Landlord in the Arctic

Chapter 302 - 249: Work, Part 2

Everyone was bundled up tightly in thick fur coats. The collars were turned up high, obscuring most of their faces, leaving only pairs of curious or nervous eyes to excitedly observe the surrounding icy, snow-covered landscape.

The fierce wind whipped up huge flakes of snow, pelting them relentlessly. When the flakes hit their faces, it stung sharply, like countless tiny ice shards pricking their skin.

The very air seemed frozen into sharp blades of ice. A single breath sent the frigid air stabbing into their lungs like steel needles, making each respiration a difficult struggle in their chests.

Their exhaled breaths instantly turned into puffs of white mist before quickly dissipating, leaving a faint, lingering chill on their lips.

Some tourists were so cold their teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. They mumbled, "My god, I’ve never seen weather like this in my life. I’m freezing to death."

A tourist in front heard this. Although they were also freezing their butt off, they forced themselves to sound cheerful and offered comfort, "It’s fine, we’re holding onto the rope, so it’s pretty safe. Plus, there are snowmobiles following behind us. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Yves, pulling the rope at the very front, was long accustomed to this cold. Hearing the tourists in the group complain, he shouted encouragement to the people behind him.

"Everyone, hold the rope tight and watch your step! We’re almost at the temporary camp. There are tents, a campfire, and hot soup there. If you really can’t go on, just raise your hand, and a snowmobile will take you the rest of the way."

"No need for a ride! Walking is what makes it exciting! It’d be even cooler if we could go hunting!" a young man shouted back, and the others chimed in with agreement.

"Yeah, isn’t the whole point of coming to the Crown Territory to experience a different kind of life? If we rely on vehicles for everything, what’s the fun in that?"

"Hunting would be so badass! I’ve never tried it. If I could bag something, those bastards back home would be green with envy."

With everyone chiming in, the atmosphere in the group, which had grown somber from the cold and exhaustion, suddenly became lively.

Yves watched the tourists’ enthusiasm and shook his head with a wry smile.

’These tourists from China are really something else. To be so fixated on a Tundra trek in this freezing weather, and even wanting to go hunting. If they hadn’t paid a rather handsome additional fee, there’s no way I would have agreed to take them on a Tundra trek in this awful weather.’

Then, Yves took out his walkie-talkie and began giving orders in a methodical manner.

"Gordon, Parker, you two keep an eye on the tourists from the sides. This stretch of the path is difficult, and the snow is deep. Don’t let them fall."

"Wawa, you ride the snowmobile ahead to the camp and check if it’s been set up."

"Roger."

"Roger that!"

Gordon and Parker were being held at the camp for poaching. They were supposed to be repaying their debt to the Crown Territory through labor reform, but with the sudden influx of tourists and the lack of able-bodied workers, the four of them had been temporarily loaned out to act as service staff.

Meanwhile, Wawa, who had been ordered by Yves to check on the camp’s setup, heard the command and, without a word, straddled the snowmobile and started the engine.

With a ROAR, the snowmobile shot off like an arrow released from a bow, kicking up a white cloud of snow mist behind it as it sped toward the temporary camp.

The temporary camp was set up between two snow-covered hills. The terrain here was relatively flat and offered some protection from the raging winds. It was a reasonably suitable stopping point, as one could also climb the hills to view the Tundra’s snowy landscape.

Sometime before, Yves had brought Gordon, Parker, and the other two here to build a simple log cabin.

Most of the materials for the cabin were sourced locally. They had used some relatively sturdy trees felled nearby to build the frame, then nailed thick wooden planks to the outside. Although it looked rather crude, with hints of the cold wind seeping through the cracks, it could at least provide shelter from the wind and snow.

At this moment, wisps of blue smoke were rising from the cabin’s chimney, adding a touch of unique warmth to the icy landscape.

Inside the cabin, a campfire was already blazing. The leaping flames licked at the firewood, making a CRACKLING sound.

A large pot was set over the fire, with a steaming meat stew bubbling inside. As the stew boiled, its rich aroma filled the entire cabin.

Abbot and Daniel, having finished preparing the stew, sat by the campfire, lost in thought.

’This whole experience feels like a dream.’

’We followed Boss Gordon to the Crown Territory to poach, then got caught. We were supposed to be sent to the police station, but instead, we ended up staying here to be reformed through farming.’

’The first few days were extremely hard to get used to. This godforsaken shithole. There are no clubs. You can’t even get a drink or find a woman to unwind. No casinos. Nowhere to have a little fun. Even worse, no TV. After finishing work each day, there was nothing to do for entertainment. It was just digging and more digging. Life was so damn dull and boring.’

’But as time went on, the four of us gradually discovered that our bodies had gotten better for some reason. Before, we’d be gasping for air after working for just a short while. Now, we can dig half an acre of land in one go.’

’Plus, the food at this camp is especially delicious, and the way people get along is different. Outside, everyone had their own agenda. But here, working together, eating together... it actually feels pretty solid.’

"Abbot, I think I’m starting to like this place," Daniel said, tossing a piece of wood into the campfire.

The moment the wood touched the flames, it ignited instantly. The fire spread rapidly along the grain, burning with a CRACKLE and making the already roaring campfire even hotter.

Hearing Daniel’s words, Abbot was slightly taken aback. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face, and after a long moment, he slowly began to speak.

"When I first got here, I hated this damn place. I felt like being here was torture, and every day I just hoped I could leave sooner."

"But now, I’m actually afraid Mr. Feng will kick me out. I like this place too. At least here, no one looks down on you. No matter what mistakes you made in the past, as long as you’re willing to work hard, people will accept you."

Abbot also added a log to the fire. Staring at the growing flames, his eyes were filled with emotion.

"And my body’s getting stronger and stronger. Back in the city, I was just drifting through life day after day. It was meaningless, just a waste of a life. Now, even though the work is hard every day, seeing the vegetables I planted with my own hands start to sprout... it just makes me feel so good."

Daniel listened from the side, nodding repeatedly. "You’re so right. When Mr. Feng gets back, let’s have a serious talk with him about staying. What do you say?"

"Deal!" Abbot nodded emphatically.

Just then, the roar of a snowmobile from outside shattered the momentary peace. The two men exchanged a look and hurried out of the cabin to greet the arrival.

Wawa jumped off the snowmobile, his entire body coated in a thick layer of ice and snow.

The two men unloaded the supplies from the snowmobile. Seeing Wawa shivering, they said, "Get in the cabin and warm up by the fire. Have some hot soup."

Wawa quickly entered the cabin and went straight to the campfire. He held out his hands toward the leaping flames, feeling the warmth wash over him as he muttered constantly.

"Ah, this fire is so warm. I was so cold out there my bones were about to freeze solid."

"Have some hot soup. I added extra hot sauce," Daniel said, handing him a bowl. "How’s the trekking team doing? Where are the tourists now?"

Wawa took the bowl and downed a large mouthful. The spicy, hot soup flowed down his throat and into his stomach, making him feel much more comfortable. He paused for a moment before speaking.

"Almost here. When I left, they weren’t far. I reckon they’ll reach the cabin in a little while."

Daniel nodded. "That’s good. These people from China sure have guts, coming for a Tundra trek during the polar night. I heard they want to hunt, too?"

"Well, it’s US$1,000 per person. We just have to get everything ready. After that, it’s up to them," Wawa said with a smile.

The three men sat around the campfire, sipping their hot soup and waiting for Yves to arrive with the tourists.

...