish-yellow glow in its eyes!"
Yang Zimo described the leopard's appearance in detail, causing Qin Gang and Qin Yang to tremble with fear.
If something had happened, the consequences were unimaginable.
"It's my fault. I shouldn't have gotten so engrossed in hunting alone and wandered so far from you all!"
Qin Yang looked remorseful. He had indeed gotten carried away with his archery, running several miles alone and bringing back a good amount of game.
There were seven or eight rabbits, four or five wild pheasants, and even a badger he'd found hibernating in a hole, making it a bountiful haul.
However, compared to the safety of his family, all of this was insignificant.
"Big brother, this isn't your fault. No one expected to encounter a wild leopard on this riverbank in broad daylight!"
Qin Chuan said.
"I think the leopard must have come down the mountain to drink water and happened to run into us!"
"Regardless, I think it's safer for us to stay together!"
Qin Gang stated, "The mountain environment is not safe now, with many wolves, tigers, and leopards. We've already hunted enough game, so there's no need to roam around aimlessly anymore!"
"I agree!"
"I agree too!"
"It's still early, let's go fishing by the river..."
Qin Chuan suggested.
"There are fish in this river?"
Yang Zimo was surprised.
"Of course there are, and quite a few. But in the middle of winter, the fish are deep under the ice, making them a bit difficult to catch!"
...
They spent almost the entire day on the riverbank.
They broke through the ice and used fishing nets to catch fish. Fat, fresh, and lively carp were pulled ashore, making one's mouth water.
When they returned, everyone was laden with their spoils.
Even Yang Zimo had two wild pheasants hanging around her neck and two rabbits in her hands, her pretty face filled with the joy of a bountiful harvest.
This scene was witnessed by the villagers, who gathered around to watch, filled with envy and longing.
"Teacher Yang, please come to my house for dinner tonight!"
As they neared home, the usually honest and simple Qin Yang suddenly said to Yang Zimo, "The pots and pans at your school are pitifully small, and you don't have any suitable cooking utensils. My family's big pot is much better!"
"Tonight, we'll have an all-meat feast – rabbit, fish, badger, pheasant. I guarantee you'll eat until your stomach is round!"
This suggestion was immediately seconded by Qin Gang and Qin Chuan. Especially Qin Chuan, whose eyes were fixed on Yang Zimo's face, his anticipation unhidden.
Yang Zimo, of course, noticed Qin Chuan's gaze and hesitated, "Is... is that really okay?"
In the past, she would never have agreed to something like this, but now it was different.
Since Qin Chuan had unexpectedly 'confessed' to her during the day, Yang Zimo's attitude towards him had subtly changed.
If Qin Chuan wanted her to stay for dinner, why wouldn't she want to spend more time with him, to get to know this man who had suddenly entered her life?
In her twenty-two years, this was the first time Yang Zimo had felt such a special emotion towards a man her age.
She didn't know if this was love, but she was happy when she was with Qin Chuan. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in many years.
"What's not to like? I'll show you my skills tonight, and you'll know what a 'royal chef prodigy' is capable of!"
Qin Chuan noticed Yang Zimo's hesitation and added fuel to the fire. With his support, Yang Zimo eventually agreed after a brief moment of coyness.
The four of them returned to the old Qin house. Their eldest sister-in-law, Wu Yanyan, was overjoyed to see so much game, especially that Yang Zimo was also coming for dinner.
This made her admire Qin Chuan, her brother-in-law, even more.
Amazing!
Before, no one, including her, had thought Qin Chuan could win over Yang Zimo. After all, Yang Zimo was too outstanding in both appearance and demeanor, like a fairy from heaven.
Such a fairy was beyond the reach of someone from a small mountain village. It was a hundred times more difficult than a toad eating swan meat. Yet, in such a short time, Yang Zimo was coming to their house for dinner!
Judging by this trend, it wasn't impossible!
Yang Zimo was warmly welcomed into the house, while the three Qin brothers began to work vigorously.
Heating water, plucking feathers, eviscerating.
