Chapter 49

"Xiaobo, how is the listed company you went to?"

Su Xiaofan and Wu Xiaobo were on their way to a club that was quite far from Yan University, about a fifty-minute drive. Due to traffic congestion, Su Xiaofan started chatting with Wu Xiaobo in the car.

"Hey, it's just a listed company, it sounds good, but that's all."

Wu Xiaobo complained, "The headquarters is indeed a listed company and quite famous in the country. However, the place I work at is just one of its subsidiaries, not in the city, but in Miyun..."

"Xiaobo, what kind of business is it?"

Zhang Ji also asked, as they were all more connected through Qi Rouyun, and didn't interact much with each other, so they weren't very familiar with Wu Xiaobo's recent situation.

"Outdoor sports, the company I'm at now mainly deals with outdoor sports projects."

Wu Xiaobo explained, "We handle everything from outdoor sports equipment and training. The company has over thirty branches in the country and is considered a leading enterprise in the industry..."

"Xiaobo, what do you do there?"

Upon hearing about outdoor sports, Su Xiaofan's heart raced. If he wanted to become a meteorite hunter, he would likely need to deal with outdoor sports.

"We have an outdoor sports association in Yanjing, which is sponsored by our company."

Wu Xiaobo became enthusiastic when talking about his work.

"Most of the association's activities take place in Miyun, and I handle some coordination there, basically doing odd jobs."

"Xiaobo, does your outdoor sports include outdoor exploration?"

Su Xiaofan asked, "If someone wants to go to uninhabited areas, can your company provide technical guidance and support?"

"Of course."

Wu Xiaobo nodded, "Our company specializes in this. Besides selling outdoor equipment, training and organizing activities are our main sources of profit."

"Most of the outdoor exploration activities in Yanjing, like those for hiking enthusiasts, are organized by our company."

Wu Xiaobo himself was a fan of outdoor sports, which is why he chose this job. Although he was just an intern, he had already decided to join the company after graduation.

"Xiaobo, if I want to cross an uninhabited area alone, what kind of equipment should I purchase from you?"

Su Xiaofan asked casually, "What kind of training is needed? How much would it cost in total?"

"Cross an uninhabited area?"

Wu Xiaobo was taken aback, "Su Xiaofan, are you planning to cross an uninhabited area? You're not joking, right?"

"I'm just asking, maybe I'll have the chance in the future." Su Xiaofan smiled.

"Crossing an uninhabited area is very dangerous, especially alone. Accidents can happen at any time."

Wu Xiaobo said seriously, "Old classmate, if you really have this idea, I advise you to drop it. Every year, people with similar ideas die in uninhabited areas, and their bodies are never found."

"We're just chatting."

Su Xiaofan laughed, "Tell us the safest way to survive in the wild, let us learn something."

"You've come to the right person. I recently made a survival plan for an outdoor mountaineering team."

Wu Xiaobo became excited when talking about his expertise, "Let's start with personal outdoor exploration. To ensure maximum safety, you need the right equipment.

By equipment, I don't mean just a set of hiking clothes or a hiking stick, but a car!

For crossing uninhabited areas, a reliable off-road vehicle is much safer than a motorcycle.

Additionally, you need a waterproof backpack, sleeping bag, clothes, and raincoat, as well as cooking utensils, food, and water, ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water...

Besides these, a compass, GPS, medical supplies, and essential medicines are also necessary.

Before setting out, you must plan your route and develop an exploration plan.

Old classmate, outdoor exploration is not simple. Don't think it's easy just because you've watched a few episodes of foreign survival shows..."

After three years of school, although they weren't very close, Wu Xiaobo knew Su Xiaofan had a wild side and was very determined. His words were genuinely meant to advise Su Xiaofan.

"It's quite complicated, and meteorites are hard to find."

After hearing Wu Xiaobo's words, Su Xiaofan scratched his head. However, meteorites were crucial for his repair value. Whether he became a meteorite hunter or bought them, he would inevitably deal with meteorites.

"Xiaobo, how much would this set of equipment cost at your place?"

After some thought, Su Xiaofan asked.

"Over a million."

Wu Xiaobo gave a price.

"So expensive?"

Not only Su Xiaofan, but even Zhang Ji and the others in the car were shocked. For students still in the ivory tower, this was clearly an astronomical figure.

"It's not much, I'm actually underestimating it."

Wu Xiaobo shook his head, "A reliable off-road vehicle costs about 600,000, and the other equipment would cost 400,000, which is just mid-range. For top-tier equipment, it would start at a million."

"To cross an uninhabited area, you also need to participate in survival training. Our company's training program costs over 30,000 per session, which should be included in the cost."

Wu Xiaobo had only mentioned the cost of the equipment, but now he added the training fee, emphasizing that such training was essential to greatly increase survival chances in the wild.

"Alright, let's wait until the repair system recovers, and I earn some money first."

Hearing Wu Xiaobo's words, Su Xiaofan shook his head helplessly. He had only about 20,000 left in his account and owed 150,000 in debt, so he couldn't afford to learn survival skills.

They continued chatting as the car stopped at the entrance of a large compound within the Second Ring Road.

Looking through the iron gate, it was dark inside with no lights or sounds, a quiet place amidst the bustling Second Ring Road.

"Is this it? It seems to be a former government office, right?"

Wu Xiaobo said uncertainly after getting out of the car.

"The class monitor is over there, let's go."

Liu Fei saw Zhou Siwei's car parked at the entrance.

"Everything is arranged, you can go in directly. We'll meet in the lobby."

Seeing Su Xiaofan and the others get out of the car, Zhou Siwei gave an OK sign, indicating they could go in directly.

The security guard at the gate indeed let Su Xiaofan and his group in.

"There's a whole different world inside."

