Chapter 57: A Short Stake Cannot Tether a Braying Donkey

This bird was not beaten to death; it was scared to death. Zhang Tiejun slowly walked up to Qian Dadan and snatched the lone wild goose from his grip. This kind of southbound wild goose migrates collectively every autumn, traversing the Siberian wilderness along the way. Wild geese are social animals, and very few survive alone. Since this goose appeared here, it means it must have fallen behind during the journey. Now that spring has arrived, this goose probably endured the entire long winter all by itself. Living alone and constantly on edge is difficult even for a person, let alone a wild goose.

As he said this, Zhang Tiejun pointed with his finger to the old-fashioned flintlock rifle slung across his back. This kind of old rifle has a short range and weak firepower; a single layer of wooden plank can stop it. These are all drawbacks, but the most significant flaw is the loud noise. During normal hunting, I only get one chance to shoot, and an agile beast would never give me a second shot. However, everything has its pros and cons. Just judging by the gunshot a moment ago, the massive smoke and the explosive sound were enough to frighten a solitary wild goose to death. If you still don't believe me, senior, you can slice open the goose's chest right now and see if its heart doesn't look a bit different.

Though deeply suspicious, Qian Dadan nevertheless resolved to cut open the goose's chest, finding the compressed and shriveled internal organs beneath a thick layer of heart-protecting meat.

Kid, you really know your stuff. Qian Dadan tossed the wild goose to Zhang Tiejun's feet. I didn't expect you to be able to turn the tables in a situation like this. But petty cleverness is useless in the face of absolute strength. In this line of work, ruthlessness is everything. I may have lost, but I still want the prize, yet I'm unwilling to hand over the goods. What do you plan to do about that?

Several hunting dogs that had been resting on the ground with their eyes closed immediately flattened their bodies, baring their teeth and barking furiously at Zhang Tiejun. Even the severely injured goshawk kept flapping its wings violently.

Senior, that's a rather dull way of putting it. Is there really any need to pull this kind of stunt between us? The moment Zhang Tiejun finished speaking, he raised his hand, the dark muzzle of his Colt revolver pressing firmly against Qian Dadan's head. I am definitely taking the goods today, whether you agree or not.

Dogs possess spiritual awareness, and the hounds sensed that their master was under threat, immediately forming a tight circle around Zhang Tiejun, waiting only for Qian Dadan's command to tear him to pieces.

It seems my precious babies don't want you to leave either, Qian Dadan said coldly.

Is that so? Well, then I suppose there's no help for it. I do wonder, though, if they would be interested in feeding on their own master's corpse. Right now, my gun is pressed against your head, and in less than a second, everything you own will vanish into thin air, Zhang Tiejun stated with absolute certainty. Are you sure you won't reconsider?

Qian Dadan curved the corners of his mouth slightly. Having walked the underworld for so many years, plenty of people have dared to point guns at my head, but very few have managed to take what they wanted from me and leave alive.

Well, then I should consider myself honored. I might not be the first, but I'll certainly be the last. Zhang Tiejun tilted the barrel upward slightly. Their eyes locked, and he continued in an unyielding tone, How about it? Care to try? I'm afraid the name Dadan will completely vanish from the Guandong Mountains.

While the two were locked in a stalemate, Zhao Ningning, who had been hiding for a long time, suddenly sprang out from the bushes. Before either of them could react, she rushed forward and threw open the iron cage. Regaining its freedom, little Dunzi leaped out with all its fours and bounded straight into Zhao Ningning's arms.

With a nod and confirmation from Zhang Tiejun, Zhao Ningning did not hesitate for a second and ran straight toward the mountain path.

Hehe, looks like both of us are going to live today.

Kid, you've got quite a few tricks up your sleeve, and you hide them deep. I really didn't see that coming, Qian Dadan praised. That young woman your wife?

Not quite, just a friend.

Well, you two share quite the devoted friendship if she's willing to let you risk your life for her.

What life or no life? Who are we? We make our living in the Guandong Mountains. Some things are obvious enough without even needing to think about them—you can't lose face. Zhang Tiejun smiled.

Fine, kid, you caught a lucky break this time. Qian Dadan actually wore a rather appreciative smile. I concede defeat today, but the green mountains remain and the flowing waters endure.

Even after hearing Qian Dadan's words, Zhang Tiejun did not lower his guard in the slightest. He stepped backward, step by step, keeping his gun trained steadily on Qian Dadan.

It wasn't until Zhang Tiejun had departed that the hounds moved to pursue and tear him apart, only to be stopped by Qian Dadan.

Forget it. Everyone has only one life, and this kid has some backbone. Since we lost, we accept the loss, Qian Dadan remarked with lingering admiration. It seems the Guandong Mountains are going to get lively from now on. This mountain peak might not actually be able to hold such an untamed wild stallion.

Sitting in an old-fashioned single-seater sofa, Zhang Tiejun stared blankly at the crackling, burning fireplace before him.

Thank you so much for today, Zhao Ningning said, walking over from the kitchen. Freshly brewed tea.

Thanks. Accepting the cup from Zhao Ningning's hands, Zhang Tiejun took a steady sip. The slightly fragrant green tea, steeped in warm water, stimulated his throat and cerebral cortex.

Zhao Ningning stood quietly to the side, studying Zhang Tiejun. The reddish glow of the fireplace reflected on their faces, creating a warm ambiance.

How is little Dunzi? Zhang Tiejun asked, glancing at his own hands, which still bore traces of blood.

The wounds on its body aren't serious. I think it will be fine after a few days of rest, Zhao Ningning replied.

Zhang Tiejun praised approvingly, Judging by how skillfully you bandaged it just now, have you studied veterinary medicine?

Zhao Ningning paused, a blush appearing on her fair face. My family used to raise calves and lambs. Sometimes when my grandfather was up on the mountain and the little animals fell sick, I was usually the one responsible for caring for them.

Where is little Dunzi now? Zhang Tiejun inquired.

I've settled it in the attic, but it's such a pity. Zhao Ningning paused, adding, It's truly tragic; its babies must have perished.

Foxes are extremely cautious, a vigilance often described as cunning. Without the mother fox to nurse them, young kits rarely survive more than three days.

And where is your grandfather? To steer Zhao Ningning away from her sorrow, Zhang Tiejun changed the subject. Why haven't I seen him today, seeing as it's the second day of the Lunar New Year?