Chapter 16

Qi Ping is very busy now, and this guy's ambition is not small.

San Diego is famous for its warm climate and numerous beaches, and its tourism resources are very rich; it is clear that this city, known as the city of sports, is not short of entertainment. The main sports here include soccer, ice hockey, baseball, basketball, football, fishing, golf, as well as activities like car racing, horse racing, mountain climbing, and water skiing.

So as long as you want to play, there will definitely be plenty of fun activities; even though it's not the best time for the beach, there are still other interesting activities.

Qi Ping's forest is in Ramona, just about an hour's drive from San Diego.

"Hey, man." Seeing Qi Ping's pickup truck arrive at the parking lot, a long-haired rich second-generation got out of a Mercedes SLS and greeted him, "I really didn't expect to run into you again so soon."

"Hope this time we can work together well; I don't want to keep getting taught a lesson," Qi Ping laughed heartily. This was an old acquaintance, a fellow sufferer.

"Let's hope so." The rich second-generation also laughed. Now that he thought about it, it was indeed a funny thing, and he and Qi Ping could be considered fellow sufferers. "How about it? Are you familiar with the exam process now?"

"I think I'm good; this time I won't make those basic mistakes." Qi Ping smiled and bumped fists with the rich second-generation, then formally introduced himself, "Qi Ping, you can call me Qi."

"Steve Xiao." The rich second-generation also introduced himself. Now he and Qi Ping were thoroughly acquainted.

Actually, Qi Ping is doing something big, which is learning to fly a helicopter; although he stubbornly believes it's for the needs of his forest work, he must admit that he also wants to experience the fun of flying a helicopter. It's better to be prepared, so he's getting his license first.

In fact, helicopter licenses also have distinctions. At first, Qi Ping was certainly confused by the various flight schools and complex regulations, but after organizing and summarizing, he basically grasped the process. Qi Ping is now learning a single-engine fixed-wing private pilot's license, not a commercial license; in other words, he is learning the most basic license, but it's enough.

Qi Ping chose a Part 141 flight school certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) because they have more formal training facilities. Although the courses offered by these schools must be reviewed and approved by the FAA, making the content somewhat mechanical and expensive, it's worth it because the training is longer and more standardized.

From the initial registration, submission of information, and payment, to obtaining a special permit from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), then selecting a flight school and getting the course code and health check certification.

After entering the flight school and completing the FAA-mandated ground course, students can schedule their flight theory exam at an FAA-authorized testing center. The exam not only requires students to memorize key points but also to have a deep understanding of the relevant theories and the ability to analyze and handle them.

Although many students pass the exam on their first try, as the theoretical knowledge is not too difficult, some, like Qi Ping and Steve, did not pass. Now they need to retake the exam. It's said that only two people in their batch failed, clearly Qi Ping and Steve.

Other students have already started learning some flying techniques, but these two still need to retake the basic theory exam.

"Do you want to celebrate? I know some nice places by the sea." Qi Ping was very happy because he finally passed the theory exam and could soon start more training; Steve seemed even happier because he also passed the exam. "I can't wait. If I can fly alone, the first thing I'll do is fly by the sea; it might be the coolest thing I've done in my twenty-three years!"

Qi Ping thought about it. Since he had nothing much to do now, he could go out and explore. These days, although it seemed he was quite free, Qi Ping had a lot to do and hardly had any time to rest. As for going out to play, he really hadn't; he was busy and also unfamiliar with the area.

Now it's good. Steve is a rich second-generation and seems to be the type who knows how to have fun. Most importantly, after a bit of interaction, he felt that Steve was a decent person. Since coming to America, Qi Ping hadn't made many new friends, so meeting someone he could talk to was a good opportunity. He didn't want to be a hermit; friends are necessary, making life more interesting.

"Qi, are you learning to fly a helicopter for work?" Sitting by the sea, enjoying the sea breeze and the sun, of course, they also had some drinks. The atmosphere was great, but Steve seemed a bit surprised. He didn't expect Qi Ping to be learning to fly a helicopter for work.

It's not surprising that Steve was surprised. There are many helicopters in the U.S., especially on ranches and farms. However, Steve knew very well that the model they were learning was definitely not the type used on ranches; it was more like a tourism or sports aircraft.

"I'm now managing a forest, and as you know, it's quite large. I need some tools to better monitor the forest's condition. Of course, the scenery there is beautiful, and I can enjoy these beautiful views by flying a helicopter." Qi Ping laughed heartily. The helicopter is for work, but it's also for fun.

"Wow, that's really cool. I'm looking forward to it. Is your forest in Ramona? I'm really interested now; maybe I can have a pleasant weekend there." Steve was surprised, just as he didn't expect Qi Ping to be learning to fly a helicopter for work, he also didn't expect Qi Ping to have a forest.

This is California, one of the most expensive places in the U.S. in terms of land prices. Owning a large forest here indicates that he has considerable wealth. Clearly, this low-key Qi is a wealthy person, a truly wealthy person.

"Qi, compared to you, I feel I'm much worse. This is your property, and you have the right to manage your wealth. I, or perhaps my father, have a lot of money, but it's not related to me now. I only have a nice car, and that's just a nice car." Steve was a bit envious. Although he was a rich second-generation, not all of them spend money recklessly, and many have to be frugal.

"You were born with a golden spoon, and you've always had the best. I don't think you need to envy me. And I know your father may have some expectations for you, but I think when you show maturity, you'll have wealth that makes others envious." Qi Ping laughed heartily. His current wealth is indeed not low, but it's clearly not comparable to the rich second-generation Steve.

"No, no, no, you should understand what I mean. Many times, I want to do something, but my father disagrees. So, my allowance is indeed better than many people's; but in reality, it's not enough. I don't have my own business, so I don't have much say. Unlike you, no one can stop you from spending money." Steve said sourly. What could he do, being a rich second-generation, a rich second-generation who relies on his father.

As for Qi Ping, he is a first-generation rich person. He has the right to manage his wealth and can do whatever he wants. Because he has money, and it's money he earned himself!