King of the Wilderness

Lin Yu’an lowered his head, gently stroking the thick and warm fur on its back, looking at the little creature resting on his lap without any defenses, his heart filled with infinite affection.

After a long time, he carefully pulled his leg out and gently carried December to its little nest. Only then did he turn and walk towards the heavy iron door.

However, just at the moment he grasped the doorknob and gently turned it, the sound of even breathing behind him came to an abrupt stop.

Lin Yu’an turned around, only to see that December had opened its eyes at some point and was climbing up from its nest, eyes like obsidian filled with the panic of being abandoned again.

It didn’t call out, just looked at him with a heart-wrenching gaze.

Lin Yu’an’s heart instantly softened to a complete mess.

He walked back, crouched down, and gently pressed his protective mask against December’s broad forehead.

"Be good, Daddy isn’t going far." His voice was so gentle it could melt ice and snow, "Daddy’s just going to discuss something about you. Something very important."

Looking into its eyes, he spoke each word slowly: "I promise, once December baby wakes up and opens its eyes, the first person you’ll see is me. Okay?"

December tilted its little head, looking at him with an unsure understanding. But it could sense the comforting power in his voice.

It hesitated for a moment, then finally reached out its tongue to lightly lick Lin Yu’an’s cold protective mask before reluctantly nestling back into its little nest.

Lin Yu’an stayed with it a while longer, until he was sure it had fallen back into a deep sleep, he left the isolation area, glancing back every few steps.

When Lin Yu’an and Max took off their protective suits and returned to her office filled with data and charts, the sky outside had already begun to darken.

They sat on the sofa, a coffee table between them, yet the atmosphere was much more relaxed and harmonious than it was back in the apartment.

"Thank you, Lin." Max sincerely said, "I’ve never seen it like that, you... you truly worked a miracle."

Lin Yu’an shook his head, "It wasn’t a miracle, it just proved that the young of any animal cannot be judged by common logic. But the one thing they all have in common is that they can feel love and yearn for it!"

He looked at Max, his gaze becoming incredibly determined, "And I’ve decided to give it a home! Let’s implement the plan we previously discussed together."

Saying this, he picked up his phone and dialed Scoot’s number in front of Max.

The call connected quickly, Scoot’s voice full of enthusiasm, "Lin! What does my dear friend need? Is our sleeping fund about to awaken?"

"Scoot, the funds’ awakening will take some time. Right now I need your help, long story short. How’s the preparation for Bieber’s concert coming along?"

Scoot immediately said excitedly, "Everything’s going smoothly! The date is set for February 1st, China’s New Year!"

"Your creativity is simply genius! Justin and his team absolutely love the idea! We’ve already started global promotional activities around this theme!"

Lin Yu’an nodded, "Great. Regarding the song I’ll perform as a guest, I have an idea."

"Oh? What song? I’ll go get the performance rights sorted for you immediately!"

"The rights aren’t registered yet, there’s only a demo."

"Original?" Scoot was momentarily stunned, then became even more excited!

Lin Yu’an’s tone became somewhat deep, as if immersed in some kind of memory, "Yes, original. It’s a song about once having and fearing losing."

He chose, from his memory, the phenomenal rock ballad that stormed the world’s charts in early 2024.

Benson Boone’s — "Beautiful Things." [See the bonus Chapter for those interested in listening]

This song, from the gentle low whispers of the beginning to the anguished cries towards the heavens in the chorus, the emotional build-up and explosive power were practically tailor-made for him and December.

He had acquired December, this "Beautiful Thing," yet faced the pain of possibly losing it at any moment.

"Once had? Fear of losing? Sounds great." Scoot keenly captured the emotional core.

"Wow! Lin, I didn’t expect you could write songs? Send me the demo as soon as possible, I’ll get the best producers to perfect it for you! And address the copyright issues."

"No problem." Lin Yu’an agreed.

Then, he shifted the focus to the true core of this call.

"Scoot, do you remember the concerns I mentioned to you before about traffic retention?"

"Of course, do you have a new idea?"

Lin Yu’an’s tone became extraordinarily solemn, "Yes, I have an idea. I’ve found the perfect way to accommodate this wave of global traffic."

"I want to establish a Polar Bear Sanctuary."

On the other end of the line, Scoot fell into silence.

Lin Yu’an continued to explain, "Of course, I’m not talking about the kind of traditional zoo where animals are caged. But an open, top-notch habitat integrating conservation, research, education, and limited visitation."

"I’ll livestream and document December’s daily life through my social media every day, from eating, sleeping, to playing and learning..."

"It will become the world’s most unique animal star, and those young fans attracted by Justin’s concert will have a continuing, loving window."