Chapter 458: Chapter 233: Contribution Points +2000, New Magic

The day after returning to Donghua Zoo from Xianlai.

Early in the morning.

Yang Qi, carrying some light luggage, went to the train station with Huang Zhongmu and another senior veterinarian from the zoo and boarded a bullet train to the Provincial Capital.

Along the way, Huang Zhongmu and the veterinarian discussed the annual conference agenda and the latest industry news. Yang Qi listened quietly, chiming in with a remark or two, while inwardly he mulled over information about the Pangolin and the key points of his upcoming speech.

After arriving in the Provincial Capital, the three of them got off the train and met up with Zhao Mingfeng, the representative from Red Star Zoo, and their accompanying veterinarian, who were already waiting for them.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group transferred to another bullet train and continued their journey to Liangcheng.

At 12:30 PM, the train arrived in Liangcheng.

After they exited the station, a bus arranged by the conference committee was already waiting to take the group directly to the annual conference venue.

Liangcheng International Conference Center Hotel.

The hotel lobby was already bustling with representatives from zoos, wildlife parks, research institutions, and industry associations from across East China. The crowd was lively, with everyone exchanging warm greetings.

Many were familiar faces, and they all greeted one another.

Yang Qi trailed behind Huang Zhongmu and Zhao Mingfeng, discreetly observing his surroundings.

He didn’t recognize many people, but with his heightened perception, he could sense the different auras emanating from the crowd.

There was the calm demeanor of a scholar, the sharp presence of a shrewd manager, the pure enthusiasm of an animal lover...

"Director Huang, Minister Zhao, long time no see."

A familiar voice rang out.

The representative from Yongcheng Zoo, Deputy Director Lu Gangsheng, walked over.

"Director Lu, long time no see."

Huang Zhongmu and Zhao Mingfeng both smiled and went forward to shake his hand.

Yang Qi stood in the back and said nothing.

"Advisor Yang, I didn’t expect you to be here."

Lu Gangsheng, however, spotted Yang Qi immediately. His eyes lit up, and bypassing Huang Zhongmu and Zhao Mingfeng, he eagerly stepped forward to shake Yang Qi’s hand.

"Ever since we last parted, I’ve been hoping for another chance to learn from you. Your insights into animal behavior and psychology were incredibly enlightening. You absolutely must give a great presentation at the conference this year!"

"You’re too kind, Director Lu," Yang Qi replied humbly. "Those were just some simple ideas. I’m the one who needs to learn more from an expert like you."

"Haha, you’re being far too modest."

Lu Gangsheng laughed. "Your skills? Who among us doesn’t know about them? Right, Minister Zhao?"

"That’s right."

Zhao Mingfeng nodded. "Advisor Yang is our zoo’s special consultant, after all. We wouldn’t have hired him if he wasn’t capable."

"Hahaha..."

As they exchanged pleasantries, a woman’s voice cut in from the side.

"Old Lu, you’re here too. Director Huang, Minister Zhao."

The group turned to see a middle-aged woman approaching. She looked to be around fifty, with a neat, ear-length bob and a sharp, competent air about her. She stood around five-foot-seven.

It was none other than Yu Xiulian, the deputy director of Nanling Zoo and an equally renowned expert in the field.

Two younger technicians followed behind her.

"Director Yu!"

Huang Zhongmu and Zhao Mingfeng hurried to greet her.

Yu Xiulian nodded, her gaze sweeping across the group before finally resting on Yang Qi. A smile touched her lips.

"Advisor Yang, we meet again."

"Hello, Director Yu." Yang Qi also nodded in greeting.

"Are you giving a speech this time, Advisor Yang?" Yu Xiulian asked directly.

"Yes, it’s scheduled for the ’Behavior and Welfare’ panel tomorrow afternoon," Yang Qi replied.

"Good. I’ll be sure to attend." Yu Xiulian nodded, her words concise.

Lu Gangsheng, a specialist in large felines, and Yu Xiulian, an expert in animal behavior and welfare, were both influential figures in the East China zoo community.

The fact that both of them showed such clear admiration and friendliness toward a young keeper like Yang Qi inevitably attracted the attention of many other zoo representatives in the vicinity.

"Who’s that young man? Director Lu and Director Yu seem to think very highly of him."

"Don’t know him. He’s from Donghua Zoo, right? Came here with Huang Zhongmu."

"I think his last name is Yang... he looks a bit familiar..."

"I remember now! Isn’t he that legendary keeper from Donghua who can supposedly talk to animals? Named Yang Qi?"

"Yes, that’s him! I saw him in a video before, pulling a tooth from a Northeast Tiger with his bare hands, and subduing an out-of-control brown bear!"

"Oh, so it’s him."

"..."

The low buzz of conversation drifted over, and many curious, probing, and even scrutinizing gazes fell upon Yang Qi.

Just then, another familiar voice chimed in.

"Haha, I was wondering why it was so lively over here. It’s because Advisor Yang is here!"

A scholarly-looking, middle-aged man wearing glasses walked over.

The director of Binjiang Zoo, Li Jianmin.

He also had two people following him.

"Director Li."

Huang Zhongmu and the others all greeted him.

"Advisor Yang, we can’t thank you enough for last time. Others might not know, but we at Binjiang Zoo will never forget it."

Li Jianmin shook Yang Qi’s hand firmly, making no effort to hide his gratitude and admiration.

"You give me too much credit, Director Li."

Yang Qi replied with a smile, "I just did what I could."

Lu Gangsheng, Yu Xiulian, and Li Jianmin—all three were prominent figures in the East China zoo world. Yet all of them spontaneously showed extraordinary enthusiasm and respect for a young man like Yang Qi.

Just like that, it was impossible for Yang Qi to keep a low profile, even if he wanted to.

The way the surrounding zoo representatives looked at Yang Qi changed.

Their gazes were now filled with curiosity, surprise, scrutiny, and envy—and even a subtle desire to form a connection.

Many of Huang Zhongmu’s acquaintances began to tease him, their tone half-joking and half-serious.

"Lao Huang, you’ve been hiding a real treasure at Donghua!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.