Recaps

Su Wei earned ten professional hunter points and was revealed to be Black’s apprentice after helping capture a wanted criminal. Black told him to rest before beginning real training in a week, while Aruk pressed him for answers and made plans to hunt bears together later.

• Sarah recorded Su Wei’s ten points and called him Black’s apprentice, stunning Aruk.
• Black told Su Wei to rest at home for a few days and said they would begin real training in a week.
• Black warned Su Wei not to let Aruk fool him and asked him to contact him about the antlers before driving away.
• Aruk shook Su Wei and demanded to know how he had become Black’s apprentice, caught the wanted criminal, and earned ten points.
• Su Wei said he had been lucky and agreed to go bear hunting with Aruk after taking care of things at home.

After securing money and a formal apprenticeship, Su Wei enjoyed a quiet break and went shopping for a beef stew to share with Emily. He returned to the apartment and began cooking, leaving the stew simmering with potatoes and carrots added.

• Su Wei reflected on his new financial security and decided to take time to consider his future.
• Su Wei bought beef, potatoes, carrots, and seasonings at the supermarket without worrying about the cost.
• Su Wei returned to Emily's apartment with groceries, and Emily eagerly anticipated the meal.
• Su Wei prepared and simmered the beef stew, then added chopped potatoes and carrots after forty minutes.

Su Wei cooked a hearty meal for Emily and Cotton Candy, then told Emily he would not ride the damaged snowmobile and planned to leave now that the road to Pillar Mountain was clear. The chapter ended with Emily quietly reacting to his departure while he began cleaning up.

• Su Wei served Emily beef brisket stewed with potatoes, and she ate eagerly while his cooking triggered a focus-boosting effect.
• Su Wei prepared raw beef for Cotton Candy, who ate happily as he petted her.
• After the meal, Su Wei explained that the snowmobile's improvised connecting rod repair would not last and asked Emily to have Jamie tow it away for repairs.
• Su Wei told Emily he had another way to return and needed to check his home after several days away.
• Emily asked if he was leaving so soon, and Su Wei said the snow had stopped and the road to Pillar Mountain had been cleared.

Su Wei arranged to return to his cabin by selling an antler to Old Jack, while Emily struggled with the thought of him leaving and insisted on paying for the snowmobile repairs. Su Wei explained that the snowmobile had helped save his life and refused to let Emily sacrifice her food money for the bill.

• Emily agreed to call Jamie to tow the snowmobile, while Su Wei considered expanding his farm and buying equipment with his new funds.
• Su Wei called Old Jack and arranged to sell him an antler in exchange for a ride back to the cabin.
• Emily thanked Su Wei for helping her, and he told her that friends did not need to keep close accounts.
• When Jamie arrived, Emily followed Su Wei to insist on paying for the repairs.
• Su Wei reminded Emily that the snowmobile had saved him and helped him earn money, then told her the repair cost would take away her food money.

Su Wei left Emily after joking about her meal, then met mechanic Jamie to have his damaged snowmobile inspected. Jamie discovered Su Wei’s improvised engine repair and gave him an estimate for replacing parts and servicing the machine.

• Su Wei told Emily to focus on healing and asked her to show him the moose herd once her leg recovered, then left her apartment.
• Su Wei led Jamie to the battered snowmobile behind the apartment building.
• Jamie found a modified connecting rod and brass shim inside the engine and asked who had installed them.
• Su Wei explained that he had filed down a Ford connecting rod by hand and fitted it by feel after the original broke in the mountains.
• Jamie admired Su Wei’s repair, inspected the snowmobile, and quoted $3,845 for parts and labor while waiving the towing fee.

Su Wei finished settling his favor to Emily, then met Old Jack, who agreed to take him and his elk antlers. Before leaving, Su Wei returned to Emily’s apartment to collect his rifle and Cotton Candy, then headed downstairs to go back to his cabin.

• Su Wei paid for the snowmobile repairs, and Jamie drove away with it.
• Old Jack arrived in his pickup, and Su Wei offered him a batch of well-preserved elk antlers.
• Su Wei went back to Emily’s apartment to collect his Browning rifle and Cotton Candy.
• Emily told Su Wei to be careful and keep in touch as he left.

Su Wei used his money to stock up on food, cooking supplies, and fuel in Kodiak Town before heading back toward his cabin. The chapter left him and Old Jack driving through the snowy night toward Pillar Mountain.

