Rebirth of Bayi Fishing and Hunting in the Northwest

When Li Long came out of the bus station, the sun had already set.

He was carrying a lot of stuff on his back. The stuff was heavy, especially the jade. Now Li Long missed the taxis that became popular only 20 years later.

By the time they reached the courtyard, it was already getting dark. The door was locked, so Li Long knocked on it and called out:
"I am back."

Gu Xiaoxia responded in the yard, and then heard quick footsteps, and then the door opened.

"You're back so soon?" Gu Xiaoxia smiled and tried to take the bag from Li Long, but Li Long didn't give it to her. He walked in and said:
"The meeting was over in the morning. I had lunch at the guesthouse after the meeting. Otherwise, I could have come back earlier."

"Are you hungry? The food is still hot. I don't know if you will come back or not, so I'll eat first. Put your things down and wash them, and I'll serve you some food." Gu Xiaoxia said and went to the kitchen.

Li Long went into the house, put down his things, and changed his clothes. He looked quite energetic in this Zhongshan suit, but it was quite restrictive with the buttons fastened. If he didn't fasten them, he would look frivolous. It would be better to change.

After a quick wash, Li Long came out to the kitchen, where Gu Xiaoxia had already scooped out the rice porridge and placed the sliced ​​and toasted steamed buns on a plate. A plate of stir-fried Chinese cabbage was placed in the middle, and there was a bowl of pickled vegetables on the side.

The bok choy is fried with braised lamb, with bits of meat scraps on top, and it smells quite fragrant.

Li Long was indeed hungry, so he sat down, picked up the toasted steamed bread slices and started eating.

Gu Xiaoxia sat nearby, watching him eat and asking about the meeting.

"…We stayed in a guesthouse, and the treatment was good. It felt like the treatment of a county-level leader or above. The food was also very good, a little plain, but with a lot of variety.

My roommate is a big brother from Aksu in southern Xinjiang. He is Han, but was adopted by the Uyghurs and given a Uyghur name, Aidaxi. "

"…The commendation meeting was held in the auditorium. There were so many people that I felt dizzy after entering. I have forgotten what the subsequent procedures were. By the way, I brought back the meeting package that was distributed to us. It contained the meeting procedures and paper and pens. We also took a group photo with the leaders, which will be mailed back to our units in due course. Reporter Zhang also took a photo of me and the vice chairman of the autonomous region, and he said he would mail it back to me in due course..."

Li Long talked a lot and Gu Xiaoxia listened carefully, with pride and envy in her eyes.

After dinner, the two of them cleaned up together. When they returned to the bedroom to watch TV, Li Long took out the dress he bought for Gu Xiaoxia:

"When I went to the department store, I saw this nice skirt hanging there. I thought it would look good on you, so I bought it for you. Would you like to try it on?"

Gu Xiaoxia took the dress and changed it shyly. Although the couple had been married for two months, they were still not used to changing clothes in front of each other.

Next, of course, comes the joy of the boudoir.

Three poles in the sun.

When Li Long got up, Gu Xiaoxia had already gone to work. He rubbed his eyes, got up, put on his clothes and walked out the door. He saw that the dress he bought yesterday had been washed and hung up to dry.

After a simple wash, Li Long went to the kitchen to have breakfast, and then rode his bike to the supply and marketing cooperative.

I originally planned to get up early and go back to the team to discuss the matter of picking melons and take back the things I bought for my family. Now I think it’s too late to go to the supply and marketing cooperative first, and then go back to the team after lunch.

Li Xiangqian was talking to the truck driver in the front yard. When he saw Li Long coming, he waved to the driver. The truck drove away. He smiled and said to Li Long:

"When did you come back?"

"Last night." Li Long extended his hand, and when Li Xiangqian shook hands with him, he felt a lump in his hand.

"I went to the Wucheng Jade Factory and bought a few small pieces of mutton-fat jade. Section Chief, you can play with them."

