American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 285 Arrival in Anchorage! (A long chapter of over 10,000 words, lots of pictures!)
McCormick shouldered everything, but she didn't know how to move forward. Without the center's financial support and without a professional team, everything had to start all over again.

McCormick's voice was full of exhaustion. "So, I'm waiting now."

"He said he would give me an answer in two days, but I think they will definitely agree. Because they are more afraid of the buried truths than I am."

"Once the agreement is signed, December will completely belong to my team!"

Her voice finally betrayed a deep sense of helplessness: "Lin, I don't know if everything I did to keep it was right or wrong."

"I may have to break my promise to help it get home."

On the other end of the phone, Lin Yu'an fell into a long silence.

McCormick's heart sank deeper and deeper into silence. What she feared most was Lin Yu'an's disappointment.

However, when Lin Yu'an spoke again, there was no blame in his voice, but rather an unprecedented tenderness and understanding.

"McCoz, don't say that."

“You did nothing wrong. If anyone is at fault, it’s me.” His voice carried a hint of self-reproach.

“It’s my feelings for it that made it develop a strong dependence on it, which is why it failed the rewilding training assessment. It’s not your fault.”

These words instantly struck the softest spot in McCormick's heart.

She didn't expect that Lin Yu'an would not only not blame her, but would take the responsibility upon himself.

Lin Yu'an changed the subject, her voice tinged with relief, "And, to be honest, McCormick, hearing this news, I was even... a little happy."

“This means,” Lin Yu’an’s voice was filled with an undisguised longing, “that I might… no longer have to be separated from it.”

McCormick was stunned. These heartfelt words left her momentarily speechless.

Lin Yu'an continued, his tone becoming calm and sharp again, full of insight into the situation: "But, McCormick, do you really think they'll give in so easily?"

"What do you mean? I've cornered them. Aren't they afraid I'll expose them to the media?"

"No, you're only pressuring a few bureaucrats who are afraid to take responsibility, pawns who can be discarded at any time. But behind them is a state apparatus."

“Environment Canada will absolutely not relinquish ownership of a polar bear based on a recording and an old report.”

“McCoz, you need to understand, we are now playing a game with a country. They won’t open this door, and we must be prepared to deal with the consequences.”

"Although they have easily given up on it once in December before, they now want to abandon it again because the risk is too great."

"But they still won't give you ownership; at most, they'll give you a custodial right fraught with legal traps. If the rescue fails, you'll be the perfect scapegoat to be pushed out."

“Once the storm passes, or the situation improves in December, they can take everything back at any time.”

This analysis plunged McCormick, who had just been basking in the aftermath of the victory and anticipating the spoils of war, into an icy abyss.

Lin Yu'an's voice was filled with unwavering strength as he continued, "But don't worry, they won't have that chance again!"

“McCoz, you have won the toughest first half for December.”

“I am so grateful that with your help, I was able to legally participate in the rescue of December. From beginning to end, you are December’s greatest benefactor.”

"Now, I'll take care of the second half. I will never let December die in despair!"

"I want to try again! I want to see if it still retains that dependence on me. If... if my appearance can rekindle its will to live..."

"No matter how much money it costs, no matter how many resources it requires, I will do everything in my power to wrest ownership of December from their hands!"

"We will raise it ourselves and accompany it through the most dangerous and most dependent childhood period."

"I will build it the best, one-of-a-kind home in the world!"

"McCoz, I'll be there tomorrow. Wait for me at your apartment!"

Lin Yu'an's words were like a vow made on an icy plain, full of unparalleled courage and determination, completely overturning all of McCorz's perceptions.

So Lin Yu-an arrived in Fairbanks early today, ready to fly to Anchorage.

The snow-capped peaks of the Alaskan Mountains receded slowly beneath the wings of the aircraft.

After nearly an hour and a half of smooth flight, the familiar and massive outline of Anchorage finally appeared on the horizon, like a steel behemoth crouching on the shores of Cook Inlet.

