When Li Long reached Harimu's Winter Camp, it was around ten o'clock. With the short days and long nights at this time of year, that was normally just after breakfast.
As usual, the barking dogs told Harimu that Li Long had arrived. He came out of the Winter Camp, helped Li Long tether his horse by his family's hitching post, then pulled him inside.
"Have some milk tea first. In a little while, we'll go find Jade Mountain River, then hunt Mongolian Gazelles together."
Knowing what Li Long had come for, Harimu wasted no words.
After spending so much time with them, Li Long had grown increasingly accustomed to milk tea. He took a satisfying sip and said,
"Harimu, I see you shoveled away all the bloodstained snow outside."
"I had no choice." Harimu smiled wryly. "Wolves howled all night the night before last. Yesterday, it wasn't just wolves-a snow leopard came too! You just can't hit that thing with a gun! If I didn't shovel away that bloody snow, I wouldn't be able to keep my sheep safe."
"Where did you put the snow, then?"
"Threw it far away, into a gully," Harimu said. "I shot another wolf last night, too. Take the wolf pelt with you when you leave."
"All right." Li Long did not stand on ceremony. Selling the sheep had brought his relationship with Harimu and Jade Mountain River closer than ever. There was no need for formalities.
After they finished their milk tea, Harimu left a few instructions with his wife, then rode off with Li Long to find Jade Mountain River.
Jade Mountain River had long been waiting as well. After they finished drinking milk tea there, he brought out a Type 56 Semi-Automatic Rifle for Li Long.
"Brother Jade Mountain River, this isn't