Human nature is fickle. There was no guaranteeing they wouldn’t harbor ulterior motives.

Jiang Linhai informed Zhuang Chenshen that he would not be teaming up with them.

Zhuang Chenshen looked completely taken aback. "Isn’t this a win-win situation?" he said, stunned. "It would benefit all of us."

Jiang Linhai simply waved his hand dismissively. "Go back!" He left Zhuang Chenshen no room for negotiation.

Wary of the gun in Jiang Linhai’s hand and the people inside the helicopter, Zhuang Chenshen had no choice but to return with the instant noodles and water, completely untouched.

When Zhuang Feiyue learned that Jiang Si’s group was unwilling to team up, she heaved a deep sigh. "Then we’ll just have to prepare for the worst," she said.

Zhuang Feiyue took out her phone and tried calling Zhuang Hailin, but all she got was a busy signal. There was no reception.

What was the Northern Country even like? Would it be any better than their current situation? These were all unknowns.

Besides, they only had one barrel of fuel. There was no way they could make it to the Northern Country.

Zhuang Feiyue pulled out a map and studied it closely. One barrel of fuel could probably get them to Qingbei Airport.

If they could find more fuel there, they could keep flying.

Of course, it was entirely possible they’d get there only to find the airport had no fuel. They’d be stranded with no food sources in the vicinity and might face other dangers.

Alternatively, they could look for a place with mountains, water, and flat terrain. Fishing, hunting, and gathering would be enough to sustain them.

But that would mean abandoning the helicopter completely, and they would never reach the Northern Country.

If some other danger suddenly arose, they would be left with no means of escape. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Weighing the two options, Zhuang Feiyue decided it was better to head for Qingbei Airport. She couldn’t be sure she’d be able to find some untouched paradise, after all.

Zhuang Feiyue found the parachutes. She wouldn’t be able to rest easy until she had taught everyone how to use them.

Wang Rongxue was terrified of heights. She hadn’t even dared to look down during takeoff, let alone jump. She turned to her husband, her eyes pleading. "Can’t you just go ask them again? There are only four of us. We wouldn’t take up that much space."

Zhuang Chenshen was helpless. "They said no, and they meant it!"

"Put yourself in their shoes. If you had plenty of fuel, would you feel comfortable letting a few strangers onto your helicopter? You’d be on pins and needles the whole time."

Wang Rongxue was at a loss for words. Of course, she wouldn’t be willing either.

Tears streamed down Wang Rongxue’s face as she thought of their perilous future. "Maybe we’ll get lucky," Zhuang Chenshen comforted her. "We’ll get to Qingbei Airport, find fuel, and reunite with the boss."

Wang Rongxue leaned into Zhuang Chenshen’s arms, sobbing delicately. Suddenly, a rustling sound emanated from all around them, chilling them to the bone.

Just as they were fearing another mutated creature was about to appear, Zhuang Feiyue glanced out the side window. She saw Jiang Linhai and Lu Zhifeng jump down from their helicopter and quickly light some alcohol fuel cubes and charcoal.

Zhuang Qi Yuan muttered, "Are they in the mood for a barbecue or something?"

Suddenly, a scorpion squeezed through a crack in their helicopter.

Wang Rongxue was the first to react, screaming, "AHHH—!"

Everyone looked closer and saw a dense swarm of scorpions suddenly rushing toward them—a terrifying and horrifying sight.

Before long, the scorpions had completely blocked their view from the helicopter.

A continuous stream of scorpions kept trying to squeeze through the cracks in the helicopter door.

Zhuang Qi Yuan pulled on a pair of gloves and used a shoe insole to swat a few of the scorpions dead. He finally understood why Jiang Linhai and Lu Zhifeng had used their precious supplies to light the alcohol cubes and charcoal.

Scorpions were afraid of fire. As long as a fire was lit, they wouldn’t dare approach.

But it was too late for them to rush out and light a fire now. The scorpions had already enveloped the helicopter, leaving no gaps.

