Volume One, Chapter 18: The Fox and the Rabbit

After settling everything, the two continued toward the forest’s logging area, retrieving the saw they had hidden earlier among the trees to begin their day’s labor.

Felling trees was no easy task; winter timber seemed especially tough, and each stroke of the saw demanded all their strength.

He Qingshan and Lin Xiao gripped the saw handles, each pulling in turn, the creaking sound echoing through the woods.

As time passed, one by one, the unsuitable trees slowly toppled.

“Uncle, let’s take a break. Sawing trees really takes a lot out of you,” Lin Xiao said, pausing to stretch his aching shoulders.

He Qingshan wiped the sweat from his brow. Despite the cold, his face was flushed from exertion.

Lin Xiao took out a water bottle and took a few sips. His body, heated like freshly baked bread, felt refreshed as the cool water flowed down like a clear spring over parched earth, soothing every dry, hot spot, a surge of relief electrifying his entire being.

After resting briefly, they resumed their logging. Unnoticed, the sun began to dip westward, painting the sky with brilliant sunset hues.

“Uncle, it’s getting late. We should head down the mountain and check if the traps and snares caught anything,” Lin Xiao suggested.

They packed up their tools and retraced their steps.

Upon reaching the spot where they had set the animal traps, they were pleasantly surprised to find one trap holding a fox, and another ensnaring a hare.

The fox’s fiery red fur shimmered in the fading sunlight, but it struggled painfully, its trapped hind leg bleeding profusely.

The hare was caught by the head, motionless—likely dead on the spot.

“Heh, we actually caught something. Looks like the fox chased the hare, and both got caught in the traps—mutual destruction,” He Qingshan said with a sigh as he surveyed the scene.

Lin Xiao approached the injured fox with a pang of pity. “Uncle, this fox is badly hurt. Let’s take it back and treat it.”

He Qingshan hesitated. “Of course we’ll treat the fox spirit, or do you plan to eat it?” he joked, bowing reverently to the creature.

“People these days are so superstitious!” Lin Xiao thought as he carefully loosened the trap, gently scooping up the fox.

The fox seemed to sense his kindness and ceased struggling, emitting only faint whimpers.

After He Qingshan finished his bow, he picked up the hare, and together they descended the mountain, heading home.

At home, Lin Xiao’s mother was surprised to see him carrying the fox. “Why did you bring back the fox spirit?”

Lin Xi, Lin Xiao’s younger sister, circled around the fox with delight, calling out, “Little fox, little fox!”

“Don’t call it that. That’s the fox spirit. Offending it would be terrible,” Lin Xiao cautioned.

He explained briefly and asked his mother to prepare warm water.

Gently placing the fox on the kang bed, Lin Xiao took out the medical kit and carefully examined its injuries.

The wound on the hind leg was raw and bloody, making Lin Xiao wince in pain.

He Yulan quickly fetched warm water and placed it by the bed.

Lin Xiao carefully cleaned the wound with warm water, removing blood and dirt. The fox trembled slightly, low whimpers escaping its lips.

“Don’t be afraid, little one. I’ll apply medicine now, and it won’t hurt after that,” Lin Xiao soothed softly.

As if understanding his words, the fox settled down.

He then sprinkled anti-inflammatory powder evenly over the wound and wrapped it carefully with clean gauze.

After tending the injury, Lin Xiao brought a bowl of warm water from the kitchen. He asked his mother to mince some leftover hare meat and offered it to the fox.

“Eat something. Only when you’re full will you have strength to heal.”

At first, the fox eyed Lin Xiao and the food warily, refusing to eat.

But perhaps driven by pain and hunger, it soon timidly licked the meat, then devoured it eagerly.

Watching the fox eat, Lin Xiao smiled with relief.

From then on, Lin Xiao cared for the fox diligently each day.

He changed its dressings on schedule, prepared food with care, and often spoke to it. Gradually, the fox grew familiar and no longer wary of him.

One day, Lin Xiao prepared to head up the mountain for his usual patrol and maintenance.

As he stepped outside, the fox he had saved and nurtured bounced joyfully in the yard.

Lin Xi’s eyes lit up at the lively sight, and she ran over excitedly, as if discovering a new world.

“Little fox, since brother’s not home today, let’s play together!” her clear voice rang through the yard.

The fox seemed to understand, circling happily around her, its bushy tail wagging like a lively feather duster.

The little girl giggled and gently stroked the fox’s head. Its soft fur slipped through her fingers, delightfully smooth.

She ran inside and returned with a small treat her brother had brought back from the black market but hadn’t finished, offering it to the fox.

“Little fox, this is really tasty. Try it!” she coaxed.

Tilting its head curiously, the fox sniffed, then licked the treat delicately. Clearly pleased, it began nibbling eagerly.

Seeing the fox enjoy the treat, the girl clapped her hands joyfully.

After finishing, the fox seemed playful. It crouched slightly on its front legs, raised its hindquarters high, eyes fixed on the girl, and uttered soft “woo-woo” sounds, as if inviting her to play.

The girl understood and laughed, running away. The fox followed eagerly, like a little shadow.

They chased each other around the yard, laughter and the fox’s lively calls mingling and echoing through the small courtyard.

After a while, tired from playing, the girl sat down on a small stool.

The fox didn’t stay idle either; it gently jumped onto her lap, curled into a ball, resting its head on her leg with eyes half-closed, savoring her gentle strokes.

As she caressed the fox, the girl softly recounted fairy tales her mother had told her. The fox occasionally lifted its head, looking at her with bright eyes as if truly listening.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with orange-red hues, Lin Xiao finished his day’s work and wearily returned home.

Before he could enter, he heard his sister’s joyful laughter and the familiar calls of the fox inside.

Pushing open the door, he smiled warmly at the heartwarming scene before him.

The fox, hearing the door open, immediately jumped down from the girl’s lap. Its once sprightly steps were now limping due to its old injury, but it paid no mind, eagerly rushing to Lin Xiao.

It rubbed affectionately against his legs, emitting soft “woo-woo” sounds, as if sharing the day’s longing.

Lin Xiao crouched down, gently stroking the fox’s head. “Little one, have you been good today?”

The fox seemed to understand, lifting its head and gazing at him with moist, trusting eyes full of affection and dependence.

Lin Xiao stood and went inside, the fox closely following, steps in sync, as if afraid he would leave again.