CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 32: I DON’T WANT TO GET INVOLVED

Watching the Sand Worm gradually stop, the two of them dared not relax, running almost another kilometer before halting.

The hairless freak looked horrified, sweat dripping from his forehead, his small arms still trembling uncontrollably.

Riding the motorcycle as it bounced on the rocks, the feeling was something only those who have done it would know.

Qu Jianlei, meanwhile, panted as he stuffed a Nutrient Injection into his mouth.

"That was really a mess... It won’t be chasing us anymore, right?"

"Probably not," the hairless freak looked at him eagerly, swallowing hard, "Can I have one too?"

Qu Jianlei glanced at him and tossed over a tube of Nutrient Liquid, "This is your labor fee for protecting the supplies."

After several days of travel, the two became somewhat familiar, but sharing things was not to be done casually; there had to be a rationale.

The hairless freak didn’t care much about it, thanked him, and devoured the Nutrient Injection ravenously.

Then he drank three gulps of water before fearfully looking back at the direction they came from, "Fortunately, you spotted it early."

Qu Jianlei, however, touched his forehead and stated bitterly, "Lost direction."

His sense of direction was extremely strong, almost like a special ability, able to automatically construct maps in his mind.

The direction he was moving just now was the one the shopkeeper subtly pointed out.

He had a feeling it was supposed to lead to the Hongyi Refuge.

But after today’s incident, his sense of direction was completely lost.

Going back, they might be able to find the direction based on the tire tracks, but... is it realistic?

This swarm of Sand Worms, once disturbed, who knows how long they could persist.

"No need to rush," the hairless freak looked indifferent, "If we really drive straight ahead, who knows what else we’ll encounter."

Clearly, he didn’t agree with Qu Jianlei’s earlier decision, as there were huge uncertain risks on the road ahead.

Qu Jianlei also realized it was a bit impulsive and nodded, "Let’s push on a bit further and take a break."

After a night, they regained their spirit and continued their journey, trying to find a way through the pile of rocks.

It took most of the day to finally break free from the pile, only to face a new unknown area.

Fuel and water weren’t plentiful, so Qu Jianlei decided, "Let’s look for a wilderness camp first."

Fortunately, the next day they found a supply station.

In addition to refilling supplies, Qu Jianlei asked whose Settlement this station belonged to.

The supply station workers weren’t surprised, after all, survivors roaming everywhere isn’t abnormal, right?

They readily gave the answer: this place belongs to the Hongwu Gathering Area!

Hongwu was close to Hongsi, so Qu Jianlei took out three silver coins to pay.

Sure enough, they collected his fee, the change was also Hongwu silver coins.

Qu Jianlei inquired further about the way to the Hongsi Settlement and nearby camps.

Having already spent here, they straightforwardly provided him with this information, including several danger zones.

Evidently, the info wasn’t fake; otherwise, they’d risk being found out by the buyer.

Qu Jianlei had no plans to venture into dangerous areas for now; he headed to the nearest camp.

"Hairless freak, between Mutant Armored Porcupines and Rotten Skin Giant Lizards... which holds more attack value?"

The kid hesitated a bit and replied, "Both creatures can potentially group, very hard to attack alone."

"Especially the Mutant Armored Porcupine, not only can it launch Flying Thorns, your Laser Gun might not even affect it."

Qu Jianlei silently mused, he really didn’t want to team up, "I’m asking which holds more value overall."

"Definitely the Armored Porcupine," the kid replied, "and... could you not call me hairless freak anymore?"

"It’s not discrimination," Qu Jianlei said while stopping the bike and removing his face mask.

Then he took out a small knife, scraped off his eyebrows while feeling around, "See, now I’m the same?"

The hairless freak was visibly surprised, "Why did you scrape it off too?"

Qu Jianlei wouldn’t reveal he was in trouble, "Prevents bugs."

"You’re not shaving your head?" the hairless freak muttered, "Call me Xiao Jing then... it’s a nickname."

Most survivors in the Wasteland have nicknames, especially not using real names with strangers.

Qu Jianlei didn’t like being called "Sha Qu," he just previously lacked the strength to object, "When we’re at the camp, call me Black Heaven."

This camp, called "Sweet Water," wasn’t small, with over two hundred semi-underground structures.

While there were people in these buildings, occasionally when empty, it meant the owner wasn’t present.

Qu Jianlei didn’t pay it much mind, selecting a soft spot on the camp outskirts, digging a half-man deep pit.

Placing a cart on it and hanging some felt, it served as a temporary shelter.

At this moment, he somewhat missed the abode he had at Chaotic Stone Camp, something he’d spent years digging out.

Now, this abode was merely temporary; to build something like that structure would take at least a month.

Yet, even such a simple abode attracted visitors.

It was two men, one thin, one stout, with a somewhat roguelike demeanor, one holding a knife, the other a gun.

