"My goodness... It’s become incredibly perceptive!"
Minister Wang was filled with awe, and most of his lingering caution had vanished. "Advisor Yang, as for your ability to tame animals... well, you’ve made a believer out of me!"
"Come on, this way. Director Li knew you were coming and told me to give you a warm welcome. He insisted that you stay for lunch."
Yang Qi exchanged a few polite words and followed Minister Wang into the Zoo.
He didn’t go to the bustling visitor areas, but instead went directly to the quarantine and isolation zone.
It was relatively quiet here, and the facilities were well-equipped.
The Zoo’s chief Veterinarian had already been notified and was waiting there.
Veterinarian Sun was an expert in his fifties with a serious expression. He wore glasses, and the moment he saw Liu Fu, his gaze immediately became focused and professional.
"Advisor Yang, I’ve heard a lot about you. Is this the special chameleon?" Veterinarian Sun pushed up his glasses, his tone calm.
"Hello, Dr. Sun. Sorry to trouble you."
"This is Liu Fu," Yang Qi explained. "It has undergone some unnatural modifications. I was hoping you could help conduct a relatively comprehensive basic check-up and assess Liu Fu’s overall health, as well as the potential long-term effects of those modifications."
As he spoke, he used his contractual bond to soothe Liu Fu, letting it know that this was for its own good.
"I understand."
Veterinarian Sun nodded. He didn’t rush to begin, but instead took out a portable infrared thermometer and a stereoscopic microscope.
Without making physical contact, he carefully observed Liu Fu’s color-changing ability, its eye reflexes, and breathing rate. He also scanned its body for any abnormal bumps or wounds.
"The color transition is incredibly smooth and natural, far surpassing that of a common veiled chameleon. This must be one of the results of the modification."
"Its eye reflexes are sharp, but there seems to be a very slight delay in its pupils’ adjustment to light. This might be related to modifications of the nervous system."
Veterinarian Sun observed and took notes simultaneously. "No obvious scars from implants are visible to the naked eye, but the texture and reflectivity of the scales in several areas are slightly different. This may require further examination."
Next, with Yang Qi’s help in keeping Liu Fu calm, Veterinarian Sun carefully collected a small sample of its oral secretions and a cloacal swab for analysis. He also used a stethoscope to listen to its heartbeat and breathing, and took simple measurements of its weight and length.
"At first glance, its vital signs are stable, but we’ll need to wait for the lab results for some of the more detailed metrics."
Veterinarian Sun put down his tools, his expression turning more solemn. "Advisor Yang, based on the information you’ve provided and my own observations, it’s highly likely that it has received enhancements or modifications at the muscular, nervous, and even skeletal levels."
"This goes against the laws of natural growth. In the long run, it could lead to unknown metabolic stress or premature organ failure."
"Furthermore, if there are micro-control devices or slow-release drug systems inside its body, they will always be a hidden danger if not removed. However, with our current equipment and technology, it would be very difficult to locate and remove them precisely without harming it."
Yang Qi had already anticipated this.
"Thank you, Veterinarian Sun. I was more or less aware of these issues. I’ll use my own methods to help it recover and adapt over time."
"Your methods..."
Veterinarian Sun glanced at Yang Qi but didn’t press further. He just said, "If you need any conventional medical support or medication, the Zoo can provide it. It’s a very special creature. I hope you can take good care of it, Advisor Yang."
"I will," Yang Qi promised solemnly.
After the examination, Minister Wang enthusiastically led Yang Qi to the Zoo’s internal restaurant.
Director Li was already waiting there, accompanied by a few mid-level managers.
In the private dining room, the spread was quite lavish, featuring mostly local specialties and mountain delicacies.
"Advisor Yang, please, have a seat."
Director Li stood up to greet him, his face wreathed in smiles. "The day before yesterday, we really had you to thank for helping us solve that huge problem. Everyone here at the Binjiang Zoo owes you a huge favor."
"You’re too kind, Director Li. I just happened to be there. It was simply my duty."
Yang Qi replied humbly, taking Liu Fu from his shoulder and letting it curl up on a padded chair by the table.
Xiaojiu perched on an empty chair next to Yang Qi, while Bai Wan lay at his feet.
Director Li, Minister Wang, and the others marveled at the sight.
The ability to make a cat, a dog, and a chameleon coexist so harmoniously was a skill they knew they could never learn in a lifetime.
The meal was a great success, with both hosts and guests enjoying themselves thoroughly.
「After the meal.」
Director Li and the others had matters to attend to.
Minister Wang accompanied Yang Qi on a tour of the Binjiang Zoo.
They walked through the aviary, viewed the carnivore section, and chatted about their insights on animal husbandry and environmental enrichment along the way.
As they were passing the primate exhibit, Minister Wang paused. An expression of recollection crossed his face, and after a moment’s hesitation, he spoke to Yang Qi.
"Advisor Yang, there’s something I was hoping I could trouble you with."
"Please go ahead, Minister Wang," Yang Qi said gently.
"It’s like this."
Minister Wang pointed to a relatively separate, well-appointed chimpanzee enclosure not far away. "We have an adult male chimpanzee here named Zhuangzhuang. He used to be very lively, the clown of the group, and he interacted well with the keepers."
"But starting last week, he suddenly changed. He just lies on the climbing structure all day without moving, isn’t enthusiastic about feeding time, and ignores his companions’ invitations to play. He’s become very withdrawn."
"The Veterinarian has checked him over, and there are no major physiological problems, just a slight tendency towards malnutrition."
"We’ve also tried various enrichment toys and food incentives, but nothing has had much effect. We suspect it might be a psychological issue."
Minister Wang sighed. "Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and have rich emotional lives. Sometimes their emotional problems are harder to deal with than physical illnesses."
"Advisor Yang, your ability to communicate with animals is so incredible. Could you possibly take a look at Zhuangzhuang for us? Even if you just get close and observe him, get a sense of his condition, it would give us some direction."
"No problem!"