Chapter 4 Let's go out together

  At dawn, it started raining. Kang Fan let Mei Xiang go to sleep in the driver's cabin of Xiao Gong's car, and he himself put on a raincoat from his backpack, took Adolph around for a patrol, then closed all the windows of the large passenger car, climbed onto the rear compartment of Xiao Gong's car, lifted the canvas, opened the low-light night vision scope, holding the 88-style sniper rifle vigilantly guarding. In case of an emergency, he moved a box of hand grenades to his side.

  The rain grew heavier, and the bonfire was extinguished in no time. The surroundings were pitch black, and you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. The leopard had long since disappeared, probably to find a place to take shelter from the rain. A rainy night would make this place even safer. Kang Fan turned off the night vision scope and turned on the high-intensity flashlight, and the car suddenly lit up.

  Suddenly, a huge lightning bolt cut across the night sky, and the entire basin was instantly illuminated. The thunder sounded as if it were going to split the earth, closely following and rumbling over from above. Meixiang screamed and rushed over in the rain, scrambling into the carriage.

  I'm scared to death! I'm scared to death! Mei Xiang buried her head in Kang Fan's arms, with a look of horror on her face.

  Kang Fan couldn't help but laugh, was this thunderbolt even more terrifying than that pack of starving wolves?

  Plum fragrance wet hair has rainwater flowing down, fluffy big eyes are filled with fear.

  Kang Fan saw that she was really afraid, and with a bitter smile, he shook his head, took off his own windbreaker and put it on her, gently patting the wet hair on her forehead, saying: "It's okay, nothing's wrong. The sky is about to light up."

  Adolf came over and knelt down beside Mei Xiang, as if comforting her.

  Mei Xiang quickly calmed down, shyly using her hand to comb her long hair, glancing at Kang Fan with a tilted head. Kang Fan couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat! This was the kind of sensual scene that could make men's minds wander: her wet clothes clung tightly to her curvaceous body, her black shiny hair cascaded down like a waterfall, covering half of her lovely face, her slender white fingers moved deftly through it, and the lamp light shone through the gaps between her fingers, flickering eerily...

  It's really deadly. Kang Fan said as he turned his head and gazed up at the dark night sky.

  Mei Xiang smiled coquettishly, Big Brother Soldier, can't you just take your life? You are our hope, if something happens to you, these dozens of people will have a good day!

  "If you don't want me dead, then stay away from me," said Kang Fan.

  Mei Xiang gave him a glance, stretched out her hand to measure the distance between Kang Fan and herself with a pretentious gesture. When her hand touched Kang Fan's shoulder, she lifted her head and smiled sweetly. It's okay, not too close. Enough for you to escape.

  "Kang Fan suddenly sat down, I really can't take it from you!"

  Mei Xiang giggled and pulled out an apple from her pocket, splitting it open with a grin. Kang Fan drew his 95 military knife and swung it in one motion, the apple in Mei Xiang's hand split open with a crisp sound, the cut was clean and the two halves were perfectly even.

  Mei Xiang glared with rounded eyes, shouting discontentedly: Aren't you afraid of chopping off my hand? You stupid soldier!

  Kang Fan smiled wryly, just now he was Big Brother Soldier, but in an instant he became Soldier Fool.

  You're just a stupid soldier, dull and numb, don't know what's good or bad! Mei Xiang said angrily, handing over half an apple from her hand to Kang Fan, specially declaring: This is not military supplies, it was brought by myself, and is not within the quota.

  Kang Fan didn't take it, and smiled: You eat it yourself. Originally today should have been a reward for your bravery, but I don't have anything good to give you either。 Borrowing flowers to offer Buddha, let's just say it's my gift of half an apple as a reward。

  Plum fragrance was gone, and she threw half of the apple into Kang Fan's arms, and then continued eating.

  Kang Fan handed the apple in his arms back, Mei Xiang turned around and said irritably: If you don't eat it, throw it away! Kang Fan smiled awkwardly and had to eat it.

  In the silence, Mei Xiang quietly fell asleep, tightly wrapped in Kang Fan's windbreaker, with a mischievous curl at the corner of her mouth. Kang Fan returned to the driver's cabin, pulled out the sleeping bag from his backpack, and went back to the rear compartment, waking up Mei Xiang.

  "What's going on?" Mei Xiang asked sleepily with a dazed expression.

  Kang Fan unfolded his sleeping bag, pointed at it, and crawled inside to sleep soundly.

  Mei Xiang lifted her eyes to look at him, took off her shoes, clumsily crawled in, lay down, and stared wide-eyed. Adolf lay down beside the sleeping bag, sniffing back and forth, as if searching for something.

  Kang Fan turned off the flashlight, put back on his own windbreaker, sat at the entrance of the car, and smoked one cigarette after another in the darkness. The clothes still had Mei Xiang's body temperature and fragrance, which felt strange.