"Hey, OK." Li Xiangqian looked at the jade-carved walnut and felt it was very good. "I won't be polite. The director has it, right?"

"Yes, take it when you report to the director later."

"Okay, the director is here, you go first. Wait a minute, let me see the certificate of honor. I don't expect to go to the autonomous region to receive an award in my lifetime, so I'll take a look at yours to share in the good luck."

Li Long then spread out the certificate of honor for Li Xiangqian to see.

Several employees heard the noise and gathered around to watch.

"Hey, the ones in this autonomous region are more exquisite than those in the county."

"That's right. Look at the handwriting, it's not ordinary."

"The rewards in the autonomous region are also high, right?"

"One hundred yuan." Li Long did not hide it. "I spent it directly at the Wucheng Department Store yesterday. The things there are much richer than those in our county. I was dazzled..."

"Of course! It's the capital of the autonomous region after all. I've been there once, and it's really different..."

"Don't even mention 100, even if you take 500, you'll spend it all in no time. The stuff here is really good..."

Well, the building is crooked.

This is exactly what Li Long meant.

After everyone left, he went to Director Wei's office with his certificate of honor.

In the middle, he saw Deputy Director Liu Shengli who had been on sick leave. Li Long smiled and greeted him proactively, but then he saw the other person's stiff smile.

Li Long was secretly happy. I just like the feeling that you can't stand me but can't get rid of me - what a mean thing to say.

But it fits the mood.

"Little Li is back." Director Wei was in a good mood. Just now, the deputy director of the county propaganda department called again and asked them to write a material to introduce the advanced experience of ethnic unity in the supply and marketing cooperative. At that time, Li Long had not returned yet, so Director Wei agreed and asked them to send someone to come here to find materials.

"I'm back," Li Long put a piece of white jade hand-held ornament with skin on the table while Director Wei poured him some water. "Director, I took some time to go to the jade factory to buy a few jade carvings during my visit to Wucheng. This is for you."

"Hey, that's thoughtful." Director Wei didn't think the jade carving was worth much. The main thing was that Li Long had thought of bringing him a gift after going to Wucheng, which was a nice thought.

He is not short of money and he really cares about this gesture.

Li Long briefly explained the situation of attending the conference, including that he was rewarded with 100 yuan and that the conference organizers also covered the expenses of food and accommodation. He said that he would return the travel expenses paid by the society to the finance department.

"Why return it?" Director Wei waved his hand. "If you didn't spend it, then consider it as a reward from the commune. You have won honor for the commune. The county and the autonomous region have given you rewards. Our commune should also express its appreciation. If you have it, don't take it out again. By the way, you just said that the autonomous region leaders took a photo with you? Can I get the photo?"

"Of course. I've told reporter Zhang that I'll send the photos and the group photo to our agency."

"Okay, okay, Xiao Li, you have a quick mind. Do you have any objection to displaying the photos in the agency?"

"I had two printed." Li Long smiled, "One is for the agency, and the other is for me."

"Hey, you've thought of all that." Director Wei pointed at Li Long and smiled. "You're so smart, no wonder you were recognized by the autonomous region. Now that you know reporter Zhang, keep in touch with him. Next time you go to Wucheng, bring some things to visit him. The money will be paid from the company. Our company doesn't have many connections in the autonomous region. Now that you've expanded your network, you have to keep it up. You never know when you'll need it."

This is a matter of experience, and Li Long nodded quickly to show that he understood.

After leaving Director Wei, Li Long went to Li Xiangqian's office.

Li Xiangqian had already poured water for him. When Li Long sat down, Li Xiangqian asked with a smile:

"Didn't the director assign you any work to do?"

"It's arranged." Li Long took a sip of the water cup, put it down and said, "He told me to go to Captain Tang of the County Construction Company Engineering Team when I have time, and I can take any job that requires transporting materials. Anyway, I have a tractor, and it's idle anyway, so I might as well go and do some work and earn some money."

"Yeah, that's right." Li Xiangqian said, "That's true. Otherwise, it would be a waste if your tractor is idle."

