Wasteland Survivalist: A Scientific Guide to Post-Apocalyptic Survival

The entire process lasted about 40 minutes. As the last bit of supplies was moved in, the team members locked the iron door of the container.

The team leader solemnly raised his right hand and saluted Li Zheng and Wang Bin, who was still in the car.

Li Zheng immediately stood up straight and returned the greeting respectfully.

Although Gu Lang couldn't see Wang Bin inside the car, he could imagine him saluting.

Without many words, all the respect was conveyed silently.

Afterwards, the entire team in white waved goodbye and reboarded the plane.

The helicopter started up again, flew over the container, lowered the slings, and secured it with Li Zheng's help.

The container lifted off the ground and flew towards the vast sea to the east.

It gradually became a small black dot along with the helicopter, and eventually disappeared completely between the sea and the sky.

The scene returned to calm, and Gu Lang emerged from the farmhouse.

He saw that the spot where the helicopter had landed earlier was neatly stacked with several boxes.

"Are you two really unable to go back?"

"I told you from the beginning that we only have one-way tickets." Li Zheng gave a wry smile.

"Okay, what are these things?"

"Oh, the supplies and protective suits the fleet left us."

"Huh? That's it? You're just going to give me a little bit of supplies?"

Gu Lang began to feel sorry for the two people in front of him and hesitated whether to take them on his yacht.

"How could that be? The helicopter will be back in a bit."

"Didn't they say we couldn't get back to the ship?"

"Before we set off, our superiors had already prepared a contingency plan, which was to settle us on a small island."

"It's all muddy ground outside, there's no island here at all," Gu Lang said, pointing to the mudflats in the distance with a puzzled look.

"To the east of here, there is a small artificial island called Sun Island, which is 13 kilometers from the mainland. It used to be an LNG project, specifically for receiving liquefied natural gas. After the outbreak of the virus, many locals fled there."

"Isn't that very dangerous?"

"Yes, so the fleet blew up the Huanghai Bridge leading there two weeks ago and cleared the rabids from the island and the sea, and just set up a camp to house potentially infected people."

Hearing this, Gu Lang finally understood why the surrounding seas were so peaceful.

Li Zheng took out the folding wheelchair again, unfolded it, and then helped Wang Bin out of the car.

"Gu Lang, why don't you come with us to the island for refuge? With your achievements, getting a spot will be a piece of cake. Why struggle alone in this chaotic world just for a Lynx motorcycle and a few weapons? I can recommend you for enlistment directly; what kind of military equipment won't you be able to get your hands on then?"

"Let's not do that. I'm used to being free and independent. I really can't stand living in a camp and being managed by others. Also, please keep your promise and don't reveal my existence to your superiors."

"Where are you planning to go? Staying here, you'll inevitably be attacked by madmen sooner or later. If you don't want to join the army, go to the island. There's an army protecting you there. Once the vaccine is developed, you'll be completely safe."

Seeing that time was running out, Wang Bin quickly continued to persuade Gu Lang.

"I didn't just appear out of thin air. There must be a reason why you met me. I appreciate your kindness, but please focus on recovering and don't waste your breath."

Just then, Li Zheng's individual communication terminal rang.

"Sea Cat 01, Sea Cat 01, this is Ark. The evacuation helicopter has taken off. Please put on your protective suits and be ready to board at any time."

"Received, Seacat01 understands." Li Zheng replied immediately.

"Wait a moment, Sea Cat 01. The captain wants to speak with you. I'll switch over now."

"Li Zheng, this is Guo Feng! You've done a fantastic job, exceeding everyone's expectations. I will apply for a First-Class Merit for you. As for higher-level honors, that's beyond my authority; prepare to receive your commendation!"

"Yes, Captain!" Upon hearing this, Li Zheng was greatly encouraged, his expression changed drastically, and his excitement was palpable.

Gu Lang disagreed with this, having long since demystified all narrative techniques and never engaging in self-destructive behavior.

Every second you are brainwashed by others' ideas and driven to do something is a second less you live for yourself.

All honors in the world are actually a narrative: consensus, faith, morality, collectivism. These things are essentially social codes, a kind of blind obedience and submission to others.

Most of Li Zheng's superiors were simply people who had risen through the ranks during peacetime, relying on seniority or family connections.

Gu Lang did not believe that those bureaucrats hiding in safe zones were qualified to commend Li Zheng for risking his life in the danger zone.

The so-called consensus built in various grand stories is something that the storytellers themselves have most likely never achieved.

Throughout history, there has only been one method for selecting elites for ruling groups.

That is to become a highly self-serving individual who is well-versed in the official mainstream ideology but does not believe in it at all.

For an ordinary person, the first priority is to ensure their own survival; that is the greatest meaning.

If anything threatens your life, you must either fight or run.

One must first ensure one's own survival before one can consider others and other matters.

Of course, great people can also make self-sacrifices for some reason.

However, this choice must be voluntary and absolutely cannot be the result of psychological manipulation by others.

There is only one kind of success in life, and that is to live your life the way you want.

Live on, live until you're ready to leave.

Taking advantage of the leader's phone call, Gu Lang went to a nearby farm machinery shed and found empty oil drums and pipes.

Diesel fuel was siphoned from the fuel tanks of the two trucks and poured into the Lynx assault vehicle.

There was still some oil left, so we put it in an oil drum for later use.

After verbally praising Li Zheng, the captain also complimented Wang Bin for a while before ending the call.

Just then, the roar of a helicopter drifted in from afar once again.

With little time left, the two quickly put on their protective suits.

"The journey through life is long, may we meet again someday."

Li Zheng's voice sounded muffled through the thick protective suit.

"Goodbye! If you run into trouble or regret your decision, remember to come to the island and call for your comrades' help."

Wang Bin took out a personal communicator, tuned the frequency, and handed it to Gu Lang.

"The future is long, and we'll meet again! Wishing you both continued success and prosperity in your martial arts careers, hahaha..."

Gu Lang smiled and said goodbye, then hid in the farmhouse next door again.

A few minutes later, he watched Li Zheng and Wang Bin board the helicopter.

As the propeller noise gradually subsided, the surroundings returned to tranquility.

Gu Lang walked over to the two trucks and picked up the bundles and waterproof tarpaulins that had been blown away from the ground.

After folding them neatly, he carried them on his shoulder, then went to the farmhouse without looking back and threw them into the car.