Names: Uncle Zhao Mengsheng, Father-in-law Pei Yihong

Everyone nodded in agreement and began to deal with the wolf.

Cheng Du, dragging a wolf along, exclaimed, "Tongwei, you're amazing! That shot was just in time, otherwise Zhao Ruilong would have been eaten by the wolf!"

Zhao Guoqiang, holding a military knife, disemboweled someone. "Platoon leader, excellent marksmanship, and your command is spot-on. My dad would definitely like a soldier like you."

"Thank you, brothers, and thank you all for your cooperation." Qi Tongwei picked up another military knife, cut the wolf meat, and roasted it on the iron rack of the campfire.

The firewood crackled and popped, and grease dripped from the pieces of meat, sizzling as it fell.

Before long, the rich aroma of meat filled the air, making everyone's stomachs rumble.

Zhao Ruilong, who was just moments ago terrified, immediately perked up at the smell of meat.

He huddled by the campfire, picked up a piece of half-cooked wolf meat, took a big bite, and mumbled, "Platoon leader, this wolf meat is alright, but it has a strange taste. It's a pity; it would be perfect with some wine!"

Before Qi Tongwei could speak, Zhao Guoqiang glanced at him, his military knife still moving: "Caterpillar, you're really something. You just escaped the jaws of a wolf and you're already thinking about drinking?"

As I recall, about two kilometers ahead, there's a villager's house. If you're so capable, try trading wolf meat for some wine."

Zhao Ruilong took a bite of wolf meat, patted his chest, and said confidently, "Deputy Platoon Leader Zhao, I'll go!"

What is there to be afraid of?

However, it's late at night, and it's dark in the mountains. It's not safe for me to go alone. I asked Chengdu to come with me!

That makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

If we encounter wolves, we can handle them.

If, unfortunately, one is eaten by wolves, at least the wolf can accompany one for a while.

Cheng Du immediately shook his head, utterly disgusted. "Caterpillar, I don't want to go with a coward like you. When we were fighting the wolves, who was so scared that they hid behind a rock and wouldn't come out?"

Don't hold me back again.

Qi Tongwei opened his military water bottle, took a small sip of water, and moistened his chapped lips. "Chengdu, you go with Ruilong. Be careful on the way."

Remember our principles: we will not take a single needle or thread from the people; any exchange for wine must be in the form of wolf meat; no taking advantage, and no causing trouble.

"Yes, platoon leader!" Cheng Du dared not disobey the order, rolled his eyes helplessly, picked up the wolf leg, glared at Zhao Ruilong, and said, "Let's go! Caterpillar, I'll go with you."

If you dare to try anything funny, I'll teach you a lesson!

Zhao Ruilong raised his chin smugly, picked up the flashlight, and asked, "Who's playing tricks?"

"Wait till I get back with the wine, then you'll all dare to laugh at me!"

Cheng Du reluctantly followed, and the two figures gradually disappeared into the night.

After the two left, Liu Hailong approached Qi Tongwei, scratched his head, and asked, "Platoon leader, how are you sure there are people living in these mountains?"

This is a desolate, wild place; there isn't even a proper road. It doesn't look like anyone lives here.

Qi Tongwei pointed to the distant mountains and forests. "Hailong, because there was smoke from the chimneys. Just this evening, I saw wisps of smoke rising from over there. Most people in the mountains live near the mountains, so if there's smoke, there must be someone living there."

Liu Hailong suddenly realized, slapped his forehead, and said, "So that's how it is!"

"Platoon leader, you're so observant! How come I didn't notice?"

Zhao Guoqiang turned the wolf meat over the campfire. "Hailong, slowly accumulate this experience. Anyway, that caterpillar isn't sleepy, give him something to do so he won't keep chattering and bothering people."

Besides, I think it won't be easy for him to get the wine. Even though it's only two kilometers, the terrain in these mountains is complex, with many forks in the road. I estimate it will take them a long time to find the place.

Guo Fendou leaned against a rock, gnawing on wolf meat, and grinned mischievously. "Platoon leader, deputy platoon leader, you guys are really clever. On the surface, you're sending him to exchange for wine, but in reality, you're giving him work to do and tempering his temper."

In my opinion, Zhao Ruilong, this pampered young master, is completely incapable of enduring the hardships of military life. He should be kicked out of our ranks to avoid affecting everyone else.

Qi Tongwei shook his head. "Don't say that. Now that he's put on this uniform, he's our comrade-in-arms. No matter what he was like before, as long as he's willing to work hard and change, he can fight alongside us."

Let's wait and see if he can improve.

Everyone nodded in agreement and said no more.

While roasting the wolf meat, he cautiously observed his surroundings.

The camp returned to quiet.

Only the crackling of the campfire and the occasional chirping of insects from the forest remained.

the other side.

Zhao Ruilong and Cheng Du walked along, their steps uneven.

The mountain path was rugged and uneven, covered with gravel and weeds, making it extremely difficult to walk.

Not long after they started walking, Zhao Ruilong began to complain, "Why is it so far?"

"Didn't you say it was only two kilometers? I think we've walked almost five kilometers already, and we still haven't seen the villager's house!"

Cheng Du walked ahead, gripping his gun and cautiously observing his surroundings.

Hearing Zhao Ruilong's complaint, he retorted without turning his head: "You're asking me? Who should I ask?"

Who was it that just patted their chest and said they would go and exchange the wine, and that they wouldn't go back if they couldn't get the wine?

You're complaining after walking such a short distance.

If you don't want to leave, then hurry back. Nobody's forcing you.

Zhao Ruilong was speechless after being rebuked, but he patted his chest defiantly and said, "Chengdu, let's go! Who's afraid of who?"

Now that I'm out here today, I'm determined to get some alcohol, so you won't laugh at me for being a coward or for being incompetent!

After saying that, Zhao Ruilong quickened his pace and rushed forward a few steps, but he didn't notice the loose stones under his feet and almost tripped, which drew a sneer from Cheng Du.

The two walked for another hour or so. Just when Zhao Ruilong was about to give up, Cheng Du suddenly stopped, raised his hand to signal Zhao Ruilong to be quiet, and said in a low voice, "Don't talk, something's not right!"

Zhao Ruilong was startled by Cheng Du's actions. He immediately stopped, held his breath, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Are there wolves?

Cheng Du shook his head and pointed to a spot not far ahead, "Look over there, there's a courtyard built against the mountain, it's a bit too big."

It doesn't look like an ordinary villager's home.

"Besides, there are sentries around the yard, so quickly turn off your flashlight so you don't get spotted!"

"Okay." Zhao Ruilong quickly turned off the flashlight, a little nervous.

Looking in the direction Cheng Du pointed, there was a courtyard on the hillside not far away.

The yard was surrounded by barbed wire, and two tall men stood at the gate, holding guns and pacing back and forth warily.

The lights were still on in the courtyard, and you could vaguely see several figures moving around inside. A strange, unpleasant smell wafted through the air.

Cheng Du quietly pulled Zhao Ruilong behind a big tree and observed carefully for a while. "Ruilong, this is bad. This isn't a fellow villager's house. Judging from this, it's probably a drug trafficking den!"

Look at the guns they're holding, and the commotion in the yard—something's definitely not right!"