Free Web NovelChapter 284: Chapter 179: Fortune Deepens! Deepens! Deepens
Amid a round of applause and under the gaze of countless eyes, Yang Qi rose, straightened his collar, and walked steadily onto the stage.
An attendant had already prepared the letter of appointment and a pen.
Director Fang, a smile on his face, presented the letter of appointment to Yang Qi with both hands.
Yang Qi accepted it with both hands, then solemnly signed his name on the two copies of the employment agreement.
Camera flashes flickered, capturing the moment.
From this day forward, he was not only a zookeeper at Donghua Wildlife Park but also the officially recognized "Special Investigator Advisor" for the Donghua City Public Security Bureau.
This new title would undoubtedly make things much more convenient for Yang Qi in the future.
...
The award ceremony continued.
Deputy Captain Wang Mengguo of the drug enforcement division took the stage. He highlighted the special contributions of the black cat, Xiaojiu, in the case.
"...The ’investigative talent’ this black cat has shown is nothing short of breathtaking. It is a special, ’silent comrade-in-arms’ on our public security front line!"
Amid thunderous applause, Yang Qi took the stage once again, this time with Xiaojiu.
Xiaojiu sat perched steadily on his shoulder. Facing the sea of people and flashing cameras below, it merely twitched its ears, its eyes calmly scanning the crowd.
Its calm and composed demeanor drew another wave of amazed gasps and good-natured laughter from the audience.
Vice Mayor Liu, who oversaw cultural and educational affairs, walked onto the stage with a beaming smile. He personally awarded Xiaojiu a specially made "Merit Police Cat" certificate of honor, an exquisite gold cat-shaped medal, and a red envelope containing a cash prize.
Yang Qi accepted the honors on Xiaojiu’s behalf, and the man and his cat posed for another photo together on stage.
[Congratulations! The Spirit Beast you command, the "Nine-Life Mysterious Cat," has received a conferment from the Immortal Dynasty Office. Its fate has deepened! You will now receive a measure of feedback from its fate during your cultivation, granting you additional support when seeking enlightenment and achieving breakthroughs!]
’Fate deepened?’
’Fate can be stacked?’
’This is great news!’
On stage, Yang Qi was inwardly overjoyed but maintained a calm expression.
...
After Xiaojiu, it was Hu Zi, Leopard, and Bai Wan’s turn.
Yang Qi led them onto the stage.
The three police dogs marched in perfect, steady, and powerful unison beside Yang Qi, their eyes sharp and their posture erect.
Vice Director Zhang of the Donghua City Public Security Bureau, who was in charge of criminal investigations, personally presented them with "Meritorious Police Dog" certificates, medals, and cash prizes.
He affectionately patted the sturdy backs of Hu Zi and Leopard and ruffled Bai Wan’s head, highly praising them for their courage, loyalty, and exceptional professional skills.
[Congratulations! The Spirit Beast you command, the "Fiery Flame Demon Dog," has received a conferment from the Immortal Dynasty Office. Its fate has deepened! You will now receive a measure of feedback from its fate during your cultivation, granting you additional support when seeking enlightenment and achieving breakthroughs!]
[Congratulations! The Spirit Beast you command, the "Thunder Battle Dog," has received a conferment from the Immortal Dynasty Office. Its fate has deepened...]
...
Just like Xiaojiu, the fates of Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard had also deepened!
With their fates stacking, the boost to his cultivation from the feedback would be even greater!
...
To conclude the ceremony, Huang Zhongmu gave the closing remarks.
He thanked the leaders at all levels for their support of the Zoo’s work, stating that the entire staff was greatly encouraged and would continue to uphold their professional spirit in service to society.
After the ceremony ended, the leaders began to file out.
Director Fang of the Donghua City Public Security Bureau, Vice Mayor Liu, Vice Director Zhang, and Captain Zhou of the drug enforcement division made a point of approaching Yang Qi to shake his hand.
"Well done, young man."
Director Fang gripped Yang Qi’s hand, his voice booming. "You’ve not only made your teacher proud, but you’ve also brought honor to Donghua. Keep up the great work. If you run into any trouble, come directly to me."
"Yang Qi, you’re so young and full of promise."
Vice Mayor Liu offered a warm smile. "You are truly Teacher Song Chunfang’s prized pupil. Please give my regards to Elder Song and wish her good health!"
Vice Director Zhang added his encouragement. "Advisor Yang, the bureau will be needing your professional support often in the future. We look forward to you achieving even greater things."
"..."
Yang Qi responded humbly to each of them, but a thought stirred in his mind.
’Director Fang and Vice Mayor Liu both happened to mention Teacher Song... Now I get it.’
This high-profile award ceremony was certainly a recognition of his abilities and a move to create a model example. However, the personal attendance of two city leaders was likely due in large part to Song Chunfang’s influence.
Although Teacher Song had not yet been formally appointed as an academician, her standing in the academic world, her influence in related fields, and her extensive personal network were enough to command the respect of any local leader.
This was both a show of respect for Teacher Song and a gesture of goodwill toward the influential circle she belonged to!
Having figured this out, Yang Qi handled the situation with even more grace and composure.
...
After the leaders departed, escorted by Director Huang, the rest of the people in the auditorium also began to disperse.
Reporters scrambled to snap a few more photos of Yang Qi and the animals. After a few brief interview questions, they too departed.
Xiao Jun, Li Nan, and a few other familiar faces from the drug enforcement division stayed behind and gathered around Yang Qi.
"Man, you really hit the big time with this one!"
Xiao Jun clapped Yang Qi on the shoulder, his face beaming with vicarious pride.
"Advisor Yang, congratulations!"
Li Nan grinned, bumped fists with Yang Qi, then squatted down to affectionately wrap his arms around Hu Zi’s neck. The dog meekly nuzzled against him.
The other officers they had fought alongside also chimed in with their congratulations, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful.
Amid the celebration, Xiao Jun looked at Yang Qi and sighed with a hint of regret. "Ah, it’s a shame, Advisor Yang, that you’re not officially on the public security payroll. Otherwise, based on your contribution to busting that drug lab and catching several key members, I’d say you’d have a great shot at being recommended for a First-Class Individual Merit!"
Yang Qi just smiled. He understood the rules of the system.
