Song Wei didn’t run after snatching the goat. Instead, she hefted the goat and swung it like a hammer straight at the 400-kilogram tiger.
With a thunderous wham, the impact distorted the flesh on the tiger’s face. The massive beast was sent tumbling far away, dazed and confused.
The tiger let out a blood-curdling roar of pain as its enormous body slammed into a tree, finally coming to a halt. Before it could regain its footing, snow from the branches above fell in a cascade, burying it completely.
Lin Zhen, who had rushed over to help: …
It seemed he was entirely unnecessary here.
Standing dumbfounded, Lin Zhen’s jaw hung open. For the first time, he realized that if he ever got into a fight with his wife in the future, he’d definitely be the one pinned to the ground and beaten.
Song Wei tossed the lifeless goat toward Lin Zhen.
“Take it far away,” she ordered.
Her body crouched low, poised like a predator. Her piercing eyes locked onto the tiger as an oppressive aura radiated from her small frame—one even stronger than the tiger’s.
The tiger shook off the snow and staggered to its feet, shaking its head. Its golden eyes glared at Song Wei with rage.
It had already been humiliated by having its prey stolen, and now this human had dared strike it. The grudge was cemented.
Man and beast faced off, both emanating unrelenting battle energy.
Lin Zhen wanted to step in but realized there was no way to help. If anything, he might only get in the way.
Lin Zhen: Never in my life have I felt so useless.
After a tense moment of mutual observation, Song Wei and the tiger clashed again.
Their battle churned up snow in all directions, shaking the tree branches above until snow fell like rain. The ground was in disarray, and the tiger’s roars reverberated through the forest.
Song Wei’s agile movements allowed her to repeatedly evade the tiger’s lunges. Lin Zhen’s heart pounded wildly as he watched her narrowly dodge the beast’s powerful jaws.
Finally, she landed a sweeping kick to the tiger’s head, though she took a hit from its tail in the process.
Song Wei winced in pain, but the tiger suffered worse.
Already battered and bruised, the tiger’s roars of fury now sounded more like cries of agony.
This human’s fists were no joke.
Panting heavily, the tiger weighed its options. Realizing it was at a disadvantage, it chose to retreat. With a final glare at Song Wei, it turned and bolted into the forest.
Song Wei considered chasing it down but was stopped by Lin Zhen grabbing her arm.
“Don’t. Let’s head back before something else shows up,” he urged.
This forest wasn’t just home to tigers; wolves and bears were also common. He didn’t want to take any more risks.
Song Wei cast a regretful glance at the fleeing tiger. “Tiger pelts are worth a fortune, you know.”
“Not worth as much as your life. Sure, you’re strong, but you’re tired now. What if a bear shows up next?” Lin Zhen countered.
Song Wei relented with a nod. “If only I’d eaten more beforehand. I would’ve taken that tiger down for sure.”
“Next time, eat your fill before coming,” Lin Zhen replied with a wry smile.
The goat, weighing about 200 kilograms, became their trophy for the day. It was an impressive catch, second only to the herd’s leader.
As they made their way out of the forest, Song Wei carefully erased their tracks, ensuring the tiger wouldn’t follow them back to the village.
“Let me check if you’re injured,” Lin Zhen said once they were clear of the woods.
“No injuries. Just some tears in my clothes,” she replied casually.
“I saw that tail smack you earlier. Where did it hit?” Lin Zhen pressed.
“My lower back. You sure you want to take a look?” Song Wei teased.
Lin Zhen’s ears turned red. “Well… someone has to apply medicine. You can’t reach your own back.”
Song Wei raised an eyebrow. “Alright, you can help with the medicine later. I don’t mind.”
Lin Zhen’s entire face flushed, but he maintained his composure. “It’s a serious matter. Don’t read too much into it.”
“I’m not. You’re the one overthinking,” Song Wei shot back with a grin.
Carrying the goat, the two avoided the village’s main paths to keep a low profile, finally arriving at Lin Zhen’s home.
Compared to before, Lin Zhen’s house had been significantly upgraded—a spacious three-room structure with a large yard. His earlier decision to buy the property had proven wise.
Inside, the three—Heidan and the two cubs—were lounging near a warm stove. As soon as the door opened, Hei Dan bolted over.
“Sister Song! You’re back! Heidan missed you so much!” the child exclaimed, his sweet words melting Song Wei’s heart.
She ruffled his hair affectionately. “Look what we brought back.”
Pulling the massive goat from her basket, she revealed their prize. Heidan’s eyes widened in amazement.
“Whoa! That’s the biggest goat I’ve ever seen!”
Indeed, this goat was far larger than their previous catch. Unlike injured or isolated prey, this one had been healthy and robust.
Wild goats needed to be processed quickly, so Lin Zhen took on the task. He couldn’t afford to be useless after everything Song Wei had accomplished.
“Today, we’ll have hot goat soup!”
Lin Zhen efficiently prepared the animal, but before they could settle in, the brigade leader arrived.
Lin Zhen glanced at Song Wei, who gave him a small nod.
“You decide,” she said.
After a moment’s thought, Lin Zhen opened the door to let the brigade leader in.
As soon as he stepped inside, the man sniffed the air. “Why does it smell like… goat?”
Despite Lin Zhen’s efforts to clean up, the distinctive scent of goat meat and blood lingered.
“You…”
“Let’s talk inside,” Lin Zhen suggested.
Once inside, the brigade leader,’s eyes fell on the neatly butchered goat in the corner. His jaw dropped.
“This… a whole goat?!”
His shock was understandable. It wasn’t something you could casually buy, especially during the tight supply of the season.
“Where did you get this? Did anyone see you?”
Lin Zhen chuckled. “Relax. Song Wei caught it in the mountains.”
The brigade leader stared at him in disbelief. “Caught it? In the mountains? Song Wei did this?!”
His gaze shifted to Song Wei, who sat calmly by the stove, seemingly unaffected by the astonished exclamation.
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