King of the Wilderness

And just at this moment, he knew that it was about to face its destined demise, and that he had the power to save it.

Countless tragedies occur around the world every day, and he could not, nor did he have the ability to save everyone.

However, since destiny had brought the story of this little creature to him in such a manner...

It indicated that there was an unavoidable fate between him and it that must be fulfilled.

This was unrelated to kindness; it was solely about his profound reverence and understanding of "destiny" as a reincarnator.

This realization dispelled all the hesitation and struggle in his heart.

He knew what he had to do.

He not only had to save December, but he also had to save this little tiger!

He wanted them to grow up together in his kingdom and become the best of friends.

One was the proud "little princess" who lost her mother in the ice fields.

The other was the naive "little fool" who survived in the forest.

This thought stirred an unprecedented sense of responsibility and determination in Lin Yu’an’s heart.

He knew he couldn’t wait any longer.

"Let’s go." His voice was huskier than before, but also more resolute.

He didn’t say anything more; he simply, at the moment of turning to leave, bound the fate of this little "survivor" completely with his own.

As the two walked back down the bright corridor leading to the main research area, Lin Yu’an suddenly stopped.

"MacKeez." He turned and looked at her, his tone calm, but what he said made MacKeez think she had heard wrong.

"I want to adopt that little tiger."

"What?" MacKeez was taken aback.

"I said, I want to adopt it." Lin Yu’an repeated, his eyes incredibly serious.

"When our home in Wyoming is built, I want to bring it and December over together."

"Let them grow up together as companions. I think it would be beneficial for both of their psychological health."

"Lin, this... that’s impossible!" she instinctively retorted, "December’s situation is already an unprecedented exception!"

"A polar bear and a Northeast tiger... they are completely different species from entirely different ecosystems! Putting them together will lead to big problems!"

She continued, addressing the difficulties with scientific rigor, "Additionally, the little tiger’s health... though it doesn’t have any fatal illnesses, its cognitive impairment is permanent."

"What it needs is professional, long-term rehabilitation therapy and behavioral guidance focused on the neurological development of large felines."

"This requires a team of feline specialists with extensive experience. I... our team, we study Arctic biology; we don’t have that capability!"

Lin Yu’an listened quietly, then nodded: "You’re right, these are professional problems we need to solve."

"But now, what we need to solve is how to keep it alive past next Monday."

These words, like a bucket of ice water, instantly calmed MacKeez down.

Yes, no matter how complex the scientific challenge, it becomes insignificant in the face of the basic problem of survival.

"So," Lin Yu’an continued, "you, or rather, your independent December conservation project, apply to the center to adopt that little tiger."

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

Lin Yu’an explained: "I am an outsider, with no qualifications. But you are different; you are the center’s top scientist and now the head of an independent project."

"For you to step forward and take in a historical issue about to be discarded with nowhere to go is sensible and reasonable."

"As for the money and the future team of feline experts needed, I’ll handle all those issues."

Half an hour later, Lin Yu’an and MacKeez were standing outside the office door of the center director, Fisher.

Seeing them, Fisher immediately put on a professionally warm smile, even getting up to pour them two cups of coffee.

"Mr. Lin! Dr. MacKeez! Is there some progress on the December project?"

MacKeez got straight to the point with her prepared speech: "Director, we’re here for a minor issue. Regarding the Siberian tiger cub being kept in the logistics isolation area..."

Upon hearing the words "Siberian tiger cub," the smile on Fisher’s face stiffened slightly.

MacKeez continued: "I heard the center plans to humanely dispose of it. I think that might be somewhat hasty. As a living being, it should have a chance to continue living."

She took a deep breath, "Therefore, on behalf of my independent December conservation project, I formally submit this application to the center."

"We are willing to unconditionally take in the Siberian tiger cub and cover all its future feeding, medical, and lifelong care expenses."

After listening, Fisher leaned back in his leather chair, interlacing his fingers and showing a troubled expression.

He spoke slowly: "Dr. MacKeez, I personally admire your kindness very much. But this matter, I’m afraid, is difficult."

"Although the tiger is being kept with us, its legal custody still belongs to the law enforcement department that confiscated it, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Our center has no authority to decide its fate."