In the courtyard, everyone is afraid of the little boy who is so smart!

In the main room, the atmosphere was warm and solemn. Zhao Shuzhuo frowned, and the wrinkles on his forehead seemed to deepen.

His eyes were full of entanglement and persistence, his lips were slightly pursed, and he was lost in thought. Wang Jianguo's explanation just now was like a stone thrown into the lake of his heart, stirring up ripples in his heart.

Zhao Shuzhuo knew very well that it was indeed crucial to go to Secretary Dong to wish him a happy new year on the eighth day of the first lunar month and give him a gift that could express his heart.

Secretary Dong works hard for the development of the village and helps solve many problems.

From coordinating water for farmland irrigation to obtaining funds for road construction in the village, every single thing he does is related to the vital interests of the villagers. Everyone respects and appreciates him from the bottom of their hearts.

If you come with nothing in your hands when paying New Year's greetings, or just bring some ordinary items, it would seem too perfunctory. Not only would it be impolite, but it would also make it difficult for Secretary Dong to truly feel everyone's sincerity.

But when Zhao Shuzhuo thought of Wang Jianguo's plan to go hunting in the mountains, his heart suddenly tightened. He knew too well how great the dangers were hidden in the deep mountains in the cold winter.

The snow in the mountains is so thick that it is above the knees. When people walk in it, every step requires a lot of strength, and their movements become slow and clumsy, which undoubtedly provides opportunities for wild animals to take advantage.

Not to mention the hungry and powerful blind bear, who would rush forward desperately to search for food in order to fill his stomach.

The wild wolf is agile and silent, appearing and disappearing mysteriously in the snow. Once it spots its prey, it will launch a swift attack.

There is also the majestic big cat - the tiger, the absolute overlord of the forest. With its sharp claws and fangs, it can cause fatal harm to people with just a slight swing or bite.

After thinking for a while, Zhao Shuzhuo slowly shook his head, with an unquestionable determination on his face, and said:

"That won't work either, Jianguo. It's important to prepare a decent gift for Secretary Dong, but you can't risk your life. I don't agree."

His voice was low but powerful, and every word seemed like a solid barrier, trying to stop Wang Jianguo from taking risks.

Wang Jianguo opened his mouth and wanted to persuade Zhao Shuzhuo a few more words, trying to make him understand his determination.

However, before he could finish his words, Zhao Shuzhuo quickly raised his hand, waving it vigorously, and refused decisively and bluntly:

"Stop talking. If you want to go into the mountains, wait until spring. I won't agree to your taking risks no matter what you say."

His eyes became more and more determined, and he looked straight into Wang Jianguo's eyes, as if he wanted to convey his determination with his eyes.

At this moment, He Yushui couldn't help but interrupt. Her eyes were slightly red and her voice was trembling:

"Brother Jianguo, Brother Shuzhuo is right. It's too dangerous in the mountains. Let's think of other ways. What if something goes wrong?..."

As she spoke, a crystal teardrop slid down the corner of her eye, sparkling in the dim light.

Wang Jianguo looked at the worried faces of the two people, and his heart was filled with emotion and helplessness. He knew that they were really thinking about him, and this friendship was precious in this cold winter.

But the desire to give Secretary Dong a special gift and express the gratitude of the whole village was also burning in his heart.

He sighed slightly and thought to himself that perhaps he had to find another way to achieve his wish without making the people around him worry.

In the main room, the dim light flickered, stretching the shadows of the crowd and projecting them onto the mottled wall. Zhao Shuzhuo crossed his arms, his posture upright but revealing an unshakable stubbornness. He raised his chin slightly and looked directly at Wang Jianguo with a firm look, as if to say that there was no room for negotiation on this matter. Wang Jianguo sighed in his heart, he knew Zhao Shuzhuo's temper too well. Once he made up his mind, he couldn't change it even with nine cows.

Seeing Zhao Shuzhuo's persistence, Wang Jianguo pursed his lips and swallowed back the words that were about to come out of his mouth. He knew that arguing at this moment would only make the atmosphere more tense, and Zhao Shuzhuo was also sincerely concerned about his safety. So, Wang Jianguo nodded slightly, squeezed out a helpless smile on his face, and said nothing more, but his heart was like a flame that was ignited, and he secretly made up his mind: In order to open the mysterious space as soon as possible, he must go to this mountain. This space seems to be his last ray of hope. Many problems in the village - house repairs, farmland irrigation, and villagers' livelihoods, seem to be able to find a turnaround after the space is opened.

Wang Jianguo suppressed his inner turmoil, picked up the bowl again, and drank the porridge in big gulps. The porridge was no longer hot at this time, and it was a little cool when he drank it, but he seemed not to notice it and drank the porridge in the bowl in a few mouthfuls. After putting down the bowl, he raised his hand to rub his temple, and the expression on his face suddenly became painful, his brows were furrowed, his eyes were closed, and he hummed softly: "Ouch, why does my head hurt so much suddenly?" As he said this, his body swayed slightly, pretending to be unsteady.

Seeing this, Zhao Shuzhuo's originally serious face immediately showed concern. He hurriedly stepped forward and held Wang Jianguo's arm, his tone full of worry: "Jianguo, what's wrong with you? Are you tired?" He Yushui also put down the dishes he was cleaning, walked quickly to Wang Jianguo, looked at him with wide eyes, and said anxiously: "Brother Jianguo, are you okay?"

Wang Jianguo waved his hands and said weakly: "Maybe there are too many things to do today and I'm tired. My head feels like it's going to explode. I feel really uncomfortable. I have to go back to the house and lie down for a while." Zhao Shuzhuo didn't think much about it. He just thought that Wang Jianguo was tired from working hard for days and his body couldn't take it anymore. So he and He Yushui supported Wang Jianguo on the left and right and walked towards the house.

Along the way, Wang Jianguo leaned on the two of them, seemingly weak and powerless, but in his mind he was thinking about the plan to go into the mountains. When passing by the window of the main room, he caught a glimpse of the dark mountains outside the window. That was the "battlefield" he was about to go to. Although the road ahead was full of dangers, his heartbeat accelerated involuntarily when he thought of the various possibilities after the space was opened.

Back in the house, Zhao Shuzhuo and He Yushui carefully helped Wang Jianguo to the bed and covered him with a quilt. Zhao Shuzhuo was still worried and told him: "Jianguo, you have a good rest. If you have anything, call us." Wang Jianguo opened his eyes slightly and nodded weakly. Looking at the concerned faces of the two, he felt touched and guilty. After the two turned around and left and gently closed the door, Wang Jianguo immediately turned over and sat up, with a resolute look in his eyes, and began to prepare to go into the mountains. He gently found the thick cotton coat, wear-resistant boots, and the hunting rifle he usually used for hunting, and carefully checked every part to make sure it was foolproof. Although he knew that this trip was extremely dangerous, he had made up his mind. For the village and for that glimmer of hope, he would go for it even if there were thorns ahead.