Following the instructions of the aeronautical chart and GPS, Lin Yu-an began to descend the flight altitude, preparing to enter Anchorage's controlled airspace.

He switched the communication frequency, and the calm and professional voice of Anchorage Approach Control came through his headset.

"Anchorage approach, Turbo Beaver N777LA." Lin Yu'an's voice was calm and confident.

"N777LA, this is Anchorage Approach Control, good morning. Radar acquired, please report your position and intent."

"N777LA, currently located 20 nautical miles south of Tukittner at an altitude of 5500 feet, has received a request for visual approach and is landing at Merrill Airfield."

"Approach request received. Visual approach to Merrill Airfield is permitted. Please maintain your position east of the Cook Inlet coastline and be aware of the Class A airspace of Stevens International Airport. Contact the tower 5 nautical miles before reaching Merrill Airfield, frequency 126.0."

“N777LA received, repeat, stay east of the coastline, contact tower 126.0 5 nautical miles ahead.”

In the skilled air-to-ground communication room, the brightly colored Turbo Beaver, like a precise falcon, glided smoothly towards its destination along the designated air corridor.

Finally, guided by the Merrill Airfield control tower, Lin Yu'an landed the behemoth on runway 25 with a textbook-perfect landing maneuver.

The moment the wheels beneath the amphibious pontoons made contact with the asphalt runway, only a barely perceptible sound was heard.

He piloted the plane, following ground guidance, and slowly taxied to a more private area, ACE Hangars, the most upscale private hangar area at Merrill Airfield.

Lin Yu-an contacted FBO's ground service via radio.

“ACE ground, Turbo Beaver N777LA, requesting a temperature-controlled hangar space for overnight stay.”

"Received from the ground crew. We have an empty space in a shared hangar near Gate 3. The cost is $250 per night. Would you like it?"

"Confirmed, one camera position needed, thank you."

A ground crew member was already waiting there, guiding him to park the plane precisely in the shared, temperature-controlled hangar that housed several other private jets.

When he shut down the turbine engine, the five-bladed propeller slowly stopped spinning with a lingering "hum," and silence returned to the cockpit, Lin Yu'an finally let out a long sigh of relief.

This was his first truly long-distance solo mission flight. The process went more smoothly than he had anticipated, but the intense concentration required still took a toll on his energy.

Feeling the metallic "click" of the turbo engine cooling down, I felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

The feeling of conquering the sky is indeed addictive!
He tidied up his navigation charts and personal belongings, and got off the plane. A damp, cold air mixed with snowflakes and sea breeze immediately hit him.

He waited by the roadside for nearly ten minutes before a bright yellow Ford Crown Victoria taxi finally appeared.

These classic American taxis are becoming increasingly rare these days.

"Where to, friend?" The driver was an obese, middle-aged white man with a thick beard, and his voice had an Alaskan accent.

Lin Yu'an got on the bus and gave the address of the McCorz apartment.

The driver grinned, revealing a set of teeth stained yellow with coffee. "Huh? That research center in the southeast? Looks like another lovestruck young man coming to surprise his girlfriend."

"There's no fun around there, and only love could make a young man travel all the way to Anchorage in this damn weather."

Lin Yu'an simply smiled, offered no explanation, and turned his gaze to the outside of the car window.

The taxi slowly drove away from the airport and merged into the city's traffic.

The view of Anchorage from the window reveals a unique and contradictory landscape as Alaska's largest city.

The snow on both sides of the road was blackened by the wheels of vehicles. Low-rise buildings with a utilitarian style were interspersed with modern commercial buildings with glass curtain walls.

There weren't many pedestrians on the street, and they were all wearing thick down jackets or parkas, walking in a hurry.

In the distance, the Chugaqi Mountains were reduced to a blurry and oppressive outline amidst the wind and snow.

"First time in Anchorage?" The driver, clearly a chatterbox, tried to break the silence in the car.

"No."

