The villager grunted and ran out, followed closely by Village Chief Zhao and several other villagers.
“Wu, wu, wu—” cries could be heard from afar. Village Chief Zhao quickened his pace in alarm. What lay before them shocked everyone: Sun Yinnong’s thigh had been bitten clean off, his belly torn open, white bones exposed, and his entire abdominal cavity completely drained of blood, staining a large patch of grass red.
“What… what happened here?” Village Chief Zhao covered his head with his hand, staggering slightly.
“Chief Zhao, Chief Zhao, are you okay?” A villager stepped forward and supported him.
“I’m fine,” Village Chief Zhao replied, pressing his temples, visibly shaken. “This… this…” He gasped heavily. “What exactly happened?”
“Chief Zhao, you must stand up for us!” Sun Yinnong’s wife cried, kneeling on the ground.
“What exactly happened?”
“He said he wanted to go check the fields,” she sobbed. “I told him to wait until tomorrow. It was time for dinner, but he insisted on going. When he didn’t return for a long time and it started getting dark, I went looking for him… and then I saw him…” She burst into tears again.
“Chief Zhao, we searched all day for the wolf but couldn’t find it. How could it have come like this?”
“Yeah, Chief Zhao, I’ve always felt something strange…”
“Dad! Dad!”
“Dad! Dad!”
“Dad! Dad!”
Hearing the news, Sun Yinnong’s three sons rushed over. Seeing their father half-eaten by a wolf, they knelt on the ground crying loudly, voices overlapping in grief.
“Chief Zhao, you must stand up for us!”
“My dad…”
“Rest assured, we must eliminate this hungry wolf. It’s a great menace to our village—it must be destroyed!”
“Destroy it…”
Village Chief Zhao stepped forward to comfort them. The Sun family began collecting the remains of their loved one. Soon, night fell, and everyone headed back to the village.
“Are you staying for dinner?” an old woman was carrying dishes to the kang bed.
“No,” Village Chief Zhao replied, turning and stepping off the kang.
“This…” the old woman looked at the food.
“Eat it yourself,” he said, hunching out the door.
The old woman sighed, watching his back disappear.
‘Dada dada’—a series of urgent footsteps approached. Village Chief Zhao arrived at Zhang Daxian’s house. Zhang and his wife were having dinner when they saw the chief enter and immediately invited him to join them.
“No dinner. Not hungry,” Village Chief Zhao murmured.
“I heard something happened in the village again?” Zhang asked, chewing on a steamed bun.
“Yes. Sun Yinnong was found dead at the exact spot where Madam Hu died.”
Hearing this, Zhang involuntarily shivered.
“What’s wrong?” Village Chief Zhao asked. “You think—”
“Exactly,” Zhang put down his chopsticks. “I also feel something strange about this place.”
Village Chief Zhao nodded. “We searched all the nearby mountains for the wolf today, but didn’t even find a single hair. So where did the wolf that killed Sun Yinnong come from? There were no wolves here before. How could a wolf suddenly appear at just this time—right after the news about zombies in the neighboring village died down? Could this be a coincidence?”
Zhang grunted and closed his eyes, his thumb sliding across the joints of his fingers. He shivered involuntarily and opened his eyes. “This is a terrible omen—a sign of great misfortune!”
“So what should we do?”
“A mountain hermit has his own wisdom!”
“You really have a plan?” Village Chief Zhao asked, puzzled.
“Yes. As the saying goes, a generous reward will always attract brave men!”
“You mean to offer money to recruit people to hunt the wolf—or the zombie?”
Zhang nodded.
“But where will the money come from…”
“Simple—collect contributions! If the villagers don’t want to get hurt…”
Hehehe…
Hehehe…
Knocking open the door, Village Chief Zhao walked in.
“You said you wouldn’t eat,” the old woman sat on the kang, glancing at him while continuing to sew the sole of a shoe. “You seem cheerful today.”
“Of course I am,” Village Chief Zhao smiled unusually. “I’ve figured out a plan. How could I not be happy?”
“The food’s in the cupboard. Serve yourself.”
“Mm,” he grunted, lifting the oil lamp by the kang and heading toward the outer room.
“Lamp! Lamp!” the old woman called. “I can’t see!”
He didn’t respond, just smiling as he walked out.
The next morning, the sound of ‘Dangdangdang’ gongs echoed through the village. Hearing the drumbeats, everyone rushed to the old temple—it was a village tradition.
Soon, Village Chief Zhao emerged from the crowd. Standing before everyone, he raised his voice: “I’ve gathered everyone today to discuss a serious matter—the wolf that’s been eating people.” As he spoke, he glanced at Zhang Daxian.
“Last night, I observed the stars and found that the ominous star had shifted. This is a terrible omen!” Zhang cleared his throat. “That’s why we’ve had several wolf attacks. Our village has never had wolves eating people before. Why are these incidents happening now? The reason is simple—there’s something unclean in the village. We must unite and eliminate it.”
