When Da Niu saw Grandpa Gu, a joyful smile appeared on his honest face. He quickly put down his work and respectfully came forward to greet him.
"Uncle Gu, why did you come out?" Da Niu scratched his head and asked nervously.
Grandpa Gu patted Da Niu's shoulder with a smile and said kindly, "Take Young Master Li around. If you give us the pheasant, your stepmother will probably scold you."
Da Niu scratched his head and smiled shyly.
The "she" he was referring to was his stepmother, the woman his father had married a few years earlier.
Since his stepmother entered the family, Da Niu's life has indeed become somewhat difficult, especially after she gave birth to his younger brother and sister, his status in the family has declined further and further.
However, Da Niu shook his head firmly and said in a low voice, "No, she doesn't know. I even keep it from my father."
Although Da Niu is a bit shy, he doesn't want Uncle Gu to worry.
Li Xi watched as Da Niu set up the trap, and was impressed by his skillful technique and agile movements.
Although Da Niu is not good with words, his diligence and competence are impressive.
"Brother Da Niu, I acted too impulsively just now and accidentally hurt your shoulder. I'm really sorry."
Li Xi sincerely apologized and handed him a bottle of liniment, saying, "This liniment is something I prepared especially for you. It's said to be very effective, and I hope it will help with your injuries."
Da Niu waved his hand repeatedly to refuse, "No need, I'm fine, I'm thick-skinned and can't be hurt."
Seeing that he refused to accept it, I knew in my heart that he was probably just being polite or didn't want me to feel too guilty.
She insisted, "Brother Da Niu, please accept it. This bottle of liniment isn't anything precious, but it's a token of my appreciation. It's good to have it on hand."
He hesitated for a moment, then finally accepted the liniment and said in a low voice, "Then thank you very much, Young Master Li."
Seeing that Grandpa Gu was restless, Li Xi knew he was worried about his grandson, so she suggested, "Grandpa Gu, why don't you go back first? I want to discuss hunting with Brother Da Niu."
She discovered that although Da Niu appeared honest and simple, he was actually quick-witted and good at thinking, so she really wanted to have a deeper conversation with him.
Hearing Li Xi's words, Old Master Gu felt somewhat relieved. Seeing this, he went back home with peace of mind.
"Brother Da Niu, your hunting trap is truly ingenious! Where did you learn it from?" Li Xi asked curiously, his eyes gleaming with admiration for the trap.
This design is truly admirable, as it neither harms the prey nor prevents them from escaping.
Li Xi's tone was full of recognition of Da Niu's wisdom; she genuinely wanted to understand the wisdom and skills behind the trap.
Looking at Li Xi's serious and curious eyes, Da Niu couldn't help but feel a little smug.
He scratched his head, a slightly shy smile appearing on his face.
Then he explained, "Actually, this trap isn't anything special. I learned it from my grandfather when I was a child. He taught me how to design this trap so that it can catch the prey without seriously injuring them. Over the years, I've been constantly improving and perfecting it myself."
When his grandfather is mentioned, his thoughts always drift back to the days he spent with him, days that, like brilliant stars, illuminated the sky of his life.
However, his grandfather's passing last year left an irreparable void in his heart.
He silently took a deep breath, trying to bury this longing and sorrow deep in his heart.
Li Xi thought of something and tried to change the subject, "Brother Da Niu, I wonder if you could take me for a walk in the deep mountains? I haven't had any wild game in a long time, and I'd like to stretch my muscles."
Upon hearing Li Xi's suggestion, Da Niu immediately perked up and became full of energy. "Okay, I've been wanting to go to the deep mountains for a long time, let's go and have a look together! But you have to stick close to me, there are many wild animals in the deep mountains, so be careful."
Looking at Li Xi's slender figure, he thought that this young master must come from a wealthy family and might not be familiar with the deep mountains and forests. He had to ensure his safety.
The two moved swiftly, and in less than half an hour, they had already penetrated deep into the heart of the mountains.
All around were towering trees that reached into the clouds, their dense foliage blocking most of the sunlight, leaving only dappled light and shadow on the ground.
The air was filled with the damp scent of earth, and occasionally the chirping of birds and insects could be heard from afar, giving one a sense of primitiveness and mystery.
Da Niu's eyes were as sharp as an owl's, scanning his surroundings warily.
In these deep mountains, there are not only bears and mountain kings, but also cunning wolf packs.
He gripped the wooden stick tightly, ready to deal with any potential danger, while reminding Li Xi beside him to stay alert.
Faced with absolute power, all unknown dangers vanish like a thin mist.
Just then, a rustling sound came from the grass.
He immediately turned his head alertly and saw a rabbit poking its head out of the grass, its two big ears standing up, curiously looking at them.
He breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, "It seems our deterrent effect is quite strong; even the rabbits were scared out of their wits."
Li Xi also laughed, which eased the tense atmosphere a little.
However, just as they lowered their guard, there was movement again from the bushes.
This time, the voice was even deeper, as if something was slowly approaching.
His heart tightened, and he immediately gripped the stick tightly, looking warily into the bushes.
Li Xi's fingers unconsciously reached for the hilt of the sword at her waist, only to find it empty before she realized she hadn't brought it with her.
The two kept their eyes glued to the bushes, afraid of missing any movement.
From the grass, a dark shadow silently emerged—it was a magnificent wild boar. Its eyes gleamed with ferocity as it charged straight at them.
Da Niu was taken aback and hurriedly swung his wooden stick to meet the attack.
The wild boar was incredibly fast, and in an instant it was in front of the bull.
The wooden stick collided with the wild boar's tusks, producing a deafening crash. Da Niu felt a tremendous force, and was thrown backward, crashing heavily to the ground.
Seeing this, Li Xi quickly stepped forward to help Da Niu up. Da Niu struggled to his feet, a look of terror on his face: "This wild boar is too big, I'm afraid we can't handle it."
Although he didn't have a sword, Li Xi remained calm. He quickly picked up a large rock from the ground and smashed it into the wild boar's eyes. The boar squealed in pain and turned to run away.
Trying to run? Not so easy. She grabbed a fallen stick and chased after the wild boar.
Seeing this, Da Niu quickly grabbed a stick and followed. The two of them joined forces to attack the wild boar, flanking it from both sides, gradually cornering it.
The wild boar roared angrily, turned and charged at Li Xi, attempting to knock her down with brute force. Her heart tightened, but she didn't panic. She nimbly leaped aside, avoiding the boar's charge.
At the same time, he slammed the wooden stick in his hand hard onto the wild boar's back.
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