Chapter 355 - 236: Intoxicated by More Than Wine (Part 4)

Chapter 355: Chapter 236: Intoxicated by More Than Wine (Part 4)

"Here, let’s drink!"

"Cheers!"

The family raised their glasses in a toast. The meal stretched on for over two hours. Since Zhao Ergou’s family hadn’t come over to eat, nor had Third Aunt Zhao Tiehua and Wei Laishun, Zhao Wendong casually asked about them.

"Your third aunt insisted on not coming. We asked her so many times, but she said she had to take care of Third Master and Grandmaster Ai. I couldn’t persuade her, so all I can do is send over some food when I can."

Chen Yanmei said with a sigh. Hearing this, Zhao Wendong understood their decision. Even relatives had their own lives to lead; you had to look after your own household first.

Zhao Dashan was lying on the kang, petting the little tiger, Zhuangzhuang, while Xiong Da and Xiong Er clambered all over him. He was utterly content. A hunter his entire life, he never imagined that in his old age, he’d have a tiger and bears fawning at his feet.

"Son, just how big was that white wolf?"

"A full size bigger than Dahuang. Snow-white from head to tail, and incredibly smart. It nearly got away."

"That wolf was really something else, let me tell you!"

Zhao Wenwu immediately launched into the story of the hunt, gesticulating wildly. But he often got his facts mixed up, so Jin Xiuying would laugh and help fill in the details, the two of them working together in perfect sync.

Zhao Dashan’s blood stirred as he listened, and he kept shouting about how thrilling it was. When he heard that they had finally killed the White Wolf King, the corners of his mouth curled upward, and he slapped the kang mat in excitement.

"See? I’ve always said my youngest son is the one most like me. He’s been like me since he was a kid—a hunter to the bone."

Chen Yanmei rolled her eyes at him. "Oh, please. Our son, like you? He takes after me, you hear? He’s a hundred times better than you!"

"What the hell does an old hen like you know?"

"What do you mean, I don’t know? You went hunting and broke your leg. Our son went hunting and came back without a scratch. Now tell me, who’s more impressive?"

Zhao Dashan was at a loss for words. "I’m not going to argue with an old woman!" he finally said, exasperated.

"Hahaha!"

The whole room erupted in laughter again, even Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu. Having spent some time with the Zhao Family, they had grown used to the family’s dynamic. For all their bickering and squabbling, it was all rooted in affection.

Having had a bit too much to drink, Zhao Dashan’s face was flushed, and he grew more talkative. He began to boast about his past glories, a rare occurrence. A warmth spread through Zhao Wendong. For a long time, his impression of his father was of a man bent by the burdens of life. It had been many years since he’d seen him so relaxed, so happy to spin tall tales.

"You all don’t know this, but when I was young, I once chased a black bear all by myself. I chased it halfway up a mountain and then took it down with a single shot—"

"Dad, you’ve told this story a thousand times."

Zhao Wenjun couldn’t help but chime in.

"What the hell do you know! Every time I tell it, it’s different. There are new details every time!"

"You’re right, you’re right. Go on, Dad, we’re listening."

Zhao Wendong grinned and poured Zhao Dashan a bowl of water. "Here, Dad. Wet your throat."

Zhao Dashan took a satisfied sip of water and resumed his story about the black bear he’d "killed" a thousand times—a bear that probably never existed.

The story made Little Tuanzi sleepy. Her little head nodded again and again until it finally slumped against Zhao Wendong’s leg, and she fell asleep. "Third Brother," she mumbled, "Little Tuanzi is so happy."

Zhao Wendong lifted her up and gently placed her on the kang, covering her with the quilt. Lin Zhiyin helped tuck in the corners. Their hands touched, and they looked at each other and smiled.

After dinner was over and the dishes were cleared, Zhao Wenjun and Song Xiaoyu took their two children home early. Everyone knew Zhao Wendong’s group had been through a lot over the past few days and needed a good rest.

As they passed the production brigade’s warehouse, the courtyard outside was still lit by torches, a scene of bustling activity. The wolf meat was being distributed. Many villagers who had gathered to watch looked on with envy as the militia members’ families each received several dozen pounds of wolf meat. Those whom Zhao Wendong had removed from the militia, who had been indifferent about it at the time, now felt for the first time that they might have missed out on a massive opportunity.

Zhao Wendong and his group didn’t collect their portion. It would be saved for them, no question. Even if Zhao Wendong had taken all the meat for himself, no one would have said a word, but he wouldn’t do that. In this era, going it alone meant getting swallowed up. The support of the entire production brigade, young and old, was the true source of his confidence.

The four of them went straight back to their cabins by the sea. After saying their goodbyes, they each ducked into their own rooms. The sea breeze was stronger here than in the village, but inside, Song Xiaoyu and the others had already lit the fires for the kangs. A wave of warmth greeted them as they pushed open their doors.

Lin Zhiyin took off her heavy outer padded coat, revealing the quilted clothes beneath. Though the style was plain, it was cinched at the waist, beautifully accentuating her figure. She crouched on the floor and added two pieces of firewood into the stove’s opening. The firelight played across her face, and her unadorned features were more beautiful than any painting.

Zhao Wendong walked over and hugged her from behind.

"What are you doing? I’m tending the fire."

"You tend to your fire, and I’ll do my hugging. They don’t conflict."

Lin Zhiyin laughed and didn’t struggle. The two of them stayed that way for a while, until the fire in the stove was roaring and the room grew steadily warmer. They blew out the lamp. Their own bodies grew hotter, too, and they eagerly slipped under the covers.