Chapter 10.1

The Forestry Bureau oversaw the zoo, and when its director had personally intervened, Mu Ling dared not delay. She quickly packed up and prepared to leave.

Before departing, she used the walkie-talkie to contact Wei Li, but Xiang Bie responded instead.

Hearing she was heading to the Forestry Bureau, Xiang Bie asked, “Do you know the way?”

Mu Ling replied cheerfully, “No need for me to know. Someone’s coming to pick me up.”

Xiang Bie assumed she had called a ride and grunted, “Be safe.”

Mu Ling laughed, “Of course, of course. I’m just letting you know so you won’t worry if you can’t find me later.”

As she spoke, the sound of a vehicle approached. Mu Ling peeked out and said hurriedly, “Xiang, my ride’s here. Gotta go.”

She switched off the walkie-talkie and dashed toward the zoo’s main gate.

Meanwhile, Xiang Bie stood there speechless.

Had he just heard sirens?

Still in her work uniform and clutching a file folder, Mu Ling hurried to the entrance. Two local police officers stepped out of their car, looking serious. One asked, “Are you the person in charge of Bi Ke Zoo?”

Mu Ling quickly replied, “Yes, that’s me! Director Wang from the Forestry Bureau already informed me. Thank you for coming, officers.”

Without hesitation, she took the initiative to open the rear door of the police car and climbed in.

The two officers were taken aback by her casualness.

She sure wasn’t shy.

As they drove down the mountain, Mu Ling rummaged in her bag and produced two colorful envelopes. She handed them forward, saying, “Thanks for your trouble, officers.”

The officers were startled. Officer Xiao Liu, sitting in the passenger seat, sharply scolded, “What do you think you’re doing? Put those away immediately! The dash cam is recording everything. Don’t you know the penalty for bribing an officer? Even 100 star coins could land you in jail for three months!”

Mu Ling froze, confused. “But these are just promotional flyers for our zoo…”

The officers were stunned.

Mu Ling opened an envelope to reveal it wasn’t really an envelope, but a flyer folded into a postcard shape. Unfolded, it displayed large red letters that read: ﹤Bi Ke Zoo Grand Opening Special Offer! Follow Bi Ke Zoo’s official account for a chance to win valuable free tour packages!﹥

Smaller print below detailed how to obtain the tour packages.

In essence, the first 100 users to follow “Bi Ke Zoo” on the star net would receive a free zoo tour package worth 288 star coins via private message. The package also included a raffle entry for the opening day.

Mu Ling had come up with this promotional idea yesterday while planning the opening. She had designed the flyer and printed a batch on the office printer before leaving, intending to hand them out to everyone she met.

The envelope-postcard design was her attempt at making the flyers more appealing and less likely to be thrown away.

The officers, realizing they were indeed just flyers, were at a loss for words. Officer Xiao Liu remarked, “You’re even trying to do business with the police?”

Mu Ling smiled, “Well, regardless of profession, isn’t work tiring? On days off, visiting the zoo lets you breathe fresh air, exercise, and see adorable animals. It’s a win-win-win situation!”

She didn’t deny she was doing business.

Although the tickets were free, she only gave out one per person. Imagine receiving a free tour package – you’d want to invite friends and family, right? But they wouldn’t have free tickets, so they’d need to buy them.

The officers eventually accepted two flyers each. They thought that was the end of it, but for the rest of the trip, Mu Ling talked non-stop.

She asked about their preferred travel destinations, their biggest travel concerns, and what price range they found acceptable for souvenirs. It felt like a survey. The officers were bewildered, unsure who was the police and who was the suspect.

Despite her persistent questioning, Mu Ling’s attitude remained polite, making it difficult for the officers to refuse answering.

Upon reaching the Forestry Bureau, they quickly handed Mu Ling over to Director Wang and left.

Director Wang felt somewhat guilty. He had asked the local police to detain Mu Ling, but halfway through, he realized she might be uninvolved in the animal abuse case. Still wanting to confirm in person, he had to trouble the officers to bring her directly to the bureau.

After watching the police car leave, Director Wang turned to the young woman beside him.

She was indeed young – just 20 years old according to her file, already a graduate student. Clearly a top student.

Director Wang extended his hand, “You must be Director Mu.”

Mu Ling shook his hand, smiling, “Please, just call me Xiao Mu.”