"Oh, that's good, otherwise you would definitely be shocked by the prices here."

The driver began his rant: "You know what? Milk and eggs here are 30 percent more expensive than in Seattle! Everything has to be brought in by plane or ship. This awful place!"

He glanced at Lin Yu'an in the rearview mirror, noticing his distinguished attire, and added, "Of course, if you're here for fun, this place is quite nice."

“In the summer, the scenery is as beautiful as paradise. But now…” He looked out the window at the gray sky, “it’s like a trailer for hell.”

Lin Yu'an listened quietly, occasionally responding with a word or two.

His thoughts had already drifted to the apartment they were about to arrive at. He wondered how McCormick was doing.

About half an hour later, the yellow taxi finally came to a slow stop in front of a sleek apartment building.

This area is far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, and backed by the foothills of the Chugach Mountains, so the air seems fresher.

A red number was flashing on the meter.

"Fifty-two yuan and fifty cents," the driver said, clearly satisfied with the long-distance fare.

Lin Yu'an took out three twenty-dollar bills from his wallet and handed them over.

"keep the change."

The driver took the money, and his smile became much more genuine. "Ha! You're such a generous young man! Since you're so generous, I can't let you suffer a loss."

As he rummaged through the money, he said mysteriously, "Even if you want me to give you change, I don't have any. Anchorage taxi drivers all have their own special way of giving change."

As he spoke, he pulled out a square cardboard box from under a pile of receipts and candy wrappers, and threw it into Lin Yu'an's arms with a thud.

Lin Yu'an looked down and saw a beautifully packaged box with the words "Trojan Magnum" printed on it.

"Here's your change." The driver winked at him, a sly smile that only men would understand.

"Don't underestimate this thing. In this godforsaken place, it's freezing cold and there's not much entertainment. There's not much for people to do at night. It's an essential item in Anchorage."

He patted the steering wheel and said in a tone of someone who'd been there before, "I wish you a good date and hope you and your girl have a great time!"

Faced with this Alaskan-style kindness, Lin Yu'an was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

He neither argued nor refused; he simply picked up the small box, smiled helplessly, and put it in his pocket.

He pushed open the car door and got out.

"Hey kid!" the driver called out again from behind him.

Lin Yu'an turned around.

"Remember, dealing with Alaskan women is like dealing with bears here: be gentle when necessary, but when it's time to be fierce, don't hold back!"

After saying that, he laughed loudly, stepped on the gas, and the yellow taxi quickly disappeared into the wind and snow.

Lin Yu'an stood there, his face full of helplessness. This city really was... as wild as ever.

He looked up at the windows of the apartment building, straightened his collar, and walked into the building.

Press the elevator button, arrive at the floor where McCormick lives, and stand in front of the dark gray door.

He could hear faint classical music coming from behind the door, low and melancholic, like Brahms's cello sonata.

He raised his hand and pressed the doorbell.

A few seconds later, the door opened.

The moment the door opened, Lin Yu'an didn't even recognize McCorz in front of him.

She was no longer the brilliant female PhD student who wore a white lab coat, had her hair in a high ponytail, and exuded outdoor vitality.

She was wearing a simple gray loungewear sweatshirt and trousers, her beautiful flaxen hair was casually draped over her shoulders, looking somewhat messy.

Her face was bare of makeup, pale, and her dark circles were impossible to conceal.

Those eyes, which always sparkled with wisdom and witty remarks, were now dull and bloodshot, filled with endless weariness.

When she saw Lin Yu'an's familiar and composed face truly appear before her, the hard shell she had been maintaining finally collapsed completely in that instant.

Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she couldn't utter a single word.

Her eyes, however, quickly reddened and became moist at an uncontrollable pace.

The next second, like a child who had been lost for a long time finally found a harbor, she buried her head in Lin Yu'an's arms, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, and buried her face in his chest.

"You've come," she said, her voice muffled.

Lin Yu'an said nothing, but simply used his arms to hold the trembling body tightly and gently in his embrace.

