American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 311 Cultural Export! (Last day! Please vote with your monthly tickets!)

With Robert's command, the euphoria following the photo shoot quickly faded, replaced by the professionalism and efficiency ingrained in the McKinley men.

Handling an adult male elk weighing nearly a thousand pounds, especially in the wild where temperatures are below zero, is an extremely difficult task.

"Dad, you should take a rest first." The eldest brother, Wyatt, took over the command.

He pointed to the enormous corpse and said to his brothers, “Garrett, Clay, let’s turn this guy over so his back is down so we can cut him open.”

With the combined efforts of the three, it took a tremendous amount of strength to flip the giant beast over, so that its soft belly faced the sky.

Wyatt succinctly stated, "We're short on time today, so we won't do the meticulous skinning. We'll use the quartering method, first removing the four legs and the tenderloin."

"Bo, you're in charge of removing the heart and liver, but don't rupture the gallbladder. Hurry up, get it done before the flesh freezes completely!"

The group immediately divided the work and cooperated.

Wyatt and Garrett were in charge of dealing with the two hind legs, skillfully making a deep cut along the contour where the leg connected to the body with their hunting knives.

Then, he peeled the entire hind leg, skin and all, away from the hip joint. Once the joint was exposed, Clay immediately stepped forward and precisely cut along the joint seam with a bone saw.

"Crunch... crunch..."

The sound of the bone saw rubbing against the hard bone echoed in the silent valley.

Lin Yu'an, along with Robert, was responsible for dealing with the two front legs. His knife skills were even more precise and consistent than Wyatt's.

Meanwhile, the third brother, Bo, knelt beside the deer's chest.

Unlike the others who used a large, sweeping cut, he carefully used a small, sharp skinning knife to cut between the ribs, precisely avoiding the stomach and intestines.

Reaching into the still-warm chest cavity, he accurately located the heart and liver. With a deft touch, he severed the blood vessels and fascia connecting the heart and liver.

Then, the huge heart, which was still trembling slightly nervously, and the dark reddish-brown liver, smooth as silk, were completely removed.

"All done." He placed the two most precious internal organs on a clean waterproof cloth, where they emitted wisps of heat in the snow.

In less than an hour, with the combined efforts of several men, the enormous elk was cleanly and efficiently dissected into several main parts.

Four whole deer legs still covered in fur, two of the finest deer tenderloin, a complete set of deer ribs, and the most precious heart and liver.

The enormous antlers, resembling a crown, were completely cut off by Wyatt using a bone saw, along with a small piece of the skull—a standard practice in making European-style head specimens.

Then it was placed aside with great solemnity, as if it were a sacred artifact.

As for the remaining torso and skeleton, along with the less valuable intestines and stomach, they were left in place according to hunter tradition as a gift to the other scavengers on this land.

"Alright, load it onto the truck!" Wyatt patted the blood off his hands.

The group wrapped the heavy, still-warm spoils in waterproof cloth and then transported them back to Eagle's Nest by snowmobile.

When the hunting party returned laden with their spoils to the warm, spring-like mansion, the women and children who had been waiting for a long time immediately burst into cheers.

Jack and Kyle, in particular, jumped and danced with excitement when they saw the antlers, which were bigger than the two of them combined.

"Wow! Dad! Grandpa! You've hunted a monster!"

The McKinley family was immersed in immense joy throughout the afternoon. With Sean's help, the men began to process and register the antlers with greater care.

The women, meanwhile, gathered in the kitchen, excitedly discussing the evening's whole deer feast menu with Elena.

Meanwhile, Lin Yu'an found the logistics supervisor, "Fat Chef" Jack, and gave him an instruction that surprised Jack greatly:
“Jack, take the two deer hind legs and the whole ribs we brought back today to the fireside porch.”

"Then notify all the brothers on duty and those on rest that dinner will be served promptly at 7 p.m. Tell them that there are no bosses or employees tonight, only family members celebrating the victory together."

