Chapter 96: Chapter 95 Can I Really Choose Freely? (6/6 Please Subscribe)
"Looks like everyone is here."
"Yeah, they’re all watching us!"
"They seem very surprised, their eyes are as wide as a cow’s."
"Hahaha, they must be shocked speechless seeing us bringing back so many wildebeests!"
The crowd chatted merrily, each person proud and standing tall, faces flushed with excitement.
Although these wildebeests were captured single-handedly by Chen Fan,
those who went with him also felt the honor.
As the distance closed, murmurs began to erupt within the crowd.
"Oh my god, am I dreaming? Is that Guodong and them?"
"It has to be them, who else could it be?"
"But where on earth did they get so many wildebeests?"
"Yeah, one, two, three..." Someone’s eyes widened, voice trembling, "Twenty-five, exactly twenty-five wildebeests!"
"Twenty-five, how much money is that worth?"
Many people stammered in disbelief.
"These wildebeests don’t seem ordinary?"
Someone exclaimed, "They have saddles and reins, they look like they’re for riding!"
"What, riding wildebeests?"
"Riding wildebeests?"
The atmosphere immediately fell silent again, leaving only the sound of heavy breathing.
Even Zhang Ren couldn’t remain calm.
Aren’t those mounts?
Ten years ago, mounts couldn’t compare to modern vehicles, but now things were different; the wilderness was Paradise to fierce beasts. Highways and even rail tracks were destroyed beyond recognition, buried in the wild grasses.
In such conditions, to travel afar, you needed a high-clearance, powerful car, otherwise, it would break down halfway.
But mounts were different, they were faster, more enduring, and didn’t need gasoline, the wilderness was their natural grazing ground.
"How on earth did Guodong and them manage to get so many mounts?"
Zhang Ren was deeply shocked.
"Could it be?"
In a corner of the crowd, a black-haired woman also widened her eyes, but unlike most, she vaguely guessed where these wildebeests came from.
"Are these the mounts of those bandits?"
Meng Yu’s heart trembled.
There seemed to be no other explanation.
Thinking this, a smile appeared on her face. Ever since the Hunting Team set out in the morning, she had been worried. Despite Chen Fan’s confident demeanor, those were over thirty bandits!
Could it be that Chen Fan or anyone else could really be their match?
The scene before her provided the answer. Chen Fan not only brought everyone back unscathed but also defeated those murderous bandits, capturing over twenty wildebeest mounts.
Even if some of the bandits escaped, they shouldn’t pose much of a threat anymore.
Finally, under the heated gazes of the crowd, Chen Guodong and the others walked with their horses to the front of the stronghold.
"We’re back, everyone has been waiting for us, haven’t they?"
Chen Guodong said warmly with a chuckle.
The crowd was silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous cheers, like welcoming returning heroes.
When the noise finally subsided, someone couldn’t help but ask, "Guodong, what exactly happened on your way? How did you bring back so many wildebeests?"
"Yeah, Guodong brother, what’s this all about?"
"Tell us quickly."
Leading their horses, the group crossed the drawbridge and returned to the stronghold.
The drawbridge was immediately raised to block any prying eyes from outside.
"This is really a thrilling story. Thanks to Xiaofan, not only did we overcome the danger, but we also brought back so many wildebeests," Chen Guodong said with a smile, recalling the events made his heart tremble.
"Swish," countless eyes turned to focus on Chen Fan, filled with admiration.
"Brother Fan, you’re amazing!"
Wang Ping and others immediately shouted excitedly, they had guessed the wildebeests were closely related to Chen Fan.
Chen Fan smiled and waved, his gaze inadvertently meeting Meng Yu’s. He gave a gentle smile, making her blush and lower her head quickly, but a smile couldn’t help but creep onto her lips.
Meanwhile, Liu Yong had already begun to recount their adventures.
Everyone listened with bated breath, looking at the wildebeests with less excitement and more awe.
Was it really that dangerous?
Many of them had seen the cruelty of bandits first-hand, some even lost loved ones to them.
Yet, over thirty bandits were killed, one by one by Chen Fan’s arrows, without a single survivor?
"Brother Fan is too fierce!"
Wang Ping was dumbfounded; one man took down over thirty bandits, who were almost fully armed, and not only killed them but also brought back their mounts.
"Indeed, truly, skill gives courage,"
Zhao Feng remarked, his lips moved involuntarily.
