Chapter 147: Chapter 133: Promotion to True Disciple

Upon hearing this, the zookeeper’s eyes widened, his expression indescribably odd.

It was a mixture of dawning realization, amusement, and a strange hint of sympathy for the alpaca, "Big Soldier," and the "heavy responsibility" it was about to face.

Yang Qi clapped him on the shoulder, wearing a knowing, "you-get-it" expression. "It’s exactly what you think. So, his nutrition needs to be top-notch. This is a ’major affair’ concerning the future prosperity of our park’s alpaca population."

The zookeeper opened his mouth, wanting to make a sarcastic remark about the bizarre "mission" and method of mediation. But the words caught in his throat; nothing seemed appropriate to say. He could only nod.

"...Understood. I guarantee I’ll have ’Big Soldier’ well-cared for and brimming with energy."

"I appreciate it."

Yang Qi patted his shoulder again before turning and leaving the alpaca enclosure.

He didn’t go anywhere else, heading straight back to the employee living quarters.

When he returned to his small, villa-style dorm nestled against the mountain, Song Chunfang and Cheng Xiaoou had not yet arrived.

Yang Qi opened the door, quickly tidied up the living room a bit, then put some water on to boil for tea.

Then, he walked over to a corner of the living room to give a word of instruction to Hu Zi, Leopard, and Bai Wan, who were lying around resting or playing.

"We have a guest coming soon, a respected elder from the park."

"You three, be on your best behavior. Stay quiet and don’t scare our guest, got it?"

Hu Zi and Leopard immediately sat up straight, their ears perked, their gazes fixed on Yang Qi. They let out a low WOOF to show they understood.

Bai Wan, on the other hand, wagged his tail and panted, his eyes seeming to say, "Don’t worry, I’m the most polite one here."

As for Xiaojiu, Yang Qi scanned the room but saw no sign of him. Who knew where he’d run off to this time.

The little guy was always appearing and disappearing mysteriously, something Yang Qi was used to.

He had just finished preparing the tea when the voices of Cheng Xiaoou and Cheng Yao drifted in from outside the courtyard gate, along with the faint, gentle replies of Song Chunfang.

Yang Qi immediately stood up, walked briskly outside, and pulled open the courtyard gate.

"Director Song, Director Cheng, please, come in." Yang Qi stepped aside, greeting them with a smile.

"Sorry for the intrusion, Xiao Yang."

Song Chunfang replied with a smile, looking around the small villa she had once lived in. "This house looks like it’s been well-maintained."

"It was renovated a few years ago, Teacher Song."

Cheng Xiaoou chimed in to explain, "When you lived here, the conditions were much tougher than they are now. There wasn’t even running water, and heating was a hassle."

"Yes, it was a bit more rustic back then, but it was peaceful."

Song Chunfang said this as she walked into the small courtyard, guided by Yang Qi.

Cheng Xiaoou and Cheng Yao followed behind her into the courtyard.

Upon entering the house, Song Chunfang’s gaze was immediately captured by the three dogs in the living room, each with a vastly different disposition but all equally spirited.

"What magnificent dogs!"

She exclaimed in admiration, her eyes sweeping over them with a professional, appraising look. "Are they all police dogs?"

Hu Zi and Leopard were purebred German Shepherds. Their posture was ramrod straight, their gazes sharp and steady. Having only recently retired, they exuded the unmistakable aura of strictly trained, highly disciplined police dogs. It was clear at a glance that they were extraordinary.

Bai Wan, on the other hand, though a Chinese Rural Dog, had a well-proportioned, athletic build. His lively eyes glinted with alertness, and his demeanor was even more composed and confident than that of the two German Shepherds.

He just lacked that intense, stereotypical aura of a "working police dog."

"Yes, they’re all police dogs."

Yang Qi explained with a smile, pointing first to Bai Wan. "This is Bai Wan. He helped the Criminal Investigation Division of the Lvliu District Branch with a case, and for his meritorious service, he was awarded the title of ’Honorary Police Dog’."

"Is that so? That’s wonderful!"

Song Chunfang’s eyes lit up. She walked over to Bai Wan, reached out her hand, and gently stroked his head.

Bai Wan was very obliging, nuzzling her palm and wagging his tail gently, appearing both mild and well-behaved.

"These two are Hu Zi and Leopard. They’re both official police dogs who have just recently retired," Yang Qi said, introducing the other two.

Song Chunfang walked over to them as well, stroking the heads of Hu Zi and Leopard in turn. She carefully inspected their teeth, coats, and eyes, nodding in praise.

"They’re in excellent condition. Their eyes are bright, and their bodies are strong. Xiao Yang, you’ve taken very good care of them."

The three dogs seemed to sense the elderly woman’s kindness and her unusual nature, and they all behaved with exceptional gentleness and courtesy.

Yang Qi invited the three of them to sit on the living room sofa and poured the freshly brewed tea.

"Shouldn’t there be a black cat, too?" Song Chunfang asked with a smile, taking a sip of tea and putting down her cup to look at Yang Qi.

"Yes, his name is Xiaojiu. I don’t know where he’s run off to play," Yang Qi replied.

"Is he a police cat, too?" Song Chunfang asked with a laugh, a knowing, teasing look in her eyes.

"So Director Song already knows."

Yang Qi laughed as well. It seemed the old director, despite being retired, was not at all out of the loop regarding the park’s affairs.

"It was Xiaoou and Director Huang who told me."

Song Chunfang explained, her gaze falling on Yang Qi with warmth and admiration. "They’ve sung your praises to me more than a few times. They said you’re the most talented, down-to-earth, and diligent young employee they’ve seen at the park in over a decade. Outstanding abilities, and a good heart, too."

"You’re too kind, Director Song."

Yang Qi quickly replied with modesty, "The park gave me the opportunity, and my colleagues have all looked after me. There are plenty of other outstanding people, like Cheng Yao, for example."

"That’s right, that’s right."

Cheng Yao chimed in from the side, "Even though I’m not a zookeeper, I work very hard and am very outstanding in the marketing department!"

"Yes, yes, our Little Yaoyao is just as outstanding. You’re a serious worker and have a cheerful personality." Song Chunfang smiled kindly and patted Cheng Yao’s hand.

Cheng Xiaoou, however, wasn’t about to indulge her. He chided with a laugh, "It’d be better if you spent less time on romance and focused more on your work. Especially since the person you’ve found isn’t all that great."