When she reached the foot of the mountain, Freya took out the bamboo basket, wild chicken, and wild rabbits from her space.
The basket couldn't fit everything, so she carried the two wild rabbits and the chicken in her hands.
"Wow, Brian's wife, did you catch those wild chickens and rabbits yourself? Three of them too! That's amazing!
I was just about to head to your house, let me help you carry some!"
Secretary Wang, who was on his way to the Brian family's house, smiled and greeted Freya, offering to help warmly.
He wasn't surprised at all that she caught so many animals. Given Freya's skills and strength, even if she caught a wild boar, he wouldn't be shocked.
"Sure, thank you Uncle Wang!
Since you're going to my place anyway, why don't you stay for lunch and eat some meat?"
Freya didn't stand on ceremony and handed the two tied-up rabbits to him, warmly inviting him.
He would probably become the new leader of the Hongniu brigade soon. It wouldn't hurt to have a good relationship with him.
"Haha, how can I accept that? It's not easy to eat meat these days!
I don't want to be the kind of guy with a thousand-layer shoe sole for a cheek."
The old man laughed heartily. This Freya was great, generous, and capable. That brat Brian was really lucky.
"What do you mean? I don't get it!" Freya looked confused. Why would someone use shoe soles for cheeks?
"Aiyo, I mean I don't want to be a thick-skinned old man! Haha!" Secretary Wang laughed uncontrollably.
"How could that be thick-skinned? If the younger generation has something good at home and wants to show respect to someone they admire, what's wrong with that? I dare anyone to say a bad word about you, they'll have to deal with me!
I'm set on having you over. If you won't stay to eat, I'll bring the food to you myself."
Freya made a fierce-looking face.
"Also, if I go to the mountains more often, our home won't lack meat. Look in my basket." Freya lowered her voice, turned her back, and showed Secretary Wang her basket.
She did this for two reasons:
First, to let Secretary Wang know she would continue hunting in the mountains, and make her hunting seem legitimate so others in the village wouldn't whisper and complain.
Second, to see how Secretary Wang would react when he saw how much game she had.
Curious, Secretary Wang lifted the grass covering the basket and gasped—so much meat!
He quickly covered it again, hiding the wild rabbits and chickens.
"Don't let others see this. Just say you caught these three in your hands. If others find out, some of those jealous types will cause trouble. Even with just three, plenty in the team will already be green with envy."
In this era, everything had to be handed in to the brigade for distribution, though the rules had relaxed quite a bit. Usually, if villagers wanted a taste of meat, they could catch small game and keep it. People generally turned a blind eye.
But Freya had way too much. If someone reported her, those with bad intentions would stir up trouble and force her to hand over the game.
"That's why I want you to stay for the meal. It's hot, and if this much meat goes bad, it'd be a real waste!"
Freya smiled cheerfully.
"This Secretary Wang is quite a good person. He passed the test. Looks like he can share the credit for catching the spy this time."
"Hahaha, you cheeky girl! Then I'll shamelessly stay," Secretary Wang laughed happily.
…
When they got to the door of the house, Freya heard voices coming from inside. It sounded lively.
"Oh dear, my memory! I'm really getting old and forgetful! I forgot to tell you. Dan came to get me just now. He said you were going to be honored for your bravery, so I came to check it out," Secretary Wang said as he patted his forehead.
While he was talking, Freya had already pushed open the courtyard gate. Sure enough, quite a few people were sitting in the yard.
When they heard the door open, everyone turned to look at Freya.
It was Police Yang and Madam Zhou, who had come with her husband and son to express their thanks. After some polite greetings, Freya invited everyone to stay for lunch. The meal was rich and satisfying.
Officer Duiz asked Secretary Wang to gather the villagers for a commendation meeting. In front of everyone, they awarded Freya with a certificate of honor and a prize of 50 yuan.
"Everyone, let's applaud. We should all learn from Comrade Freya!" With that, the commendation meeting ended amid loud and enthusiastic applause from the villagers.
After all, the village had just gone through a big scandal. Not being chosen as an advanced brigade this year was already upsetting, and their reputation had taken a hit. It even affected marriage arrangements. Suddenly, a brave woman who fought off criminals appeared like a lifesaver. The crowd was stirred up, and the applause went on and on.
Once everything was over, the family enjoyed a hearty lunch and then energetically went to work in the fields.
After closing the door, Freya pushed Brian and led Officer Duiz, Mr. Zhao, and Secretary Wang into the main room.
During their conversation, Freya learned that Mr. Zhao was actually a brigade commander stationed in the capital city, and he had just turned 30.
In this era, rising so fast meant hard-earned achievements and battlefield honors. He was truly an admirable hero.
The five of them sat down. Freya didn't speak immediately but silently studied Mr. Zhao.
He had well-defined features and a tall, straight figure. Dressed in a green military uniform, he looked imposing. He carried an aura of calm authority and uprightness.
"Comrade Freya, you said you had something important to tell us. Why are you just staring at me?" Mr. Zhao had obviously noticed Freya's gaze. She hadn't tried to hide it at all and was openly looking at him.
"Ahem, Freya, what are you trying to say?" Brian tugged at Freya, feeling a little jealous, knowing full well his wife liked good-looking men.
"Yes, Comrade Freya, please go ahead and speak. We're absolutely trustworthy!" Officer Duiz said seriously.
Just a moment ago, Freya had asked them to stay, saying she had something important to say. But after bringing them into the main room, she went quiet. What kind of approach was this?
"My family was sent down here. They're the Lu family currently living in the cowshed."
Freya finally spoke. She didn't mention the spy matter but instead went straight to talking about her parents.
Everyone's expression changed.