Chapter 483 - 238: Expanding Territory, Sub-Sect Leader

Chapter 483: Chapter 238: Expanding Territory, Sub-Sect Leader

"But how long have you even been at Donghua?"

"It hasn’t even been a full year, all told. You won’t get past the seniority requirement."

"That’s true for the assistant director position, let alone deputy director or director."

"At Donghua, if you want to truly take charge and lead the Zoo to make groundbreaking changes, it’s too difficult. It requires biding your time, waiting, and making too many compromises."

His tone shifted, now filled with expectation for Yang Qi.

"But Xianlai is different."

"It’s brand-new and privately owned, with none of the historical baggage or interpersonal complications. It needs someone exactly like you—someone with ideas, ability, and the courage to take bold action."

"The stage is bigger, the resources are more plentiful, and you’ll have a freer hand to put your skills to use and realize your ideals and ambitions."

Huang Zhongmu looked at Yang Qi with sincere eyes. "As much as I hate to lose a talent like you, I know I can’t stand in your way."

"Forcing you to stay would hold you back, and it would also hold back the new possibilities you could bring to the zoo industry."

He pointed to the application in Yang Qi’s hand and said with a serious expression.

"This ’leave for entrepreneurship’ isn’t a resignation."

"Your personnel file and your official position will remain with Donghua."

"You’ll still be a part of our Donghua Zoo."

"Once you’ve made your mark at Xianlai and found your footing, or if you ever want to come back, the gates of Donghua will always be open for you."

At this, Huang Zhongmu smiled, his tone lightening. "Xiao Yang, don’t overthink it, and don’t feel bad."

"In my heart, you’ll always be one of my people. I’ll keep that room in the staff dorms for you. You can come back and stay anytime you want. It’s always your home."

He had said everything that needed to be said—his words were sincere, understanding, and tolerant, even carrying the affection and hope an elder has for the younger generation.

The last of Yang Qi’s apologetic feelings melted away, replaced by profound gratitude and emotion.

He broke his silence, took a step back, and gave Huang Zhongmu, who sat behind the desk, a deep bow.

"Thank you, Director! Thank you for your continued guidance, trust, and understanding!"

Yang Qi’s voice was low, but filled with sincerity.

Huang Zhongmu waved his hand, gesturing that it wasn’t necessary.

Yang Qi straightened up, picked up the pen on the desk, and signed his name in the "Applicant Signature" field of the "Application for Entrepreneurial Leave." Then he wrote down the date.

After Yang Qi finished signing, Huang Zhongmu took the application and examined it closely. A gratified, yet somewhat wistful, smile spread across his face.

"Alright, that completes the paperwork. I’ll approve it on my end and just need to submit it for the record. I suppose I’ll have to start calling you Director Yang now."

"Director Huang, you will always be my leader," Yang Qi said hastily.

"Haha, good!"

Huang Zhongmu laughed heartily before his expression turned serious again. "Now that the paperwork is done, since you’re one of our own taking this entrepreneurial leave, your old home has to show its support."

"Aside from the Beaked Eagle, Qi Zai, who was already with you, and the little lion ’Stone’ you rescued—those two won’t count toward the quota."

"You can choose four species from Donghua’s current animals—up to three individuals of each—to take with you to Xianlai. Consider it a ’dowry’ from Donghua, a gesture of support for Xianlai’s grand opening. Of course, the animals must be willing. You can’t force them, and the transfer must comply with all relevant regulations."

Yang Qi was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed.

’Director Huang is so generous!’

Xianlai was set to open next spring. The plans were grand, but acquiring animals was a long-term process. Having the support of his "old home" and receiving mature animals already accustomed to captivity would be a massive help in quickly filling the exhibits and ensuring a stable opening.

Furthermore, Director Huang’s gesture was a public declaration of Donghua Zoo’s support for Xianlai, which was incredibly significant.

"Thank you, Director!"

Yang Qi thanked him again, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Enough with the formalities. Start thinking about which ones you want. I’ll need to make arrangements," Director Huang said with a smile.

Yang Qi focused his mind and began to think rapidly.

Horn Carved Qi Zai and the little lion, Stone, didn’t count toward the quota.

The remaining four species...

’First, the Monkey King, Great Sage!’

’This monkey has been spiritually awakened. I had already decided to take him to Xianlai and make him my Guardian Beast, letting him reign as the strongest Monkey King forever.’

’With Great Sage’s intelligence and leadership, he could move to Xianlai’s Primate Paradise and act as the leader for the initial population, helping to stabilize other newly introduced primates. Just him would be perfect; any more and they might start fighting.’

’Second, the Gray Wolf, Happy.’

’This guy has also been spiritually awakened. He’s the smartest in the Gray Wolf pack and the one closest to me. Happy is also extremely loyal; he’d definitely be willing to go.’

’Wolves are pack animals, so taking him alone isn’t a good idea. I can take his two closest companions along as well. That would form the core of a small, new pack.’

’Third, the little raccoons, Huan University and Huan the Second.’

’This pair of raccoon brothers—one goofy and cute, the other lively—are highly adaptable and great for interactive exhibits. I could put them in the Children’s Interactive Area or on the edge of the Wetland Birdwatching Area to make things more interesting. The two of them will keep each other company.’

’Just one more species to go...’

Yang Qi thought of the seven leopard cubs born to Big Flower.

’They’re over four months old now—the perfect age. They’re active, energetic, and learn quickly. It’s also a crucial time for them to bond with their keepers.’

’Xianlai’s Fierce Beast Valley needs some large felines. While I haven’t secured any South China Tigers yet, leopards are an excellent choice.’

’Donghua already has Big Flower and Er Hua, plus these seven cubs, so they’re actually under quite a bit of pressure.’