Culinary God in Wilderness

Andre lowered his head and muttered, "The forest is my home. It’s not like I’ve never eaten alligator meat. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Most large animals run away the first time they see a person, rather than attack."

"So, you’re going to go?"

Mia said nothing, just looked at him quietly.

"Honey, you know I don’t have another choice. I can’t lose you, and the kids can’t lose their mother."

Lin Chen quietly stood up, took the hint, and walked to the door of the room, closing it behind him.

The lady of the house was leaning against the wall in the hallway. She wore a white doctor’s coat and a pair of old, gold-rimmed glasses.

"How much are their expenses so far?"

"I’ll waive the lodging fee. I live here alone, so it’s actually been a bit livelier with them here. The cost of food plus nutritional supplements comes to about five thousand US Dollars. The main reason is I have to drive to town to buy the supplements. Gas is expensive, and I can only get the cheapest ones."

"Give me your bank account number. I’ll cover it for them for now."

"Are you sure that’s a good idea? It doesn’t seem like they’ve reached a decision yet."

Lin Chen smiled faintly. "If you were a mother of two, would you be willing to be separated from your kids? Or even let them miss out on an education?"

"I understand," the woman nodded. "Follow me. I have a POS machine."

"..."

’In a remote, godforsaken suburb like this, she actually has a POS machine at home??’

’And it turns out this is a licensed private clinic open for business!’

’A licensed doctor, hiding out next to a forest and running a private clinic... I don’t even know where to begin with the way these Americans think.’

’Is this the so-called "America, land of the free, happy every day"?’

By the time Lin Chen had paid the bill and was scrolling through his phone on the living room couch, Andre came downstairs. He obviously knew what Lin Chen had done.

"Thank you, Lin."

"It’s nothing. How did it go with Mia? Don’t feel pressured. It’s okay even if you don’t participate. Just consider it a loan from me."

"She agreed!"

Andre broke into a grin, his eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.

"I haven’t felt this way in a long time. It’s like the blood is slowly starting to boil in my veins. My body craves this kind of extreme challenge. This will be the ultimate culmination of my thirty years of wilderness survival experience and training!"

Lin Chen wasn’t too surprised by this outcome. After all, no mother would be willing to gamble with her children’s future. And besides, no one wants to die young if there’s still hope.

"Lin, don’t worry. I promised Mia I’d give it my all and prepare thoroughly. I won’t let myself get hurt. But you’d better watch out. I won’t be going easy on you."

"I wouldn’t have it any other way!"

Lin Chen held out his hand. Their two calloused palms clasped tightly together, a fierce, competitive fire burning in their eyes.

"Oh, right, Lin. Do you know the theme for this survival challenge? That guy Robert told you the location, so the theme must be set by now, right?"

"The theme? You’re going to love it. It’s a festival for Wilderness People, and an ultimate test of one’s limits."

"Wait, from the way you’re putting it... does that mean they won’t provide any tools?"

"Just one knife. I’m guessing they won’t even provide Bear-Repellent Spray. We’ll probably have to sign a death waiver before it starts."

"Awesome!!"

Andre pumped his fist, then began pacing around the living room, rubbing his hands together in excitement. He flipped through the three pages of information again and again.

"A tropical rainforest and a coastline... Interesting, very interesting. So much fruit and food. If I remember correctly, don’t most spices only grow in tropical regions? They probably won’t be giving you any special treatment this time. I’d like to see what delicious food you can whip up now."

"Ha! Don’t come begging me to share with you when the time comes!"

"No way," Andre’s expression changed. "An extreme survival challenge like this won’t have any other restrictions. The two of us can cooperate on food, but when it comes to survival, we’re each responsible for ourselves."

"Nice try. Isn’t eating part of survival? You want some? Fine. Pay up!"

"...All you talk about is money. Lin, how did I never realize you were like this?"

"Back in Alaska, I didn’t have any money on me. Didn’t I make you trade your kills for food back then, too? What, got a case of amnesia?"

Andre scratched his head. After a moment’s thought, he realized that was indeed the case.

The two of them chatted for a little while longer before Andre went back upstairs to be with his wife and kids.

Lin Chen, meanwhile, pulled out his phone and looked up Robert’s number.

"What?!"

"You got Andre to come back and compete???"

"That’s right," Lin Chen said, nodding into his phone. "See how well I know you? As soon as the two of us are confirmed, you can start the publicity machine right away. The hype for the next season will be explosive!"

"Yes, yes, you’re right! That’s a great point! I’ll have someone start Photoshopping the promotional posters right now!"

Robert was practically dancing with joy on the other end of the line. This pleasant surprise was enough to give his bonus another bump.

This pair had been last season’s fan favorites, and they had left things unfinished. If their rivalry could be extended into this season, with a brand-new location and theme, it would absolutely ignite the audience’s curiosity and anticipation!

"Hold on, don’t celebrate just yet. Since I paid out of my own pocket to solve this problem for you and even drummed up some extra hype for our show, don’t you think you should show a little appreciation?"

"...Uh?"

"Let’s not beat around the bush. Reimbursing my round-trip airfare shouldn’t be a problem, right? Also, I’m planning a trip to Vancouver to see how that head chef at the White Whale does his thing. Would you guys be interested in filming an extra or some behind-the-scenes footage?"