King of the Wilderness

Bo raised the issue from another perspective: "And your cattle here are too precious. For us, losing a calf is just losing a few hundred US Dollars."

"For you, losing a calf from the Giant Stone River might be like losing a Porsche, your asset risk is too high."

The brothers spoke one after another, pointing out potential vulnerabilities in the ranch security system from the aspects of defense depth, night threats, and asset risk.

Lin Yu’an listened carefully, and they were completely correct. His current security system was strong when it came to defending against people.

But when dealing with these cunning four-legged poachers, there was indeed a crucial, missing piece.

The previous farmer’s approach was to maintain the healthy ecological numbers of the land, achieving a perfect ecological balance between the wolf pack and the deer herd.

Yet even so, incidents of calves being preyed upon occasionally occurred, with the wolves targeting the calves as training objects for their pups’ hunting lessons!

Only after such an incident was discovered would Old Hunter send cowboys into the mountains to hunt wolves. A clean-up would stabilize the situation for some time.

However, Lin Yu’an didn’t like this reactive approach; he preferred to take initiative.

"What suggestions do you have?" Lin Yu’an inquired.

Wyatt looked at him, with a smile of approval on his face. He wasn’t worried about Lin Yu’an being inexperienced, only about him not accepting suggestions.

"Not so much suggestions, just some old methods we’ve been using," Wyatt said, "You need to build a biological defense line."

Garrett chimed in: "That’s right! You need dogs! A large pack of well-trained guard dogs that can live with the cattle."

"This not only solves the problem but is also legally most advantageous for you. According to Wyoming state law, if a wolf pack is attacking your livestock, you can shoot to protect them."

"But if you actively go hunting, you might get into trouble. And these dogs, they are on site 24/7."

"Their barking is the most direct attack alarm and provides the most legal justification for any future defensive actions."

Wyatt concluded with a more specific idea: "Over in Montana, many large ranches now prefer mixed breeding approaches."

"Using a few intelligent Border Collies adept at herding, combined with massive guardian breeds like Great Pyrenees or Caucasian Shepherds that have innate protective instincts."

"The former acts as herders, managing the cattle, while the latter serve as bodyguards, deterring and driving away any predators daring to approach. Their defensive efficacy can even surpass that of cowboys."

This conversation was no longer a one-sided guidance but a genuine discussion.

The McKinley brothers expressed their highest level of recognition and acceptance of this new family member through the means they excelled at.

Without jealousy or boasting, they wholeheartedly shared the farming management experiences accumulated by their family for generations.

Lin Yu’an listened intently, nodding occasionally, and etched these valuable pieces of knowledge into his memory.

"Thank you, Wyatt, Garrett, and Bo. This advice is crucial, and I’ll have someone start working on it immediately."

Meanwhile, the women were engrossed in topics revolving entirely around the two adorable babies.

"Oh, look at Olivia’s eyes," Martha said while holding her granddaughter, her face beaming with joy.

"This color... it’s so special! Not purely green, but like the lakes of Montana just after the spring thaw, with a hint of soft green. Just like Aliya when she was young!"

"Ethan’s nose and mouth look exactly like Lin’s! He’ll surely grow into a charming young man."

Elizabeth gently caressed Ethan’s little face, and the little guy, thinking she was playing with him, giggled cheerfully.

Abigail then took out a small bear doll she had sewn herself, teasing Olivia: "Come, little darling, see what this is? Grandma made it for you."

Catherine, watching the warm scene, said to Aliya and Emily: "You’ve raised your children so well. We really hope you can stay over more often; we all miss these two little ones dearly."

Hearing this, a spark of warmth flickered in Aliya’s eyes, and she smiled at Mother Catherine: "Mom, we will. In the future, we’ll often bring the children back to visit you."

Emily also added softly: "Yes, when the kids are a bit older, we’ll have the brothers teach them horseback riding and fishing."

This heartfelt and accommodating response brought smiles to the faces of the four mothers.

Soon the sun set, dyeing the entire snowy mountain in a golden red hue.

Irena and her team had prepared an even more sumptuous dinner. The roast meat was wafting with the aroma of rosemary and thyme, while the flames in the fireplace danced more vigorously.

Little Jack and Little Kyle had already become Lin Yu’an’s little followers, sitting by his side on the left and right.

Listening to him recount how he fished big ones from under the ice and built igloos on the Labrador Coastline. Their eyes were filled with boundless admiration for this all-capable uncle.

Kley and Emily were happily engaged in conversation. Unlike the other older brothers who only focused on farms and hunting, he showed more interest in Emily’s education and her previous city life.

As Kley sipped his beer, he curiously asked: "So you really worked in an art gallery in New York? Wow, that must be fascinating."

"I’ve always wanted to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but Dad always said that’s for sissies."

Emily laughed at his bluntness: "Of course not, art is for everyone. Next time there’s a chance, I can take you there."

The family head, Robert, hadn’t spoken much. He just sat quietly by the fireplace, smoking his pipe, observing everything with his sharp eyes.

He watched the joyous smiles of his daughters, the admiring looks of his grandsons, the heartfelt acceptance and exchanges of his sons, and his young yet steady new son-in-law, as steadfast as a mountain.

He silently tapped out the ashes from his pipe, picked up his whiskey glass, and walked to Lin Yu’an’s side.

Robert didn’t utter those conventional welcome words, he just extended his calloused hand and gave Lin Yu’an’s shoulder a firm pat.

He said slowly: "Lin, to be honest, ever since you went to Alaska, I’ve been dreaming about Aliya struggling in that cold wilderness."

He paused, his eyes showing a hint of the most sincere parental affection.

"Fortunately, I’ve seen this family. My worries have completely vanished, but there’s still one thing that has always been a wish of our family."

"You know the situation of our family. The traditions of Mormonism, though not understood by the secular world..."