This time, led by the wolves from Song Wei’s household, along with Hei Dan and Little Bear, the delivery to the destination was completed steadily and smoothly.
The men transplanting rice seedlings in the paddy fields burst into laughter at the sight of the dog brigade and children delivering the seedlings.
“Which brigade has dogs as obedient and capable as ours? We must give them extra treats when we get back!”
With such a remarkable group of dogs, their brigade had something to boast about.
Others chimed in agreement.
The dogs ran swiftly, never seeming tired. Instead, they seemed thrilled to run alongside their young masters.
Even when the children grew weary, the dogs remained energetic.
If they felt tired, they would stop to rest on their own, with no one urging them to continue working.
After returning that day, as long as their owners weren’t overly stingy or heartless, most dogs received extra treats.
Dogs aren’t picky eaters—they’d eagerly devour even a boiled sweet potato.
Though life in the countryside was exhausting, happiness came in simple forms.
One day, Lin Zhen told Song Wei, “I have to make another long-distance trip.”
“This time, it’s to Shenzhen.”
Song Wei replied, “I’ve heard it’s quite chaotic there. Be careful and stay safe.”
“Make sure to carry your dagger and wrist crossbow.”
The wrist crossbow was something they had designed together.
Though exquisite, it still couldn’t compare to a gun.
But firearms were something ordinary people couldn’t own at the time.
“I know. Don’t worry, I won’t take any risks.”
Lin Zhen was level-headed—he wouldn’t gamble or endanger himself just to make money.
That very night, Lin Zhen packed his things and left.
Even with him gone, Song Wei continued her usual work.
Everyone had grown accustomed to Lin Zhen’s occasional absences.
After all, he was now a truck driver. Compared to fieldwork, anyone would prioritize a job at the transport station.
Once the busy farming season ended and all the sowing was done, the remaining tasks became lighter.
Song Wei resumed her daily routine: working in the fields for seven or eight work points, then heading into the mountains with her animals.
Many watched with envy.
“We’re all doing the same fieldwork, so why are we tanned like charcoal while Song Zhiqing’s skin remains so fair and tender? It’s not like she’s slacking off.”
“In fact, she looks even more radiant. Did you know? Last time I visited her, I saw that Lin Zhen, a grown man, does all their laundry, including bedsheets.”
“That’s nothing—Lin Zhen even cooks all their meals.”
“Different lives for different people. The men in our households are incredibly lazy—they wouldn’t even pick up a broom if it fell right in front of them.”
“How did she get so lucky?”
By now, Song Wei and Lin Zhen had become the model couple in the brigade.
Women envied Song Wei’s fortune—Lin Zhen adored her and handled most of the household chores.
Whether in front of relatives or in public, Lin Zhen consistently stood up for her.
Men envied Lin Zhen—Song Wei was beautiful, capable, and, most importantly, contributed to the household income.
No matter how much they envied, there was no way they could ever match up.
Regardless, their own lives remained unaffected.
Song Wei didn’t just go into the mountains to forage for wild vegetables, mushrooms, or hunt—she also had another task to attend to.
She carried pumpkin seeds to the valley where the wild boars were free-ranging and scattered them everywhere.
She also transplanted sweet potato vines.
Perhaps sensing the presence of the wolves, the wild boars released into the valley had hidden themselves away.
But Song Wei could track them by their footprints and droppings, observing their condition.
All ten of the castrated wild boars released into the valley had survived.
The walnut shells, peels, and wild fruits Song Wei and Lin Zhen had previously tossed into the valley had all been gnawed clean.
When she checked in early spring, they were still somewhat thin, but now that the plants in the valley had grown, the boars had gradually fattened up.
Satisfied, Song Wei scattered plenty of seeds and left them to grow on their own.
When it was time, she headed back with her hunting animal team and set out the mushrooms to dry.
The plump ones were picked out to make mushroom paste.
While she was sorting them, Grandma Lin arrived.
“Grandma, what brings you here?”
Song Wei hurried to help her inside.
The elderly woman was in good spirits and took her hand, asking mysteriously, “Dear, have you checked on that tea tree in the mountains? Early spring is the best season for picking tea leaves.”
Song Wei patted her forehead. “I’d completely forgotten if you hadn’t mentioned it.”
“I’ll take a day off tomorrow to go into the mountains and check.”
“Good, good. Let your Uncle Dayou and his wife go with you for company. I won’t tag along and hold you back. That tea tasted wonderful—let’s not waste it. We should also take good care of the tea tree.”
It was clear the old woman truly cherished that tea tree.
Song Wei nodded repeatedly.
Early the next morning, she wrapped animal hide around her arm, placed her fingers to her lips, and whistled.
The eaglet perched on a tree branch immediately spread its wings and swooped down to land on her arm.
The wolves in the yard also rushed over to her in a pack.
This scene happened to be witnessed by Lin Dayou and his wife, who had just arrived.
Having joined the tea-picking trip last time, Lin Dayou was now bolder and more experienced, so he volunteered again.
To avoid awkwardness or suspicion, his wife came along too.
Lin Dayou gazed enviously at the snow-white eagle perched on Song Wei’s arm.
“That eagle is so impressive. I’ve been thinking of finding an eagle egg to hatch and train.”
“Dream on! Do you know how much an eagle eats? Our kids are raised roughly—how could you afford to raise such a precious thing?”
Lin Dayou scratched the back of his head. “I was just saying.”
But his eyes betrayed genuine envy.
And he wasn’t the only one—many men in the brigade felt the same.
Whistle, and an eagle swoops down—how cool is that!
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