Stumbled Upon a Stream

Stranded on this deserted island for so long, they had moved their campsite over and over again.

That was because Lu Zhe had never found the most suitable place for them to settle down.

The previous few locations either lacked a water source or were not easily accessible to salt. As for farming land, they didn't even think about it.

After some thought, it was time to find a relatively permanent home for everyone.

"Lu Zhe, when are we moving?" Tang Xiaoguo was getting a little impatient.

"No hurry!"

Lu Zhe thought for a moment: "Let's decide on a place to move first. Tell me, where do you guys want to choose?"

Ning Shu pointed to the west side of the lake: "How about right by the lake? It's very close to the lake, and we don't have to worry about fresh water anymore."

Tang Xiaoguo shook her head: "No, it's very close to the lake, but also too close to the volcano. "

Lu Zhe nodded and said, "Also, being too close to the lake is not good either. Although it's easy to get water, it's also easier to be bothered by pythons, mosquitoes, and other wild animals. In the wilderness, camping too close to a water source is not always a good thing."

Ning Shu thought about it again: "You're right!"

Tang Xiaoguo pointed to the junction of the beach and the sea: "How about there? We can build a houseboat in the shallow sea. When we wake up in the morning, we can push open the door and see the clear blue sea right in front of us!"

Ning Shu thought for a while: "Sounds romantic. Staying there occasionally wouldn't be too bad, but living there long-term could give you rheumatism."

Lu Zhe nodded: "That's right. There are also sharks, storms, and daily maintenance would be very troublesome! The only good thing is that going to the bathroom is convenient! But we can build one to play with when we have more energy in the future!"

"Then where do you suggest, Lu Zhe!"

Lu Zhe looked across to a relatively flat, forested land about 200 meters east of the lake at an altitude of 20-30 meters.

It was backed by a mountain ridge that could block the airflow from the north.

About 500 meters ahead was the beach.

It was also not too far from the lake and mountain stream.

It was the best choice for a campsite.

Although it was not far from the volcano either, based on the information they had so far, it was highly likely that it was a dormant volcano.

There was also a lake separating them.

It was basically safe.

“Here! It's not too close or too far from water sources, with mountains behind and sea in front, facing south. Whether we dig caves or build log cabins, it’s suitable! We can reclaim this land for farming."

Tang Xiaoguo nodded: "Sounds good to me!"

Ning Shu asked, "Can we plant strawberry and watermelon seeds here?"

Lu Zhe sighed: "The last storm has taught me that only native plants can survive the ravages of storms. If we want to grow watermelons and strawberries, we need to find better strains or come up with better planting methods."

Ning Shu disappointedly said "Oh."

Then Lu Zhe took out his diary and drew a rough topographic map of the island.

He also roughly marked where they first drifted here, where Sister Bing drifted, the location of the banana grove water source, the bear cave, bamboo forest, mushroom forest, cliff cracks and a few other landmarks based on the photos taken.

With the ability to accurately determine their location!

Done!

Next was to go down the mountain.

Then meet up with the others to discuss moving.

But then a problem arose - should they go back the same way?

Going down the mountain was easy to say, but climbing down that 50-meter cliff crevice was a bit difficult.

This was because when climbing up, the gravity pull was downward but his exertion was upward, the two forces in opposite directions formed a balance and was less dangerous with some effort;

Going down was different, gravity pull and his exertion were both downward, making it hard to maintain balance. If he rushed downward with too much force, it could be dangerous.

Ultimately the mountain had to be descended, so he looked for a safer way down.

Lu Zhe realized the northern side of the mountain range they were on was much gentler than the south.

He could try going down that way, then loop around the east side of the ridge.

It would be a much longer route than the way up, but the path was easier, and passed the seaside where he could collect some salt.

Even if it took them an extra day or two to get back, it was absolutely worth it.

Let's go. If they really couldn't walk anymore, they could camp right there.

The three descended from the north slope, trekked through the woods for over an hour, when Lu Zhe suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong, Lu Zhe?"

"Shh!" Lu Zhe put a finger to his lips gesturing them to stay silent, ears perking up.

The two girls were curious.

What did he hear that they didn't!

"This way!"

Lu Zhe then changed direction and started traversing the mountainside horizontally.

Ning Shu said worriedly: "Can we rest for a bit? Xiaoguo can hardly take it anymore..."

"We're almost there!"

Twenty seconds later, Lu Zhe stopped and the two panting girls nearly bumped into him.

Then they saw a joyous sight!

A clear stream trickled down the mountain.

In front of them it formed a small shallow pool, then flowed down the mountain through a gap, making gurgling sounds!

A mountain stream!

There was actually a mountain stream here!

"My god, there's water here..."

Lu Zhe smiled, stepped forward, and scooped up some stream water with his hands.

Clean, clear, with extremely low impurities and bacteria, it was safer than tap water!

"Ding! New fresh water source acquired, +1 potential point!"

He drank a mouthful, the cold and sweet yet refreshing taste, felt like it washed his five viscera and six bowels!

Ning Shu and Tang Xiaoguo rushed to the waterside, looking at Lu Zhe expectantly: "Can we drink it?"

Lu Zhe nodded: "No problem, but don't drink too quickly, it can choke your lungs!"

"This is great!"

The two girls washed their bottles before each drinking a whole bottle.

"Wow, so sweet, I'm certain this is the best tasting water I've had since being stranded."

"Lu Zhe, why don't we just move camp here?"

"No way!"

Lu Zhe shook his head: "Look, the stream bed is covered in moss, meaning before heavy rains this place is dried up. The water now is just rainwater absorbed by the mountain from days prior, it may be gone in a few days."

"I see..." Ning Shu sighed regretfully.

Lu Zhe checked his watch, it was already 4:30pm.

In a little over an hour it would be dark.

"But we can camp here tonight and have a good rest. We'll head out tomorrow!"

"Isn't it not ideal to camp near water?"

"It's fine to stay a night by a stream like this occasionally!"

"Oh, that's so great, I'm about to die from exhaustion."

"Hey Lu Zhe, how come you never seem tired no matter how far we walk?"

Lu Zhe smiled, "Because I have great stamina, one of me equals five of you!"

Tang Xiaoguo wiped the sweat off her forehead and pursed her lips smiling, "Pfft, bragger! I beat you when we competed."

"I told you, you took advantage of my weaknesses!"

Ning Shu asked curiously: "What did you two compete in?"

Lu Zhe waved his hand dismissively: "Nevermind those silly things. You two go gather some firewood nearby, start a fire, and I'll go catch us some food."