Chapter 88: The Long‑Desired Red Book: The Hunter's Glory

The phone ring shattered the quiet of early morning, and Zhao Laonian shuffled his shoes as he walked to Lu Qingshan's house looking for him.

"Lu Qingshan! Qing Shan! Captain Chen of the County Public Security Bureau called, telling you to hurry to the county seat—there's an urgent matter!"

Lu Qingshan was drying herbs and mushrooms under a shed when he heard it; his face jolted, he set his tools down, and hurried forward, taking three steps in two.

"Uncle Laonian, what did Captain Chen say?"

"He didn't say what it was, just told you to rush to the county seat; you'll know when you get there," Zhao Laonian shook his head. "You kid are really in demand now— the county's Public Security Captain called you personally!"

Lu Qingshan hurriedly gave Lin Yue'e a few instructions, then grabbed the worn "Hunting Manual", skipped breakfast and sprinted toward the town's bus station.

Lin Yue'e ran out a few steps, holding a steaming bun in her hand: "Qing Shan, have a bite before you go!"

"Eat when I get back!" Lu Qingshan shouted without turning his head, and his figure vanished quickly at the village entrance.

Boarding a passing carriage, Lu Qingshan chewed the dry rations he brought from home, pondering the sudden summons—could it be that the gun permit matter finally had a lead? An old farmer traveling nearby, seeing his furrowed brow, asked curiously: "Young fellow, what urgent business are you handling in the city?"

"I'm going to see someone at the Public Security Bureau," Lu Qingshan replied briefly.

The farmer, startled, shifted aside: "You haven't gotten into trouble, have you?"

Lu Qingshan couldn't help laughing: "Just meeting a friend, doing a good thing."

Since meeting Chen Zhiguo last year, Lu Qingshan has been planning to apply for a hunting permit and a gun permit.

Having a proper hunting rifle not only boosts hunting efficiency but also ensures safety, unlike last time when he fought wild boars desperately.

For months he asked Chen Zhiguo to pull strings, submitted the application, and even brought a few fine ginseng roots and two precious beast hides to the county as a gift, all for this purpose.

The bus jolted over the uneven, pothole‑riddled dirt road, but Lu Qingshan couldn't calm his mind, only hoping to reach the county seat soon.

The distant mountain silhouettes twisted a few more bends, and the county seat was in sight, yet sweat beaded on Lu Qingshan's palms. This gun permit tied to his future plans could not tolerate any slip.

"Brother Chen, you called for me?" Lu Qingshan stood at the County Public Security Bureau entrance, straightening his collar and posture.

When Chen Zhiguo saw him enter, his face instantly broke into a smile: "Brother Qing Shan, perfect timing!"

Inside, Section Chief Li of the Armed Forces Department was seated, and Lu Qingshan quickly greeted: "Hello, Section Chief Li."

"Comrade Lu Qingshan," Section Chief Li surveyed him from head to toe, "so capable at such a young age; folks in the county and towns say you're a great hunter, good at business, and you lead the villagers toward prosperity. Not bad, not bad!"

Chen Zhiguo pulled two red‑leather small books from the drawer and placed them on the table: "Qing Shan, the documents have been approved; take a look yourself!"

Lu Qingshan picked one up and his hand trembled—a "Hunting Rifle Possession Permit" and a "Hunting Permit", each clearly stamped with the bold characters "Lu Qingshan" and a vivid red Official Seal.

"Is... this real?" he said, unable to believe it, flipping the pages repeatedly. The permit felt heavy in his hand, heavier than three jin of pork.

Chen Zhiguo laughed loudly: "Absolutely true! Now you're one of the few certified hunters in our county!"

"I have to thank Captain Chen and Section Chief Li for their mentorship," Lu Qingshan said, his emotions stirring as he clutched the documents tightly.

Section Chief Li took a sip of tea and smiled: "Comrade Lu Qingshan, this wasn't just pulled through connections. The county reviewed your case and found that you lead villagers in economic development, assist the Public Security authorities in solving cases, and maintain local security—outstanding performance. This is what you deserve!"

"Indeed, Brother Qing Shan," Chen Zhiguo patted his shoulder, eyes full of praise. "In the past six months, not only have you led villagers to hunt and prosper, but you've also repeatedly reported abnormal mountain conditions, helping us crush two poaching nests. The higher‑ups have taken notice."

"And that's not all," Section Chief Li continued, "the Armed Forces Department plans to recommend you for this year's county‑wide militia training—make a good impression."

"Really?" Lu Qingshan's eyes lit up. This was even better than he had imagined!

"Absolutely true," Section Chief Li nodded gravely, "Now the border sees occasional skirmishes, and armed bandits often flee. The state values militia development. A promising seed like you, we must cultivate carefully."

Section Chief Li smiled, pulled a formal notice from his briefcase: "Early next month, a ten‑day program—there will be shooting drills, tactical exercises, and political study."

Lu Qingshan took the notice, his eyes shining. This was more than just hunting; it was state recognition! In his past life he had drifted for most of his years—after prison he worked as a caregiver, delivered food, traded stocks, never landing a decent job. Now, reborn, he could seize such an opportunity.

