I am a local in North America

Chapter 60 Good Luck (4500 words, please read on!)
The producers of "Living Alone in the Wild" have a partnership with TikTok, and it was just a side effect of director Sean Cable's push for Su Jerry to be on TikTok.

Whether or not he collaborates with TikTok, and how he collaborates with TikTok, has nothing to do with director Sean Cable.

At this moment, Su Jierui was pacing back and forth in the living room, holding his phone. Snowflakes were falling outside the window, adding to the chill.

After briefly explaining the background over the phone, director Sean Cable pondered for a moment and only suggested:
“Actually, you don’t need to worry too much, Jerry, it’s not that complicated.”

"If you think your expected income over the next two years will be higher than $38, then don't sign an exclusive agreement with them; otherwise, you can work with them."

"In fact, based on my experience, the champions of previous seasons all became minor celebrities in their local areas after the competition. Last season's champion, Jordan, started his own outdoor courses and partnered with schools to launch a Boy Scout summer camp."

"The champion of the first season, Allen, also has his own weight loss class, which focuses on a 'wilderness survival-style weight loss' method. It is said to be very effective - after all, anyone can lose weight when they are extremely hungry."

"I think none of them have the same foundation as you, Jerry. You already have a lot of followers on YouTube, so you're starting from a higher point. By the way, I'm editing your videos, and your performance was fantastic..."

This season of "The Wilderness" is expected to be released earlier, in February. Director Sean Cable is quite busy after the holidays.

Because he felt that Su Jerry was young and lacked social experience, director Sean Cable took the time to chat with him a bit more.

The production team initially favored runner-up Roland, as he was a tough guy with good hunting skills and luck, possessing almost all the conditions for victory.

In contrast, Su Jierui's life experience and outdoor survival skills are far inferior to Roland's.

But upon rewatching the videos shot by Su Jerry, director Sean Cable discovered that he was pure and persistent, constantly adapting to nature and striving to find all available resources, seemingly possessing a kind of resilience.

While the other contestants were constantly crying and complaining, Su Jierui silently shouldered all the negative pressure, continuously accumulating resources and gaining experience, and arranging everything in an orderly manner. It can only be said that it was reasonable for him to win the championship in the end.

After entering the workforce, director Sean Cable felt that it was difficult to find someone like Su Jerry anymore, and out of a sense of goodwill, he subconsciously wanted to help him.

Moreover, if Su Jerry becomes more popular online, it will obviously help the "Living Alone in the Wild" program team. It's a win-win situation. Every time people see his videos online, they will think of the program, which is equivalent to providing free long-tail publicity for the program.

Su Jierui waited until he finished speaking before seizing the opportunity to get to the point:
“I understand what you mean, Director Sean. Thank you very much for your suggestion. It is something I need to weigh myself… Also, there’s something I’d like to ask you, if it’s convenient?”

"What is it? Go ahead and ask. If you're wondering when the bonus will arrive, I can only say that it's already in the process of being processed. The exact time depends on the finance department, but it will definitely be issued to you."

Sean Cable's tone softened somewhat.

"It's not that... It's actually about the Florida Bass Fishing Championship, the one where registration closes today."

Su Jierui tried to make his tone sound less urgent as he explained the situation:

“I was filming a program at the time. The registration deadline was early December last year. I called to inquire, and now the list of 80 people is already full.”

"After I got home, I bought a large ranch. I only had enough money to buy it, and the subsequent development work was still up in the air. For example, building fences, buying livestock, and maintaining the pastures all require continuous investment. That's why I'm very interested in the $20 championship prize."

"I wonder if Director Sean, or anyone you know, has anyone who can speak with the competition organizers? Even if it's just a chance to try out..."

Thinking about the countless video clips of Su Jerry fishing that he had recently reviewed, director Sean Cable chuckled instantly, his amused voice coming through the receiver:
"Your fishing skills are truly amazing. I've never seen any other angler catch so many big fish like you... Those footage clips are very convincing!"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

All that could be heard was the rhythmic tapping of a keyboard, suggesting that director Sean was working while on a phone call.

"The Bass Bass Fishing Championship...FLW, the World Fishing Federation series?"

Director Sean confirmed.

"Yes, that's it!" Su Jierui's heart jumped into his throat.

"Hmm... their tournament director, I think his name is Mike Kelman? I'm not sure if I spelled the name right."

