American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 306 Unexpected Data

He seemed to be trying to calm himself down, so he took a deep breath and then began to report the results to Lin Yu'an in a professional tone that suppressed his immense excitement and spoke very quickly.

“Listen to these numbers, Lin. Just now, Nielsen’s preliminary ratings data came out.”

"Our first episode premiered with an amazing 3.2 rating among our core 18-49 demographic in the United States!"

"This means that more than four million Americans watched our show at the same time! This number is not only the highest since the series started."

"It even surpassed the premiere record for all unscripted reality shows this year!"

Arya and Emily both gasped when they heard the number.

Although they didn't fully understand the meaning of ratings, they knew the enormous influence behind the number of four million Americans.

“But this is just the beginning!” Mark’s voice trembled slightly. “The highest number of concurrent viewers on the official YouTube livestream has exceeded 7.8 million!”

"The server's backend engineer just called me to say that their traffic monitoring system almost issued a red alert!"

"The last time they encountered this situation was during the World Cup final!"

"On social media, the topic of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne has garnered over 50 million views worldwide!"

"Our show is now the undisputed number one trending topic on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! There are no competitors!"

Mark paused for a moment, seemingly trying to calm himself down from his overly excited state.

"Lin, do you know what? Before the show aired, our PR team was struggling to deal with the boycotts from animal rights organizations. But now the situation has completely reversed."

"The topic of saving polar bear cubs swept across all platforms like a perfect storm."

"Now, the whole world is praising you and our team for their humanistic care. Even PETA, which used to keep attacking us, has remained unusually silent on their official Twitter account."

"I bet they're having an emergency meeting right now, figuring out how to adjust their strategy so they don't get overwhelmed by this flood of positive public opinion."

"You not only saved a bear, Lin, you also ignited the entire show!"

Lin Yu'an listened to all this with a faint smile on his face. He could imagine Mark in his Los Angeles office, gesturing excitedly and talking animatedly.

“This is only the first episode, Mark,” Lin Yu’an calmly reminded him.

“Of course I know!” Mark replied immediately, his voice filled with unprecedented confidence.

"That's what excites me the most! In the very first episode, we dropped a nuclear bomb! And we have even more trump cards up our sleeves!"

"I personally reviewed the footage of the ten days you spent living with December; it was practically a real-life version of 'Life of Pi'!"

"And the scenes of you hunting that wolf and porcupine... My God, Lin, when these things are released one by one, I can't even imagine how crazy the whole world will go!"

“The top management held an emergency meeting overnight.” Mark’s tone became serious. “They decided to invest the company’s highest level of resources in a global publicity campaign around your story and December’s.”

"They want to mold you into the Discovery Channel's next true, global superstar, after Bear Grylls!"

"You'll see a deluge of publicity in the coming weeks, from giant billboards in Times Square to in-depth coverage in major media outlets."

"Get ready, Lin, your time is about to begin."

Lin Yu'an listened quietly to Mark's grand vision, but his heart remained largely unmoved. Fame, praise, influence... these were no longer the goals he sought.

What he cares more about is how to maximize this value and transform it into a resource that he can control.

Instead of directly responding to Mark's idol theory, he changed the subject and spoke in a calm but extremely professional business tone.

“Mark, it sounds like the Discovery Channel has a pretty ambitious future in mind for me. I’m very grateful and interested in being a part of it.”

"However, there is one thing I need to discuss with you beforehand."

"Right after I participated in this challenge, I officially signed with CAA (Creative Artists Agency)."

"All my future commercial endorsements, media collaborations, and public relations matters will be handled entirely by them."

When Mark on the other end of the phone heard the name CAA, his excited tone faltered noticeably, replaced by a professional attitude mixed with surprise and a hint of realization.

As a top Hollywood producer, he was all too aware of the power behind the letters CAA.

That's no ordinary talent agency; it's a top-tier resource integration platform that controls half of Hollywood.

He immediately realized that Lin Yu'an was no longer the "amateur champion" who could be manipulated by the TV station.

“CAA… well done, Lin.” Mark’s tone was less like that of a condescending planner and more like that of a respectful partner.

"It seems that while you were thinking about how to survive in the wilderness, you didn't forget about your Hollywood plans. You always seem to make the right choices."

Lin Yu'an smiled and said, "Leave the professional matters to the professionals. I'm just an ordinary person who likes to play in the mud outdoors."

“Ordinary people wouldn’t sign with CAA,” Mark remarked, before immediately switching back to his efficient producer mindset.

"But that's great, this will make our future collaborations smoother. Discovery Channel's PR team will immediately connect with CAA."

"We will prioritize submitting all promotional plans and business cooperation intentions to your agent for review."

“I will send my agent Brian Lord’s contact information to your email later,” Lin Yu’an calmly stated the name of the CAA co-chairman.

Mark on the other end of the phone fell silent again for a brief moment. If before it was surprise, now it was utter shock.

Brian Lord... he's no ordinary agent; he's one of the giants standing at the top of Hollywood's power pyramid.

Mark's assessment of Lin Yu'an's value in his mind has reached a new level.

