Aliya looked at Lin Yu'an's unprecedentedly solemn expression, and her heart couldn't help but tighten. She gently nodded.
"Go ahead, Lin, I'm listening." She could sense that what Lin Yu'an was about to say was definitely something significant.
Lin Yu'an pulled Aliya onto the sofa, took a deep breath, 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, and the prize for the winner is one million US Dollars."
Lin Yu'an tried to say this sentence in a calm tone, but his eyes were tightly fixed on Aliya's reaction.
One million US Dollars!
This number caused Aliya's pupils to slightly contract. She knew what it meant; it meant that all their current financial difficulties would be resolved.
They could even own a real home in Austin and give the children a worry-free growing environment.
But immediately, the words "wilderness survival challenge" caused her heart to rise instantly. She was not an inexperienced girl; having grown up in Montana, she knew how dangerous the wilderness could be.
"Wilderness survival? Is it that show you often watch?" Aliya's brows slightly furrowed.
There was a trace of unease in Aliya's voice: "That must be very dangerous, right? Honey, you..."
Lin Yu'an held her hand tightly: "Yes, Aliya, it's that show. I know this decision might sound a bit crazy, and I know you're pregnant and need me by your side."
"But this one million US Dollars is too important for us! With this money, we wouldn't have to worry about rent anymore, could buy the best formula and diapers for the babies, and have a house of our own!"
"I don't want you and the kids to have to go through hard times with me, and I don't want you to have any worries or stress because of money."
He paused, and his voice continued firmly: "I want to give you the best. If we can win this competition, we can have a new life!"
Aliya listened quietly, without interrupting. Her fingers stroked back and forth in Lin Yu'an's palm, showing her inner turmoil.
After Lin Yu'an finished speaking, the room fell into a brief silence.
After a long time, Aliya raised her head, her eyes slightly red and wet, and softly asked: "Lin, do you... have confidence? That kind of show must be very, very tough."
"And there are many dangers in the wild—bears, wolves, cougars, these are all hazards. What if... you... I... I can't be without you, and the babies can't be without their dad!"
Her voice was full of deep concern and reluctance, each worry felt like a small needle, gently piercing into Lin Yu'an's heart.
Lin Yu'an gently embraced her, resting his chin on top of her head, speaking softly.
"My dear, I know what you're worried about. But I cherish my life more than anyone because my life has you and our children. I won't do anything I'm not confident about."
"You also know how much I've loved watching that show these years. I've learned how to build shelters, find food, deal with wild animals, and all the wilderness survival knowledge."
"Moreover, I will be very, very careful! Although the program emphasizes realism, it also provides basic medical support and an emergency exit mechanism."
"If I feel I can't keep going, or encounter uncontrollable danger, I'll choose to withdraw immediately. A million US dollars is important, but it's not more important than your and the children's safety."
Aliya nodded gently in his arms but still didn't immediately relent. She knew Lin Yu'an was doing this for their family, for her and the children's future.
But thinking about him having to face unknown wilderness and danger alone made her heart feel like it was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand!
Lin Yu'an could sense her hesitation and reluctance. He didn't force her but just quietly held her, giving her time to digest and think it over.
After a long while, Aliya raised her head, tears already swirling in her eyes, but her gaze gradually became firm.
She sniffed, her voice carrying a hint of choked emotion as she said, "Dear, if... if you really decide to go, I... I support you."
Aliya reached out and gently stroked his cheek.
"I know you're doing this for us, and I don't want to be a burden to you. I don't want you to give up an opportunity that might change our lives because of my worries."
"But you must promise me to 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 plea.
Lin Yu'an tightly gripped her hand, speaking with utmost sincerity: "I promise you, Aliya! I swear!"
Aliya's understanding and support were 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 the eighth season of "Alone in the Wilderness." The first thing to do was to make sure Aliya's life was well-prepared during his absence.
Lin Yu'an also transferred all the savings from his remaining legal part-time earnings, approximately 10,000 US Dollars, to a joint account with Aliya, ensuring she wouldn't face any financial difficulties while he was away.
After completing all this, Lin Yu'an began preparing his application materials.
He carefully filled out the "Alone in the Wilderness" application form, especially deliberating over the "special skills" section.
He wrote, "Proficient in various wilderness survival skills, including shelter building, wilderness foraging, trap making, and basic wilderness first aid knowledge."
In the "reason for participation" section, he wrote with deep emotion: "For my beloved wife and our soon-to-be-born twin children, I hope to use my efforts to win them a better and more beautiful home! I believe I can last until the end!"
He also attached a news link about a recent incident at his supermarket, hoping to increase his chances through the attention it drew.
The most critical was the skills demonstration video.
There was no true wilderness around Austin, so Lin Yu'an paid a private farm usage fee and started filming his outdoor skills demonstration.
After editing the video, he submitted it along with the application form through the show's official website.
Next came the long wait.
Just when Lin Yu'an was about to lose hope and began considering other ways to make money, an email from the "Alone in the Wilderness" program group quietly appeared in his inbox.
The email content was simple.
"Mr. Lin Yu'an, congratulations! Your application has passed the preliminary review. We are very interested in your experience and the potential you've shown!"
"Please keep an eye on your phone within the next 48 hours, as we will arrange an online interview. Good luck! — 'Alone in the Wilderness' Program Team."
Seeing this email, Lin Yu'an's heart skipped a beat, and a surge of excitement welled up uncontrollably!