Li Long was more relaxed with Li Xiangqian. He told Li Long about his next plan: "I will go out to do some work during this period. When the wheat is ready to be harvested, I will return to the team. This time I went to Kuitun to get a harvester. I will try to harvest the wheat and earn some money."

"Harvester?" Li Xiangqian really didn't understand this, so Li Long began to explain it to him.

"That's fine. After you finish harvesting the wheat, you'll have to start brooming. Do you want to do this job this year?"

"Of course I will." Li Long said with a smile, "I won't be happy if you don't let me do it."

"Just do it. I'll tell you the details when the notice comes." Li Xiangqian crossed his legs, lit a cigarette, took a puff and said:
“Now construction is being accelerated in all aspects, and tools like brooms are in great demand, so you have to prepare in advance.

Don't worry this year. With your current reputation, you have made a name for yourself in the commune and even the county. It will be easy for you to get these jobs. As long as you control the quality well, you don't even need to attend the meeting. We will just give you the job directly, and no one will complain."

Li Long understood this. Normally, if a formal employee is commended by the autonomous region, he can be promoted in advance. Li Long is a temporary worker and does not need to consider this aspect, so the honor brought is more reflected in the bonus to the collective.

Since the society has received the honor, it will definitely give Li Long corresponding compensation, otherwise it will definitely be disappointed.

When Li Long was about to say something, the new security guard came over to find him.

"Comrade Li Long, someone is looking for you at the door." The guard now knew Li Long. After all, he was a celebrity who participated in the autonomous region's commendation. He must know him. He was the central figure discussed in the community these two days, so it was impossible for him not to know him.

"Who's looking for me?" Li Long was a little surprised and stood up and asked.

"A Kazakh man on horseback, his name is Halimu," said the guard.

"Halimu has gone down the mountain?" Li Long was a little surprised. He smiled and said to Li Xiangqian, "Section Chief, I'm leaving first. Halimu has gone down the mountain. There must be something wrong... Let's talk about it later."

"Is that your friend from the mountain? Then go quickly," Li Xiangqian waved his hand. When Li Long hurried out, Li Xiangqian remembered something and chased him to the door and shouted at his back, "Treat him well."

"Got it." Li Longtou didn't reply, just said one sentence and quickly went to the door.

Halimu stood beside the horse, holding the reins in his hands, and was a little nervous.

When he saw Li Long coming out, his tension eased and a smile appeared on his lips.

Li Long walked quickly to Halimu and asked with a smile:

"Dosen, are you okay?" he said as he shook hands with Halimu.

"Okay, okay." Halimu shook hands with Li Long vigorously and said, "I went out of the mountain to the animal husbandry team yesterday and saw the house you renovated. Thank you!"

"Dosen, we shouldn't talk about this as friends." Li Long said, "You came here this morning?"

"Yes, I brought you some things." Halimu pointed to the things on the horse's back and said, "Where is your home? I'll send it to you. In fact, I don't know if I can find you. I thought if I can't find you, I'll store these things here first..."

Li Long looked at the things on the horse's back. They were some leather, and one of the pockets contained what looked like deer antlers.

"Wait for me." Li Long pointed to the yard, "I'll get on the bike and we'll go to my yard."

"Okay." Outside, Halimu didn't say much.

Li Long came out on a cart, Halimu had already mounted the horse, and the two of them, one cart and one horse, went towards the yard at a slow pace.

Arriving at the large courtyard, Li Long opened the door, and Halimu dismounted and led the bicycle into the door. Li Long leaned the bicycle against the wall, then closed the door and said:
"Everything is okay in the mountains? Do you need anything?"

"Not really. We have food, medicine, and salt." Halimu looked around Li Long's yard curiously. When he heard Li Long's question, he said, "It's just that we don't have enough bullets. We don't dare to shoot when we encounter something. There are more wolves this year, so we are mainly on guard against them."

