Chapter 216 - 156: The Self-Harming "A-lister" (2)

’He’s most likely an animal trafficker involved in the smuggling and sale of dangerous exotic pets!’

Su Wenxuan kept her head down, silent, her body trembling slightly. It was unclear whether it was from fear or remorse.

The vice director of the local police station, who was leading the team, breathed a sigh of relief.

They had found the source of the danger, apprehended the suspect, and prevented potential harm to the public. The case was off to a good start.

He walked over and first expressed his sincere thanks to Yang Qi.

"Yang Qi, we really have you to thank for this. If it weren’t for your professionalism and decisiveness, not only would we have failed to catch her, but we could have been in real danger."

Then, he looked at the small golden snake still writhing in Yang Qi’s grasp and felt a headache coming on. "This snake... Yang Qi, you see, our station doesn’t have the proper facilities to house and care for a dangerous, exotic, venomous snake like this."

"Normally, lost or confiscated protected animals are sent to a rescue center. But this is an exotic species, and a highly venomous one at that. I’m afraid a rescue center won’t be able to handle it either."

"I was wondering if your Zoo... would it be convenient for you to take it in temporarily?"

"Even if you can’t put it on long-term display, at least you have the professional equipment and staff to house it safely for now. We can decide its ultimate fate after the case is resolved."

The request was perfectly reasonable.

A Zoo was indeed better equipped to handle such a unique animal than a police station or an ordinary rescue center.

Yang Qi first carefully placed the Golden Spearhead Viper into a sturdy, custom-made container brought by the police, which was equipped with an observation window and air holes. Only then did he respond to the vice director.

"Director Han, I’ll need to run this by my superiors at the Zoo first."

"Of course, of course," the vice director nodded quickly.

Yang Qi stepped aside, took out his phone, and called Jiang Kai, explaining the situation concisely.

He had assisted the police in apprehending a woman suspected of smuggling dangerous exotic pets and confiscated a snake confirmed to be an exotic and highly venomous Golden Spearhead Viper. The police were hoping the Zoo could provide professional, temporary housing for it.

Jiang Kai was clearly surprised on the other end of the line. After a moment of thought, he said, "Xiao Yang, hold on a minute. I need to report this to the Zoo Director. I’ll get back to you shortly."

"Okay, Minister Jiang."

After hanging up, Yang Qi returned to the group and told them they would need to wait a moment.

Vice Director Han understood and had one of his officers begin a preliminary questioning of Su Wenxuan and inspect her personal belongings.

About three minutes later, Yang Qi’s phone rang. It was Jiang Kai calling back.

"Xiao Yang, the Director has agreed. Our Zoo will take in the Golden Spearhead Viper."

"Handle the necessary transfer procedures and bring it back safely. And listen, you must ensure safety is the top priority!"

"The reception, transport, and housing of such a highly venomous snake must be handled in strict accordance with the highest safety standards. I’ll immediately arrange for people from the Reptile Hall and the technical department to prepare the receiving and quarantine facilities."

"Understood! Don’t worry, Minister, I’ll be sure to prioritize safety," Yang Qi replied.

Hanging up the phone, Yang Qi looked at the vice director.

"Director Han, our Zoo has agreed to take the Golden Spearhead Viper."

"That’s wonderful!"

A smile spread across Vice Director Han’s face, and he visibly relaxed. "Then let’s get the transfer paperwork done right away. Xiaozhang, bring over the documents we prepared!"

Soon, a brief wildlife transfer and receipt form was filled out. Yang Qi signed it as the Zoo’s representative, and the police affixed their official seal.

The special container holding the Golden Spearhead Viper was officially handed over to Yang Qi.

"Yang Qi, thank you again. We may need to ask your Zoo for some professional opinions regarding Su Wenxuan’s case as it develops. We’ll be in touch," Vice Director Han said politely.

"No problem. We’ll cooperate anytime," Yang Qi nodded.

With the paperwork complete, Yang Qi carried the heavy container toward his SUV, which was parked nearby.

...

「Back in the car.」

Yang Qi first secured the container on the floor of the front passenger seat to ensure it wouldn’t slide around, then started the car and drove toward the Zoo.

Just as his car passed through the main gates of the Zoo—

[System detected: Host has returned with an untamed "Golden Threaded Ghost Python," strengthening the sect’s foundations. Contribution Points +856]

’856 contribution points?’

Yang Qi was slightly surprised. ’So many?’

’Looks like the Golden Spearhead Viper really is a rare one.’

「While he was thinking.」

He pulled into the small plaza in front of the office building. Jiang Kai was already waiting with the head of the Reptile Hall and staff from the technical department. A specialized animal transport vehicle was parked nearby.

After parking the car, Yang Qi got out, carrying the container.

"Xiao Yang, good work."

Jiang Kai came forward to greet him, his gaze landing on the container with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Minister, the snake’s inside. Its condition is stable enough, but it’s on high alert."

Yang Qi handed the container to the person in charge of the Reptile Hall, an experienced, middle-aged keeper named Master Sun.

Master Sun, wearing thick gloves, peered through the observation window and nodded. "It’s definitely in the Bothrops genus. Being this golden, it must be that rare species from the island."

"Our Reptile Hall’s quarantine and isolation room is all set up—climate controlled for constant temperature and humidity, completely secure. We’ll quarantine and observe it for a period to make sure it’s free of injuries and parasites, then we’ll decide whether to put it on display or use it for research."

Jiang Kai gave a stern reminder, "When you’re handling it, you must strictly follow the protocols for high-risk venomous snakes. Use double protection and do not get careless, not even for a second!"

"Yes, Minister!"

Only then did Jiang Kai pat Yang Qi’s shoulder in praise. "You handled this situation very well. You both assisted the police in eliminating a public safety threat and... well, you’ve added a very special ’specimen’ to our Zoo’s collection."

He smiled. "The Director also commended you. Go home and get a good night’s rest. Just write up a brief incident report for me tomorrow, that’ll be all."