Chapter 464: Chapter 260: Superstar Treatment
December 31st, the last day of 2021.
Dawn in Alaska always arrives with particular stinginess.
The sky over Wiseman remains shrouded in deep indigo, with just a faint glimmer of light between fish-belly white and pale purple barely smudged across the eastern horizon.
Lin Yu’an had already completed his unshakable morning rounds. The wolf pack, still as patient as the most tenacious hunters, lay dormant in the shadows, leaving no new traces behind.
This silent standoff no longer caused him anxiety.
In the cabin, Aliya and Emily were busy as two bees, making final preparations for his special journey today.
Today is the last day of 2021.
It is also the last day of his old brand ambassador contract with Archaeopteryx.
Moreover, it is the day he officially debuts to the world in a new identity—as a global brand ambassador.
Two days ago, Matty Singh’s legal team, with an almost overwhelming stance, concluded all negotiations with Archaeopteryx.
The final contract, in an irrefutable manner, reflected CAA’s strength and Lin Yu’an’s current value.
And now, it was time for Lin Yu’an to fulfill his first duty as an ambassador.
"Dear, your tie is a little crooked," Aliya stepped forward, gently adjusting his collar.
Today, he wasn’t wearing his usual outdoor jacket but a sleek dark gray suit provided by Veilance, Archaeopteryx’s high-end business line.
This suit was made of top-grade waterproof wool blend fabric, maintaining an elegant silhouette while boasting strong functionality.
"I still feel it’s a bit strange to dress like this for their event," Lin Yu’an said, looking somewhat helplessly at his slightly unfamiliar reflection in the mirror.
"It’s not strange at all." Emily emerged from the bedroom, handing him a black coat from the same Veilance series, with admiration gleaming in her eyes.
"Marcus Weber has crafted his plan meticulously. He wants to announce to the world that they’ve reclaimed the most hardcore outdoor player."
"He also wants you to become the perfect bridge between the wilderness and Wall Street for Archaeopteryx. One who can conquer the wild and easily navigate the city."
Lin Yu’an couldn’t help but smile at Emily’s keen insight into their commercial logic.
Outside, the distinctive roar of a single-engine propeller plane approached. It was his old friend Hank, piloting the red and white Cessna 206 bush plane.
The plane had swapped its landing gear for large skis suited for snowy landings, landing smoothly on the frozen river by the cabin.
Lin Yu’an shared heartfelt hugs with Aliya and Emily before picking up a simple luggage bag and bending down to board the plane.
"Hey, Lin! You’re a big shot now!" Hank grinned, his words full of good-natured teasing for his friend.
"Don’t tease me, Hank," Lin Yu’an laughed, giving his shoulder a playful punch.
The plane took off again, heading south to Fairbanks.
Over an hour later, at Fairbanks International Airport.
Lin Yu’an bid farewell to Hank and boarded the Gulfstream G650ER bound for Vancouver International Airport.
——
As he stepped up the gangway, the moment the cabin door silently closed behind him, it was as if two worlds were separated. The cold Alaskan air was entirely shut out, replaced by a warm ambiance laced with a faint scent of leather and luxury fragrances.
The view inside the cabin temporarily left him in a trance. It was entirely different from the utilitarian, everything-practical Cessna bush plane he was familiar with.
There were no exposed rivets or cold metal; the entire space was wrapped in off-white high-grade leather and deep-gloss mahogany panels, luxurious yet understated. The carpet underfoot was soft and thick, silencing his steps.
The cabin was so spacious that it felt less like being on a plane and more like a mobile airborne lounge. A wide table made of a single piece of mahogany, smooth as a mirror, with intricate gold weaving patterns at the edges.
On the table was already prepared a bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot champagne, its golden body gleaming under the gentle light, accompanied by two crystal-clear flutes and a small plate of exquisite French pastries.
On the other side, a massive LCD screen was slowly rising from the mahogany sideboard, displaying the night view of Vancouver, the sparkling lights like a flowing river of stars, giving a preview of the city’s bustling splendor.
"Good evening, Mr. Lin." A flight attendant dressed in an elegant uniform approached with a smile, her voice soft and professional, "The journey will be about two and a half hours. Please make yourself comfortable. Would you like a glass of champagne now?"
Lin Yu’an snapped back to reality, politely nodding: "Thank you, I’ll have a glass."
He chose a window seat to settle into, the large, soft, ergonomically designed leather seat almost compelling him to sleep the moment he sat down.
He gazed out through the iconic large oval window, watching as the lights of Fairbanks swiftly shrank beneath him.
The flight attendant handed him the champagne she had poured, the bubbles in the glass emitting a faint "sizzling" sound.
Holding the cold glass wall, Lin Yu’an felt a strange and complex sensation rising within him.