Deep Within the Living-Chapter 5: Chainsaw and Blade

In an era of advanced smart appliances and surplus new energy, Luo Di rarely encountered the sound of fuel-powered engines. Yet the roar of a vintage gas-powered chainsaw brought back memories of his favorite movie.
Unconsciously, his feet carried him to the display counter.
“Interested in chainsaws, young man? You’ve got a solid build. Want to give one a try?” The burly shopkeeper, with muscles padded under a layer of fat, wouldn’t miss the chance to sell one of these rare items. After all, chainsaws weren’t exactly popular purchases these days.
“Just looking,” Luo Di replied.
The store predominantly stocked retro gas chainsaws, but there were also several newer models equipped with high-performance batteries. These were superior in charging methods, portability, and operational power compared to traditional gas chainsaws.
Luo Di ran his fingers over the serrated teeth of a saw blade, inhaling the gasoline aroma wafting from the engine compartment. The smell transported him to the movie’s most iconic hunting scene.
But practicality quickly overpowered nostalgia as his gaze shifted to the price tags.
The retro gas-powered chainsaws were priced between 2,600–3,000 rubles—just over 200 yuan in his country’s currency. The newer electric chainsaws, however, were at least three times that price.
At that moment, a delicate face leaned in beside him, examining the chainsaws with equal curiosity.
“You like this sort of thing? That’s great! Our practice is scheduled in a forested area, so this might actually come in handy—maybe even for chopping wood to start a fire. How about this one? It looks perfect,” the class monitor suggested, pointing at a sleek silver-coated portable electric chainsaw priced at a staggering 25,000 rubles.
That amount was far too high for Luo Di, and he quickly waved it off.
But the class monitor had already picked up the silver chainsaw and carried it to the counter. “There won’t be any gas supplies where we’re going. If you run out of fuel, these cheap ones will be useless. Plus, their size makes them impractical to carry.
“Don’t worry about the cost. As long as we pass this practice, the value of the outcome will far outweigh the expenses. If my dad were here, he’d make sure we got the most expensive and best gear. This is what’s called a smart investment, got it?”
In two years of high school, Luo Di’s interactions with the class monitor had been limited to classroom-related matters, so her sudden enthusiasm left him a little uneasy.
Still, he didn’t refuse.
The silver chainsaw she’d chosen was undeniably appealing. It was a new model with a folding design. With the push of a side button, the protruding blade could retract, transforming the device into a sleek silver briefcase. It was moderately lightweight, easier to handle than a fuel-laden gas chainsaw, and significantly more powerful.
While Luo Di longed to recreate the raw authenticity of the movie’s chainsaw scenes, the practical considerations of this practice made a more cautious choice seem wiser.
“Thanks,” he said as he accepted the chainsaw.
His fingers brushed against the device’s surface, noticing a famous company logo etched onto its body: Loke Electronics (stylized as "Lok" encircled by an arc of light).
Known for producing modern intelligent power devices, their products were guaranteed to be top-notch.
As Luo Di absorbed the tactile sensation of his new chainsaw, the class monitor had already wandered ten meters ahead, stopping at a knife store.
“Luo Di~ why don’t you pick out a knife, too? I mean, a chainsaw is a bit over-the-top. I’ve never seen anyone use one for self-defense.”
“And there’s something else my tutor taught me: relying too much on electric-powered tools isn’t always a good idea. Tools driven directly by our own physical energy are the most reliable.”
“Got it.”
Luo Di didn’t mind, especially since the class monitor was footing the bill.
He eventually selected a machete that suited his style, nearly identical to the one from
Friday the 13th
. The moment he gripped the solid wood handle, his arm instinctively raised, slashing at an empty space nearby.
Swish!
The motion mirrored the iconic movie scene almost perfectly. The blade sliced through the air with a weighty sound that reverberated.
The other team members took notice. Blonde-haired Anna, intrigued by Luo Di, muttered quietly, “I have to arm wrestle this guy someday.”
The class monitor raised her hand high, signaling everyone to regroup. “We’ve got everything we need. Let’s head to the research institute to confirm the details of the practice, do a quick health check, and sign the forms.”
“Thanks, my dear Wenwen!”
Anna enveloped the class monitor in a bear hug that looked like it might crush her. Gao Yuxuan nodded politely, maintaining his refined demeanor.
Luo Di had already expressed his gratitude earlier when they purchased the chainsaw, so he didn’t say much more.
The vehicle carrying the four high school students arrived at the city’s research institute. Any city-level or higher institution had the authority to arrange Social Practices for students, and the class monitor had efficiently organized everything in advance. The procedures went by smoothly.
However, the institute deliberately withheld specific rules, promising a detailed explanation during the bus ride to the practice area the next day.
“Make sure to get to bed early tonight, everyone. We need to meet at the institute’s entrance by 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. Here’s to a successful simulated practice!”
“Got it.”
The group said their goodbyes.
Luo Di, as usual, opted for what he considered the most cost-effective way home—the bus. But before he could reach the stop, a sleek white sports car pulled up beside him.
The car window rolled down, revealing the class monitor lowering her sunglasses and waving at him urgently.
“Hurry up and get in! If I stay parked here any longer, I’ll get fined for blocking traffic!”
Luo Di initially moved to sit in the back seat, but it was already packed with various items, leaving him no choice but to take the front passenger seat.
“Class Monitor, you know how to drive?”
“At sixteen, you can get a provisional license. I passed with a perfect score, so relax. Where do you live? I’ll drop you off.”
“Block 13, Resettlement Neighborhood.”
The class monitor immediately adjusted her posture, gripping the steering wheel with both hands and imitating an AI-like voice.
“Understood! Precise navigation engaged. Your experienced driver with twenty years of expertise will ensure a safe journey!”
As she pressed the accelerator, she stole a quick glance at Luo Di in the passenger seat, catching a fleeting smile on his face.
“Tsk~ So you
can
smile after all. You’ve been stone-faced all day. Gao Yuxuan is just like you—no fun at all.”
“Not really.”
“Oh, right, Luo Di~ During today’s health check at the institute, your physical condition was acceptable but not ideal. You’re missing quite a few trace elements.”
Switching to one-handed driving, the class monitor skillfully opened the center console with her free hand and pulled out a bottle of vitamins.
“This is unopened—take it. Don’t be polite with me. If we pass this new practice program, I wouldn’t mind covering all your school expenses from now on.”
“Alright.”
Luo Di accepted without hesitation. He was deeply committed to maintaining his physique, and supplements like these were important to him.
“By the way, Class Monitor, it seemed like you didn’t buy anything today.”
“You mean self-defense tools? I’ve already prepared mine. You’ll find out when the time comes.”
“Oh.”
With that, Luo Di said no more and turned to watch the cityscape blur past the window.
The class monitor glanced at him again, seemingly wanting to say something but swallowing the words at the last moment.
The rest of the ride was silent.
When the car stopped at the entrance of the resettlement neighborhood, the class monitor leaned out of the window to carefully observe the cluster of old buildings constructed with state funding. Her face showed a clear curiosity.
“Which building do you live in?”
Luo Di, carrying his bags of purchases, pointed straight ahead. “The one at the very back.”
“If I get a chance, can I visit your place? Like during winter or summer break?”
“It’s better if you don’t.”
The class monitor’s sharp eye caught a flash of displeasure on Luo Di’s face, coupled with a strange look in his pupils as the topic came up. She quickly pivoted the conversation.
“Alright then~ See you tomorrow!”
“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”