Lost in thought, he really didn’t know what he could do here. The key issue was that the environment was too unfamiliar—even if he wanted to swindle someone, he’d have to get to know the place first.

Just then, he heard voices coming from the path up the slope.

“Third Aunt, it looks like someone’s hunting behind the village again.”

“I saw it. It’s people from the Yang family.”

“The Yang family from the city?”

“Who else could it be?”

“These rich families really have nothing better to do. If they hunt all the game in the mountains, what are we supposed to do? We rely on our men to bring back some wild meat to satisfy our cravings all year.”

“What can we do? The Yang family isn’t someone we can afford to offend.”

...

“The Yang family? Rich family?”

Ethan Grant scratched his head, and suddenly his gaze fell on the yellow dog beside him. He suddenly remembered the first time he ever pulled a con. Although it was just a coincidence, it had opened a door to survival for him. He wondered if this was fate. Thinking of this, he suddenly smiled at Xiao Huang and said, “Buddy, come with me and let’s try our luck. I’m counting on you.”

With that, he got up and, in just a few moves, coaxed the yellow dog to follow him toward the mountain forest behind the village. Although he disliked dogs, it was precisely because of his childhood experiences that he was very skilled at dealing with them. He had even managed to fool purebred German shepherds until they were completely lost, let alone this mutt.

Mei Village was surrounded by mountains, with beautiful scenery and charming landscapes. Behind the village was a dense forest, a great place for hunting. So, whenever the weather was good, many rich people from the city would come to hunt, never caring about how the villagers of Mei Village felt.

Ethan Grant brought Xiao Huang to the edge of the forest behind the village. He first crouched in the grass to observe for a while, not daring to rush in recklessly. Knowing there were hunters inside, barging in would be no different from suicide.

“Hyah—hyah—!”

Suddenly, Ethan Grant spotted a not-so-tall figure riding a fine horse, galloping through the woods, but seemingly without any luck, searching for prey.

With luck that bad, you’ll do. Ethan Grant led Xiao Huang quietly toward the area where the person was moving. Once inside the woods, Ethan Grant waited for the right moment, then suddenly faced Xiao Huang, scraped his feet, spread his arms, and let out a low growl.

Xiao Huang hadn’t expected the previously friendly Ethan Grant to suddenly turn on him. Startled, he whimpered twice and quickly ran into the grass ahead.

God bless! God bless!

Ethan Grant immediately hid behind a tree and prayed.

Suddenly, the sound of hooves approached. Ethan Grant was instantly delighted. He glanced sideways and heard a swish—an arrow shot into the grass.

Hit!

Ethan Grant clenched his fist and looked toward the grass, seeing something moving inside. He cursed inwardly, Damn it, with archery like that, you dare come hunting? Aren’t you ashamed? You’re killing me here.

At the same time, a crisp, frustrated voice rang out, “I don’t believe I missed you.”

A woman?

Ethan Grant was delighted again, tiptoeing and silently praying, Please let her hit, please let her hit.

Swish!

No sooner said than done, another arrow flew out.

From the grass came two pained, whimpering cries.

YES!

Ethan Grant pumped his fist in excitement.

“Got it.”

That crisp voice rang out again.

“Wangcai! Wangcai!”

Ethan Grant immediately darted out from behind the tree, his face anxious and voice choked with tears as he called, “Wangcai, Wangcai, where are you? Come out, don’t scare me, Wangcai.”

The mutt in the grass gave a couple of low growls, playing along.

“Wangcai! Wangcai!”

Ethan Grant rushed over, following the sound, and parted the grass. He saw the mutt lying in the grass, an arrow lodged in its chest, its fur stained red with blood.

“Wangcai!”

Ethan Grant cried out in grief, knelt on the ground, hugged Wangcai, and sobbed, “Wangcai, you can’t die! You’ve been with me for so long, loyal and true, sharing joys and sorrows. It’s my fault—I’ve been useless. Until now, I haven’t even given you a bite of meat, not even a lump of poop to eat. I’ve let you down, Wangcai, Wangcai—ah—”

I gave my life for you, but you’re hugging me and calling another dog’s name. How could you do this to me? Xiao Huang stared at Ethan Grant, a flash of anger in his eyes. He wanted to bark a few times to show his displeasure, but he was too weak. The angry roar in his heart came out as a few pitiful whimpers, making him seem even more miserable. Then his head lolled to the side, and he stopped breathing, his eyes wide open in death, truly unable to rest in peace. Who knows if he died from the arrow or was half-killed by it and then finished off by Ethan Grant’s antics.

Damn! No way, did the dog really see through me? Brother Dog, I know I wronged you, but please forgive me. If you didn’t die, I’d be the one to go. Besides, you pooped so much in front of my house, you had to pay something, right? Rest in peace.

Ethan Grant was startled, but his crying didn’t stop, tears and sobs pouring out, utterly tragic.

Truly, it would break the heart of anyone who heard it!

“Hey—hey—young man.”

Suddenly, a gentle, charming voice spoke from behind.