King of the Wilderness

Chapter 471: Chapter 265: After the Drinks, Secrets

"You underestimate me and you underestimate this project." She placed the cup on the carpet, her eyes shimmering with an almost fanatic light, a passion belonging to a top scientist.

"Do you know? Successfully rewilding an orphan polar bear that has had deep contact with humans is the pinnacle challenge in this domain. Successful cases worldwide are few and far between."

"Sending it to a zoo?" She curled her lip, her tone filled with disdain.

"That’s conservation, not science. That’s a zookeeper’s job, caring for a specimen until it dies of old age. As for me, I’m a scientist, and my work is to create miracles."

She pointed to the massive Arctic map on the wall with one finger.

"For me, bringing December back there is not a hassle or an option needing weighing pros and cons."

"Lin, the moment I agreed to help you rescue December, this challenge began! This is the greatest challenge that could define my entire career!"

Her voice was filled with strength and confidence, dispelling the last trace of oppressive air in the room.

"So, put away that expression of me being a burden. You’re not forcing me; you’re completing me."

"For the next year and a half, this project will be my everything. I promise, I will design its every step of growth like polishing a doctoral thesis, and I will let it return to the ice plains!"

Her words, like a warm and powerful light, instantly illuminated the depths of Lin Yu’an’s heart.

His biggest concern was not the challenges of rewilding, but the fear that this road would become a burden for the woman in front of him.

And now, that burden has vanished. He looked at her, and finally displayed a relieved smile on his face.

"Thank you, Max." His voice carried an unprecedented solemnity, "I retract my previous worries and apologize for my narrow-mindedness."

"Apologies aren’t necessary." Max raised her eyebrows, her tone returning to its usual lightness, "Just make sure you aren’t crying and calling to see your daughter halfway through my experiment."

Lin Yu’an laughed upon hearing this, picked up his glass again, but didn’t rush to clink. Instead, he looked into her eyes, speaking very seriously.

"You’ve solved the project’s core software issue. As for the hardware part, leave that to me."

Max looked at him somewhat puzzled.

"When I say hardware, I mean money." Lin Yu’an’s tone was calm.

"I know, such a rewilding project, from building a semi-wild enclosure and introducing live prey to tracking and protection later on, every stage burns funding. The research center’s allocation probably won’t be enough."

He pushed his glass forward, his gaze intense, "Therefore, I promise you. I will fill every funding gap for this project."

He paused, his eyes growing more determined, "I will use my influence to launch a global fundraiser. I will let everyone concerned know how much effort we’re willing to make to let a polar bear return home."

He was no longer a simple, sentimental guardian but at this moment, became a true partner and most solid support for this great plan.

Max was completely stunned. She looked at the man before her, a huge wave rising in her heart. She had seen wealthy donors and enthusiastic volunteers.

But she had never seen anyone like Lin Yu’an, willing to pour all his wealth and reputation for a seemingly unreachable promise.

She took a deep breath, converting all shock and emotion into a radiant smile.

"Very well, Lin, the estimated cost for this project is 2 to 4 million US Dollars, I can apply for at least 500,000 in research funding, so there’s no need to worry about funding issues in the short term."

"But with your backing, now I start to believe we can certainly create a miracle!" She finally raised her glass, and with his glass, clinked heavily.

This clink was louder and more resolute than before.

"To December." He said.

"To freedom." Max added.

After the crisp sound of glass clashing, the two simultaneously drank the strong liquor to the last drop.

The spicy warmth flowed from their throats into their stomachs, seemingly injecting the first burst of energy for their upcoming long journey.

After putting down their glasses, the atmosphere had completely changed, a hint of tacit understanding and comrade-like friendship quietly grew between them.

Max shook her empty glass, looking at Lin Yu’an, her eyes carrying a touch of slyness and laughter.

"Alright, Mr. Lin. Now, our professional trust has been established." She elongated her tone, "But this alone isn’t enough."

"Hmm?"

She met Lin Yu’an’s inquisitive gaze, a charming curve forming at the corner of her mouth. "So, I propose we exchange a secret."

Max’s voice became gentle, yet carried an irresistible magic.

Lin Yu’an looked at her under the dim light, his gaze at this moment as pure, intense, and irresistibly charming as the whiskey in her hand.

He was silent for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

Max displayed a victorious smile, a smile full of great anticipation.

"Very good." She raised her empty glass towards him, as if inviting, "Then, to prove this isn’t alcohol-induced impulse..."