Chapter 58.1 

 

Because of an unexpected situation with Roumei and Xiaoduo, the arranged matchmaking plans had to be postponed.

 

Both lions were suffering from severe stomach issues, vomiting and diarrhea, which required immediate veterinary attention only available at Monty Zoo. With no other choice, they had to temporarily stay there.

 

Although Director Harry was deeply worried about his two beloved animals, he still had to attend the conference as part of his official duties.

 

At 3:00 PM, Mu Ling and Director Harry took a car back to the hotel.

 

Five of the six employees from Fu’ai Zoo stayed at Monty Zoo to care for Roumei and Xiaoduo.

 

On the ride back, Director Harry, visibly aged by worry, sat beside Mu Ling, so lost in thought that he forgot to maintain his usual distance from her.

 

Seeing his dejected state, Mu Ling felt a pang of empathy. After some consideration, she leaned down and whispered something to Lingren.

 

Lingren, who had been lazily nestled in Mu Ling’s arms, felt her closeness and playfully twitched its ears. Its pointed mouth curved in what seemed like a smile before it gently licked Mu Ling’s nose.

 

Mu Ling stroked its head and softly asked, “Is that okay?”

 

Though Lingren couldn’t understand her words, it closed its eyes and purred, affectionately rubbing its head against her chin.

 

Mu Ling gave it a quick kiss. “Then that’s settled. You’re such a good fox, Lingren.”

 

She carefully lifted the white fox from her backpack, positioning it to face herself with its back toward Director Harry. Then she quietly called out, “Director Harry.”

 

He turned from his desolate window-gazing to see Lingren in her arms.

 

Slightly embarrassed, Mu Ling offered, “Would you like to pet Lingren?”

 

Director Harry blinked in surprise.

 

With gentle enthusiasm, she continued, “Everyone thinks Lingren is incredibly beautiful, like a celestial child. See its snow-white coat and that red mark between its brows? In Ancient Blue Star culture, that’s called a Guanyin mark, named after their deity. And those purple eyes—they’re rare even among Red Heart foxes. That’s why people online say it has a divine air. Perhaps petting it might bring you some luck?”

 

Director Harry stared at Director Mu, then at the snow-white fox resting on her lap. Understanding her kind intentions, his heart warmed instantly. After a moment, he nodded and said hoarsely, “Thank you.”

 

He hesitantly extended his hand, barely grazing the fox’s fur before quickly withdrawing.

 

Lingren hadn’t noticed the touch, maintaining its gaze on Mu Ling while its tail swished contentedly back and forth.

 

Mu Ling held Lingren’s head with one hand and steadied its back with the other to prevent any sudden movements. “It’s okay,” she assured him, “you can pet it.”

 

Gathering his courage, Director Harry finally gave the white fox a proper pat.

 

This time Lingren felt it. The fox shifted from lying to sitting, snuggling closer into Mu Ling’s embrace.

 

Director Harry quickly withdrew his hand as Mu Ling hugged Lingren closer, gently patting its back while watching his reaction.

 

A smile finally crossed Director Harry’s face, his mood visibly lifting. “I made a wish while petting it,” he shared. “If Roumei and Xiaoduo recover, I’ll certainly come back to thank Lingren.”

 

Mu Ling smiled warmly. “They’ll be fine.”

 

From the passenger seat, Fass suddenly turned around, his face flushed as he interjected, “Director Mu, could I make a wish too? I hope the divine fox might bless me with a soulmate!”

 

Mu Ling was momentarily speechless.

 

She had only meant to comfort Director Harry – Lingren wasn’t some mystical fox deity, just a lovably ordinary fox!

 

With a slight shake of her head, she replied good-naturedly, “Lingren can’t help with that, but I might. Once I build more connections, I’ll introduce you to someone.”

 

Fass chuckled, “Thank you, Director Mu!”

 

His lighthearted interruption brightened the atmosphere in the car, and they arrived at the hotel before 5:00 PM.

 

Today marked the first day of the exchange conference, with an indoor seminar scheduled as the main event.

 

The organizers had rented a banquet hall where all participants gathered to share their zoos’ recent innovations and successful experiences.

 

Both Bi Ke Zoo and Fu’ai Zoo had been slated to present. Though Mu Ling had prepared her notes, they had missed their opportunity. Despite her disappointment, there was nothing to be done.

 

The seminar concluded at 5:30 PM. Mu Ling had barely returned to her room to drop off her bag when Director Harry appeared, saying everyone else had already gone to the restaurant and Director Chen was urging them to join.

 

Securing Lingren in her backpack, Mu Ling hurried downstairs with Director Harry.

