It had been several days since everyone gathered wild herbs that day.
Zhang Guoqing couldn’t figure out whom to take along.
Choosing someone trustworthy was too challenging. A novice would be unsafe, and he would have to protect them. As for experienced hunters, he didn’t trust anyone enough. His father was indeed an old hunter, but he didn’t want the family to know too much.
He strongly suspected Mr. Wang was not only after ginseng; there might be other treasures. If Mr. Wang didn’t mention them, he wouldn’t expose them either. He trusted Mr. Wang’s character.
With this thought, Zhang Guoqing finally decided to venture into the mountains alone with Mr. Wang and his grandchildren. He would retreat at the slightest hint of danger.
Once the decision was made, arrangements were easier. The day before the weekend, Zhang Guoqing took a leave. Half-truthfully, he told Zhou Jiao that Mr. Wang and his grandchildren were heading into the mountains for two nights, and he wanted to tag along.
Considering Mr. Wang’s presence, Zhou Jiao was reassured. After making Zhang Guoqing promise to stay safe repeatedly, she nodded in agreement. A grown man couldn’t just revolve around his wife and child without some personal space.
Before leaving, Zhou Jiao was a bit uneasy and deliberately gave him her small wooden gun, along with some prepared medicinal powder. As she saw him off, she handed him some dry food and reminded him once more to be careful.
Zhang Guoqing left with mixed feelings, looking back at Zhou Jiao holding their son’s hand at the door. Sigh... why did his heart feel so uneasy? He had never lied to Zhou Jiao before, and suddenly he felt reluctant to leave.
Thinking about Mr. Wang, he eventually quickened his pace. If Mr. Wang hadn’t brought his son and grandson, he would have promptly turned back. At this moment, he regretted rashly agreeing to someone else’s plan.
After a brisk walk, he soon met Mr. Wang at the agreed wooden house. Seeing that Mr. Wang indeed brought his eldest son and grandson along, Zhang Guoqing felt somewhat relieved. He secretly hoped to bring back something to please his wife, sparing himself from too harsh a punishment.
All four were accustomed to mountain trails and soon reached the outskirts of the deep forest. Curiously, Mr. Wang stopped at this point, staring at Zhang Guoqing without speaking.
Zhang Guoqing knew this was the pivotal moment. Any danger or hidden agenda should be disclosed at this point. Judging by the gravity of the situation, the stakes seemed high.


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