Chapter 335 - 217: How Could You Take Advantage of Him

Chapter 335: Chapter 217: How Could You Take Advantage of Him

As he spoke, he staggered to his feet and walked over to the bamboo basket. He pulled out the last coconut and, with great difficulty, began hacking at its shell with a bamboo knife and a dagger.

Erica opened her mouth, originally wanting to persuade him to take her two coconuts and not waste his energy.

But when she saw him putting on such a brave front, the words died on her lips. An image of her own father when he was sick surfaced in her mind.

Back then, he could barely walk steadily, yet he’d insist, "I’m fine," and force himself to make food for her.

’Could it be...’

At this thought, her eyes darted around as an idea began to form in her mind.

"I just tried the venison you were smoking last night. It’s delicious, but I’m not sure if it’s how you wanted it. The surface has the texture of semi-dried beef jerky, but the inside is tender like smoked meat, very juicy, and the flavor has really soaked through."

"It was so good, I accidentally finished all the leftover mango sauce. Sorry about that!"

As she spoke, she took a piece of leaf-wrapped smoked venison from her bamboo basket and handed it to him.

"I wasn’t sure if it was smoked properly, so I brought some for you to try. If it’s not done, I’ll go back and smoke it some more."

’Smoked venison?’

Lin Chen pulled his combat knife from the coconut shell, wiped it on his clothes, and fixed his gaze on the piece of smoked venison.

In the dim light of the shelter, he couldn’t make out the meat’s color or condition. The only way to tell was to taste it himself.

He cut off a piece and chewed on it, nodding, then shaking his head.

"It’s edible, but it won’t keep for long in this state. The meat has to be smoked completely dry, inside and out, to be preserved for any length of time in this hot, humid environment."

"You should go back and add more charcoal. Use the method I demonstrated yesterday. Smoke it until tonight, then check if the inside is dry. If it’s not, keep smoking it until morning."

"Okay, I got it," Erica said, presenting the two pre-opened coconuts she’d brought as if they were treasure.

"As compensation for eating your smoked venison and jam, I brought you a few coconuts. Of course, I know they’re not as valuable as the venison, but if you factor in the seafood from dinner last night, that should more or less even things out, right?"

Lin Chen paused his chewing. The hand hidden beneath his sleeve trembled slightly. He nodded.

"Fine, let’s do that. As payment for watching the smoked venison, you can have two more fist-sized pieces. Do you dare to eat deer liver? If you’re brave enough, I suggest you give it a try."

"Then I’ll get back to the venison. The smoking process shouldn’t be interrupted for too long, right? Does deer liver have a weird taste? I’ve never actually tried it. I’m a little nervous."

"I’ve never had it either, but judging from pork, chicken, lamb, and goose liver, most animal livers probably taste about the same. It will definitely have that distinct offal flavor. You can cut a small piece to try first."

Erica nodded. She hadn’t said a single one of the things she’d prepared to say. She took the remaining coconuts out of her bamboo basket as well.

"This is too much for me to carry back, so I’ll just take these. If I happen to eat too much tonight, I’ll catch you some more seafood to make up for it!"

With that, she expertly climbed the steps back up to ground level.

Before she left, she cast a worried glance at the figure in the dim pit. ’He’s just as stubborn as my old man,’ she thought. ’Looks like this method is working on him. I’ll have to bring some food over tonight for him to ’instruct’ me on.’

The moment Erica left, Lin Chen picked up one of the coconuts she had brought, his expression complex.

Only when he held it closer did he realize the coconut had already been opened. All he had to do was lift it and drink.

And the smoked venison was still warm. Judging from the texture, it was likely from the deer’s belly—half lean, half fat, tender, and juicy. It would replenish both protein and fat, making it the perfect cut for someone who was sick.

It was a little rich, but with the coconut water to cut the grease, he didn’t have to worry too much.

’This girl...’

He shook his head and sighed.

’I can’t believe I’ve sunk to this. It looks like I can’t just push myself like this anymore. I need to avoid getting caught in the rain whenever I can. I should also dig up more wild ginger and store it. If I ever get a chill, I have to make some ginger tea before bed to warm up.’

He tilted his head back and chugged the sweet coconut water until it was empty.

Since the other two coconuts were also open, he couldn’t let them sit for long, lest they attract ants or other insects.

He decided to finish them off with the warm smoked venison. Even though he had no appetite, he forced himself to get it all down.

"You seem to be in pretty good spirits."

Suddenly, Andre’s familiar voice came from above.

Lin Chen slowly raised his head to see Andre standing at the edge of the cellar, looking down on him.

"The viewers were all saying you were so sick you were about to withdraw. That’s why I came to check on you. Since you can eat and drink, you’re not in such bad shape. Nothing for me to worry about."

"We never settled the score last time in Alaska. We have to finish it this time. If you withdraw, you’re looking down on me, Andre."

"Ha." Lin Chen let out a laugh, shaking his head, then nodding. "Don’t you worry. If anyone’s going to withdraw, it’ll be you. I’m not quitting, no matter who else does."

"But I have to tell you, you’re really bad at reverse psychology."

Andre’s mouth twitched, and he looked thoroughly embarrassed. Without saying another word, he dropped a final line and turned to leave.

"I hope to see a revitalized Lin in a couple of days."

’That old rascal.’

Watching his retreating figure, a wave of warmth washed over Lin Chen.

Neither of them was very good with words, but he had to admit it. After they had both come to visit him, Lin Chen’s spirits were significantly lifted, and a good deal of his strength had returned.