The wild game was quickly prepared. Such tasks were basic skills for rural people, posing no difficulty.
As the seasonings were insufficient, Qin Chuan generously gave another hundred yuan to his second brother, Qin Gang, to go buy them, along with two bottles of wine. Tonight was destined to be a joyous occasion.
After the seasonings were bought, Qin Chuan truly took on the role of 'royal chef'. He heated the wok, added oil, and then stir-fried the pheasant with ginger and garlic.
"Whoa, third brother, when did you learn to cook? We never knew!"
Qin Yang, Qin Gang, and Wu Yanyan, who had been skeptical, were all stunned. It was the first time they had seen Qin Chuan cook.
His agile wok tossing and skillful stir-frying movements were as if he were a seasoned chef, astonishing them.
The three of them had never known their youngest brother had such a hidden talent.
As for Yang Zimo, she was even more impressed. Watching Qin Chuan cook, ripples appeared in her eyes. The shining points of this man were increasing.
"Haha!"
"Cooking is nothing difficult. Just watch cooking shows on TV often, and you'll learn!"
Qin Chuan naturally attributed his skill to television again, as if it were an inexhaustible treasure trove from which he could learn many things.
"Third brother, you're so cunning!"
Suddenly, Qin Gang seemed to remember something and exclaimed with feigned anger, "Since you have such great skills, why did you never help out at home before?"
"It was always Mom and Dad or eldest brother and sister-in-law who cooked!"
"Tsk!!"
Facing this question, Qin Chuan turned his head and said disdainfully, "As if you ever helped!"
"We're both bald, like a plucked chicken and a shiny bald head. We're two of a kind, so no need to mock each other!"
This remark made everyone laugh, and the farmhouse courtyard under the lights was filled with laughter and merriment.
About half an hour later, the all-meat feast was served.
Stir-fried pheasant, clear stewed carp, braised rabbit, spicy badger...
The aroma of the various wild game filled the air, making one's mouth water.
"Cheers!!"
Under the lights, a table of six, including the eldest brother's son who had just turned two, clinked glasses.
The three brothers had wine, while the others had beverages. The atmosphere was incredibly lively.
Qin Chuan cherished the meal before him, knowing that in a few more years, such precious wild game would become increasingly scarce, until it was completely unavailable.
The country would impose stricter regulations on wildlife, and unauthorized hunting would be illegal.
The meal lasted until very late.
After dinner, Yang Zimo needed to return to school. Qin Chuan took it upon himself to escort her.
The two walked on the dark path. Qin Chuan held an old flashlight, and whether it was due to a weak battery or a faulty bulb, it flickered intermittently.
This forced Qin Chuan to pat it repeatedly, which would keep it lit for a short while.
It made Yang Zimo's clear laughter echo on the quiet path.
Finally, Qin Chuan escorted Yang Zimo to the school gate. It was already past nine in the evening, and it was not appropriate for her to go in, especially since Yang Zimo was alone.
"Teacher Yang, you've had a long day. Get some good rest!"
Qin Chuan bid farewell.
"Yes, you should go back and sleep early too!"
Yang Zimo nodded, and Qin Chuan turned to leave.
"Qin Chuan!"
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind. Qin Chuan stopped, a look of confusion on his face.
"I..."
A hint of struggle and hesitation crossed Yang Zimo's pretty face. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "You... are you serious about what you said today?"
"I said a lot of things today. Which part are you asking about?"
Qin Chuan's tone was tinged with a hint of teasing.
Yang Zimo stomped her foot in annoyance, "Hmph! It's... it's what you said..."
"What did I say..."
Qin Chuan deliberately pretended not to understand.
"You're annoying, I'm not talking to you anymore!"
Yang Zimo seemed genuinely angry and turned to enter the gate.
Seeing this, Qin Chuan quickly chased after her and hugged her from behind, causing Yang Zimo to let out a startled cry. It was too late for her to escape.
The two pressed close to each other. Even though they were wearing thick clothes in the middle of winter, they could still feel each other's warmth.