Li Gang and his companions refused Ningxia's invitation and insisted on returning to their base.
"Okay, stop trying to persuade me. You've been working for a few days, cooking, working in the fields, and taking care of the kids. I feel so exhausted for you.
We're not missing, we're just going to the base to rest for a few days and get ready for the journey. You should also take a good rest for a few days. You'll be busy when we return."
Ningxia saw that she couldn't persuade them, so she had to watch them pack up.
"By the way, don't rush to take apart and wash the sheets and quilts we use. We'll have to dig a vegetable cellar for you when we get back, and you might even have to stay for a few days."
Ningxia quickly agreed and continued, "Then I'll prepare your meals for the journey, squad leader, you are not allowed to refuse."
Li Gang grinned, "Okay, okay, those good-for-nothings are waiting for it."
Ningxia was happy then, "Squad Leader, how many days will you be gone this time?"
"Normally, collecting various samples takes about four to five days, but this time we're planning on hunting, so maybe seven or eight. If we're lucky and spot a big one we can defeat while sampling, we'll be back in four or five days."
Ningxia's eyes were full of envy. Since she settled in Bluebird State, she had not been out in the mountains and wilds. Although her life was stable now, she would occasionally miss the days when she relied on hunting for a living.
Although it was dangerous, it was really free and easy. She didn't have to calculate every meal as carefully as she does now. Back then, she was single and could eat whatever she had.
Sometimes I was lucky enough to get something good and could even splurge on some alcohol and cigarettes. But now, I can’t afford alcohol and I’ve been forced to quit smoking.
She sighed deeply. Xiao Jie saw her face full of envy, which then turned into disappointment. He looked at the two siblings, thought about it, but still didn't say what he was thinking.
After a few more casual conversations, just as they were about to leave, a few guests arrived in the yard.
Li Gang and his companions had been coming in and out quite frequently these days, so Ningxia had simply taken down the iron chain lock on the courtyard gate. The visitor shouted at the entrance of the courtyard, "I'm coming in."
Before anyone could react, they pushed the door open and walked in.
"Mu Yuanqing?" Ningxia squinted her eyes and looked at the family of three who came in. She didn't expect that they really brought a child, so young, even still in swaddling clothes.
Mu Yuanqing nodded. "I saw you guys finished work early today. I thought some of the soldiers might be leaving, so I hurried over to discuss going into the mountains."
Ningxia nodded and secretly looked at the baby in the cradle, but the baby was covered too tightly and she couldn't see anything.
Li Gang touched his head. Even if she didn't come, they would still explain the precautions. But since everyone was here, it would be okay to discuss it here in Ningxia.
Several people sat down again in the yard.
"Sergeant Li, our family has just moved to District 1. This is my wife, Liu Ximu. Our child is only ten months old. I'd like to ask you to take good care of her from now on."
This woman's social skills are still the same as before. Few people can't get along with her. Even Ningxia has to admit that it's not bad to get along with her.
Liu Ximu nodded woodenly to a few people, his broad face full of indifference, and only when he looked at Mu Yuanqing did his eyes soften a little.
"You're too polite. This is our responsibility. Let's get everything done here. We'll set out in two mornings. You can either meet up at your house or at our base. It's up to you, whichever is more convenient."
Also, please bring your own weapons. We are only there to protect your safety, but how much you can hunt depends entirely on you.
The same goes for the route. We also need to collect samples for the Chocobo, so we'll decide the route. If you want to change the route, we won't accommodate you." Li Gang explained carefully.
Mu Yuanqing smiled understandingly, "I understand. My wife is the only one who goes out, so I have to stay home to look after the children.
Sergeants, he can't speak, but he knows a little about Chinese medicine. He'll be with you all the way. It might take some time to collect the herbs, so I hope you'll be understanding."
It was a small matter, and Li Gang agreed to it without hesitation.
Ningxia fell into deep thought as he listened to Mu Yuanqing's words. Liu Ximu actually knew Chinese medicine! He used to follow the hunting team and pick up scraps to eat.
But Ningxia soon figured it out. If the Shuguang Base didn't even pay attention to modern clinical medicine, how could it possibly pay attention to traditional Chinese medicine?
"You know Chinese medicine? You're a talented person! Why do you live in the forest?" Lao Liao asked curiously. Now Chocobo is vigorously promoting Chinese medicine, and the welfare benefits are very good, so why do you come to work in the deep mountains and forests?
Mu Yuanqing smiled sheepishly, "He was still a student before his birth! He hasn't even graduated yet, how dare he show off his skills in the shelter?"
This is true. In the field of traditional Chinese medicine, whether before its establishment or now, the selection of talents is very strict. Medical students like Liu Ximu who have not yet graduated still have a long way to go.
Ningxia glanced sideways at Liu Ximu's not-so-young face. Only six years had passed, but he didn't look like a student at all.
Perhaps Ningxia's burning gaze was too obvious, and Mu Yuanqing immediately saw through her thoughts. After thinking for a moment, she chose to speak: "You want to go with me? If you are at ease, you can leave the child at home and I will take care of him for you."
Ningxia didn't expect her to say this. Her goodwill was obvious, but how could she feel comfortable leaving her child at home alone with her for so many days?
However, Ningxia still accepted her kindness and raised the corner of her lip towards her for the first time. "No need. Sangsang is sick and taking medicine to recuperate. I won't bother you."
Seeing this, Mu Yuanqing stopped talking. Unexpectedly, Xiao Jie spoke up, "Sister Xia...how about...I stay and look after them?"
Ningxia was about to shake her head quickly, but then she realized what he said. Her eyes widened and she couldn't help but turn her head to look at Li Gang.
Li Gang smiled brightly, "He hasn't enlisted yet, so it's not my responsibility. You two should discuss it yourselves."
Although Xiaojie is not yet seventeen years old, he is not much worse than Ningxia in terms of fighting ability. After all, he has been patrolling the mountains with Li Gang and others for many years, and he has not missed any training in the military camp.
For a reservist like him, once he reaches the age, it will be easy to pass the military examination.
In every way, he was no different from a mature adult. The more Ningxia thought about it, the more suitable it seemed. She looked at Xiaojie and asked, "Are you sure you can do it?"
Xiao Jie smiled and nodded, "No problem, I'll find a piece of wood to build a bridge on the river. It will be close to this sister's house, so we can look after each other. Nothing will go wrong. Don't worry, go ahead, Sister Xia."
It will take another three or four months to finish patrolling the mountains this time, and he really likes staying with the two siblings of the Ning family.
Going into the mountains is just some old-fashioned project, but it will take a long time before we can see Sangsang again.
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