Zhang Erlai’s apology stunned Su Qing for a moment. ’According to the usual script, shouldn’t he be trying to stir up some trouble with me?’

’Why isn’t this Zhang Erlai playing by the book?’

Seeing Su Qing just staring at him without a word, Zhang Erlai said uncomfortably, "I only found out when I got back today that my mom was ruining your reputation in the village a few days ago. I’ve already scolded her. I’m so sorry. I never intended for any of this to happen. I apologize to you again."

"I accept your apology," Su Qing said. "Since you know about this, I assume you also know that I publicly humiliated your mother that day. You don’t hold a grudge against me?"

"It was humiliating, but I understand this can’t be blamed on you." Zhang Erlai pressed his lips together. Of course he had heard about it, but he also knew that Su Qing couldn’t be held responsible. After all, for any innocent young woman, being slandered like that was a serious matter. A more fragile person might have even been driven to suicide. He just never expected that Su Qing, who had been so meek and timid back at the Old Su Family’s home, would become so assertive after moving out.

Hearing Zhang Erlai’s words, Su Qing couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow slightly. ’Is this a case of a good shoot sprouting from bad bamboo?’

"Alright, let’s let this matter drop. I’ve accepted the sincerity of your apology. However, I hope you’ll pass a message to your mother for me. If she tries to pull any more stunts in the future, I’ll humiliate her in public again. She can keep at it, as long as she isn’t afraid of the shame." Since Zhang Erlai was a reasonable person, Su Qing felt no need to hold this against him. After all, he hadn’t been involved. But Er La Niang still needed a firm warning.

"I know. I’ll make sure to warn her. I won’t let her do it again," Zhang Erlai nodded quickly.

"Okay then, I’m heading down the mountain. You do as you please." Su Qing nodded at Zhang Erlai and prepared to leave. It was almost time to start work. She didn’t ask if Zhang Erlai was going to work. As far as she recalled, he rarely did, and the village aunties and grannies all had a poor impression of him. But after this encounter, it seemed this Zhang Erlai was a bit different from the rumors. Putting other things aside, at least his moral compass was straight.

Zhang Erlai had no intention of going down the mountain. He’d just fought with his mother and didn’t want to go home right now. He decided to stay on the mountain for a while. In any case, he never worked in the village.

Seeing Su Qing about to head down, he started walking further up the mountain. He hadn’t taken more than a couple of steps when he suddenly felt something was wrong up ahead. It sounded like something was running over, accompanied by heavy panting and snorting.

A wild boar!

Soon, Zhang Erlai realized what it was. A wild boar!

Instantly, Zhang Erlai’s legs began to tremble. He had never been in great physical shape; otherwise, he wouldn’t have avoided farm work all these years. He simply couldn’t handle the labor in the fields. That’s why he spent his days trailing after others outside the village, earning a little bit of hard cash.

He couldn’t even handle farm work, let alone go hunting in the mountains. He probably couldn’t even outrun a wild boar on those two legs of his. If he really came face to face with one, he’d definitely be the one to get torn to shreds.

Although Su Qing wasn’t far from him, Zhang Erlai never thought she could fight a wild boar. With her small frame, it was more likely she’d be the one getting trampled.

The only thing to do now was run.

Immediately, Zhang Erlai turned and ran towards Su Qing, shouting a warning as he went, "Su Qing, run! Run! A wild boar! It’s coming after us!"

At his words, Su Qing’s eyes immediately lit up. ’A wild boar? That means pork to eat.’

Zhao Youcai and Wang Xuehong, as the village head and party secretary, were very diligent and responsible. Their primary concern was whether the villagers could live well.

A few years ago, life in Lihua Village had been incredibly hard. If someone caught small game like wild chickens or rabbits, it was their own business. But for large game like a wild boar, it had to be distributed by the village. It was similar to the communal pot system, at least ensuring everyone in the village could get a taste of meat. Of course, the person who caught the animal would receive a larger share.

But in the last two years, everyone’s lives had improved somewhat, so Zhao Youcai and Wang Xuehong no longer enforced this rule. If someone caught wild game, other villagers could go to their house and buy some with money. Of course, the price would certainly be a bit lower than the market price, which was mutually beneficial for everyone.

’So, as long as I take down this boar today, I can eat plenty of meat without having to hide it.’

Seeing Su Qing standing still instead of running, Zhang Erlai grew anxious. He ran over and said, "Hurry up and run! The boar will be here any second!"

"It’s too late," Su Qing said, narrowing her eyes at the boar that had just appeared.

Hearing this, Zhang Erlai turned to look and was so scared his legs went weak, nearly causing him to fall right on his rear.

’Good heavens! This boar has to be at least three hundred pounds, right? This isn’t even that far from the foot of the mountain. How did it run all the way out here?’

’Is it planning to destroy the crops?’

But that wasn’t right. As the boar got closer, Zhang Erlai saw clearly that there was a branch stuck in its rear. The boar had probably been driven mad by the irritation.

’How could we be so unlucky to run into a crazed wild boar!’

"Move!" Seeing Zhang Erlai completely terrified, Su Qing couldn’t help but roll her eyes. ’Seriously? How can a grown man be so timid? If you can’t fight it, can’t you at least dodge!’

With no time for further thought, Su Qing grabbed Zhang Erlai and yanked him to the side, dodging the charging boar. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

The boar had somehow been injured in its hindquarters by a sharp branch and had gone berserk, charging down the mountain. Now, seeing Su Qing and Zhang Erlai, it immediately took them as its target.

Its first charge having missed, the boar made a sharp turn. With reddened eyes, it stared at Su Qing and Zhang Erlai, pawed its hooves, and charged at them again.

"AHHHHH—" Zhang Erlai let out a terrified shriek, which only provoked the boar further, making it charge even faster.

"Shut up!" Su Qing snapped irritably as she pulled Zhang Erlai aside to dodge the boar’s attack again. ’This man screams louder than a woman!’

"A... a boar!" Zhang Erlai was in a complete state of panic. He didn’t even notice how agile Su Qing was, easily dodging the boar’s charges while dragging a grown man like him along. At this moment, he had only one thought: ’It’s over, it’s over. I’m going to die here today.’

Su Qing didn’t care what Zhang Erlai was thinking. Dragging him around was hindering her movements. Finding him a burden, she gave him a hard shove away. "Quick, find a place to hide by yourself."

"Ah!" Zhang Erlai was shoved forcefully and couldn’t react in time. Then, his eyes widened as he saw the wild boar charging straight for him!

’It’s over! Heaven itself wants me dead!’