He looked up at the sky outside. It was still quite dark. Then he checked his watch. A little past four.
The room was a little chilly. The fire in the stove had gone out, and the window paper had not been sealed properly, letting a draft through. Li Long wrapped the quilt tighter around himself, but then threw it off again and got up.
Since he had come here to hunt, since he was already awake, and since he could even dream about hunting tigers, surely going out to shoot a wild boar piglet in real life would be no problem?
He got up, dressed, and went over to tack down the window paper a little. The room had been airing out all night. There was no need to keep letting the wind in.
He picked up the Type 56 Semi-Automatic Rifle and checked it, loaded it fully, engaged the safety, and slung it over his back. He took his shoulder bag, putting a packet of ammunition and two steamed buns inside, filled his canteen with cooled boiled water, then checked his lighter and the knife he carried.
Once he had everything, Li Long went out, turned to lock the door, got his bearings, and strode southwest with the rifle on his back.
He remembered a stream near where Old Lü the beekeeper used to stay. The grass there had been lush last autumn, and wild boars seemed to visit often. In spring, before the grass elsewhere had fully grown, the grass beside the water should be doing better. Presumably wild boars would visit often, too?
Dawn was just beginning to break. Walking through the valley, he could make out the ground ten or so meters ahead, but his view was limited. Most places were still dark and indistinct.