Chapter 121.1

The Iron Bear is an evolved species of the giant panda. Though identical to a giant panda in appearance, its size, teeth, and the sharpness of its claws far surpass those of its counterpart.

An adult Iron Bear possesses a bite force strong enough to crush iron into fragments, hence the name “Iron Bear.”

Upon hearing that an S-class Iron Bear named Nini was in critical condition, Mu Ling asked, “Is it due to neurological damage?”

The driver shook his head. “Actually, Nini’s damage value isn’t high. The veterinarians mentioned that her damage value is below the threshold for retirement. Normally, animals are considered for retirement when their damage exceeds 40%, but Nini’s is only at 30% and hasn’t increased. Yet, her health keeps deteriorating. She’s been critically ill multiple times, each time barely pulled back from the brink, only to relapse soon after…”

The driver sighed, while Mu Ling was surprised. “Such a low damage value, yet so severe… Have the diagnostic instruments been checked?”

The driver seemed exasperated. “Of course, we’ve verified multiple times and replaced several devices, but the results remain unchanged. The symptoms are unclear, and her condition continues to worsen…”

As they conversed, they arrived at the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Pavilion.

The driver asked if they wanted to take a look. Since they were already there, Mu Ling agreed.

She and Xiang Bie got out, mingled with other visitors, checked in, and took photos. Just as Mu Ling was about to feed some specialty snacks, the sound of ambulance sirens blared behind them.

Turning around, Mu Ling saw the two ambulances that had just passed by hastily returning, disappearing around the corner like the wind.

She couldn’t help but murmur, “I hope Nini’s okay…”

*

In reality, Nini was in serious trouble.

Inside the ambulance, two veterinarians were administering emergency treatment. Despite multiple injections of potent drugs, the monitor showed the Iron Bear’s heartbeat gradually weakening.

At that moment, the intercom buzzed. Director He, responsible for War Beasts in the zoo, inquired, “The operating room is ready. How is Nini?”

The younger veterinarian, gently stroking the sparse fur on the black-and-white bear’s head, replied gravely, “Not good. Her vital signs are dropping rapidly. It feels like before; even if we pull her through this time, she’ll likely relapse again…”

His words reflected a harsh reality. Nini’s condition had recurred multiple times. For ordinary animals, after numerous unsuccessful treatments, euthanasia would be considered. But for War Beasts, euthanasia isn’t an option, leaving them to endure prolonged suffering with no end in sight.

Director He remained silent for a moment. Having overseen countless War Beasts, he’d witnessed many such tragic cases.

“No matter what, we must try to save her. Stay focused,” he said sternly.

The senior veterinarian patted his younger colleague’s shoulder and assured Director He, “We’ll do our best.”

Ten minutes later, the ambulance arrived at the veterinary station.

The two-story facility occupied a significant area on the zoo’s eastern side.

As the ambulance pulled up, amidst the cacophony of other injured animals, medical staff promptly opened the doors, carefully lifting the unconscious, emaciated black-and-white bear and rushing her into the operating room.

Director He assisted until the doors closed, then paced anxiously outside.

After a while, his light brain buzzed. Seeing it was the zoo director, he stepped outside to answer. “Director Tang…”

Director Tang had evidently received the news and immediately inquired about Nini’s condition. Director He replied with a wry smile, “Same as before, but this time seems worse. She’s developed resistance to the medications.”

Director Tang asked, “I heard Nini stood up briefly before losing consciousness. Was she trying to eat or drink?”

Director He shook his head. “Neither. The food and water were on the other side. She just moved a few steps toward the stone wall, probably disoriented.”

Director Tang paused, then said, “I’m coming over now.”

He wasn’t alone. Accompanying him were Producer Luo from Ancient Blue Star TV and a cameraman.

Producer Luo was working on an animal rescue-themed variety show and had been consulting experts. A director friend, who had recently collaborated with Maple Leaf Zoo for a commercial shoot, introduced him to Director Tang. Today, they were conducting an interview when news of the War Beast’s crisis broke.

Seeing an opportunity, Producer Luo expressed interest in witnessing the rescue firsthand. After some hesitation, Director Tang agreed, and they headed over together.

Though unfamiliar with Producer Luo, Director He, seeing him with the zoo director, refrained from questioning and quickly briefed Director Tang on Nini’s status.

“The surgery has been ongoing for over half an hour. We don’t have updates yet.”

Director Tang, visibly concerned, requested Nini’s emergency records from a nurse.

Having spent half his life in animal care, Director Tang had some medical knowledge. After reviewing the records, he sighed deeply and echoed the young veterinarian’s sentiment, “If we save her this time, another relapse is still likely.”

He said no more, and Director He fell silent.

The veterinary station buzzed with activity. After filming the staff, the cameraman turned his lens to other animals.

At that moment, a young elk was brought in.

Initially seated in a small transport vehicle, the elk leaped off upon seeing the station’s entrance and tried to flee.

The Keeper and Deputy Director Liu quickly disembarked to catch it. After dragging it inside, they coaxed, “Alright, alright. You shouldn’t have eaten random things and gotten diarrhea. A quick injection will fix you up, just one shot.”

An orderly came to assist, and soon the elk was taken to the operating table, with its Keeper explaining the situation.

Deputy Director Liu, who had been passing by, intended to leave but noticed Director Tang and Director He. Approaching, he greeted, “Director.”