• Su Wei paid Old Jack to take him to the supermarket and buy diesel for two fuel cans.
• Su Wei filled two carts with ingredients, cooking equipment, and chocolate, then paid the bill by card.
• Su Wei asked Old Jack to stop at a gas station for fuel, a generator supply, and two fifty-gallon drums.
• Su Wei, Old Jack, and Cotton Candy left town in the pickup and headed toward Pillar Mountain on an icy road.

Su Wei returned to his remote Alaska cabin with Old Jack and revealed a valuable naturally shed Roosevelt elk antler, prompting Old Jack to offer $3,500 for it. Su Wei made the sale conditional on Old Jack’s service, and they began unloading the supplies into the cold, dusty cabin.

• Old Jack drove Su Wei through the snowy forest to his cabin, where Su Wei felt he had returned to his real home.
• Su Wei uncovered a large six-point Roosevelt elk antler, and Old Jack recognized it as a top-grade specimen.
• Old Jack offered Su Wei $3,500 for the antler, but Su Wei said the deal depended on whether Old Jack had served him well on the trip.
• Su Wei and Old Jack entered the cold cabin, and Old Jack began cleaning the antler while praising its size and quality.
• Su Wei reminded Old Jack to unload the remaining supplies, including the oil drums, before they discussed the deal.

Su Wei sold Old Jack a weathered Roosevelt elk antler for $5,500 and revealed that he had become a Level 1 professional hunter. Old Jack’s surprise turned to eager interest in working with him.

• Su Wei rejected Old Jack’s $3,500 offer and negotiated the antler’s price up to $5,500.
• Old Jack paid Su Wei and warned that the Fish and Game Department might confiscate the antler without proper paperwork.
• Su Wei showed Old Jack his Level 1 professional hunter license, which he had earned two days earlier.
• Old Jack reacted with shock at Su Wei’s achievement, then praised him and began eyeing the opportunities his professional hunting status could bring.

Su Wei returned to his cabin, found peace in being home, and began cleaning the aging house. After three hours of work, he had started making the place his own, though its need for repairs remained.

• Old Jack left after Su Wei agreed to sell him future finds at a fair price.
• Su Wei went inside, where the fire warmed the cabin and Cotton Candy settled onto the sofa.
• The Life Module activated and reported that the cabin's comfort increased his fatigue recovery speed by 15%.
• Su Wei put away his groceries, then began cleaning the cabin instead of cooking.
• While cleaning, Su Wei discovered drafts, damp window boards, peeling wallpaper, ceiling stains, and other signs that the cabin needed repairs.
• Su Wei spent three hours cleaning without stopping.

After deep-cleaning the cabin, Su Wei upgraded his Life Module and began planning major renovations to turn the homestead into a comfortable base. Hungry, he cooked an Angus ribeye steak and shared some with Cotton Candy.

• Su Wei finished cleaning the cabin, earning 74 Life Module experience and raising it to level 4.
• The Life Module upgraded Fatigue Removal to Homestead Shelter, improving recovery within his 20-acre territory.
• Su Wei inspected the cabin’s worn condition and planned extensive renovations, including new insulation, underfloor heating, a workshop, and cold storage.
• Su Wei cooked a ribeye steak with garlic, rosemary, asparagus, and mushrooms while Cotton Candy waited eagerly nearby.
• Su Wei carried the meal to the table and told Cotton Candy there was some for it.

After receiving $3,257,400 in accident compensation, Su Wei paid off his father’s debt and felt the burden lift. With his immediate goal gone, he began questioning whether he truly wanted to hunt and devote himself to life in the wilderness.

• Su Wei enjoyed the steak he had cooked while a blizzard battered his cabin.
• Su Wei received a $3,257,400 deposit from the Fisheries Union as accident compensation.
• Su Wei repaid the $163,420 loan left by his father in full.
• Su Wei reflected on the hardships he had endured to clear his debt and savored his new sense of freedom.
• Su Wei wondered what to pursue next and whether he truly wanted to hunt and live in the wilderness.

After paying off his debts, Su Wei decided to build a lasting life in the Alaskan wilderness and began planning a complete rebuild of his cabin and upgrades to his hunting gear. He resolved to buy a new snowmobile in town the next day, leaving the cabin with a renewed sense of purpose.

