Working in a Zoo with Beast Taming System

Chapter 300: Chapter 184: Animal Murder Case (Part 2)

"Are you suggesting, Officer Fei, that I traveled all the way to Binjiang to kill four people using such an outlandish method?"

"Of course not!"

Shen Ruiping immediately cut in, shooting Fei Gang a glare before explaining to Yang Qi, "Please don’t misunderstand, Advisor Yang. What Old Fei meant was, we want to assess just how difficult it is to manipulate animals for the purpose of murder."

"In other words, among professionals like you, Advisor Yang—people who are experts in animal behavior and can communicate deeply with animals—are there many who could pull something like this off? It would help us build a profile of the killer."

Yang Qi’s smile vanished. He considered the question seriously for a moment before speaking slowly. "Captain Shen, Officer Fei, there are many people, both here and abroad, who study animal behavior and understand beast taming. Some highly skilled Beast Tamers can indeed get animals to follow incredibly complex commands. But..."

His tone shifted, growing solemn. "To guide or manipulate an animal to precisely orchestrate a series of seemingly flawless ’accidents’ to commit murder—and to succeed four times, ensuring the animal is in the right place at the right time without leaving any obvious signs of human interference..."

"To be honest, in all my years in this field, I’ve never heard of a case like this. This goes far beyond the scope of conventional beast taming or behavioral guidance. It’s closer to an ’art form’ that requires an ultimate mastery of animal behavior, the environment, and the human mind."

He paused, then added, "If you want to know whether similar prodigies or bizarre events have appeared in the past or within the field, I can consult my professor, Song Chunfang."

"She’s incredibly knowledgeable and has seen a great deal; she might have heard of related rumors or records."

"This isn’t the time to be digging into the history of Beast Tamers!"

Fei Gang cut in, clearly agitated and more focused on the immediate crisis. "We don’t have time for this! The killer is still out there, targeting three more people. We have them under covert protection, but as long as the killer is on the loose, their lives are at risk every single day!"

"And we can’t assign officers to protect them around the clock forever."

"Shut your mouth!" Shen Ruiping snapped at Fei Gang.

Fei Gang grunted, crossed his burly arms, and turned his head away. But he clearly respected Shen Ruiping’s authority and didn’t argue further.

Watching the hard-and-soft, perfectly coordinated pair, Yang Qi felt he had a clearer understanding of their dynamic.

"Ahem. It’s like this, Advisor Yang."

Shen Ruiping cleared his throat and turned back to Yang Qi, his tone earnest. "We know this is an imposition, but the main reason we’ve come today is to ask if you, Advisor Yang, would be willing to make a trip to Binjiang?"

"With your perspective and experience as an Animal Expert, you could help us analyze the killer’s likely characteristics, or examine the animals that were present at the ’accident’ scenes. We’re hoping you can find a breakthrough clue."

He paused, his gaze filled with anticipation, and added, "And if it’s not too much trouble, Advisor Yang, would it be possible to bring those ’partners’ of yours who’ve proven so capable? For instance, that magnificent Beaked Eagle, and those clever police dogs and cats?"

"We’ve heard about their abilities. They might be able to provide help that’s beyond our human capabilities—in searching, surveillance, or even ’communicating’ with the animals that might be under the killer’s control."

’Are they asking me to bring my entire Guardian Beast army over to help solve the case?’

Yang Qi’s mind raced.

"Captain Shen, I have no problem going to assist in person."

Yang Qi considered for a moment before agreeing. "However, Qi Zai... the Beaked Eagle... he’s difficult to coordinate. There are issues with airspace clearance and transportation. Besides, he’s too conspicuous. He’d tip off our suspect."

"I can bring Xiaojiu and Bai Wan. They’re much more mobile and can be helpful in certain situations."

His tone shifted as he laid out a practical requirement. "But I don’t know how long this will take, and I need to make arrangements at my job. To do that, I’ll need your Binjiang City Bureau to send a formal request for assistance—or an expert loan-out document—to us at the Donghua Zoo, just to follow procedure."

"Of course, that’s only proper!"

Shen Ruiping readily agreed, his face filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Advisor Yang. I’ll call the bureau right away and have them send the official paperwork. I’ll also coordinate everything for your stay in Binjiang."

"Good. I’ll go back and get ready. We can leave after lunch," Yang Qi said, rising to his feet.

"Great. Advisor Yang, shall I have Fei Gang drive you back?" Shen Ruiping asked, also getting up.

"No need to trouble him. I can get back on my own. Captain Shen, Officer Fei, why don’t you join me for a quick bite at our employee cafeteria? We can leave right after lunch. How does that sound?" Yang Qi suggested.

"No problem," Shen Ruiping readily agreed.

...

Leaving the reception room, Yang Qi hurried back to the Mountain-Back Courtyard.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he called over Xiaojiu and Bai Wan to give them their orders.

"Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, we have an urgent mission. We need to go on a long trip, so get ready."

"MEOW."

[Understood.]

Xiaojiu leaped gracefully from the windowsill, a flicker of excitement in its eyes.

"WOOF!"

Bai Wan straightened up, its tail wagging forcefully.

"Hu Zi."

Yang Qi looked at the steady, retired police dog. "You’re staying behind to guard the house. Your most important job is to watch over Leopard. He’s currently digesting the medicinal power and must not be disturbed while he sleeps."

"WOOF!"

Hu Zi let out a low growl of understanding, then padded over to the dog bed where Leopard was sleeping. He lay down quietly, like the most loyal of sentinels.

Yang Qi hurried upstairs and packed a light backpack. Inside, he put a few changes of clothes, essential toiletries, some cash, and food and water bowls for Xiaojiu and Bai Wan.