“I understand.” Mark’s tone became extremely solemn. “Lin, thank you for providing this important information. We will cooperate with Mr. Lord’s team at the highest level.”

“Very good,” Lin Yu’an continued, beginning to set his own pace.

"As for the promotion of the show, you can do it at your own pace and use the stories of December to attract attention. I have no objection."

"However, regarding my personal part, I have a request."

"You said."

"I will remain relatively silent during the broadcast of the show, and I will wait until the last episode of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne."

"On the day the episode where I won the championship and parted ways with December airs, we will release a video about the story between me and December after the show ended."

Mark paused, somewhat puzzled: "Why? Wouldn't it be better to strike while the iron is hot?"

Lin Yu'an's tone carried a hint of mysterious confidence, "Because on that day, when audiences all over the world felt regret and sadness for my separation from December..."

"I will announce an even bigger announcement to the world on my personal channel."

"What news?" Mark's curiosity was completely piqued.

A confident smile curved at the corners of Lin Yu'an's lips.

“I will announce that I have officially adopted December through the legal procedures.”

"Furthermore, I will use all my resources to build a private sanctuary at the Rock River Heritage Ranch in Wyoming that completely simulates the Arctic ecosystem!"

"..."

A long, deathly silence fell on the other end of the phone. Mark's mind seemed to have been blown into a blank by this information overload.

Adopt... a polar bear?

Building...a private Arctic home?
Mark's first reaction was, "This is impossible! This is absolutely illegal!" But then he thought of the unfathomable resources and connections behind Lin Yu'an.

For someone to have Brian Lord act as their agent... perhaps nothing is truly impossible.

"How...how did you do that?" Mark asked in a dry voice, forgetting even to consider the business value behind it.

"Which top billionaire or environmental foundation did you bring in as a sponsoring partner?"

"Mark, let's keep this a secret for now." Lin Yu'an's laughter carried a hint of composure, as if he were in complete control.

"All you need to know is that when this news is announced, it will propel our series to unprecedented heights, enough to make it a landmark in television history."

Mark finally understood that Lin Yu'an wasn't cooperating with his publicity efforts at all.

He is using an even grander and more shocking ultimate bombshell to present his epic documentary with the most perfect ending that surpasses everyone's imagination!

“I understand… I completely understand…” Mark murmured to himself, feeling his heart pounding wildly.

He knew that what he was participating in was no longer just a successful reality show.

It will become a legend!
“Then it’s settled, Lin.” Mark’s voice regained its composure. “We will fully cooperate with your pace. The whole world will be waiting for the day you finally reveal the answer.”

After hanging up the phone, the cinema returned to silence.

Arya and Emily had already stopped the playback; they nestled close to him, listening quietly to the entire call. At that moment, their eyes as they looked at Lin Yu'an were filled with an indescribable pride and joy.

"A superstar?" Arya blinked her beautiful blue eyes and teased, "It sounds like our husband is about to become the nation's dream husband?"

Emily laughed and said, "I was just wondering if our doorstep will be surrounded by hordes of reporters and fans in the future."

Lin Yu'an looked at them and shook his head helplessly. He put his phone aside, reached out again, and embraced them and the baby in his arms.

He looked into their eyes and said earnestly, "No matter how noisy it is outside, or how many people are paying attention, this will always be our most peaceful haven. No storm can disturb us."

His words brought immense peace of mind to both of his wives.

A moment later, Arya and Emily exchanged a knowing glance, and they both saw the same thought in each other's eyes.

It's time for them to take the initiative in pushing things forward.

Arya raised her head and leaned against Lin Yu'an's chest, a hint of cunning and probing flashing in her blue eyes.

She asked softly, in a seemingly casual, conversational tone, "Honey, speaking of which... you and Dr. McCormick are pretty good friends now, aren't you?"

Lin Yu'an's heart instinctively tightened slightly.

He hadn't expected Arya to suddenly bring up the name, but he immediately thought of his unique family structure, and the tension instantly eased.

He nodded frankly: "Yeah, I guess so. She did us a huge favor. She's a very... very special woman."

"Special?" Arya seized on the key word, her smile widening. "How special? Like Emily, is it the kind of special that makes you feel she's more than just a friend?"

This question, like a precise arrow, instantly struck the deepest part of Lin Yu'an's heart—a region he himself was deliberately avoiding.

He thought he had hidden it well, that the unspoken ambiguity between himself and McCormick was a secret that belonged only to him.

He hadn't figured out how or when to tell his two wives the truth.

But just like when he accepted Emily, Lin Yu'an, who is a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to emotions, always seems to need to be given a push by the wise woman beside him.

Looking at Arya's all-knowing eyes and Emily's gentle and encouraging smile.

He let out a long sigh, a bitter smile on his face that was a mixture of embarrassment and resignation.

“Okay,” he rubbed his temples, “Yes. I admit, I do have feelings for her.”

"She is smart, kind, brave, and beautiful. She has a kind of purity that doesn't belong to this Western world. It's very easy to be with her."

Arya and Emily listened quietly, their faces showing no surprise or jealousy, only a knowing understanding.

