Next came the discussion of group assignments and equipment. Group assignments were still computer-controlled, with teammates and team order randomly assigned. Those who disagreed with their group assignments could apply, but the condition was that they couldn't completely choose their own equipment. Instead, the organizers would randomly select one item, and each participant would choose two more. Other participants could choose three items. As for the equipment, the organizers had rules: clothes, pants, and shoes counted as one item, and participants could only use their own size, not larger sizes. There were enough of each type of commonly used tool for everyone. Only the organizers' provided tools were allowed; special tools were not permitted. Also, before departing the next morning, participants had to place their personal belongings in a suitcase in their suite, where someone would be responsible for guarding them, ensuring nothing was missing. Furthermore, after the group assignments, the suites changed from single rooms to twin rooms. Wang Lun wondered if it meant a man and a woman would share a room. Viewers watching the live stream shared the same thought; some quick-thinking viewers immediately realized something was amiss and posted comments, making it known to everyone. Of course, Wang Lun wasn't the only one aware of the organizers' scheme; some male contestants wore silly (and sly) grins, while the female contestants blushed. After the host explained the rules, a male and a female guest were invited up. The man was introduced as Mr. Wang, whose family was in real estate; almost everyone recognized him—he was easily recognizable. The female guest was Ms. Ma, whose family was in the internet industry, but she was always very private; it was unclear how she was invited. The host explained that Mr. Wang would randomly select a male contestant, and Ms. Ma would select a female contestant, thus forming teams. The team numbers were determined by the order of selection. After the selections, the contestants went on stage, entered two separate doors, and chose a tool. Contestants were not allowed to talk to each other during this process; otherwise, they would lose one chance to choose a tool.
Seeing that everyone was ready, the host announced, "Start!" Mr. Wang and Ms. Ma simultaneously pressed the button, and names flashed rapidly on the big screen. Everyone, from the audience to those watching the live stream, held their breath, eager to know who the first team was. After a while, two names appeared on the screen: Wu Jing and Zhang Shengnan. Upon seeing the names, the host called out, "Please come up to the stage, both contestants." A man and a woman walked onto the stage, and the host said, "Please enter the warehouse and choose three tools. You have five minutes; if you exceed the time limit, one tool will be randomly replaced." Hearing about the penalty, Wu Jing and Zhang Shengnan quickly went into the warehouse to select tools. The contestants in the audience couldn't see how they chose the tools, but the viewers could. It turned out that after the host explained the camera setup, the organizers had already started the live stream.
At this point, Wu Jing was overwhelmed by the dazzling array of tools and didn't know which to choose. Actually, the organizers had temporarily concealed one crucial detail: the location of the wilderness survival exercise. Knowing the exact location and selecting tools based on the environment would eliminate many variables. Without knowing the precise location, even wilderness survival experts struggled to choose just three tools. Wu Jing was caught in a dilemma, but finally decided to choose three tools based on her own ideas: a suit of clothing, a military knife, and a multi-functional shovel. As she prepared to return the way she came, staff directed her to exit through another exit and wait in a large conference room.
Meanwhile, Zhang Shengnan was also caught in a dilemma. Knowing Wu Jing's character, she chose three tools: first, a clothing set; second, a machete; and third, a bow and arrow set (a hunting bow with five alloy arrows, the arrows being a single, non-disassembly piece). After following the staff's directions, Zhang Shengnan saw Wu Jing, only to find they had two identical tools. They exchanged a helpless wry smile, then walked over, found a place to sit, and began to talk. Little did they know, having two different items was already a stroke of luck; even more bizarre things were yet to come.
At this point, some viewers in the live stream started criticizing, saying that four out of six tools were the same, so what was the point of trying to survive? They should just come back. Then some uninformed viewers joined in. However, some more astute viewers pointed out, "Each person has three tools, and everyone has to choose a set of clothes. Since they don't know where the competition is, if it's in the rainforest, not choosing clothes is worse than forfeiting. So each contestant actually only has two tool choices. Wu Jing and his team have four tools, three different, which is actually quite good. It's just that their tools are too hunting-oriented, which might make things a bit difficult at the beginning." A viewer asked, "Why?" and another replied, "They don't have tools to boil water." A troll suggested, "They could make pottery jars." Another replied, "By the time they finish making them, it'll probably be more than ten days." Then a round of banter ensued.
Then they continued forming teams and choosing items. During this time, the male player from team 22, thinking himself superior, didn't choose a clothing set and instead picked up three tools. Apart from him, all the other players had a set of clothing. The vast majority of teams chose knives, pots, and shovels; a few chose bows and arrows; a few chose fishing sets (five hooks and a spool of line); and a few chose other items such as nets, fire starters, and sewing kits. In short, there were all sorts of strange items.
Finally, when it was the 39th team's turn, the male contestant's name was Wang Lun. Upon seeing his name, Wang Lun stood up, preparing to walk onto the stage. Then, seeing the female contestant's name—a very familiar name—he stopped and looked towards her seat. It was indeed her! The host, seeing Wang Lun's inaction, said, "Please come up to the stage, Wang Lun." Wang Lun still didn't move. A contestant next to him quickly tugged at him, and Wang Lun snapped out of his daze and hurried onto the stage, his eyes still fixed on the female contestant. At this moment, viewers watching the live stream commented, "This guy named Wang Lun must really like Li Ling; his eyes haven't even left her." "Amazing! He can even watch her without blinking." "Li Ling isn't that pretty, why is he looking at her so intently?" "Maybe there's a story." "Anyone have a story? I have some wine." "I have a story, that lady has some wine." "I have some wine, that brother has a story." "Holy crap, what's this?"
On stage, seeing Li Ling enter the warehouse, Wang Lun composed himself and followed her in. He chose a set of clothes, grabbed a machete and a multi-functional shovel, and followed the staff's directions to the main conference room. A few minutes later, Li Ling emerged from the warehouse, carrying a set of clothes, a large wok, and a large machete. Wang Lun quickly went over to her, helped her carry the machete, and led her to his seat. Looking at Li Ling, Wang Lun said, "Long time no see."
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