MMB Chapter 431 IGFA International Fishing Awards
Chapter 431 IGFA International Fishing Awards
Chapter 431 IGFA International Fishing Awards
Lin Yu'an had just come out of the bathroom, wearing only a towel around his waist, with water droplets still clinging to his strong muscles.
"Hi, Marco." Lin Yu'an casually dried his hair, pointed to the center of the living room, and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Just leave it there."
Marco snapped his fingers, and his assistants quickly pulled open two huge dust bags.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Scout specifically instructed that tonight is your show, so we didn't choose those overly dull traditional black suits."
Marco is showing off his first suit.
It was a haute couture evening gown by Tom Ford, but the fabric was very special.
It's not pure black, but a very deep midnight blue that glows with a faint blue light under illumination.
"This is diamond powder fabric, blended with blue diamond powder," Marco said with a hint of pride. "It's understated, but under the spotlight, it will be as mysterious and captivating as the deep sea."
For Raven, a haute couture gown by Elie Saab was prepared.
The entire dress features a fitted fishtail cut and is covered with hand-stitched silver and light blue gradient sequins.
When Marco displayed it, it looked like a flowing galaxy, or the tail of a mermaid just emerging from the water.
"This—" Raven stared at the dress, a hint of amazement flashing in her eyes, "This is just too—"
"It suits you perfectly." Lin Yu'an walked behind her, looking at the dress. "Tonight, you are the daughter of the sea, and I am its conqueror. A perfect match, isn't it?"
Night falls at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.
This legendary hotel was illuminated as if it were daytime tonight by countless spotlights.
As the annual grand event for the North American outdoor sports and yachting industry, the "IGFA Annual International Fishing Awards Gala Dinner" has gathered half of America's celebrities tonight.
On both sides of the red carpet, media reporters with their long lenses and microphones were already on high alert.
In addition to professional fishing and outdoor media, even entertainment media such as TMZ and Vanity Fair flocked to the area.
-
The reason is simple: one name on this year's list of winners is too "out of the loop".
A black Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly came to a stop at the end of the red carpet.
The waiter respectfully opened the car door.
First to step out were a pair of feet wearing black patent leather dress shoes, followed by Lin Yu'an in a midnight blue haute couture gown.
He stopped, straightened his cuffs, and then gracefully extended his hand into the car.
A hand adorned with a dazzling blue diamond ring rested on his palm.
The moment Raven Montgomery leaned out of the car, the sound of camera shutters clicking was as dense as a downpour.
Elisabet's fishtail dress perfectly accentuated her stunning figure, sculpted through years of exercise.
Her healthy, wheat-colored skin appeared both wild and noble against the backdrop of silver-blue sequins.
She linked arms with Lin Yu'an, a confident smile radiating from her very core.
"Look over there," Raven whispered in Lin Yu'an's ear, her smile still on her lips.
"The bald guy on the left with glasses is the vice president of Paramount Pictures and an avid fly fishing enthusiast. We can go say hello later."
Lin Yu'an nodded slightly and waved to the left with a smile.
"The one on the right in the red dress is a member of the Kardashian family—don't stare too long, or you'll get entangled with her." Raven chuckled and pinched his arm.
Lin Yu'an kept his eyes straight ahead: "Don't worry, I'm only interested in the first mate."
The two walked the red carpet and instantly became the focus of the entire event.
"Lin! Lin! Look this way!"
"How did you manage to catch an Atlantic halibut all by yourself?!"
"Is the woman next to you your new love interest?"
Reporters' questions came like waves. Lin Yu'an didn't stop to answer, but maintained a polite smile and nodded occasionally.
Raven has demonstrated her amazing talent as a heiress.
She wasn't like a dependent appendage, but rather like a queen fighting alongside her.
She skillfully guided Lin Yu'an to the optimal time to linger in front of the autograph board, cleverly shielding him from overly provocative gossip shots.
At the same time, it was also possible to introduce him very naturally to several important figures who were waiting at the front of the red carpet.
"Hey! Leo!"
Raven suddenly called out to a seemingly unassuming middle-aged man with a beard and wearing a baseball cap.
The man turned around, revealing the world-famous face of Leonardo DiCaprio.
"Oh, God, Raven?" Leonardo DiCaprio was clearly surprised, then broke into a warm smile. "Long time no see! I heard you became a captain?"
"Yes, let me introduce you." Raven generously pushed Lin Yu'an forward. "This is my boss, and also the star of the night, Lin Yu'an. Lin, this is Leo, an environmentalist and also a pretty good diver."
