Chapter 204: Village Brothers Reunite: The Hunting Squad's New Mission

In the early morning, Shanwan Village already felt a bit cool; the distant mountains were like ink‑wash, and cooking smoke curled.

Lu Qingshan opened his eyes; beside him, Lin Yue'e was still asleep, the warmth of last night's long‑awaited reunion still leaving a satisfied rosy glow on her face.

He got up quietly, Lu Qingshan walked to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast. At Xiao Xue's age, she is still growing, so nutrition must keep up. He cut two heads of lettuce from the garden, fetched a few fresh eggs from the kitchen, whisked a batter, and prepared to make a simple large pancake rolled with egg, then a dumpling soup.

"Dad, what are you doing?" Xiao Xue rubbed her eyes and ran out of the room, her hair a mess, like a little bird's nest.

"Making breakfast for my little princess," Lu Qingshan crouched down, tidied his daughter's hair, "What do you want to eat today?"

"I want dad's fried egg!" Xiao Xue clapped her little hands, "And sweet milk!"

At that moment, Lin Yue'e also got up, and seeing the father and daughter busy in the kitchen, a warm current rose in her heart. Such days are what she has always dreamed of.

"Qing Shan, let me do it," Lin Yue'e walked over, wanting to take the spatula.

"I'll take today; you were tired all day yesterday," Lu Qingshan said gently, "From now on in Capital City, you'll be a young lady, no need to work in the kitchen."

"What 'young lady'? You make it sound like I can't work," Lin Yue'e blushed, gave him a light tap.

The three of them ate breakfast happily, and Lu Qingshan suddenly remembered something: "Yue E, today I'll take Xiao Xue to kindergarten; you handle the factory matters first, and I'll go for a walk around the village."

"Alright, I'll go to the plant first," Lin Yue'e nodded, "The accounts really need to be organized, can't make mistakes."

After breakfast, Lu Qingshan drove the Tiger-Head Ben to take Xiao Xue to kindergarten. This vehicle is unique in Shanwan Village, and it attracted countless villagers' gawks along the way.

"Xiao Xue, listen to the teacher at kindergarten and play nicely with the other kids," Lu Qingshan said as he dropped his daughter at the kindergarten gate, "Dad will pick you up this afternoon."

"Okay, Dad!" Xiao Xue gave him a kiss on the cheek and hopped away into kindergarten.

Back home, Lu Qingjun and four bodyguards were tidying the side room; when they saw Lu Qingshan return, Lu Qingjun said somewhat embarrassed, "Second brother, we haven't had breakfast yet."

"Let's go eat at the plant canteen," Lu Qingshan smiled, "They have dedicated chefs, tastier than what I make."

A few got into the vehicle heading to the factory; Lu Qingjun sat in the passenger seat, curiously asking, "Second brother, what did you talk about with sister‑in‑law yesterday? She seems more refined than before."

"Yue E is now the chief financial officer, overseeing the accounts of three plants, so of course she's refined," Lu Qingshan said proudly, "My wife is very smart, learns anything quickly."

When they arrived at the factory canteen and just sat down, a familiar voice was heard.

"Ah, isn't this Qing Ge?" Liu Fugui came over holding a rice bowl, his face full of excitement, "I heard you came back yesterday; we all wanted to see you!"

"Fugui!" Lu Qingshan stood up, patted the clever youngster, "How have you been lately?"

"Great!" Liu Fugui grinned, "Now I'm in charge of the village's procurement, getting a salary each month, much better than before."

At that moment, Tie Zhu also came over; the stout, honest big guy was still the same, but his spirits were much better than before.

"Qing Shan Ge, you finally came back!" Tie Zhu said in a deep voice, "People in the village say you made a fortune on Hong Kong Island."

"Sit down and talk," Lu Qingshan called, "Where are Er Zhuang and the others?"

"Over there!" Liu Fugui pointed to the corner, "Er Zhuang, Zhao Qiang, Zhao Fei, Zhao Lei are all here."

Soon, everyone gathered around; the original hunting squad had reunited. These people now all have proper jobs, and their demeanor has improved a lot compared to before.

