Chapter 56.2

Mu Ling gently carried Lingren on her back as she approached the bedside, carefully reaching out to stroke the rough fur of the exhausted leopard.

Dr. John, standing by the oxygen machine, glanced up and noticed the white fox lounging on Mu Ling’s shoulder. Its enchanting violet eyes fixed on the critically ill leopard, while its nose twitched slightly, sampling the air.

“Red Heart Fox,” Dr. John murmured, instantly recognizing the species. Monty Zoo also had a male Red Heart Fox, but it wasn’t nearly as fine as this specimen. Given Mu Ling’s position as the young director of Bi Ke Zoo, he wasn’t surprised to see her accompanied by such a rare war beast. Yet while both were war beasts, this fox appeared healthy and content, unlike their ailing Ji Xiang…

Without looking up, Mu Ling asked, “May I see its mental assessment report?”

Dr. John nodded to Nurse Wang, who quickly handed over the document. Mu Ling’s brow furrowed as she read, “Damage value… 98.”

“That’s the latest reading from five minutes ago,” Dr. John confirmed gravely. “Half an hour ago, it was at 94.”

Four points in just thirty minutes—an alarming rate of decline.

Mu Ling studied the leopard with growing concern. With Dr. John present, surely every standard treatment had been attempted—medication, injections, even oxygen therapy. If the decline continued despite all efforts, the problem clearly lay in the nervous system.

When treating Pimi before, Mu Ling had mentioned that while nerve damage was irreversible, recovery was possible if healing could outpace deterioration.

Pressing her lips together, Mu Ling said, “I think our first priority now is to prevent the damage value from increasing further.”

The critical care unit fell silent.

Even Director Ge, though not a medical expert, knew this wasn’t news. Any additional damage would push the level to 100—a point of no return.

Clearing his throat, Director Ge asked hesitantly, “Director Mu, do you have a plan?”

“What does Ji Xiang like?” Mu Ling responded.

Dr. John retrieved a file and handed it to her. She scanned through the information, searching for any particular attachments like Lingren’s fascination with mastiffs. If necessary, she would have sacrificed herself as a substitute, just as she had done for Lingren. Unfortunately, Ji Xiang showed no special preferences.

The leopard had arrived at Monty Zoo a year and a half ago. They had created a spacious, private enclosure to minimize stress, as it couldn’t tolerate the presence of other animals or humans. It would only eat after the keepers had left, and sometimes went days without sleep, staying awake until exhaustion forced unconsciousness. These periods of sleeplessness had drastically accelerated its mental deterioration.

“Moderate depression,” Mu Ling concluded, analyzing the patterns. Dr. John nodded solemnly. It was a common affliction—ninety-nine percent of retired war beasts suffered from similar issues: depression, aggression, paranoia, and psychological instability.

Hesitantly, Mu Ling spoke, “If I try something drastic to get Ji Xiang moving, will you hold it against me?”

The room fell silent.

Director Ge spoke first, “If you can save Ji Xiang, we won’t blame you, regardless of your methods.”

Mu Ling shook her head. “I can’t guarantee success. My approach might even accelerate its decline.”

After thinking for a moment, Dr. John said, “Without intervention, it won’t survive the night. If you have an idea, try it.”

Director Ge bit his lip. Indeed, things had reached this point – 98! Having a chance was better than no chance at all.

He nodded firmly. “Please, Director Mu, proceed.”

Mu Ling took a deep breath, suddenly feeling immense pressure. She said, “Let me make a call.”

Mu Ling went to the side and used her light brain to contact Director Zhou, whom she’d just met this morning.

Director Zhou was currently at Military Headquarters, personally reporting to the Four Bay Star garrison’s Major General about the rebel army situation. When he received Mu Ling’s call, he was surprised before answering.

After hearing what Mu Ling said, Director Zhou was stunned.

He hesitantly passed his light brain forward to Major General Mark sitting across from him.

Major General Mark furrowed his brows. “Hmm?”

Director Zhou seemed dazed. “It’s for you.”

Major General Mark: “…”

An hour later, Mu Ling sat in the veterinary station, listening as Dr. John examined the two lions, Roumei and Xiaoduo.

Mu Ling had just stepped in temporarily, and now that Dr. John was free, since this was their veterinary station, the examination of Roumei and Xiao Duo naturally fell to him.

Dr. John’s diagnosis was that the two lions didn’t seem to be having trouble adapting to the environment, but rather showed symptoms of rejection.

