PCMWF Chapter 158

Country D had abundant forest resources. In their education system, forest education and outdoor activities were very important. This was quite different from traditional Chinese education. Niu Niu and Mi Le’s kindergartens held monthly forest hikes. The children lined up and entered the forest, and completing the hike independently was already a great achievement.

Since they were abroad, the production team wanted to do something different. They wanted the children to experience an adventure in a primitive forest, staying true to the show’s original intent and challenging the stereotype of Chinese children being reserved and timid. The four little ones, after an early breakfast, sat in a row, watching a video.

Dense trees towered overhead, forming a natural green canopy. The forest was rich with vegetation like ferns and moss. The ground was covered with thick layers of leaves and branches. The little ones were amazed by the raw, mysterious beauty, especially Su Youli, who had a natural love for plants. When they saw the animals in the video, the four little ones couldn’t contain themselves. They jumped up from their stools. Foxes, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and deer were drinking from the stream.

Mi Le was curious and excited. “Director Uncle, are we going on an adventure here?”

The director smiled and nodded: “Would you like to go on an adventure here?”

Pei Qiqi was more cautious: “What kind of adventure?”

The director: “We’ll spend a wonderful two days and one night in Lake Ehuli Forest. How cool is that?”

Niu Niu tilted her head: “Is it camping?”

The director: “Yes! Niu Niu is so smart!”

Next, the director explained the adventure task. The eight guests would spend two days and one night crossing jungles, shallows, and hills, experiencing life in the forest. Two days and one night wouldn’t be enough to cover the whole forest. The team had marked a small area to ensure safety. The four adults and four children had a lot of camping gear. The production team allowed each family to pack their own bags.

“Good thing they told us the kids would be going into the forest. We wouldn’t be able to buy gear here,” Hua Zhao said.

After getting off the elevator, they went their separate ways to their rooms. This trip abroad was longer, so each family had brought their usual nanny. Tang Dou wasn’t the only one anymore. Shen Yan carried the little one into the room and saw Tang Dou crouched on the floor, carefully packing.

He was almost moved to tears. He put Youyou down and walked over: “Brother Xiao Tang, I’m so glad you’re here.”

Tang Dou smiled and said it was his job.

“The production team is providing the heavy gear like tents and sleeping bags. I checked them out this morning, and they’re good quality. Just in case, I packed an extra lightweight sleeping bag for Youyou.”

Shen Yan crouched down and watched Tang Dou pack efficiently and methodically, every item fitting perfectly into the backpack.

“Flashlight, camping light, two ground mats. I’ll put the heavier stuff in my bag and leave it by your tent. Don’t get it mixed up.”

Shen Yan nodded quickly.

“I packed extra self-heating meals and instant noodles, in case you end up with nothing.”

Shen Yan even saw Tang Dou hesitating over a portable stove and an alcohol burner.

“Isn’t that too much?” Shen Yan asked.

Tang Dou sighed. If not for worrying that Shen Yan couldn’t carry it, he’d bring both stoves and utensils, plus fuel. Youyou was the youngest. If they played some competitive game and came in last, he’d definitely have nothing to eat. In typical variety shows, each family’s supplies were tiered. The last-place family’s gear would be poor. Fortunately, he’d gotten friendly with some staff members and had peeked at some of the equipment.

“It’s only two days and one night. Better to bring too much than too little. This bag has Youyou’s clothes. These are waterproof jackets, and I packed two sets of warm clothes and pajamas.”

Tang Dou packed the clothes and explained carefully.

“Waterproof hiking shoes. These cloth shoes are Youyou’s favorite. He can wear them as slippers at night.

There are lots of bugs in the woods. I put insect repellent and ointment in the first-aid kit’s side pocket.”

Other toiletries, a multi-purpose trowel, and the foldable shovel Youyou liked to use.

“I’ll carry these. Youyou likes plants. He’ll want to collect some for specimens.”

“I checked. Lake Ehuli Forest is hundreds of years old. It’s a great learning opportunity for Youyou.”

Shen Yan, who’d never had children, listened in amazement. When Tang Dou had asked him to bring the little guy’s shovel, he’d wondered why. He was an adult. To him, camping just meant bringing toiletries. He never would have thought of all these details. Tang Dou had anticipated every possible mishap and even packed children’s allergy medication. The first-aid kit was probably better stocked than some pharmacies. Shen Yan was in awe.

Tang Dou had packed the large hiking backpack and handed it to Shen Yan: “Put your things in too.”

Shen Yan turned to get his things, packed them, and zipped the bag. Su Youli also had a new small hiking backpack, bought by his Little Dad and Kun Kun at the mall. The small pack wasn’t as soft as his plush backpack, but it had more space.

Tang Dou put in a small bottle of hand sanitizer, tissues, and some other small items. “I’ll keep your water bottle. If you’re thirsty, tell your big brother to come to me, okay?”

The little guy tilted his head and looked at the big bag next to Tang Dou.

“Brother Xiao Tang’s bag is so big,” the little guy said, pointing.

Tang Dou patted his head: “Yeah, isn’t your brother amazing? Can carry such a big bag.”

“Amazing!” The little guy gave a thumbs up.

Tang Dou had packed most of the heavy things in his own bag, including some of his own stuff. It was heavy but manageable. The production team would also send a vehicle to bring everything to the campsite. He could sneak a ride too.

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