As the audience watched with eager anticipation, three animals, dressed in their respective sports attire, slowly walked out from the sidelines.
The mere sight of the leading animal caused the crowd to burst into laughter.
"My god, how did they manage to invite this guy?"
"Are you sure this athlete won't spit at other contestants during the competition?"
"Who styled its hair into a middle part? That's so trendy."
"Is it still eating?"
"Report! Xihong Zoo has sent out mythical beasts."
"They really are mythical beasts. Can this creature actually jump far?"
As the crowd's gaze shifted, the first animal athlete to emerge was an alpaca with black and white fur, a middle-parted hairstyle, and buck teeth.
As a camelid native to South America, the alpaca is one of the most successfully introduced exotic animals in China in recent years.
Not only has it gained immense popularity with its adorably goofy image, becoming a new favorite in the pet world, but it has also acquired a localized Chinese name—Cao Ni Ma.
At this moment, this Cao Ni Ma not only had its hair styled into a middle part by Yang Lin, but it was also adorned with hairspray.
Coupled with the red bow tie around its neck and a black suit, it appeared as a gentleman of the animal kingdom.
Yet, this very gentleman was currently preoccupied with nibbling on the fresh turf that had been planted on the sports field overnight.
Besides this alpaca contestant, the other two animal athletes trailing behind it were also not exhibiting exemplary behavior.
Not long after the alpaca's appearance, an Asiatic ibex with horns on its head, brownish-yellow fur, and a long beard slowly ambled out.
Compared to the alpaca, this ibex seemed more like an elderly figure, possessing a calm demeanor and eyes that appeared weathered by life.
However, upon entering the arena, it immediately began producing pearls for the cameras, leaving the audience utterly astonished.
"Damn, this guy isn't treating us like outsiders at all, directly showcasing its pearl production line."
"How is that even possible? They're smoother than if made by hand."
"These pearls are infused with the essence of a hundred herbs, absolutely no technology or shortcuts involved."
"Doesn't it look a bit like Maltesers?"
"Please, stop talking. I'll never be able to look at those two things the same way again."
"Hilarious, it looks like the 'stretch-legs-and-wide-eyes' pill."
"Compared to the other animals, these two are really dragging down the image of Xihong Zoo."
"Hahaha, don't say it. The director will have a meeting with them later to criticize and educate them."
"What breed is the last one? I can't quite tell."
As the audience condemned the ibex contestant for its on-the-spot pearl production, the final animal contestant made its grand entrance.
Compared to the previous two, this last one felt somewhat unfamiliar to many.
While the previous two contestants were known for their adorably goofy images, this one, though clearly a sheep, had a much cooler demeanor.
Its pair of scimitar-shaped horns alone was enough to awe the crowd, and its lean muscles were evident even through its thick suit.
As a wave of confusion swept through the audience, the organizing committee slowly directed the camera towards Yang Lin.
"Director Yang, would you be so kind as to introduce the three contestants participating this time?"
"Certainly. The three contestants this time are from Xihong Zoo's upcoming park—Yang Village. They are an alpaca from South America, an Asiatic ibex from western China, and a Tibetan antelope, also from western China."
"Among these three animals, only the alpaca is not a protected animal in China. Both the Asiatic ibex and the Tibetan antelope are classified as national second and first-class protected animals, respectively. Please remember this clearly."
Upon hearing Yang Lin's introduction, the entire audience had a moment of realization and expressed their amazement.
They had all heard of the Tibetan antelope, but for most of the audience, this was their first time seeing a live Tibetan antelope.
"I recall hearing that the city zoo had acquired a Tibetan antelope, but it seemed to have trouble adapting to the environment and was never put on display. Could this be it?"
"It probably is. How did Xihong Zoo manage to help this Tibetan antelope overcome the different environment? They certainly have some tricks up their sleeves."
"If a Tibetan antelope is participating in this competition, then the outcome is probably a foregone conclusion, right?"
"Wasn't there a textbook passage when we were kids called 'Tibetan Antelope Leaps'?"
"You idiot, that was 'Serow Leaps'."
"If these athletes could introduce themselves, it would be hilarious."
"Human Athlete One: I'm a national second-class athlete. Athlete Two: I'm a national first-class athlete. Ibex: I'm a national second-class protected animal. Tibetan Antelope: I'm a national first-class protected animal."
"I think the national first-class protected animal status carries more weight. If I injure a national first-class athlete, I'll get at most 15 days of administrative detention, but if I injure a national first-class protected animal, I might end up in prison for 15 years."
As the audience marveled at the origins of the three animal athletes, the next moment brought a scene that far exceeded their expectations.
The Asiatic ibex, which was supposed to be in the waiting area, suddenly began arguing with the Tibetan antelope beside it for some unknown reason.
Mee!
Mee!
Mee-mee-mee!
Mee-mee-mee-mee-mee!
Although the crowd couldn't understand a word of their argument, the alpaca's startled eyes clearly indicated that the two were exchanging insults.
"Are these two also from Guangdong province?"
"My dog told me they were using very foul language."
"My cat became anxious after listening to them argue."
"I suspect the level of profanity is quite high."
"Ask the director to translate and see what they're saying."
"Both are from the west, so they're practically fellow countrymen. Why are they fighting? Shouldn't they be ganging up on that foreigner?"
"Fellow countrymen meet, fists fly hard."
"Chinese sheep don't fight Chinese sheep. Don't engage in internal conflict. Take it out on the alpaca."
"Alpaca: ??? I haven't offended any of you sheep. Besides, I haven't even spat yet."
However, just as the crowd thought things couldn't get any more absurd, the Tibetan antelope, perhaps provoked into a frenzy, nudged its hind legs and charged towards the ibex.
Instantly, the two sheep began fighting in front of the entire audience and the live cameras.
The scene became somewhat chaotic.
Upon witnessing this, Yang Lin quickly ran over from the sidelines.
"Stop fighting!"
Hearing Yang Lin's plea, the audience, who were already struggling to contain themselves, erupted into laughter.
"Why do I suddenly feel like it's pouring rain?"
"This is outrageous! A national first-class protected animal is assaulting a national second-class protected animal. Does this violate the Animal Protection Law?"
"Tibetan Antelope: Little punk, you're second-class, I'm first-class. I've got you this time!"
"As soon as I walked in, I saw the Tibetan antelope beating up the ibex."