King of the Wilderness

He pointed to the beautiful dress Lin Yu’an was wearing, "This outfit is so extravagant and unique. Can you tell us what it is? What’s the story behind it?"

Lin Yu’an’s face broke into a proud smile.

"Of course, I know many people are curious. It’s neither a costume nor a Chinese-style design from some luxury brand."

"It’s called Hanfu, one of the traditional garments of our Chinese nation. The piece I’m wearing is of Ming Dynasty style."

"And today, I’m wearing it because it’s a very special day." He looked at the audience below, his voice becoming resonant and clear, filled with festive joy.

"At this moment on stage, in my homeland — China, it’s already the first day of the Chinese New Year."

"We call this festival Spring Festival, Chinese New Year. Perhaps the sound of firecrackers has just subsided, with families visiting each other and exchanging blessings."

Justin immediately understood, and shouted to the audience with his incredibly infectious voice, "Guys! Though our party here is just starting,

on the other side of the earth, our best friend Lin, his family, and compatriots are celebrating their most important festival of the year!"

"Let’s send our New Year’s blessings across the time zones to them! Happy Chinese New Year!"

"Happy Chinese New Year!"

The blessings of nearly twenty thousand people merged into a huge wave of sound, reverberating throughout the venue!

Lin Yu’an bowed deeply once again to everyone.

"Thank you all! And I wish everyone, in the new year, to guard well the beautiful things in your lives."

He straightened up, looking at the curious faces below the stage, his lips curling into a mysterious smile, and teased one last bit of suspense.

"I know, you still have many questions about my story with December."

"Want to know how we met? Want to know what we’ve been through together? Want to know what other miracles happened on that ice-sealed land that you don’t know about?"

He pointed to the big screen behind him.

"The answers will be revealed tonight."

"The latest episode of ’Wilderness Solo Living: Frozen Throne’ will be released simultaneously worldwide tonight."

"Go watch the show. Trust me, you’ll find all the answers there!"

When Lin Yu’an stepped off the stage and returned to the bustling backstage, he was greeted by Scoot’s bear hug.

Scoot shook his head and sincerely sighed, "Lin, tonight, you have... redefined what it means to be a surprise guest."

Lin Yu’an just smiled and declined Scoot and Bieber’s invitation to join their celebration party.

"No, guys." While untying the luxurious and heavy Hanfu, he said, "My New Year is just beginning. I have to go home."

"Now?" Scoot glanced at his watch, "The earliest flight won’t be until tomorrow morning."

"No, now." Lin Yu’an’s tone was uncompromising.

As he changed into his comfy casual clothes, he picked up his phone. Once the screen lit up, a few messages and photos from Aliya immediately captured all of his attention.

The first photo was taken in the warm, fire-burning living room of Eagle’s Nest.

Ethan and Olivia, two exquisite little kids, were sitting side by side on a sofa draped with a red wool blanket.

They were wearing two sets of mini traditional Chinese jackets.

Ethan’s was a festive bright red with a small golden tassel hanging from the frog buttons. Olivia’s was a delicate pink, with intricately embroidered cloud patterns on the cuffs and collar.

The two black-haired, blue-eyed dolls, dressed in the most traditional Chinese attire, looked so adorable and full of cultural contrast, immediately touching the softest spot in Lin Yu’an’s heart.

The second message was also a photo.

Emily, wearing an apron, was standing by the large kitchen island with the cook.

A little flour smudged her face, as she carefully pinched the edge of a dumpling.

Her profile under the warm kitchen light appeared incredibly gentle and focused.

And in the background, on the huge floor-to-ceiling window facing the snowy mountains, were a few finely cut "Fu" character window decals!

The third was a short video.

In the video, Aliya was holding the phone, excitedly walking around the living room, showing him the New Year decorations at home.

Besides the window decals, a string of small red lanterns hung on the mantelpiece of the fireplace. Even the few huge indoor plants had some red cards hanging on them.

The whole Eagle’s Nest, originally full of American Western-style grandeur, was at that moment adorned with these simple red elements, bringing out the festivity and warmth unique to the Chinese New Year.

At the end of the video, Aliya turned the camera on herself, her light green eyes filled with laughter and yearning.

"Darling, we were watching your livestream at home! You were amazing! Hurry back, we’re all waiting for you to share the first dumplings of the year!"

Looking at these photos and videos, imagining his family thousands of miles away in Wyoming, working hard to create a New Year full of surprise and love for him,

a never-before-felt and irresistible homesickness overwhelmed him.

He couldn’t wait another second!

"Scoot, I need your help. I need a private jet. Now, immediately, one that can fly directly to Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming."