Chapter 65: Ordinary People Do Extraordinary Things

“Next, I just need to keep moving forward until I find someone—I’m sure it won’t take long.”

After speaking, he ate a few hazelnuts from his backpack to regain some energy, but didn’t dare to eat much, fearing thirst.

[2] After speaking, he ate a few hazelnuts from his backpack to regain some strength, but didn’t dare eat more, fearing thirst.

The thirty-minute crossing of the inner cliff consumed a huge amount of water from his body, and he was now at the point where he absolutely needed to replenish fluids.

[3] The thirty-minute crossing of the inner cliff had drained most of his body’s water—he was now at the point of needing to replenish it.

He walked for another thirty minutes or so before finally spotting a fruit tree.

[4] He walked another thirty minutes or so before finally spotting a fruit tree.

The tree was laden with dark purple fruits; he reached out, picked a few, and shoved them straight into his mouth, saying as he ate, “Do you know what kind of fruit this is?”

[5] The tree bore many black-purple fruits; he reached out, plucked a few, and shoved them straight into his mouth, saying as he ate, “Do you know what kind of fruit this is?”

“Looks like a plum?”

[6] “Looks like a plum?”

“ Guizhidaoshishenmeshuiguo ， Buguokanqilaishuifentingzudeyangzi ， Zhuboweidaohaoma ？”

[7] “Who knows what kind of fruit it is, but it looks juicy—Host, how’s it taste?”

“Looks like the host is truly parched.”

[8] “Looks like the host is truly thirsty.”

Qin Yun continued: “This is a chokecherry, also called stinking plum—a wild fruit commonly found along the fringes of the Greater Khingan Range. It’s just like a regular plum: full of moisture, with a sweet-tart, slightly astringent flavor—it’s my top choice for rehydrating right now.”

[9] Qin Yun continued, “This is a chokecherry—also called stink plum—a wild fruit commonly found along the edges of Daxinganling. It’s just like a regular plum: full of moisture, sweet and sour with a faint bitterness—my top choice for rehydrating right now.”

He ate a dozen or so in one go, then gradually slowed down.

[10] He ate a dozen or more in one go, then slowly slowed down.

“Seeing this fruit basically means I’m getting closer to the edge, folks—it looks like I’ve got a good chance of finding an exit and encountering people today.”

[11] “Seeing this fruit means I’m getting closer to the edge—friends, I’ve got a good chance today of finding an exit, finding people.”

“No, please don’t stop—I still want to keep watching Brother Qin’s stream.”

[12] “No, I want to keep watching Qin Ye’s stream.”

“Brother Qin has only been out five days—stay longer!”

[13] “Qin Ye’s only been five days—stay longer.”

“When’s the host’s next stream?”

[14] “When’s the host’s next stream?”

Qin Yun looked at the comments and smiled: “In five days, I’ve only managed to get a little salt from some rocks—that’s extremely unhealthy, so I must return to human society soon to recover my body. As for when my next stream will be, it’s all up to fate. You all know I’m just a temporary wilderness survival streamer.”

[15] Qin Yun looked at the comments and smiled: “In five days, I only got a little salt from some rocks—that’s extremely unhealthy. I need to get back to human society as soon as possible to recover. As for when I’ll stream again? It’s up to fate. You all know I’m just a temporary wilderness survival streamer.”

“Hahaha, temporary… everything can be temporary.”

[16] “Hahaha, temporary… everything can be temporary.”

“Brother Qin is so funny.”

[17] “Qin Ye is so funny.”

“666——”

[18] “666——”

Qin Yun ate another thirty or so plums until he felt a slight sense of fullness, then stopped, stuffed a few into his pack, and continued on his way.

[19] Qin Yun ate another thirty or so plums until he felt a faint fullness, then stopped, stuffed a few into his pack, and kept walking.

After walking about another hour, a sharply defined boundary suddenly appeared in his line of sight.

[20] After walking another hour or so, a sharply defined boundary suddenly appeared in his line of sight.

On his side was a primitive forest, but across the line, everything felt orderly—even though visually it looked similar, anyone would sense unmistakable human intervention.

