Wasteland Survivalist: A Scientific Guide to Post-Apocalyptic Survival

Gu Lang looked at Jiang Peng and saw only two things in the other's eyes—arrogance and greed.

He had seen that look in his eyes many times before.

Gamblers who have made a fortune through cryptocurrency speculation, contractors who have just received their licenses, and junior officials who are tasting the sweetness of power for the first time—their eyes are filled with this kind of thing.

Everyone felt they were omnipotent and that the future was entirely in their hands.

The pig on the cusp of a trend thinks it's flying, but it's just that the wind hasn't stopped yet.

They wouldn't come to their senses until everything was over and they landed on the rooftop.

There's no point in trying to persuade someone like that.

If you say something wrong, that's fine, but if you say something right, you'll be hated by the other party.

People are quick to forgive others' mistakes, but find it hard to forgive others' correctness.

Forgiving someone's mistakes allows you to stand on a moral or intellectual high ground and gain a sense of satisfaction.

Forgiving someone for being right is like forcing yourself to admit you're an idiot.

If you shatter someone's dreams, be prepared to bear their disappointment and anger.

Gu Lang suspected that Jiang Peng had made huge profits from the previous fuel trafficking.

They might even have used their own military equipment as leverage to gain power within their family.

At this point, the other party was already hopelessly immersed in the fantasy of becoming a post-apocalyptic oil tycoon.

That's why they tried every means to keep him and support him.

Gu Lang put on a stern face and clearly expressed his refusal to Jiang Peng.

"I don't mean anything by it, I'm just worried about the rampage virus."

"And I am a revolutionary soldier. You must have heard of the Three Main Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention, right?"

Jiang Peng was taken aback for a moment, then put on a smile again.

"Don't worry, brother. When I went back to look for people, I happened to run into an official airdrop of supplies."

We received a batch of antigen reagents, and all the people who brought them have been tested and do not have the virus.

If you don't like someone like Xiaomi, I have other cousins, you can find someone else.

"Let me show you the photos, she looks very innocent."

"I have a mission to complete and must follow the rules."

Even if you have a cousin who's like a goddess, you can't get into the cabin.

Jiang Peng's expression subtly changed, and he took half a step forward.

He lowered his voice and advised in a sincere tone.

"Good bro, you're too stubborn. Why are you still thinking about that damn mission of yours?"

In today's world, where every day is uncertain, we should seize the time to enjoy life and live for the moment; that's the real task.

Next, Jiang Peng repeatedly emphasized that he had no malicious intent and was simply thinking of his brother.

Then he changed the subject and said the most crucial sentence.

"I have plenty of men, you have guns and cannons."

"If we unite, we can do whatever we want on this land."

"As expected," Gu Lang thought to himself.

What the other party was interested in wasn't him as a person at all, nor was it any kind of bullshit brotherhood.

What they were eyeing was the Type 022 submarine, or more precisely, the 30mm close-in weapon system.

With this cannon, the oil tanker will no longer be just an oil refinery, but will become an armed outpost.

Jiang Peng was not just an oil dealer, but a local powerful figure with military strength.

Having wealth is not enough; you must have sufficient military force to defend it.

The scenario of clan forces merging with remnants of the original government army to become de facto local warlords has played out repeatedly throughout history.

It's not a bad thing for either side—they can expand their territory if they want to, or they can wait to be granted amnesty if they want to.

Unfortunately, Gu Lang was very clear-headed and had a habit of assuming the worst of others.

He was all alone, a commander without any soldiers under his command.

Cooperating with local powers that control manpower and resources will only lead to one outcome.

That means after they've been drained of their value, they're thrown into the sea.

This girl definitely came with a mission; once she's let into the cockpit, my life will begin its countdown.

Just like he learned his skills from Zhao Xun, the other party would find out everything about him.

Then, after a moment of tenderness, it takes the life of its prey, whether actively or passively.

Even if Jiang Peng didn't have this idea at first, he would definitely make this choice as time went on.

Gu Lang stopped Jiang Peng from getting closer. Jiang Peng opened his phone's photo album and was showing pictures of other girls.

At this point, Jiang Peng could no longer maintain his smile.

The corners of her mouth were still turned up, but her eyes had lost their earlier warmth.

Gu Lang knew that platitudes were no longer effective, so he quickly tried to ease the tension.

Jiang Peng's side had a large and powerful force, and they still needed to rely on the other side's team to continue obtaining diesel fuel, so they couldn't afford to completely damage the relationship.

"Alright, I'll accept the gift, but I'll pass on your 'cousin'."

Forced relationships are never sweet, and I, Song, will not force anyone without feeling.

As a return gift, consider the drone I lent you before a gift from me.

We can take turns on guard duty, so I won't have to work so hard anymore.

This will also provide greater security for our team.

There is still enough time for the mission. I contacted the Nanbu Theater Command yesterday and am waiting for the latest instructions.

After filling up with gas, it can stay for a while longer.

If needed, you can stay here and continue to protect you.

Jiang Peng's expression switched from gloomy to smiling within seconds.

"Haha, no problem, Brother Song, you're too kind."

Just then, a voice came from the tanker deck asking for instructions. Jiang Peng slowly walked to the refueling port and pulled out the hose.

He looked up and loudly ordered his men to take the pipes back.

Gu Lang silently watched Jiang Peng's retreating figure, feeling incredibly moved by the dramatic changes that had occurred to him in just a few days.

The alienation of people by power is amplified to an extreme by the post-apocalyptic environment, which is vividly reflected in Jiang Peng.

Gu Lang knew very well that power struggles were extremely brutal.

Only one winner is allowed, regardless of human will.

Gu Lang possesses overwhelming military power and could overturn the table at any time in this cooperation, yet he is all alone.

To have a good outcome, one must reject all temptations and trials.

Make the other party realize that they have a more powerful force behind them, but that they could leave at any time.

Ensure the other party is hesitant to act rashly and proactively sever any undue greed.

Jiang Peng had clearly understood the subtext of his words.

Gu Lang turned around and saw that the girl had a blank expression on her face, but she was still standing there without leaving.

"Girl, do you know what's the most precious thing in this world?"

"What is that?"

"young people."

"what?"

"The essence of human society is the plunder and bullying of the low-energy by the high-energy."

Money, power, honor, status—none of these things matter.

Ultimately, it's all just tools that the older generation uses to exploit the younger generation.

"What does it mean?"

"You're still young, don't let others control your destiny. Nothing in this world is worth trading your body for."

"You're clearly a soldier, but you talk like a philosopher."

"Oh, really?"

"Those old men also like to say these strange things afterward."

"What the hell?"

"And those with erectile dysfunction, they also experience this while waiting for the medication to take effect..."

"Holy crap, Kun?"

Get out! Get out! Get out!

Get the hell out of here!