Director Sean paused for a moment to recall, the keyboard clicking stopped, and then he said to Jerry Su:
“One of the deputy directors of our TV station did a special on outdoor fishing two years ago. I had dealings with him, so we might have some connection.”

“…Okay, Jerry.”

Director Sean paused for a moment, then made a decision:
"I'll give you the deputy director's contact information."

“You can mention my name and tell me about yourself, especially your status as the winner of the latest season of ‘Living in the Wild’.”

"This would be a great publicity point, but don't reveal the champion's identity in advance on other shows, lest this season of 'Living in the Wilderness' loses its appeal..."

Su Jierui finally breathed a sigh of relief and said over the phone, "I understand, thank you very much! That's enough!"

Director Sean emphasized again, raising his voice:

"I can only act as a matchmaker; whether it works out or not is entirely up to you, so don't have too high hopes."

“Spots for these top-level tournaments are extremely limited, and many professional anglers start planning a year in advance. Moreover, even if they value your ‘champion’ title and the potential media attention it brings, and are willing to make an exception and add a spot for you, you still need to think it through, since you are a complete newcomer.”

"The Bass Bass Fishing Championship isn't 'Living in the Wild.' You're competing against a group of experienced professional bass anglers who make a living from it. What are your chances of winning? That $20 isn't as easy as you think..."

"I understand, director! Thank you very much."

Su Jierui expressed his sincere gratitude.

For ordinary people, it is indeed true that different professions are like different worlds, but at least in terms of "finding big bass in the lake", he believes that no one has a better advantage than him.

"Okay, then wait for my email. I have a ton of mess to clean up here, so I'll hang up now. Good luck, kid."

"Thank you, and I wish you a smooth editing process..."

hang up the phone.

Su Jierui turned around and found his younger sister, Arou, looking at him with wide eyes and a face full of expectation.

"So, what did the director say?"

"He promised to introduce me to someone who might know a high-ranking executive at the TV station that organized the competition."

Su Jierui tried to speak calmly, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly:

"Although he said the chances were slim, at least there was a way out."

"Moreover, even if you get a spot, the airfare to Florida, accommodation, and suitable fishing gear... all of these are expenses."

"I'd be happy to participate, even if it's just to shoot some video footage. Seattle winters are too cold. I've heard Florida is very warm, and Miami is there, attracting countless Canadians for vacations every year..."

The thought of the potentially huge expenses that might follow brought back a sense of urgency.

Su Jierui picked up his phone again, looking at the TikTok email, his gaze wavering between "$12" and "$50".

The $50 exclusive contract still seemed incredibly tempting. With that money, he could easily pay for the competition fees, alleviate the financial pressure on the beaver ranch, and even spare his parents the hardship of going out to sea. However, the terms, which were almost like a contract of servitude, instinctively made him resist.

As if speaking to himself, Su Jierui began:

"We can't lock up our future possibilities just for an uncertain opportunity..."

He immediately picked up his phone, decisively began replying to TikTok's emails, and said to Arou:

“I have decided to accept the $12 non-exclusive offer. As for the $50 exclusive contract, I will express my gratitude in my reply, but I will decline the agreement they offered.”

Arou could understand how conflicted Su Jierui was.

It involves a large sum of money, enough for an average middle-class American to save up for several years.

After listening, she only offered her support:
"Okay, you decide for yourself, but it's best not to tell your parents, so they won't nag you for a long time when you get back, like you lost $38."

"Indeed...it's best not to tell them for now..."

Su Jierui smiled, quickly wrote a reply, checked the spelling, and immediately clicked send, not giving himself a chance to regret it.

After making this decision, he felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders.

$12, after deducting taxes and various fees, is still a considerable amount of start-up capital, enough for him to plan many things, such as paying the transaction tax for the beaver ranch, or renovating the lakeside cabin, and purchasing some machinery and equipment needed to develop the ranch.

Director Sean Cable quickly sent him his contact information, and Su Jerry immediately called him to explain the whole story.

The deputy director across from him, Will Perez, was initially a bit impatient, his tone distant and businesslike. But upon learning that Su Jerry had been recommended by director Sean Cable, he agreed to help ask around.

After hanging up the phone again, Su Jerry felt that he owed director Sean Cable a favor.

I started thinking that when I saw the other person again while promoting the seventh season of "Living in the Wild", I would give them a bottle of expensive whiskey or a box of cigars, etc.