"Yes, boss!" A bright smile instantly bloomed on Chef Jack's face. He knew this was going to be a night that would excite all the employees.

As evening fell, a grand bonfire barbecue dinner was launched on the outdoor fireplace corridor of Eagle's Nest and the adjacent open snowfield.

On the long dining table in the fireside porch, there were exquisite dishes prepared by Elena for Robert, the mothers, and the children.

There are grilled venison steaks made with the freshest tenderloin, and flavorful meat sauces made with venison heart and liver.

But the real revelry takes place outside the corridor.

Outside the corridor, on the snow, the security team and the cowboys lit several huge bonfires.

Chef Jack and his team had already dragged several huge stainless steel hanging barbecue grills out of the warehouse.

These behemoths, resembling small locomotives, integrate massive charcoal grills, separate smokehouses, and warming cabinets, making them the ultimate tool for hosting large outdoor parties.

At this moment, the oven lid was open, and the two deer hind legs, weighing more than a hundred pounds in total, had been marinated by Jack with his secret spices and were placed on the huge grill rack.

The burning fruitwood charcoal below sizzled as it roasted the deer leg.

The complete ribs were hung in a separate smoking box, where they were slowly smoked at a low temperature to develop a deeper flavor.

The grease dripped into the flames, stirring up plumes of thick smoke that mixed the aroma of meat and pine, an aroma that could waft to every corner of the valley.

Lin Yu-an and the men from McKinley's family, each with a can of beer in hand, walked directly into the employees' campfire circle.

They sat together with cowboys, mechanics, and security guards, sharing cigarettes and communicating in a masculine way.

“Hey, Sean!” Garrett, the second brother, patted the security supervisor hard on the shoulder. “I have to say, your surveillance system is more advanced than the police station’s! I’ll have to learn from you next time.”

“Anytime is fine, sir.” Sean also had a rare smile on his face.

Wyatt, the eldest brother, and several veteran cowboys were discussing with great interest the issue of the herd's fodder ratio during the winter.

And the third brother, Bo, even chatted with the mechanical supervisor, Murphy, about the engine performance of the latest John Deere tractor.

Their interactions were no longer between the boss's family and employees, but rather a professional discussion among a group of experts who also made their living from the land.

Lin Yu'an was pestered by Little Jack and Little Kyle, who kept telling her the story of hunting in Labrador.

The young cowboys around him were also captivated, their eyes filled with admiration for their young boss.

In the main house's dining room, however, a different scene unfolds at the long dining table: warm, private, and elegant. It's a world entirely dedicated to the women and children.

Inside the huge stone fireplace, flames roared, warming the entire space like springtime.

On the long dining table, there were exquisite tableware and vases filled with holly berries.

The star of the show tonight is the fresh venison that was just brought back from the snow-capped mountains.

Elena used her top-notch culinary skills to create different dishes from different parts of the elk.

Instead of opting for hearty barbecue, she prepared more refined dishes for the ladies and children.

Tender pork tenderloin is sliced ​​thinly and quickly grilled on a hot stone slab. Just a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is all it takes to bring out its pure, top-quality flavor.

The heart and liver were made into a rich and delicate French meat sauce, which was served with freshly baked focaccia bread.

Robert, as the greatest contributor today, was chosen by everyone to take the head seat.

He raised his glass and looked at his wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren surrounding him at the table.

Hearing the cheers of the cowboys playing with their sons on the distant snow, he was filled with mixed emotions.

"Daddy, you were amazing today!" Arya said proudly.

She personally cut a piece of the tenderest pork tenderloin for her father and placed it on his plate.

"That pair of antlers is definitely the best trophy you've ever had!"

Robert smiled and shook his head. He raised his glass, looked at the women present, and said, "No, this honor does not belong entirely to me."

His gaze passed through the floor-to-ceiling window to the distance where Little Jack and Little Kyle were engrossed in their story. He wore a patient smile and seemed to be telling some wonderful tale.