The thin man spoke first, "Who allowed you to dig this pit here?"

The Gauss Machine Gun could instantly take the two down, but Qu Jianlei wasn’t particularly impressed with them.

But the next moment, he secretly warned himself, even though his equipment and combat ability had slightly improved, he still shouldn’t get too cocky.

Being new here, who knows what the other side is about?

So he casually asked back, "Is this place... claimed?"

Outdoor camps are occasionally claimed, but it’s a very rare occurrence.

Those two wouldn’t dare claim the place was theirs. If they did, the others definitely wouldn’t agree.

However, the other party replied unhurriedly, and the skinny guy said again, "Take off your scarf."

Qu Jianlei frowned, "What’s the deal with that?"

"Recently, there have been several ruthless criminals on the wanted list," the skinny guy said slyly, "All strangers must be checked."

Qu Jianlei suppressed his anger and asked, "Check... may I ask what’s your identity?"

This time, the skinny guy didn’t brag, "I’m just a regular adventurer, but anyone can claim a reward..."

This was purely stirring up trouble, Qu Jianlei thought, this guy’s motives weren’t pure.

But as an outsider, since he didn’t know the situation, cooperating proactively was the wise choice.

So he pointed at the hairless creature, "Did anyone say there were kids with the criminals?"

The skinny guy was speechless, but the burly man was impatient, "Why are you talking so much?"

"I tell you, wanted is wanted, since your background is unclear, we all have the right to inspect."

"If you insist that we aren’t qualified... you’re on your own!"

Qu Jianlei was a bit troubled by "you’re on your own," without a measure, it’s hard to assess.

So he could only ask, "Can I leave now?"

"No," the burly man decisively raised the Gauss gun, speaking expressionlessly, "If you really leave, the suspicion grows."

Qu Jianlei pondered a bit, begrudgingly removing the scarf, "This should be okay now, right?"

The two men took a closer look, exchanged glances, and slowly shook their heads—this guy wasn’t the one wanted.

Being wanted involves a reward, it’s impossible to blatantly twist facts.

Qu Jianlei understood clearly, his anger diminished somewhat, it seemed there really was such a wanted list.

Yet the next moment, the skinny guy spoke again, "This place isn’t suitable for digging, it affects the camp’s overall layout."

When I was digging just now, you didn’t stop me, Qu Jianlei puzzled over it.

So he asked expressionlessly, "Layout... what kind of layout, who’s deciding?"

"Can’t you see you’re not welcome here?" the burly man grew impatient, "Just leave."

Qu Jianlei was a bit upset, "Why didn’t you speak before I started digging, trying to swindle our hard work?"

The pit he dug took a while, the hairless creature participated too, you just want to take it like this?

"Which camp doesn’t have planning?" the skinny guy said coldly, "We didn’t notice before you dug."

Not noticing is your problem, right? Qu Jianlei couldn’t help but secretly grumble.

But the fact a camp might be planned isn’t surprising, even outdoor camps are generally spontaneous.

With a camp, everyone wants to build it better, including but not limited to public facilities construction.

Qu Jianlei always considered others, so he responded upon hearing this, "Then I’ll change to another spot to dig, alright?"

However, unexpectedly, the skinny guy directly said, "You can stay here, but you have to pay a layout fee."

So it’s still about money? Qu Jianlei calmly asked, "Is this layout fee a one-time thing, or is it regularly paid?"

"Of course, it’s one-time," the skinny guy said straightforwardly, "Three silver coins."

Three silver coins aren’t much, but during Qu Jianlei’s down and out times, that’s two months’ worth of food costs.

Qu Jianlei hesitated for a moment, then asked, "How do you prove you’re worth this money?"

The skinny guy smiled hearing that, cleared his throat, and loudly shouted, "I’m collecting layout fees from the newcomer, does anyone have objections?"

His voice was indeed loud, enough to spread throughout the entire camp.

Really, no one objected, but around ten people indifferently watched the scene.

Qu Jianlei softly spoke, "There won’t be others collecting layout fees again, right?"

These might all be objectively existing matters, he didn’t mind paying some fees as long as it solved the issue.

In response, the skinny guy shouted again, "Whoever collects from this friend again..."

Then he asked, "This friend, how should I address you?"

"Black Heaven," Qu Jianlei answered expressionlessly.

"Whoever dares to collect from friend Black Heaven’s layout fee again, doesn’t give me Old Mo face, don’t blame me for being rude."

After the skinny guy shouted, still no one responded.

Then he glanced at Qu Jianlei, proudly asked, "How about it, is this okay?"

"Alright then," Qu Jianlei reached into his coat, and when he took out his hand, there were already three silver coins in it.

The skinny guy, after receiving the silver coins, turned away with the burly man.

Only after walking far did he chuckle lightly and speak quietly, "He’s completely a rookie!"

(During the release of the new book, we’re asking for various support.)