“So the village will be in danger.”
“What should we do?”
“More people will die!”
“Quiet, quiet! Listen to me,” Village Chief Zhao waved his hands. “Now, we have a plan to eliminate the wolf, but we need someone to do it. Who’s willing to go?”
“This is basically sending someone to their death!”
“So many have already died?”
“I won’t go.”
“Neither will I.”
“Alright, alright,” Village Chief Zhao raised his voice. “Since none of you have the courage to go, but want peace in the future, I propose we collect money to hire someone to eliminate the wolf. What do you think?”
“Collect money? Don’t tell me it’s a scam?”
“Yeah?”
“What if we lose both the money and the wolf isn’t killed?”
“I think it’s a good idea.”
“Me too!”
“Quiet!” Village Chief Zhao waved his hands again. “I’ll start—donating three grain coupons.” He threw three coupons with tractors printed on them into the incense burner. A villager shouted, “Three from Chief Zhao!” Another immediately jotted it down in a notebook.
“He really donated!”
“Really?”
“Truly!”
“I’ll donate one!” A villager stepped forward.
“Three from Mazi!” As soon as the name was called, another note was taken.
“Three from Tang Xiaoye.”
‘Huahua’—Sun Yinnong’s eldest son threw a handful of coupons.
“Twenty from the Sun family!”
“Wow, twenty!”
“That many?”
“They must be rich!”
The villagers murmured among themselves as Village Chief Zhao smiled and approached.
“Chief Zhao, I hope you won’t betray the trust of the entire village,” said Sun’s eldest son.
“Don’t worry. I’ll hire a sharpshooter to eliminate the wolf!” Village Chief Zhao whispered in his ear. “To protect the village and avenge your father.”
Sun’s son nodded and left happily.
Everyone contributed their share, and soon a pile of grain coupons had been collected.
After Li Yiqiang left, everyone anxiously awaited news of the wolf’s death. Day by day passed—no news came. One day passed, then two, then three. A week passed, still no word.
Village Chief Zhao could no longer sit still. He sent someone to Li Yiqiang’s house, only to learn that Li had gone to hunt the wolf over half a month ago and hadn’t returned.
“Chief Zhao, it’s terrible! Someone’s dead! Someone’s dead!” A villager ran into his house.
“Who died? Why are you so frantic?” Village Chief Zhao was already troubled at home and snapped, “Go find Director Zhou. Don’t bother me.”
“No, Chief Zhao, someone was eaten by the wolf again!”
“What?” Hearing this, Village Chief Zhao ran out barefoot. This was a sensitive topic. He quickly asked, “Who was eaten?”
“Don’t know. No family has reported anyone missing yet.”
“Quick, take me to see it!”
The villager led him to the deep forest on the front mountain, where many villagers had already gathered, curious about the latest wolf attack.
“Chief Zhao, you’re here. Someone else was eaten.”
“Chief Zhao, do something, or we’ll all end up in the wolf’s stomach!”
“Where is he?”
“Here,” the villager pointed.
The body was torn apart like the previous ones, already rotting and emitting a foul stench, crawling with insects. He must have died several days ago.
“Whose family is this?”
“Don’t know.”
“No one has reported anyone missing?”
The villagers answered…
“Strange, could it be someone from outside the village?” Village Chief Zhao murmured.
“Chief Zhao, this clothing looks familiar,” a villager suddenly said. Village Chief Zhao examined it carefully. Indeed, the clothes looked familiar, as if he had seen them before, but he couldn’t recall exactly where.
“I think this looks like someone’s clothes…”
“Who?”
“Looks like Li Yiqiang’s.”
“Yes!”
“I remember seeing him wearing something like this that day!”
“Li Yiqiang?” Village Chief Zhao repeated the name, examining the clothes again. The last time he saw Li, he was wearing something like this. And when he sent someone to look for Li, they said he had disappeared for over half a month. Could it be… he was eaten by the wolf?
“Chief Zhao, it’s Li Yiqiang.”
“Yes!”
“If even he, with his excellent shooting skills, was eaten by the wolf, what can we do?”
“Right, Chief Zhao…”
Village Chief Zhao sighed. “Since he died for our village, let’s find a coffin and bury him.”
Days passed, and everyone lived in fear. Who wasn’t afraid of being eaten by the wolf? Most villagers stayed indoors, afraid to go out. Even going to the fields required group gatherings and weapons. During this time, no one could be hired. The reason was simple—even the ‘Number One Gunman of Northeast China’ was eaten by the wolf. Who would dare take on such a task? With no choice, Village Chief Zhao organized a second donation drive. This time, the contributions were even fewer. Most villagers had already donated by tightening their belts. Who had spare money now? Fortunately, several wealthy households in the village contributed more. The grain coupons increased from twenty to fifty. At that time, it was already a significant amount.