He could clearly feel her thin shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

He gently patted her back, as if comforting a wounded young animal that had lost all its support.

A long time, a long time.

When the trembling in his arms finally subsided, McCorz, somewhat embarrassed, lifted his head from his embrace, his eyes red, and wiped his face haphazardly with the back of his hand.

"I'm sorry... I lost my composure." Her voice was still hoarse.

"It's okay." Lin Yu'an closed the door and helped her to sit down on the sofa in the living room. "If you want to cry, just cry. There are no outsiders here."

The apartment was just as full of books and scientific charts as when Lin Yu'an last visited, but it was now a bit more cluttered.

The table was piled high with various legal documents and thick reports, with several empty wine bottles and glasses and a half-eaten sandwich nearby.

Clearly, she had barely slept a wink in the past two days.

Lin Yu'an didn't rush to ask anything, but instead went to the kitchen to make her a cup of hot coffee.

McCormick held the cup of coffee, feeling the warmth from his palm, and his emotions finally calmed down completely.

She looked up at Lin Yu'an, her eyes filled with deep regret and struggle: "Lin, I'm sorry. I... I might have messed everything up."

"I might not be able to get ownership in December."

Her voice was filled with frustration: "A high-ranking friend of mine told me that Fisher and his team were indeed intimidated by me. They reported my threats to their respective superiors."

"However, as you might expect, transferring legal ownership of a polar bear to an individual U.S. citizen touches upon Canada's national sovereignty and legal boundaries."

“My friend said that in an internal meeting, senior officials at the Ministry of Environment were furious about this matter. They were willing to agree to give money, and they were willing to disassociate themselves from the issue.”

"But they would never set such a precedent as treason. That would be an indelible stain on their political careers."

"So, the solution they ultimately offered was still the indefinite escrow agreement you mentioned, which was full of traps."

"It sounds wonderful, but in reality, they can find any excuse to take December back at any time."

Lin Yu listened quietly; all of this was within his expectations.

“I…I have no other choice, Lin.” That deep helplessness resurfaced in McCorz’s eyes once again.

"I am just a scientist, and all my weapons are science and logic. But in the face of the much larger and more irrational behemoth that is politics, I... I am powerless."

She closed her eyes in anguish, as if she had made an extremely difficult decision.

"Perhaps... I really can only..."

She took a deep breath and spoke of the past she didn't want to talk about, "...I turned to my grandfather for help."

Lin Yu'an raised an eyebrow slightly; he knew this was the core of what McCorz truly wanted to tell him. "I... I've never talked to anyone about my family matters," McCorz said, looking at the coffee in his hand, his voice low as if he were talking to himself.

“My surname, Connor, carries some weight in Wyoming.”

“My grandfather, Alistair Connor, was the former governor of Wyoming and one of the most influential Republican elders in the western mountains.”

“My mother was his only daughter. And my father…” She paused, a complex emotion creeping into her voice, “was a cowboy from an ordinary herding family.”

This family background, a blend of illustriousness and ordinariness, surprised Lin Yu'an.

He never imagined that the young female PhD student in front of him, who always wore a research coat and loved to complain, actually came from a family that was a true blend of politics and grassroots.

There was a hint of sadness in McCormick's voice: "My parents died in a shooting when I was in high school."

“My grandparents raised me, and they always hoped that I could inherit their political legacy.”

"For my grandfather, the name McCormick represented my mother's rebellion and wrong choice. For me, it represents freedom and... my own roots."

“They wanted me to enter politics, but I… I hate politics! I hate that hypocritical compromise and endless exchange of interests.”

"So I chose science, I chose this cold and pure Arctic, and escaped them far away."

“I haven’t been back to that house for almost three years. I don’t want to beg him, Lin. I really don’t.”

Recalling painful memories, her eyes reddened, and glistening tears were about to overflow. "Because I know that once I open my mouth, it means I'm bowing down to the world I've always resisted."

