Hunting the Greater Khingan Mountains: The First Snow of 1983

In late autumn of 1983, just after the first snow fell, Zhao Qingfeng opened his eyes in the old-growth forests of the Xing'an Mountains.

In his previous life, he was Zhao the Gunner, a name known far and wide. He roamed the mountains for more than a decade and made a fortune trading furs, yet ended up destitute and alone. As he lay curled up in a forest ranger's cabin, listening to the raging blizzard outside, he finally understood: What had he done with his life?

When he opened his eyes again, the wild boar that had ruined his childhood friend Bai Xiaochen in his previous life was right in front of him.

This time, he didn't panic. Forty-three years of mountain-hunting experience were all in his mind. Armed with a hunting knife and two mongrel dogs, he swiftly killed the beast and pulled both families back from the crossroads of fate.

From then on, this vast forest became his way to make a living.

Hunting wild boars, shooting roe deer, trapping sable, raiding bear dens... Zhao Qingfeng and his childhood friend made a name for themselves in these mountains and rivers, with a rifle and a dog apiece. Bear gall sold for 300 yuan, deer antlers fetched 500, and a sable pelt went for 550. At a time when workers earned just 40 yuan a month, he made life better and better for both families.

But the person he cared about most was Bai Xiaoxing, Bai Xiaochen's older sister. In his previous life, she died a cruel death after trading marriages to save her younger brother, becoming the deepest regret of his life. This time, he would protect her and never let her suffer the slightest grievance.

The brick bed burned hot, roe deer meat simmered in the pot, and freshly tanned hides hung in the courtyard to dry. Junzi lay on the bed counting his pocket money, while Bai Xiaoxing bustled around the stove, occasionally glancing up at him with flushed cheeks...

This was the life Zhao Qingfeng wanted.