Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Chapter 353 There is no free lunch in the world

After a few rounds of drinks, Li Xiangyang checked the time and realized it was getting late, so he got up to say goodbye.

"Ergou, that's enough drinking. We have to report to the Forestry Bureau tomorrow." Li Xiangyang patted Wang Ergou on the shoulder, indicating that it was time to go home.

Wang Ergou grabbed him and said, "Just one more drink, just one!" His face was already flushed with the effects of alcohol.

Seeing this, Ma Hongxia quickly stepped forward to dissuade him: "Come on, you have to report for duty tomorrow, don't let it interfere with your important business."

Li Xiaoyun also stood up and straightened her clothes: "Yes, it's getting late, we should go back."

Wang Ergou reluctantly let go, then stood up unsteadily: "Alright then, tomorrow...tomorrow we'll go report together!"

Li Xiangyang smiled and nodded, "Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

Li Xiaoyun and Ma Hongxia said goodbye to each other and agreed to meet again another day.

Li Xiangyang helped his wife walk slowly along the path home.

The night sky was dotted with stars, a refreshing autumn breeze blew, and the occasional barking of dogs could be heard in the distance, making it exceptionally peaceful.

"Xiaoyun, our lives will get better and better from now on," Li Xiangyang said softly, his tone full of anticipation for the future.

Li Xiaoyun nestled beside her husband and nodded gently: "Yes, I believe you."

After returning home, the two quickly washed up and went to bed early.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Li Xiangyang got up.

"Up so early?" Li Xiaoyun rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked softly.

Li Xiangyang gently leaned down and kissed his wife's forehead: "I'm sorry I woke you up. I wanted to pick up Er Gou early, and then report to the Forestry Bureau."

Li Xiaoyun propped herself up: "Wait a minute, I'll make you breakfast."

"No need, you can sleep a little longer. I'll just eat something light." Li Xiangyang gently pressed his wife back onto the bed.

Li Xiaoyun had already gotten up and put on her clothes: "Just eat whatever you like. Today is your first day at work, you need to eat well to have energy."

Li Xiangyang smiled helplessly, knowing he couldn't go against his wife's wishes, and could only nod in agreement.

Li Xiaoyun quickly started a fire and cooked a meal. Before long, a steaming bowl of egg noodles was served.

"Eat more, don't go hungry." Li Xiaoyun said as she put food into Li Xiangyang's bowl.

Li Xiangyang was deeply moved as he watched his wife bustling around taking care of everything.

After breakfast, Li Xiangyang grabbed his work ID and said goodbye to his wife, "I'm leaving now. Be back early tonight."

Li Xiaoyun stood at the door, watching her husband's retreating figure with lingering reluctance: "Be careful on the road, come back soon."

Li Xiangyang turned around, waved, and strode towards Wang Ergou's house.

Arriving at Wang Ergou's house, the gate was tightly closed. Li Xiangyang knocked on the door: "Ergou, are you up yet?"

A rustling sound came from inside, followed by Wang Ergou's indistinct reply: "Coming, coming..."

A short while later, Wang Ergou, with messy hair and sleepy eyes, opened the door: "So early?"

Seeing his appearance, Li Xiangyang couldn't help but laugh: "Hurry up and wash your face, we should get going."

Wang Ergou scratched his head, turned around and went back into the house: "Wait for me, it'll be ready soon."

Ma Hongxia's voice came from inside the house: "Ergou, hurry up, don't keep Xiangyang waiting too long."

A short while later, Wang Ergou finished washing up, changed into clean clothes, and came out looking refreshed.

"Let's go!" Wang Ergou said excitedly.

After picking up Wang Ergou, Li Xiangyang rode his bicycle and drove him towards the Forestry Bureau.

"Xiangyang, do you think working at the Forestry Bureau is easy?" Wang Ergou asked from the back seat.

Li Xiangyang thought for a moment: "It shouldn't be too difficult. It's just helping with patrolling the mountains, hunting, and occasionally handling some mountain matters. We're used to being in the mountains all year round, so we know these things very well."

Wang Ergou nodded, his eyes full of anticipation: "Yes, and with a fixed salary, we can continue hunting. It's fantastic!"

Along the way, they encountered many villagers who cast curious glances their way. Several acquaintances even joked, "Where are you going? So energetic so early in the morning?"

Wang Ergou replied smugly, "Report to the Forestry Bureau! From today onwards, we belong to the Forestry Bureau!"

Upon hearing this, the villagers all cast envious glances at him.

In this day and age, having a stable job is such a rare thing.

After riding for about four hours, the two finally arrived in the county town.

The county town was much more lively than the village; the streets were bustling with people, and the shouts of vendors rose and fell.

The Forestry Bureau was located on the east side of the county town, and the two of them had to ask around to find its exact location.

"We're here. Let's go in."

After parking the car on the side of the road, the two straightened their clothes, stood up straight, and strode into the gate of the Forestry Bureau.

As soon as I entered, I saw a middle-aged man on duty in the lobby.

Upon seeing the two enter, the man looked up and curiously sized them up: "Who are you looking for?"

Li Xiangyang stepped forward and said respectfully, "Comrade, we're here to report for duty. These are our work permits." As he spoke, he took out the two work permits from his pocket and handed them over.

The man took the work badge, examined it carefully, and the doubt in his eyes gradually dissipated: "So these are the two hunters Section Chief Zhou mentioned. Wait a moment, I'll go inform Director Zhao."

After saying that, the man got up and went into the inner room.

A short while later, the man returned and led the two men to the bureau chief's office.

The office was small, but it was well-organized, with several forest area maps hanging on the wall and various documents piled on the desk.

Director Zhao gestured for the two to sit down, then took out two documents from his drawer: "These are your detailed work assignments and precautions. Take a look."

Li Xiangyang took the document and began to read it carefully.

The document details their job responsibilities: patrolling the mountains, hunting, handling emergencies in the forest, assisting the forestry station, and so on.

"Have you finished reading?" Director Zhao asked.

The two nodded.

“Alright, let me emphasize a few more points,” Director Zhao said sternly. “First, although you are technicians, you must still abide by the bureau's rules and regulations; second, hunting must be planned, and indiscriminate killing is prohibited; third, report any unusual situations immediately. Understand?”

"Understood!" the two answered in unison.

Director Zhao's expression softened slightly: "Alright, I have a task for you now."

Li Xiangyang's heart skipped a beat, and he vaguely sensed that something was amiss.

As expected, Director Zhao's next words confirmed his premonition: "You all know about the situation at Forest Farm No. 17. The higher-ups have decided to develop the mineral resources there as soon as possible."

"However, the situation there is rather unique, and we need experienced people to lead the team in for reconnaissance. Considering your previous successful experience in entering and exiting that area, this task will be assigned to you."

Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou exchanged a glance, and their hearts skipped a beat at the same time.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.