King of the Wilderness

Time seemed to slow down at this moment.

At first, Max was completely immersed in the outpouring of emotion. But gradually, she sensed something was off.

She didn’t feel any response. Lin Yu’an’s lips were warm, yet passive. His hands rested lightly on her waist, maintaining a restrained distance.

She slowly, somewhat at a loss, pulled away from his lips.

She opened her eyes and saw Lin Yu’an’s clear eyes, filled with complex emotions. There was appreciation, concern, but none of the... desire she had hoped for.

A huge, indescribable sense of shame and inferiority instantly drowned her.

"I’m sorry..." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s, she didn’t even dare to look into his eyes, wanting to find a hole to crawl into, "I... I... Am I really that bad..."

Lin Yu’an looked at her, about to cry and full of self-doubt, feeling a wave of compassion in his heart.

He knew how much his indifference just now was a blow to an American girl.

He cupped her face, forcing her to look at him, his gaze sincere and frank as he genuinely praised, "Max, you are one of the most charming and unique women I’ve ever met."

"You’re beautiful, truly beautiful. Your intelligence, your strength, all have a deadly attraction to me. Believe me, no normal man could resist your charm."

To prove his sincerity, his gaze meaningfully glanced downward.

The corners of his mouth curled into a helpless smile, "It has already given the most honest answer for me."

She followed his gaze, her expression unchanged, but her ears instantly turned so red they seemed ready to bleed.

(Offer a vote because of this picture! Not sure if this picture can get 900 votes.)

"Then why did you..." she asked, both embarrassed and distressed, in a low voice.

The helplessness on Lin Yu’an’s face disappeared, replaced by unprecedented tenderness and respect.

Gazing into her eyes, he said, "Because you’re too vulnerable right now. You’re under immense pressure, tired, helpless. You’re seeking comfort and support more than anything."

"I don’t want, nor can I, take advantage of this moment. That wouldn’t be respect, it would be desecration!"

Lin Yu’an’s voice carried an irresistible sincerity and hope.

"I hope that after you calm down, when you return to being the confident, strong, fearless genius PhD that you are."

"You can think carefully about what this kiss tonight truly meant."

"By then, whatever your answer may be, I will respect it and respond earnestly."

These words shattered all of Max’s insecurities and doubts.

He was not rejecting her; he was protecting her. Protecting her vulnerable emotions and her right to make a clearer choice in the future.

She looked at the man before her, his eyes tempered by desire but still clear and open.

She understood for the first time that there really is a kind of man in this world, whose reason and respect can transcend primal instincts.

What he offered her was not a fleeting passion, but a longer, deeper commitment.

But under Max’s gaze, filled with emotion and admiration, Lin Yu’an’s heart was far more complicated than his expression showed.

Everything he said was heartfelt. But it wasn’t the whole truth.

His restraint wasn’t solely out of morality and respect for women.

The deeper reason was the calculated consideration of a reincarnator toward human nature and his current life.

But he had to admit, he had strong feelings for the woman before him, even desire.

Max was like an uncut jade, full of contradictory charm.

She was strong on the outside and had the extreme rationality of a genius scientist. But inside, she was like a young beast untouched by the world, naive, fragile, and yearning for warmth.

This extreme contrast is a fatal attraction for any man.

The awkward yet passionate kiss and her unique scent caused the most honest and intense reaction in his body.

If he could disregard all concerns, he wanted nothing more than to comfort this strong yet fragile woman in the most primitive way on this couch.

But he couldn’t.

A month ago, after a night of visiting December and under the influence of whiskey, they exchanged secrets.

Max knew he already had Aliya and Emily at home.

And Lin Yu’an knew she was confused about her sexual orientation, like a blank slate with zero romantic experience.

If tonight, he acted on impulse with such a blank slate, what could he offer her?

A chaotic future shared with two other women? A family dynamic she might not understand or accept?

He didn’t want his complex paintbrush to stain a pure, clean canvas.

He especially didn’t want to harm this woman who had just opened her heart to him, out of mere desire.

Of course, deep within Lin Yu’an’s heart, there was a deeper, more selfish thought.

If... just if... when Max has completely calmed down, recognized her true feelings, and, even knowing about the family situation, is still able to accept or even willing to integrate, then...