[21] On his side lay a fairly primitive forest, but across the line, everything felt orderly—even though it looked no different on the surface, anyone seeing it would know it was man-made.

Qin Yun walked over and pointed the drone’s camera at the ground, grinning: “Hey, look—compared to before, the ground here is much neater, clearly showing signs of human interference. Without a doubt, this must be a state-owned forest farm; if I keep going, I’ll almost certainly find people soon.”

[22] Qin Yun walked over, pointed the drone’s camera at the ground, and chuckled, “Hey, look—compared to before, the ground here isn’t as messy. Clearly shows human interference. No surprise—this must be a state-owned forest farm. If I go out from here, I’ll almost certainly find people.”

“Stop! What are you doing here?”

[23] “Stop! What are you doing here?”

Suddenly, two dark shapes emerged in the distance, staring directly at Qin Yun, and a middle-aged man in camouflage stepped forward, raising a rifle.

[24] Suddenly, two dark muzzles emerged from afar, fixed squarely on Qin Yun’s body, and a middle-aged man in camouflage stepped out, raising his rifle.

Qin Yun froze, raised his hands immediately: “Brother, don’t shoot! I’m a law-abiding citizen!”

[25] Qin Yun froze, saw the barrel, and immediately raised his hands: “Brother, don’t shoot—I’m a law-abiding citizen.”

“Hahaha, Brother Qin, don’t be scared!”

[26] “Hahaha, Qin Ye, don’t chicken out!”

“You surrendered so fast? Brother Qin, I’m disappointed in you, hah…”

[27] “You surrendered so fast, Qin Ye—I’m disappointed in you, pfft…”

“Haha, truth is power—even Brother Qin has to back down!”

[28] “Haha, truth really is power—even Qin Ye has to back down.”

“Who’s this guy? A forest ranger? Can rangers even carry guns?”

[29] “Who’s this? A forest ranger? Do rangers even carry guns?”

Qin Yun looked at the man—a middle-aged man in his forties, lean and alert, wearing camouflage with distinctive insignias on his chest and arms. He instantly recognized him as a Greater Khingan forest ranger.

[30] Qin Yun looked at the man—a middle-aged man in his forties, lean and alert, wearing camouflage with distinctive emblems on his chest and arms. He instantly recognized him as a Daxinganling forest ranger.

“Who are you? How did you get here?” the ranger asked, still holding his gun tightly.

[31] “What are you doing here?” the ranger asked, still holding his rifle, eyes sharp.

Qin Yun smiled: “Brother, I’m just a tourist, hiking solo in the Greater Khingan Range. Where exactly are we? Still in Jilin?”

[32] Qin Yun smiled: “Brother, I’m just a tourist, came to Daxinganling alone. Where exactly are we? Still in Jilin?”

The ranger scanned Qin Yun from head to toe—he was dirty and smelly, but his appearance and demeanor didn’t match a poacher’s.

[33] The ranger sized Qin Yun up—his clothes were filthy, he smelled foul, but his appearance and demeanor didn’t match a poacher’s.

Then his gaze shifted to the hovering drone.

[34] Then his gaze shifted to the hovering drone.

He recognized the drone; slowly, he lowered his gun. Though still cautious, he relaxed a bit—so long as it wasn’t a poacher, everything was fine.

[35] He recognized the drone. Slowly, he lowered his rifle. Though still wary, as long as it wasn’t a poacher, things were fine.

“This is Inner Mongolia, over three hundred kilometers from Jilin. How did you get here?”

[36] “This is Inner Mongolia—over three hundred kilometers from Jilin. How did you get here?”

Qin Yun’s heart leapt; his viewers sighed.

[37] Qin Yun felt a surge of relief; the livestream viewers sighed.

[Check-in task completed. Random reward obtained: Cooking Skill +1]

[38] 【Check-in task completed. Random reward obtained: Cooking Skill +1】

[Cooking Skill LV1: Mastering the precise balance of flavors; fire igniting the purest passion for cuisine]

[39] 【Cooking Skill LV1: Mastering every flavor’s measure; the hearth burns with purest intent】

Instantly, a flood of memories exploded in his mind—in an instant, he felt transformed into a culinary god, mastering the essence of every Chinese regional cuisine, every Western technique, every global dish.

