King of the Wilderness

Chapter 781: Chapter 357: The Family’s Great Secret (Supersized Chapter—Setting Sail Soon!)

When Lin Yu’an was half-pulled out of the ”armory” by the enthusiastic Sean O’Connell, the villa’s dining room was already brightly lit.

The long mahogany dining table was set with exquisite bone china and sparkling crystal glasses, all perfectly in place.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of roast beef, mingling with the scent of butter and rosemary, whetting everyone’s appetite.

”Come, Lin, sit next to me!”

Without giving Lin Yu’an a chance to refuse, Sean firmly placed him in the seat next to his own, which was directly opposite Elizabeth’s main seat, making it a focal point visible to everyone.

Lin Yu’an politely smiled at everyone and sat down with composure.

Riven sat on his other side, her golden hair casually draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of family elegance to her appearance.

Yet her gaze occasionally and intentionally drifted toward the surfboard quietly standing in the corner of the living room.

The dinner officially began as the butler led the waiters, gracefully pouring red wine for everyone.

They expertly served the first dish—pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with black truffle sauce—precisely in front of each guest.

”So, Lin,” Sean completely ignored dinner etiquette, dipping his bread in jam, eagerly starting a conversation.

”What do you think of my treasures? Aren’t they much more interesting than Mike’s old sailboat? A man should play with something hardcore! Guns and fishing rods!”

Mike shook his head helplessly: ”Dad, Lin has to go offshore tomorrow, stop talking to him only about fishing.”

”You just don’t get it!” Sean immediately retorted, ”An excellent sailor is naturally an excellent fisherman!”

”They all know how to deal with the sea, how to read the currents and winds! Isn’t that right, Lin?”

Lin Yu’an smiled, raised his wine glass, and toasted Sean from a distance: ”Mr. Sean is right, the wisdom of the sea is universal; whether navigating it or seeking its gifts, both require the same patience and reverence.”

These words not only affirmed Sean but also elevated the discourse, leaving no room for error.

”Well said! Reverence!” he nodded emphatically, ”Unlike some people who always aim to conquer the sea and end up being played by a 300-pound swordfish!”

Sean O’Connell listened joyfully, as if finding a long-lost confidant, sharing his epic stories of battles with ”Legendary Giant Fish” with Lin Yu’an.

Every story ended with the giant fish escaping in a manner full of wisdom and strength, leaving the ”master” with endless regret and a vow of certain success next time.

Amid this lively atmosphere, Elizabeth gently tapped the edge of her porcelain plate with a silver fork, producing a crisp sound. Though not loud, it instantly drew everyone’s attention.

She elegantly dabbed her mouth with a napkin, her gaze calmly falling on Lin Yu’an.

”It seems, Lin, you’re not only skilled in navigation but also have profound insights into the fishing industry.” Her opening remark was gentle and polite, but Lin Yu’an could sense that the real dinner was just beginning.

”I know a little, madam.” He responded modestly.

”Oh, really?” Elizabeth smiled slightly, her smile meaningful. ”I wonder what you think of tonight’s main course, the top-grade steak from Giant Stone River Farm?”

Elizabeth intended for Lin Yu’an to admit his ignorance about steak, so that she could smoothly add: No problem, after all, there are differences between Eastern and Western cultures.

Using this to advise Riven to look deeper into things and people, beyond just the surface.

”Giant Stone River Heritage Farm” struck Lin Yu’an’s nerves like a mild electric current.

It immediately reminded him of a VIP client list given to him by the operations team that needed special attention.

Among the top names, Elizabeth Montgomery was prominently listed.

The instructions at the time were: Regardless of output, the Montgomery family’s orders must be prioritized for supply.

He looked up, meeting Elizabeth’s deep eyes, his mind quickly calculating.

Does she know? Is she deliberately giving me a chance to showcase my strengths beyond being a ”sailor”?

Or is it a subtle reminder that in the industry I pride myself on, my identity as just a ”farmer” holds no special significance in her eyes?

Elizabeth continued, her voice calm, ”I’ve heard that their success is largely due to a cold chain logistics system spanning the entire U.S. mainland.”

”Controlling temperature, humidity, and time in this process is probably no less complex than navigating a sailboat through complicated waters, wouldn’t you agree?”

Lin Yu’an swiftly made a decision, regardless of her intentions, the initiative must remain in his hands.

He calmly picked up his knife and fork, scrutinizing the steak with an almost professional eye.

”Madam, you are quite right, but the success of Giant Stone River lies not in logistics, but at the source.” He spoke calmly, his voice not loud, yet clear to everyone present.

”Its core advantages are threefold. First, the foundation stock. They use the finest Angus cattle as the maternal line, ensuring the fundamental quality of the meat.”

”Second, genetic improvement. Each year, they invest eight-figure sums to import pure Wagyu genes from Japan for artificial insemination, optimizing the marbling pattern and melting point of the fat.”