Chapter 556: Chapter 253: Walking the Tiger

"It’s a good thing, but it’s also a monumental one. I don’t need to tell you all how important a Wild South China Tiger is. It’s our good fortune that he entered the park on his own, but whether we can keep him isn’t up to us. It will depend on the assessment and decision of the relevant authorities."

"Moreover, even if he stays temporarily, the subsequent feeding, management, medical care, and safety measures all present unprecedented challenges. There’s no room for even the slightest mistake."

His words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing everyone’s over-the-top excitement.

That’s right. A Wild South China Tiger, a creature on the level of a national treasure—how could a private zoo possibly keep one just because they wanted to?

"..."

The crowd fell silent, the excitement on their faces replaced by apprehension and worry.

Yang Qi said no more.

He took out his phone, adjusted the focus, and aimed it at the black-and-yellow figure lying deep in the wetland, snapping several clear photos in succession.

For one of them, Yang Qi even used his spiritual intent to issue a command to Lian Po.

’Lian Po, lift your head and look over here.’

Lian Po, who was lying down, twitched his ears slightly. He obediently lifted his head and cast a lazy glance in Yang Qi’s direction. For a split second, a barely perceptible Spiritual Light flashed in his amber eyes in the morning light.

Yang Qi perfectly captured the head-on shot.

Then, he opened WeChat and tapped on a group chat named "Spring Flowers, Autumn Fruit (The Song Sect Family)."

He sent the photos he had just taken, especially the clear, head-on shot of Lian Po looking up.

He then tagged his teacher, Song Chunfang, as well as his Eldest Brother, Fang Rong, Yang Fan, and the others.

The accompanying message was concise and powerful:

[Yang Qi: @Song Chunfang @Eldest Brother @Fang Rong Teacher, Eldest Brother, a Wild South China Tiger entered the wetlands at Xianlai Wild Animal World this morning. Its condition is stable, and it’s under observation.]

After sending the message, he exited the group chat interface, paying no mind to the explosion of notifications that was sure to follow.

Phone in hand, he walked to a quieter corner, a little distance from the crowd, and found a name in his contacts.

Wei Zongting, his Second Brother, the Vice Director of the Provincial Forestry Bureau.

The phone rang a few times before it was answered. Wei Zongting’s steady voice came through, tinged with the laziness of someone who had just woken up.

"Junior Brother? Happy New Year."

"Brother Wei, Happy New Year. I have something important to report to you."

Yang Qi cut straight to the chase. "Just now, a Wild South China Tiger voluntarily entered the Xianlai Zoo grounds. We have photos and witnesses. I need your help to do everything possible to keep this tiger at Xianlai."

Silence fell on the other end of the line.

A full five or six seconds passed before the sound of Wei Zongting sharply inhaling came through, his voice filled with incredulous shock.

"...Junior Brother, what did you just say? A Wild South China Tiger? Voluntarily entered Xianlai? Junior Brother, this is no time for jokes!"

"It’s absolutely true. I’ve already sent the photos to the group chat. This tiger is special—Teacher and Eldest Brother know about it. I’ll explain the details when they get to Xianlai or when you come over."

"People from the forestry department and the local government will be here soon," Yang Qi added.

Wei Zongting on the other end of the line fell silent again.

The news was too shocking. He needed to process it, and more importantly, weigh his options.

But Yang Qi had mentioned that his Teacher and Eldest Brother knew the backstory, which changed the weight of the matter entirely.

After a moment, he replied in a deep voice with a single word.

"Okay."

"Thank you, Brother. I’ll wait for you all." Yang Qi thanked him sincerely and hung up.

Next, he dialed his teacher, Song Chunfang.

She answered almost instantly.

"Xiaoqi!"

Song Chunfang’s voice came through, laced with urgency and a slight tremor. "I just saw the photos. Did you really find him? And you brought the tiger... back? This... this is too..."

She was so excited she was at a loss for words.

"Teacher, it’s true. The tiger is in the park now, and there’s no danger. I’ll explain the specifics when you arrive," Yang Qi replied.

"Okay, okay, I’m leaving right away."

Song Chunfang added a string of reminders, her voice filled with excitement, nervousness, and an indescribable sense of anticipation.

"Xiaoqi, you must be careful. Wait for me to get there!"

"I understand. Don’t worry, Teacher."

Yang Qi agreed and hung up the phone.

After a moment’s thought, he quickly scrolled through his contacts and found the number of a vice director from the Donghua City Forestry Bureau.

He had spoken with this vice director a few times before and was on decent terms with him.

When the call connected, a polite voice came from the other end.

"Director Yang, Happy New Year, Happy New Year."

"Director Wang, Happy New Year. Sorry to bother you, but I have an important matter to report to you and the city bureau."

Yang Qi didn’t bother with pleasantries and went straight to the point. "In the early hours of this morning, a Wild South China Tiger voluntarily entered the grounds of our Xianlai Wild Animal World. The tiger is currently in a stable condition. We’ve already alerted the police and notified Director Wei of the provincial forestry bureau."

"I’ve also sent on-site photos to Director Wei and my teacher, Professor Song Chunfang. They are on their way now."

"What? A Wild South China Tiger?!"

Vice Director Wang’s voice on the other end of the line shot up, full of shock and disbelief, and he even stuttered a little. "Director... Director Yang, are you sure?! This is no laughing matter!"

"Director Wang, it’s absolutely true. I’ll send the photos to your WeChat shortly," Yang Qi stressed.

The sound of rapid breathing came from the other end of the line. Vice Director Wang was clearly stunned by the news, but Yang Qi’s mention of Wei Zongting from the provincial bureau and Song Chunfang forced him to believe it.

A few seconds later, his voice returned, now urgent and serious.

"Okay. Director Yang, I understand. I will report to the director immediately! We’ll activate the emergency response plan! The municipal wildlife rescue center, the forest police, and relevant experts—we will assemble them immediately and head to Xianlai as fast as we can."

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