Chapter 9: The Huang Family's Daughter Comes of Age — Huang Su’e

Su Yu took another careful look at the girl: an oval face, willow leaf-shaped eyebrows, two dimples appearing with a slight smile. Then his eyes traveled down her figure. Though she was dressed somewhat warmly, that—well—was undeniably round and full, and her slender waist was captivating. If he had such an innocent girl by his side, he’d surely keep a close watch on her. Thinking of his own silly sister, who only knew how to eat, he sighed inwardly and said no more.

“Hey, kid, stop staring and answer me. Who are you all?”

Being questioned by her elder brother, the young girl glanced back. Noticing Su Yu’s eyes lingering on her prominent features, she felt a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. But remembering he was her father’s lifesaver, she restrained herself and said nothing more.

In her heart, however, Su Yu was already sentenced—just an insolent rogue with no sense of restraint. She was well aware of her own appearance; many in the village called her a temptress.

In this era, broad faces, large hips, and sturdy frames were considered the epitome of beauty. Her slender figure and pert hips were reminiscent of the fox spirits described in old tales.

At that moment, Huzi had caught on and quickly said, “Ahem... don’t misunderstand. We’ve come to inform you that your father was injured and is now being cared for at the healer’s home in Sanshui Bay Village. We just wanted to let you know.”

After a few stumbles, Huzi finished speaking, tugging on Su Yu’s arm. Su Yu had already realized his earlier rudeness. Though he had seen many women before—after all, he had transmigrated from another time and had helped countless young girls in distress when he was over forty—he had momentarily been dazzled by someone so naturally beautiful, which was rare in this era.

Hearing that his father was injured, with no knowledge of his condition and now recuperating at Li Youcai’s home in the neighboring village, both brothers grew anxious.

“How could Father be injured? He went out with Dabao and the others.”

The Dabao he mentioned were the hunting dogs. Experienced hunters knew the difference between having dogs and not having them—especially when facing wolves, wild boars, or even leopards. With seven or eight large dogs, even with just a shotgun, you might get three shots off because the dogs would harass the beast, risking their lives to create openings.

Without dogs, hunters faced predators alone; a missed shot might mean a fatal chase. But with hunting dogs, the dogs would distract the predator, attacking from the sides and retreating when counterattacked, allowing other dogs to continue the assault from different angles.

This tactic ensnared leopards or wolves, at least buying the hunter precious time to fight back or escape.

“It’s useless. Your father encountered a wild boar; my brother saw it—a glimpse was enough to tell it weighed over four hundred jin. Didn’t you notice two of your dogs were missing? When we left, those two were barely alive; by now, they’re probably dead.”

“You do have seven hunting dogs, but only two are large breeds; the rest are medium-sized and useless against wild boars.”

Indeed, without the bite force of large dogs, wild boars weren’t seriously harmed—just lightly scratched. Once the boar went berserk, even large dogs could die.

Take the German Shepherd, for example. Though large, it couldn’t withstand a wild boar’s charge.

“Enough talk. Hurry to Sanshui Bay Village; your father is waiting.”

“But Mother went to Aunt Liu’s and hasn’t returned yet. Should someone stay behind to inform her?”

“Second brother, you stay with Mother. The eldest brother and I will go ahead; you can follow later.”

After some discussion, the decision was made.

“Little brother, sorry for being rude earlier. I heard from your brother that you carried my father down the mountain—thank you.”

The young girl looked at him gratefully. Su Yu glanced at Huzi and silently gave him a thumbs-up.

“No need to thank me; it’s only natural.”

“Ha, glad you understand. By the way, I’m Huang Shan, this is my brother Huang Hai, and my sister Huang Su’e. What’s your name?”

Hearing that his sister was named Huang Su’e, not Huang Hu, Su Yu breathed a quiet sigh of relief. A girl named Huang Hu or Huang He would be quite an awkward name.

“Uh, Brother Shan, just call me Su Yu. No need for formalities. That’s my childhood friend, Su Xiaohu.”

The three exchanged simple introductions, becoming acquainted. Although the way back was familiar, their pace was slow. Both Su Yu and Huzi were exhausted.

Huang Shan understood; he couldn’t just leave them behind and go on alone.

Before long, Huang Hai arrived with their mother, and the six of them hurried home together.

Along the way, each found someone to talk to. After all, there was little else to do but chat while walking.

Huang Hai talked with Su Xiaohu, Huang Shan with Su Yu, and at the rear, Huang Su’e supported their mother, walking close behind.

Twenty li was neither too far nor easy terrain—mountain paths were like that, with ups and downs. Though not directly on the mountain, the road was still rough.

Still, twenty li was manageable, and before night fell, they finally reached Sanshui Bay Village.

Knocking on Li Youcai’s door, they entered and briefly introduced themselves to Li Youcai, greeting him. Su Yu planned to leave immediately. After a whole day without success—not a single catch or skill point gained—he felt dissatisfied and decided to try his luck by the lakeside.

“All of you are here now. I’ll head back. Take good care of your father. Uncle Youcai’s house should have extra rooms; you can stay the night.”

Li Youcai had one son and one daughter. His daughter was in elementary school, his son worked at the county hospital as a Western medicine doctor, having graduated and stayed in the city. His wife had passed away long ago, so only he and his fourteen-year-old daughter, now in fifth grade, lived at home.

“Little brother Su, we’re truly grateful. Auntie thanks you for saving our family head. Once he wakes and recovers, I’ll have Huang Shan and Huang Hai come to express our gratitude properly.”

“Heh, no need. Auntie, it’s nothing. Anyone would help in the mountains. I’ll be going now.”

Su Yu exchanged a glance with Huzi, and the two left together.

“Yu, this isn’t the way home. Where are you headed?”

“Obviously, after running around all day and catching nothing, I’m not going back empty-handed. Are you satisfied with that?”

Huzi thought about it—indeed, it was unsatisfying. They had planned to go to Swan Lake, but this life-or-death emergency had intervened.

“What do we do now? It’s dark, and if I don’t go home, my father will beat me.”

Su Yu rolled his eyes and sneered.

“You’re eighteen now, an adult. How can your father still beat you at will? I’m going to the lakeside to try catching a fish.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you. Worst case, we get a beating.”

Su Yu playfully punched him. “I tell you you’re dumb, and you don’t admit it. When you go back, don’t say you’re just coming from Huang Village to get people. We saved someone today. This won’t stay secret; the whole village will know tomorrow. Your father will be thrilled. As for when you returned, if you don’t say, I won’t either. When we say it, that’s when it happened.”

“Hey, Yu, you’re smart. Why didn’t I think of that? If Dad asks, I’ll just say we were delayed because Li Youcai sent us to Huang Village. Heh heh.”