Chapter 2: Guarding the Forest Together

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Early in the morning, Su He returned to the forest, pondering how to find Bear Big and Bear Second. Suddenly, a fierce roar echoed out: "Bald Strong, you’re cutting trees again! This time we’ve caught you, and we’re going to teach you a lesson!"

“Annoying bears, can’t you leave me alone? You always interfere when I’m chopping trees!”

Hearing this, Su He hurried over and saw Bald Strong being chased by the two bears. Just as he was about to greet them, Bald Strong suddenly dashed toward him and hid behind his back. Bear Big and Bear Second stopped when they noticed Su He.

“It’s you again! What are you here for this time? Are you here to join Bald Strong in destroying the forest?” Bear Big asked sternly.

Bear Second, panting, came over and pulled an apple seemingly out of nowhere, taking a big bite as he added, “Yeah, yeah! Were you really lost last time, or were you just looking for Bald Strong to cut trees with him?”

Seeing their misunderstanding, Su He quickly explained, “No, no, I’m now a forest ranger, here to protect the forest. Look, here’s my work ID.” He handed the ID hanging from his neck to Bear Big.

Bear Big examined it carefully, half believing, half doubtful. “So you really are here to protect the forest, not to chop trees?”

“Of course! This forest is so beautiful and peaceful, how could I bear to let anyone damage it?” Su He replied earnestly.

At that moment, Bald Strong overheard that Su He was a forest ranger and quickly moved away, saying, “You’re a ranger? Hah! I was helping you out yesterday. You all just want to stop me from cutting trees—no way!” With that, he sped off as if his shoes were greased.

Seeing this, Su He smiled helplessly, turned to Bear Big and Bear Second and said, “You’re protecting this forest too, right? Why don’t we protect it together?”

Bear Second jumped excitedly. “Great! We have another forest protector joining us!”

Bear Big nodded. “Since you’re our partner now, we’ll hold a welcome meeting for you tomorrow and introduce you to the other forest friends.”

Su He also nodded happily. “Sounds good! Thanks, but first, I’ll try to persuade Bald Strong not to cut trees anymore. He might even become our friend someday.”

“Humph, that bald troublemaker? I don’t want to be friends with him,” Bear Second said resentfully.

Bear Big put a hand on Bear Second’s shoulder and smiled. “Come on, Bear Second, don’t say that. If Bald Strong stops cutting trees and damaging the forest, we’d be happy to be good friends with him.”

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“Well then, Bear Big, Bear Second, I’m off to find Bald Strong. Bye!”

Su He went to Bald Strong’s small wooden cabin and knocked on the door. “Brother Strong, it’s me, can you open up?”

The door suddenly opened, and Bald Strong pointed a hunting rifle at Su He. “All of you get lost! Trying to stop me from chopping trees and making big money?”

Looking at the gun in front of him, Su He twitched his mouth, thinking, “Damn, no wonder he’s one of the three big troublemakers of Bear Ridge. I heard he even fought the police once—what a legend.”

Su He slowly reached out and pushed the barrel of the gun down. “Brother Strong, listen to me.” Then he went inside and sat down. “Do you know that if you keep cutting these trees, you’ll end up in jail?”

“You’re talking nonsense. How many trees have I cut? Just five over all these years,” Bald Strong said nervously upon hearing about the law.

Su He’s tone turned serious. “What kind of trees are those? Each one a noble pine! Even if we ignore that, just carrying that gun and shooting wildly in the forest every day—if you get caught, you’ll be in prison for years.”

“But if I don’t cut trees, I won’t get paid. The New Year is in two months, and what will I take home to celebrate and support my parents?” Bald Strong sat dejectedly, tears glistening in his eyes.

Seeing this, Su He seized the opportunity to suggest, “You could switch jobs, maybe become a tour guide. Brother Strong, you know the forest better than anyone, right?”

“Tour guide?” Bald Strong looked puzzled.

“Yes! As a tour guide, you can show tourists the beautiful sights of Bear Ridge. No more being chased by bears or getting sunburned chopping trees. Maybe the forest animals could even help you.”

“Okay, I’ll listen to you this once. After all, Boss Li keeps deducting my pay, rushing me for wood, and I haven’t earned much over the years. Better to change jobs.” Bald Strong’s spirits lifted as if he had found new hope.

Su He breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have succeeded. He had worried that persuading Bald Strong wouldn’t work, and they’d keep clashing every day.

Just then, the landline in Bald Strong’s room rang. Hearing the voice, he seemed to make up his mind, picking up his phone. “Hello? Who’s this?”

A sharp voice came through: “Bald Strong, why aren’t you cutting wood? If you don’t meet the quota this month, I’m docking your pay.”

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Bald Strong mustered his courage. “Li Scoundrel, Li Twister, I, Bald Strong, quit. I’m going to chase my dreams and do what I want.”

“Oh ho ho, dreams? What are dreams worth? If you don’t cut trees, you can starve!” Boss Li sneered mockingly.

“None of your damn business, you stupid jerk!” Bald Strong angrily hung up.

On the other end, Boss Li smashed his glass in anger and told his companion, “Check if they’ve finished fixing the robot over there. Once it’s ready, send it here immediately.” Then he sneered, “Bald Strong, you’ll regret this.”

“Brother Strong, what you said just now was so cool,” Su He praised.

“No, no, it’s thanks to you for helping me find the dignity I’d lost all these years. By the way, I don’t know your name yet,” Bald Strong smiled.

“Oh, I’m Su He. Brother Strong, you can just call me Xiao He. You go look for a job first, I’ll go tell Bear Big and Bear Second the good news, then I’ll come find you,” Su He waved.

“Okay,” Bald Strong agreed.

“The story is speeding up now. Since Bald Strong said the New Year is coming, I wonder if he means the festival or just the holiday preparations.”

Later, Su He stood beneath a towering tree, spotting a large hollow at its base. This must be Bear Big and Bear Second’s home. He had loved this tree hollow as a child and finally had the chance to see it again. Approaching, he saw the two bears preparing some fruit.

“Hey, why’re you here? We’re getting ready for your welcome party tomorrow,” Bear Big said.

“I’ve got good news—I’ve convinced Bald Strong to stop cutting trees.”

“Really? That’s great! Now we won’t have to worry about sleepless nights or chasing Bald Strong around anymore.” Bear Second even burst into tears. Seeing this, Bear Big and Su He both laughed warmly.