HUN Chapter 5: Signing Up for Alone

Seeing Lin Yu'an's unprecedentedly serious expression, Aliya's heart couldn't help but tighten. She nodded lightly.

"Go ahead, Lin, I'm listening." She could feel that what Lin Yu'an was about to say must be extraordinary.

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

"Aliya, I... I saw a TV show, a wilderness survival challenge. The champion's prize money is one million dollars."

Lin Yu'an spoke this sentence as calmly as possible, but his eyes were fixed intently on Aliya's reaction.

One million dollars!

This number made Aliya's pupils contract slightly. She knew what this meant - it meant all their current financial difficulties would be resolved.

They could even have a real home of their own in Austin, giving their children a carefree growing environment.

But immediately after, the words "wilderness survival challenge" made her heart instantly tighten. She wasn't a naive little girl - having grown up in Montana, she knew how dangerous the wilderness could be.

"Wilderness survival? Is that the show you often watch?" Aliya's brow furrowed slightly.

There was a trace of unease in Aliya's voice, "That must be very dangerous, right? Darling, you..."

Lin Yu'an gripped her hand tightly, "Yes, Alya, that's the show. I know this decision might sound somewhat crazy, and I know you're pregnant now and need me by your side."

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

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

He paused, his voice continuing firmly, "I want to give you all the best. If I can win this competition, we can have a completely new life!"

Aliya listened quietly without interrupting. Her fingers rubbed back and forth in Lin Yu'an's palm, showing her inner unrest.

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

After a long while, Aliya finally raised her head, her eyes somewhat red and moist, asking softly, "Lin, do you... have confidence? That kind of show must be extremely, extremely difficult."

"And there are many dangers in the wilderness - bears, wolves, mountain lions are all dangerous. What if... you... I... I can't be without you, and the babies can't be without their father!"

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

Lin Yu'an gently embraced her, his chin resting on the top of her head, speaking softly.

"Darling, I know what you're worried about. But I treasure my own life more than anyone else, because my life includes you and our children. I won't do anything I'm not confident about."

"You also know how much I've loved watching this show these past few years. I've learned how to build shelters, how to find food, how to deal with wild animals, and all kinds of wilderness survival knowledge."

"And I'll be very, very careful! Although the production team emphasizes authenticity, they also have basic medical protection and emergency exit mechanisms."

"If I feel I can't persist, or if I encounter uncontrollable danger, I'll choose to quit immediately. While one million dollars is important, it's far less important than your and the children's safety."

Aliya nodded lightly in his arms but still didn't immediately agree. She knew Lin Yu'an was doing this for their family, for her and the children's future.

But when she thought of him facing unknown wilderness and dangers alone, her heart felt like it was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand!

Lin Yu'an could feel her hesitation and reluctance. He didn't pressure her further, just quietly held her, giving her time to digest and think.

After a long time, Aliya finally raised her head. Tears were already welling in her eyes, but her gaze gradually became determined.

She sniffled, her voice carrying a trace of choking, "Darling, if... if you really decide to go, I... I support you."

Aliya reached out and gently caressed his cheek.

"I know you're doing this all for us. I don't want to become your burden, don't want you to give up an opportunity that might change our lives because of my worries."

"But you must promise me that you'll put your own safety first! No matter the competition results, you must come back safe and sound! The babies and I will wait for you at home!"

There was a pleading tone in her voice.

Lin Yu'an gripped her hand tightly, his voice extremely serious, "I promise you! Aliya! I swear!"

Aliya's understanding and support was more important to him than any encouragement.

After gaining Aliya's support, Lin Yu'an immediately sprang into action.

There was less than a week left before the registration deadline for "Alone" Season 8. The first thing to do was to make complete preparations for Aliya's life during his absence.

Lin Yu'an also transferred all his remaining legal part-time job savings from his bank account to the joint account with Aliya - about $10,000 - ensuring Aliya wouldn't have any financial difficulties while he was away.

After completing all this, Lin Yu'an began preparing his registration materials.

He carefully filled out the "Alone" registration form. In the special skills section, he considered carefully and wrote, "Proficient in various wilderness survival techniques, including shelter construction, wilderness foraging, trap making, and some wilderness first aid knowledge."

In the reason for participation section, he wrote with deep emotion, "For my beloved wife and soon-to-be-born twin children, I hope to win them a better, more beautiful house through my own efforts! I believe I can persist to the end!"

He also attached a news link about the recent supermarket incident, hoping to use this publicity to increase his chances of acceptance.

The most crucial part was the skills demonstration video.

There wasn't any real primitive wilderness around Austin. After paying usage fees at a private farm, Lin Yu'an began filming his outdoor skills demonstration.

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

Then came the long wait.

Just when Lin Yu'an had almost given up hope and started considering other ways to make money, an email from the "Alone" production team quietly appeared in his inbox.

The email content was simple.

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

"Please watch for our phone call within the next 48 hours. We will arrange an online interview. Good luck! - 'Alone' Production Team."

Seeing this email, Lin Yu'an's heart jumped violently, and an irrepressible excitement surged through him!

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