Lin Yu'an also visited neighbors like Cody, Hank, and Buck, these tough guys, upon learning he was going to participate in "Frozen Throne", without exception, expressed their support and encouragement in the most direct way.

"Hey, Lin! You will definitely win! Grab another championship! Then we'll throw an even bigger party to celebrate you!"

"Go ahead, your home is under our watch! Anyone who dares to cause trouble, better ask our shotguns first!"

Returning home, Lin Yu'an carefully placed the handmade hunting knife from Old George and the natural whetstone from Stan into the backpack he was about to set out with.

David and Mike also came to bid farewell, their shooting plans were going to be paused for a while, allowing them to enjoy a long vacation.

After all farewells and entrustments were completed, Lin Yu'an felt no further worries in his heart.

The night before departure had finally arrived.

The cabin was unusually quiet. Aliya and Emily had already coaxed the children to sleep.

The three adults sat in front of the fireplace, none spoke, only the wood crackled in the flames, the warm firelight reflecting upon each silent face.

After a long time, Emily stood up, glanced at Lin Yu'an, then at Aliya, and softly said: "I... I'm heading back to my room. You... have a good talk."

She turned and walked toward the guest room, leaving space for the couple that was about to part.

Lin Yu'an watched Emily's figure disappear at the staircase, then turned back and gently embraced Aliya beside him.

"I'm leaving early tomorrow morning." His voice was low, carrying a barely noticeable hoarseness.

"I know." Aliya buried her face in his chest, her hands tightly wrapping around his waist, as if using all her strength to feel his strong heartbeat and real body warmth.

The two didn't say any more unnecessary words, just hugged tightly, Lin Yu'an could feel Aliya's reluctance.

He bowed his head, kissed her lips, this kiss was filled with the taste of farewell, gentle yet deep.

Then, he lifted her into his arms and walked towards their master bedroom.

Aliya submissively rested her head on his shoulder, her arms encircled around his neck.

The firelight of the fireplace, through the open door, bathed the room in a warm orange color.

Outside the window was the cold, diamond-like glittering starry night sky of Alaska.

Shedding clothes, tightly embracing on the soft big bed, not much intense movement, but more of a gentle entanglement filled with attachment and reluctance.

Lin Yu'an's large hand slowly slid over Aliya's smooth back, feeling the temperature of every inch of her skin.

Aliya responded to his silent farewell with kisses, every kiss, every caress, was like engraving the other's warmth and breath deeply into her soul.

Lin Yu'an could feel Aliya's worry for his upcoming expedition, Aliya also felt the concern deep within Lin Yu'an's heart for his family.

This intimacy was both a goodbye and a promise.

During the final blending, they seemed intent on melding each other's souls into one another's bodies, to withstand the impending fifty-day separation.

When everything calmed down, the two lay embracing on the bed, Aliya lay on his chest.

"Darling~" she suddenly spoke softly.

"Hmm?"

"Tonight... go and be with Emily."

Lin Yu'an's body stiffened, he looked at his wife in disbelief.

Yet Aliya raised her head, her light green eyes filled with determination in the dim light.

"She is also a member of this family, isn't she?"

Aliya's voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable strength: "You're about to leave for fifty days, even longer. During these fifty days, she will be with me, guarding this home, taking care of our children."

"She needs your comfort, needs a... farewell ceremony."

She cupped Lin Yu'an's face, earnestly said: "Go, darling. Let her know she is not an outsider, not a charity case. Like you and me, she is the master of this house."

He lowered his head and deeply kissed her forehead.

"...Okay."

He got up, put on his robe, walked out of the master bedroom.

He gently pushed open the guest room door, the room was dark, only moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silver spot on the floor.

Emily was not asleep, she was sitting by the bed, hugging her knees, quietly watching the starry sky outside the window.

Upon hearing the door open, her body visibly trembled, quickly turned around.

Lin Yu'an said nothing, just gently closed the door behind him.

He walked to the bedside, from behind, gently and warmly embraced her shoulders.

Emily's body first stiffened, then, like finding a harbor to depend on.

Her tense body slowly relaxed, her head gently leaning back onto his chest.

"I..." She wanted to say something, but Lin Yu'an gently placed his finger on her lips.

"There's no need to say anything."

His voice, in the silent room, sounded particularly gentle: "It was Aliya who sent me."

These words, like possessing magic, instantly dispelled the last trace of doubt and unease in Emily's heart.

Lin Yu'an lifted her horizontally, gently placed her on the bed.

He didn't engage with her like he did with Aliya, filled with matrimonial tenderness, but embraced in a more direct, possessive way.

This kiss, filled with comfort, promise, and a declaration — from now on, you belong here.

Emily also passionately responded to him with all her strength.

Moonlight through the window quietly shone on the two intertwined figures on the bed, outlining a silhouette filled with primal meaning.

Emily knew that from this moment on, those nightmares full of blood and betrayal would vanish completely.

Because she finally found her position, a position jointly accepted by the two masters of this house.

The next morning, Lin Yu'an stood alone on the porch of the cabin.

Even though he experienced two battles last night, he showed no sign of exhaustion.

Behind him were Aliya and Emily, along with the two children held in their arms.

He turned, looked one last time at everything he cherished, Aliya's gentle smile, Emily's resolute gaze, and the children's adorable little faces. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Then, he hoisted the heavy expedition backpack, did not look back, only raised his arm high and waved.

Stan drove him to the airport, the plane soared into the sky, carrying him towards that cold coastline.

A new journey, has begun!

————

(This knife is truly handsome, just like the brother who cast me monthly tickets!)

(Please click [Monthly Ticket] to claim your charm.)