Chapter 39: The Wasteland Chat Group

A quick scan through the *Wasteland Survival Encyclopedia* confirmed what Chen Zhuo had suspected all along: the section on agriculture in the post-apocalyptic world matched his expectations—more or less.

The entry stated plainly: crop growth speed and quality improved with better growing conditions and soil quality. It didn’t claim crops would always grow faster than those on Blue Planet, though. In fact, if the environment was subpar, harvest times could actually be longer than what you’d see back home.

“Now that I’ve got this smart greenhouse handling everything, I don’t have to worry about a thing. Just sit back and wait for the harvest.”

“The only part I still need to do myself? Fertilizing.”

To be honest, after days of living in the wasteland, Chen Zhuo’s three emergencies had all been handled by one wooden bucket. And once done? Gone. Completely disposed of. No way he’d keep it around.

Now that he had a use for it, though—once he built the toilet—he could run the waste through the biogas generator first, then use the sludge as fertilizer. That way, he’d get both renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil. A win-win.

But that was really just Plan Z—the absolute last resort. If possible, he’d much rather raise livestock inside the shelter to naturally supply manure. But with crimson beasts running rampant and most ordinary animals long dead, that dream remained out of reach.

Just as he finished leveling the farmland, Du Xin sent him another message.

For days now, she’d been showing up daily for their usual trade—exactly one ton of fertile soil each time. Every transaction came with her playful teasing, which Chen Zhuo happily returned. She’d grown used to it by now.

Today, besides the regular exchange, she also sent him an invitation to a group chat.

【Chen Zhuo: ?】
【Chen Zhuo: What’s this group?】

Curious, he asked.

【Du Xin: Just a little private group. Mostly survivors from our region.】
【Du Xin: There are some real heavyweights in here—big traders, info sharers. Most people can’t join unless they’re invited. You gotta be recommended.】 Her tone carried a hint of pride.

【Du Xin: I’ve noticed you’ve been alone out here for so long… kind of sad, really. Maybe joining the group will help you find someone to hang out with?】

Chen Zhuo wasn’t fooled by her tone—not even slightly. He fired back:

【Chen Zhuo: Yeah, I’m such a tragic soul, all alone. Honestly, wouldn’t it be nice if a cute girl came to keep me company in my shelter?】

【Du Xin: Oh please, there are plenty of cute girls in here. Whether you can actually charm one is another story.】

【Chen Zhuo: What if I wanted *you*, huh?】

【Du Xin: Ugh, go away. So gross.】

After days of relentless mental harassment from Chen Zhuo, Du Xin thought she’d finally developed immunity. But no—this guy had no shame. He said things like that with zero hesitation. Flustered, she quickly closed the chat window.

Meanwhile, Chen Zhuo had already joined the group.

The name? Over-the-top and painfully dramatic: **"Saviors of the Wasteland"**.

As soon as he entered, messages flooded in.

【He Zhiping: Welcome, new member!】
【Han Xiaotong: Welcome! Welcome!】
【Lu Wei: Welcome! Hot or not? Show us a pic first.】
【Yue Siyu: Definitely a guy. Everyone step back—I’m claiming him!】
【Liu Manwen: Where’s the hot guy? I don’t see anyone!】
【Liu Chen: Newbies gotta drop a red packet first!】
【Xia Qianqian: Right! No红包, no exit.】
【He Zhiping: Alright, enough fun. Let’s let our new friend introduce themselves.】

【Chen Zhuo: Hey everyone, I’m Chen Zhuo, a new survivor. Still solo for now. Hope you’ll look out for me.】

Xia Qianqian recognized the handle instantly—but played dumb anyway.

【Xia Qianqian: You’re not the one Du Xin invited, are you? @Chen Zhuo】

【Chen Zhuo: Yep. So?】

【Lu Wei: No way! You know our queen? Spill it—how far have you two gone?】

【Chen Zhuo: Du Xin? She’s my girlfriend.】

Silence.

Then—

【Lu Wei: Impossible. My goddess doesn’t have a boyfriend.】

On screen, Lu Wei clenched his teeth, voice dripping with betrayal.

【Xia Qianqian: You actually believe that? Didn’t you read his own message? Said he’s a lone wolf. No girlfriend.】

【Lu Wei: Hah! I *know* my goddess wouldn’t fall for anyone else. Kid, if you want her, you’re gonna have to go behind me.】

Chen Zhuo couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. Du Xin hadn’t said a word in the whole thread. Yet Lu Wei kept circling back to her like a lost puppy. Clearly, he was nothing more than a hopeless fanboy.

Still, his tone wasn’t malicious—just… off. Like someone who’d skipped a few brain cells.

Chen Zhuo felt a sudden urge: *New digital pet acquired.*

He quietly added Lu Wei as a friend and sent one message:

【Chen Zhuo: Check this out: (image)】

【Lu Wei: What?! How do you have a photo of the goddess?!】

【Chen Zhuo: Obviously, she sent it to me herself.】

【Lu Wei: I don’t believe you. Did you steal it? Use some shady trick?】

【Lu Wei: Come on, tell me!】

【Lu Wei: Don’t play dead—you’re definitely watching.】

【Lu Wei: You bastard!】

Too bad Chen Zhuo had no intention of replying. Watching Lu Wei rage in silence was far more entertaining.

When he realized Chen Zhuo wasn’t responding, Lu Wei went full chaos in the group:

【Lu Wei: Chen Zhuo! From now on, you’re officially my enemy. We’re enemies for life.】

Chen Zhuo shivered at the message. Goosebumps erupted across his arms. How could someone say something so ridiculous in public?

But the rest of the group? Totally unfazed. Apparently, this was normal. They’d seen it before.

The deputy admin, confused but trying to help, chimed in:

【He Zhiping: @Chen Zhuo, don’t take it personally. He’s just… like this. Doesn’t mean anything.】

【Chen Zhuo: Nah, I’m good. Honestly, the kid’s kinda funny.】

---

Back in the shelter, Chen Zhuo chuckled softly as he closed the group chat.

“Don’t know what the point of joining is, but hey—why not? No downside. At least the people seem chill.”

He picked up a skewer of grilled meat and shoved it into his mouth. Tasteless. Again.

Even after all this time, he still hadn’t gotten used to it.

The tiny tin of salt he’d bought early on was long gone. After eating dozens of meals without any seasoning—no matter how rare or valuable the food—it all tasted like cardboard. Delicious? No. Worth throwing away? Also no.

During the three-day wait for the smart greenhouse to finish setting up, Chen Zhuo hadn’t gone hunting. Instead, he’d spent every spare moment going through every blueprint he’d collected.

The makeshift kitchen stove was already built. The iron pot sat ready. But he hadn’t used it once.

Why bother? Without seasonings, cooking was pointless.

He’d scoured the trading market too. Nothing. Not a single vendor selling spices, salt, or flavor enhancers.

If everything tasted the same, why heat oil? Why cook at all?

So the stove stayed untouched—just another piece of useless gear gathering dust.