“Grandpa will help me; he has countless ways. But he will also make it a condition: that I… go back to the place I don’t want to go back to, and become the Catherine Connor he wants me to be.”

"But, for December..."

She looked up at Lin Yu'an, her blue eyes filled with a question: "I don't know what to do. Should I...should I give up my own principles to save it?"

Looking at her fragile and helpless appearance, Lin Yu'an picked up a tissue and slowly reached out to gently wipe away the tears that had slid down her cheeks.

His voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable power.

He pronounced the name, which held profound significance for her, clearly and solemnly.

No, Michaelz Connor.

“You don’t need to bow down to anyone, and you don’t need to become Catherine Connor again for anyone.”

Lin Yu'an continued, her voice carrying a seductive gentleness: "Your grandfather, who raised you, deserves our love and respect."

"But his era, and the set of rules he believed in that used political power to exchange for everything, are over."

“You don’t need to give up anything. You just need to continue being Dr. McCormick, who is purely brave and believes only in science and truth, just as you have always done.”

“You are you, the one and only McCormick. You should live according to your own ideas. I will not let you bear this pressure alone.”

"Leave the rest to me."

These words, like a warm current, instantly touched the softest part of McCormick's heart.

All her persistence, all her loneliness, all her struggles were deeply understood by the man before her at this moment.

These words were the final straw that broke McCormick's emotional defenses.

It was more than just comfort; it was an affirmation, a recognition of her perseverance. This was an affirmation she had never felt in all these years.

She sat on the sofa, staring blankly at the man beside her.

Only a dim floor lamp was on in the living room, its soft light outlining his handsome and exotic profile.

Those deep eyes seemed to reflect a sky full of stars, filled with a reassuring power.

All the grievances and pressure she had been suppressing seemed to find an outlet at this moment!

She could no longer suppress her inner impulses.

She didn't speak, but leaned forward slightly, getting closer to him. The soft cushions of the sofa sagged slightly with her movement.

Lin Yu'an noticed her approach and subconsciously turned his head.

In that instant, McCormick reached out and gently cupped his cheek with his hand, which was a little cold from nervousness.

Then, she closed her eyes, like a little animal that had mustered all its courage, and pressed her equally cold yet soft lips onto Lin Yu'an's lips.

[Image uploaded manually, AI can't run it, (*^▽^*)]

In that instant, Lin Yu'an's body stiffened abruptly.

An indescribable, uniquely clean scent belonging only to McCormick instantly enveloped all his senses.

It wasn't the cloying sweetness of any commercial perfume, nor the fragrance of cosmetics worn by urban women.

It was a scent... with a hint of coolness, like the smell of fresh snow falling on fir branches on a winter night in Alaska.

He could clearly feel the softness and slight trembling of her lips, and the desperate, burning desire for comfort.

But he didn't move.

He didn't respond, didn't deepen the kiss, and didn't push her away. He just stood there stiffly, letting her cling to the only piece of driftwood like a drowning person.

Time seemed to slow down at that moment.

At first, McCormick was completely immersed in this emotional outpouring. But gradually, she realized something was wrong.

She received no response. Lin Yu'an's lips were warm, yet passive. His hands rested loosely on her waist, maintaining a restrained distance.

Slowly, somewhat bewildered, she pulled away from his lips.

She opened her eyes and saw Lin Yu'an's eyes, still clear, yet 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 overwhelmed her.

"I'm sorry..." Her voice was barely audible, she didn't even dare to look him in the eye, she just wanted to disappear into the ground, "I...I...Am I really that bad..."

Lin Yu'an felt a surge of pity when he saw her looking like she was about to cry and filled with self-doubt.

He knew how much of a blow his indifference had been to an American girl.

He cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look him in the eye. His gaze was sincere and frank as he exclaimed, “McCoz, you are one of the most charming and unique women I have ever met.”

"You are beautiful, very beautiful. Your intelligence and your strength are fatally attractive to me. Believe me, no normal man could resist your charm."

