We cooked a porcupine stew tonight, stir-fried so spicy chicken, made a few vegetarian dishes, and a pot of vegetable soup. Though it doesn’t seem like much, the portions are generous.
In the sumr, at can’t be preserved; Second Aunt processed all the ga, salted a bit, saved one for the workers to eat tomorrow noon, and planned to make jerky with the rest.
This ca about because she saw how much Xiaomi liked eating beef jerky, so she decided to make so jerky herself.
Even though there’s no beef, other ats, when prepared well, taste just as good.
Second Aunt is quite confident in her skills. Back in the years of drought, she made plenty of jerky from the family’s chickens, ducks, and geese.
After a good night’s sleep, the next morning, Xiaomi, as usual, went hunting with Xiaocao after so brief practice.
Although now with Xiaohei, their parents aren’t as watchful, but having a playmate, soone who gets along well, makes Xiaomi happy to go.
In many ways, Xiaocao is quite similar to her.
Though both are girls, their parents don’t play favorites and treat them both very well.
Plus, Xiaocao has a straightforward personality. Not to put it rudely, but just like Xiaomi, she’s a bit like a tomboy. She loves running through the mountains and even wants to learn hunting from Xiaomi.
Xiaomi isn’t stingy. When there aren’t any ga in sight, she’s willing to share so hunting tips with her.
Xiaomi even told her that if possible, she should ask her dad to find a hunter they know to see if they can help her make an appropriate short bow.
After all, Xiaomi doesn’t know how to make a short bow herself.
Xiaocao’s family has been in Xiangmu Village for many years now, close to the county town. Unlike her own parents, who seldom mingle, her parents must know many people.
However, Xiaomi also said that hunting isn’t an easy task, nor can it be learned just by listening. It requires long practice for accuracy and strength training, and more.
Xiaocao listened attentively, but as for the outco, Xiaomi couldn’t guarantee it.
Today was another fruitful day, and Xiaomi generously shared a wild chicken with Xiaocao, saying she wouldn’t go up the mountain in the afternoon.
But before she reached the doorstep, Xiaomi sped up into a jog: "Brother, why are you back so soon? Aren’t you hot? Why aren’t you using an umbrella?"
Who else could it be but Wei Ziang?
Under the scorching sun, carrying his books, he walked all the way back. His fair face was now sunburnt and red, with beads of sweat dripping down his forehead.
Wei Ziang wiped his face with a rest and smiled, "I’m fine, it’s not too hot."
Xiaomi turned and pulled him quickly towards ho, "Let’s go ho and drink water first. Next ti, rember to bring an umbrella, preferably a dark one to shield you from the sun."
"Okay."
Xiaomi tugged Wei Ziang straight to the kitchen and poured him a bowl of cool water to drink.
His lips were almost peeling.
Wei Ziang didn’t hold back. He was indeed a bit thirsty. Usually, after school, he could eat and drink at the cafeteria. Today, he left a bit earlier and didn’t notice his thirst along the way.
Second Aunt was making lunch, surprised to see them return together: "Why back so early? Skipping class again? Isn’t Zhang An not with Xiaomi anymore?"
She thought it was about the sa thing from last ti.
As Xiaomi pondered how to explain, Wei Ziang said, "Auntie, sothing ca up today."
"What is it? Ran out of ink? Right, you practice a lot, you use ink quickly. Why didn’t you tell us earlier? We’ll buy more tomorrow..."
The only reason Second Aunt could think of was this and started wiping her hands, ready to get money for Wei Ziang.
"Auntie, you misunderstood. I have enough supplies," Wei Ziang said with a laugh, glancing at Xiaomi.
He truly didn’t know how to explain this.
Xiaomi had no choice but to boldly say, "Mom, actually, I asked Brother to co back. I need his help today."
Second Aunt paused, "You asked Ziang back?"
Seeing her mom about to lecture, Xiaomi quickly assured, "Mom, rest assured, it’s just this once, and it won’t happen again!"
Only then did Second Aunt let it go, "Alright, you’re not little kids anymore. I won’t say much, but don’t do this again."
Both nodded repeatedly. Fortunately, lunch was almost ready, and Second Aunt didn’t say much more.
After being disciplined by their mom, the two obediently finished lunch, said their goodbyes, and Xiaomi quickly dragged Wei Ziang up the mountain.
She thought of a good way to let Wei Ziang practice swordsmanship in the space, without him discovering it.
But this thod couldn’t be done at ho!
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