SA | Chapter 12

First Camping Experience

The plane flew over Alaska, the land barren, rivers winding, and snow-capped mountains rising high like the spine of the Earth, with no trace of human presence.

After more than half an hour, signs of human activity finally appeared on the ground. Streets and buildings lined the rivers, resembling shelters from an apocalyptic movie.

Passing Fairbanks and continuing north, crossing the Arctic Circle, the Brooks Mountain Range finally emerged on the horizon. The towering mountains stretched a thousand kilometers east to west, like a frozen rock wall blocking the Arctic Ocean.

The plane descended, and the forests, mountains, and snowfields gradually became clearer.

Gu Deng put on his snow goggles, curious, “This place is so big, how do you know where the reindeer are?”

Zhang Li took out a small display screen and said, “There’s a satellite locator.”

Smith explained, “The research team has tagged some reindeer. Through these collars, we can record their herds, migration, and living habits.”

Gu Deng finally understood that a team had already studied reindeer migration. On second thought, it made sense; with such a large reindeer population migrating every year, it couldn’t be that only Zhang Li knew about it.

But since Zhang Li had access to the data, why not act with the research team? At least there would be some security, and he wouldn’t have to be so anxious like now.

Gu Deng was curious but didn’t ask further. Sometimes, interactions between people require a bit of ambiguity.

The locator showed that the reindeer were in the forest ahead, but the plane couldn’t land in the mountains, so Smith dropped them off on the plains at the foot of the mountain.

The snow here was extremely thick; one step sank past Gu Deng’s knees. But because no one had reached it, the entire snowfield was pristine and delicate, just looking at it was refreshing.

Gu Deng spread his arms and took a deep breath, the cold eliminating all smells, leaving only a chill that penetrated the heart.

Bidding farewell to Smith, the two of them strapped on their backpacks and, wearing wide and long cross-country skis, headed towards where the reindeer were.

Gu Deng loved the feeling of skiing on wild snow. He enjoyed the soft sensation of the skis gliding over the snow, the pleasant cold wind brushing against his cheeks, and not to mention the fact that he could enjoy the beautiful scenery all to himself.

Time flew by while skiing, and before Gu Deng knew it, they had reached the birch forest at the foot of the mountain.

Climbing was much more strenuous, and the excitement of skiing was quickly replaced by the fatigue of climbing. Initially, Gu Deng could still walk up in a V-shape, but as the slope steepened, he had to place the skis horizontally and crab-walk his way up.

Zhang Li led the way, using his ski poles to knock off snow that could cause avalanches and landslides. Gu Deng followed slowly, gradually falling far behind. Once, his skis got caught on a tree root, and he rolled several meters down.

The snow was soft, so Gu Deng wasn’t hurt. He got up by himself and retrieved his fallen skis.

Snow sprayed up in the forest ahead, and Zhang Li was already in front of him, “Don’t move yet, put down your backpack and check if you’re hurt anywhere.”

“I’m fine,” Gu Deng said, brushing the snow off his goggles, “I just tripped.”

Zhang Li looked worried, seemingly blaming himself for bringing Gu Deng along.

“I’m really okay. I’ve had worse injuries while skiing before.” Gu Deng even chuckled and added, “It was my mistake this time; it won’t happen again. Let’s go, don’t delay the schedule.”

Zhang Li silently picked up the backpack and let Gu Deng carry it again.

He didn’t help Gu Deng with the luggage. In the wild, helping a companion carry weight might lower the difficulty, but it could also mean that if they got separated, Gu Deng would lose all his survival gear.

This time, Zhang Li didn’t go straight for the reindeer but instead stopped at a relatively flat spot halfway up the mountain, intending to set up camp there.

Gu Deng was a bit surprised, “We’re not going any further?”

“We’ll stay here for today,” Zhang Li said, looking at the depression between the mountains, “The reindeer herd is still quite scattered, with only a few gathered here. Maybe the snow a few days ago delayed their migration. We’ll catch up when the main group passes through the pass.”

Gu Deng understood, but he also felt that Zhang Li might be accommodating his lack of stamina. Not wanting to be a burden, he volunteered, “I’ll set up the tent, you go take pictures.”

Zhang Li: “No need.”

Gu Deng thought Zhang Li didn’t trust him and said, “I’ve camped while driving, I can set up a tent.”

“It’s not about the time.” Zhang Li said, taking out the tent fabric and pegs from his bag and getting to work. Only after setting up the tent and laying out the bed did he go to an open area to fly the drone.

It was almost blue hour, and the sunlight became gentle, casting a soft glow over the forest. Reindeer rested in the woods, mountain sparrows hopped on branches, and being in the midst of it all felt like stepping into a fairy tale world.