To prove his point, he glanced down meaningfully.

A helpless smile curved his lips. "It has given me the most honest answer."

She followed his gaze, her expression returning to normal, but her ears instantly turned a deep red, as if they were about to bleed.

(Please give me a monthly pass for the sake of this picture! I wonder if this one picture will get me 900 monthly passes.)
"Then why..." she asked softly, feeling both embarrassed and ashamed.

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

Looking into her eyes, he said, "Because you are too vulnerable right now. You are under tremendous pressure, you are tired and helpless. You are seeking comfort and support."

"I don't want to, and I can't, take advantage of a vulnerable moment like this. That's not respect, that's blasphemy!"

Lin Yu'an's voice carried an irresistible sincerity and expectation.

"I hope that after you calm down, you can become that confident, strong, and fearless genius female PhD again."

"Think about it carefully again. What was the reason for your kiss tonight?"

"At that time, whatever your answer is, I will respect it and respond to you seriously."

These words completely shattered all of McCormick's inferiority complex and doubts.

He wasn't rejecting her; he was protecting her. Protecting her fragile emotions at this moment, and protecting her right to make a more informed choice in the future.

She looked at the man in front of her, at his restrained expression due to desire, yet his eyes remained clear and open.

For the first time, she understood that there really is a type of man in this world whose reason and respect can supersede his most primal instincts.

What he gave her was not a fleeting passion, but a longer-lasting and more profound commitment.

But under the gaze of McCorz, filled with emotion and admiration, Lin Yu'an's inner thoughts were far more complex than he appeared.

What he just said was the truth. But it wasn't the whole truth.

The reason for not taking advantage of the situation is not only due to morality and respect for women.

The deeper reason lies in a reborn person's extremely calm consideration of human nature and their current life.

But he must admit that he has a strong attraction to the woman in front of him, which could even be described as desire.

McCormick is like an uncut gem, full of contradictory charm.

She appears strong, possessing the extreme rationality of a genius scientist. But inside, she is like a young animal that has never experienced the world, innocent, fragile, and yearning for warmth.

This extreme contrast is fatally attractive to any man.

The clumsy yet passionate kiss, and the unique scent emanating from her, had triggered a powerful and honest reaction in his body.

If he could set aside all his concerns, he would love to comfort this strong yet fragile woman right here on the sofa, in the most primal way.

But, he can't.

A month ago, he visited them on a night after December, and under the influence of whiskey, they exchanged secrets.

McCormick knew that Arya and Emily were already in his family.

Lin Yu'an also learned that she was a blank slate who was confused about her sexual orientation and had zero dating experience.

If he really had sex with such a blank slate tonight because of a momentary impulse, what could he give her?
A chaotic future that needs to be shared with two other women? A family pattern that she may not be able to understand or accept at all?

He didn't want to use his complex brushstrokes to tarnish a clean and pure piece of white paper.

He didn't want to hurt the woman who had just opened her heart to him because of a momentary desire.

Of course, deep down, Lin Yu'an harbored an even deeper and more selfish thought.

If... just if... if McCormick had completely calmed down, recognized his true feelings, and understood his family situation, he would still be able to accept it, and even be willing to integrate.

Lin Yu'an didn't mind, and even longed for, another equally outstanding and unique mistress in his kingdom.

But all of this must be based on her willingness and clear-headed decision-making.

Instead of what she's doing now, on a night when she's vulnerable and dependent, a relationship that might lead to future regrets.

Finally, and most importantly, Arya and Emily.

They are the cornerstone of his family and the source of all his happiness. The addition of any new member requires their heartfelt acceptance and recognition.

It is absolutely impossible for him to go back and inform and repent to them after making a mistake outside, like a husband who has done something wrong.

If that day ever comes, he must solemnly and honestly seek the opinions of his two queens and discuss the future of the family with them.

