Volume One, Chapter 16: Act First, Report Later

Lin Xiao was acutely aware that this seemingly tranquil but actually perilous forest was fraught with hidden dangers. Bullets were like lifelines in the darkness; they were vital guarantees for survival and the key to turning dire situations around. Each bullet carried infinite possibilities. It represented a chance for self-rescue at the brink of life and death, a powerful force to stand firm against threats to protect the forest and the villagers.

With reverence and care, he gently touched the bullets. The cold, solid texture beneath his fingertips felt as if he were holding not just bullets, but the heavy trust and earnest expectations of the villagers. These bullets symbolized a solemn mission, reminding him of the great responsibility he bore.

He Qingshan stood nearby, rubbing his hands red from the cold, trying to warm himself. Exhaling a puff of white breath, he said, “He originally planned to deliver it himself, but it just so happened that early this morning there was a notice for a meeting—very urgent. He didn’t even have time to take a sip of water before rushing off.”

As He Qingshan spoke, a sudden realization clouded his face, his previously relaxed brows furrowing deeply in thought. After a moment, as if reassured of his own conclusion, he continued, “Oh, right. Your uncle said he’d try to use this meeting as an opportunity to apply for a new hunting rifle for you.”

“Really? Uncle actually said that?” Lin Xiao looked at He Qingshan in disbelief.

“Of course it’s true. Your uncle wouldn’t lie to you!” He Qingshan replied solemnly.

Your uncle said, “That rifle of yours, though it’s served well alongside your great-grandfather and earned many honors, it’s been through too many seasons—rain, wind, and years of use. The parts are worn out.”

Indeed! Lin Xiao thought. “If that thing fails at a critical moment, it could cost lives.”

He Qingshan added, “If you can get a new rifle, it’ll make guarding the forest much easier, right?”

“Your uncle’s been keeping your situation in mind all along, hoping to get you the best equipment so you can be safer in the woods,” he said.

Listening to He Qingshan’s words, Lin Xiao felt a warm current gently envelop his heart, his eyes moist with emotion. Excitedly, he said, “I never expected to get a new rifle. Uncle really thought this through. I won’t let you down—I’ll do my best as the forest guardian.”

“By the way, Uncle, this cabin is old and falling apart, full of drafts and unsafe. I was thinking of cutting some trees to fix it in a few days. Do you think Uncle would approve?” Lin Xiao frowned, pointing at the dilapidated cabin with a worried expression.

He Qingshan looked seriously at the cabin and said slowly, “This is a serious matter. Your uncle will agree. Though it’s public property, you’re the guardian now. You need a safe place to live so you can protect the forest properly.”

“Think about it: if something happens to you because your living conditions are unsafe, who’s going to guard the forest?”

Lin Xiao nodded but hesitated, saying, “I know it’s for the job, but Uncle is very principled. I’m afraid he won’t agree.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk to your uncle. If he doesn’t agree, I’ll take it up with the higher-ups. We’re not doing this for personal gain, just to do the guardian’s job well. They’ll understand,” He Qingshan reassured him, patting his shoulder.

“When you’re out patrolling, start cutting some trees up on the mountain to prepare. Once the approval comes through, I’ll get some villagers to help finish the repairs,” He Qingshan said quietly, a hint of mystery in his eyes.

“Is that okay? That’s acting first and reporting later!” Lin Xiao looked at He Qingshan in surprise, thinking he had never seen his uncle so bold before.

“Uncle, if we get caught, we’re in trouble. I might lose my job as guardian, and we three might be kicked out of the cabin with nowhere to live.”

“No problem. Now that the villagers know there are wolves on the mountain, no one dares to go up there. No one will notice!” He Qingshan waved off his concerns carelessly.

“Even if no one notices, I still feel uneasy. Let’s follow the proper procedures—apply first, then cut,” Lin Xiao remained concerned.

“Oh, you’re just too honest. Who knows how long the approval will take? It’s getting colder. You can’t spend the winter in that drafty cabin,” He Qingshan said impatiently.

He thought for a moment and added, “Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll prepare today, and tomorrow I’ll bring a big saw to help you cut the trees. The sooner we get the trees cut, the sooner we can fix the cabin so you, your mother, and Lin Xi can live comfortably.”

Lin Xiao hesitated but said, “Alright, Uncle, but we can’t cut too many trees—just enough to repair the cabin.”

“Heh, don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. We’re not going to cut indiscriminately, only what’s needed for the cabin,” He Qingshan said with a smile.

“Okay, Uncle, I’ll trust you. But we have to be careful,” Lin Xiao agreed reluctantly.

“Don’t worry, with me around, nothing will go wrong,” He Qingshan said confidently.

“Oh, since we’re fixing the cabin, I’d also like to repair the fence around the yard. What do you think?” Lin Xiao asked, glancing at the sparse, crooked fence.

He Qingshan nodded approvingly and laughed, “Hey, you’re quite the strategist. Of course, we should fix that too. You see, wolves have been very active lately. This broken fence won’t keep them out. If wolves sneak into the yard at night, it’ll be dangerous—you might not even sleep well.”

“Uncle, I know it needs fixing, but I’m worried that cutting more trees will make it harder to explain to your uncle,” Lin Xiao said anxiously, scratching his head.

He Qingshan thought for a moment and replied, “That’s a fair point. But we’re fixing the fence for safety. Cutting a few extra trees is reasonable. When I explain to your uncle, I’ll say that if the fence isn’t fixed, wolves could threaten the safety of you three.”

He frowned slightly as he spoke.

Lin Xiao remained hesitant. “Uncle, that’s true, but what if your uncle still refuses? After all, this is public forest land, and every blade of grass and tree must follow the rules.”

He Qingshan patted Lin Xiao’s shoulder comfortingly. “Don’t worry too much. I’ve known your uncle for years—I know his temper well. As long as we explain ourselves clearly, he’ll understand. And even if he refuses at first, I have ways. We’re not doing anything wrong.”

He grew serious. “But as guardians, protecting the forest is our top priority. We can’t let this matter break any rules. So, we’ll only cut trees that are already dead or crooked and hindering the growth of other trees. That way, we won’t harm the forest and will still get the materials needed for repairs.”

Lin Xiao thought silently, “If this isn’t breaking the rules, then what is?” but said nothing aloud.

He smiled and said, “Alright, Uncle. With you saying that, I feel reassured. We’ll do as you suggest.”