Gu Deng was captivated by the scene and couldn’t help but walk forward. Just then, he suddenly heard a rustling sound, and a reindeer was moving through the forest.

Seeing Gu Deng from afar, the reindeer curiously stopped.

The deer is looking at him!

Realizing this, Gu Deng froze, not daring to move, not even daring to breathe heavily. He just lightened his steps and curiously observed the creature before him.

So small, the reindeer was much smaller than he had imagined. At first, he thought it was a calf, but then realized that reindeer don’t give birth in winter. It was probably an adult reindeer that had become thin and weak after enduring the winter’s hunger and cold.

This deer was not only thin but also had messy fur, like a patch of dried straw. But its eyes were bright, dark, and full of an innocence and naivety not found in humans.

After watching for a while, the reindeer left, and Gu Deng tried to follow. He had a good sense of direction and remembered the way back, but in the wilderness, he didn’t dare go too far, always staying within radio signal range.

But the reindeer moved too fast, and he ultimately couldn’t catch up, so he turned back.

At that moment, the radio crackled, “Gu Deng, where are you? Respond.”

Gu Deng: “I’m nearby, heading back now.”

“Don’t move,” Zhang Li said, “Describe your surroundings, I’ll come find you.”

Gu Deng thought Zhang Li was making a fuss; he could find his way back. But Zhang Li’s voice was more tense than usual, worried about him, and he realized it wasn’t right to wander off without saying anything.

Gu Deng described his surroundings in detail and waited in place. Before long, he heard the crunch of snow being stepped on behind him.

“Zhang Li,” Gu Deng waved at him, excitedly sharing his experience, “I just saw a deer!”

Zhang Li approached with a serious expression, only asking if he was okay.

Gu Deng said he was fine.

Zhang Li added, “Don’t wander off without saying anything next time.”

“Oh,” Gu Deng replied, explaining, “But I know the way back, and I didn’t leave radio range.”

Zhang Li frowned, his tone serious, “That doesn’t mean it’s foolproof.”

“I don’t think it’s foolproof, but Zhang Li, don’t you think you’re overreacting?” Gu Deng looked up at him, speaking each word clearly, “I’m an adult. I can’t be like a child, always within my mom’s sight.”

Zhang Li took a deep breath, seemingly wanting to say more, but ultimately closed his eyes and suppressed all his emotions.

“Let’s head back.” He didn’t want to continue the topic.

Gu Deng followed Zhang Li’s footprints silently.

On the short walk back to camp, Zhang Li kept glancing back at him, not speaking, as if just ensuring he was safe. Although Gu Deng knew Zhang Li was worried, it was a bit frustrating; Zhang Li’s reaction was almost like a reflex.

Back at the camp, Zhang Li set up a small table and melted snow in a titanium cup. The snow melted, bubbling away.

Zhang Li prepared two packs of freeze-dried rice, handing one to Gu Deng, “Eat up.”

Gu Deng looked at him for a few seconds before finally taking it.

The situation was a bit awkward. Even at his worst, Gu Deng had never eaten out of a plastic bag. But since he was already here, being too particular would be pretentious.

Fortunately, the rice tasted okay, and Gu Deng finished it before it got cold. However, the American taste was quite strong, and after eating, Gu Deng was incredibly thirsty, so he melted some snow to make tea.

Drinking too much water had its consequences, and in the middle of the night, Gu Deng was woken up by the urge to pee. He wasn’t used to sleeping in a tent, and after finally falling asleep, he was woken up by the need to go.

The forest at night wasn’t completely silent, with various animal and snow-falling sounds. Groggily, Gu Deng opened his eyes, feeling a chill before even getting out of bed. With temperatures dropping to minus 30 degrees at night, going out could freeze him.

He held it in as long as he could, but eventually, he couldn’t take it anymore. Gu Deng threw on his thickest down jacket and rushed out of the sleeping bag, planning to make it quick.

Braving the cold wind, he quickly ran to the makeshift toilet. Yes, they had dug a toilet here. Local regulations allowed peeing anywhere, but pooping had to be buried to a certain depth.

Luckily, he only needed to pee. Having to bury poop in the middle of the night would be too much. Gu Deng hurriedly pulled down his pants, preparing to relieve himself.

One second, two seconds… until five seconds passed, and he quickly tucked Little Gu Deng back in.

Damn, it was too cold, he was so tense he couldn’t pee!

Actually, he had never peed outside before. Before bed, he had walked around but nothing came out.

But the urge was unbearable, so after warming up for almost a minute, Gu Deng tried again. Coaxing and encouraging, but Little Gu Deng was still too shy.

Gu Deng hesitated about putting on more clothes, but then, under the headlamp, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Ah—!!”

Startled, Gu Deng screamed, and at the same time, something warm flowed out…

Along with his dignity.