"Speaking of reputation and status, these things are much more powerful than you think. If your status and reputation aren't enough, some circles simply won't let you in."

At this, Zhao's expression changed slightly.

He seemed to recall something and then said, "You seem to have some connection with that outdoor sports equipment boss, Lv Guocheng. You're kind of squeezed into the wealthy circle, but when others contact you, at most they're doing it for Lv Guocheng's sake."

"Without Lv Guocheng, even if you have money, people wouldn't really treat you as a friend. Instead, they'd think of ways to set you up and swindle your money. Got it?"

After Zhao said this, Chen Wen really felt it a bit.

Apart from Belmont, who had direct interests related to him, not many others really reached out to him.

Even that Ed who was fixing Chen Wen's house reached out to seek investment from him.

"Alright, I suppose it's a little useful."

Chen Wen muttered this, making Zhao wish he could take a swing at Chen Wen.

Things that everyone values so much become just "a little useful" to Chen Wen?

No longer dealing with the seemingly "Versailles" style Chen Wen.

Zhao said, "If you have any questions, just ask me directly on WeChat. I'll tell you everything. Among the young people in our association this time, only you two are worth looking at, the others aren't so great. We'll give you extra support, also..."

Zhao glanced at Chen Wen, quietly reminding him: "Take it easy with your issue with Feng Zhong, that guy is not someone with a broad mind."

Chen Wen nodded, indicating he understood.

After Zhao left, Chen Wen and Hua Yun discussed as they watched.

It didn't take long for him to get a general idea of the Eight Extremes Challenge.

"The next one starts in half a month, the Desolate Extreme, surviving in the heartland of Australia. Looks like the first Eight Extremes Challenge will be this one."

Chen Wen said with a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

The heartland of Australia, which is the Australian desert.

Including the Great Sand Desert, Simpson Desert, and other four major deserts.

This place can be said to be a paradise for poisonous insects and snakes. Among the most venomous snakes in the world, a large number can be found in this area.

The specific rules are not clear to Chen Wen yet, but he knows that Zhao and Feng Zhong had previously failed in challenges involving Australia!

This place is definitely not easy!

And when talking about the Desolate Extreme Challenge in Australia, Zhao showed a really annoyed expression.

He also told the two that he definitely wouldn't touch the Desolate Extreme Challenge until the last year.

Hearing Chen Wen's words, Hua Yun nodded slightly.

The two had a bit of that fearless youthful spirit, and they were relatively adept at desert survival.

The two have reached a consensus, planning to start the challenge from the Desolate Extreme.

But just as Chen Wen was flipping through the related information about the Desert Extreme Challenge.

Beside them, Feng Zhong glanced at the two.

A hint of disdain rose in his heart, and he signaled to the people beside him to look towards Chen Wen.

As the vice president, naturally, many people gathered around Feng Zhong.

And because of his personality traits, the people around him, put simply, were all lackeys.

Each was skilled at reading others and flattering, but their survival skills weren't particularly strong, just barely passable.

At the very least, none of them left an impression on Chen Wen.

Under Feng Zhong's gaze, two people slowly walked over with playful expressions on their faces.

But before they got close, Chen Wen, who could guess what they wanted to do, suddenly looked up and made eye contact with them with his bright eyes.

[Intimidation]!

Those two shivered, as if they were suddenly stared at by a predator from the forest, and felt a chill all over.

One of them even stumbled back half a step, crashing heavily into a chair, causing a loud crash. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The original discussion immediately quieted down.

The members all curiously looked over, wanting to see what was going on.

Chen Wen withdrew his gaze, showing a curious look as well.

But in his mind, he was shaking his head.

This is so typical, isn't it?

In real life, there's actually such a leader who, with just a gaze, incites others to mock strangers?

Before, when reading novels, Chen Wen felt that such people didn't exist in reality.

But now it seems.

The world is full of surprises!

Feng Zhong was also a bit embarrassed.

His people hadn't even reached over yet, and they were scared away by a mere glance, really...

While the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Liu Yu sent off the president and came back.

Looking at the quiet crowd, he curiously asked, "Finished already? So fast?"

Zhao grinned and said, "Liu, cut the crap, let's finalize the participant list, the usual rules."

Liu Yu glared at Zhao.

He was only a bit over two years younger than Zhao, but every time, Zhao would directly call him Little Liu.

Leaving Liu Yu speechless.

"Alright, since Vice President Zhao says so."

Liu Yu quickly retaliated, calling Zhao by his least favorite nickname.

Zhao bared his teeth from the audience but didn't continue to cause trouble.

And Liu Yu confirmed the list: "The tentative list, the five who have participated before, Zhao Tian, Feng Zhong, Zhuo Yunfan, Ding Jinyu, Xu Qiang."

"The remaining five, Chen Wen, Hua Yun, Du Hengyu, Du Sheng, Xiao Feng."

After Liu Yu announced the list, those whose names weren't called showed expressions of dissatisfaction.

Now that the list is set, why did you call us here?

But Liu Yu continued, "This list is only tentative, everyone can be eliminated, and in the next three days, we'll conduct various tests and adjust the list."

"As for this tentative list's basis, it's determined by your survival situations. Those who made it either have won championships in domestic survival competitions or have ranked in the top three in international survival challenges. Any complaints, consider why you've been in the association for so long without any notable achievements?"

Liu Yu concluded, unwavering, meeting everyone's gaze.

He was confident in this tentative list and didn't mind others' doubts.

Those who had just shown dissatisfied expressions looked down upon seeing such a gaze.

Liu Yu scanned the room and said, "In the next three days, everyone has a chance to become an official contestant, so work hard."

"Once the list is finalized, on the evening of the third day, we'll hold the seed player selection. The criteria will still be the players' award records, the three-day tests, and the players' win-loss relationships. You can vote based on these."

"The entire process will be open and fair, and if there are any questions."

Liu Yu turned to the makeshift whiteboard and wrote a set of numbers: "This is the president's phone number, you can call directly."

After that, he shook his head and said, "Carry on."

After Liu Yu left,

Chen Wen secretly mused, seems like the association isn't all that reliable either, as he had already reached agreements with Adam before. Maybe he should try cooperating with outsiders?

After all, he's not familiar with most people in the association, except for Hua Yun and Mr. Zhao.

If these two are willing to cooperate, they could be brought along.

Chen Wen had no expectations for the others.

And he had also thought of the worst outcome.

If all else fails, he'd continue being a lone wolf.

After all, while there are advantages to surviving with others, it's not overwhelmingly so.

On the contrary, in solo survival situations, many of Chen Wen's tactics could shine.

He wasn't worried about being at a disadvantage as a lone wolf.