Chapter 481: Chapter 238: Expanding Territory, Sub-Sect Leader

"The Zoo has its rules. It’s not a place you can just come and go as you please."

Looking at the male leopard’s pitiful expression, Yang Qi remained unsympathetic and spoke calmly.

"One, you can choose to stay here with Hua Hua. This will be your home, and we’ll provide the best conditions and care. But you’ll have to follow the rules and accept being managed to some extent."

"Or, you can go back to your mountains. You’ll continue to live your life of freedom, but you’ll also have to bear all the risks yourself."

"It’s one or the other. There’s no third option."

"..."

The wild male leopard heard the decisiveness in Yang Qi’s voice and fell silent.

It glanced at Yang Qi, then at Hua Hua snuggled up against it, and an unreadable rumble echoed in its throat.

Hua Hua seemed to sense the tension in the air. She gently nuzzled the male leopard’s neck and let out a low growl, a sound of reluctance, pleading for him to stay.

’Stay. It’s nice here. We can be together.’

The male leopard nuzzled Hua Hua with the tip of his nose, then turned back to Yang Qi, his gaze turning serious.

He didn’t answer immediately, weighing freedom against comfort, loneliness against companionship.

Finally, he looked up at Yang Qi and let out a low, clear growl.

’I’m going back to the mountains.’

Hua Hua’s body stiffened slightly, and the light in her eyes dimmed. It wasn’t a total surprise, though. She just silently rested her head on the male leopard’s shoulder.

Yang Qi wasn’t surprised by this choice either.

For a true wild predator, the desire for freedom is instinctual, carved into its very genes.

Over a month of easy living might have made him fond of this place, but it couldn’t overcome his yearning for the wide-open world.

Especially since the male leopard was in his prime and still had his hunting prowess. To expect him to be content in a cage was asking the impossible of a leopard.

"Alright. I respect your choice."

Yang Qi nodded, his tone even. "When you go back, remember not to get close to the territory of the Two-legged Beasts. And especially no more stealing cattle or sheep. Otherwise, you might not be so lucky next time."

The male leopard gave a low growl, showing he understood.

Then, he asked tentatively.

’Um... can I wait until winter is over before I go back to the mountains?’

’There’s not much food in the mountains right now, and it’s cold...’

Yang Qi: "..."

He was rendered speechless once again as he looked at the "scheming leopard" before him—one moment heroically choosing freedom, the next, haggling to mooch off the zoo’s heating and food for the winter before taking off.

’Unbelievable. Is he treating the Zoo like a "winter holiday resort"?’

’He wants his freedom, but he’s not about to pass up the immediate perks?’

When Hua Hua heard the male leopard say he wanted to wait until after winter to leave, her eyes lit up again, and she looked at Yang Qi with anticipation.

Yang Qi looked at the pair—one cunning, the other besotted—and let out a soft laugh.

"Alright. On account of you and Hua Hua getting along so well, you can stay until spring. When the weather warms up and food becomes plentiful, we’ll escort you out then."

"But you have to be on your best behavior during that time. No causing trouble."

’No problem.’

The male leopard nodded eagerly, his delight evident.

’Thank you, Two-legged Beast. I promise I’ll be good.’

Hua Hua also let out a happy rumble, rubbing her head vigorously against the male leopard.

Yang Qi chuckled, said no more, gave them a few last instructions, and turned to leave the enclosure.

He walked out of the staff passageway, and the heavy alloy door closed behind him.

Tong Xiaoyue and the zookeeper who had been waiting outside immediately crowded around him.

"Xiao Yang, how did it go?"

Tong Xiaoyue asked eagerly.

The zookeeper also looked on, both hopeful and nervous.

Yang Qi didn’t hide anything. He briefly recounted the negotiation, especially the male leopard’s shrewd choice and the conditions that came with it.

After he finished, Tong Xiaoyue and the zookeeper were stunned. The looks on their faces were priceless.

"He chose freedom, but he wants to wait until after winter to leave?"

Tong Xiaoyue repeated, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "That fellow... Is he treating this place like a free hotel and mess hall for the winter?"

The zookeeper couldn’t help but laugh. "This Leopard’s practically a genius, isn’t he? Knows how to pick his moments. Still, it’s good that he’s willing to stay until spring. At least Hua Hua gets to spend more time with him. And what if she gets pregnant in the meantime?"

"That’s what I was thinking."

Yang Qi nodded. "Since he’s made his choice, we should respect it. We’ll take good care of him these next few months and keep observing their relationship."

"Who knows? Maybe after spending more time here, he’ll change his mind."

"That’s true."

Tong Xiaoyue chimed in with a smile. "In any case, they’ve had a good month and they’re getting along well. As for the future, we’ll just have to see. Thanks for all your hard work, Xiao Yang."

"You’re too kind, Teacher Tong."

Yang Qi waved off her thanks. "You’re the ones who will have to take care of the male leopard. I’ll come back after the New Year, in the spring, to help with his release."

"Okay. Thank you."

...

...

Back in Donghua, the days seemed to pass on fast-forward.

Year-end summaries, reports, safety inspections, annual party preparations...

The tasks piled up one after another.

The Zoo began to put up lanterns and festive decorations, filling the air with a strong New Year’s spirit.

Yang Qi was so busy he barely had a moment to breathe. He had to finish his regular duties while also finding time to visit Xianlai to check on the project’s progress and see how the two lions were acclimating.

As for his exam results, he found out three days after he got back.

Unsurprisingly, he had received a high score.

...

Before he knew it, the time for the year-end review and awards ceremony had arrived.

The ceremony was held in the Zoo’s small auditorium. It summarized the year’s work, recognized outstanding employees, and laid out plans for the year to come.

For his outstanding performance and significant contributions, Yang Qi was named "Employee of the Year" and "Technical Innovation Pioneer." He went on stage to receive his certificates and a bonus.

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