Village Chief Zhao entrusted someone to find a new hunter from another county. His name was Li Fei. This man was formidable—he had once served in the army, as a sniper in a Kuomintang company. His shooting skills were unmatched—hitting targets from a hundred paces, never missing. However, during a battle, his leg was injured by a bomb fragment, leaving him with a permanent disability.
His arrival brought hope back to the village. Village Chief Zhao warmly welcomed him, even sacrificing his only egg-laying hen. This chicken was his treasure, but for the village’s safety, he had to let go. As he killed the chicken, Village Chief Zhao couldn’t help shedding tears…
With Li Fei’s arrival, dinner began. Village Chief Zhao and Zhang Daxian personally went to the village entrance to greet him.
“Chief Zhao, you’re too kind!” Li Fei felt slightly embarrassed by the warm reception.
“It’s our duty. If you can help us kill the wolf, you’ll be the savior of our village, Xiushui Village,” Village Chief Zhao said, leading Li Fei inside.
“Don’t worry. With me here, I’ll definitely kill the wolf for you!” Li Fei sat on the edge of the kang. To him, killing one wolf was nothing—ten wolves wouldn’t scare him. After all, he had survived countless battles.
As Li Fei sat down, Village Chief Zhao brought out a small table. The old woman brought a large pot of stewed potatoes, chicken, and mushrooms. A rich aroma filled the air, making mouths water. Such a dish was a rare treat, even during the New Year. Village Chief Zhao and Zhang Daxian joined him on the kang. The old woman brought bowls, chopsticks, and a pot of homemade liquor. Village Chief Zhao poured wine for Li Fei.
“I can pour myself,” Li Fei reached for the pot.
“No, let me,” Village Chief Zhao chuckled. “A guest is always welcome.”
After pouring Li Fei’s cup, he poured Zhang Daxian’s.
“Come, let’s drink to this,” Village Chief Zhao raised his nine-qian cup. It was borrowed from the Sun family.
“Cheers!”
“Too much trouble,” Li Fei raised his cup.
“Cheers!”
‘Zhi’—they all drank the liquor in one gulp.
“Chief Zhao, rest assured. I’ll definitely take care of that wolf!” Li Fei took a bite of food.
“Just hearing that is enough,” Village Chief Zhao raised his cup again. “Come, another round!”
‘Zhi’—the three of them took another sip.
“Our village’s wolf is really fierce. It’s already eaten several people.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve seen worse,” Li Fei said confidently. “Know what I used to do?”
Village Chief Zhao and Zhang Daxian looked at him, shaking their heads.
“A sniper!”
“What’s a sniper?” Zhang asked curiously.
“A sniper is someone who shoots enemies from hiding,” Li Fei explained, picking up his cane by the kang, unwrapping the cloth to reveal a pistol. He raised the gun to demonstrate.
“Great!”
Geggege… geggege…
A rooster crowed outside. Village Chief Zhao looked up—it was still dark outside, the sky grayish. Feeling the urge to urinate, he got up to go to the toilet. Just stepping into the yard, he heard a noise. Turning around, he saw Li Fei. Seeing it was the village chief, Li Fei quickly said, “Chief Zhao, up so early?”
Village Chief Zhao smiled. “Urgent.”
“Same here.”
Hua hua hua—they both began urinating against the corner wall.
“Do you have confidence?”
“What do you mean?” Li Fei glanced at him. “You don’t trust me?”
“No, no, not at all,” Village Chief Zhao smiled.
“Old chief, just rest assured. Just a single wolf…”
“This time, be careful,” Village Chief Zhao zipped up and pulled up his pants. “This wolf isn’t ordinary. It’s evil—very sinister!”
“Rest assured, I know my limits,” Li Fei nodded casually.
The sky gradually brightened. The old woman had already risen early to prepare breakfast. Before sunrise, the meal was ready. She cooked early because Li Fei needed to leave early to hunt the wolf. After breakfast, Village Chief Zhao escorted Li Fei to the village entrance.
“Chief Zhao, no worries. I’ll definitely return victorious!”
“I know you can. I’m just a little worried.”
“Worried I’ll take your grain coupons?” Li Fei joked.
“Good!” Village Chief Zhao looked at him. “I’m waiting for you to come back and collect them!”
“Of course, I’ll come back to collect them.”
“I’ll be waiting!”
“Hehehe!”
The sun slowly rose from the eastern sky, warming the earth.
“Old man, what’s wrong with you?”
Village Chief Zhao sat on the edge of the kang, puffing on his large tobacco pipe. “I’m troubled. I don’t know why, but I just feel anxious!”
“You! What can I say about you!” the old woman sat beside him. “You were anxious when no one was found, and now that someone is here, you’re still anxious. What are you anxious about?”
“I’m afraid it’s another case of sending a meat bun to fetch a dog…”
The old woman didn’t respond, getting off the kang and heading to the yard to tidy up the firewood.
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