Chapter 283: Chapter 178: Specially Appointing Comrade Yang Qi as...
Many tourists cast curious glances, especially families with children. The kids pointed excitedly.
Some people couldn’t resist taking out their phones to take pictures and record videos.
Yang Qi remained calm. As long as no one rushed over to pet or disturb them, he paid them no mind. He simply tightened the leashes slightly, keeping his furry companions closer to his side.
As they neared the auditorium, Yang Qi whispered another reminder.
"We’re almost there. It might be crowded inside, so don’t panic. Just stick close to me."
"Meow~"
Xiaojiu gently swept its tail across Yang Qi’s neck, showing it understood.
Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard also let out low whimpers, showing they understood as well.
Mei Ying was already waiting at the auditorium entrance.
"Sister Mei," Yang Qi called out as he approached.
"Xiao Yang, you’re here! Hurry, we were waiting for you."
Mei Ying’s eyes lit up when she saw Yang Qi. She hurried over, looking him up and down before nodding in satisfaction.
"Nice outfit. You look sharp."
Her gaze then swept over the animals at Yang Qi’s side.
Her gaze lingered for a moment on Xiaojiu, the black cat perched on his shoulder looking exceptionally calm. She smiled and said,
"You brought them all? Good. They all look to be in great shape."
With that, she pushed open a small side door to the auditorium and led Yang Qi, Hu Zi, Leopard, and Bai Wan inside.
The moment they entered the auditorium, a wave of sound and a sea of eyes washed over them.
The auditorium was nearly full.
Aside from the zoo’s middle managers, outstanding employee representatives, veterinarians, and senior zookeepers, the front rows were also filled with many unfamiliar faces.
There were people who looked like government officials, wearing formal shirts and carrying themselves with a steady air.
There were reporters shouldering professional cameras and holding audio recorders and microphones.
There were also a few impeccably dressed men and women with an extraordinary presence; judging by the seat placards, they appeared to be representatives from related associations.
Huang Zhongmu was in the center of the front row, speaking in low tones with several leaders.
Seeing Yang Qi enter from the side door, Director Huang immediately said something to the leader beside him, then broke into a wide smile and beckoned Yang Qi over.
In an instant, nearly every eye in the room snapped to focus on Yang Qi, who had just entered, and the animal companions by his side—creatures that stood out in any setting.
Yang Qi could feel the pressure of being the center of attention, but his expression remained unchanged. The tip of Xiaojiu’s tail on his shoulder gave an almost imperceptible twitch, while Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard straightened their postures, their gait steady as they followed him.
Jiang Kai was waiting by the aisle. When he saw Yang Qi, he hurried over and whispered, "Xiao Yang, over here. We saved a spot for you."
He spoke as he guided Yang Qi toward a reserved seat.
As they walked down the aisle, familiar colleagues on both sides greeted him in low voices.
"Brother Qi, you’re finally here."
"Xiao Yang, impressive."
"Look, that’s Yang Qi and his ’special forces’!"
"That black cat is so cool. I heard it’s a ’police cat.’ Wow, I’ve never seen a police cat before."
"..."
It wasn’t just Yang Qi; people were also pointing at Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard, whispering in tones of wonder and admiration.
Yang Qi nodded slightly in response to his colleagues’ greetings, continuing to walk at a steady pace.
As he walked, he saw Xiao Jun, Li Nan, and others from the anti-drug squad wave at him. He smiled and nodded in return.
Captain Zhou, Deputy Captain Wang, and other leaders of the anti-drug squad were seated in the front row, near the aisle.
As Yang Qi drew near, the leaders either gave him looks of approval or smiled and nodded at him.
Guided by Jiang Kai, Yang Qi took a seat in the second row, a spot on the aisle with a good view.
Xiaojiu leaped from his shoulder and settled onto the cushioned, empty chair beside him.
Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard lay down obediently on the carpet at his feet, showing no signs of restlessness.
At precisely 10:30 a.m., the auditorium lights dimmed slightly as the stage lights came up.
Huang Zhongmu was the first to take the stage and give a speech.
He recounted Yang Qi’s outstanding performance since joining the zoo, highlighting his professional abilities in animal husbandry and behavioral management.
He especially praised Yang Qi’s sense of social responsibility and bravery in using his unique talents and trained animal partners to actively assist law enforcement in fighting crime and protecting the lives and property of the people.
"...Yang Qi is an outstanding talent from our Donghua Zoo, and a shining example of how the youth of this new era can combine professional skill with social responsibility!"
The effusive speech was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
Next, Director Fang—the director of the Donghua City Public Security Bureau and a concurrent deputy mayor—strode onto the stage.
He began by highly commending the significant results achieved through the collaboration between law enforcement and the Donghua Zoo in specialized fields.
Then, his tone shifted as he detailed the pivotal role played by Yang Qi and his animal partners, who were instrumental in solving a recent string of major drug-related cases and assisting in the mountain rescue of scientific researchers.
"...In view of Yang Qi’s outstanding professional skills, strong sense of social responsibility, and the remarkable effectiveness he has demonstrated in cooperation with law enforcement."
Director Fang’s powerful voice boomed through the microphone, filling the entire auditorium.
"After a formal review by the City Bureau’s committee, and with the approval of the higher authorities, we are officially appointing Yang Qi as a Special Investigator Advisor to the Donghua City Public Security Bureau!"
The moment he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from below the stage.
Many of his colleagues from the zoo beamed, sharing in his honor.
’A special advisor at the city bureau level!’
’For a zookeeper to come this far... one could only imagine how difficult it was.’
Although Yang Qi was already an advisor, including for the Police Dog Base.
But an advisor to the City Bureau carried far more prestige and couldn’t be compared to his previous role as a Criminal Investigation Advisor for the Hongshu Branch.
This was a true mark of distinction, a ’golden-lettered sign’ that signified his official entry into the City Bureau’s pool of experts!