  The rain gradually stopped, the sky brightened up, and golden red rays of light emerged from the gaps in the dark clouds in the east, dyeing the entire basin red. The morning mist spread out, and the cool breeze wandered around. Various unknown bird calls rose and fell in the forest, and the earth regained its vitality.

  Zhong Hanqiang got up early and somehow found some dry firewood to rekindle a bonfire. On the tripod made of sturdy branches over the bonfire, an aluminum pot was hanging, with steam rising from it.

  Kang Fan walked over and saw the pot churning with seaweed and egg drops, a wave of fragrance hit his nose, and his mouth suddenly moistened. "Old Zhong, where did you find these things?!" Kang Fan was delighted.

  Zhong Hanqiang pointed at his own car, saying "There are many good things on my car, don't believe me? Go take a look."

  Kang Fan walked over, opened the car door, and was delighted to find that the compartment was filled with all sorts of goods, it was like a small supermarket! Especially the set of cookware and seasonings that were always stocked in the car came in handy, and that half bag of precious iodized salt was a lifesaver!

  Kang Fan couldn't help but smile meaningfully after seeing this, we already have weapons and supplies, and you've brought these much-needed treasures, so we don't lack anything now. Isn't this a bit too coincidental, Old Zhong?

  Zhong Hanqiang smiled wryly, "This matter was originally a coincidence. If I had left a few minutes earlier or later, I wouldn't have run into you." As he spoke, his dark red face suddenly flashed with a rare radiance. "I've opened several general stores in my hometown's villages. The goods on these carts are all newly transported from outside: apart from daily necessities, there are also seeds for crops, fertilizers and pesticides that I'm bringing to the villagers. If we need to stay here for an extended period, these things will be very useful... running into me is your good fortune!"

  Kang Fan patted his broad shoulders, and after a moment of silence, he said: "Yes, fortunately I met you this time. If I were alone, I would have lost these students long ago. That's a big deal! In the past, we didn't have fate, and our faces didn't know each other. Now that we're in different places but meet by chance, it means that fate has arrived."

  Yes. Zhong Hanqiang's face showed a resolute expression, and suddenly he transformed from an ordinary citizen back into a soldier. Our only task now is to take good care of these students until they return to their parents.

  Kang Fan grasped Zhong Hanqiang's hand tightly, feeling a stronger force transmitted from his hand. With such a good comrade-in-arms, what was there to be afraid of?

  "Have you been in the Special Warfare Brigade?" Zhong Hanqiang asked.

  Kang Fan nodded, how did you know?

  Zhong Hanqiang pointed at Kang Fan's hand, which had calluses from the hook and sandbag.

  Kang Fan looked at his own hands and smiled, I've been to many places in the military department.

  Why don't we all just call you 'General Kang' then? Zhong Hanqiang burst out laughing.

  Kang Fan was taken aback, Old Zhong, you remember who I am?

  Zhong Hanqiang smiled and nodded, "The year you enlisted, I was transferred to the logistics department for financial work, and later retired from there. So we never met each other. But I've heard of your great name."

  Kang Fan scratched his head in embarrassment, and at that time, I really had the idea of being a commander.

  It should be now too. You can definitely do it. Zhong Hanqiang encouraged him.

  Kang Fan waved his hand and didn't mention it anymore. Old Zhong, you take care of things here, I'll go get some game back.

  Zhong Hanqiang nodded in agreement.

  The other students had not yet gotten up, only Mei Xiang was alone by the river washing up, hearing that Kang Fan was going hunting, she hastily washed off the toothpaste foam from her mouth and ran over.

  Big Brother Da Bing, can you take me with you? Mei Xiang asked Kang Fan excitedly.

  Kang Fan stopped in his tracks and looked her up and down. Mei Xiang was made to feel a bit self-conscious by his gaze, and she too began to examine herself from head to toe.

  "What's wrong? Is there something wrong with me?" Mei Xiang asked nervously.

  Kang Fan asked her: Do you mean to go with this silly soldier?

  Plum fragrance was so anxious that she stomped her feet. Who would you go with if not me? You're the only soldier here, where's a second one?

  Kang Fan smiled and left Adolf behind to help Zhong Hanqiang take care of the camp, and set off with a 56 semi-automatic rifle. Mei Xiang followed closely behind him without saying a word. After walking for a few steps, Kang Fan slowed down his pace to wait for her. Mei Xiang was delighted and quickly ran a few steps to hold Kang Fan's hand.

  I knew you wouldn't abandon me. Mei Xiang said with a smile.

  Two people walked through the forest and came to an open area near the riverbank. At this time, the dark clouds had dispersed, and the warm sunlight shone down, with the temperature rising rapidly. The water level of the river had risen a lot and was no longer as clear as it had been in the previous few days. On the green grassy shore, all kinds of wildflowers were blooming, and clusters of shrubs dotted the open fields, stretching all the way to the dense forest behind them. Beautiful butterflies fluttered about, and from time to time small birds chirped happily as they flitted back and forth.

  How beautiful! Mei Xiang forgot herself and plunged into this breathtaking spring scenery.

