Chapter 10: The Abandoned German Shepherd

The mountain patrol team belonged to the village’s jurisdiction, but Zhao Dabao, the village party secretary, had no authority over it. They were managed by the local police station, which also determined the number of patrol members. It was, in essence, a secure and stable position.

Being a mountain patrolman was no easy task, but it was equally difficult to be removed from the role. Removing Zhao Dajun wouldn’t be decided by Zhao Dabao alone. The patrol team had to hold a meeting within the village to discuss the matter and then report it to the police station.

As the village party secretary, Zhao Dabao’s opinion was important but not decisive. The key lay in how the patrol team handled the situation internally and the stance of the police station. However, if Zhao Dabao remained silent, the likelihood of Zhao Dajun being dismissed was almost nonexistent.

After Zhao Weimin’s reminder, Zhao Dabao realized that simply voicing his own opinion was insufficient to remove Zhao Dajun. He took another couple of drags from his cigarette. It is often said that a partner’s words can be crucial; his aunt’s suggestion reignited hope in Zhao Dabao’s eyes.

“Wasn’t it a while ago that the patrol captain, Wang Youwei, asked you for two military coats?” his aunt nudged his arm and brought up the matter. “Why not get him those jackets and ask for his help?”

Zhao Dabao scoffed. “You think military coats just fall from the sky? Where would the supply and marketing cooperative get military coats from?”

Hearing this, Zhao Weimin’s heart skipped a beat. If they could get Captain Wang Youwei involved, then removing Zhao Dajun would be a done deal. After all, with the combined recommendations of the village party secretary and the patrol captain, the police station wouldn’t have much to say.

He promptly said, “I’ll take care of getting the military coats.”

“You?” Zhao Dabao looked at him sharply, full of doubt. “How will you manage that?”

“I have my ways. When the time comes, you just pass them on to Wang Youwei.”

“All right, I’ll notify him. When can you bring the coats?”

“In the next couple of days.”

“I’ll be waiting for good news. As long as Wang Youwei speaks up, Zhao Dajun won’t be a patrolman anymore!”

“Okay, I’ll head off now.”

“Hmm, I’ll see you out.”

Just as Zhao Weimin was getting up, he suddenly remembered something. “Uncle Zhao, when are we chopping firewood? I’m running low at home and want to gather some.”

Zhao Dabao waved his hand dismissively. “Why bother chopping? Just go to the supply and marketing cooperative and get some.”

“I won’t take it for free. Tomorrow I’ll bring over some venison and get a couple of packs of salt in return.”

“Fine, come to the cooperative tomorrow to pick it up.”

Having arranged this with Zhao Dabao, Zhao Weimin returned the coats and braved the cold wind as he hurried home.

---

If he could secure the military coats, then Zhao Dajun’s days as a patrolman would be numbered. But now, even getting a thick cotton jacket was difficult. These were hard times, and the country still owed debts to the Russians.

Obtaining even one military coat was nearly impossible, let alone two.

However, he recalled reading on a certain website about a black market near Beiling that even dealt in international trade. Though the Russians lacked food, especially meat, they had plenty of clothing supplies. Those close to the border often traded goods for meat.

Though meat was scarce domestically as well, Beiling was somewhat unique. Hunters there would barter their game with the Russians for durable items like rye bread and canned goods.

Over time, this private exchange became a thriving black market. Venison was the most coveted item. One deer could be exchanged for over a hundred cans of food and more than fifty pounds of flour.

How many military coats could that buy?

In Russia, military coats were practically worthless. Many border soldiers would trade essentials for alcohol and even military coats.

If he managed to shoot a deer, he could trade for not just two military coats, but even an AK-47.

He realized he needed to act quickly.

As he hurried home under the cover of darkness, he suddenly heard two whimpering sounds from a ditch beside the road.

In the pitch-black night, illuminated only by the reflection of snow, it was almost impossible to see anything clearly. The whimpers startled Zhao Weimin at first, but on closer listening, they sounded like a dog’s mournful cries, broken and intermittent.

His heart skipped a beat as he quickened his pace toward the sound.

Sure enough, behind a pile of snow, he found a small dog shivering violently, curled up on the ground. Its teeth chattered from the cold; it seemed to be frozen stiff. No wonder it was whimpering like that, as if abandoned.

The pup looked only a few months old and was not an ordinary rural mutt. It resembled a German Shepherd-type shepherd dog, with dense fur, a compact yet muscular build.

“Hiss...” Zhao Weimin inhaled sharply as he examined it closely.

This appeared to be a German Shepherd!

The German Shepherd, formally known as the German Shepherd Dog, was a working dog by nature. Its name itself implied its role as a herding dog.

Adult German Shepherds were robust and muscular. Their intelligence could rival that of a seven- or eight-year-old child.

They were not only smart but also incredibly loyal and brave, fiercely devoted to their owners, while remaining wary of strangers.

Generally, German Shepherds were the first choice for most police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and military dogs. Even guide dogs were often German Shepherds.

This spoke volumes about their intelligence and exceptional working capabilities.

Moreover, German Shepherds were skilled hunters, often chosen by hunters as partners to track and chase prey. Their speed could surpass most animals they pursued.

He never expected to encounter such a young German Shepherd here, not knowing where it had come from.

Dogs were rare in the Beiling area, let alone such a foreign breed of working dog.

The only plausible explanation was that it had likely come over from Russia, as the border was not far.

With that thought, he cautiously approached the frozen little shepherd.

The pup instinctively became alert upon seeing a stranger, but after recognizing Zhao Weimin, it let out a pitiful whimper, as if pleading for help.

Zhao Weimin squatted down and tentatively reached out a hand.

The little shepherd, perhaps too cold or sensing goodwill, made no sudden movements.

Their first contact ended with Zhao Weimin scooping the pup into his arms.

After a couple of soft whines, the dog buried its head in his embrace.

“You’re lucky to have met me,” he murmured.

In these times, even a dog—or a mouse—could easily be caught and eaten.

He needed a hunting dog to assist him; this German Shepherd could come along to the mountains.

“From now on, you’ll be called Dou Dou, understand?”

As if comprehending his words, Dou Dou responded with two soft barks.