King of the Wilderness

Chapter 475: Chapter 267: Returns and New Investments

About half an hour later, the outline of a red and white Cessna 185 jungle plane appeared on the gray horizon.

The plane landed lightly and precisely on the runway with a beautiful crosswind approach, taxiing in front of Lin Yu’an.

The cabin door opened, and Hank, wearing a thick flight jacket and sporting a scruffy beard, poked his head out and showed him a hearty smile.

"Hey, big star! Looks like you escaped alive from the man-eating sharks in Vancouver!"

"Just luck," Lin Yu’an laughed, throwing his backpack into the back seat and then skillfully climbing into the copilot seat.

The propeller began to spin again; after a brief taxi, the plane soared skyward, leaving Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, far behind.

While expertly piloting the plane, Hank loudly asked, "How did the release event go? You really looked like a big star in that suit."

"It went okay. Solved some troubles and brought some new ones." Lin Yu’an leaned back in his seat, looking at the snow-capped mountains outside, and felt completely relaxed.

The plane flew through the magnificent Alaska Range, below were endless coniferous forests covered in ice and snow.

After chatting about some amusing events, Hank suddenly glanced at the sun in the sky and said, "Lin, within another half month, this damned polar night will be gone for good."

"Then there’ll be enough daylight to start learning to fly this big guy."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu’an’s eyes instantly lit up. In the wilderness, mastering flying meant truly gaining freedom.

"I’m ready anytime."

"Don’t rush," Hank glanced at him, "Once you’re back, go through the ’Pilot’s Aviation Knowledge Manual’ and ’Private Pilot License Exam Guide’ from start to finish."

"Next time on the plane, if I randomly point to an instrument and you can’t explain its function, I’ll kick you off the plane!"

Lin Yu’an looked at this straight-talking, warm-hearted old friend and smiled, nodding.

"Don’t worry, Hank. The first thing I’ll do when back is to learn the theory."

Outside the familiar, snow-covered valley of Wiseman had already appeared at the horizon’s end.

Home was in sight.

The jungle plane landed smoothly on Wiseman’s simple runway. Hank waved to him and then took off again, and the roar of the engine soon faded into the quiet snowy woods.

Lin Yu’an shouldered his backpack and set foot on the familiar path home.

When the wooden cabin covered in thick snow, with smoke wafting from the chimney, appeared in view, his entire being relaxed.

He pushed open the heavy wooden door, and a warm mix of the smell of burning pine in the fireplace and the rich aroma of food enveloped him instantly.

"I’m back."

No sooner had he spoken than a beautiful figure flashed out from the living room like the wind, fragrant all over, and jumped directly into his arms.

"You do know how to come back!" Aliya hugged him tightly, rubbing her cheek against his chest, her tone carrying a trace of playful complaint.

"I thought the newly advertised global brand ambassador would be whisked away by Vancouver’s flashlights!"

Lin Yu’an laughed and held her tight, clearly feeling her softness and the strength of her heartbeat, her hair scented with wild berry shampoo tickling his neck.

Emily then emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron with a wooden spoon in her hand.

Unlike Aliya’s fiery enthusiasm, she stood quietly, her clear lake-like eyes giving him a gentle smile.

"Welcome home, dear," she softly said. "Judging by your expression, everything went well."

Lin Yu’an released Aliya and walked forward, giving Emily an equally heartfelt hug.

With Emily, it felt entirely different; her embrace was serene and inclusive, her apron carrying a faint aroma of flour and spices, like embracing the peacefulness of the entire kitchen.

"Yes, it went well, but also very... complicated."

The fireplace flames crackled, lighting up the wooden cabin warmly and brightly. On the table was Emily’s homemade, steaming venison stew.

Lin Yu’an sat between the two and recounted everything that happened in recent days.

First, he talked about the release event, from LVMH’s surprise helicopter to how he handled sharp questions from the New York Times journalist.

Upon hearing Lin Yu’an’s remarks, Aliya excitedly clapped her hands, her beautiful eyes sparkling with cunning brilliance.

"Well done!" she openly admired, "That’s how it should be! Marcus’s expression must have been wonderful then?"

Lin Yu’an was amused by her sly look, "Pretty much, his face was like a palette."

Emily listened quietly, and when Lin Yu’an finished, she pointedly stated, "LVMH’s stance, rather than backing you, is more of a demonstration against Anta Group."

"They’re treating you as a pawn, Lin. It’s both your protective talisman and potentially your shackle. You need to be more cautious in future commercial collaborations."

She always saw the fundamental logic behind the scenes.

Lin Yu’an nodded; Emily’s concern was exactly what he had been pondering.