• Su Wei looked over his shabby cabin and decided he no longer had to tolerate its drafts, damaged walls, and other problems.
• Su Wei planned a major cabin rebuild with a reinforced foundation, improved insulation and windows, underfloor heating, a workshop, a cold room, and a trophy room.
• Su Wei considered buying more advanced hunting weapons and a powerful new snowmobile to replace the one Jamie had towed away.
• Su Wei decided to go to town the next day and buy a snowmobile as the first step toward his new life.
• Su Wei finished washing the dishes, fed the fireplace, and heard a small yip beside his feet.

Su Wei spent the night sleeping beside Cotton Candy, then woke refreshed and drove his old Dodge to Kodiak Powersports to shop for a snowmobile. He rejected a discounted recreational model and headed toward the larger machines better suited to mountain travel and hauling game.

• Su Wei played with Cotton Candy by the fireplace, then slept on the sofa with the fox curled on his chest.
• The next morning, Su Wei woke well-rested, fed Cotton Candy, and searched for powersports stores in Kodiak Town.
• Su Wei drove his aging Dodge pickup to Kodiak Powersports and entered the showroom.
• Salesperson Tony directed Su Wei toward used snowmobiles and discounted Yamaha Phazers, assuming he had a limited budget.
• Su Wei rejected the lightweight recreational model and walked toward the larger snowmobiles on display.

Su Wei bought a heavily modified Arctic Cat Thunder God 8000 snowmobile for $30,000 and arranged for it to be delivered to his cabin in two days. After leaving the store, he received hopeful messages from Emily about her healing ankle and reflected on how much closer they had grown.

• Su Wei inspected the Thunder God 8000 and identified weaknesses in its starter, suspension, and cooling system.
• Su Wei specified extensive upgrades, including undercarriage armor, an auxiliary radiator, a winch, and an LED light bar.
• Su Wei paid $30,000 in full and asked Tony to use the best parts and deliver the finished snowmobile to his cabin in two days.
• Tony apologized for underestimating Su Wei and arranged for the shop's best mechanics to handle the work.
• Emily messaged Su Wei about the cabin road conditions and her recovering ankle, and Su Wei thought about their growing closeness.

Su Wei took Emily to Dr. Hansen to have her cast removed, and the doctor instructed Su Wei to massage her healing ankle each evening. He then invited Emily to his home for a homemade feast, leaving them on their way to share a meal.

• Su Wei helped Emily downstairs and drove her to Dr. Hansen's clinic.
• Dr. Hansen removed Emily's cast, found her bone had healed well, and told her to begin putting weight on her leg gradually.
• Dr. Hansen instructed Su Wei to massage Emily's ankle with medicated oil every evening, and Su Wei agreed.
• Su Wei drove Emily away from the clinic and assured her he would help with the massage that night.
• Su Wei invited Emily to his home for a meal, and she eagerly accepted.

Su Wei’s old Dodge breaks down on the way to buy supplies for the evening gathering. After diagnosing a destroyed transmission, he calls Kodiak Ford for a tow and decides to buy an in-stock vehicle.

• The Dodge suddenly loses power and stops on the shoulder near a Safeway Supermarket billboard.
• Su Wei inspects the truck and determines that its transmission gear assembly and torque converter are wrecked.
• Emily worries that they will not have time to get groceries and prepare for Black and Aruk’s visit.
• Su Wei calls Kodiak Ford, asks for a tow and a ride, and says he wants to buy a vehicle they have in stock.

Su Wei decided to replace the broken Dodge and bought a black, cold-climate Ford F-150 Raptor for $108,500. He and Emily left the dealership in their new truck, with Emily claiming the passenger seat for mountain trips.

• Su Wei arranged for a tow truck to take the broken Dodge to an auto sales complex, where Emily questioned the sudden decision to buy a car.
• Su Wei chose a cold-climate Ford F-150 Raptor and told the salesman to sell it to him with every option.
• Emily agreed after Su Wei explained that the truck would help them stay safe in snow and blizzards.
• Su Wei paid $108,500 in full, and the dealership completed the paperwork and transferred their belongings.
• Su Wei helped Emily into the heated passenger seat, then started the new Raptor.

Su Wei and Emily went to Safeway in the new Raptor to buy supplies for a gathering with Aruk’s family. After choosing whiskey, beer, and wine, Su Wei began selecting premium meat for the meal.

• Su Wei drove the Raptor to Safeway with Emily and parked in a large vehicle space.
• Su Wei chose two bottles of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select for Black.
• Su Wei loaded three cases of Alaska Amber Beer into the cart for Aruk’s family.
• Su Wei picked two bottles of Napa Valley pinot noir for Aruk’s mother, younger sister, and Emily.
• Su Wei inspected the beef and reached for several thick-cut, bone-in tomahawk steaks.