[40] Instantly, a flood of memories exploded in his mind; in an instant, he felt transformed into a culinary god, as if he’d mastered the essence of every Chinese cuisine, every Western technique, every national dish.

Now, back in the forest, he could make chicken soup and roasted rabbit far better than before—by orders of magnitude.

[41] Right now, if he returned to the forest, he could make chicken soup and roasted rabbit far better than before—by multiples.

Yet this reward left Qin Yun slightly disappointed. Though the system granted a skill that would take an ordinary person a lifetime to master, he’d nearly died crossing the Greater Khingan—and all he got was cooking? The higher the hope, the deeper the letdown.

[42] But this reward left Qin Yun disappointed. Though the system granted a skill—one no ordinary person could master in a lifetime—he’d barely survived Daxinganling, and all he got was cooking. The higher the hope, the deeper the letdown.

But then he shrugged it off: he’d gained in days what others spend lifetimes pursuing—what more could he ask for?

[43] But then he relaxed—after just a few days, he’d gained a skill no one else could earn in a lifetime. What more could he want?

“Brother, I came from Jilin…”

[44] “Brother, I came from Jilin…”

Qin Yun gave a brief account, omitting the dangers he’d faced. Still, the ranger listened, stunned, finally sighing: “You’re incredibly lucky to have made it out alive. Our forests are full of large predators—if you’d encountered one, you’d be dead.”

[45] Qin Yun gave a brief account, omitting the dangers he’d faced. The ranger listened, stunned, then sighed: “You’re incredibly lucky—survived that? Our forest’s full of big predators. One encounter, and you’re dead.”

“Yeah, I’ve been lucky.”

[46] “Yeah, I’ve been lucky.”

“Come with me—I’ll take you to wash up. I could smell you from a mile away.”

[47] “Come with me. I’ll get you cleaned up—I smelled you from miles away.”

Qin Yun gave a thumbs-up to the livestream and followed the ranger toward his home.

[48] Qin Yun gave a “V” sign to the livestream and followed the ranger toward his home.

As they walked, they exchanged names.

[49] As they walked, they exchanged names.

The ranger’s name was Zhou Kai. Though from Inner Mongolia, he was Han Chinese. He’d been a ranger for over twenty years, ever since graduating high school—his entire life devoted to guarding this forest.

[50] The ranger’s name was Zhou Kai. Though from Inner Mongolia, he was Han Chinese. He’d been a ranger for over twenty years, almost since graduating high school. His entire life had been devoted to guarding this forest.

“Brother Zhou, have you gotten married?”

[51] “Brother Zhou, you never married?”

Zhou Kai smiled bitterly: “Times have changed. Someone like me has almost no chance of finding a partner. I wouldn’t wish the loneliness and danger of mountain life on anyone.”

[52] Zhou Kai smiled bitterly: “Times changed. Someone like me has no chance of finding a partner. I won’t make my wife endure the loneliness of deep mountains and constant danger.”

Qin Yun was deeply moved: “Brother Zhou, don’t you regret it?”

[53] Qin Yun was deeply moved: “Brother Zhou, don’t you regret it?”

Zhou Kai shook his head: “Why regret it? I love what I do. The mountains are my home, the forest my companion. Every day, I take pride in walking every inch of the land I protect. Over the years, I know every ancient tree, every blade of grass, every root and branch.”

[54] Zhou Kai shook his head: “Why regret it? I love what I do. The mountains are my home, the forest my companion. Every day, I take pleasure in walking every inch of the land I guard. All these years, I know every ancient tree, every blade of grass, every leaf.”

Listening to this rough man speak so sincerely, viewers were stunned.

[55] Listening to this rough man’s honest words, the livestream viewers were stunned.

“This is true self-sacrifice—I doubt I could ever do this.”

[56] “This is true self-sacrifice for the greater good—I doubt I could ever do this.”

“Ordinary job, extraordinary heroism—salute all forest rangers.”

[57] “Ordinary work, yet noble. Salute all forest rangers.”

“Fearless, unafraid of solitude—truly admirable.”

[58] “Fearless, unafraid of solitude—admirable.”

