LAVW – Chapter 110 Big and Small Wild Boars – Era of Niu Niu

When Shi Qian and his group hurried back to Shengli Village, the wind and snow had thickened, and the sky seemed darker than usual at this hour, heavy with drifting snowflakes.

But once they got home and lit the lamps, the chill that had been trailing them and the gloominess in the air both lessened significantly.

Once the fire was stoked, sitting by it drove away the cold, and warmth surged upward.

Shi Qian’s legs were cold, so when he stood by the fire to block it, the warmth was instantly reduced by most of his body, leaving only a bit of heat for Chen Niu.

Chen Niu chuckled: “Leave me some space so I can add firewood.”

“Moo—”

I’ll warm up first.

Although running around made his body feel hot, his legs could still sense that bone-chilling cold.

Chen Niu watched Qian Niuhua circle the fire, roasting one side, then the other. Spotting an empty patch, he buried a few sweet potatoes under the ashes.

He found cooking another meal too troublesome, so he planned to make do with this.

Shi Qian felt sorry for him. After the college entrance exam, he only got two roasted sweet potatoes at home—no hot meal to enjoy.

But then he thought about himself, with only grass to eat, and realized he was actually the one having it worse.

It wasn’t like he could expect this cow to prepare a full meal with three dishes and a soup for Chen Niu—he simply couldn’t do that.

After a while, neighbors and Du Chun came to deliver meals. Du Chun even boiled two eggs and laid them in the rice.

With Chen Erjun away, Du Chun was all the more willing to check in on Chen Niu. Perhaps he remembered that with Zhang Peiyue gone, a young man might be careless and not take care of himself.

Chen Niu gratefully accepted two bowls of rice and shared a little of the things he had bought outside with both sides.

“I was planning to make a round tomorrow anyway. Thanks for the meal, Aunt. I’ll wash the bowls and return them to you later. Keep this for now, I can’t feel right eating such a good meal otherwise.”

Du Chun’s rice was plain, but in these days, it was already excellent treatment.

“You used your brain in the exam, eat something good. Keep the food, I’ll let you eat in peace.”

After sending everyone off, Chen Niu faced two large bowls of rice and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

The amount was more than even he could eat.

The exam had taxed his brain, not his body, so he didn’t feel he’d expended that much energy.

So Chen Niu looked at Shi Qian: “Qian Niuhua, help me out.”

This kind of help was necessary.

Shi Qian stepped forward and helped finish one bowl of rice. Halfway through, Chen Niu fed him an egg.

A farm-fresh chicken egg, carrying a distinctive aroma.

Not bad. Tasty.

After the meal, they boiled water.

Feeling partially digested, Shi Qian roasted the sweet potatoes by the fire and ate them.

After wiping themselves, Chen Niu lay down on the bed.

Exams had tired his mind; he could sleep easily.

Seeing him asleep, Shi Qian, not feeling sleepy, went to eat the prepared cow grass, then practiced his cultivation under the moonlight.

He didn’t know yet what the cultivated spiritual energy would be used for, but saving more always seemed useful.

Seeing Zhang Peiyue’s passing had given Shi Qian a subconscious sense of urgency.

It wasn’t until the latter half of the night, with the soft sound of falling snow outside, that Shi Qian crawled into his blanket and fell asleep warmly.

The next morning, he awoke to the usual chill, but the air seemed unusually fresh.

Remembering last night’s snowfall, Shi Qian quickly got up.

With a hoof, he nudged the slightly closed door open, revealing a world blanketed in silver.

Many chimneys puffed white smoke into the cold air; farther away, golden morning light faintly appeared.

The once simple, earth-colored village had donned a new outfit, suddenly exuding quiet beauty and serenity.

Shi Qian rushed into the yard, stepping in the unshoveled snow a few times.

The snowfall had been heavy overnight; the layer was already thick, and it felt satisfying underfoot.

Shi Qian happily shouted, “Moo—”

So soft.

Hearing the commotion, Chen Niu came out from the kitchen: “Qian Niuhua, aren’t you afraid of the cold? Don’t dig into the snow, or you might get frostbite!”

Shi Qian: …

I don’t believe it.

Do cows even get frostbite?!

But his hooves and legs did feel a bit cold, so he reluctantly pulled them out of the snow. “Moo moo moo.”

I’ll play once the sun comes out and it’s warmer.

Chen Niu took a cloth and wiped his legs, still cautioning, “Don’t think I’m lying, frostbite is worse for cows.”

For humans, frostbite only hits exposed areas. Cows are different, and it can be serious.

But Shi Qian was wearing clothes, which made it a different situation.

No need to tell the little cow that.

After drying his legs, Chen Niu switched to a towel and hot water to wipe Shi Qian’s face.

Once everything was settled, they went to drink the morning sweet potato and chestnut porridge.

Hot and comforting, Chen Niu felt warmth spread through his body with each bowl.

But it was too hot for Shi Qian. He nibbled on steamed, peeled, and cooled chestnuts on the side.

