Then, the crowd witnessed a shocking scene—
The Chinese Merganser flew before Yang Qi, circled him twice at a low altitude, and let out a crisp, pleasant cry.
[You smell good, Two-legged Beast. Thank you.]
After circling twice, it flapped its wings and took to the sky, climbing higher and higher.
This time, it didn’t hesitate, flying swiftly due north. It soon became a small white dot and disappeared above the forest.
On a nearby treetop, Qi Zai only twitched its wings slightly. Its golden pupils watched the Chinese Merganser fly away. From start to finish, it showed no intention of spreading its wings to give chase.
Cheng Xiaoou, Huang Zhongmu, Deng Lei, and the gasping Director Zhao, among others, had witnessed the entire event.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, at a loss for words.
Director Zhao looked embarrassed.
He had just been on high alert, terrified the Beaked Eagle would eat the duck. But as it turned out, the Chinese Merganser had flown back specifically to thank Yang Qi!
And the Beaked Eagle had been as well-behaved as a statue the entire time.
That was quite the slap in the face...
It stung a little.
But he was a director, after all. Director Zhao quickly composed himself and returned to normal.
He walked up to Yang Qi, cleared his throat, and said in a tone that was half-impressed and half-joking.
"Xiao Yang, you’ve got some real charm. Even a wild Chinese Merganser flew back just to say goodbye to you."
Yang Qi gave a humble smile. "I probably fed it something before, and it came back because it remembered the taste."
He wasn’t gloating, his attitude remaining as calm as ever. This made Director Zhao’s expression soften considerably.
"This shows that Xiao Yang truly treats animals as friends, and they treat him as a friend in return."
Huang Zhongmu chimed in at the right moment, easing the tension with a smile. "I’d say this release was a complete success."
"Yes, all three little ones made it home safely. That’s better than anything," Cheng Xiaoou added with a smile.
"Indeed. A smooth release is all that matters."
Amid the chatter and laughter, everyone relaxed and began to walk back out of the mountains the way they came.
Deng Lei and two of his Forest Police colleagues intentionally or unintentionally fell to the back of the group.
Once the people in front were a little farther away, Deng Lei sidled up to Yang Qi, gave him a thumbs-up, and said with a low, amused voice,
"Advisor Yang, that was classic you! Even a wild Chinese Merganser was won over, coming back just to say goodbye before leaving."
A young Forest Police officer next to him looked on with admiration. "Advisor Yang, your charisma is off the charts! Director Zhao’s face just now... HAHA!"
Yang Qi waved his hand humbly. "Just lucky I ran into a sensible one. The main reason they recovered so quickly is thanks to everyone’s timely rescue efforts."
"Oh, stop being so modest."
Deng Lei shook his head with a smile, then his expression turned serious as he remembered something. "Right, there was something I needed to tell you. The bureau held a meeting and came to a decision. In light of the Beaked Eagle Qi Zai’s repeated assistance in our mountain search and rescue operations, as well as his outstanding contribution in tracking the poachers’ vehicle this time, we are officially granting Qi Zai the title of ’Honorary Police Bird’!"
"The certificate, medal, and bonus have all been approved. They’ll probably be delivered to the Zoo tomorrow."
Hearing this, Yang Qi was inwardly delighted but kept a calm expression. "Captain Deng, that’s... Qi Zai didn’t really do much. The police department is being too generous."
"He’s earned this reward, and he’s going to get it."
Deng Lei’s tone was serious. "Qi Zai’s contributions are tangible. His aerial tracking, in particular, was a huge help to us this time. This isn’t just a reward; it’s also an affirmation of the collaborative model between our police force and civilian partners."
"In that case... I’ll accept the bureau’s recognition on Qi Zai’s behalf." Yang Qi no longer declined.
"That’s more like it!"
...
The Forest Police moved quickly.
The next morning, just as Yang Qi finished breakfast, he received a call from Mei Ying.
"Xiao Yang, come to the office in the administration building. The officers from the Forest Police are here and want to see you."
Yang Qi knew what this was about.
When he arrived at the small conference room in the administration building, several people were already seated inside.
Besides Mei Ying, Jiang Kai was also there.
On the Forest Police side, the leader was Cheng Wenming, captain of the White Tower Forest Police.
Captain Deng was seated beside him.
There were also two other Forest Police officers and a policewoman holding a brocade box and a folder.
"Captain Cheng, Captain Deng, good morning, everyone," Yang Qi said politely as he entered.
"Advisor Yang, good morning!" Cheng Wenming stood up with a smile and extended his hand.
The two shook hands.
Cheng Wenming’s palm was broad and strong, his skin rough—clearly the hands of someone who spent years working on the front lines.
"Advisor Yang, I’m here today, first and foremost, on behalf of the White Tower Forest Police to once again thank you and the Beaked Eagle Qi Zai for your support of our police work."
Cheng Wenming got straight to the point, his tone sincere. "Especially with the multiple times he’s assisted in aerial search and rescue in the mountains, and in the recent pursuit of the poachers. Qi Zai has performed a great service!"
"You’re too kind, Captain Cheng. We were just doing what we should," Yang Qi replied.
"An honor that’s deserved cannot be denied."
Cheng Wenming repeated Deng Lei’s words from yesterday with a smile. He then turned, took a dark-blue-covered certificate of honor from the policewoman beside him, and presented it to Yang Qi with both hands.
"After review by the White Tower District Forest Police Brigade and approval from higher authorities, we now officially bestow upon the Beaked Eagle ’Qi Zai’ the title of Honorary Police Bird!"
Cheng Wenming announced, his voice booming.
"In recognition of the exceptional ability and outstanding contributions displayed while assisting the police in search, rescue, and tracking missions, this certificate is hereby issued as a special encouragement!"
[Congratulations, Host! Your Spirit Beast, the ’Celestial Patrol Dominator Eagle,’ has been granted a title by the Immortal Dynasty Office and is now blessed by fortune! You will receive a portion of this fortune as feedback during your cultivation, granting you additional support when seeking enlightenment and achieving breakthroughs!]
’As expected!’
’Another source of fortune!’
...
Though inwardly joyful, Yang Qi’s expression remained unchanged as he accepted the certificate with both hands.
Cheng Wenming then took an exquisitely crafted commemorative medal from the brocade box.