The staff member responsible for looking after the giant panda, Tuan Tuan, was dumbfounded. Tuan Tuan had gone from a listless state to being full of life. If not for Tuan Tuan's distinctive markings, he might have suspected Yang Lin had secretly swapped the panda mid-way.
After a long pause, he exclaimed with excitement, "They say online that you're an expert in animals. Today, I've truly gained some knowledge."
Hearing the compliment, Yang Lin quickly waved his hand. "Just a false reputation, all false reputation."
As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of chewing wood came from the side. When he turned his head, he saw that a large chunk of the wooden frame had been gnawed off by Tuan Tuan. The staff member standing nearby watched, wide-eyed. After his surprise subsided, he spoke again, "Director Yang, since Tuan Tuan has been cured by you, why don't you take him away with you?"
"I've already packed Tuan Tuan's things. I'll help you load them into the van." With that, the staff member eagerly began to pack Tuan Tuan's belongings. Seeing his enthusiasm, Yang Lin could only shake his head helplessly. It was clear they were determined to send this national treasure to Xihong Zoo.
"Alas, I hope you can earn your own food expenses in the future," Yang Lin said, gently patting Tuan Tuan's large head before leading him towards the van. Not long after, he drove the seemingly unwanted national treasure back to Xihong Zoo.
However, he soon discovered a problem: Xihong Zoo temporarily had no space for the national treasure. In the original Xihong Zoo, he could have easily found an empty enclosure for the panda. But with the increasing number of animals at Xihong Zoo, most usable spaces were already occupied. Unless he built a panda house overnight.
"How about you share with other animals?" Yang Lin tentatively asked, looking at Tuan Tuan, who was following closely behind him.
"What animals? Animals of that low a level won't do. I'm a national treasure, after all," Tuan Tuan finally remembered his status as a national treasure. "Level one, at least level one protected animals. I can't get along with level two animals."
"Alright, how about I arrange for you to stay with your relatives for a night, and I'll arrange a place for you tomorrow morning?"
"Relatives? Are there relatives of mine at Xihong Zoo?" In the next moment, under Tuan Tuan's bewildered gaze, Yang Lin led him to the entrance of the bear enclosure. Looking at the black bear family of three resting inside, Yang Lin glanced at Tuan Tuan beside him. Upon seeing the warm family of three, Tuan Tuan's face instantly showed jealousy.
"Boss, what do you mean by this? Don't you know I'm single?" "They have wives, children, and warm beds. Can a single panda like me live with them?" "Alas, after 18 years, I haven't even held a female panda's hand. You brought me to see this?"
Seeing that Tuan Tuan wouldn't agree to anything, Yang Lin turned his gaze to a spot not far from the bear enclosure. "How about this, I'll find you another relative, and you can go live with them." "Although the living environment is a bit poor, there are late-night snacks arranged, and plenty of food." "If it's not enough to eat, I'll bring you some more later."
Hearing the words "late-night snacks," Tuan Tuan, who had been full of reluctance, suddenly lit up. He immediately nodded vigorously. "It doesn't matter, the living environment is not important, as long as there are late-night snacks." "If I had known that animals at your Xihong Zoo could have late-night snacks, I would have come sooner."
"In that case, let's go." As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Lin, with an excited expression, led Tuan Tuan to another part of the park. Before they got close, distinctive calls came from a covered building. Hearing these calls, Tuan Tuan's face immediately showed confusion.
"Boss, what kind of animal is this? I've never heard such calls at the city zoo." "These are pig calls," Yang Lin replied without hesitation.
"Pigs? What level of protected animal are they?" "Hmm?" At this moment, Yang Lin suddenly realized that Tuan Tuan might not have encountered pigs before. His eyes immediately darted around.
"Pigs, you know, they are unique protected species in our Dragon Country. Didn't you get demoted from endangered status? Now pigs are our Dragon Country's endangered animals." "Currently, Xihong Zoo is the only place in the entire Dragon Country that houses five pigs."
Upon hearing Yang Lin's answer, the initially curious Tuan Tuan's eyes widened. "Only five in zoos across the entire Dragon Country! Aren't they even more precious than pandas? No wonder I never saw them at the city zoo." "I want to live with pigs!" With that, Tuan Tuan walked excitedly towards the pigsty.
Soon, the figures of one domestic pig and four wild boars appeared before him. Seeing pigs for the first time, he felt a sense of wonder. "They truly are endangered species. With such bulging bellies and large heads, could they look like this if they weren't rare animals?"
"Yes, yes, the best food in the entire park is provided here. You'll eat well with them every meal." "Really?" Tuan Tuan's eyes suddenly lit up. "Of course!" "Come, I'll take you in to meet them." As he spoke, Yang Lin opened the gate of the pigsty, and in the next moment, a giant panda and five pigs met each other's gaze.
Curiosity was evident in their eyes. "What kind of animal is this? Is it also a pig?" "Probably. Why is it black and white? Did its mother run out of ink when she gave birth to it?" "You don't understand, this is called mixed-blood. Perhaps one of its parents was a white pig and the other a black pig." "Hmph, it even has one-half foreign pig blood." "It's so fat, it must be a pig. Its ears and nose are just a bit strange." "Don't judge a pig by its appearance. It's not its fault for not being good-looking. We should all be inclusive and accepting of it." "The boss arranged it, so we'll listen to the boss."
Unlike the pigs' confused thoughts, Tuan Tuan looked at the five pigs with a hint of caution. "Are these top-tier rare animals? They do look different." "I must get along well with these noble animals in the future. The animals at the city zoo are too low-class; they drag down my level." "Are the foods next to them all you can eat? They look delicious. As expected, rare animals receive different treatment."
Seeing that Tuan Tuan and the five pigs were getting along harmoniously, Yang Lin showed a satisfied smile. He then left Tuan Tuan to himself and returned to his room. The next morning, he was woken by a scream.