Director Tang nodded, his mood somber, glancing again at the operating room’s indicator light.

Deputy Director Liu also looked toward the operating room and asked Director He, “What’s going on?”

Director He leaned in and whispered, “Nini’s condition has worsened again.”

Hearing that it was the War Beast Nini, Deputy Director Liu’s expression turned serious.

Director He then inquired, “Why are you here? Weren’t you overseeing Arrogant’s matchmaking today? Is Arrogant okay?”

Arrogant, another War Beast under Director He’s supervision, was supposed to have a matchmaking session.

Deputy Director Liu waved his hand. “Arrogant’s fine. The matchmaking went smoothly; it’s nearly settled…”

Director He was surprised. “Already? That fast?”

Deputy Director Liu, not in the mood to discuss Butcher’s peculiar courtship antics, glanced at the operating room and added, “By the way, today’s match was with Bi Ke Zoo.”

Suddenly, the room fell silent.

Director Tang turned to look at Deputy Director Liu.

Director He stared in shock.

The matchmaking had been arranged by a friend of Deputy Director Liu, and Director He was unaware of the details. Deputy Director Liu had never mentioned that Bi Ke Zoo was involved.

Anxiously, Director He asked, “Bi Ke Zoo? Are you sure? Who came? Was it one of their War Beast daycare Keepers?”

Being in charge of War Beasts, Director He was familiar with Bi Ke Zoo’s renowned Keepers from their daycare.

He was hopeful that their experts might offer new insights into Nini’s condition, especially since previous consultations with veterinary associations and War Beast centers had yielded no success.

Director He looked at Deputy Director Liu with eager anticipation.

But Deputy Director Liu shook his head. “No.”

Director He was visibly disappointed.

Director Tang also looked downcast.

Deputy Director Liu added, “It was their Director Mu.”

Director He: “…”

Director Tang: “…”

After a pause, Director Tang sternly told Deputy Director Liu, “You’re demoted for being so dramatic when speaking!”

Deputy Director Liu: “?”

*

Meanwhile, outside the giant panda pavilion on the other side of the zoo.

Mu Ling excitedly told Brother Xiang, “Almost there! Finally, it’s our turn!”

At 1 PM, the panda pavilion was packed.

Visitors had to queue to enter, and Mu Ling and her group had been waiting for twenty minutes. Their turn was approaching.

Just as Mu Ling eagerly opened her camera, her light brain buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, she answered cheerfully, “Hello, Deputy Director Liu?”

Fifteen minutes later.

Mu Ling and Xiang Bie, guided by their driver, arrived at Maple Leaf Zoo’s veterinary station.

A group was already waiting at the entrance. As Mu Ling stepped out, someone approached to shake her hand. “Director Mu, hello. I’m He, the director in charge of War Beast liaison department. Sorry for taking up your time.”

Mu Ling responded, “Director He, hello. It’s no trouble at all. The War Beast’s well-being is paramount.”

Deputy Director Liu then introduced, “Director Mu, this is our Director Tang.”

Mu Ling saw a kindly, smiling old man and quickly shook his hand. “Director Tang, a pleasure to meet you.”

Director Tang smiled. “Director Mu, I’ve long heard of your excellent reputation. Let’s talk inside.”

As the group moved indoors, Xiang Bie noticed someone filming nearby. He furrowed his brow but said nothing.

Inside, they presented Nini’s medical records. Director He briefed Mu Ling on her condition and shared diagnostic plans from the War Beast center and veterinary association for her reference.

Mu Ling reviewed the extensive documents, frowning. “I heard from the staff that Nini’s damage value is low, yet her health keeps declining. This is the first time I’ve encountered this kind of situation.”

Director He lamented, “Indeed. Nini was transferred here a year ago in poor condition. Initially, she was housed near war wolves and lions. We thought proximity to other retired War Beasts caused her stress, so we relocated her, but it didn’t help.”

Examining the records, Mu Ling remarked, “It seems the main issue is that her recovery can’t keep up.”

Director He explained, “Nini is very unsociable. We used to mix medicine into her food, but once she discovered it, she refused to eat or drink. We had to sedate her periodically to administer nutrients via IV. Upon waking, unfamiliar scents made her depressed. During low moods, she’d harm herself—climbing trees and falling, soaking in water and not coming out. She kept giving herself ailments.”

Deputy Director Liu added, “If we had an accurate damage value assessment, at least we’d have a reference point. But her low damage value leaves us at a loss for what to do.”

Mu Ling pondered, “Low damage value but poor health…There’s a possibility it’s not neurological influence, but the animal’s own depression overpowering any nerve damage-induced depression.”

Director He nodded. “Experts from the veterinary association suggested the same and provided a treatment plan. Here it is.”

Mu Ling reviewed the latest plan and nodded. “It’s very comprehensive, incorporating traditional veterinary methods and my psychological treatment concepts, tailored to Nini’s case. Still no effect?”

Director He shook his head.

Mu Ling frowned, re-examining the plan. Theoretically, it shouldn’t fail.

Just then, the operating room light suddenly went out and the door opened.

Everyone outside looked over. Producer Luo told the cameraman to quickly capture it.

The massive Iron Bear lay on the large gurney. As she was pushed out, many tubes were inserted into her body. Beside her was a vital signs monitor, recording her various physiological rates.