Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Su Yan's footsteps gradually faded into the distance, and the room at the educated youth settlement fell silent for a moment.

Zhang Li broke the silence first: "Xiao Yun, you just said you'd help Su Yan get back to the city? Is that a reliable plan?"

Other educated youths also gathered around, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

After all, in that era, returning to the city was the greatest wish in the hearts of all educated youth.

Li Xiaoyun remained calm, glancing at everyone: "This is a long story, but ultimately it depends on ourselves. The people Xiangyang knows can only offer introductions and recommendations at most."

“That…that’s a good opportunity too,” a female educated youth said softly.

Li Xiangyang chimed in, "Opportunities are for everyone. I've heard that various organizations are hiring, but the key is to have real skills."

“That’s right,” Li Xiaoyun continued, “Take me for example, I want to be a teacher. But I know that just having someone recommend me isn’t enough; if I don’t pass the entrance exam, no one’s recommendation will help. Think about it, if someone recommends me and I still fail the exam, it’s not just me who loses face.”

These words silenced everyone present.

Indeed, no matter who recommends you, there's no guarantee you'll be able to return to the city; you still need to put in the effort yourself.

Moreover, if you ask for help and end up making a fool of yourself, how can you expect to get along with them in the future?

"It's getting late," Li Xiangyang glanced at the night outside the window. "Xiaoyun, I'll take you back to your room."

The two turned and left. Several female educated youths looked at Li Xiangyang's back, a hint of regret in their eyes.

Who would have thought that a young man from the village could not only hunt to support his family, but also know people who could recommend educated youth to return to the city?

"You know, if only we had..."

A female educated youth whispered to her companion.

Before he could finish speaking, he saw the other person nod with a look of regret.

"Sigh, Li Xiaoyun certainly has a sharp eye..."

Another female educated youth said sourly, "She beat us to it this time, and Su Yan got the better deal."

"Alright, you guys, didn't you hear what Li Xiaoyun said? Going back to the city requires real skill. Our meeting is fate. If I go back to the city, I'll recommend you, but you yourselves also need to be strong..."

Seeing that the situation was getting out of control, Zhang Li was genuinely worried that some people might go astray, so she stepped forward and spoke up.

"That makes sense. I thank Sister Li in advance," someone echoed.

After thanking Zhang Li, everyone gradually dispersed.

Zhang Li turned to go back to her room, but Wang Xiulan grabbed her sleeve.

"Zhang Li," Wang Xiulan lowered her voice, "you said Li Xiangyang, he..."

Zhang Li said sternly, "Xiulan, don't get any funny ideas. Li Xiangyang and Li Xiaoyun's relationship is already settled. We, the educated youth, can't be like Su Yan."

“That’s not what I meant,” Wang Xiulan said, blushing. “I just wanted to ask, do you think what he said is true? Are all the companies really hiring right now?”

Zhang Li's expression softened: "I've heard about that. My second brother wrote to me a few days ago saying their factory is hiring. But..."

"But what?"

“But they want someone with technical skills,” Zhang Li sighed. “My second brother said things are different now; all the organizations are raising their requirements.”

Wang Xiulan seemed thoughtful: "Then let's..."

Zhang Li patted her on the shoulder, "You! Instead of thinking about those unrealistic things, you should think about how to learn some real skills. Haven't you always said you wanted to learn accounting?"

"But..."

"No buts. I know a little about accounting too. If you don't understand, ask me," Zhang Li interrupted her. "There are many ways to go back to the city now, but every path requires real skills. Look at Li Xiaoyun, she wants to be a teacher and is preparing now."

Wang Xiulan nodded, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes.

At this moment, Li Xiangyang, who had escorted Li Xiaoyun back to her room, also turned and walked home.

Under the moonlight, his steps were light, and he was planning his route into the mountains for tomorrow.

Life goes on, and nothing that needs to be done can be omitted.

Whether it's hunting to support his family or helping Li Xiaoyun prepare for her exam, he has to take it one step at a time.

Thinking this, he quickened his pace.

When Li Xiangyang returned home, the black cat jumped down from under the eaves as soon as he entered the yard.

It gracefully circled around Li Xiangyang's feet twice, as if asking him why he came back so late.

"You rascal," Li Xiangyang chuckled softly, "waiting for me here again."

I pushed open the door, and the lights were still on inside.

Li's mother was busy at the stove when she saw him return and quickly brought out a bowl of hot soup.

"Have some to warm up," Li's mother said with a smile. "I'm happy to see you and Xiaoyun dating."

"Mother, why aren't you asleep yet?" Li Xiangyang took the bowl; it smelled delicious, made from the bones of the roe deer he had hunted.

"How could I sleep?" Li's mother sat opposite him, her eyes full of smiles. "My son, I've been hoping you'd settle down and start a family. Xiaoyun is a really good girl to me."

“Yes,” Li Xiangyang said with a smile, “I also think she’s good.”

"Then get things done quickly," Li's mother instructed. "Take advantage of the holidays and hire matchmakers if necessary."

Li Xiangyang put down his bowl and said seriously, "Mother, this can't be rushed. Xiaoyun is from the city, and the fact that she doesn't look down on us shows her broad-mindedness and open-mindedness. But I also need to gain the approval of her family first."

Li's mother's expression hardened: "You're right, I was too happy and oversimplified things."

“Mother, don’t worry.” Li Xiangyang held his mother’s hand. “I know what to do. I don’t have any other skills right now, but I am good at hunting. Once we hunt more game and our lives improve, we can go and propose marriage in style, and we won’t be afraid of being looked down upon.”

"Good child," Li's mother said, her eyes slightly red, "I was just afraid you'd worry."

“No rush,” Li Xiangyang said with a smile. “Xiaoyun understands. Let’s date first, make sure we get along well, and everything will fall into place naturally.”

His words were sincere, and Li's mother nodded repeatedly in agreement.

She knew her son was right; this marriage should not be rushed.

Li Xiaohua, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "Brother, I think Sister Li will definitely be waiting for you."

"What do you know, you silly girl?" Li Xiangyang chuckled and tapped his younger sister's forehead. "Go to sleep early. If you can't sleep, read a book."

"Hey bro, what are you reading so late at night? Don't you love me anymore?"

After Li Xiaohua finished speaking exaggeratedly, she laughed at herself.

The family chatted and laughed until the moon was high in the sky before they finally went to rest.

The next morning, Li Xiangyang got up early to prepare to go into the mountains.

The black cat was already waiting at the door. As soon as he came out, it jumped onto his shoulder.

"Let's go," Li Xiangyang said softly, "Let's find something good today."

The black cat meowed softly on his shoulder, as if in response.

In the depths of winter, the mountains and forests are utterly silent.

The snow covered everything, except for his and Xuanmao's footprints, which stretched out in a winding pattern on the white snow.

Li Xiangyang walked slowly, carefully observing the traces around him.