“My dad’s a forest ranger. It’s not just physically grueling—it’s emotionally crushing. But he says his lifelong dedication preserves green mountains and clean waters, and that’s worth everything.”

[59] “My dad’s a ranger. It’s not just physical hardship—it’s loneliness too. His job’s ordinary, but he says his lifelong dedication preserves green mountains and clear waters, ensures ecological safety—it’s worth it.”

“Respect!”

[60] “Respect!”

Soon, Qin Yun followed Zhou Kai to his home—a simple, old brick house, single-story, walls peeling and cracked. He even saw gaps stuffed with yellow clay and old cloth.

[61] Soon, Qin Yun followed Zhou Kai to his home—a simple, old brick house, single-story, walls cracked and peeling. Qin Yun even saw gaps stuffed with yellow clay and old cloth.

Inside, the floor was plain cement. Electricity was provided by solar panels.

[62] Inside, the floor was plain cement. Electricity was supplied by solar panels.

“It’s humble, I know. You can wash outside by the water tank—I’ve piped in mountain spring water, so you won’t lack for water.”

[63] “It’s basic, but you can wash outside by the water tank—I’ve channeled mountain water. You won’t lack for water.”

Qin Yun nodded his thanks, checked his phone, and found he had signal—finally, a way to ease his loneliness.

[64] Qin Yun nodded thanks, checked his phone—there was signal. At least he could use it to ease his loneliness.

He quickly washed up, changed clothes, and found Zhou Kai had prepared a simple stew, bubbling and fragrant.

[65] He washed quickly, changed clothes. Inside, Zhou Kai had prepared a simple stew, bubbling with rich aroma.

“Brother Qin, you must be starving—go ahead and eat.”

[66] “Qin, you must be starving—go ahead and eat.”

Qin Yun’s eyes lit up—he hadn’t had oil or salt in five days; he felt he could devour an entire ox.

[67] Qin Yun’s eyes lit up. Five days without oil or salt—he felt he could devour a whole ox.

“Brother Zhou, I won’t be polite then.”

[68] “Brother Zhou, I won’t be polite then.”

“Help yourself, no need to be formal,” Zhou Kai chuckled warmly.

[69] “Eat all you want—no need to be formal,” Zhou Kai chuckled warmly.

The drone still hovered nearby; Qin Yun raised his bowl toward it, said nothing, and dug in.

[70] The drone still hovered nearby. Qin Yun raised his bowl toward it, said nothing, and began eating.

"If the forest ranger knew that Brother Qin had killed a wild rabbit and two gray wolves in the forest, I wonder what he’d think."

[71] “If the ranger knew Qin Ye killed a wild rabbit and two gray wolves in the forest, what would he think?”

“Just shoot him dead right now.”

[72] “He’d just raise his gun and blow him away.”

“Hahaha…”

[73] “Hahaha…”

As Qin Yun ate the stew, tears nearly welled up. Five and a half days—he’d almost forgotten the taste of salt.

[74] Eating the stew, Qin Yun nearly cried. Over five days—he’d almost forgotten what salt tasted like.

Each bite felt like a spiritual awakening; he devoured it ravenously, leaving Zhou Kai awestruck.

[75] Every bite felt like a soul-deep elevation. He devoured it ravenously; Zhou Kai watched, moved.

“Brother Qin, you’ve been through hell, haven’t you? Eat more—I’ll get you a drink. I think I still have a can of cola from last year.”

[76] “Qin, you’ve had it rough these days—eat more. I’ll get you a drink. I remember I had a Coke last year.”

“Yes, thank you, Brother Zhou.”

[77] “Mm, thanks, Brother Zhou.”

At that moment, Zhou Kai seemed like the kindest man Qin Yun had ever met—a true savior.

[78] Right now, Qin Yun found Zhou Kai utterly likable—felt like a savior.

His ravenous eating made viewers’ mouths water.

[79] His eating made the livestream viewers salivate.

"Watching Brother Qin eat is truly appetizing."

[80] “Watching Qin Ye eat is so satisfying.”

"I’m starving just watching—Brother Qin could totally make it as a food vlogger."

[81] “I’m hungry just watching. Qin Ye’d make a great food vlogger.”