After entering the iron gate, Su Xiaofan and the others found a parking lot behind the gate.

On both sides of the parking lot were two rows of two-story buildings, with no lights inside except for the bright lobby of the buildings.

"The east side is for dining, and the west side is for singing."

Zhou Siwei, who had parked his car, walked over and said, "This used to be a government compound, but it was later bought and converted into a club, which only accepts members, not the general public."

"Still, Zhou Ge, you're amazing to get us in here."

Zhang Ji looked around exaggeratedly. In fact, except for Mo Zixuan, none of them had been to such a private members' club before, and it was Su Xiaofan's first time as well.

"There used to be many such clubs, but many were shut down. The ones left are the top-tier, with deep backgrounds."

Zhou Siwei smiled faintly, "I only come here occasionally because I sometimes need to entertain people, and my family helped me get a membership. It's too expensive to come often."

Actually, bringing Sun Jiajia's classmates here today was a favor for Mo Zixuan. Otherwise, a few college students wouldn't be worth his time to spend here.

Singing in this place costs at least 16,888 yuan for the cheapest private room.

If you order expensive drinks, spending over 100,000 yuan in one night is common. Zhou Siwei himself had only been here a few times.

Leading everyone into the grand lobby, Zhou Siwei quickly booked a private room with a minimum spend of 16,888 yuan.

Although expensive, it was worth it. The room was lavishly decorated, covering over 100 square meters, with a luxurious sofa and a coffee table filled with various drinks and snacks.

Four male and female servers stood on either side of the sofa, quietly asking what drinks everyone wanted, providing exceptional service.

"Since there are more ladies, let's order a bottle of champagne. Server, bring us a bottle of Black桃A."

Even Sun Jiajia, who had been here once before, felt a bit uncomfortable. In the end, Zhou Siwei ordered more drinks and encouraged everyone to sing.

"When will we be as successful as Zhou Ge?"

Zhang Ji said knowledgeably, "Zhou Ge, a bottle of Black桃A costs over 20,000 yuan, should we order something cheaper?"

"No problem, I only come here occasionally, a bottle or two won't bankrupt me."

Zhou Siwei was a bit annoyed earlier because he didn't bring a sidekick, but Zhang Ji's understanding made everyone aware of the consumption level.

Hearing Zhang Ji's words, everyone except Mo Zixuan and Su Xiaofan felt even more uncomfortable.

Mo Zixuan had been to such top-tier clubs before, and the ones she went to were even higher-end, with people Zhou Siwei couldn't reach, so she felt at ease here.

Su Xiaofan had been in society for a few years. Although he went from a millionaire to bankruptcy in a few hours, his mindset was completely different, and he could remain calm in such a setting.

However, the luxury here still shocked Su Xiaofan. He and Gangge used to eat at street stalls and sing at poorly soundproofed KTVs, never having been to such a high-end place.

The initial discomfort quickly dissipated after a few drinks, especially when the music started, and the atmosphere in the room became lively.

Although Zhou Siwei came from a good family, he didn't have the airs of a rich kid. He was very considerate throughout, even helping Su Xiaofan pick a song.

Of course, his care was focused. Mo Zixuan's song was always the first.

Those who didn't sing played dice games suggested by Sun Jiajia and Zhang Ji, with everyone participating and having a great time.

They were all old classmates, and except for Su Xiaofan, they were all still in school, so there were no pretentious or confrontational situations like in novels.

After a few rounds of games and drinks, even Su Xiaofan joined in, feeling like they were back in high school, with the years of separation fading away.

Su Xiaofan sang very well and didn't shy away when it was his turn, earning applause from everyone with a song by Jay Chou.

However, Su Xiaofan knew who the main character was today and didn't sing again, instead playing games.

Everyone was in high spirits, playing until around 11 PM, when they ended the gathering at Mo Zixuan's suggestion.

"Senior, let me drive you back. The club has other cars to take everyone home."

As they walked out of the room, Zhou Siwei asked everyone to wait in the lobby while he arranged for their departure.

"No need, I'll go with Yunyun and Su Xiaofan. We're all at Yan University, and you're tired today, so go home and rest early." Mo Zixuan smiled and shook her head.

"That's not right, it's just a driver."

Zhou Siwei's voice was a bit high, as the host, he had drunk beer, champagne, and red wine, and had been toasted by everyone, so he was a bit tipsy.

"Siwei, you should go home first, you're a bit drunk." Sun Jiajia, supporting Zhou Siwei, whispered.

"That's nothing, I can handle another round..."

"Hey, isn't that Mr. Tong?"

At that moment, a group of people entered, and the leader was greeted with a 90-degree bow by the receptionists. The lobby manager immediately went over to greet them.

Zhou Siwei, who had been a bit unsteady, suddenly became more alert upon seeing the leader.

"That's the owner here, I heard he also has a listed company, with deep connections."

Zhou Siwei whispered to the others. The last time he came here with his family, Mr. Tong had toasted his father, who was very pleased and felt honored.

"Tong Dongjie?" Su Xiaofan also saw the person and was taken aback. When he met him at Jingxin Hall earlier, Tong Dongjie didn't have this kind of presence.

"Tong Zong is here, Jiajia, let go of me."

At that moment, Tong Dongjie saw the group in the lobby and walked over. Zhou Siwei quickly had Sun Jiajia release his hand.

"Xiaosu, what a coincidence, are you here with friends to sing?"

To everyone's surprise, Mr. Tong came over and, ignoring Zhou Siwei's outstretched hand, patted Su Xiaofan on the shoulder.

"Tong Zong, it's a coincidence, I'm here with classmates today."

Seeing the awkward Zhou Siwei, Su Xiaofan smiled bitterly and greeted Tong Dongjie. He didn't expect to run into him here and didn't want to steal the spotlight.