Chapter 91

After the entire Heaven Lion Tribe's people had been busy for a long time, they finally finished harvesting, drying, and storing the rice in the cellar. Zhang Fan's household only had the two of them to feed, so they planted little rice, not as much as the larger families in the tribe. After Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er had gathered all the rice at home, they began moving it all into the cellar.

Not long after the rice harvest was finished, it was time to dig up the sweet potatoes in the fields. Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er saw that the tribe members had successfully gathered the rice, and only then did they announce that they could start digging sweet potatoes.

This was the second time this year that the whole tribe undertook a collective action to dig sweet potatoes together. Having learned from the previous experience, everyone no longer needed Zhang Fan to remind them repeatedly, and Zhang Fan was of course happy to have some leisure.

The vigorous sweet‑potato digging campaign lasted only about ten days before it was declared over. This time the chief did not come forward again to announce the tribe's total output, for everyone could plainly see that each household had harvested far more than before. With this great harvest, morale was lifted once more, and the whole tribe felt confident about surviving the winter safely.

Seeing the tribe members all glowing with health, completely free of any fatigue from hard labor, and even looking radiant and venerable, the chief laughed heartily: 'Hahaha… wonderful! During my tenure as chief of Fei Ji, I never expected to witness such a prosperous scene—whether I meet the chiefs of past generations or the great and benevolent Beast God, I could straighten my back with pride! But most importantly, I must thank the Divine Envoy Zhang Fan for his descent!'

Upon realizing this, the chief suddenly thought: 'It seems that since Zhang Fan arrived at the Heaven Lion Tribe, I have never once treated them to a meal!' Thinking of this, the chief grew uneasy. 'Good heavens! What should I do? Ah! Right! I just happened to bring back a large antelope from today's hunt! At this hour, inviting them for lunch might be too late, so I'll simply host them for dinner instead.' Having sorted his thoughts, the chief could no longer sit still; he hurried from the Tribal Office back home.

As soon as the chief arrived home, he saw that Wei Er had already prepared lunch, and his heart leapt into his throat. He rushed to the table to check the dishes, and his heart immediately settled back; he patted his chest, thinking, 'Phew! Phew! Good thing we're not eating that large antelope!'

Seeing the chief dash to the table as soon as he got home, Wei Er thought he was hungry and hurried back to the kitchen to serve rice. When Wei Er returned with the rice, he saw the chief patting his chest, as if sighing in relief, and Wei Er couldn't help but laugh.

"Fei Ji, what's wrong with you? Is something the matter?"

"Nothing, I just noticed there's no large antelope on the table."

"You want to eat meat? Then why didn't you say so earlier? I've just marinated the antelope, preparing to roast it tonight. If you want to eat now, you can still go cut some meat and boil it."

Upon hearing Wei Er say he had already marinated the antelope, the chief grew even happier and burst out laughing: 'Hahaha… wonderful, my love, you truly are my partner! Hahaha… I was just about to say I'd use that antelope to entertain Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er tonight! Thinking of that, I hurried back, assuming you had already cooked the antelope, but I didn't expect you hadn't even cooked it yet—you'd gone ahead and marinated it instead, which is perfect!'

Hearing the chief's words, Wei Er also felt delighted: 'It's not just because we haven't had roasted meat in a long time; this afternoon happens to be free. Since you said you'd invite them for a meal, I'll finish eating and then go make extra preparations.' Saying this, Wei Er sat down, picked up his rice bowl and chopsticks, and began to eat.

Seeing Wei Er start eating, the chief thought of the many unsettled affairs in the tribe and hurriedly began his own meal. When the rice was half gone, Wei Er suddenly remembered something very important.

"Fei Ji, you said you'd invite Ba Ke Er and his wife to dinner—did you remember to tell them?"

At that moment the chief realized what a huge mistake he had made. He instantly put down his chopsticks, slapped his forehead, and lamented: 'Oh no! I actually forgot such an important matter! Good heavens, if I can't summon them in time, wouldn't I have to push the meal back? That won't do! I must rush to their place right now to let them know! Ah! Right! Why not also invite Fei Er, Mo De, and our old comrade Lei Ya and his family to dinner today as well?'

"But, Fei Ji, that single large antelope probably won't be enough—there are too many people to share it. It looks like we'll have to slaughter one of the pigs we raise at home."

"Of course! But I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it all alone, and unfortunately I still have official duties to attend to today, so I can't stay home to help you share the work.' Saying this, the chief apologetically gave Wei Er a warm hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek.

Wei Er felt warm inside; even after decades together, they remained as affectionate as they were decades ago. Time takes only youth, leaving behind eternal memories and tenderness. Wei Er also returned a big hug to Fei Ji, and just as the chief had done for him, he gave him a kiss on the cheek in return.

"All right, Fei Ji, don't rush—finish your meal first. We still have plenty of time! It might just be a bother to ask you to spare a moment from your official duties to run over and first notify Fei Er and his group, as well as Ba Ke Er and his group."