  Kang Fan saw her having fun, so he put down his gun and went to search for rabbits. After catching a dozen or so fat wild rabbits, he returned. He found a dry sandy spot, processed the rabbits while watching Mei Xiang play. He really wanted to take a good nap, but he knew it wasn't possible now, there were just too many things that needed to be done.

  Plum fragrance played enough, and the few butterflies that were caught with great difficulty were released again. She made a big flower ring and put it on her head, running back to Kang Fan's side with a look of intoxication.

  "Are you done?" Kang Fan asked.

  Plum fragrance smiles, play is done.

  Is this what you call 'hunting'? Where's your prey? Let me take a look. Kang Fan was intentionally teasing her.

  Mei Xiang spread out her hands and said seriously: Let it go. If you want, I can catch it again.

  It's all right, next time then. When everyone has finished eating, you can come and catch them again, it won't be too late. Kang Fan smiled and said.

  Two people returned to the camp, Kang Fan and Zhong Hanqiang stewed the wild rabbit together, and ate it with the students until nothing was left. Then, they led the students around the woods on the outskirts of the open space, using felled tree trunks and branches to encircle a dense wall that was impenetrable to the wind, leaving a sturdy door that could be opened and closed. The wall was over 2 meters high, which should be more than enough to block out wolf packs. For convenience, they also built separate toilets for men and women. In this way, the camp became very safe.

  After that, Kang Fan took 17 boys to start gun operation training separately. During the training interval, he took the students to collect mushrooms, wild fruits, wild vegetables, bird eggs, catch rabbits, grab fish, and hunt wild chickens and ducks to increase food varieties and quantities, and maximize the savings of that batch of supplies.

  After everything was ready, Kang Fan should have gone out to explore the road. This action is of great significance, and the outcome will directly affect everyone's future. After saying goodbye to Zhong Hanqiang, Kang Fan went to the sx2300 car to take his backpack, and packed separately in each bag with single soldier rations, canned goods, biscuits, drinking water, raincoats, toiletries, sleeping bags, spare clothes, binoculars, first aid kits, water bottles, aluminum lunch boxes, etc. He put the flashlight, spare batteries, compass, lighter, cigarettes, etc. into the cartridge pocket on the front of the combat vest. Considering that this trip is mainly by wooden raft down the river, the probability of encountering wolf packs is very small, so he only brought a 92 pistol and a 95 military knife.

  Mei Xiang noticed Kang Fan's actions and, after learning his purpose, insisted on going together. Kang Fan strongly disagreed. Mei Xiang was determined to go with Kang Fan no matter what. Zhong Hanqiang couldn't bear it anymore and suggested that Kang Fan bring Mei Xiang along. In the wilderness, if they encountered an accident, two people would have more ways to deal with it than one person. Kang Fan reluctantly agreed and stuffed Mei Xiang's luggage into his backpack, adding more food and bottled water. The 75-liter backpack was bulging. After explaining the situation to the students, he set off with Mei Xiang. Adolf looked very dissatisfied with this approach, running back and forth in front of and behind them, barking nonstop.

  You're needed here more than ever, Adolf. Convinced, he patted its neck and said: After I leave, it's just Old Zhong himself left, help him take good care of the students.

  Driving to the river bay where he had fought with the wolf pack last time, Zhong Hanqiang found the wooden raft and helped to repair it. He made two oars and didn't dare to stay for long, so he drove back to the camp. Kang Fan helped Mei Xiang onto the wooden raft, sat down, and pushed off from the riverbank with a wooden oar, drifting downstream.

  It's tiring to take you out, said Kang Fan.

  Mei Xiang didn't say a word, but instead tilted her head and smiled at him. Kang Fan's anger dissipated, and the many grievances he had prepared to express were swallowed back in an instant.

  Why don't you say it? There must be a lot more to complain about, right?" Mei Xiang asked with a smile.

  Kang Fan just paddled silently, without saying a word.

  Mei Xiang pushed him and said, "Big Brother Da Bing, what kind of oar are you rowing with the current? Will you have a chance to row when we come back?"

  Kang Fan stopped drawing, leaned against his backpack and lay down, lit a cigarette and took a drag.

  The sun rises gradually, sunlight spills down, the emerald forest and crystal clear river water slowly move backwards, the warmed air mixed with the unique breath of the valley caresses the cheeks, occasionally a beautiful water bird flutters by, its crisp call echoing all around.

  Mei Xiang took off her shoes and socks, rolled up her pants, and put her feet in the river water, paddling gently. Kang Fan hadn't felt so carefree for a long time, forgetting his surroundings, admiring the beautiful scenery, the blue sky, the sunshine...and the beauty. He stared absent-mindedly at Mei Xiang's slender white legs, suddenly having an urge to hold them in his hands and caress them.

  "What are you looking at, Big Brother?" Mei Xiang asked with a smile.

  Kang Fan shifted his gaze away from Mei Xiang's body.