Yang Qi glanced over and explained, "She’s a stray from the Zoo, and a friend of Xiaojiu’s. She just gave birth to seven kittens, so it’s hard for her to find food out there. I told her she could come here if she couldn’t find anything to eat."

As he spoke, he got up and walked to a storage cabinet. He took out a clean food bowl and a bag of high-quality cat food, went to the door, and poured a moderate amount onto the ground a short distance away. He then spoke gently to Hua Qi.

"Hua Qi, come and eat."

Hua Qi smelled the familiar aroma of the food and picked up the reassuring scent on Yang Qi. Her guard lowered considerably as she slowly padded over, bowed her head, and began to eat quickly.

"A litter of seven?"

Cheng Yao was slightly astonished. "She’s incredibly fertile. She could give Big Flower a run for her money."

While petting Xiaojiu, Song Chunfang looked over at Cheng Xiaoou and asked, "Are there many stray cats in the Zoo right now?"

"There are quite a few."

Cheng Xiaoou nodded. "However, we cooperate with animal welfare organizations to run regular TNR programs. Most of the long-term stray cats in the Zoo have already been spayed or neutered."

"I don’t recognize this calico, though. Her coat and demeanor don’t quite match the Zoo’s ’old-timers.’ I’m guessing she wandered in from outside recently, and we just haven’t gotten to her yet."

"That’s likely the case."

Yang Qi walked back to his seat and added, "She seems a bit unfamiliar with this place, but she knows Xiaojiu quite well."

"That’s good. As long as the TNR is timely, it can effectively control the population and prevent too great an impact on the Zoo’s ecosystem and rare birds." Song Chunfang nodded, approving of the Zoo’s methods.

She gently placed Xiaojiu back on the floor. Xiaojiu licked its paws, then nimbly leaped onto the armrest of the sofa next to Yang Qi and settled down.

Song Chunfang’s gaze returned to Yang Qi. The gentle smile on her face faded, replaced by a more formal expression.

She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "Xiao Yang, I remember from your file that you only graduated two years ago, correct? I was wondering, do you have any interest in pursuing further education? For example, a PhD?"

Yang Qi froze.

Cheng Xiaoou jumped in to explain, "Xiao Yang, before Teacher Song retired, she wasn’t just our Zoo’s director. She was also a professor and a PhD supervisor at Handong University. She even served as the dean of the School of Life Sciences there. She’s one of the nation’s leading authorities in the fields of animal behavior and conservation biology."

The implication was crystal clear.

"I do!"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Yang Qi looked at Song Chunfang, his eyes shining. His voice was sincere and resolute. "I’ve always felt that while I’ve learned a lot through practical experience, I’m keenly aware that my theoretical foundation is lacking. I would be honored to have the opportunity to study systematically under you, Teacher Song, and continue my education."

His excitement wasn’t an act; it came straight from the heart.

For one, Song Chunfang’s academic standing and resources would be immensely helpful for his professional development.

’And for another, Song Chunfang was a "Supreme Elder"!’

"Good."

A satisfied smile touched Song Chunfang’s lips, and she nodded lightly. "I’ve reviewed some of your work records and the performance evaluation reports submitted by Minister Jiang’s team. I recognize your talent and your diligence. Xiaou and Director Huang also recommended you."

"If you’re willing, I can be your advisor for a combined Master’s-PhD program. As for the administrative side, I’ll speak with the university to simplify the procedures."

"However, you will not be skipping any of the required coursework, research, or dissertations. Not a single one. And they must all be completed to a high standard. My requirements are quite strict."

"I accept! Thank you, Teacher Song! I will work as hard as I can and will not disappoint you!" Yang Qi replied at once, his tone solemn and committed.

[Congratulations, Host, for taking the Supreme Elder as your master. You have been promoted to a True Disciple of the "Beast Taming Sect".]

[Reward: "Great Derivation Spirit-Controlling Technique" (Foundation Establishment Volume), Hundred Trees Nourishing Body Array, Plants as Soldiers (Divine Ability)]