C7 Prey

Xue Lang and his group were caught up in a lively commotion, while Hao Jianhua found himself like a pariah, engulfed in a tide of verbal lashings.

The section chiefs weren't ones to gossip, particularly since Hao Jianhua's father, Hao Zhizhong, had been the storeroom director—so naturally, no one would repeat what was overheard at the hospital.

Yu Hai, upon reviewing Lee Wenming's notes, offered no comment. He didn't even address Hao Jianhua's negligence at work or his unauthorized departure from his assigned forest area.

However, the story was different with the gas station girls. Within an afternoon after leaving the hospital, the tale of Hao Jianhua's antics was common knowledge throughout the grain depot.

Unable to reach Ye Si, Hao Jianhua retreated to his home after leaving the hospital, skipping work entirely. By the time he caught wind of the rumors, they had already spread everywhere.

"Son of a bitch!"

In a rage, Hao Jianhua shattered the cup in his hand, yet he lacked the courage to confront Xue Lang at the hospital.

The memory of the life-threatening fear he felt under Xue Lang's intense gaze was something he couldn't shake off. In his anger, he attempted to contact Ye Si again, only to find his phone still switched off.

Undeterred, he sought out Ye Si's underling during Xue Lang's dinner party, finally learning that Ye Si had been hospitalized.

Lying in the hospital bed, Ye Si glanced at the unsecured stack of cash and asked, "Boss, how do you plan to handle this?"

"I'm going to deal with him, of course!"

Hao Jianhua spoke through clenched teeth, "The bastard not only messed up my plans but also made me a laughingstock at the depot. How can I rest until I've had my revenge?"

"This guy's got some moves. He sent Tao flying several meters, and that guy weighs a good 245 pounds, so..." Ye Si trailed off, lifting his hand and curling his finger in a beckoning gesture.

Hao Jianhua leaned in eagerly to listen, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Unaware of the brewing conflict between Hao Jianhua and Ye Si, Xue Lang wouldn't have cared even if he had known.

The following day, Cui Ying's father came bearing fruit for Xue Lang, a visit that was merely a formality to express his gratitude.

Xue Lang sensed a hint of disdain in Cui Ying's father's words, clearly looking down on him for being a kid from the mountains with no connections or means to afford even a basic apartment—clearly not a match for their family.

But Xue Lang didn't dwell on it. Even though Cui Ying took care of him and everyone teased them about it, he never entertained the idea of owing her a debt of gratitude.

With Fatty Shao and the others absent, their roles were filled by Guo Loong and Zhang Bao, both field drivers and just as close friends.

The ward wasn't as bustling as it was on the first day. Cui Ying continued her visits, but her classmates and girlfriends stopped coming in droves after a nurse cautioned Xue Lang not to treat the hospital like a hotel, bringing a newfound quiet to the room.

On the third day, Xue Lang unwrapped his bandages and started working with the lengths of oil silk rope Fatty Shao had brought him. As he deftly fashioned one snare after another, Fatty Shao and Liu Zhong, who were cleaning the snares with alcohol, listened to his explanations of the intricate tightening knots and became convinced of Xue Lang's hunting prowess.

By the fourth day, Fatty Shao and Liu Zhong were busy at work, not by Xue Lang's side but following his sketches to fashion various-sized traps from the springs of an Eastern Red Tractor's automatic wheels.

When Xue Lang inspected the traps Fatty Shao presented the next day, he tested their springiness and couldn't help but commend the craftsmanship: "The lathe work is impeccable, but this heat-treatment is truly top-notch."

"That's for sure!" Liu Zhong chimed in, holding up a trap as big as a basin. "Lee Jin from the workshop is a master craftsman from the old machinery factory. When the county's plant shut down and he came to us, it wasn't just small jobs he could handle—he could make anything, even guns..."

Before Liu Zhong could finish, Fatty Shao nudged him and interjected, "Cut the chatter. Lee Jin never messed with that stuff."

Xue Lang was aware that certain things were best kept to oneself, especially when it came to crimes. Unlike poaching, which often went unchecked in this secluded area, gun-making was a serious offense.

He chose to ignore the conversation and instructed Fatty Shao to take the items home for the time being. Once his stitches were out, he'd be free to head up the mountain.

For six days straight, he kept to himself, quietly preparing for the mountain trek. The door remained unbothered by prying eyes, suggesting that Ye Si had moved on and forgotten him.

On the seventh day, after the stitches were removed without a hitch, Xue Lang spent a tranquil day at home. Early the next morning, he drove Fatty Shao's friend's dilapidated 212 back to his family's house.

His visit served two purposes: to check on his grandfather and to gather essential hunting gear.

These items, unavailable for purchase elsewhere, included cotton-padded clothing and hats filled with pure hare down and lined with cured fox fur. They were lightweight, warm, and perfect for hours in the snow without feeling the chill.

Xue Lang didn't just bring back staples like rice, oil, and salt for his grandfather; he also delivered fifty-pound jars of wine to his living relatives, Fifth Grandpa and Eighth Grandpa, and didn't forget the families of those who had passed. Every relative, be they uncles, aunts, or siblings, received a gift.

The community, having watched Xue Lang grow up, was touched by his newfound eloquence and thoughtfulness after just a month away. The experience filled him with a sense of home and rekindled the familial bonds he'd missed.

Grandpa Xue Tinggui, at sixty-five, was still robust. Learning of Xue Lang's intent to offer game as gifts, he insisted on contributing the family's pheasants and other wild delicacies.

