Chapter 19: A Surreal Scam Call

Hmm?

Xu Hao frowned as he pulled out his phone; the caller ID showed an unfamiliar landline number from afar.

This wilderness survival challenge didn’t restrict contact with the outside world – every contestant even received a supplementary battery.

After all, surviving in the wild and staying connected aren’t mutually exclusive, as long as the outside world doesn’t supply survival materials.

“A scam call?”

Instinctively, Xu Hao was about to hang up, but after a moment’s thought, he pressed the answer button.

Since entering the desert, he had barely exchanged more than a few casual remarks with his live-stream viewers; even teasing scammers added a bit of fun.

Otherwise, he feared he might turn into a recluse.

“Hello, hi!”

“Good afternoon. Is this Xu Hao?”

A middle-aged man’s voice soon came through the phone.

“Yes, who is speaking?”

“I’m the head of Human Resources at the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute.”

“Oh? The Ancient Architecture Research Institute? What could you possibly want with me?”

Xu Hao couldn’t help but smile.

Scammers these days come in every shape and size; their fabricated organizations sound grander than any he had ever heard.

“Here’s the deal – our boss happened to notice on your livestream that you assembled a log cabin using mortise and tenon joints instead of nails and wood glue. Impressed by your ancient architecture skills, he wants to invite you to join our institute.”

The voice on the phone continued.

“Invite me to your institute?”

At that moment, Xu Hao felt these scammers were impressively clever. All it took was a wooden framework, and they managed to whip up an impressively professional reason, even mentioning mortise and tenon joints. He had to admire their audacity.

“So what’s in it for me? Do I need to pay a deposit or anything?”

Regaining his composure, Xu Hao decided to tease the caller a little longer.

After all, as long as he didn’t send money, provide verification codes, or click on any bizarre links, it was harmless fun.

“Joining our institute would grant you a department head-level position, with salary and benefits according to Long Kingdom standards. As for the deposit, you’d only need to cover your own medical check-up fee.”

“A department head? Why not a deputy section chief then!”

Hearing about the medical fee, Xu Hao became even more convinced that this was a typical scam.

Needless to say,

for ordinary people, entering the system is like crossing a river with a narrow bridge – how could someone be promised a department head position outright?

“Deputy section chief, huh. Under our Special Talent Recruitment Program, the highest rank available is department head. Of course, if you perform exceptionally, there’s room to rise.”

“That won’t do – your offer isn’t good enough! I’m not going!”

Xu Hao snickered inwardly, enjoying the chance to toy with the scammer.

“Then what terms would satisfy you?”

“Simple – I’ll work at your institute, but you can’t restrict my freedom. And if you’re truly sincere, deposit three months’ salary into my account first. Then I’ll pay the check-up fee. How about that?”

“Deposit the money first?”

“Is that acceptable? If not, I’ll hang up!”

Xu Hao nearly burst into laughter at the caller’s confusion. He had heard of experts turning the tables on scammers before, and today he was ready to give it a try.

“Alright, let me check with our boss. By the way, why don’t you send me your bank account number? If your application is approved, we’ll deposit the salary directly into your account.”

After a brief silence, the caller’s voice resumed.

“Fine, I’ll send it. Expect my message soon.”

Xu Hao chuckled softly.

He had to admit – teasing scammers could be rather entertaining when boredom struck.

“Send the bank account number to this SMS: 139xxxxxxxxxxx.”

“No problem!”

Beep-beep-beep! A minute later, just as the account number was sent, the line filled with static.

“These scammers truly are something! One little misstep and they fall right into the trap.”

Glancing at his dark phone screen, Xu Hao turned towards his live-stream platform.

He figured the matter was over; the scammer would never actually send money.

Ring-ring! Yet, before Xu Hao reached his live-stream phone, his personal phone rang once more.

“Hey, could it really be that scam call again so soon?!”

Raising an eyebrow, Xu Hao checked his phone – it was indeed the same landline number.

“Hello! Has the money been deposited yet?”

“Hello, Xu Hao. I’ve just conferred with our boss; he has agreed to your terms. The issue has been reported to the Finance Department, and after verification, three months’ salary will be disbursed on the 10th of this month.”

The middle-aged man’s voice returned promptly.

“Oh, so the money won’t come immediately?”

“Unfortunately, we have no choice. You know that our institute is funded by the state, so we must follow proper procedures. Also, before the salary is paid, you’ll need to fill out a New Employee Information Form for fully state-funded institutes – an electronic version will suffice.

We’ll also retrieve your file from the Haishi Human Resources Department. In addition, our institute offers new employees the chance to register their household in Yan City. If you agree, once this wilderness challenge ends, you can transfer your household registration to our collective residence.”

Unlike before, the caller now provided extensive details.

Originally, Xu Hao had only intended to tease the scammer, but after hearing these explanations, he began to doubt his own judgment.

No other reason.

The scammer’s explanation was so meticulous and airtight that for a moment, Xu Hao almost believed it might be genuine.

“So, what exactly is the check-up fee? When do I need to pay it?”

Gathering his thoughts, Xu Hao asked.

Though the caller sounded professional, any mention of money transfer was a potential red flag.

“The check-up fee is set at the state standard of 180 per person per test. This fee isn’t paid to the institute; you need to pay it directly at the hospital. Our designated facility is the First Affiliated Hospital of Yan City University, and once your check-up is complete, the results will be archived with your file.”

“So you’re not paying us – I have to pay the hospital directly?”

Xu Hao was momentarily stunned.

The caller’s answer was completely different from what he expected.

He could no longer tell if the person on the other end was genuine or just another scammer. This scheme was unlike anything he had seen online or on anti-fraud apps.

The First Affiliated Hospital of Yan City University wasn’t some unknown facility; it was renowned nationwide.

“Well, as long as there aren’t any state-mandated epidemics, the check-up should be fine.”

“Then…”

Xu Hao was utterly confused.

“I’ve already sent the information form to your phone. Please fill it out at your earliest convenience. Tonight, I’ll submit it. Once our boss signs off electronically, you’ll officially be one of our institute’s staff starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow.”

“You’re serious? Are you really from the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute?”

“Hehe, of course. Wait a minute – you don’t actually think this is a scam call, do you? Hehehe!”

There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by a burst of laughter.

“It does sound that way!”

Xu Hao replied candidly.

“This is definitely not a scam call! If you still doubt it, I can have officials from Wei City contact you. How about that?”