If he were in Chen Fan’s shoes, facing a rushing assailant, he couldn’t even think of drawing a bow, let alone running.
"That said, it was also full of dangers, a single mistake could have cost everything."
"Yes, these mounts were hard-earned."
People began to calm down, deeply moved by the sight of the wildebeests before them.
Zhang Ren glanced at Chen Fan with a nod.
Chen Fan never ceased to amaze him, especially this time.
"Who knows, given more time to grow, what kind of person he might become?"
He thought with a sigh, eyes filled with anticipation.
"Old Yu,"
Chen Guodong addressed the sturdy man beside him, "We’re counting on you to teach us how to ride these horses."
Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze, eyes alight with excitement.
"Yes,
if we all learn to ride, we could move swiftly, making hunting and trading much easier."
"No problem, leave it to me,"
Excess Power laughed, "I’ll also take care of feeding them, but Guodong, you’ll need to assign more people to help, I can’t manage all these wildebeests alone."
Previously, his presence in the team was minimal, mostly just carrying prey.
But now, he found a stage to showcase his skills.
"Don’t worry about manpower, I’ll arrange for it,"
Chen Guodong nodded.
Though the stronghold lacked adult men, there were plenty of women and children who could help cut grass and feed the wildebeests.
"Good, that’s a relief,"
Excess Power was delighted, "As long as we take good care of them, our stronghold won’t lack wildebeests in the future."
Everyone was thrilled to hear this.
Yes, there were quite a few mares among this herd, soon enough, there could be foals in the stronghold.
By then, there might even be more horses than riders.
After discussing, Chen Guodong began distributing grain and salt amid an atmosphere filled with laughter. Everyone’s faces glowed with hope for the future.
Especially those who had just joined from the Gu Family Stronghold, they felt a sense of security in their hearts.
Staying at the Chen Family Stronghold was indeed much more hopeful than in the Gu Family Stronghold!
Seeing this, Chen Fan let out a breath of relief, nodding to Wang Ping and the others, then carrying a large bag of spoils, he called his mother and younger brother and returned home.
"Wow!"
Chen Chen’s eyes sparkled looking at the table full of all sorts of items.
Yin Fang covered her mouth, eyes also revealing disbelief.
Knives, toilet paper, nail clippers, lighters, matches, and various spices, even anti-inflammatory and fever medicines!
These items, which were commonplace ten years ago, had become precious now, at least to those living in the stronghold.
"Xiaofan, these were all from the bandits?"
Yin Fang looked over, her eyes filled with both joy and trepidation.
"Yes,"
Chen Fan nodded with a smile, "Mom, take whatever you want, I’ll give the rest away."
Firstly, he had to give some to Uncle Zhang, then to Meng Yu. Wang Ping, Zhao Feng, and a few others would also receive some.
"Alright,"
Yin Fang nodded, carefully selecting about half of the items, then smiled at Chen Fan, "This should do, you can give the rest to others."
"Okay, Mom, this is for you."
Chen Fan took out two bars of soap from another bag.
"!"
Yin Fang’s eyes immediately brightened.
"Brother, these are for you."
Chen Fan took out several items from the bag.
"Wow! Chess! Go! And poker!"
Chen Chen danced with joy.
"Xiaofan, these must have been expensive?"
Yin Fang asked anxiously, most of these items were likely newly bought.
The money could’ve bought a lot of rice.
"Mom, they didn’t cost much, don’t worry,"
Chen Fan smiled, patting his brother’s head, looking at his mother,
"That’s it for now, I’ll be back later. By the way, Dad also seems to have bought something for you."
"Really?"
Yin Fang was taken aback, feeling both nervous and expectant.
Chen Fan packed up the remaining items and walked out of the house, deciding to find Meng Yu first as he had a favor to ask of her.
He reached the outside of her house, the door was open.
"Cough cough,"
Chen Fan cleared his throat, "Miss Meng Yu, are you there?"
"Ah, yes,"
A female voice came from inside, followed by a figure rushing to the door.
"I brought you some things, may I come in?"
Chen Fan smiled at her.
"Please come in,"
Meng Yu said quickly, her face turning red.
Chen Fan placed the bundle on the table, opened it, and made a gesture, "Feel free to choose."
"Ah?"
Meng Yu seemed a bit confused, her eyes fixed on the table items.
Though these were old, used items, she hadn’t owned anything so fine before.
Besides, she spotted some spices.
"Are you sure I can choose anything?"
She asked cautiously.