"Nice to meet you." Lin Yu-an extended his hand. "I've seen your documentary; the part about ocean conservation was very touching."
Little Li grasped Lin Yu'an's hand, his eyes filled with curiosity and admiration: "I've heard about your deeds, buddy. We absolutely must talk about polar bears and marine ecology."
This brief exchange of pleasantries was captured by countless cameras, instantly becoming the first major highlight of the evening.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world. Weihai, China.
The office of the Marketing Director at the headquarters of Guangwei Group.
Outside the window, the morning mist was hazy, just like Director Zhang's mood at that moment.
The ashtray on his desk was overflowing with cigarette butts as he stared at the rejected proposal on his computer screen.
He has even contacted several major live streaming platforms in China, preparing to leverage the buzz surrounding Lin Yu-an's award ceremony in the United States to propel Guangwei's high-end sea fishing series to its peak.
However, the chairman personally rejected the proposal.
His thoughts drifted back to the chairman's office a few days earlier, where the aroma of tea wafted through the air.
Chairman Chen, the head of Guangwei, was sitting in front of the tea table, slowly and methodically warming the cups.
-
"Sit down," Chairman Chen said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
"Chairman," Director Zhang couldn't help but speak as soon as he sat down, "this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! His popularity abroad is absolutely phenomenal right now! If we can—"
"What can we do?" Chairman Chen poured him a cup of tea, his tone calm.
"Should we hang up a huge red banner for Guangwei at that gala dinner attended by Hollywood stars and American billionaires? Or should we go on stage to accept the award wearing vests with our logo on them?"
"Why not?" Director Zhang exclaimed eagerly, "As long as we become his sponsors!"
Chairman Chen put down the teapot, raised his eyelids and glanced at him, his eyes filled with a profound understanding of the world: "Old Zhang, you are a veteran now, you need to learn to consider things from a holistic perspective."
"If our clients are still the same group from ten years ago, sitting by the reservoir smoking all day and barely catching a few fish, then I wholeheartedly support your plan."
"Back then, we needed brand recognition, we needed to be down-to-earth, and we needed to tell everyone that we were durable and inexpensive."
"But now—"
"Have you forgotten? Who are we supplying with our core carbon fiber technology—T800, and even T1000 level composites?"
"You mean—"
"right."
Chairman Chen pointed to the proposal on the table: "Now you're going to launch a big marketing campaign right under the Americans' noses, and even exaggerate the capabilities of carbon fiber technology to the skies—"
Who will bear the consequences of this?
Director Zhang suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He had only seen the commercial traffic, but completely ignored the sensitivity behind it.
"I—I understand, Chairman Chen." Zhang Wei wiped the sweat from his brow. "Then—we're not going to do anything?"
"Of course not." Chairman Chen stubbed out his cigarette. "The authorities should remain silent and not go to the scene to join the fun. But—domestic public opinion is our home turf."
"Let netizens dig and guess. Shocking! The divine weapon in Lin Yu'an's hands actually comes from a mysterious Chinese factory" — I don't need to teach you how to create a headline like this, do I?
"Since we can't go to American territory to run wild, we'll just stay home and accept this immense wealth."
Making a fortune quietly is the only true principle.
Let's turn our attention back to Miami.
Inside the banquet hall, a huge crystal chandelier reflected a dreamlike light, illuminating this world of fame and fortune in its entirety.
The Montgomery family occupied the central main table. The round table was laden with exquisite silverware and fresh flowers, and Lin Yu'an and Raven sat side by side.
Although the two tried their best to restrain themselves in public and avoided extensive physical contact.
But that sticky magnetic field, which only exists between couples in the throes of passionate love and seems to have its own protective barrier, is something that can't be hidden no matter what.
When Raven occasionally tilted her head and whispered, the intimate distance was almost touching Lin Yu'an's ear; when Lin Yu'an helped her tidy her napkins, Raven's expression was one of naturalness and a hint of enjoyment.
All these details might be able to fool outsiders, but they definitely can't fool the family members of your deskmate.
Elizabeth Montgomery looked stunning tonight in a deep purple velvet gown and a full set of emerald jewelry.
She sat opposite Lin Yu'an, holding a wine glass in her hand, but her sharp eyes, which had seen countless people, accurately captured the spring fever that was about to overflow from her granddaughter's eyes and brows.
It wasn't just admiration; it was complete immersion.
Elizabeth's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. She took a deep breath, and her eyes, sharp as knives, pierced fiercely at her son, Mike Montgomery, who sat beside her.