Thinking of this, Lin Yu'an looked at the woman in front of him who was still immersed in emotion, her cheeks flushed.

All the desires and restlessness in my heart began to subside slowly, leaving only a patient and tender feeling.

He told himself silently, "No rush, there's plenty of time!"

Lin Yu'an was the first to come to her senses. Looking into McCormick's blue eyes, which were shimmering with emotion and a hint of feeling, she knew that now was not the time to indulge in an ambiguous atmosphere.

He needed to pull her out of the emotional turmoil and help her return to being the rational scientist she once was.

"Alright, McCormick. Let's discuss how to win this war."

His voice regained its steady and powerful tone, as if the awkward man who had just pitched the tent had never existed.

This shift allowed McCormick to quickly pull himself out of the emotional turmoil he had just been in.

She took a deep breath, nodded, and her eyes regained focus: "But what can we do now besides passively waiting for their reply? The initiative is entirely in their hands."

"No." Lin Yu'an shook his head, his eyes gleaming with a shrewd, calculating light.

"If we just passively wait, we'll only ever receive handouts from others. What we need to do is take the initiative!"

"The initiative is never given by others, but created by yourself. When your opponent is many times stronger than you, it is foolish to confront them head-on."

“What we need to do is find what they care about most, what they are most vulnerable to, and then put the knife to their throat.”

"Then provide them with an optimal solution that they cannot refuse, leaving them no choice but to walk the path we have paved for them."

"As for what they care about most? Their reputation, their careers, their public image. And I happen to have the weapon that can completely destroy both of those things."

Seeing the puzzled look in McCormick's eyes, he began to explain his plan.

The plan took shape in his mind the moment he received the call, and he continued to refine every detail.

"First of all, our core weapon is not your recording, nor that old report."

"That recording and report is a nuclear bomb that can destroy everything. It can only serve as a last resort. It can be placed on the launch pad, but the button should never be pressed lightly."

"Because once the nuclear missile is detonated, public opinion will instantly spiral out of control. Although it may hurt them, it will also turn into a chaotic war that no one can predict the outcome of."

“In that kind of chaos, December would likely become a victim of political infighting, forcibly taken away or quarantined, which would put us in a passive position, which is not in line with our actual expectations.”

"True nuclear deterrence always resides on the launch pad. But the capability to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles is essential, and I happen to possess that capability to launch this intercontinental ballistic missile!"

"What I'm betting on now is that those pampered officials won't dare to go down with us; they'll lose far more than we do."

"In their eyes, December is just a commodity, a matter of face, but definitely not a treasure worth risking one's political career for!"

McCormick listened intently; she could sense that Lin Yu'an was constructing an extremely large and meticulous plan.

Lin Yu-an explained, "Discovery Channel has decided to move up the broadcast date. 'Wilderness Solitaire: The Frozen Throne' will be available globally soon, and we will be doing a lot of global promotion."

"During this period, the entire process of how December and I met will be shown for the first time."

"In addition, next month, I will also be a special guest at a grand concert held at Madison Square Garden, which will be broadcast live worldwide."

"Justin Bieber's concert?" McCormick asked, somewhat surprised.

Lin Yu'an nodded. "That's right. I made Scout and Justin a lot of money from their personal investments. Now, I'm definitely not just an ordinary friend in their eyes."

"If I ask him to cooperate with me on a charity project at his concert, they will definitely agree to the request, and they will even cooperate with me in any way they want."

"So, we now have two trump cards in our hands."

"First, the Discovery Channel has the most complete video footage of my rescue of December, which is where the story began."

"Secondly, I am about to have a top-notch stage that can attract the attention of tens of millions of people around the world at the same time. It is the trigger for the climax of the story."

"Based on these two cards, I have carefully prepared two paths for Environment Canada and their allies. Or rather, a sword and an olive branch."

"The first path is the sword."

"If they refuse our core demands, or offer a so-called escrow agreement riddled with legal traps, then I will play out the worst-case scenario!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

(End of this chapter)