The news that wild boars had come down the mountain shocked everyone.
Villagers living in rural areas knew all too well the dangers posed by wild boars.
Brigade leader: “For everyone’s safety, we must organize a search tonight in the village. This is not a small matter. Every household must send one person.”
“Who discovered this? We didn’t see any wild boars.”
Though aware of the seriousness of the situation, some lazy and reluctant individuals hesitated to take on the risky task. After all, it was freezing cold. Staying indoors seemed far more appealing. Moreover, confronting a wild boar was dangerous.
Brigade Leader: “I discovered it. There were wild boar tracks in the forest. Got a problem with that?”
This was a strategy pre-arranged with Song Jing. As an outsider, Song Jing knew villagers might question or dispute him if he claimed to have found the tracks. To resolve the matter quickly, they decided to credit the discovery to the bridge leader.
Brigade Leader: “I don’t care what you think. These wild boars are not just one person or one family’s problem—they’re the entire brigade’s issue. If we don’t locate the boars tonight, what will happen if they reach the village? Especially to the families living near the mountain base. Do you think your doors and windows can withstand a wild boar’s charge?”
His stern tone silenced the grumblers.
Every household sent one man, armed with tools like machetes or hoes. The brigade leader and a few hunters carried muskets for extra firepower.
While everyone prepared, Song Jing went to find his sister.
At Lin Zhen’s home, Song Wei and Heidan had already enjoyed bowls of ginger soup, dumpling soup, and even received two steaming buns each.
Song Jing felt too embarrassed to act cold toward Lin Zhen now.
Song Wei tucked a machete into her belt, stuffed the buns into her pocket, and accompanied her brother to the meeting point.
Lin Zhen and Heidan stood by the gate, clutching the wolf pups, watching them leave.
Heidan: “Brother, when is your leg finally going to heal? It feels like we’re all depending on Sister Song to take care of us.”
His gaze seemed to accuse: “You’re useless.”
Lin Zhen’s face darkened as he ruffled Heidan’s hair. “Do you think I don’t want it to heal sooner? My leg doesn’t listen to me!”
Already frustrated, his younger brother’s words felt like adding salt to the wound.
Lin Zhen considered giving all his savings to Song Wei for safekeeping. But would that seem too forward since they weren’t officially together yet? The thought troubled him.
At the meeting, the assembled men stared at Song Wei—small, delicate, and clearly out of place among the tall, burly men.
Song Wei stared right back at the brigade leader.
Brigade Leader: “Ahem… Is everyone here? Let’s divide into three groups and head in different directions to search.”
The Brigade leader and one hunter each led a group. The third group was led by Song Jing.
Song Jing’s group consisted of Song Wei, several male educated youth, and some strong villagers.
The villagers were visibly dissatisfied.
Villager: “What kind of ragtag team is this? A woman, an outsider leader, and a bunch of useless educated youth? If we run into a boar, they’ll only hold us back!”
Song Jing ignored the complaints. “Let’s move.”
The group had only two flashlights, and their search route was relatively safe—the village itself.
But when they neared the mountain base, safety evaporated.
“Wild boar! Help!”
“Somebody, help us!”
The sound of pots and bowls hitting each other could be heard, accompanied by chaotic cries for help.
Song Jing and Song Wei exchanged a glance and sprinted toward the commotion.
The others hesitated, especially the educated youth, who were paralyzed with fear.
Song Jing: “What are you all standing around for? Follow me!”
Though terrified, the educated youth followed behind tremblingly. Luo Yecheng trailed at the back, his face full of regret. He had only joined the search to make up the numbers, assuming the village would be safe. What rotten luck!
The cries grew louder as they approached, along with the sound of wood splintering under heavy impacts.
Wild boar tusks and their immense strength were no joke. Wooden doors stood no chance; even walls could be breached.
Inside, a desperate family scrambled to climb over their courtyard wall.
“Hurry up! Move faster!”
“I can’t… My belly… I can’t climb over.”
The speaker was a frail, visibly pregnant woman.
The man behind her cursed viciously. “Why are you so useless? Do you want to get me killed?!”
As the boars shattered the door, the man’s face twisted in fear. Shoving the pregnant woman aside, he climbed the stool and scrambled over the wall, abandoning her.
The woman fell to the ground with a pained scream, her gaunt face contorted in agony.
But worse than the pain was the sight of the massive boar charging toward her.
She shut her eyes in despair.
“Thud!”
The impact she expected didn’t come. Trembling, she opened her eyes to see an unforgettable sight.
A petite woman stood before her, bare hands gripping the boar’s tusks, shielding her.
Su Fang’s mind went blank, her wide eyes reflecting Song Wei’s figure.
“Can you handle this?” Song Jing asked, rushing over to carry the pregnant woman to safety.
Even he was stunned. He knew his sister was strong, but this? Holding a wild boar by its tusks, matching its strength without budging?
Song Wei’s tone was light. “No problem.”
As she spoke, she twisted her hands. The boar flipped mid-air and slammed to the ground with a heavy thud, legs flailing.
The boar’s deafening squeals echoed as Song Jing passed the pregnant woman to the trembling educated youths and joined the fight.
There were three adult boars and four young boars. Song Wei tackled the largest one, while the villagers dealt with the other two.
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