"Without Lin, I might never have had the chance to see such a mythical beast in my entire life, let alone hunt it with my own hands."

He looked at Arya, his eyes filled with genuine gratitude. "Children, you have brought a remarkable man to our family."

These words drew the attention of all the women present to Lin Yu'an.

Arya and Emily exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with undisguised pride and happiness.

“Dad, we’re family,” Arya replied, raising her glass. “We’re all so happy to help you achieve your dream.” The dinner was filled with the warmth of family affection.

Without the men's hardcore topics about hunting and business, the women's conversations became more relaxed and down-to-earth.

“Emily, try this meat sauce.” Martha pushed the meat sauce in front of Emily. “Elena’s cooking is really good. The liver is cooked so well that there’s no fishy smell at all, and it’s very smooth.”

“Yes, Martha,” Emily said, taking a bite. “It’s better than any French restaurant I’ve ever had in New York.”

The fiery-tempered Catherine complained to Arya, "You've really become a queen now. Such a big house, a private chef, a wonderful husband, you're so lucky!"

"Hehe, Mom, you can come and be happy with me," Arya said with a smile. "There are three guest rooms here, enough for each of you to have one!"

This Versailles-esque reply drew a burst of laughter from the crowd.

Wyatt's two wives, however, were more interested in Arya and Emily's life in Alaska.

"Seriously, Arya, is your home in Alaska as... as beautiful as this?"

Arya thought for a moment, then shook her head: "Completely different. The home in Alaska is more like a sturdy fortress, a warm place that Lin built piece by piece with his own hands."

“And here,” she looked around, “it’s more like a kingdom that has been passed down through generations and has accumulated a rich history.”

Emily added, "But wherever you are, home is where you are."

These words brought knowing smiles to the faces of the mothers and sisters-in-law present.

At the end of the dinner, the enormous antlers were carried in by Wyatt and Sean together and solemnly displayed amidst cheers from all the family members and employees.

Robert himself announced that the antlers would be hung in the center of the living room of the McKinley family’s main house in Montana.

Happy time is always short-lived.

The next morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, the McKinley family prepared to embark on their journey home.

“Arya, Emily,” Martha’s mother said, holding their hands as they parted, her eyes filled with reluctance, “You must bring the children home to visit often when you have time. We’ll be waiting for you in Montana.”

“We will,” Arya and Emily replied in unison.

The brothers also stepped forward one by one to hug and say goodbye to Lin Yu-an.

“Take good care of my sister,” Wyatt said in a deep voice.

“Next time we come, let’s have a marksmanship contest!” Garrett laughed.

“If you need any advice on ranch management, feel free to call me.” Bo remained true to his businessman nature.

Clay simply patted Lin Yu'an on the shoulder, everything was understood without words.

As the three Ford pickup trucks finally disappeared at the end of the road, Eagle's Nest returned to its usual tranquility.

Lin Yu'an, Ailiya, and Emily, with their two babies, stood at the door for a long time without leaving.

This family gathering not only completely dispelled Emily's anxiety, but also strengthened Lin Yu'an's bond with this large and warm Western family.

The day after the ranch returned to peace, Lin Yu'an prepared to embark on his next journey.

"Are you sure you don't need us to come with you?" Arya asked with some concern as she helped him pack his luggage.

“No need.” Lin Yu’an smiled. “It’s just a commercial performance, we’ll be back soon. You and the children can enjoy life in our own castle.”

Lin Yu-an is going to New York to attend Justin Bieber's concert at Madison Square Garden, which was arranged long ago.

He opened a dress bag that had been prepared beforehand, with an ancient seal script "Yunzhi" logo printed on it.

As the zipper slowly slid open, a deep and luxurious red color quietly bloomed under the light.

Inside, lying quietly was a complete and extraordinary ceremonial robe of a Ming Dynasty prince—a round-necked robe with a kylin patch.

This is a set of traditional Chinese ceremonial robes that truly represents the pinnacle of Han Chinese attire.