After eating, it was a lazy, cozy holiday day. The team wasn’t working, and the village gradually became lively.

When Shi Qian heard the children’s laughter, “ha ha ha,” he could no longer contain his excitement. He sneaked a glance at Chen Niu and slipped toward the door.

Chen Niu shook his head, put out the fire, and followed behind.

Shi Qian stepped carefully through the snow, heading toward the liveliest part of the grain-drying yard.

The yard was flat and spacious—a perfect place for children to play.

When Shi Qian arrived, he saw many children rolling snowballs. There were also young men and women around Chen Niu’s age, playing in the snow and building snowmen.

Chen Niu followed behind, bent down, and rolled a large snowball.

He had done this before; the snowball was firm and compact, and soon it drew the attention of the little kids, who were fascinated by what seemed like “the biggest snowball.”

“Brother Chen Niu! Give it to me, give me the big snowball!”

“Brother Chen Niu, please! I’ll steal my grandpa’s cigarettes for you.”

Shi Qian: …Your grandpa really won’t hit you, huh.

Shi Qian stood outside the circle of children and called to Chen Niu, “Moo-moo.”

Come on, make one of me.

He even pointed to himself with his hooves.

Chen Niu understood, so he tried using the snowball as the body, patting and shaping it, then rolled a smaller snowball for the head.

The children watched him busy with his work, gathering around.

After a while, it was clear that the snow figure resembled a cow.

“Is that Qian Niuhua?”

“Definitely! Look how big it is.”

Chen Niu smiled and nodded, “It’s Qian Niuhua, still not finished.”

Since it was Qian Niuhua, the little kids didn’t dare to claim it. They watched enviously for a moment before running off to make their own snow creations.

Soon, the yard was filled with laughter, the sounds of playful scuffles, and occasional cries.

“Mine’s a chicken! Does it look right?”

“Looks like it!”

“Are you making a turtle?”

“No, it’s a lying-down duck, you blind fool.”

After a few minor disputes, two mischievous kids rolled around in the snow.

Shi Qian watched the lively scene, appreciating each child’s creation one by one.

First came a farm-style zoo, then it expanded into a botanical garden. But the village children had no formal art education, so they relied on their impressions, hands, and natural instincts to create.

One snow cabbage was particularly well-made; Shi Qian thought the child was talented and glanced at it a few more times.

The little kid pointed to their work and said generously, “Qian Niuhua, the cabbage is for you!”

Shi Qian shook his head, “Moo-moo.”

I can’t eat it, can’t eat it.

It was freezing, and eating snow wasn’t something he wanted to do—he didn’t want to torture his stomach.

Shi Qian wandered on and saw another boy—an educated youth—who was being teased but refused to admit defeat.

“My egg doesn’t look right? Look at this oval! It’s only a bit worse than Chen Niu’s.”

Shi Qian looked at his large dinosaur-egg-like creation and thought even an ostrich egg wouldn’t compare.

After observing the whole scene, Shi Qian realized the best creation was Chen Niu’s.

The snow cow he made bore a striking resemblance to Shi Qian, with carefully attended-to details. The white mark on the forehead, like Qian Niuhua’s, was made by sprinkling light snow, giving it a crystalline color that stood out against the packed snow.

Shi Qian watched for a long time and clearly realized—Chen Niu had grown into a little handsome cow.

Even lying down, the snow cow was full of spirit. The plush, round face had already lost its childish softness, and its harmonious contours were fully formed. Two horns extended to the sides, majestic but not exaggerated.

Chen Niu even tried to stick eyelashes onto the snow cow with his reddened hands.

Shi Qian: “Moo—.”

Terrifying.

But…how are you having more fun than me?

Shi Qian nudged him with his hooves, urging him to go home and warm up by the fire.

But in a moment of overzealousness, he pushed too hard and flipped Chen Niu onto the snow.

Chen Niu, lying in the snow amid others’ laughter, quickly got up and gave Shi Qian a playful headlock.

Shi Qian looked innocent: “Moo-moo.”

I really didn’t mean to embarrass you.

Chen Niu didn’t get angry; he quietly warmed his hands and let go.

Seeing that it was getting late, Chen Niu said, “Let’s go back and make lunch.”

By the sound of the bell, Xie Guoan and Lin Nanyin came over to check answers with Chen Niu.

Shi Qian was interested and watched intently, making Xie Guoan laugh: “Qian Niuhua, I only knew you were good at math, but you even understand high school questions?”

Shi Qian nodded intentionally to tease him.

Lin Nanyin laughed too.

Everyone probably thought Shi Qian didn’t really understand—the high school questions were difficult at that time.

Only Chen Niu knew the truth; he patted Shi Qian’s head, “Qian Niuhua was very serious while I studied.”

Shi Qian rubbed his hand against his and smiled.

After this small interlude, the three continued checking answers seriously.

After checking, they estimated their own scores to help fill out their college applications.

Their scores weren’t out yet, so this rudimentary method was all they could rely on.

After submitting their applications, it was the long wait for the acceptance letters.

After a heavy snowfall, and a few days later, snow began to fall again.