But Xue Lang couldn't bring himself to take them, feeling it would be wrong not to leave something for his grandfather. Instead, he gathered unique mountain herbs, spices, Laba vinegar, and other local ingredients. Eager to return, he planned to put his grandfather's teachings to the test and recreate the flavors etched in his memory.

The house was bustling with people gathered for lunch, creating an atmosphere even livelier than the New Year festivities. During the meal, Xue Lang couldn't discern the tactics his three living grandfathers were employing, and his indirect inquiries failed to yield the answers he sought. He did, however, manage to confirm that if Fifth Grandpa chose to go into hiding, even at his prime, he likely wouldn't have been able to find him.

After spending over four hours at home, Xue Lang hurriedly left at one in the afternoon. Fatty Shao, who had been anxious all day, finally breathed a sigh of relief upon Xue Lang's safe return.

Catching sight of two thugs with bleach-blond hair standing at the hospital entrance, Xue Lang was reminded of Ye Si, whom he had nearly forgotten. The memory was fleeting, and he quickly shifted his focus, saying, "Fatty Shao, take me to the stone quarry on the east side of the high school at eight tomorrow morning, and come to pick me up in the afternoon."

While handing a sack to Liu Zhong, Fatty Shao responded, "Sure, just make sure you're back by three in the afternoon. There are a few IVs left to finish, and the nurses won't be too pleased later."

Xue Lang chuckled, "Let's head out. Missing one IV won't hurt."

The trio, each carrying a sack, made their way to the ward. As Xue Lang entered, he was taken aback by the unexpected presence of someone who shouldn't have been there.

What was Lee Shuwu doing here?

A smile crossed Xue Lang's face as he greeted, "Director Li."

Fatty Shao and Liu Zhong offered their polite hellos as well.

Lee Shuwu glanced at Fatty Shao and Liu Zhong, then at the sacks they were holding, before turning to Xue Lang and remarking, "Your recovery's looking good, Xue."

As he shed his down jacket, Xue Lang replied, "The wound's healing nicely. I had the stitches out yesterday. After being cooped up in bed for nearly a week, I finally got to step outside for some fresh air today."

Lee Shuwu dropped the subject and switched to a bureaucratic tone, "Xue, once you're better, you should check out of the hospital quickly. Work is waiting, right? The company has rewarded you and even splurged on clothes worth a few thousand yuan for you. As soon as your wound is healed, you should get back to work. Staying in the hospital too long isn't good."

Xue Lang sensed something was off. He nodded and replied, "Right, after a few more IV drips and once the needle marks heal, I'll be out of here. I'm going stir-crazy."

Lee Shuwu appeared to have accomplished what he came for. While Xue Lang was speaking, he headed for the door, saying, "Then make sure you handle your discharge quickly and return to work."

Xue Lang remained silent, watching Lee Shuwu exit with Fatty Shao and Liu Zhong. None of them moved.

Once the door shut, Liu Zhong spat out in disgust, "What's with the big shot act? It's not like he's the one who'll notify you when you're discharged."

Fatty Shao shook his head, "Xue Lang, you're clueless about the situation, aren't you?"

Xue Lang, puzzled, shook his head, "I truly have no idea."

Before Fatty Shao could elaborate, Liu Zhong chimed in, "Just yesterday, I heard about your scuffle with Ye Si. Ye Si is Lee Shuwu's brother-in-law, and Lee Shuwu was handpicked by Hao Zhizhong. Without his backing, how could Ye Si make a profit flipping grain, strutting around like he owns the place?"

Ah...

Xue Lang's eyes narrowed.

Lee Shuwu was beginning to throw his weight around. It seemed that joining the convoy would be problematic with him in the way. Even if he didn't join, having such a boss in the company meant rough sailing ahead.

Thinking of outmaneuvering me? Bad luck for you!

With a silent, scornful chuckle, he then said with a grin, "Let's not dwell on him. Tonight, we can have a drink. Fatty Shao, why don't you call Section Chief Lee, Guo Jinlong, and Zhang Baozi? How about we go for hotpot?"

"Sounds good."

Fatty Shao agreed and started dialing on his phone...

The next morning, Fatty Shao was behind the wheel of the battered 212, driving Xue Lang past C City Middle School. He dropped him off near the quarry and then headed back to work.

Xue Lang glanced at the two figures standing nearby, then turned and made his way along the path toward the mountain, where no footprints lay.

Just as he rounded the base of the mountain, two vans sped to the edge of the quarry, and a gang of thugs wielding watermelon knives and clubs leapt out.

The two men who had been close by sprinted over as one of them disembarked, saying, "Fourth Brother, that kid's gone into the beeyard. He's wearing a ragged sheepskin coat, didn't bring a thing with him, and left less than five minutes ago."

"There's a road to heaven, yet you chose not to walk it!"

Ye Si bellowed with a menacing grin, "Chase him down and finish him off!"

Tao, brandishing a solid iron rod over a meter long, yelled, "Let's go! Take down that son of a bitch!"

These punks might not have been particularly formidable on their own, but in a group fight, they were undeniably bold. At the word, they grabbed their weapons and charged through the snow, which was more than ten centimeters deep. Ye Si was right behind them, carrying something wrapped in fabric. The two following him were also armed with cloth-wrapped rods.

They were convinced that with twenty men armed to the teeth, they could take down anyone, even if he were made of iron.

Little did they know, they were about to enter a nightmare. They thought they were the hunters, but in reality, they were nothing more than prey lured into a trap.