"Qing Shan Ge, you have no idea how much the village has changed," Er Zhuang said excitedly, "Every household has work now, no longer worried about food and clothing."

"Indeed, before we could only rely on hunting to supplement the household, now we have proper jobs, and our wives and children share the blessings," Zhao Qiang added.

Lu Qingshan looked at these brothers, feeling a warm current in his heart. These people were his companions during the toughest times, and now being able to enjoy good days meant everything.

"By the way, Qing Shan Ge, how long do you plan to stay this time?" Zhao Fei asked.

"It depends, we'll see," Lu Qingshan took a bite of vegetables, "In two days I'll take Yue E and Xiao Xue to Capital City to meet my parents."

"To Capital City?" The others' eyes lit up.

"Yes, my parents have long wanted to see them," Lu Qingshan nodded, "We'll stay there for a while as well."

"Qing Shan Ge, you're a big shot now," Liu Fugui said enviously, "We country folk can only loaf around in the village."

"Don't say that; everyone has their own place," Lu Qingshan said seriously, "The village's affairs are equally important; without your support, I wouldn't feel at ease outside."

After breakfast, Lu Qingshan took Lu Qingjun and the bodyguards to the village committee. Zhao Yongnian and Zhao Dazhi were discussing something; when they saw Lu Qingshan arrive, both stood up immediately.

"Qing Shan, you finally came back!" Zhao Yongnian said excitedly, shaking Lu Qingshan's hand, "Everyone in the village has been waiting for your return."

"Uncle Zhao, Captain Zhao, thank you for your hard work," Lu Qingshan said respectfully.

"What hardship? We should be thanking you," Zhao Dazhi patted Lu Qingshan's shoulder, "If it weren't for you, the village wouldn't have today's changes."

At that moment, Zhao Laonian also came in from outside, and upon seeing Lu Qingshan, his face broke into a long‑missed smile.

"Qing Shan, you're back," Zhao Laonian said simply, but his gratitude was evident in his eyes.

"Uncle Laonian, how's your health?" Lu Qingshan asked with concern.

"I'm fine, now I have work every day and a salary, much better than before," Zhao Laonian nodded.

The four sat together, and Zhao Yongnian said emotionally, "Qing Shan, you have no idea how completely the village has changed. Young people all have jobs, salaries, prospects. Middle‑aged and older folks also have work, either farming or aquaculture, no longer the days of laboriously planting grain for work points."

"Indeed, all this change is thanks to Qing Shan," Zhao Dazhi continued, "The villagers say Qing Shan is our benefactor."

"You gentlemen are flattering me," Lu Qingshan waved his hand quickly, "They all took me in when I was at my toughest, so anything they do is only natural."

"You kid, that's humility," Zhao Yongnian laughed, "Tell us, what are your plans this time back?"

Lu Qingshan paused, then said, "I have an idea in Capital City, to run a specialty market business. I need to select a few capable people to be stationed there permanently, not sure what the uncles think."

"Specialty market?" Zhao Dazhi's eyes lit up, "That's a good idea. Our village now has so many good things, indeed should be promoted to a larger market."

"I think the same," Lu Qingshan nodded, "Capital City has a large population and strong purchasing power, a perfect opportunity."

Zhao Dazhi thought for a moment, then said, "I think we can send a few members of the hunting squad. They've been with you for a long time, know the roots, and are clever."

"The farming and aquaculture matters, leave them to Laonian and me, no problem," Zhao Dazhi patted his chest, "We already have plenty of experience in this area."

"As for procurement and sales, they're already on track," Zhao Yongnian continued, "We can have Zhao Fei and Fugui rotate daily, so it won't disrupt the plant's business and will keep the Capital City trade attended."

"You uncles have thought this through thoroughly, just as I did; let's arrange it that way," Lu Qingshan said, satisfied, nodding.

"Then exactly when does it start?" Zhao Dazhi asked.

"We'll start preparing once I return from Capital City," Lu Qingshan said, "First finalize the personnel, then begin training."

"Alright, I'll go find them to discuss right away," Zhao Dazhi got up and said.