When he left the Public Security Bureau, Lu Qingshan walked with a spring in his step, moving through the county streets as if he'd tasted honey.

Chen Zhiguo escorted him to the main gate: "Qing Shan, with the gun permit you can hunt legally, but remember, it's not just a right—it's also a responsibility. Guns aren't for casual use; you must follow the rules."

"Brother Chen, rest assured—I understand," Lu Qingshan said gravely, "I will never misuse it; I value this certificate more than my own life."

"By the way," Chen Zhiguo lowered his voice, "I've set aside a spot for you; next week the Armed Forces Department will receive a batch of Type 56 automatic rifles. When that time comes, come by and I'll pick a good one for you."

Lu Qingshan's eyes brightened: "Sounds great! How much? I'll start preparing."

"Around two hundred yuan, I'd say. You've sold plenty of game; that should cover it," Chen Zhiguo laughed.

On the return bus, he thumbed the two red‑leather booklets, repeatedly calculating: with the gun permit and hunting permit, he no longer needed to borrow the old rifle from the village patrol team and could apply to purchase his own hunting rifle.

Months of effort were not in vain; he finally could legally possess a firearm!

From now on, the great beasts in the mountains will no longer be threats, but easy prey.

Jin Hu no longer has to risk biting wild boars. The hunting team's safety and efficiency can improve dramatically.

With a standard hunting rifle, not only is hunting better protected, but if they encounter poaching thugs, they can defend themselves.

By the time he returned to the village it was afternoon; the news had somehow leaked early, and as soon as he entered the village entrance he saw Zhao Tiezhu, Liu Fugui, and a few youths gathering around.

"Brother Qing Shan, I heard you got the gun permit!" Zhao Tiezhu asked eagerly.

"Who said that?" Lu Qingshan pretended to be serious.

Zhao Tiezhu scratched his head: "Uncle Laonian said Captain Chen called, it must be good news. I was wondering what else besides the gun permit could be happening?"

Lu Qingshan laughed, pulling a red‑leather booklet from his chest: "Look, it's right here!"

"Oh my mother!" Zhao Tiezhu shouted in surprise, nearly jumping up.

Zhao Tiezhu opened his mouth wide, snatched the permit and examined it left and right: "It's really a gun permit! My mother, our village finally has a proper hunter!"

Zhao Fei's eyes gleamed with envy: "Brother Qing Shan, you're mighty! From now on we won't fear beasts when hunting!"

"A gun permit is so handy!" Zhao Er Zhuang stared wide‑eyed, "I heard few people in the county have one; even the town patrol team couldn't get one!"

"Hunting still requires caution," Lu Qingshan tucked the permit away, "With a gun in hand, you must follow the rules and not act recklessly."

Liu Fugui whispered: "Brother Qing Shan, when will we actually get the gun?"

"Soon. With the permit, we can apply to purchase one," Lu Qingshan patted his shoulder, "Don't rush; there's militia training next month, too."

"Militia training?" The others looked even more astonished, eyes wide as if they'd seen aliens.

"Yes, the county Armed Forces Department singled me out to attend—a ten‑day training, learning shooting and tactics," Lu Qingshan said, downplaying it.

"That's a big achievement!" Zhao Tiezhu was so excited he could barely speak. "My grandfather joined the militia back then, later earned merit in battle, and rose to a cadre in the battalion!"

A crowd swarmed Lu Qingshan with endless questions; more villagers arrived as word spread, turning the scene into a small celebration.

Lu Qingshan was surrounded by the crowd as he walked home, and he felt as if his whole body floated up.

When Lin Yue'e heard that her husband had been chosen as the militia representative, she felt both joy and worry, and as she set the dishes on the table she couldn't help asking, "Do you really want that gun…?"

Lu Qingshan grasped his wife's hand: "Yue E, with a gun our hunting will be safer. Haven't you forgotten how fierce that Wild Boar was last time? If we had a gun, why would a person have to risk life against a boar?"

Lin Yue'e lowered her eyes: "I'm just worried… afraid it might be dangerous."

"Mom, Daddy has a gun now, we're not scared of the Wild Boar!" Xiao Xue raised her little hand beside, imitating the adults, "Bang! Bang! The Wild Boar falls down!"

Lu Qingshan could neither laugh nor cry: "You little girl, whose words did you listen to?"

"Uncle Zhao Er Zhuang said that, now that Daddy has a gun, he's the best hunter in the village!" Xiao Xue said proudly.

"Don't worry," Lu Qingshan said with a smile, rubbing Xiao Xue's head, "We've always been steady and measured in what we do. This gun is a life‑saving tool; having it actually makes us safer."

Xiao Xue lifted her little face: "Daddy hunts Wild Boars, and gives Xiao Xue meat to eat!"

"Right, Daddy will also bring you venison, it'll be tender!" Lu Qingshan pinched his daughter's little cheek.

At dusk, the crimson afterglow painted the mountain ridges red.

Lu Qingshan stood in the courtyard, gazing at the green hills and white clouds, his heart unsettled.

Jin Hu rubbed against his feet, seeming to sense his master's good mood.

From a wastrel who lived drunkenly and dreamed aimlessly in a past life to a well‑known figure in the village today, he has walked each step to reach this point.

The road ahead is long, and the future looks promising.