In an era when smart appliances were widespread and new energy was abundant, Luo Di rarely heard the sound of a fuel engine running.
This gasoline-powered chainsaw from a bygone era reminded him of his favorite movie.
Before he knew it, he had already walked up to the display counter.
"Interested in chainsaws, kid? You look pretty sturdy. Want to give one a try?" The boss, built like muscle wrapped in fat, naturally would not miss a chance to make a sale. After all, few people bought chainsaws these days.
"I'm just looking."
Most of the shop's stock consisted of retro gasoline chainsaws, though there were also several new electric models equipped with high-performance batteries. Whether in charging methods, portability, or operating power, they were superior to traditional gasoline saws.
Luo Di ran his fingertips over the articulated saw teeth, carefully breathing in the scent of gasoline drifting from the engine housing, as though he had returned to the movie's most iconic pursuit scene.
But reason quickly took over, drawing his gaze to the price tags.
The retro gasoline saws cost around 2,600 to 3,000 rubles, a little over two hundred in the currency of his home country. The new electric chainsaws, meanwhile, cost at least three times as much.
Just then,
A delicate face leaned in beside him, studying the chainsaws with Luo Di.
"You like this kind of thing? That's not bad. Our Social Practice is tentatively set in some forest area, so this might come in handy. Maybe we can use it to saw wood for a fire.
Let's get this one~ This one looks pretty good."
The class monitor pointed at a portable electric chainsaw with a silver-plated surface, priced at a staggering 25,000 rubles.
That price was clearly far too high for Luo Di, and he waved it off.
But the class monitor had already carried the silver-plated chainsaw to the counter. "There won't be any gasoline where we're going. Once the fuel runs out, this cheap thing will be useless. And it's big to begin with, so it's not convenient to carry at all.
Don't worry about the money. As long as we pass the Social Practice, its value will far exceed what we spend on these things.
Even if my dad were here, he'd definitely pick out the most expensive and best ones for you. It's called effective investment, got it?"
During their two years of high school, Luo Di had had no contact with the class monitor beyond the classroom. This sudden enthusiasm made him genuinely unaccustomed to it.
Still, he did not refuse.
The silver-plated chainsaw chosen by the class monitor was indeed appealing. It was a brand-new product with a retractable function.
With a press of the button on its side, the protruding "saw blade" could fold back into the body. It looked like a compact silver suitcase, moderately weighted, easier to handle than a gasoline saw loaded with fuel, and more powerful as well.
Though Luo Di wanted to recreate the movie's original scenes exactly, considering the special nature of the Social Practice, it was better to be cautious.
"Thank you."
As Luo Di took the chainsaw, he noticed a very famous corporate logo engraved on its surface.
Lok Electronics (the word Lok encircled by a curved halo)
A company specializing in modern intelligent electrical equipment, so its quality was naturally guaranteed.
While Luo Di explored the feel of the brand-new chainsaw through touch, the class monitor had already gone to a knife shop more than ten meters away.
"Luo Di~ Why don't you pick out a knife too? After all, a chainsaw is a little over the top. I've never seen anyone use one for self-defense.
Besides, my private tutor taught me something too: relying too much on electricity is not a good thing. Only tools powered directly by our own biological energy are the most reliable."
"Alright."
Luo Di did not mind. The class monitor was paying anyway.
In the end, he chose a Machete that suited his style, practically identical to the one from Friday the 13th. The moment he gripped its solid wooden handle, his arm unconsciously rose and slashed toward an empty area.
Whoosh!
The movement was almost exactly the same as in the movie.
The sound of the blade cutting through the air was heavy and solid.
The other members saw the scene, and the blonde Anna became even more interested in him, muttering softly:
"I have to arm-wrestle this guy sometime."
The class monitor raised an arm high to signal everyone to gather around her. "We've bought pretty much everything. Now we're heading to the research institute to verify the details of this Social Practice, then undergo a simple physical examination and sign the forms."
"Thanks, Wenwen!"
Anna gave the class monitor a bear hug that nearly squeezed her out of shape. Gao Yuxuan, meanwhile, nodded politely in thanks.
Luo Di had already thanked her when she bought the chainsaw, so he said nothing more.
The vehicle carrying the four high school students drove to the city research institute. Any institution at the municipal level or above was qualified to arrange "Social Practice" for students.
The class monitor had arranged everything beforehand, and they completed the relevant procedures with ease.
However, the institute deliberately held back on the specific rules and details, saying they would explain them thoroughly during tomorrow's ride to the Social Practice area.
"Remember to go to bed early tonight, everyone. We need to gather at the institute entrance at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I wish our simulated Social Practice every success!"
"Mm."
They said their goodbyes.
After parting with the others, Luo Di still chose to take the bus, which he considered the most cost-effective option. But before he even reached the bus stop, a pure white sports coupe pulled over beside him.
The window rolled down, and the class monitor lowered her sunglasses as she waved him over quickly.
"Get in already~ I'm going to get photographed and lose points if you keep me waiting!"
Luo Di first headed for the back seat, but it was already piled full of various things, leaving him no choice but to sit in the passenger seat.
"Class monitor, you can drive?"
"You can take the trainee driver's test at sixteen. I passed with full marks, so just relax. Where do you live? I'll take you home."
"Resettlement Complex No. 13."
The class monitor immediately straightened up, gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands, and imitated an AI-like voice.
"Command received! Precision navigation activated. A veteran driver with twenty years of experience will serve you throughout the journey."
As she stepped on the accelerator, the class monitor deliberately glanced at the passenger seat and unexpectedly caught the faint smile that flashed across Luo Di's face.
"Tsk~ So you do know how to smile. You've had that stiff expression on your face all day. Gao Yuxuan is the same as you. How boring."
"No."
"By the way, Luo Di~ During today's physical examination at the institute, your physical condition met the requirements, but you're not healthy. You're lacking quite a few trace elements."
The class monitor switched to driving one-handed, skillfully opening the center console compartment with her other hand and taking out a bottle of vitamins.
"I haven't opened this yet, so take it and eat them. Don't be polite with me. As long as we can pass this new Social Practice, I'd even cover all your school expenses from now on."
"Alright."
Luo Di did not stand on ceremony. He was intensely devoted to maintaining his body, and supplements that could help it were necessary.
"Class monitor, you don't seem to have bought anything today."
"You mean self-defense tools? I prepared mine long ago. You'll see when the time comes."
"Oh."
Luo Di said nothing more and instead looked at the cityscape flashing past outside the window.
The class monitor glanced at him again. She wanted to say something, but swallowed the words before they left her mouth.
The rest of the drive passed in silence.
The car stopped at the entrance to the resettlement complex. The class monitor leaned out to carefully observe the old residential buildings constructed with state funding, her face full of curiosity.
"Which building do you live in?"
Carrying all the bags from today's shopping, Luo Di pointed straight ahead. "The one at the very back."
"Can I visit your home sometime in the future? During winter or summer break, maybe?"
"You'd better not."
The class monitor keenly noticed the brief flash of displeasure on Luo Di's face when they discussed this subject, as well as something strange in his eyes. She quickly changed the topic.
"Alright~ See you tomorrow!"
"Mm, see you tomorrow."
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