Chapter 11: Building a Shelter
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Shi Nianqing let out a breath of relief and surveyed her surroundings. This was the opposite side of the coast where she had landed, a larger stretch of shoreline. Compared to the landing site, this area was somewhat better. She soon found an ideal spot to build a shelter.
About three hundred meters from the shore stood a sheer cliff, beneath which was a recessed area. The space inside was ample enough to provide basic shelter. Most importantly, it was elevated nearly ten meters above the ground, effectively deterring most animals.
Shi Nianqing examined the rocks beneath the cliff; they were granite, solid and sturdy. The site was far enough from the sea to avoid any concern about the tide rising.
While observing, she explained to her live stream audience, “This place is a good distance from the shore and close to the forest. Most importantly, it’s elevated and half of it is exposed to sunlight, providing good light. It’s an excellent spot to build a shelter.”
Pleased, she circled the area and smiled broadly at the camera, clearly satisfied with the location.
“We’ll stay here for now. Once conditions improve, we’ll look for other shelters.”
With that, she set the little tiger cub aside and inspected the inside of the shelter. There was no filth, only some droppings, likely left by small animals seeking refuge from the rain but not living here permanently.
Shi Nianqing used her axe to chop several thick branches and gathered some slender twigs nearby. Using vines, she fashioned a simple broom.
Her skillful yet rough handiwork startled the live stream viewers.
“Shi Nianqing’s craftsmanship is something else—never seen such an ugly broom before.”
“Although, this thing doesn’t look anything like a museum-quality broom.”
“Can this even be used? We haven’t used such things in ages.”
“Looks so ugly, only someone like Bai Lianhua could make something like this.”
...
Unaware of the viewers’ thoughts, Shi Nianqing swept the floor of the shelter with the broom, quickly revealing a relatively clean surface. The granite floor was fairly flat and only needed a little cleaning to be suitable for sleeping.
But this was only the beginning.
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Though relatively concealed, sleeping directly on the ground risked encounters with snakes, insects, and rodents. The best way was to elevate herself.
There were plenty of trees around. Shi Nianqing took her handmade axe and prepared to gather wood.
There was also a more important matter: making a fire.
Fire is the source of life. With it, food can be cooked, water can be safely purified, and it can keep large animals at bay.
From recent experiences, Shi Nianqing realized there were many animals around, especially large ones—more than she had initially thought. A fire would ensure her safety.
Another pressing concern was feeding the three little cubs. She had just felt their round bellies—they were full, likely fed by their mother before, but that could only last one day. Starting tomorrow, their food would be a serious worry.
As she walked, axe in hand, Shi Nianqing reviewed the events of the past two days and sighed softly.
She soon found suitable trees and chopped several logs. Not far off, she discovered a bamboo grove. Bamboo was a valuable resource, so she cut several stalks and brought them to the shelter.
On her return, she also gathered some tinder and vines from the trees.
Back at the shelter, Shi Nianqing hurriedly constructed a simple bed, lining it with a few large leaves. The basic bed was ready just as the sun began its slow descent.
Before dusk, she decided to head to the shore to look for food. It had been a day of little progress, but before leaving, she exchanged her live stream’s popularity points for credit.
“Live stream popularity points: 29,800 exchanged for 298 credit points. Host’s current credit: 298. Please continue to work hard.”
Looking at the 298 points and the redemption requirements in the shop, Shi Nianqing sighed. Well, the beginning is always the hardest.
By the shore, she found some oysters and used her axe to break open their shells, eating several to replenish some energy. She also picked up a few shells along the way, which she could only crack open to eat due to the lack of fire.
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Shi Nianqing missed the traps she had set by the stream, but it was not safe to go there now—those wolf packs might still linger nearby. She would only consider returning once they had left.
The sun slowly dipped below the horizon, casting golden light over the sea.
The ocean seemed to turn to gold, its vast, rolling surface enveloping Shi Nianqing, as if gilding her with a golden edge.
Her already beautiful face was only enhanced by this setting, standing out even against the magnificent scenery.
The viewers in the live stream were captivated, unsure if they were drawn more by the breathtaking view or by her beauty.
Shi Nianqing had no idea how alluring she looked and smiled brightly at the audience.
“Dear viewers, today’s gains are modest, but so far my energy is sufficient. Tomorrow, I’ll try to find some food.”
Her clear voice brought everyone back to reality.
“Though... suddenly talking about this in such a beautiful setting does spoil the mood.”
“For a moment, I really wanted to shut her up. Can’t we just quietly enjoy this scenery?”
“I just recorded and took screenshots. I’m going to print these and hang them in my room.”
“Can someone send me a copy?”
“Honestly, Shi Nianqing is really beautiful. Among all the guests, I think she’s the prettiest. If only she wouldn’t stir up trouble...”
“I used to be a hater, now I’m a fan. She seems different from what I thought.”
“Hah, the person above is just a fake fan. There’s no need to defend her anymore.”
...
Shi Nianqing paid no mind to the viewers’ chatter. Having filled her stomach, she returned to the shelter.
The little cubs lay obediently under the bed. Seeing her return, they excitedly wiggled their feet.
“Awwooo~”
“Awwooo~”
“Awwooo~”
Their voices were soft and tender, like playful affection.