Chapter 142

In the 1970s, although guns were not banned and hunting was not prohibited, firearms were not as easy to buy as cabbage; you couldn't just get them whenever you wanted.

First, there is some control; generally in mountainous areas where hunting is needed to protect the village, controls are looser, allowing one to apply for firearms, most of which are ordinary hunting rifles.

Second, the price: a rifle costs several hundred to over a thousand yuan, not something ordinary people can afford.

Facing the arriving sub-bureau comrade, Lu Cheng firmly avoided mentioning the rifle, only recounting the misfortunes he'd encountered along the way.

The sub-bureau comrade said: "It's fine, Group Leader Lu, we'll give you the coat and such; later we'll take that horse to the farm and haul it away."

"Alright, thanks for your trouble; if there's nothing else, I'll board the train now." Lu Cheng was about to get on when the sub-bureau comrade immediately grabbed him.

Lu Cheng asked: "Is there anything else?"

The sub-bureau comrade spread his hands: "Where's the rifle? Other supplies can be lost, but I came mainly to take the rifle back."

Sure enough, he came for the rifle! Lu Cheng scratched his head, pretending not to remember: "Rifle? What rifle?"

The sub-bureau comrade's face fell at once: "I'm telling you, Group Leader Lu, don't joke with me; if the rifle isn't returned to storage, I'll face disciplinary action."

As the sub-bureau comrade spoke, he also produced a record sheet of the rifle's issuance: "Group Leader Lu, black on white—your signature is right there."

Lu Cheng slapped his forehead: "Ah, I remember now—there indeed was a rifle, but it fell into the ditch together with those supplies; why don't you send someone to look for it quickly? Maybe it can still be found."

The sub-bureau comrade glanced at the wolf skin lying on the ground nearby and simply didn't believe it.

Seeing his doubt, Lu Cheng said: "Oh, that's a wolf killed by a hunter; it saved us at the time. As for the rifle, it really fell into the ditch—don't you believe me? Ask Da Kui? Da Kui, didn't we lose the rifle we brought?"

Lu Cheng deliberately emphasized his tone, but Da Kui just shook his head.

"I didn't lose it; you just told me to hide it earlier—it's in this pack, Group Leader Lu. Have you forgotten?"

"I…"

Lu Cheng really wanted to go up and kick him; you couldn't tell from his tone whether he was being light or heavy!

Seeing Da Kui pull the rifle out again, Lu Cheng could only force a smile: "Heh, just joking, don't be so serious."

Since the rifle had been released by Director Tang, that person couldn't well say anything.

After that person left, Niu Da Kui boasted: "Group Leader Lu, look, I didn't forget—awesome, right?"

Lu Cheng took a deep breath and kicked Da Kui in the butt.

Because time was lost at Gongzhuling, the train only stopped at the platform for twenty minutes before continuing north to Ha City.

Upon seeing Liu Jian'an and the others, Da Kui produced the melon seeds, peanuts, twisted dough sticks, pastries, dried fruits, etc., and shared them with everyone.

Along the way, what met the eye was mostly vast snowy plains.

No wonder other teams don't want to come to the Jingha Line—it really feels cold enough to freeze your ears; exaggerating a bit, you'd need a stick to defecate.

When the train pulls into a station, you have to hammer the door open; otherwise it won't budge, and the door gaps are filled with frost.

During the two days spent in Ha City, Lu Cheng didn't even leave the dormitory—it was simply too cold; better to stay bundled in blankets inside, playing cards with Liu Jian'an and the others.

Five days later, back in the Capital City, the sky unexpectedly began to drift with fine snowflakes.

Si Jiu Cheng, it started to snow.

This year's snow is falling a bit early.

Lu Cheng withdrew his gaze from the gloomy sky, lifted his foot and had just stepped into the Da Za Yuan when Sun Yanrong waved at him.

"Lu Cheng, you've come—come inside."

Lu Cheng was a little surprised; it's still daytime—how could she be so forward!

It just so happened that on this return trip he was indeed exhausted; having someone loosen his muscles and bones couldn't be better.

After entering the room, Lu Cheng glanced around; Sun Yanrong knew what he was looking at.

"It's snowing today; Da Hu took Er Ya out to play in the snow."

I don't know why Sun Yanrong is so happy today; moreover, she boldly let him come inside.

"Lu Cheng, hurry and sit; I'll pour you some water—you must be worn out."

"Sister Yanrong, don't bother; I'm not thirsty." Lu Cheng flopped onto the bed—what water, just wasting time.

Sun Yanrong then stopped her chores, set down the thermos, walked to the bedside, reached out with both hands, and began to knead Lu Cheng's waist.

"Is this pressure okay?" Sun Yanrong knew he liked it firm, so she increased the force as soon as she started.

Lu Cheng wore an expression of enjoyment: "Fine. You called me inside in broad daylight today—do you have something on your mind?"

"Nothing much, just wanted to thank you." Sun Yanrong's hand paused briefly, then she continued.

"I can now go to work at the agricultural machinery repair factory; a person named Chief Editor Cai came to inform me, and he specifically said you asked him to arrange it."

Lu Cheng glanced back: "It's done? That fast?"

Sun Yanrong nodded: "The factory formalities were completed the day before yesterday; yesterday I even went to work a full day."

One can see that Sun Yanrong is very happy; she can't restrain her delight when she speaks.

After all, the agricultural machinery repair factory is a state-owned big enterprise—an iron rice bowl.

Sun Yanrong had been looking forward to this day for several years.

Lu Cheng reached out and patted Sun Yanrong's thigh twice.

"Then congratulations—do a good job."

Sun Yanrong stopped massaging his waist, lowered her head, and said: "Lu Cheng, thank you so much; I never imagined this could actually be done."

"What's there to thank? You deserved the position anyway."

Sun Yanrong shook her head: "No, one thing at a time—you helped me a great deal, so saying thanks is appropriate; I still feel it's not enough."

Lu Cheng patted his waist, signaling her to continue: "We've said don't be polite; besides, Da Hu often calls me dad, so I can't let him call me that for nothing."

Hearing that, Sun Yanrong twisted his waist spot, and Lu Cheng instantly winced in pain.

"Hey, Sister Yanrong, I just helped you out big time—you can't repay kindness with enmity."

Sun Yanrong pursed her lips and smiled: "Who made you always let my son call you dad? He's still young; what if he takes it seriously?"

Lu Cheng said indifferently: "If he really believes it, we'll just go through with it together—I'm as strong as an ox, and I don't mind having more wives."

Sun Yan Hong gave him a look: "As soon as I mention you, you're out of line. Qing Yan is so pretty, yet you're still thinking about marrying several more—are you guys all like that..."

"Lu Cheng, Lu Cheng!"

Sun Yan Hong was halfway through her words when Lu Ying's voice sounded from the courtyard.

Upon hearing it was his sister, Lu Cheng hurriedly scrambled to his feet.

"Oh no, it's probably my sister seeing I've come back—I need to hurry home."

Seeing Lu Cheng's flustered appearance, Sun Yan Hong couldn't help laughing out loud.

"I thought you feared nothing heaven or earth, but it turns out you also have someone you're afraid of."

Lu Cheng ignored the teasing, put on his shoes and ran out; as soon as he reached Chuihua Gate, Lu Ying grabbed his ear.