American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 5 Signing up for a solitary life in the wilderness
Seeing the unprecedented seriousness in Lin Yu'an's expression, Aria felt a pang of anxiety and nodded gently.

"Go ahead and say it, Lin, I'm listening." She could sense that what Lin Yu'an was about to say was no small matter.

Lin Yu'an pulled Ailiya to sit down on the sofa, adjusted his breathing, and tried to make his tone sound less like he was making a crazy decision.

“Arya, I… I saw a TV show, a wilderness survival challenge, and the prize money for the winner is one million dollars.”

Lin Yu'an tried to speak in a calm and even tone, but his eyes were fixed on Aria's reaction.

One million dollars!

The number made Arya's pupils contract slightly. She knew what it meant; it meant that all their current economic difficulties would be resolved.

It could even allow them to have a real home of their own in Austin, giving their children a carefree environment to grow up in.

But then the words "Wilderness Survival Challenge" made her heart jump again. She wasn't an innocent little girl; having grown up in Montana, she knew how dangerous the wilderness could be.

"Wilderness survival? Is that the show you always watch?" Arya frowned slightly.

Arya's voice held a hint of unease: "That must be very dangerous, darling, you..."

Lin Yu'an squeezed her hand: "Yes, Ailiya, it's that show. I know this decision may sound a bit crazy, and I know you're pregnant now and need me by your side."

“But this million dollars is so important to us! With this money, we won’t have to worry about rent anymore, we can buy the best formula and diapers for our babies, and we can have our own house!”

"I don't want you and the children to have to live a hard life with me, and I don't want you to have any worries or pressure because of money."

He paused, then continued firmly, "I want to give you the best. If we can win this game, we can have a whole new life!"

Arya listened quietly without interrupting, her fingers rubbing back and forth in Lin Yu'an's palm, revealing her inner turmoil.

After Lin Yu'an finished speaking, the room fell into a brief silence.

After a long while, Aria finally raised her head, her eyes slightly red and moist, and asked softly, "Lin, are you... confident? That kind of program must be extremely tough."

"Besides, there are many dangers in the wild, such as bears, wolves, and cougars. What if... you... I... I can't live without you, and the babies can't live without their father!"

Her voice was filled with deep worry and reluctance; every word of concern was like a small needle, gently pricking Lin Yu'an's heart.

Lin Yu'an gently pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, and said softly.

“Darling, I know what you’re worried about. But I value my life more than anyone else because you and our child are in my life, and I won’t do anything I’m not sure I can do.”

"You know how much I've loved watching this show over the years. I've learned how to build shelters, how to find food, how to deal with wild animals, and all sorts of wilderness survival knowledge."

"Furthermore, I will be extremely careful! Although the production team emphasizes authenticity, there will also be basic medical support and an emergency exit mechanism."

“If I feel I can’t continue, or if I encounter uncontrollable danger, I will choose to withdraw immediately. A million dollars is important, but it is far less important than your safety and the children’s safety.”

Aria nodded gently in his arms, but still didn't immediately give in. She knew that Lin Yu'an was doing this for the family, for her and the children's future.

But the thought of him facing the unknown wilderness and dangers alone made her heart feel like it was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand!
Lin Yu'an could sense her hesitation and reluctance. He didn't press her further, but simply held her quietly, giving her time to process and think. After a long while, Ailiya finally raised her head, tears welling up in her eyes, but her gaze gradually hardened.

She sniffed, her voice trembling slightly, and said, "Darling, if... if you really decide to go, I... I support you."

Arya reached out and gently stroked his cheek.

“I know you’re doing this for us. I don’t want to be a burden to you, and I don’t want you to give up an opportunity that could change our lives because of my worries.”

"But you must promise me that you will put your safety first! No matter the outcome of the competition, you must come back safe and sound! The babies and I will be waiting for you at home!"

Her tone carried a hint of pleading.

Lin Yu'an held her hand tightly, his voice utterly earnest as he said, "I promise you! Aria! I swear!"

Arya's understanding and support were more important to him than any encouragement.

After receiving Aria's support, Lin Yu'an immediately took action.

With less than a week left until the deadline for applications to the eighth season of "Living Alone in the Wild," the first thing to do is to make thorough preparations for Arya's life while he's away.

Lin Yu-an also transferred all the remaining savings he had earned from legitimate part-time jobs to a joint account with Ailiya, amounting to about $1, to ensure that Ailiya would not have any financial difficulties while he was away.

After doing all this, Lin Yu'an began to prepare his application materials.

He carefully filled out the "Living Alone in the Wilderness" application form, and pondered the special skills section repeatedly.

It states that the individual is "proficient in various wilderness survival skills, including shelter construction, foraging, trap making, and basic wilderness first aid knowledge."

In the section explaining his reasons for entering the competition, he wrote with deep emotion: "For my beloved wife and the twins who are about to be born, I hope to win them a more beautiful and better house through my own efforts! I believe I can persevere to the end!"

They also included a news link about an incident that happened at their supermarket a while ago, hoping to increase their chances of being selected by leveraging the attention it received.

The most crucial element is the skills demonstration video.

There is no real wilderness around Austin. After paying the usage fee at a private farm, Lin Yu-an began filming outdoor skills demonstrations.

After editing the video, he submitted it along with the registration form through the program's official website.

What followed was a long wait.

Just when Lin Yu'an was almost about to give up hope and start considering other ways to make money, an email from the "Living Alone in the Wilderness" program team quietly appeared in his inbox.

The email contained very little information.

"Mr. Lin Yu'an, congratulations! Your application materials have passed the initial review. We are very interested in your experience and the potential you have demonstrated!"

"Please keep an eye on our phone within the next 48 hours. We will arrange an online interview. Good luck! — The Wilderness Solitary Production Team"

Upon seeing the email, Lin Yu'an's heart skipped a beat, and an overwhelming surge of excitement welled up inside him!
A cheat code has appeared!
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(End of this chapter)