Li Long said:

"That's easy. I'll prepare some bullets for you today."

"Let's find a place to put these things first." Halimu said, "The skins are not ripe yet, and there are not many antlers. It's mainly difficult to bring them back. I'll give you some of the things when we move to another place. There are two antlers, which are quite heavy."

Li Long and Halimu took the skins off the horse's back, as well as the bag of antlers and two velvet antlers.

There were four wolf skins, two deer skins, and two roe deer skins. What surprised Li Long was that there was also a lynx skin!

"Did you get this?" Li Long asked with some surprise.

"Yes, it's hard to fight." Halimu said, "It runs very fast. Several of us fought it together. The main reason is that it often comes over to eat our lambs. It's very annoying."

So that's how it is. Li Long thought about it and it was normal. Halim and his people were not hunters. Usually they would only hunt things when they came across them. As for lynx, which was more difficult to hunt, unless they provoked these herdsmen, they would not take the initiative to find trouble with this guy.

It’s just a pity that the lynx’s bones and flesh are gone.

"This piece of leather can be sold for a lot of money. I will sell the leather in the afternoon and give you the money then, or you can exchange it for something else." Li Long said as he looked at the leather.

"No, no." Halimu waved his hand. "These skins, antlers and velvet are for you. You helped us repair the house, dig a well, and bought school bags for the children. I haven't thanked you for these. These things are not for exchange, but for you from Yushanjiang and me."

"These things are too valuable. If we sell them all, they will be worth a lot of money." Li Long shook his head, "I can't accept them..."

"Li Long, you are our Dosen, our friend. You helped my family and Yushanjiang's family without expecting anything in return." Halim pointed at those things and said, "For us, as long as our family lives well and we have no problems with our cattle and sheep in the summer pasture, we are very satisfied."

"These things are not as precious to us as you think. To us, the precious things are what I just told you. You helped me achieve those, and I am very grateful. And as a friend, these are what you deserve."

Well, I am stuck in that infinite loop again.

Li Long said no more. He spread out the skins one by one and then put them away.

The deer and roe deer antlers in the bag were all good, including two well-prepared velvet antlers.

"Come, sit down first." Li Long put these things into the empty room to dry. When he came out, he asked Halimu to sit down first. "Tie up the horse first. It's almost time for dinner. I'll take you to eat first. After dinner, I'll go get you some bullets."

"Don't tie up the horse." Halim waved his hand. "I'll just go buy some naan. I ate naan all the way from the summer pasture. No need to go through so much trouble."

"We're already at the county, no need to bother. If I let you eat dry naan again when we get to the county, I'll scold you." Li Long smiled and tied up the horse, then prepared to take Halimu out.

Halimu didn't know how to sit on the back of a bicycle, so Li Long simply drove out the tractor and took him to Sister Yang's place first.

Sister Yang was cooking. When she saw Li Long and his friends coming, she thought they were going to eat together, so she asked for more rice. Li Long explained to her that they were just going to wait for Gu Xiaoxia here for a while, and the two of them would not eat here.

After waiting for a while at Sister Yang's place, Gu Xiaoxia arrived and Li Long introduced Halimu to her.

"This is Halimu, you know," he said to Halimu, "and this is my Yanggangzi, Gu Xiaoxia."

"Hello, Brother Halimu!" ​​Gu Xiaoxia smiled and stretched out her hand. "I often hear Li Long talk about you. He said that you two have a very good relationship. I am very grateful for your care in the mountains."

"No, no, no," Halimu shook hands with Gu Xiaoxia gently, blushing and waving his hands hastily, "No, it was Li Long who took care of my family. This time when I came back, my yard has changed a lot, and the well water is especially sweet... I also want to thank you."

"You guys eat first. I'll take Halimu to the Muslim cafeteria." Li Long said, "We have some other things to do."

"Go do your thing." Gu Xiaoxia said with a smile, "We're fine here."

Li Long took Halimu to the halal canteen.

The two of them started chatting while eating. (End of this chapter)