The weather gradually grew hotter. Even in the mountains, the power of the sun was palpable at midday.
Fortunately, staying in the shade kept the sun from inflicting direct physical damage, and there was even a hint of coolness.
Lunch was fairly simple: cold mushroom salad, steamed-bun slices toasted on the stove indoors, venison soup, and some boiled meat.
Once Li Long had eaten and drunk his fill, he did not want to move. But he still had to scoop out the meat and fat he had cooked down, or they would be difficult to remove once they set in the pot.
He took out the boiled meat as well, rubbed it with salt, and hung it on a line to dry. Dried meat was usually made from raw meat, but Li Long had cooked his to make it more convenient to eat. Even if lighting a fire was difficult, he could simply tear off a piece and eat it.
Once everything was done, he took a chair over to the wall of the Wooden Cabin and sat down to rest.
Li Long sat there for over an hour that afternoon. When he thought enough time had passed, he stood and walked around.
No one came, which meant the mountains really had emptied out.
He could actually leave now, but with this finishing-up work, he felt he might as well carry on a little longer.
As the sun neared the horizon, Li Long began bringing in the meat and fritillaria. He decided to stay one more day tomorrow. Whether anyone else came afterward or not, he would leave.
He had more or less done all he could. He needed to go home and enjoy life, too.
Just as he finished putting everything away and prepared to go inside, the sound