Chapter 394 - 215: Operation National Day (Part 2)
Chapter 394: Chapter 215: Operation National Day (Part 2)
"We need to identify problems in advance and nip any potential dangers in the bud."
Yang Qi understood.
The National Day holiday was a huge annual test for any zoo.
Seas of people, packed shoulder to shoulder. The screams of children, the chatter of adults, the flashes of cameras, all sorts of strange smells...
For animals accustomed to a fixed environment, it was a massive source of stress.
In previous years during the holiday, some animals would inevitably show stress reactions: refusing to eat, exhibiting stereotypical behaviors (like pacing nonstop), attacking the enclosure fences, and occasionally, some would even develop health problems from excessive fright.
The keepers and technicians would, of course, observe them closely, but manpower is limited, and oversights were inevitable.
But everyone had long been aware of Yang Qi’s affinity for and ability to communicate with animals.
Having him act as a "roving sentry" and "mood monitor" couldn’t be more fitting.
"I understand, Director."
Yang Qi replied seriously, "I’ll patrol carefully, focusing on the animals prone to stress. I’ll identify problems early and communicate promptly with the keepers and technicians in charge."
"Very good."
A satisfied expression appeared on Huang Zhongmu’s face. He put his glasses back on. "The zoo is well aware of your abilities. We’ll be counting on you to put in the extra effort this National Day. Remember, safety first, prevention is key."
"Understood!"
"This afternoon, finish the safety checks for the enclosures you’re responsible for, then get some good rest. Starting tomorrow, you’re going to be busy."
Huang Zhongmu stood up and patted Yang Qi’s shoulder. "Go on."
Yang Qi got up and left the conference room.
...
「Afternoon.」
Like everyone else, Yang Qi conducted a thorough safety inspection of the Gray Wolf and raccoon enclosures he was responsible for.
He carefully checked every detail: whether the fences were secure, the electric grid was functioning normally, the inner enclosure door locks were responsive, the enrichment facilities were damaged, and if the food and water supplies were sufficient...
The enclosure of Qi Zai the Beaked Eagle was no exception.
Although Qi Zai had gained awareness and possessed extraordinary power, the necessary checks could not be skipped.
「Evening.」
Yang Qi returned to his dorm. Just as he finished dinner, his phone buzzed.
It was the main work group chat, "Zoo Family."
Mei Ying had sent a long message, re-emphasizing the safety precautions for the National Day period, the responsibilities of each post, the emergency plan procedures, and finally, she @-mentioned all members.
Rows of "Received" quickly filled the screen below.
Yang Qi also copied, pasted, and sent a "Received."
Just as he sent it, the notification tone for another group chat rang.
It was the "Liudong Study Group," a small chat for the five former classmates: him, Gao Zhenyue, Ye Haibing, Qian Yu, and Song Wan.
Ye Haibing was clamoring in the group.
[Ye Haibing: Hey gang! Tomorrow’s National Day, anyone wanna go to the zoo? My treat! @All]
The message had barely been sent when Gao Zhenyue replied in a flash.
[Gao Zhenyue: Go to the zoo? My ass! It’s gonna be totally packed tomorrow. I bet the main gate parking lot will be full before 9 AM, and the traffic outside will be backed up all the way to the overpass! You gonna walk there?]
Song Wan chimed in right after.
[Song Wan: Exactly. Haibing, are you dense? Going to the zoo on National Day isn’t about seeing animals, it’s about seeing a sea of people. Your photos will just be a background of human heads! /disgusted/]
Ye Haibing sent a crying emoji.
[Ye Haibing: Easy for you two to say. One of you is a freelance driver, and the other works from home. What about me? I’m a miserable programmer! When do I ever have free time? The long National Day holiday is my only chance to get out and breathe.]
Gao Zhenyue replied with a smug emoji.
[Gao Zhenyue: That’s why I told you back then to buy a car and become a ride-share driver with me. But no, you insisted on becoming a coder. Now you see how precious freedom is, huh? /doge/]
Qian Yu chimed in at this point.
[Qian Yu: @Ye Haibing Don’t go. The zoo will be a madhouse tomorrow. Yang Qi will be swamped, so let’s not add to his troubles.]
Ye Haibing seemed to have just realized.
[Ye Haibing: Oh, right. @Yang Qi Brother Qi, are you guys going to be busy as hell tomorrow?]
Yang Qi looked at the lively chat, smiled, and typed a reply.
[Yang Qi: Starting tomorrow, we’re definitely going to be busy. The entire zoo staff is on duty during the National Day holiday. If you guys come, I probably won’t have time to host you.]
[Ye Haibing: Alright, forget it then. Sigh, another one of my holiday plans down the drain. So what should we do? Karaoke? Escape room? Murder mystery game?]
[Gao Zhenyue: Whatever works. You decide. I’m free anytime, anyway.]
[Song Wan: +1]
[Qian Yu: I have to work shifts during National Day. We’ll see about the next few days.]
Yang Qi thought for a moment, then sent another message.
[Yang Qi: How about after National Day? Once the holiday is over and the crowds are gone, I’ll take a day off and we can get together.]
[Ye Haibing: That’s a great idea! It’s a deal, Brother Qi. We have to get together after the holiday! I’m gonna eat you out of house and home.]
[Gao Zhenyue: Seconded.]
[Song Wan: +1]
[Qian Yu: Okay.]
...
The group chat buzzed with a lively discussion about where to eat after the holiday.
Yang Qi watched for a bit, then exited WeChat and dialed his grandma’s number.
Soon, a kind voice came from the receiver.
"Xiaoqi, have you eaten?"
"I have, Grandma. What about you?"
"I just finished too. Your Grandma Wang gave me some of her homemade pickled vegetables, so I just had them with some congee tonight..."
"Why are you only having pickles and congee?"
"..."
The grandson and grandmother chatted about everyday things, trivial yet heartwarming.
Yang Qi told his grandma that he would go back to see her after National Day when work wasn’t so busy.
His grandma repeatedly said he didn’t have to.
"You’re busy with work, don’t always be worrying about me. I’m doing fine, the neighbors all look out for me. You just focus on your work, take care of yourself, and don’t get too tired."
A warmth spread through Yang Qi’s heart. He smiled and agreed.
...
...
「The first day of National Day.」
Before the sky had fully brightened, a long line had already formed at the entrance of Donghua Wildlife Park.