Arya broke the silence first, her tone not accusatory, but rather one of earnest concern.

"So, do you like her, Lin? Not just a crush, but the kind of liking that... you want her to be a member of our family."

Lin Yu'an's expression became complicated. He looked at his two wives and said frankly, "I like her. But... I'm not sure if she can accept a family like ours."

“You know, our situation is special. And, between her and me... we're far from that point.”

Arya shook her head and said in a more resolute tone than he did, "No, darling, it's not a question of whether she can accept it or not."

"Instead, you must let her know that you have the will and the right to give her a choice."

She sat up straight, her eyes becoming incredibly clear and resolute.

“We can’t let such a good girl suffer from missing you and uncertainty about the future. That would be unfair to her.”

Emily added gently from the side, her voice carrying a hint of empathetic recollection.

"Yes, my dear. If it weren't for Arya's persistence and initiative, I don't know how much longer I would have had to wait in uncertainty before I could truly become your wife."

"Sometimes, you're so dense that you really need someone to light a fire for you."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu'an's face showed an even more embarrassed expression.

Looking at the two women before him, who loved him deeply and were both wise and insightful, he felt a mixture of gratitude and guilt.

He tried to explain, "I just didn't know how to express it for a moment, and feelings are something that need to be cultivated slowly."

"Just like how I love you all now, it's definitely much deeper than... than my feelings for her."

Upon hearing this, a hint of undisguised joy flashed in the eyes of Arya and Emily, but they quickly concealed it.

Emily laughed and said in a teasing tone, "Of course we know, but when I brought you coffee during your meeting just now..."

“I saw it clearly in the video; Dr. McCormick’s gaze at you was practically dripping with desire! I swear to God, that girl is definitely in love with you.”

Arya picked up the conversation and made the final decision, "So, it's settled then."

Her tone was like that of a true queen planning her harem for her king: "We need to see her as soon as possible, and Emily and I will help you, you blockhead, to make things clear."

“We will tell her what our family is like and what our philosophy is. We will try to understand her true thoughts.”

"If she can truly accept you having a family like ours, and is genuinely willing to join us..."

Arya and Emily exchanged another glance, then said to Lin Yu'an with utmost solemnity, "We will definitely welcome her with open arms."

Looking at the two women in front of him, who were not only his lovers but also his soulmates, all the embarrassment and concerns in Lin Yu'an's heart turned into an endless warm current.

He believed that he must be the luckiest man in the world.

At this moment, any words seem pale and powerless.

Inside the home theater, on the huge IMAX screen, the Discovery Channel's end credits had already finished playing, and the screensaver had gone silent.

That soft, ever-changing light was the only source of light in the room at that moment.

It enveloped the three figures embracing each other, and everything around them, in a dreamlike halo.

While watching the program, the two little ones who were babbling on the screen couldn't resist their sleepiness and fell into a deep sleep in their mother's warm embrace.

Arya and Emily pressed the service bell, and the two nannies who were already waiting outside picked up the two sleeping little angels and took them back to their warm and comfortable children's bedroom.

At this moment, the entire theater became even quieter.

All that remained were the clearly audible, gradually becoming rapid, breathing sounds and heartbeats between the three of them.

That conversation about the new member acted like a powerful catalyst, completely shattering the unspoken balance between the three.

Arya and Emily's extraordinary tolerance and wisdom deeply moved Lin Yu'an, and also stirred up an overwhelming surge of emotions within him.

He wanted to respond to their unconditional love and trust in the most direct and primal way.

He slowly released his arms, but his eyes never left their faces.

Under the flowing, flickering light and shadow of the starry sky screensaver, Arya's emerald-like eyes appeared even deeper, as if they contained a gentle ocean.

Emily's serene face was now flushed with a beautiful blush, her long eyelashes trembling slightly in the light and shadow, carrying an indescribable shyness and anticipation.

The air seemed to have turned into thick honey, filled with silent ambiguity and tension.

Lin Yu'an didn't speak; he simply brushed his hand very gently across the perfect outline of Aria, defined by the light and shadow.

He could clearly feel the warm blood flowing faster with excitement beneath her pajamas.

The enormous leather sofa provided the perfect stage for this silent symphony.

Lin Yu'an slowly leaned back, sinking into the soft leather backrest that could swallow up all sound.

Arya and Emily, like two cats who had found their final haven, naturally curled up on either side of him.

No one spoke at that moment; everyone was quietly enjoying the tranquility after the storm.

On the screen, the deep blue starry sky continued to flow silently.

The interplay of light and shadow sometimes clearly outlined their silhouettes, and at other times blended them into an ambiguous darkness.

The light on the screen emitted a final, faint sigh, leaving only a lingering ember.

The whole world was plunged into darkness and silence.

In this absolute darkness, the senses are amplified infinitely.

He could smell the rich fragrance of photinia flowers and the fresh, tranquil scent of grass after the rain.

In this kingdom that belonged only to them, in this fortress that isolated them from all the noise of the outside world, they were once again closely intertwined.

(End of this chapter)