All they could do was put on gloves and try to find a way to securely block every possible opening the scorpions could get through.

Despite their every precaution, they were still stung several times.

Scorpion venom varies in potency depending on the species. These brown scorpions were a common type with relatively mild venom, potent enough to kill insects but not humans. However, a sting would cause the affected limb to quickly become red, swollen, itchy, and searingly painful. For someone with an allergy, it could even be fatal.

Zhuang Chenshen had the most stings. His arms and ankles were covered in a dense pattern of red, swollen wounds, some of which were already oozing pus.

Zhuang Feiyue had once challenged herself to survive in the desert for thirty days, so she knew a thing or two about venomous scorpions.

Scorpion venom was acidic. First, the venom had to be squeezed out to prevent it from spreading. Then, washing the area with alkaline soap could help alleviate the pain.

After washing the wounds with soap, Zhuang Feiyue rummaged through the first-aid kit, found some erythromycin ointment, and took turns applying it to everyone’s stings.

Meanwhile, Jiang Si’s group was gathered around the fire, eating fried scorpions.

Scorpions, known as the first of the "Five Poisons" in Chinese tradition, are also used in herbal medicine. They contain substances like scorpion toxin and hemolytic proteins, which are believed to have anticonvulsant, calming, and detoxifying properties. They can also be used to treat sores and rheumatism.

In some regions, they are also a famous local delicacy.

This is because the toxic components in scorpions are neutralized by high heat, which is why fried scorpions can be served as food.

Lu Zhifeng’s philosophy was to save a meal’s worth of rations whenever possible. To adapt to survival in the apocalypse, they had to be fearless in the face of any challenge. If something was edible, they ate it.

Upon seeing the scorpions, he had immediately suggested that they fry some up. They could be stored and would last for several days.

Scorpions were meat, after all. They could at least satisfy their cravings and, while they were at it, feed Dabai.

He was worried that if Dabai got too hungry, it might lose control.

Jiang Si had often eaten scorpions during the apocalypse; to her, they were a rare treat!

’A good ten pounds of scorpions could be traded for a nice batch of potatoes.’

Slow-fried over a low flame until golden brown, the scorpions were incredibly crispy, their aroma wafting through the air. They made a satisfying crunch when eaten.

It was like eating crispy fried pork strips—fragrant and with a satisfying chew.

Lying on a recliner, Jiang Chengwu popped one in his mouth and couldn’t help but remark, "This would be perfect with a little booze."

Zhang Qingfang shot him an exasperated look. "You’re already that injured, and you’re still thinking about booze? Just drink your congee! These scorpions are greasy. One is enough for a taste."

Jiang Chengwu gave her a doting look and obediently went back to his congee.

After frying a whole bucket of scorpions, Shen Baoying nudged Jiang Si, who was dozing against Dabai. "Ask Dabai if it wants to eat."

’If Dabai doesn’t eat them,’ she thought, ’and I have to secretly feed it meat, Lu Zhifeng will get suspicious sooner or later.’

Jiang Si took a scorpion and held it to Dabai’s mouth. The tiger lazily opened its eyes, glanced at her, then listlessly closed them again.

’I can’t tell if it just doesn’t like them, or if it’s been feeling unwell ever since it rescued Shen Baoying and Jiang Chengwu.’

Jiang Si stroked its head, then pulled a can of luncheon meat from her jacket. "Dabai, if you don’t like the scorpions, I have luncheon meat. Do you want some to tide you over? Once we get somewhere we can hunt, I’ll get a big wild boar for you."

’Even if I can’t catch one, I can just materialize one for it from my space.’

Dabai didn’t even open its eyes. It simply extended a paw and pinned Jiang Si to its side. The sudden movement scared Shen Baoying so much her heart nearly leaped out of her throat.

Thankfully, Dabai wasn’t trying to eat her. It was just treating her like a plush toy, pulling her against its furry belly. Its massive paw was incredibly heavy, pressing down on Jiang Si until she could hardly breathe. Then, Dabai rolled over, practically turning itself into a mattress for her to sleep on.