King of the Wilderness

Minister Winters’ face showed a formulaic politician’s smile for the first time.

He nodded with satisfaction: "Very well, Mr. Lin, Dr. MacKeez. I believe this is a perfect outcome beneficial to all parties. Isabella will stay in Anchorage to finalize all legal details of the agreement with your lawyers."

He paused, leaning slightly forward, as if to share a secret among friends, but his tone was filled with significance.

He said leisurely: "Of course, since we are now partners, the positive publicity regarding this innovative cooperation should, in my personal opinion, also become an important part of our collaboration. What do you think, Mr. Lin?"

Winters revealed his true purpose; this was not merely crisis management but a political investment. He began to ask for a return.

Without waiting for Lin Yu’an’s reply, he continued on his own accord: "For instance, on that highly anticipated stage at Madison Square Garden, in that story about love and protection..."

"If Mr. Lin could appropriately mention our Environment Canada’s flexibility and humanitarian spirit demonstrated during this transnational rescue in his narrative, I think it would greatly help solidify the fruits of our cooperation and demonstrate to the world the image of a responsible major power."

He didn’t finish his sentence, just took a gentle sip of water from the cup on the table, but his sharp eyes never left Lin Yu’an’s face, making his intent crystal clear.

Mai Ke’s brows furrowed slightly, feeling somewhat averse to this blatant political exchange.

But Lin Yu’an was not at all surprised. When Winters, after being met with a lethal threat, not only didn’t haggle but offered unexpectedly generous terms, he had already guessed at the minister’s calculation.

This old fox was not compelled to surrender; he was making a grand gamble! Betting that the political return from this Little Polar Bear would far exceed the risk of the assessment report being exposed.

His previous tough stance regarding the Red Line was just a brilliant show to test Lin’s bottom line and resolve.

Understanding all this, Lin Yu’an’s face revealed a knowing and mutually understanding smile. This ambitious minister had already paved the broad avenue to victory for him, and now it was his turn to provide the most needed political capital for this ally.

He slowly spoke, with a hint of appropriately measured respect in his voice: "Minister, I think you may have a small misunderstanding about the story I am going to tell."

On the other end of the screen, Winters’ gaze slightly intensified, his hand holding the water cup suspended in mid-air.

Lin Yu’an continued, his tone becoming extremely sincere: "The version of the story I will tell is singular, and that is the path of glory."

"On that path, Environment Canada has never been a passive collaborator but a bold leader! I will clearly explain this to the whole world in my story."

He looked at Winters, then, as if struck by a sudden thought, added with more weight: "Moreover, I even believe that merely praising the Environment Canada department is far from enough, because it wasn’t the institution that made all this happen, it was people."

"Minister Richard Winters, it was you who, after learning of the news, pushed through opposition with exceptional vision and resolve to facilitate this transnational rescue cooperation. I will tell the whole world that it was your wisdom and courage that gave December a brand new future."

These words were like the warmest spring breeze, precisely blowing into Winters’ heart. All he wanted was praise for Environment Canada, but Lin Yu’an gave him credit for all the achievements himself!

This young man from the East not only instantly understood his ambition but also adeptly and actively placed this monumental credit on his head!

Winters looked at the young man on the screen, whose eyes were deep and smile sincere, and for the first time felt a slight... appreciation.

The smile on Minister Winters’ face finally became less formulaic and took on a touch of genuine warmth.

"Very well, Mr. Lin. It seems our understanding of the cooperation is highly aligned." He set down the water cup, signaling the conclusion, "I very much look forward to witnessing a wonderful performance next month."

"Pleasant cooperation, Mr. Lin."

"Pleasant cooperation, Minister."

"Oh, and Isa, make sure to fully cooperate with the lawyers to expedite the conclusion. I have many duties requiring your attention here."

Isabella instantly grasped Winters’ underlying message, which was to quickly sign the contract without obstacles and to return to Canada as soon as possible.

With the conclusion of the video conference, the screen went dark. A tacit political deal, transcending money and law, was thus reached.

And December’s future was finally securely locked in the safest vault.

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(Good afternoon! Another Crazy Thursday.)