RPS – Chapter 78 Spring Outing

For a while afterward, Li, Bu, Ka, and the others didn’t go out hunting. But that didn’t mean they were idle. Though they couldn’t do anything too strenuous, the whole family still helped Ka and his people build houses. They managed the lighter tasks, while heavier work like compacting the soil was done by others when they had spare time.

Before their injuries were fully healed, Li Feng wouldn’t let them go hunting. So during their leisure time, they gathered bird eggs, caught fish and shrimp, and amused the baby to encourage him to talk. When busy, they pulled weeds to feed the ducklings, ground flour, or helped Li Feng with chores, including weeding and pest control in the wheat fields.

Others in the tribe were puzzled to see them idle at home, but no one intervened. After all, with private ownership now in place, every household was busy with its own affairs. As long as a family had enough to eat, no one really cared. The chief came to ask a few times, but Li Feng always explained that their injuries hadn’t healed enough for strenuous activity. That was true, but the chief probably didn’t quite believe it. After all, the external wounds had long healed. As for internal injuries—who could say?

Li Feng wasn’t concerned. As long as they weren’t bothering anyone else and had enough food, it was fine. Thankfully, they had dry rations stored, especially corn and soybeans. Sweet potatoes and taro had been planted in spring in the open land near their house. The area was vast, and thanks to Li and Bu being home, they helped clear out quite a bit of usable land.

Li and Bu, who were going stir-crazy from staying at home, finally found something to do. Staying indoors all the time was stifling. They had already slaughtered a few of the household animals, and it was fortunate that several had gotten pregnant in spring—just in time to avoid a total depletion. Once the offspring were born, it would make more sense to not go hunting for a while.

Spring was a wonderful season—life awakening, vibrant blossoms, lush greenery, and the weather gradually warming up. The pregnant animals at home needed more nutrients, so with nothing better to do, the seven members of Li Feng’s family—men, husbands, and children alike—each led two animals out to graze. The fresh green grass was tender and perfect for the animals. Besides, it gave the family a chance to stretch their legs and get some sun. On such a beautiful, sunny day, how could the whole household—humans and animals—stay cooped up indoors?

Ever since the baby had learned to say “Daddy,” everyone else’s favorite activity had been teaching him to say their names. Each person hoped he would call them next. Nuo, in particular, constantly tried to teach the baby to say “Uncle.” But whether it was too hard to pronounce or something else, the baby still couldn’t say “Uncle.” However, “Daddy” was crystal clear—especially when he was hungry or being cute.

He had already learned to call Mo and Lu “Big Brother,” but “Uncle” just wouldn’t come out right—it sounded like a breathy mess. Li Feng guessed it was probably because the baby hadn’t yet mastered retroflex consonants. When trying to imitate Nuo, the best the baby could manage was a bubbly “Fu-fu, fu-fu,” with drool flying everywhere. This often had Nuo stomping in frustration, especially since the baby could call everyone else clearly—even names like “Nuo” and “Bu.”

Their spring outing spot wasn’t far from home—just nearby, still within the safe zone of the tribe. On a grassy hillside, now lush with uneven tufts of green and dotted with wildflowers, the place had a leisurely, natural charm.

The family found a gentle slope with thick vegetation and a large open area. They tethered the animals to nearby trees using tough vines or ropes woven with animal tendons—materials the animals wouldn’t chew on. Although the animals weren’t domesticated, they had been raised in the household for over half a year and had grown used to the family. Especially the pregnant ones—pampered daily with good food and care—they were unlikely to wander off.

With everything set, the group sprawled out leisurely on the grass, soaking up the ambiance. Li Feng had even thoughtfully brought food for a picnic, planning not to go back until afternoon. Of course, they brought weapons—just in case—even though they were still in the tribe’s safe zone.

They spread out animal skins—one for the baby to lie and play on, another for the picnic. Their lunch was packed in woven reed baskets Li Feng had made himself. With the breeze gently blowing and the sun warm but not scorching, lying on the soft hillside was incredibly relaxing—sleep-inducing even.

Mo, Lu, and the baby were full of energy, unaffected by the drowsy warmth. Mo and Lu ran around, while the baby watched them with his big round eyes, giggling and occasionally calling, “Mo… brother…”

Wearing fewer clothes in the warmer weather, the baby crawled around the animal skin blanket with surprising speed. Li Feng, with eyes half-closed, didn’t notice until the baby, drooling happily, had crawled right off the blanket toward Mo, babbling “Ee-ya-ya!”

