King of the Wilderness

"Haha, no need for formalities with titles. Technically, you and Shengzi were buddies since childhood, and I’m just a few years older. If you’re fine with it, just call me Uncle Liang like Shengzi does!" Liang Wenbin used this approach to instantly close the gap between them.

"How could I possibly refuse, Uncle Liang." Lin Yu’an replied with a smile, maintaining the proper respect.

"Good, good. Yu’an, your performance at Madison Square Garden in New York was seen by everyone in our city’s cultural and tourism system and it was spectacular! Absolutely spectacular!"

His voice was filled with genuine admiration.

"Especially when you wore our traditional Chinese attire and introduced the Chinese New Year to the world, with such poise and confidence! Honestly, all of us who have worked in cultural promotion for our entire careers feel a profound sense of respect and pride!"

"What you achieved in that one night is greater than what we’ve accomplished in a year! You’ve won great honor for our country!"

"You’re too kind, Uncle Liang. I was just doing what I felt I should do." Lin Yu’an replied humbly.

"Now, now, that’s not an exaggeration!" Liang Wenbin immediately countered.

"By the way, I heard from Shengzi that you’ve become a father now? And it’s twins? How are things going? Raising kids in a foreign country must be tough!"

His words instantly brought the conversation from national affairs back to the warm, down-to-earth realm of family matters, full of genuine care from an elder to a younger person, filling Lin Yu’an’s heart with warmth.

"It’s been alright, my wife is very capable, and we have a nanny to help us at home."

"That’s good to hear, that’s good." Liang Wenbin sighed before, almost unobtrusively, steering towards the main topic.

"Yu’an, Shengzi told me about your idea. Honestly, when I first heard it, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep all night!"

"I reported your idea in its entirety to Director Zhang of our province’s Department of Culture and Tourism. I’ve known Director Zhang for many years, and as soon as he heard about your project, he immediately approved it!"

"Director Zhang said, what does Yunnan need the most right now? It’s someone like you, who understands Chinese culture and also has global influence, to showcase Yunnan’s unique natural beauty and the charm of its ethnic culture to the world!"

"Your idea is like... it’s like just when you feel sleepy, someone hands you a pillow!"

"Director Zhang asked me to tell you that as long as you’re willing to set the first episode of your program in Yunnan, our department will provide you with the highest level of support!"

"Whether it’s shooting permits, coordination with local governments and nature reserves, or logistical and security support, we’ll provide you with a green channel!"

"To sum it up in one sentence, whatever issues you encounter in Yunnan, our cultural and tourism system will be your most solid backing!"

Liang Wenbin’s tone grew incredibly passionate and sincere.

"How about this, Yu’an? It’s hard to clarify things over the phone. Coincidentally, we’re hosting an important international tourism industry summit in Kunming in early March."

"On behalf of Director Zhang and in the name of the Yunnan Province Department of Culture and Tourism, I formally invite you to return to the country as our distinguished guest so we can discuss this in detail!"

"We’ll handle the tickets and all the arrangements. Yu’an, we need you! Seven-Colored Yunnan needs you!"

Hearing this invitation brimming with sincerity and resolve, a genuine smile appeared on Lin Yu’an’s face. He knew that the first step toward filming back home, and the most crucial one, was now securely taken.

"Uncle Liang, I am very grateful to you and Director Zhang." Lin Yu’an’s voice was equally filled with gratitude, "It is my honor to contribute to the promotion of our country. I accept this invitation!"

With the main issues settled, the atmosphere in the call became even more relaxed.

"Yu’an, that’s the spirit! Come home often!" Liang Wenbin said with a smile, his voice full of warmth, "If it’s convenient this time when you return, bring the kids along!"

"Let them experience the mountains and rivers of our motherland in advance and see the customs of Yunnan. That way they’ll know where their roots are when they grow up."

He replied with a smile, "No problem, Uncle Liang. I’ll definitely discuss this with my family, they’ve always wanted to see China with their own eyes."

"As for the kids, it’s also my wish for them to connect with their homeland early. I’ll let you know as soon as we’ve set the schedule."

"Good, good!" Liang Wenbin heard the sincerity in Lin Yu’an’s words and chuckled with satisfaction, "Alright then, Yu’an. I won’t keep you any longer. You take care of things on your end first, and just update me when you finalize the schedule."

"Of course! And please send my regards to Auntie. When I return, I will definitely visit you and bring you some local specialties from here to try."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Yu’an let out a long breath, as a warm rush of nostalgia and anticipation flowed through his heart.

He turned around to see Emily standing quietly at the study door, holding Olivia, and it was clear she’d listened to the entire conversation.

"We’re... going back to China?" Emily’s eyes glimmered with curiosity and longing.

"Yes." Lin Yu’an stepped forward, gently kissed her forehead, and then kissed Olivia’s chubby little cheek.

At that moment, Aliya also came in from the children’s playroom holding Ethan; she’d heard Emily’s question and immediately broke into a bright smile.