Unless there was an “event” in the grain yard, Shi Qian preferred to stay indoors and wasn’t keen on going out.

Chen Niu had a few books he was absorbed in, making him even less willing to go outside.

After being cooped up for half a month, Shi Qian decided it was time to get out and dragged Chen Niu along for a walk.

The village paths had been cleared through the snow, but melting snow had turned the yellow clay into mud, easily dirtying or wetting shoes, so very few people went out.

Shi Qian walked ahead, picking the easiest paths.

Chen Niu followed, annoyed at his slow pace and constant glances: “You’re not wearing shoes anyway; we’ll clean them when we get back.”

Shi Qian realized it was pointless and ran straight into the snow.

At least it was clean, and he could play in it.

And—he wasn’t wearing shoes! Why couldn’t he walk in the snow?

Chen Niu found it inconvenient. The snow was too deep; even with his straw-padded shoes, his feet would get wet, so it was better to walk on the mud.

One person and one cow walked side by side, leaving footprints in the mud and snow.

Without a clear direction, they wandered aimlessly along the path, reaching the edge of the fields behind the village. Beyond that were small hills, and past the hills, more fields and villages, and further beyond, tall mountains.

On the lonely branches atop the mountains, snow had piled up, birds chirped, and occasionally, sparrows could be seen lined up on the trees.

Shi Qian gestured to Chen Niu, letting him look at the birds.

Catching sparrows and roasting small birds—these were classic winter activities.

Chen Niu looked around for a moment and indeed felt a bit more relaxed. But with no tools outside, he could only ask, “Want to catch sparrows to eat? Let’s do it at home.”

Based on Chen Niu’s experience, Qian Niuhua usually only thought about food and snacks.

Sure enough, Shi Qian nodded happily in agreement.

As they were about to head back, a snuffling sound came from the woods behind them.

Chen Niu turned and saw a young wild boar.

This area had many mountains, so wild animals were present. Sometimes, one could even see wild rabbits on trips to the county. But this was the first time Chen Niu had seen a wild boar, and he looked twice.

Shi Qian also turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the little boar. “Moo!”

Meat!

If the little boar could understand, it would probably challenge him.

But Shi Qian wasn’t the only one being greedy—Chen Niu thought of the meat too.

Immediately, Chen Niu snapped off a branch and approached the little boar.

The little boar, startled by the movement, snuffled and ran up the hill. Crossing the ridge, it reached the other side.

But the snow was slippery; the boar probably stepped on ice and slid down in a flash, unlucky.

The little boar tumbled helplessly, and Chen Niu took advantage of the situation.

He picked up a stone and finished off the little boar.

As the cries echoed, Shi Qian vaguely sensed movement and lifted his head slightly. To his shock, a large wild boar appeared, its tusks glinting coldly in the snow.

In the next moment, the boar snorted hot breath and charged down fiercely.

The ground shook, trees shook, and snow fell from the branches.

Shi Qian urgently kicked Chen Niu. “Moo moo!”

Run, run!

Chen Niu immediately let go of the small boar they had caught and ran alongside Shi Qian.

Without proper tools, Chen Niu knew it was dangerous to face a wild boar. Only with the small one had he felt confident enough to fight bare-handed.

But Shi Qian, after a few steps, realized something.

What was he running for?

He weighed over a thousand pounds.

Compared to the large boar, he was much bigger.

The boar had tusks, but he had horns.

As they neared the village, Shi Qian knew he couldn’t let the boar cause damage. He turned and shouted at the boar, “Moo—!”

Don’t come any closer!

Of course, the boar couldn’t understand, and it charged straight at Chen Niu.

Shi Qian dodged to the side and gave the boar a hit from the flank.

When the boar fell, Shi Qian intended to deliver a few more kicks, only to see Chen Niu, holding a bloodied stone, finish the job aggressively.

He achieved a double kill, but the blood splashed all over Shi Qian’s face.

Shi Qian: “Moo moo—”

You pig teammate.

The commotion drew nearby villagers, who came running with poles and hoes.

Bad news: wild boars had appeared, meaning the animals in the mountains were starving.

Good news: the boars came in a group, so even though Chen Niu could take more, everyone would get some meat!

Xu Youguang learned of this and, while sending someone to alert the militia that wild boars were running loose, quietly organized the villagers to butcher the big boar.

That same day, when the postman arrived at Shengli Village and asked for directions, the villagers cheerfully pointed him to the house.

“Chen Niu’s house is over there, you can see the courtyard. Young man, what are you delivering?”

“University admission letter!”

The postman enjoyed delivering these—it was always good news. People were polite and might even slip him a snack.

“Oh, an admission letter? Let me see too.”

Curiosity piqued, a nearby villager led the postman to the house.

At the door, it was Shi Qian who opened it, still smeared with blood and not yet washed.

Inside, Chen Niu was also covered in blood, his sharp eyes scanning the visitor.

Postman: …

Is it too late to run now?

Glancing sideways, he saw the villager who led him still smiling. The postman panicked even more.