The meaning in his eyes couldn't be clearer: "This is what you meant by 'just friends'? This is what you meant by 'watching them'? Are you blind?!"
Mike clearly felt the fury emanating from his mother, a glare that seemed to burn through his back.
But at this moment he demonstrated the remarkable composure of an experienced captain in the storm.
He stiffly tugged at his bow tie, sat ramrod straight, and stared intently at the host on stage who was reciting a boring opening speech, his gaze as focused as if he were reading the Bible.
No matter how Elizabeth tried to signal him with her eyes or even a light cough, Mike wouldn't turn his head, and would even occasionally clap along in a seemingly serious manner.
He feigned ignorance, as if to say, "This awards ceremony is so amazing, I can't bear to miss a single second of it."
"Oh."
Elizabeth gave a cold laugh. Since her son was faking his death, she had no choice but to smooth things over herself.
"Lin," she raised her glass, took an elegant sip, and spoke with a hint of profound meaning that only her family could understand.
"A few old friends just came over and asked me who the young man was who finally calmed down my wild granddaughter. I told them he's someone who can make the ocean bow down."
Lin Yu'an was slightly taken aback, then smiled and raised his glass in response, saying calmly, "You flatter me, Madam. It is the sea that has been so forgiving."
Hearing this impeccable answer, Elizabeth glared fiercely at Mike, who was still "concentrating" on watching the stage.
He sighed inwardly: This kid is too skilled; his own silly son and silly granddaughter are probably already completely under his thumb.
The dinner ceremony continued.
Best Yacht Design Award, Environmental Contribution Award of the Year, Best Marine Photography Award — awards were presented in various categories.
The atmosphere at the scene gradually reached its climax.
Finally, the stage lights dimmed. A stirring video began playing on the giant LED screen.
The scene begins with the warm, azure waters of the Bahamas, showing Lin Yu-an skillfully maneuvering a boat in a storm with one hand on a pole.
Immediately afterwards, the scene abruptly changed, and the color tone instantly shifted from azure blue to extreme pale white.
That was Greenland, a suffocating white wasteland.
The only background sounds in the video are howling wind and heavy breathing. The camera focuses on a hole in the ice, about one meter in diameter.
There are no high-tech electric winches, and no top-of-the-line carbon fiber fishing rods.
In the picture, Lin Yu-an is only wearing a pair of gloves, and tightly clutches a seemingly inconspicuous thick nylon hand thread in his hand.
The next second, the hand line was instantly taut, making a teeth-grinding "snap snap" sound!
The entire audience held their breath. They saw the man in the video as if he were wrestling with a giant beast from the abyss.
Every time you reel in the line, you need to use all your strength; every stalemate tests the limits of human physical ability.
Finally, the water burst open.
A massive, tabletop-sized black shadow was pulled out of the ice cave. It was a terrifying "sea monster"—an Atlantic halibut.
The screen displayed a bright red statistic: "205KG!"
However, what shocked everyone the most was not the moment of capture, but the last scene of the video.
Lin Yu'an stroked the giant fish's rough back and removed the enormous fishhook. He then personally helped it dive back into the deep, cold sea.
The host's excited voice rang out: "Ladies and gentlemen! This is a moment unlike any other in IGFA history!"
"In the Arctic Circle, without any mechanical assistance, he pulled up a 205-kilogram Atlantic halibut by hand using only a line! He then released it back into the wild!"
"Usually, people who catch giant fish receive a world record certificate. But Mr. Lin's achievement goes far beyond just size."
"On the icy plains, he engaged in a fair duel with a deep-sea behemoth in the most primal way, and gave his opponent the highest respect—freedom."
"Therefore, a single certificate is insufficient to commemorate his legendary status!"
"In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, the organizing committee has decided to award this year's two highest honors—the Gil Keych Heavy Tackle Award, recognizing the catch of such a massive fish!"
"And the Barry M. Fitzpatrick Conservation Award, recognizing ecological contributions, was also awarded to the same person!"
"Let's welcome—IGFA double award winner and Guinness World Record holder, Lin Yu-An!"
The entire audience rose to their feet and erupted in applause.
Raven turned around and gave Lin Yu'an a tight hug, whispering quickly in his ear, "Go, Captain, this is your moment."
Lin Yu'an straightened his clothes and, under the watchful eyes of countless people, walked steadily onto the stage.
In the center of the stage, besides the award presenter—a legendary veteran Hollywood action star—stood a Guinness World Records adjudicator in uniform.