 

The scene that greeted her was astonishing – she finally grasped the true scale of the conference.

 

Nearly a hundred people and animals filled the restaurant!

 

“Quack, quack!” She heard duck sounds and turned to find a parrot mimicking one, though in her maternal pride, she thought Lingren did a far better impression.

 

A fierce hissing caught her attention next. A palm civet perched atop someone’s head was aggressively warning off anyone who approached, creating a three-meter void around its unfortunate owner.

 

In contrast, a female director nearby had a spotted civet in her shoulder bag whose markings looked like drooping eyebrows forming a bitter melon face. Despite its appearance, the creature was remarkably friendly, accepting pets from everyone, drawing quite a crowd – the complete opposite of the territorial palm civet’s situation.

 

Growing increasingly amazed, Mu Ling asked, “Did everyone bring animals? Is this all for matchmaking?”

 

Director Harry smiled beside her. “Not just for matchmaking—it’s also for business collaborations. See that four-flowered monkey? Coco Zoo is the Federation’s primary breeder. Other zoos either have to rescue wild ones or buy from them. We paid 2.3 million for a mother-daughter pair last year.”

 

“That’s… that’s so expensive!” Mu Ling gasped, eyes widening.

 

Director Harry nodded matter-of-factly. “Yes, 2.3 million for the pair.”

 

Mu Ling was stunned.

 

How could they be so costly?

 

She quickly searched her light brain for information about four-flowered monkeys.

 

Ah – Federation Level One Protected Species.

 

No wonder they commanded such a price!

 

Noting her reaction, Director Harry asked quietly, “Director Mu, are you not familiar with animal prices yet? Has Bi Ke Zoo acquired any new animals recently?”

 

Mu Ling thought for a moment, then replied somewhat sheepishly, “We received a Red Terror Elephant, an S-class retired war beast. It was free, and the government even gave us 150,000 star coins.”

 

Director Harry was speechless.

 

He regarded her with a complex expression. “In the entire Federation, probably only Bi Ke Zoo is so willing to accept war beasts.”

 

For other zoos, these weren’t just war beasts – they were like demanding ancestors: expensive to maintain, difficult to care for, prone to depression if mishandled, and capable of terrifying the entire management staff.

 

Reflecting on this, he added regretfully, “Because of today’s events, you missed the sharing session. Director Mu, were you planning to share your experience with raising war beasts?”

 

Mu Ling nodded. “Yes, I have some insights about caring for them. I know they’re challenging, and I wanted to offer some advice, but unfortunately, the opportunity passed.”

 

“Don’t worry,” Director Harry quickly responded. “Your insights would be valuable. I’ll speak with the Forestry Bureau staff about arranging a separate session for you.”

 

This was exactly what Mu Ling had hoped for. She immediately smiled and agreed, “That would be wonderful.”

 

She genuinely wanted to share her knowledge because it could benefit all war beasts. While her success might not be easily replicated due to her unique circumstances, even Qilin at home now accepted food from Brother Xiang and Brother Wei. This proved that once their nerves settled, war beasts could coexist peacefully with ordinary keepers.

 

Her planned topics had included how to identify each war beast’s unique characteristics, guide different personalities toward accepting medication and food, and gradually acclimate them to their keepers’ presence.

 

As they discussed this, Director Chen hurried over. “You’re finally back. What exactly happened?”

 

Mu Ling smiled in greeting. “Director Chen.”

 

He nodded to her before turning to Director Harry. “I heard something happened with Roumei and Xiaoduo?”

 

Director Harry wasn’t surprised by Chen’s knowledge, given how many Fu’ai staff might have connections with Silin personnel.

 

“They were either fed or injected with something causing health issues,” he explained. “We’ve reported it to the military department for investigation.”

 

Hearing the military’s involvement, Director Chen remembered Lieutenant Luo from the starship. He lowered his voice, “Is it related to mutant beasts?”

 

Director Harry’s silence served as confirmation.

 

Director Chen sighed. “Why don’t you rest for a while? I can have food sent to your room.”

 

“It’s fine. I want to help Director Mu meet some people.” After their shared experience, Director Harry had developed genuine respect for Mu Ling. Her voluntary examination of Roumei and Xiaoduo, plus letting him pet Lingren, had touched him deeply. He was eager to help her build professional connections.

 

Director Chen, remembering Director Wang’s instructions, suggested, “Then join us over there. We’re discussing tomorrow’s visit to Changshan Zoo. You should come if you can.”

 

Unlike Monty Zoo’s comprehensive facility combining captive breeding, wildlife, and entertainment, Changshan Zoo was purely a plains wildlife park, another local institution on Four Bay Star.

 

…

 

「Edited」Fas to Fass