After preparing cat and dog food for Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard and watching them feast, he headed out to start a new day of work.

Although Zhang Chenghu’s group had intended to cause destruction last night, the actual damage was limited. They were first discovered by Yang Qi in the Bird District after causing a commotion, and security guards quickly surrounded them.

Using quick-drying glue to plug keyholes, the men only managed to get to five locations—mainly the Bird District and two small animal houses. They never made it to the enclosures in the Gray Wolf or raccoon areas.

As a result, Yang Qi’s morning work was unaffected.

He went about his routine: feeding, cleaning, and then observing and recording the animals’ conditions.

After finishing the feeding, he headed to the cafeteria for breakfast.

In the cafeteria, many colleagues were still quietly discussing last night’s incident. When they saw Yang Qi enter, they looked at him with curiosity and admiration, and a few smiled and greeted him.

Yang Qi returned their greetings one by one. After finishing breakfast, just as he stepped out of the cafeteria doors, the phone in his pocket vibrated.

He took out his phone and unlocked it to find an updated announcement in the main "Zoo Family" work group chat.

Official Report and Commendation Regarding Last Night’s Security Incident

The announcement detailed the sequence of events, from Yang Qi discovering the abnormality thanks to a stray cat’s warning, to the security team’s swift response and successful effort to surround and contain all suspicious individuals.

The text emphasized the security team’s courage and dedication, and also gave special praise to Yang Qi for his high level of vigilance and deep affection for the animals.

The announcement also stated that the police were now involved, the suspects had been taken away, and the Zoo would fully cooperate with the investigation while reserving the right to press charges and seek compensation.

The Zoo also decided to issue a public commendation and rewards to Yang Qi, Chen Ze, the participating security guards, and the "hero animal," Hua Qi, for their outstanding performance during the incident.

Yang Qi quickly skimmed through it. The content was factually accurate, with no exaggeration or concealment.

Hua Qi was truly famous now. The Zoo decided to officially "adopt" the cat, providing it with regular food and medical care.

...

In the afternoon, Yang Qi went to the office building.

First, he found Jiang Kai and explained in detail the purpose of his visit.

After more than a week of stable and reliable flight adaptation training in the wild, Horn Carved Qi Zai had established excellent homing instincts. Its flight data and behavioral records were perfect.

He proposed installing a controllable "hatch" in the protective netting on top of the Horned Eagle Cage. This was to further improve the bird’s welfare, reduce the unnecessary sense of confinement, and allow for more flexible management that better suited its natural instincts.

"It would be like giving it a personal ’door.’"

Yang Qi added, "When Qi Zai wants to go out to be active or hunt, it can fly out freely. When it’s tired, or when we need it to return, it can also fly back on its own."

"This aligns better with the natural rhythms of a large raptor than us releasing and recalling it at fixed times every day. It will also give the bird a stronger sense of belonging, a feeling that this is its ’home.’"

Jiang Kai listened intently, then flipped through the thick stack of flight logs and data charts Yang Qi had brought.

For more than a week, Qi Zai’s performance had indeed been impeccable. It returned on time after every release, never went near dangerous areas, and had even brought back prey on several occasions.

The tracking data and behavioral observations all proved it had fully adapted to the airspace centered on the hills behind the Zoo.

"In theory, this is feasible. It also aligns with the latest concepts in animal welfare."

Jiang Kai nodded. "However, safety is always the top priority. This hatch must be controllable—kept locked normally and only opened when needed. We also have to ensure that no other animals or foreign objects can get into the enclosure through it."

"I understand, Minister. I’ve already had a preliminary discussion about the plan with colleagues from the technical department. They think it’s feasible. We can create a remote-controlled, electronic hatch that remains locked normally. When needed, it can be opened via a phone app or a remote in the central control room. After Qi Zai enters or exits, it can automatically close and lock." Yang Qi had clearly done his homework.

"Alright, I agree in principle. But Director Huang has to give the final approval." As he spoke, Jiang Kai picked up the internal phone and dialed the director’s office.

A moment later, the two of them arrived at Huang Zhongmu’s office together.

Yang Qi once again presented his reasoning and proposal in a concise manner, emphasizing that Qi Zai’s excellent performance over the last week provided the practical basis for it.

After listening, Huang Zhongmu pondered for a moment before looking at Jiang Kai. "Minister Jiang, do you think the risks are manageable?"

"Based on the data from this past week, the risk is very low. Qi Zai’s homing instincts and obedience are excellent. Combined with the controllable hatch design, safety shouldn’t be an issue. Some of the more advanced raptor rescue centers in the country have had good results with similar practices," Jiang Kai gave his professional assessment.

"Good. Then proceed with your plan."

Huang Zhongmu made the decision. He then instructed Yang Qi, "Xiao Yang, I’m putting you and the technical department in charge of implementing this. Make sure the safety measures are airtight. Not a single detail can be overlooked."

"Thank you, Director! Thank you, Minister!"

Relieved, Yang Qi quickly expressed his thanks.

...

The request was approved.

Yang Qi immediately returned to the Horned Eagle Cage with three staff members from the technical department, carrying tools and the movable hatch components.

To ensure safety during the installation, Yang Qi first put on specialized arm and shoulder guards and entered the enclosure.

"Qi Zai, come down."

Perched in a tree, Qi Zai heard the call and looked down. Spreading its wide wings, it made an elegant glide, landing precisely on Yang Qi’s raised right arm. It then shifted over to his shoulder, its sharp golden eyes curiously sizing up the people and equipment outside.