Su Wei stocked up on expensive ingredients and alcohol for dinner with Emily, Black, and Aruk, while Emily noticed how much more confident he had become. The chapter ended with Su Wei saying he now wanted more than just survival: he wanted to live a decent life.

• Su Wei filled a shopping cart with premium meat, produce, and hot pot supplies, despite Emily's concern about the expense.
• Su Wei paid $1,486.50 for the groceries and loaded them into the Raptor for the drive home.
• Emily told Su Wei that he seemed to have completely changed and now carried himself with confidence.
• Su Wei said he had once focused only on staying alive, but now wanted to live a decent life.

Su Wei welcomed Black, who delivered his hunting trophy and share of deer meat, and prepared a hot pot feast at the cabin. When Black mentioned that Aruk’s older male cousin was also coming, Su Wei paused, realizing he had not been told about the extra guest.

• Su Wei and Emily arrived at the cabin and found Black waiting outside with antlers and four cases of meat.
• Black gave Su Wei his trophy and earned share, then entered the cabin and lit the fireplace.
• Cotton Candy bristled at Black, while Emily comforted the frightened fox.
• Su Wei carried the ingredients inside and began preparing hot pot and stir-fried deer heart.
• Black reminded Su Wei that Aruk’s parents and younger siblings were coming, then revealed that Aruk’s older male cousin would join them too.

Su Wei realized he had too few chairs for Aruk’s dinner party, so Black took him into the woods to make seats from deadwood. After Black taught him how to swing the axe, Su Wei finished five wooden stools, and they prepared to carry them inside.

• Su Wei counted the guests and realized his house had only four chairs for the nine people expected.
• Black said there was no time to buy more seats because Aruk would arrive soon, and he asked Su Wei for an axe, a handsaw, and a flashlight.
• Black led Su Wei into the snowy woods and chose a dry standing dead spruce to turn into stools.
• Black showed Su Wei how to use his waist and the axe’s weight as Su Wei split the wood and gained Basic Woodworking experience.
• Su Wei finished five wooden stools in under ten minutes, and Black told him to carry them inside.

Su Wei finished making wooden stools before Aruk and his family arrived with food for a hot pot gathering. The visitors brought warmth and provisions into the cabin, where Old Kash greeted Black Anderson with respect, and the gathering was just beginning.

• Su Wei made five wooden stump stools, and Nimble Hands improved their quality and finish.
• Aruk arrived with his parents, siblings, and cousin, bringing blueberry and venison pie, smoked salmon, wild-berry honey, and snow crabs.
• Su Wei welcomed Aruk's family and was moved by Mrs. Kash's kindness.
• Old Kash recognized Black Anderson, greeted him respectfully, and heard Black praise his recent hunting success.

Su Wei welcomed Aruk’s family and Old Kash into his cabin, where his new Raptor and an exceptional elk rack revealed how much his life had changed. As everyone gathered for dinner, Su Wei used his Cooking skill to slice a tomahawk steak with remarkable precision.

• Aruk spotted Su Wei’s new Ford F-150 Raptor and was stunned when Su Wei said it was his.
• Emily warmly welcomed Aruk’s family, and the women quickly bonded over her blueberry pie.
• Old Kash recognized Su Wei’s elk antlers as a nearly perfect Roosevelt elk rack and learned that Black had guided Su Wei on the hunt.
• Su Wei credited Black for teaching and protecting him, while Aruk joked about hanging socks on the antlers.
• Su Wei activated Cooking LV3 and expertly sliced the tomahawk steak into uniform pieces.

Su Wei hosted a hot-pot meal in his cabin during the blizzard, sharing food and whiskey with his friends and family. The chapter ended with Aruk and Emily eagerly eating the spicy meal.

• Su Wei finished preparing beef, crab, vegetables, and a divided hot pot with mild and spicy broths.
• Su Wei served the hot pot and raised a toast with Black, Aruk, Emily, and the Kash couple.
• Su Wei demonstrated how to cook thin slices of beef in the spicy broth and enjoyed the meal.
• Aruk overcooked and hastily ate a large spoonful, burning his mouth but finding the spicy food addictive.
• Emily carefully cooked beef, dipped it in sesame sauce, and then reached for crab as Aruk raced to eat the food.