Meanwhile.
In the "Donghua Zoo Family" main work group chat, notification sounds rang out nonstop as messages rapidly refreshed.
"What's the situation? Is Happy caught? @Security - Zhao Dalong"
"Happy's just playful. He probably wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose, right?"
"You said 'probably'! But what if? What if! Happy is a wolf, not a dog! Even a dog will bite if you push it too far, let alone a wolf!"
"To the guys in Security, did you catch him or not? Ugh, the suspense is killing me!"
"I just want to know how Happy got out of his enclosure. Who was responsible?"
"Well... *cough cough*, let's wait for the follow-up investigation."
...
Just as the group's anxiety reached a fever pitch, a member with the nickname "Security - Xiaohu" suddenly sent a message.
"He's caught! Everything's fine! It was a false alarm! Brother Qi is awesome!!!"
The message was like a pillar of stability, instantly halting the flood of questions for a moment before an even greater torrent of follow-ups erupted.
"Really? That's great! Thank heavens!"
"Were any visitors hurt? Is anyone injured?"
"Who's Brother Qi? Which Brother Qi?"
"You'd better tie Happy up properly next time!"
"You want there to be a next time?"
"..."
Seeing the replies, Xiaohu quickly typed out a response on his phone—
"No, no, not a single person was hurt! Brother Qi is the new keeper, Yang Qi, who just started yesterday! He was moving in today and had just arrived at the Zoo. He saw Happy run past an intersection and came over to help."
"And get this! Heh! You guys should have seen it, it was unreal! The moment Happy saw him, it was like a husky seeing its long-lost owner. The wolf became totally docile! Yang Qi just walked right up and slipped the leash on like he was taking a dog for a walk!"
[Shocked Face emoji]
"That amazing? For real?"
"Yang Qi? The one who saved that kid from the Great Sage yesterday?"
"Yeah, that's him! I was right there at the bottom of Monkey Mountain. I saw it with my own eyes. It really was incredible!"
"And what's more, he's the one who solved Tongtong's psychological issue yesterday!"
"@Animal Husbandry - Ma Jun You really need to properly thank Yang Qi!"
"..."
While the group chat was buzzing with excitement, the atmosphere was just as lively on a secluded corner path near the wolf enclosure.
The center of everyone's discussion, Happy, was lying on the ground, front paws holding a fragrant roast chicken. It gnawed away happily, letting out contented whimpers.
The leather collar around its neck was connected to a leash, the other end of which was tied securely to a thick tree trunk.
On an open patch of ground nearby, the security chief, Zhao Dalong, was firmly grasping Yang Qi's hands with both of his. His dark face was filled with lingering fear and gratitude, and his voice was a bit hoarse.
"Brother Xiao Yang, today... thank you so, so much! If it weren't for you, even my own hide wouldn't be enough to pay for the damages! I... I really..."
[Sincere gratitude from the Precepts Hall Master. Contribution Points +50]
"Chief Zhao, you're being too kind. I was just doing what I should. It was a coincidence I was here," Yang Qi replied repeatedly, a humble smile on his face while he celebrated inwardly.
Last time it was 30 contribution points, this time it was an increase of 20.
'Nice, very nice.'
...
Zhao Dalong was both terrified and grateful.
The other members of the security team standing nearby, still shaken from the ordeal, also looked at Yang Qi with admiration, chiming in with praise.
"Brother Qi, you're the man!" a young security guard said sincerely, giving a thumbs-up.
"Yeah, Brother Qi! Back there, my legs went soft, but you just walked right up to it!"
"Brother Qi, if you need anything in the future, just say the word."
"..."
Yang Qi felt a little embarrassed by all the praise and waved his hands dismissively. "No, no, please don't call me that. I just got lucky. I don't deserve to be called 'Brother.'"
Just as he was speaking, a tour cart sped over and screeched to a halt nearby.
Zoo Director Huang Zhongmu was the first to get out, his expression so dark it looked like a storm cloud.
Following behind him were Mei Ying and a short, stout middle-aged man who had run over, panting.
The moment the stout man got out of the cart, his eyes locked onto Yang Qi. He strode forward and, without another word, grabbed Yang Qi's hand—which hadn't even fully broken free from Zhao Dalong's grasp—with both of his. Shaking it vigorously, his voice was filled with gratitude and lingering fear.
"Comrade Xiao Yang! Comrade Yang Qi! Thank you, thank you so much! If it weren't for you today, our entire Animal Management Department would have caused a huge disaster! Thank you..."
'Who is this guy?'
Yang Qi was puzzled, but he maintained a polite expression. "You're too kind. I was just doing my duty."
Zhao Dalong quickly made the introduction from the side. "Xiao Yang, this is the head of the Animal Management Department, Jiang Kai, Minister Jiang."
'So he's my direct supervisor!'
Yang Qi thought, immediately correcting his posture and calling out, "Hello, Minister Jiang!"
[Sincere gratitude from the Spirit Beast Hall Master. Contribution Points +60]
"Good, good!"
Jiang Kai gripped Yang Qi's hand firmly again, the fat on his face jiggling.
'Whoa, this one's big!'
A full 60 contribution points.
Yang Qi gloated inwardly.
At that moment, Huang Zhongmu also walked over.
He didn't speak, just stared deeply at Yang Qi for a few seconds before reaching out and patting him firmly on the shoulder twice.
[Sincere gratitude from the Sect Leader. Contribution Points +20]
'Ha, Huang Zhongmu didn't say anything, but it looks like he was scared silly too!'
Yang Qi laughed to himself.
"Xiao Yang, we owe you again for this one."
Mei Ying came closer, her face still showing traces of panic as she thanked him sincerely.
[Sincere gratitude from the General Affairs Hall Master. Contribution Points +10]
"Sister Mei, don't say that. It was just a coincidence that I happened to be here."
Yang Qi smiled, then remembered the key question and took the opportunity to ask, "By the way, how exactly did Happy get out?"
At the mention of this, Jiang Kai's chubby face instantly flushed red. He gritted his teeth and said, "It was Ma Jun! That bastard! I've told him so many times, but I never thought he'd get this bad!"
As he spoke, he turned to Huang Zhongmu, his tone agitated. "Director, we absolutely cannot let him off easy this time!"
Seeing this, Mei Ying discreetly leaned in and explained to Yang Qi in a low voice.
"Ma Jun is also a keeper, an old employee. He's fine in other respects, but he can be a bit careless with his work sometimes."
"Is this negligence? This is dereliction of duty! It's a crime!" Jiang Kai was so furious his voice jumped an octave. He looked at Huang Zhongmu, waiting for his decision.
Huang Zhongmu's expression was grave. He slowly nodded and said in a deep voice, "Old Jiang, don't worry. I have a handle on this situation. It will be dealt with seriously."
With that, he looked at Yang Qi, his gaze becoming warm and solemn. He reached out, patted Yang Qi's arm, and spoke in a heartfelt tone.
"Xiao Yang, since you've moved into the dorms, you'll have to help shoulder more of the Zoo's burdens from now on."
Yang Qi was a little confused. 'What exactly does he mean by 'burdens'?'
Seeing his confusion, Mei Ying quickly gave him a discreet nudge. With an encouraging smile on her face, she whispered, "Silly boy, hurry up and thank the Director!"
"Huh? Oh, right."
Realization dawned on Yang Qi. He went along with it and gave Huang Zhongmu a slight bow. "Thank you for your trust, Director. I'll definitely work hard and not disappoint you!"
'More burdens?'
'This is the prelude to a promotion!'