“Greater Khingan animals: Thank you, Brother Zhou.”

[82] “Daxinganling’s animals: Thank you, Brother Zhou.”

“I’m drooling—damn it, I’m ordering takeout.”

[83] “Salivating. Fuck, I’m ordering takeout.”

When Zhou Kai brought the cola, Qin Yun took a long sip, then let out a loud burp and laughed: “This is amazing—this is what real food tastes like!”

[84] When Zhou Kai brought the Coke, Qin Yun gulped it down in one mouthful, let out a loud burp, and laughed: “So good—this is what real food tastes like.”

“Brother Qin, you’re exaggerating,” Zhou Kai chuckled. “It’s still early. After you rest a bit, I’ll take you down the mountain. We’ll walk about forty minutes to reach the trail—I’ll carry you on my tricycle to the nearest Wulan Village, where you can spend the night, then catch a bus to town.”

[85] “You’re exaggerating,” Zhou Kai laughed. “It’s still early. Rest after eating—I’ll take you down the mountain. We’ll walk about forty minutes to the trail, then I’ll carry you on my tricycle to Wulan Village for the night, then to town for a bus.”

“Yes, thank you, Brother Zhou.”

[86] “Mm, thanks, Brother Zhou.”

After eating his fill, Qin Yun and Zhou Kai sat outside, chatting and relaxing.

[87] Full and satisfied, Qin Yun and Zhou Kai sat outside, chatting and resting.

Zhou Kai now understood the drone’s purpose, but though curious, he didn’t press for details.

[88] Zhou Kai now understood the drone’s purpose, but though curious, he didn’t ask further.

When the time came, they headed downhill. Forty minutes later, they spotted a neat little square cabin—much better than Zhou Kai’s home—with a tricycle parked outside.

[89] When time came, they headed downhill. Forty minutes later, they spotted a square little cabin—much better than Zhou Kai’s, with a tricycle parked outside.

Zhou Kai drove Qin Yun quickly to the nearest village.

[90] Zhou Kai drove the tricycle and quickly delivered Qin Yun to the nearest village.

After repeatedly thanking Zhou Kai and seeing him off, Qin Yun turned to the camera and smiled: “This livestream has reached its end—it’s time to say goodbye.”

[91] After repeatedly thanking Zhou Kai and seeing him off, Qin Yun turned to the camera and smiled: “The stream’s come this far—it’s time to say goodbye.”

“These five and a half days of survival were full of danger, but I overcame them all. If you ever get stranded, remember my stream.”

[92] “Over these five and a half days, I faced many dangers—but I overcame them all. If you’re ever in trouble, think back to this stream.”

“You’re still cursing me after ending the stream? Ugh, my hearts are gone.”

[93] “You still curse me after I’m off-air? Damn, my hearts are gone.”

“Brother Qin, you jinx yourself—I’ll never be that unlucky.”

[94] “Qin Ye’s a jinx—I’ll never be that unlucky.”

"Keep going, Brother Qin—the day’s still early."

[95] “Qin Ye, keep going—the day’s still early.”

“Yeah, why end it so early?”

[96] “Yeah, why sign off so early?”

Qin Yun ignored the comments: “Over these days, I’ve eaten insects, wild grasses, rabbits, crabs, pheasants, and hazelnuts. I’ve faced wolves, bears, and even Siberian tigers. It was terrifying—but I made it out alive, achieving my original goal.”

[97] Qin Yun ignored the comments: “These days, I ate insects, wild grass, rabbits, crabs, pheasants, hazelnuts. I faced wolves, bears, Siberian tigers. It was perilous—but I made it through unharmed. I’ve successfully left Daxinganling, achieving my original goal.”

“I’m Qin Yun, a temporary wilderness survival streamer. I hope to return someday—goodbye, friends.”

[98] “I’m Qin Yun—a temporary wilderness survival streamer. Hope to see you again, friends.”

With that, Qin Yun clicked “end stream.” Instantly, his body relaxed, and exhaustion washed over him like a tide.

[99] With that, Qin Yun tapped the end-stream button. Instantly, he relaxed—exhaustion washed over him like a tide.