Scavenging in the wasteland, so what if I got a bit lucky?

Zhuang Xiao, a young woman from modern Earth, finds herself inexplicably transported to a desolate wasteland world characterized by intense radiation, mutated flora and fauna, and scarce resources. Upon waking in this hostile environment, she discovers Huo Xiao, a former elite mercenary team leader, lying unconscious nearby. Having been ambushed and left for dead, Huo Xiao is in a critically weakened state due to a degenerative condition known as genetic collapse, a common affliction among genetically modified humans in this world. Zhuang Xiao, initially terrified by the eerie silence and the discovery of a body dump nearby, decides to stay with Huo Xiao for protection against both natural dangers and hostile humans. When Huo Xiao awakens, he is cautious and paranoid, expecting betrayal in a world where trust is a liability. However, recognizing that neither can survive alone, they form a tentative alliance. Zhuang Xiao, lacking any survival skills or local knowledge, relies entirely on Huo Xiao to navigate the lethal landscape.

The two return to Huo Xiao’s dilapidated home in the outskirts of a shantytown. Zhuang Xiao learns that her modern supplies, including chocolate and bread, are valuable commodities in this economy based on "points." Huo Xiao sells her items to register her as a legal citizen and purchase a wristband, a device essential for scanning radiation levels in food and detecting threats. With only thirty points to her name, Zhuang Xiao faces the grim reality of her new existence. The daily diet consists of bitter green porridge and nutrient solutions, as edible plants are rare and heavily irradiated. Zhuang Xiao struggles with the physical toll of foraging, suffering from sunburn and exhaustion, while Huo Xiao hides the severity of his genetic collapse, which causes him intense pain and weakness.

A turning point occurs when Zhuang Xiao forages alone and discovers a patch of edible plants, a rarity that boosts her morale. During this excursion, she encounters five baby mutated rabbits. Believing them to be a source of meat, she brings them home, only to learn from Huo Xiao that most are highly irradiated and inedible. However, two are moderately irradiated and safe to eat. Huo Xiao sells the rabbits through his contact, Yan Ming, earning points that improve their financial standing. The group later joins Yan Ming and his brother Yan Hu for a mulberry gathering expedition. Zhuang Xiao exhibits an unusual luck, consistently finding edible mulberries while others struggle, leading her to suspect a "golden finger" or transmigration bonus. This luck extends to finding a mutated collared dove nest, where they discover two Grade D energy stones inside the bird. Energy stones are crucial for sustaining genetically modified individuals like Huo Xiao, who require them to manage the symptoms of genetic collapse.

The discovery of the energy stones marks a significant shift in their survival prospects. Huo Xiao divides the stones with the Yan brothers, who refuse payment, recognizing Huo Xiao’s past status and the team’s contribution. Zhuang Xiao also finds an edible bird egg, adding variety to their diet. Back home, Huo Xiao suffers a severe episode of genetic collapse, prompting Zhuang Xiao to call Yan Ming for advice. She learns that without energy stones, Huo Xiao’s condition will deteriorate until death. Using one of the newly acquired stones, she stabilizes him. This event deepens their bond, as Zhuang Xiao realizes her role is not just as a dependent tenant but as a caretaker essential to Huo Xiao’s survival. The story concludes with Zhuang Xiao accepting her harsh reality, determined to learn survival skills and help Huo Xiao manage his condition, while the two begin to establish a stable, albeit precarious, life together in the wasteland.