Chapter 52.1

Dr. Burey arrived at Bi Ke Zoo on a Friday afternoon.

Although Director Mu had given him until next Monday to start, Dr. Burey couldn’t wait. The moment his resignation was processed, he rushed straight to Shenwang Star.

The taxi wound its way up the mountain road, passing the botanical garden at the base. The garden was an impressive sight, teeming with visitors and constant traffic, creating a bustling atmosphere.

In stark contrast, the road leading from the botanical garden to Bi Ke Zoo was eerily deserted.

Curious, Dr. Burey asked the taxi driver, “Isn’t Bi Ke Zoo supposed to be incredibly popular? Why don’t I see anyone on the road?”

The driver, a local who’d transported countless tourists, chuckled. “They only release two thousand tickets daily. By 9:30 AM, everyone’s already inside. Of course it’s empty now—just wait until closing at 6:30 PM when they all pour out.”

Dr. Burey, aware of the zoo’s visitor limits, pressed further, “But surely some visitors leave early? It’s unusual for people to spend an entire day at a zoo.”

The driver shot him an incredulous look through the rearview mirror. “Who’d be foolish enough to leave after finally getting their hands on a ticket? These visitors have to be practically dragged out at closing time!”

Dr. Burey was speechless – the logic made sense.

“Young man,” the driver inquired, “what brings you here at this hour? You can’t be a tourist.”

Dr. Burey smiled. “I’m starting work here.”

The driver’s eyes lit up instantly. “You’re a Bi Ke Zoo employee? Could you sell me some tickets? I’ll pay 499 each, however many you can get!”

Dr. Burey internally scoffed. *Original price 299, and you’re selling for 499? Well, well, looks like I’ve found myself a scalper.*

Avoiding further conversation, Dr. Burey quickly paid and exited the taxi at the zoo entrance. The persistent driver leaned out his window, thrusting a small card toward him. “Contact me if you get tickets! I’ll even go up to 599! Hey, young man! Hey!”

But Dr. Burey had already fled to the ticket office to speak with the staff.

The ticket clerk, Xiao Zhao, became extremely enthusiastic upon learning this well-mannered, handsome man was their new veterinarian. She personally escorted him inside to meet the director.

As they entered, Dr. Burey noticed crowds of visitors gathered several layers deep around an enormous glass enclosure, their excited exclamations filling the air.

Noticing his interest, Xiao Zhao explained with a smile, “That’s our animal dormitory where the war beasts live. It’s open for viewing from 3:00 to 6:30 PM daily.”

“I’ve seen online that the war beasts here are in excellent health,” Dr. Burey responded warmly.

Xiao Zhao beamed with pride. “All thanks to our director! She’s at the veterinary station now—right this way.”

Upon reaching the station, Xiao Zhao knocked and called out, “Director!”

No response came.

When Xiao Zhao made no move to knock again, Dr. Burey looked at her questioningly.

“This is the director’s playtime with Moonlight,” she explained in hushed tones. “We have to wait—Moonlight gets frightened if strangers enter suddenly.”

Having watched Moonlight’s videos on StarNet, Dr. Burey felt a surge of excitement at being so close to the magnificent silver snow bear.

“Has Moonlight’s damage value decreased?” he inquired.

Xiao Zhao shook her head. “That information is restricted to the director and our senior staff, Brothers Xiang and Wei. Oh—” she added in a whisper, “you’ll meet them at dinner. They’re the director’s most trusted veterans, our founding heroes.”

Dr. Burey couldn’t suppress a smile. “Founding heroes?”

“Of course!” Xiao Zhao replied matter-of-factly. “They’re the founding ministers, and our director is the emperor, with 3000 harem beauties scattered across every mountain and valley!”

Dr. Burey wondered silently if all the employees shared this… unique perspective. As someone who prided himself on being serious and reserved, he questioned whether he’d ever truly fit in.

Just then, the veterinary station door opened.

Director Mu Ling stood there, momentarily stunned at the sight of them. Her eyes widened in surprise. “Dr. Burey! What brings you here so early?”

Having previously interviewed him via video call, she recognized him immediately, though she hadn’t expected him so soon.

“I had nothing pressing to do, so I thought I’d start early,” Dr. Burey smiled, extending his hand. “I hope that’s not an inconvenience?”

“Not at all! Welcome, welcome!” Mu Ling warmly shook his hand and ushered him inside. “This is perfect timing—let me show you around your future workplace.”

Dr. Burey followed her in, only to freeze in his tracks at the sight before him.

In the center of the hall sat a massive white bear, at least 2.5 meters long and weighing no less than a ton, clutching a teddy bear. Upon seeing the stranger, the bear immediately scrambled up, toy in mouth, and retreated around a corner, from where it now peeked cautiously.

Dr. Burey was speechless. When Xiao Zhao had mentioned playtime with Moonlight, he’d assumed they were separated by bars. After all, everything he’d seen indicated Moonlight was still highly wary of humans.

Yet here was an S-class retired war bear—one with neural trauma and prone to violent outbursts—in the same room as a human with absolutely no protective barriers or equipment between them.

Seeing his shocked face, Mu Ling quickly explained, “This is Moonlight. Let me guide it back to its enclosure.”

She called out gently, “Moonlight, time to go home!”

The white bear immediately trotted to its enclosure, retreating to a corner to observe them.

As Dr. Burey cautiously approached, his attention was drawn to another enclosure near the door. Inside lay a white fox he hadn’t seen in any videos, curled up asleep with a puppy toy.

“That’s Lingren,” Mu Ling explained. “Another S-class retired war beast—a Chixin fox. I’ve given it some sleep medication for Moonlight’s socialization training, or it would bark constantly.”

Dr. Burey nodded in understanding. Neurologically traumatized war beasts often vocalized continuously due to their brain dysfunction, displaying extreme xenophobia and resistance. Sedation was a common medical practice to prevent violent episodes and maintain better control.

“Director, how do you conduct socialization training with Moonlight?” he asked, turning his attention back to the bear.

“We start simple,” Mu Ling explained. “First, leaving the enclosure, then playing small games in unfamiliar environments to help reduce anxiety. For now, we stay within the veterinary station—I haven’t attempted taking him outside yet.”

Dr. Burey nodded thoughtfully. “What sort of games? Could I observe a session?”

Seeing his professional interest, Mu Ling readily agreed. “Of course.”

She entered the enclosure while Dr. Burey remained by the door, careful not to trigger any adverse reactions. Based on his experience, animal socialization typically involved physical contact—petting, hugging—to help them adjust to different environments.

Opening his StarNet notebook to record his observations, Dr. Burey had barely written “Moonlight” at the top when he heard Mu Ling’s voice: “Okay, Moonlight, guess which cup has the freeze-dried treat!”

Dr. Burey stared in bewilderment as the director sat across from the enormous white bear, three overturned paper cups between them, like a street magician performing a shell game.

As he watched, still processing this unconventional approach, the bear carefully sniffed each cup before nudging the middle one with its nose. When the cup tipped over, revealing a treat, the bear happily claimed its prize.

While it crunched away, Mu Ling gently cradled its massive head, placing a light kiss on its nose. “Wow, our wise and mighty Lord Moonlight has guessed correctly three times in a row! Could you be the legendary wisest warrior? No, no, this reward must be doubled – sister has to give Moonlight many kisses!”

The scene repeated with the remaining cups, each success earning more affectionate praise and kisses from Mu Ling. After the final treat, she stroked its coarse fur, asking with a bright smile, “Now that sister has given Moonlight so many rewards, what will Moonlight give sister in return?”