To put it another way, if he can maintain a good relationship with director Sean Cable now, in case the "Solo" production team invites past champions and outstanding contestants to return for filming, director Sean Cable might invite him again.

But Su Jierui had only recently escaped his predicament, and he was still a little scared when he thought about it. He still vividly remembered those days of hunger and isolation, and he really didn't want to start all over again and experience living alone in the wilderness for the second time.

……

The waiting time is always particularly agonizing.

Over the next few hours, despite trying his best to keep himself busy, Su Jerry's heart would involuntarily tighten whenever his phone beeped.

On one hand, they are waiting for TikTok to confirm the reply and negotiate the subsequent contract process; on the other hand, they are also waiting for news from the deputy director, Will Perez.

With the deadline fast approaching, every hour that passes means the opportunity is slipping away.

Around 5:30 p.m. that day, the sky had darkened, the snow was falling even heavier, and everything outside the window was a white expanse. Then, an unfamiliar number from New York called his cell phone.

Su Jierui took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.

Is it Jerry Sue?

A slightly hoarse male voice came through, his tone much gentler than during the last call.

“It’s me, Mr. Perez, hello,” Su Jerry replied immediately.

"Yes, I spoke with Mike Kelman from FLW on the phone."

Will Perez didn't waste any time on pleasantries and went straight to the point:

"He was initially in a dilemma. Once the 80 spots were filled, they were filled. Rules are rules, and they valued this very much..."

Su Jierui's heart sank, but he remained polite: "I understand, thank you very much for your help."

"Don't rush, young man."

Will seemed to sense his disappointment, and with a barely perceptible smile in his voice, he continued:

“I mentioned you, the winner of season seven of Solitary Wilderness, who solved most of your food problem by fishing, and I also told him that you are very popular on YouTube.”

"This piqued his interest, and he thought your story and identity had good publicity value. Although the rules are strict, he was willing to make an exception and make you the 'first candidate'. Before the competition officially starts, as long as other contestants withdraw, you can join as a substitute."

"He said he'd instruct his assistant to send the registration link and special code to your email. You need to complete the registration and payment as soon as possible. Okay, I'm driving now. Good luck..."

Will Perez spoke very quickly, presumably because he was busy with something else and clearly didn't want to talk anymore after get off work.

The call was immediately disconnected. Before Su Jierui could even express his gratitude, he suddenly clenched his fist and grinned from ear to ear.

There was no chance before, but now at least we've proactively created one.

The official competition dates are from January 21st to January 25th. There are still two weeks until the start of the Florida Bass Fishing Tournament. During this period, if any other fishermen withdraw, Su Jerry can successfully fill in.

Participating in a bass fishing competition offers a rare opportunity to win a $20 prize in just a few days. As for finding bargains at the dock and opening containers... well, that depends on luck.

There aren't many containers up for auction; a few are posted online from time to time, and even if they do appear, they're not necessarily near Seattle.

They might spend a lot of money on round-trip airfare and hotel expenses to travel a long distance, only to find some worthless goods in the containers to be auctioned, with no chance to sell them at all.

In comparison, the bass fishing competition seems much more secure.

At least the competition rules are clear, and the prize money is very high; the rest depends on individual skill.

For the other participants, since they dared to spend a huge amount of money to participate, their fishing skills are actually quite good. The most difficult part is how to encounter a big bass, which requires a lot of luck and constant trial and error to find waters where fish might be hiding.

For Su Jerry, the easiest task was finding the large bass underwater, which seemed like a challenge tailor-made for him.

That's why he couldn't forget about the $20 prize money, and even called director Sean Cable specifically for it.

With one out of 80 people dropping out, the probability is quite high. Therefore, Su Jierui checked in advance what he needed to prepare and found that he needed at least four or five fishing rods to deal with different fishing rigs. There are also some things to consider regarding fishing lines, fishing reels, and lures.

As for professional bass boats, some people online say that the anglers need to prepare their own, while others say that starting this year, the organizers will provide them, as the organization has become very wealthy since being acquired by the "Professional Fishing League of America".

Worried that he might not understand the rules and regulations of the competition and wouldn't be able to explain how to find bass like others, Su Jerry even went back and watched some past videos.

It's clearly last-minute cramming; it feels just like starting to study the day before an exam...

……

(End of this chapter)