This is not just a piece of clothing, but a walking work of art, a flowing piece of history.

The entire robe is made of a deep red satin with cloud patterns, exuding a dignified and solemn air. Its wide sleeves and loose design showcase its graceful and elegant demeanor.

The soul of the robe lies in the two complete circular patches on the chest and back.

It was a piece of satin with a peacock blue base, on which a qilin, standing tall and treading on auspicious clouds, was hand-woven with twisted gold thread using the brocade technique.

The scales of the Qilin shimmered under the lights, as if they might leap out of the silk brocade at any moment.

Underneath the robe was a jade-colored silk undergarment, and around the waist was a leather belt inlaid with gilded silver ornaments.

And to match this is an elegant and dignified black gauze hat.

The entire gown, from the custom-made fabric to the hand-sewing by a national treasure-level artisan, took nearly half a year to complete, and the customization cost alone was as high as 2.8 million RMB.

The reason Lin Yu'an was able to get it so quickly is that this dress was custom-made for a similarly tall Canadian celebrity six months ago.

However, after paying half the deposit, the gentleman went in on July 21, 2021, and has probably learned how to skillfully operate the sewing machine by now.

Yunzhi Studio was unable to collect the final payment for the garment. When Lin Yu'an contacted Yunzhi Studio a few months ago, they immediately recommended this finished product after learning about Lin Yu'an's body measurements.

Lin Yu'an saw the finished product and found it to match his aesthetic and needs, so he immediately made the payment and bought it.

Under the curious and expectant gazes of Aria and Emily, Lin Yu'an began to put on the elaborate costume piece by piece.

When he finally placed the official hat on his head and turned around, Arya and Emily instinctively held their breath.

In that instant, they felt as if the man before them had traveled through time.

His entire demeanor underwent a complete transformation.

That wild, untamed spirit, with a hint of sharpness and savagery, was perfectly enveloped and tempered by this gown, which is full of classical Eastern charm.

The occasional sharpness that he usually displayed was tempered by the elegance of his flowing robes, ultimately sublimating into a restrained and composed kingly demeanor.

"My God..." Emily covered her mouth with her hands, muttering to herself, "Darling...you..."

Arya, after a brief moment of shock, was the first to react! Her eyes blazed with an incredibly bright light, and she practically screamed as she pulled out her phone!

"Don't move! Baby! Don't move! Stay in this position!"

She shouted excitedly, and at the same time quickly opened her phone's camera, snapping away at Lin Yu'an like crazy!
"Oh my god! That's awesome! Turn around a bit, yes, the light is coming from this side... Perfect!"

Emily was also inspired by her and immediately took out her phone to join the impromptu fashion show.

Two women, one squatting and one standing, excitedly recorded this unprecedented scene from different angles.

They kept showering each other with praise.

While taking pictures, Aria excitedly said, "Darling, you look just like a prince who stepped out of those ancient Chinese paintings!"

“Arya is right,” Emily agreed, her eyes filled with fascination.

“I’ve seen similar portraits in museums before, but none of them have the special quality you possess.”

Lin Yu'an was amused by their fangirl-like behavior and stood there helplessly, letting them take pictures from various angles.

The little family fashion show only came to an end when they were satisfied and announced that they had enough material.

He changed out of his heavy, ornate robes and carefully put them away again.

With a few days to go before the performance at Madison Square Garden, he needs to arrive in New York early to have a final rehearsal with Scooter's team.

He wants the whole world to see just how magnificent and solemn the culture from the East truly is!
This performance was more than just a simple act of singing on stage.

A few days later, amidst the cheers of tens of thousands of people at Madison Square Garden, he did more than just sing a song, because the performance also carried multiple strategic significances.

This included a political deal between him and the Canadian Minister of the Environment, as well as an opportunity for him to promote Chinese New Year culture to the world!
Moreover, with such a great opportunity in this lifetime, we can't let the Koreans steal Hanfu again.

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(End of this chapter)