Chapter 98: The Struggle for Talent

Bai Xi slept soundly, completely unaware that Chen Daliu, the village gossip, had spread the news. Within just a couple of days, everyone in the village knew about it, and their hearts warmed at the thought, though none took it seriously. It wasn’t that they underestimated Bai Xi, but rather, they dared not believe it—after all, their little lady was still so young. They already owed her for the frequent meat on their tables; one mustn’t be too greedy.

The next morning.

Bai Xi was still nestled in her blanket, half-awake, hearing exclamations from below. Her eyes rolled beneath her lids but she didn't open them, instead pulling the covers tighter and turning over to continue sleeping.

Beneath the treehouse, several villagers who had risen early to chop firewood before the snow arrived stood together. They glanced at the heap beneath the treehouse, then at the nearby Little Black, whose fur was a bit tousled but whose eyes shone with vigor.

“This…”

They looked at one another, stunned. So much game? Had Little Black wiped out a whole den of animals preparing for winter?

Little Black paid no mind to their astonishment. It simply squatted nearby, occasionally looking up at the treehouse or circling its bounty—a pile of wild game.

As it listened to the villagers’ chatter, Little Black felt immensely pleased. See, it was so useful—its mistress would never abandon it.

Chen Zhaodi, having finished her morning chores, came over to make breakfast for Bai Xi, only to be greeted by this scene. Remembering Little Black’s vigil under the treehouse the previous night, she understood: it must have gathered all this to please the young lady.

Soon enough, the treehouse door creaked open.

Bai Xi emerged, dressed in a blue robe and deer-hide boots, her hair still loose. Her round, youthful face was hazy with sleep, but her eyes, if one looked closely, were clear and penetrating, as if they could see into the depths of people’s hearts.

“What’s going on? Why are you all standing here so early? Have you finished your chores?”

It was winter, so there wasn’t much work, but villagers never idled, and Bai Xi was used to it. She hadn’t planned to rise so early, but the commotion below and Little Black’s efforts convinced her to leave her warm bed. Her voice, still tinged with sleep, sounded soft and childlike, making the hearts of those below melt. They felt both affection and pride—how fortunate they were to have their little lady.

“Miss Bai…”

“Good morning, Miss Bai!”

“Greetings, Miss Bai.”

“Miss Bai, how have you been sleeping these days? Have you been eating well?”

“Miss Bai, the new year is coming. If there’s any work to be done or anything that needs tidying up, just say the word—I’m free.”

“That’s right, Miss Bai, we’re all free. Just call for us…”

The villagers greeted her in turn. Little Black, who had hoped Bai Xi would notice it immediately, found its presence overshadowed by their enthusiasm. Unable to contain itself, it turned and growled at the villagers, baring its teeth in threat—enough, the mistress belongs to me, go about your business.

Little Black had worked all night, just waiting for its mistress to see its efforts and forgive it. Although it knew most of the game would be shared with the villagers, it didn’t mind. As long as its mistress was happy, she would never lack meat with it around.

The growl did quiet the villagers for a moment, but only for a second before they resumed speaking to Bai Xi. They were all familiar now; though they still dared not approach Little Black, they knew it wouldn’t harm anyone while Bai Xi was present. Besides, just days before, it had saved the village chief and the Chen couple—it wouldn’t attack without reason.

“Miss Bai, my family plans to make fried pastries this year. We’ve stored eggs for New Year’s stir-frying, and the fish is ready—come have New Year’s Eve dinner at our house?”

“You’re being silly—thanks to Miss Bai, everyone’s had a good year. Whatever dishes you have, the rest of us have too.” As others nodded, the speaker quickly shifted tone: “Since everyone agrees, Miss Bai must come to our house…”

“That won’t do, why should you get all the benefit?”

“…"

“Miss Bai, come to my house. My grandmother said you gave us meat last time, so you must eat with us.”

“Why your house? Last time, Liuzi and his friends got into trouble, and Miss Bai had to come fix things. We’ve been thinking of inviting her over for dinner. We’ve already planned the menu…” said Liuzi’s father.

“You’re bold to mention it—your mess involved Miss Bai having to intervene…”

They’d sold fish, saved up, and had grain; soon they’d slaughter a pig. This year promised a good New Year, and everyone wanted Bai Xi to join their family celebration.

To have Miss Bai at New Year’s Eve dinner was something to envy.

The villagers’ faces flushed with excitement. Bai Xi understood their eagerness to invite her—it was out of concern that she might be lonely. Even though their bickering made her frown, she didn’t get angry.

Me?

Little Black was baffled—what was this, were they all unafraid of it now?

No way!

Unable to sit still, Little Black abandoned its pile of game and ran straight to Bai Xi, deliberately bumping into several villagers along the way. It glanced back at them, proud, as if to say, serves you right for lingering here.

Bai Xi caught Little Black’s childish antics and smiled. Before it could reach her, she raised her hand for silence and descended the steps, asking,

“Who brought all this back?”

Me! Little Black yipped with excitement—Mistress, it was me! I went into the mountains to hunt for you, so you can have a bountiful New Year.

The villagers all looked at Little Black. Chen Zhaodi smiled and said, “Miss Bai, this is clearly Little Black’s doing. It’s truly remarkable.”

Remarkable indeed—ten or so pheasants, thirty-odd rabbits, and a wild pig weighing over a hundred pounds. It had made countless trips through the night.

“Excellent!” Bai Xi praised Little Black, then turned to Chen Zhaodi, instructing, “Go and call Xiao Liu for me. The rest of you, get back to your work. New Year’s Eve is still far off—we’ll see then.”

With her words, the villagers obeyed and dispersed.

Those headed to chop wood together continued debating on the way, still arguing over who should host Bai Xi. But as they walked, their conversation turned to Bai Xi’s remarks just moments ago.