American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 6 Interview
In the apartment's makeshift study, I prepared for the interview. After taking a deep breath, I straightened my simple white T-shirt to make sure I looked neat and tidy.

On the laptop screen in front of him, the countdown timer of the video conferencing software was ticking away second by second.

Only three minutes remain until the online interview for the eighth season of "Living Alone in the Wild".

The video call request popped up precisely on time.

Lin Yu'an clicked to connect, and three faces of different skin tones appeared on the screen. The background looked like a professional studio or program production office.

The man in the middle is a white man who looks to be in his forties and has the air of a meticulous producer. Based on previous information, he is Mark Johnson, the executive producer.

“Hello Mr. Lin Yu’an, I am Mark Johnson, executive producer of ‘Living Alone in the Wilderness’.”

Mark spoke first, his voice steady and powerful.

"These two are Dave Canterbury, a seasoned survival expert, and Michelle King, head of marketing and public relations."

"Thank you for taking the time to attend this interview."

“Mr. Johnson, Mr. Canterbury, Ms. Kim, it is a great honor to have this opportunity.” Lin Yu’an responded in fluent English, her tone neither humble nor arrogant.

The interview began in a very standard manner. Mark first briefly introduced the nature of the program and the basic requirements for contestants, and then got straight to the point.

Mark Johnson's gaze fell on Lin Yu'an, with a hint of inquiry. "Mr. Lin, we see in your application materials that you are currently an international student at Texas Tech University, from China?"

"To be honest, there have been very few participants from China in the past. Most of the participants are professionals with rich outdoor experience. As an international student majoring in engineering, what advantages do you think you have that would enable you to meet such a tough challenge?"

Lin Yu'an was prepared, and he answered calmly.

“Mr. Johnson, first of all, I have a very strong ability to learn and adapt. Engineering has cultivated my rigorous logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I believe are equally important in wilderness survival.”

"Secondly, I am not completely without outdoor experience. I grew up in the wild in China and have a lot of insight into survival knowledge."

"Oh? Can you tell me more about it?"

Survival expert Dave Canterbury suddenly interjected, his voice slightly hoarse, carrying the ruggedness honed by years of outdoor experience.

Lin Yu'an nodded and began to slowly introduce the skills he had demonstrated in the skills demonstration video, such as how to quickly build a shelter using limited tools, how to determine direction, and how to start a fire in the simplest way.

His descriptions of identifying common edible plants were clear and organized, occasionally interspersed with explanations of tips and tricks, showing that he was not just a theorist when it came to these skills.

Dave Canterbury listened and nodded slightly, but the scrutiny in his eyes did not lessen.

At this moment, Michelle King, the marketing representative who had remained silent until then, suddenly asked a question that was more direct and pointed.

“Mr. Lin, we also saw a news link you attached to your application materials regarding the Austin supermarket shooting that happened some time ago.”

"In that report, you were called a supermarket hero because you protected everyone in a crisis. It was indeed a heroic deed and brought you a lot of public attention."

Then, she looked directly at Lin Yu'an and asked, "I'd like to know, how do you think this experience helped you participate in the 'Living Alone in the Wilderness' program?"

"Or, do you hope to further... well, maintain or enhance your public image through the show?" This question is quite a trap, and if answered carelessly, it can easily be seen as an attempt to use the show for publicity.

Lin Yu'an's expression remained unchanged as he calmly met Michelle King's gaze and spoke sincerely.

“Ms. Jin, that experience was a nightmare for me, but also a lesson I will never forget! It made me understand the fragility of life and the importance of protecting my family.”

"If it helped me participate in the show in any way, it's that it gave me a survival instinct far beyond what ordinary people have and a determination to protect the people I love!"

As for public image?

He shook his head slightly. "To be honest, I don't aspire to be a public figure. I participated in 'Living Alone in the Wilderness' for only one very direct purpose."

"For that million-dollar prize! For my wife!"

"As a man who is about to become a father, I hope to create a more stable and worry-free living environment for my family through my own efforts. This is my only motivation for participating in the competition and the only reason that I can persevere."

"At the same time, I also believe in my abilities and will persevere to the end while ensuring my own safety! At home, my loved ones are waiting for me, and there is also a future that I must fight for!"

Mark and Dave exchanged a glance, seemingly both moved by Lin Yu'an's answer.

His words were sincere and heartfelt, demonstrating both a man's sense of responsibility and a desire for success.

Executive producer Mark, who had been silent all along, finally spoke again, his tone much gentler than before.

“Mr. Lin, your story is very touching, and frankly speaking, your status as a Chinese student and your previous experience as a ‘supermarket hero’ do have great market potential and are very newsworthy for our program.”

“Especially in the Chinese market, we have always hoped to have more representative Chinese contestants. Your participation will undoubtedly greatly increase the attractiveness and copyright value of our program on Chinese video websites.”

He paused for a moment, as if he were thinking or making a final assessment.

Mark continued, "Of course, in the end, 'Wilderness Solitary' will choose those who truly possess strong survival skills and a tenacious will. We have seen your skills demonstration video, and it does have some highlights, but compared to other experienced candidates, it may need more proof."

"However, we are willing to give you a chance to prove everything you have said. Mr. Lin Yu-an, we formally invite you to participate in the final training camp of the eighth season of 'Living Alone in the Wilderness'."

"The training camp will be held in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a week, where you will undergo more rigorous tests and more professional evaluations. Ultimately, only the 10 contestants who pass the training camp will be qualified to truly embark on the wilderness journey of the eighth season."

"Of course, the training camp expenses will be covered by the production team. Do you accept this invitation?"

Lin Yu'an answered almost without hesitation, "I accept! Thank you for giving me this opportunity! I will definitely not let you down!"

"very good."

Mark Johnson nodded. "I will send you the specific training arrangements and precautions via email later. I look forward to seeing you in Colorado, Mr. Lin. Please also give my regards to your wife and wish her all the best."

"I will, thank you Mr. Johnson," Lin Yu'an said sincerely.

An 18-year-old newbie author is online begging to read her work!

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(End of this chapter)