Mo saw him, quickly stopped playing with Lu, and scooped the baby up from the grass. The baby’s soft hands and exposed wrists were lightly scratched by the grass, leaving red marks that made Mo frown. He blew on the scratches gently. The baby didn’t seem hurt—instead, he grinned at Mo and called out sweetly, “Brother… brother…”

“Don’t crawl on the grass, baby—it’s not comfortable,” Mo said softly, wiping drool from the baby’s mouth with his sleeve. “Are you bored? Want me to play with you?” With that, he carried the baby around the area, pointing out brightly colored wildflowers in the grass and squatting down to explain them. If the baby tried to eat one, Mo would gently take it away and replace it with something else to play with.

The baby was curious about everything, especially colorful things he hadn’t seen before. The hillside was full of such wonders. Mo held him, wandering and exploring, with the baby beaming, eyes sparkling with excitement. Lu followed, occasionally plucking wildflowers or grass to hand to the baby. The baby was delighted, trying to taste everything, giving Mo quite the scare—he had to constantly keep an eye out to make sure nothing got swallowed.

While the children played happily, Li Feng relaxed comfortably. Li lay beside him, their heads touching, while Nuo rested directly in Bu’s arms. Neither couple was asleep—they were simply enjoying the warmth of the sun, the scent of the grass, and the presence of their loved ones.

Even with his eyes closed, Li Feng never stopped paying attention to the children. Watching Mo care for the baby like a little adult made him smile. Li noticed and leaned over to kiss the corner of Li Feng’s lips, asking softly, “What are you smiling at?”

Li Feng didn’t answer. He glanced at Li and then looked back toward Mo and the baby. Li followed his gaze. Under the sunlight, the baby’s smile was radiant. In his hands were a bunch of colorful wildflowers and grasses, which he tried to stuff into his mouth, only to be gently stopped by Mo. The two were locked in a soft tug-of-war, with Mo hesitant to pull too hard for fear of making the baby cry.

“We should do this more often. The baby seems to really love it,” Li Feng said, nibbling on a piece of wild grass with a smile. The sunlight on his body felt perfect, and the sight of fresh green leaves budding all around was filled with vitality.

“Yeah. Let’s come out again tomorrow.” Li plucked the grass from Li Feng’s mouth and tossed it aside, then leaned down to kiss Li Feng’s soft lips, tasting the scent of grass.

Li Feng didn’t open his eyes but tilted his head up naturally, welcoming the kiss. Encouraged by this silent invitation, Li deepened the kiss in the gentle sunlight, amidst the drowsy breeze and the tender greenery. Li Feng’s slender, fair neck arched beautifully under the sunlight, like that of a swan, meeting Li’s deep kiss with graceful eagerness.

Unconcerned that Bu, Nuo, and the children were nearby, Li Feng’s relaxed expression and movements delighted Li, who kissed him more fervently. Only when both were breathless did they reluctantly part, a silver strand still connecting their red lips. Li bent down and gently licked it away from Li Feng’s slightly swollen lips, as if savoring a delicious candy, unwilling to stop. Li Feng’s lips, reddened and glistening, looked especially alluring in the sunlight.

Li Feng gently pushed Li off and licked his tingling lips, standing up to check on the children. Fortunately, they were still close by and didn’t seem to have noticed their kiss. As for Bu and Nuo, they were caught up in their own world and definitely hadn’t noticed either.

Seeing Li Feng licking his lips only heightened the desire already stirred by their kiss. Li felt a surge of heat but could only sigh inwardly—now was not the time. He could kiss and hug all he wanted, but the rest would have to wait until nighttime. He wouldn’t let Li Feng off so easily then.

Li Feng went over to join the children. Since it was a spring outing, it wouldn’t do to just nap the day away. He scooped up the baby, who immediately threw away the flowers and grass in his hands, clapped his little hands excitedly, and called out, “Daddy! Daddy!”

“Aww, my good boy! Let Daddy take you to play!” Li Feng kissed the baby’s chubby, rosy cheeks several times, then spun him around in his arms, making the baby giggle uncontrollably.

Li followed behind, holding Mo and Lu’s hands, watching father and son laughing ahead of them. This kind of life—it was wonderful and full of happiness.