The chief eagerly agreed, then sat back in his original seat, began to serve Wei Er some dishes, and only when Wei Er's bowl was nearly full did he resume eating his own. Seeing the bowl piled high with vegetables, Wei Er felt even warmer inside and started using his chopsticks to serve the chief as well.

Not long after, yet it felt like an eternity, the meal finally ended in this warm, sweet atmosphere.

As soon as the chief finished eating, before he could help Wei Er clear the dishes, Wei Er urged him out to go find people. However, the chief wasn't angry at being sent away, for he knew Wei Er did it out of concern, fearing he would overwork himself.

After leaving home, the chief headed straight to the residence of his female son, Fei Er. Upon arriving at Fei Er's home, he happened to see Fei Er and Mo De sitting in the courtyard chatting, so he didn't knock but walked straight through the gate.

Seeing his father arrive, Fei Er sprang to his feet and asked, 'Father, what brings you here? Have you eaten yet? Wait a moment—I'll go warm up some food for you right away!'

Fei Ji saw that Fei Er was still as lively as ever, and unable to resist, he wiped the nonexistent sweat from his forehead, about to call him back, when he saw Mo De already reach out and stop Fei Er.

After blocking Fei Er, Mo De paid no attention to his puzzled expression and instead said to the chief, 'Father, did you come over today for something important?'

Seeing Mo De restrain Fei Er, Fei Ji couldn't help but nod approvingly to himself: 'Indeed, Mo De is the steadier one; this child Fei Er really needs Mo De to keep him in check, otherwise he'd surely stir up trouble.'

"Actually, I didn't come over for anything major—I just wanted to invite you and Lei Ya's family to dinner tonight, and of course to thank Zhang Fan for his contributions to our tribe. But the ingredients are too much, and I still have official duties to attend to today, so I can't free myself to help Am share the work; therefore I've come to ask you for help."

Upon hearing this, Fei Er immediately understood! He patted his chest and promised the chief, 'Father, don't worry! I and Mo De will rush over to help Am right away—you don't need to be concerned; just go attend to the tribe's affairs.'

Having said that, he set off running to close the door, preparing to pull Mo De along to Am's place. Watching his son, the chief felt a growing admiration for his earlier decision: indeed, letting Fei Er and Mo De stay together has its benefits—now Fei Er is far more patient than before. Recall how reckless Fei Er used to be before he found a partner; he'd bolt off before finishing three sentences. Now, however, he knows to first speak clearly before leaving.

Seeing Fei Er shut the door so quickly, the chief didn't linger any longer outside Fei Er's home before departing; he went straight to Ba Ke Er's house. Upon arriving at Ba Ke Er's residence, he was no longer as casual as he had been at Fei Er's—he first knocked carefully on the outer gate, waited for Ba Ke Er to come out and open the door, then followed him inside.

Inside the house, Zhang Fan heard the chief's voice and knew the chief had arrived, though he didn't yet know the purpose. He didn't dwell on it, since once the chief was inside, any matter would soon become clear; so he simply stepped out of his room into the main hall and poured the chief a cup of hot tea.

After the chief took a sip of hot tea, Zhang Fan finally asked about the reason. Upon learning that the chief actually wanted to thank him for the farming methods he had taught the tribe members and thus invite his family to a meal, Zhang Fan could hardly believe it—he was torn between laughter and tears.

"Chief Uncle, you really don't need to go to such trouble, after all I said I'm a member of the tribe myself—if I have a way to improve everyone's life, why would I hoard it? Besides, the tribe members treat me so well that I couldn't bear to let them go hungry in winter. But since you, Chief Uncle, are hosting us, even if it's not meant as a show of gratitude, I and Ba Ke Er, as juniors, will certainly show up on time! It just makes me feel guilty, realizing we've never invited you and Uncle Wei Er to a meal either…"

Upon hearing Zhang Fan agree to come to dinner, Fei Ji was overjoyed and burst into loud laughter.

"Hahaha… well said! Zhang Fan, you truly are worthy of being the Divine Envoy chosen by the great Beast God—you possess a broad mind, countless ideas, and unmatched wisdom! Since you've already agreed, don't forget to come to my house for dinner before sunset."

Having said that, the chief bade farewell to Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er and left.

Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er also lost any desire to sleep; they went into the house's storeroom and began rummaging for something suitable to give as a gift to the chief and his wife.

One afternoon passed amidst everyone's busyness. Ba Ke Er and Zhang Fan, carrying gifts, went together with Lei Ya and his wife to the chief's home. As soon as they arrived, the chief hurriedly greeted them and invited them to sit at the dining table in the living room. Since everyone were acquaintances, there were no reservations, and after the meal they all ate happily and contentedly.

After the meal, nobody lingered; having helped clear the dishes, they said their goodbyes and departed.