He laid out several data points for Director Harry, explaining that to determine the exact nature of the rejection, they needed to do more tests on both lions.

Director Harry was worried and quickly agreed to do whatever tests were needed.

Dr. John asked Nurse Wang and the junior nurse to help move Roumei and Xiaoduo inside for endoscopy.

As they were busy, Lingren in Mu Ling’s arms suddenly sat up straight and stared intently outside the veterinary station.

Noting this reaction, Mu Ling immediately contacted Director Zhou again.

“We’re thirty minutes away on the hover road,” he reported.

Mu Ling pondered—if Lingren could detect a beast’s scent from such a distance, why hadn’t it sensed the mutant hamster aboard the starship earlier?

The fox’s sudden alertness unsettled the staff. “Director Mu?” Director Ge questioned nervously.

Mu Ling held Lingren tightly, constantly soothing it while saying, “Quick, can I borrow a sleeping aid? The best kind – I don’t want to anesthetize Lingren, just want it to sleep for a while.”

The junior nurse looked at Dr. John.

Dr. John nodded, and the junior nurse hurried to get the sleeping aid.

Mu Ling injected Lingren with the medicine, then comforted and kissed it.

Soon after, the white fox yawned, and its body finally relaxed against its instincts.

Mu Ling sighed, whispering in Lingren’s ear, “This is all to save Ji Xiang. Sorry to trouble our Lingren, but if Ji Xiang recovers, he will thank Lingren. Be good.”

Half an hour later, Major General Mark and Director Zhou arrived.

Everyone went out to greet them, including Mu Ling naturally.

Major General Mark was an imposing middle-aged man who’s commanding presence filled the room. He wore his military uniform with natural authority, his expression stern as he addressed Mu Ling. “The experimental mutant beast is only being lent out and must be returned.”

Every planet’s garrison military headquarters had dedicated laboratories. Like on Shenwang Star, Mu Ling had once traded an unconscious hyena for rewards and a banner.

Since Shenwang Star’s garrison needed live mutant beasts for experiments, Four Bay Star’s garrison must have live mutant beasts too. Mu Ling now needed one live mutant beast.

Mu Ling smiled at Major General Mark. “We’ll definitely return it, definitely return it. Monty Zoo will certainly return it.”

Major General Mark: “…”

Director Ge beside her quickly added, “We’ll definitely return it.”

Major General Mark sighed, raising his hand to signal his subordinate to bring in a mutant rabbit.

The mutant rabbit was in a cage, making excited chirping sounds and bouncing around wildly.

Director Harry had already retreated to the ward with his precious lions, unwilling to expose them to the creature.

Looking at the mutant rabbit with multiple sores on its body, Mu Ling said to Director Ge, “Let’s tie up the cage with rope.”

Director Ge took the pre-prepared rope but didn’t dare approach to tie the cage.

A soldier directly took the rope and helped tie it up.

Major General Mark pressed his lips together, looking at Mu Ling. “Just tell us what to do, we’ll handle it. Your people shouldn’t touch it to avoid accidents.”

Mu Ling quickly thanked him. “Thank you, Major General.”

Major General Mark studied her with puzzlement, wondering how such a proper young woman had conceived such an unconventional plan. If not for Director Zhou’s guarantee, he would have suspected she was with the rebels.

Mu Ling said to the helpful soldier, “Please just kick the cage a bit, make the mutant beast cry out louder.”

Though confused, the soldier complied, kicking the cage forcefully. The rabbit’s shrieks grew more piercing and desperate.

Watching the creature’s response, Mu Ling checked her light brain and began counting down: “Ten, nine, eight…”

Suddenly, from the intensive care unit, came a weak but determined roar.

“Roar! Roar!”

Nurse Wang’s voice followed: “Heavens! Ji Xiang’s awake!”

Then—

“It’s standing!”

“It’s fallen!”

“Don’t move, Ji Xiang! I’ll open the door!”

The door burst open, and the leopard stumbled out, oxygen tubes trailing behind it. Despite its weakness, its face showed fierce determination. Brown eyes, though unfocused, locked onto the source of the mutant beast’s scent. With desperate strength, it lunged at the cage, attempting to attack the creature inside even in its near-death state.

Chaos erupted in the hall.

Dr. John stood frozen, staring at the leopard that had been shocked back to life by the mutant beast’s presence. His gaze shifted to Mu Ling, who wore a knowing expression, before he whispered in awe:

“A… a medical miracle…”

..

Translator’s note: I’ll post Chapter 57 later, I still need to edit it.