Chapter 546 - 251: Find the Tiger!
Chapter 546: Chapter 251: Find the Tiger!
He looked at Song Chunfang, his gaze clear and resolute. "Teacher, if I find it, and if it’s willing, I want to invite it to Xianlai. We have the best environment at Xianlai, the most professional team, and I will personally take charge of its care and see it through its old age."
’A retirement home for a tiger?’
The idea sounded incredible, even a little ridiculous.
But on second thought, if it really was an old South China Tiger struggling to survive in the wild, then a modern zoo with excellent facilities, scientific management, a stable food supply, medical care, and a safe habitat would indeed be a better alternative than struggling to survive in the perilous wilderness.
Yang Fan, Fang Rong, and the others grew pensive. They understood Yang Qi’s plan.
This wasn’t just a simple search for evidence; it was an invitation that could change the tiger’s fate and even bring glory to Xianlai.
Xia Xiaomin’s mind worked the fastest. She glanced at Yang Qi, then at their teacher, and suddenly laughed, breaking the silence.
"Looks like we don’t need to persuade him. Our Junior Brother doesn’t just want to help Teacher find evidence. He clearly wants to bring a ’crown jewel’ back for the Xianlai Zoo!"
Her words were teasing, but they also exposed a part of what Yang Qi was thinking.
Yang Qi smiled a bit sheepishly and didn’t deny it.
"If I can really find it, and if it’s willing, it would indeed be a tremendous boon for Xianlai. Of course, helping Teacher prove her theory is also one of the goals."
Xia Xiaomin continued with a smile, "If Xianlai really had a wild South China Tiger—even if you only confirmed its existence and established contact—it would be blockbuster news, causing a sensation throughout the country’s wildlife conservation and zoo communities!"
"Xianlai’s reputation would skyrocket instantly. Junior Brother, you’re quite the strategist!"
Fang Rong and Yang Fan also caught on, their gazes toward Yang Qi now filled with understanding and admiration.
’This junior brother of ours... he’s not only bold yet meticulous, brave yet cunning, but his business acumen and long-term vision are also extraordinary.’
’It’s a plan that achieves multiple goals at once: it could help our teacher realize her dream, bring immeasurable value to Xianlai, and give what is possibly an elderly tiger a much better home.’
"Hahaha."
The Eldest Senior Brother, who had been silent all this time, suddenly laughed. His laughter was gentle yet full of approval. "Good, a classic case of ’killing three birds with one stone’! Brave and resourceful, passionate and righteous, and with a strong sense of responsibility. Junior Brother, you’re even more outstanding than I imagined."
The admiration in his eyes as he looked at Yang Qi deepened.
"You’re not rushing in blindly. Your plan is based on your own abilities and a clear understanding of the goal. You’ve considered the academic value, the animal’s welfare, and the zoo’s development. That kind of thoughtfulness and drive is rare."
With his Eldest Senior Brother’s approval, Yang Qi felt even more resolved.
Then, he looked toward Teacher Song Chunfang.
The severity on Song Chunfang’s face had long since melted away, replaced by a complex mix of emotions: worry, pride, gratitude, and a hint of resignation.
She looked into Yang Qi’s bright, determined eyes and knew that her disciple had made up his mind, and that it wasn’t a reckless, impulsive decision.
She let out a long sigh, knowing she couldn’t stop him.
"Oh, you..."
Teacher Song shook her head, her tone softening. "Since you’re determined to go, I won’t stop you. But you must remember: safety first. Your own safety is the top priority! Whether you find it or not is secondary. You have to come back in one piece! Do you understand?"
"Don’t worry, Teacher. I’ll be careful," Yang Qi promised solemnly.
"Your safety is what’s most important."
The Eldest Senior Brother nodded, picking up the conversation. His expression turned serious and earnest. "Junior Brother, you can go alone, but you must have the necessary safeguards. How about this: head back to Donghua tonight. This afternoon, I’ll have someone prepare a military-grade satellite phone for you. Take it with you, and report in with us at a fixed time every day to let us know you’re safe."
"If you run into an emergency, call for help immediately. Also, I’ll make arrangements with the provincial department and the authorities in Hanxi Province. If—and I mean if—you need support on an official level, we can activate the emergency response plan as quickly as possible."
A military satellite phone!
Arrangements with the provincial department and Hanxi Province!
An emergency response plan!
His Eldest Senior Brother’s words were delivered plainly, but they carried immense weight and showed meticulous care.
This wasn’t just about concern for Yang Qi’s personal safety; it was the highest level of preparation for the major event that was the "potential existence of a South China Tiger."
"Thank you, Eldest Senior Brother."
’Even though I won’t need any of it, I have to thank my Eldest Senior Brother for the gesture.’
"Don’t thank me."
The Eldest Senior Brother waved his hand, his gaze profound. "You’re doing this for Teacher’s dream, and for our country’s precious wildlife. For both public and private reasons, this is what should be done. Remember, don’t bite off more than you can chew, and come back safe."
"Understood!"
Yang Qi nodded firmly.
...
「Evening.」
A nondescript black sedan pulled up outside the expert’s villa.
The car door opened, and a man in his thirties stepped out. He was dressed in dark civilian clothes, with a tall, straight posture, a ramrod-straight back, and a sharp gaze.
He carried a plain black briefcase. Walking to the door with a steady gait, he rang the bell.
He Yuan opened the door. She clearly recognized the visitor, nodding before leading him inside.
"Mr. Yang Qi, hello. The Chief asked me to deliver this to you."
The man walked up to Yang Qi, his voice steady, wasting no words.
He placed the briefcase on the coffee table, entered a password, and opened it.
Inside, nestled quietly, was a satellite phone. It was entirely black, with a rugged design, an external antenna, and an obviously reinforced frame. Beside it lay a spare battery, a charger, a waterproof bag, and an instruction manual.