Chapter 25: Desert Deception

“As usual? Alright, Yang Yuan! So, when do we make our move?”

Wang Jun asked in a rush, his tone exuding a vengeful determination.

He was convinced that once Yang Ziyun gave her approval, Xu Hao’s chances of a comeback in live streaming would vanish forever.

“No need to hurry! The moment Xu Hao starts live-streaming his merchandise, that’s when we strike. Only then can we seize his weakness and completely take him down!”

Yang Ziyun paused for a moment before replying, “So, you mean three months from now, Yang Yuan?”

Wang Jun couldn’t hide his disappointment; he wished the company’s top streamer could set the pace now and utterly ruin Xu Hao on air.

“Three months? Not at all! Over in the Tengli Desert, a steady rain is coming. Xu Hao won’t last a few days under the challenge, and soon he’ll be forced to go live.”

“That works,”

“By the way, over the next couple of days, find another new streamer who’s all about solitary living in the wild!”

After a brief pause, Yang Ziyun added,

“Another new streamer for lone desert survival?”

“Yes. Xu Hao managed to attract fans quickly simply because of that humble log cabin he built without nails or wood glue. If our new streamer learns that trick too, we can replicate the buzz. Later, once we put Xu Hao down for good, his fans will flock to us.”

Yang Ziyun drummed her fingers on the desk.

She believed that the survival challenge had revealed a sizable audience for wild living shows. With proper nurturing, they could launch a streamer boasting millions of followers.

“Yang Yuan, I did consider it, but… it seems a bit challenging,”

Wang Jun’s face betrayed his concern as he listened to Yang Ziyun’s plan.

“Challenging? What do you mean?”

“Yang Yuan, I searched online and found hardly anyone can pull it off. If anyone can, it’s probably someone from the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute.”

But that institute is a state-level agency under the Long Kingdom Cultural Relics Bureau, staffed by insiders. We’re just a live stream guild—no way they’d give us the time of day.

Besides, those people would never appear on a live stream.

Wang Jun explained further.

He knew all too well that even if the Ziyun Live Stream Guild were brilliant, they couldn’t match a government organization. Not to mention, KuaiDou could never compete with the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute. They were on entirely different levels.

“So only people from the Ancient Architecture Institute can do it?”

For a moment, Yang Ziyun’s unwavering expression flashed with surprise.

“Yes!”

“Well, that’s unexpected,”

After a pause, Yang Ziyun turned to Wang Jun. “Alright, you go scout for some bright streamers. I’ll reach out to my contacts to see if any industry bigwigs know someone from the Ancient Architecture Institute. Even though they don’t stream, they can at least show our streamer how to build a basic log cabin—nothing complicated, just enough to set up a proper structure.”

“Understood, Yang Yuan. I’ll start looking for candidates right away,”

“Mm,”

After Wang Jun turned and closed the door behind him, Yang Ziyun massaged her temples, deep in thought. “How do we even approach the Ancient Architecture Institute? They’re based in the second ring of Yan City—if it were just a local construction firm, it would be much easier.”

Before long, the clock struck three in the afternoon.

In the Tengli Desert, which had thankfully cooled off a bit from the recent scorching days, Xu Hao didn’t take a break. After finishing the remaining half-portion of jumping rabbit meat from yesterday, he sat before the camera, fixing the window and door of his log cabin while chatting nonchalantly with his viewers.

“Brother Hao, I really admire you—you even know how to make charcoal!”

“No wonder you were so calm after yesterday’s unrelenting rain,”

“Who said otherwise? I even heard that charcoal making was mentioned in Bai Juyi’s ‘The Charcoal Seller.'”

“Tell me, how can a young man handle that?”

“I must admit, I underestimated you before. I thought you had special connections to earn your challenge spot, but it turns out you truly have the talent,”

The live chat was filled not only with comments but also with a flurry of small gift icons. Many viewers had become loyal fans after witnessing Xu Hao’s charcoal-making prowess earlier.

Even several former followers of survival experts like Lord Bei and Matt were tuning in.

While their performances were impressive, Xu Hao’s actions had a unique visual appeal. Their makeshift shelters would collapse once vacated, but Xu Hao’s log cabin seemed built to last—a striking difference.

“Honestly, it’s not that difficult. Just master the technique,”

Xu Hao cast a quick glance at the finished wooden window and the door nearly coming to life.

“Brother Hao, don’t be so modest! Not many young people can do this!”

“Exactly! Being overly modest is just a form of showboating,”

“By the way, Brother Hao, once you finish the door and windows this afternoon, what’s next? A bed maybe? Or some tables and chairs?”

At that moment, a viewer named Lady Niu chimed in on the chat.

Judging by her high fan level, it was clear she had sent plenty of gifts in support of Xu Hao.

“A bed? Tables and chairs? Lady Niu, do you really consider this place a home? Remember, Brother Hao is surviving in the wild.”

The question hung in the air.

Before Xu Hao could respond, several viewers began spamming laughing emojis.

“What’s wrong? I just love the idea of a log cabin in the desert. Throw in some tables, chairs, maybe even a small pavilion. Imagine standing on Shaji, watching the sunset—it would be breathtaking. Even if Brother Hao can’t perfect it, the vision is still irresistible.”

Lady Niu quickly fired back with a string of eye-roll emojis.

“That may be so, but… Brother Hao, well, I guess we’ll see what you do,”

Some viewers hesitated to comment further.

Lady Niu’s description had struck a chord with many, as nothing could replace the feeling of watching a shelter being built step by step.

“Don’t worry, everyone. Wooden tables, chairs, and a pavilion will be added later. I do dream of sitting in a pavilion on Shaji, watching the sunset and the desert dawn. But tomorrow, I have to figure out how to source some fibrous food,”

Xu Hao smiled and replied,

“Huh? A pavilion? Brother Hao, you really plan on building one? I was just spitballing earlier,”

His response left not only Lady Niu but the rest of the viewers momentarily stunned.

If building a log cabin without nails or wood glue was impressive, then constructing a wind-sheltered pavilion was downright extraordinary. After all, most park pavilions nowadays are just decorative concrete and steel structures.

“Of course—provided there’s enough food and time,”

Xu Hao nodded in agreement.

Using the Mortise-and-Tenon Technique to construct an octagonal pavilion is a basic requirement in Earth’s ancient architectural restoration. Though building it alone is labor-intensive, with some auxiliary tools it’s entirely possible.

“Brother Hao, seriously—if you can build that pavilion by the end of this challenge, I’m definitely moving over to your place for a few days. Even if it costs a bit more, I’m in,”

Encouraged by the affirmative response, Lady Niu grew visibly excited.

ps: Thanks, brothers! Special thanks to Lao Ba for the collections and recommendations. Starting today, expect three updates a day.