The certifier solemnly handed him the certificate framed in the mirror.
"Congratulations, Mr. Lin. It has been verified that your handline ice fishing catch of this Atlantic halibut has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the largest fish ever caught by ice fishing."
"Moreover, your act of releasing the animals makes this record even more remarkable."
Lin Yu-an accepted the certificate and trophy and stood in front of the microphone. The lights shone on his face, making his dark eyes appear deep and calm.
The audience fell silent instantly, everyone eager to hear what this man, who was both a "hunter" and a "benevolent man," would say.
"Thanks."
His voice, deep and magnetic, resonated throughout every corner via the speakers.
"Many people ask me what I was thinking when that 205-kilogram behemoth surfaced. Was I thinking about bringing it back to make a specimen? Or was I thinking about how much money I could sell it for?"
Lin Yu'an's gaze swept across the audience, lingered on Raven's face for a moment, and then looked further away.
"I would say that for a true hunter, or a sailor, this is not the answer."
"We venture into the wilderness, break through the ice, and venture into the deep sea, not for the sake of mere killing and conquest."
"It is not so that we can see ourselves clearly in the face of the great power of nature, but through the struggle with these living beings."
"That flounder was the king of that icy sea; it had lived on the seabed for perhaps fifty years, or even longer."
"I defeated it and proved my strength, and that is enough. Taking its life will not make me stronger, but giving it freedom will teach me reverence."
"This honor belongs to me, and—" he paused slightly, "to every friend who, in their ordinary lives, still yearns for the stars and the sea, and holds nature in awe."
Thank you everyone.
Concise, powerful, and philosophical.
There was no tearful gratitude, nor a lengthy list of names.
This Eastern-style restraint, ironically, won even more enthusiastic and prolonged applause from the audience.
At this moment, the live stream chat on the Chinese internet has completely exploded with comments.
Due to the time difference, it's peak time for people to slack off at work in China during the morning.
The moment Lin Yu-an raised the trophy, the screen was flooded with comments that even obscured the view: "[Air Force Commander-in-Chief] sends his congratulations: Holy crap! That's so cool! This is the ultimate dream for us fishing enthusiasts!"
"666666! Impressive! This is truly the epitome of prestige!"
"I used to think fishing was just something for old people to do, but after watching Lin Shen, I realized it's a damn extreme sport!"
"That Guinness World Record is truly incredible! 205 kilograms, that arm strength is like that of a superhuman!"
"Did you see that blonde beauty hugging him? Isn't that Raven? She's so beautiful! He's having a great time in both love and career!"
"Upstairs, that's the first mate! Don't you know what a first mate is?!"
"Where's Guangwei? Guangwei, come out and take your beating! Such a huge scene and you guys didn't even give up? Do you look down on our Lin Shen?"
"I'm moved to tears, brothers. As an air force pilot who's just feeding mosquitoes by the river, seeing this scene suddenly makes the gun in my hand seem sacred!"
"Lin Yu'an is awesome! Chinese fishermen are awesome!"
Countless rocket and yacht gifts flooded the live stream.
The hashtags trended on Weibo instantly: #LinYuAnMiamiGodhood#, #ConquerorOfTheOceanFromTheEast#, #TheHighestGloryOfFishermen#.
Even the official account of Guangwei Group was flooded with comments. Although they did not promote it in a big way, netizens spontaneously pushed Guangwei to the top of the trending searches.
In the chairman's office, Chairman Chen looked at the dense barrage of comments on the tablet, took a sip of tea, and smiled more brightly than ever before.
"It's like a gentle rain nourishing the earth—" he exclaimed. "This is more worthwhile than spending a hundred million to win."
At the dinner in Miami, after the ceremony, there was a more relaxed social cocktail party.
As Lin Yu-an stepped off the stage, Raven immediately went to greet him, holding a glass of champagne.
"Well done, my star." She smiled and clinked glasses with him. "Your speech was absolutely captivating."
"Is that so?" Lin Yu'an took a sip of his drink. "I was just telling the truth."
"Now, are you ready for the real challenge?" Raven gestured for him to look around.
Countless celebrities, tycoons, and even Hollywood producers, holding wine glasses, swarmed towards them like sharks smelling blood.
In this arena of fame and fortune, Lin Yu'an, this rising star, is currently the most dazzling presence.
Lin Yu'an simply smiled faintly and squeezed Raven's hand: "As long as the first mate is here, the captain has nothing to fear."
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