Chapter 455: Chapter 232: Welcome, Director Yang, to Inspect the Work

Deng Lei’s voice was heavy. "The East China Region’s annual zoo conference is in Liangcheng next week, isn’t it? Donghua will definitely be sending people. Advisor Yang, you..."

"I’m going, as one of the representatives," Yang Qi finished.

"I knew it!"

A hint of delight crept into Deng Lei’s voice. "Advisor Yang, I’d like to ask you for a favor. Of course, it won’t interfere with your normal conference attendance or networking at all."

"I just hope that during the conference, you’ll keep an eye out for anyone suspicious. Specifically, attendees who show an unusual obsession with animals, discuss fringe topics like smuggling rare species or special training methods, or those who have a vague background."

"We’ll send two experienced plainclothes officers to infiltrate the event, posing as conference staff or media reporters, to work with you."

"You’ll have a direct line of communication. If you spot anything out of the ordinary, don’t spook our target. Just notify us immediately."

Yang Qi understood.

’They wanted to use his status as a representative and his keen observation skills to do some initial reconnaissance and screening at the conference.’

After all, a large industry conference like that was a mixed bag of people. It was exactly the kind of place where someone like "Pangolin" might show up or gather information.

"No problem, Captain Deng. I’ll keep an eye out."

Yang Qi agreed without hesitation.

Taking down a blight like Jiulian Mountain was a responsibility he couldn’t refuse.

"Good. I’ll send you an encrypted message later with the specifics—the contact information for the two officers and the recognition code. Be extremely careful. For ’Pangolin’ to have gotten this far, he must be a wily old fox with his guard always up," Deng Lei warned gravely.

"Understood."

Not long after he hung up with Deng Lei, an encrypted message arrived.

It contained brief descriptions of two people, the aliases and contact details they would be using during the conference, and a simple set of code phrases for making contact.

Yang Qi quickly memorized the details, then deleted the message.

’Looks like the trip to Liangcheng next week won’t be as relaxing as I thought.’

’On top of handling the "Great Competition of the Hundred Sects" and showcasing our "sect’s" strength, I’ve got a new side quest.’

’Assist the police and identify the potential hidden criminal, "Pangolin"!’

Far from feeling any fear, Yang Qi felt a flicker of anticipation.

...

「The next morning.」

After arranging his work at the Donghua Zoo and checking in with Jiang Kai, Yang Qi drove to the Xianlai Zoo, located in the Northwest Corner of Cangshan Mountain.

The car left the city and followed the winding mountain road.

As the SUV turned off onto a newly built dirt road and rounded a mountain pass, the view suddenly opened up. Even though Yang Qi had prepared himself, he couldn’t help but be taken aback by the scene before him.

The last time he was here, it had been a bustling construction site, filled with scaffolding, heavy machinery, and exposed yellow earth.

Now, several months later, the clamor of construction had faded. In its place, an impressive, large-scale wildlife park had risen, standing quietly against the backdrop of the lush green mountains.

The most striking feature was the magnificent main gate, a fusion of classical upturned eaves and modern, minimalist lines. Done in a primary palette of dark gray and natural wood, it was grand and imposing.

Inscribed above in powerful calligraphy were the four words: "Xianlai Wild Animal World."

Pang Yunrui had commissioned a renowned Chinese master calligrapher to create it.

Extending from both sides of the gate was an imitation-ancient-city-wall fence, its rustic design blending seamlessly with the mountain landscape and clearly outlining the park’s perimeter.

The car entered through a reserved internal access road and parked in the open area in front of the administration building.

Pang Yunrui had called ahead, so the two deputy directors, Feng Jianye and An Yumin, were already waiting there.

Feng Jianye was in his early sixties, with salt-and-pepper hair, reading glasses, and a slightly plump build. He always wore a warm smile and was dressed in a simple Zhongshan suit, looking like a retired government official.

Pang Yunrui had used his connections to hire him out of retirement from an established public zoo in the province. He was an experienced former director, well-connected, gentle in nature, and widely known as an amiable person.

He was primarily responsible for Xianlai’s daily administration, external communications, and government relations.

An Yumin, on the other hand, was completely different.

She was in her early forties, with ear-length short hair and a sun-tanned complexion from years of working outdoors. Her eyes were bright and sharp. Dressed in practical cargo pants and a technical jacket, she exuded an air of crisp competence.

She had been the deputy director and chief veterinarian at a private zoo but had resigned in protest. She couldn’t stand how her former employer would resort to vulgar animal shows, overfeeding, and even abuse just to attract visitors, and her repeated objections had fallen on deaf ears.

Pang Yunrui, admiring her professional expertise and integrity, had eagerly recruited her to take charge of animal husbandry, medical care, and welfare enrichment.

An Yumin was direct and couldn’t tolerate any nonsense, but she possessed a deep, genuine love for animals.

Both of them had heard stories about the "marvel" that was Yang Qi.

The star keeper of the Donghua Zoo, a special consultant to the Municipal Public Security Bureau, an expert who could communicate with animals.

Although Yang Qi was much younger than them, they both knew he was the future core of Xianlai and Pang Yunrui’s true partner.

Therefore, their attitude toward Yang Qi was not just polite; it was tinged with respect.

"Director Yang, you’ve had a long trip!"

Feng Jianye greeted him with a warm smile, stepping forward to shake his hand.

"Director Yang, welcome to inspect our work," An Yumin added, extending her hand with a cheerful smile.

"Teacher Feng, Teacher An, you’re being too kind. You’re both my seniors. Please, just call me Xiao Yang or Yang Qi."

Yang Qi quickly shook both their hands, his attitude deferential. "I’m just here to see the progress and learn from you both. Thank you for all your hard work these past few months."

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