My Manor

"Come on, what kind of oil? Gasoline?" Jiang Hai was stunned when he heard the word "refuel" and asked Mullen in confusion.

"I guess so. Aviation gasoline is much more expensive than regular gasoline, but that's all I can use." Mullen-Rupert thought for a moment after hearing Jiang Hai's question, then turned to him and started the engine. The main and auxiliary propellers began to spin.

As the lift increased, Jiang Hai and the others lifted off the ground and headed toward a gas station nearby.

Gasoline is naturally divided into different grades. The higher-quality ones are purer, while cheaper varieties are thinner. Of course, not all cars can use the high-quality gasoline. Some older models might break down if they use premium fuel. Similarly, newer cars can malfunction with low-quality fuel.

Although Jiang Hai wasn't an expert in gasoline, having bought a car in the U.S., he had some understanding. In the United States, gasoline is measured in gallons, not liters. In most areas, the price of gasoline doesn't exceed $2 per gallon, which is about 3.78 liters. This means the price is roughly 50 cents per liter, or around three yuan in RMB, though that refers to the cheapest type of gasoline.

The gasoline grades in the U.S. are different from the 93 and 97 octane ratings commonly seen in China. Here, the grades are 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade), and 93 (premium). Interestingly, 97 octane in China is roughly equivalent to 87 octane in the U.S.

Jiang Hai typically uses regular fuel at gas stations, having never purchased anything beyond these three grades.

Perhaps sensing Jiang Hai's confusion, Bell, while piloting the plane, explained the difference between regular gasoline and aviation fuel through the headset. Aviation fuel is specifically designed for aircraft. Large commercial airplanes typically use this kind of fuel, and the fuel charges in China are a reference to it.

Aviation gasoline is generally used, with the better option being aviation kerosene, though kerosene, like diesel in relation to gasoline, is more powerful but harder on the machinery. It is mainly used for larger aircraft. Jiang Hai's plane, for example, runs on aviation gasoline, which is available at many gas stations in the U.S.

The gas station was located between Jiang Hai and Boston Airport, just a short drive of around ten minutes. However, the plane arrived in only a few minutes, as the station had some fuel left from the previous day, making it quite convenient.

After explaining the purpose of the visit, the gas station staff went to prepare the aviation gasoline. Jiang Hai and the others stepped off the plane and began chatting around it.

Suddenly, a convoy appeared in the distance, attracting the attention of Jiang Hai and his group due to the roar of their engines. The convoy consisted of six or seven vehicles, none of which were ordinary cars like Jiang Hai's pickup truck.

Jiang Hai scanned the vehicles and recognized the two in the front. Based on the logos, they were likely Land Rovers, though he wasn't familiar with the other vehicles.

"They're all civilian armored vehicles, boss. You all stay back for now," Bell said after noticing the convoy. Having dealt with such vehicles for many years, he quickly assessed the situation.

"Stay alert," he added as he climbed into the cockpit of the plane. He retrieved a Beretta 92F from the front partition and tucked it into the gun bag on his leg.

While it wasn't certain whether these people were hostile, it was important to stay cautious. With so many shootings happening every year in the U.S., it's better to be prepared.

It wasn't clear whether they saw Jiang Hai and his group or were just coming for fuel, but the lead vehicle signaled and pulled into the gas station, joining the line to refuel.

Jiang Hai, still considering whether he should purchase a civilian armored vehicle, couldn't help but admire the durability of the large vehicles.

While he was contemplating, a man got out of the co-pilot seat of the last vehicle. Jiang Hai immediately noticed the gun on his lap — a .50 caliber Desert Eagle, which he also owned. The man chatted with others in his group before heading towards Jiang Hai and his team.

As the man approached, Jiang Hai and his group took in his appearance. He was around two meters tall, with a circle of beard around his face. While his beard wasn't long, it gave him a distinctive look. He wore a camouflage suit and a green cap, which made him appear even more imposing.

Jiang Hai, observing the man, noted that with such a large issue back home, he still had time to venture out. However, in the U.S., such things weren't uncommon.

"What's the matter?" Bell asked sharply as the large man drew closer. The recent events at the manor made him extra cautious, so when the man was about ten meters away, he called out.

"Oh, I wanted to ask how far it is from here to the Appalachian Mountains," the big man replied, clearly aware of American customs. Since Bell had asked from such a distance, the man understood the need for caution and stopped.

"You're off course," Bell responded, "If you go further, you'll reach Winthrop, but fortunately, you can still turn around now. It'll take more than three hours to drive west from here."

"God, I knew we were going the wrong way!" the large man exclaimed, slapping his forehead in frustration. He then turned to the first vehicle that had refueled, shouting to the driver.

The driver, a white man around forty, jumped out of the vehicle. He was shorter than the large man, standing around 1.75 meters, with short blond hair, a clean-shaven face, and a pair of glasses. He wore a loose shirt.

After hearing the large man's comment, the middle-aged driver hurried over with a map.

"Shut up, Will," the man said, his voice a mix of irritation and apology. He smiled at Bell and handed over the map.

Bell, who had already noticed the driver earlier, only allowed him closer once he confirmed the man wasn't carrying any weapons.

After scanning the map, Bell pointed out their current location.

"Ah, damn, we're so far off..." the middle-aged man muttered in disbelief.

"We'll never get there tonight," he added. "Let's find somewhere nearby to stay overnight and try again tomorrow." Hearing Bell's estimate, the large man sighed.

It was already past three in the afternoon. If they kept going, it would be dark by the time they arrived, and setting up camp in the dark didn't seem like a good idea.

"Hey, buddy, where are you headed?" Jiang Hai asked the large man, now more relaxed after confirming they weren't a threat. He couldn't shake the feeling that there were no mountains near Boston, but this guy kept mentioning the Appalachian Mountains. Was he mistaken?

"We're heading to the Appalachian Mountains to hunt!" Will said with a grin, patting the Desert Eagle on his lap as he spoke.

"Hunting?" Jiang Hai's interest peaked. It wasn't that he had never hunted before—well, if catching a turkey counted as hunting, then he had—but he had never hunted anything more substantial.

"Yes, hunting, or as we like to call it, 'burning guns.' We're all members of the Gun Enthusiasts Association and the Wilderness Survival Association. We regularly organize wilderness survival trips, hunting, camping, and immersing ourselves in nature!" Will explained, seeing the interest in Jiang Hai's eyes.

They did these survival trips about once a month or so, though the environment was harsher in the U.S. than in China. In addition to the risks from other people, wild animals also posed a danger. Will mentioned they once went to Alaska and hunted a polar bear.

Typically, they hunted smaller animals like rabbits, wild boars, and deer, which fascinated Jiang Hai. He had never hunted anything like that. Glancing back at Fu Yuan, he noticed that Fu Yuan's eyes were also brighter. Though activities like fishing at sea, flying in a helicopter, riding horses, and shooting fish were exciting, hunting seemed even more thrilling!

(To be continued…)