Live Cat Appraisal: Starting with a Beast That's Got a Long Prison Record

Chapter 250 Natural Affinity - The Leopard

After passing through a specially arranged secret passage, Xue Aotian arrived at its resting area smoothly and safely, accompanied by Chen Nian throughout.

What amazed everyone was...

Despite the several-hour drive, Xue Aotian showed no signs of fatigue or unease.

With Chen Nian by its side, it seemed as if it had just taken an ordinary short trip, and it remained calm and composed.

To welcome Xue Aotian's arrival, the zoo director specially prepared a private room for it.

Upon entering the spacious and clean single-room isolation area, Xue Aotian began a detailed inspection.

Its nose twitched slightly as it sniffed the pheromones mixed in the unfamiliar environment. Its steps were steady and composed, and its thick paws made almost no sound as it stepped on the cold ground.

Those slightly upturned pupils calmly swept over every corner, as if assessing the safety and comfort of this new territory. His demeanor was that of a young monarch inspecting the land he had just received.

Look out the window.

Led by the director, along with several senior researchers from the park, everyone's eyes were fixed on Xue Aotian's figure.

Every step it took, every turn it made, drew murmurs of admiration from them.

"As expected of the young master!"

A young researcher couldn't help but remark, "Look at its relaxed posture, it's like it just went out for a stroll and came home, without any stress response at all."

"This mental fortitude and adaptability are absolutely amazing!"

Another researcher wearing black-rimmed glasses chimed in.

One researcher even cast an incredulous glance at Chen Nian, who had been standing quietly by the window, her gaze gently following Xue Aotian, her tone filled with disbelief: "Teacher Chen, the young master's physique..."

"Is it really only six months old? Look at that frame, that muscle mass, I'd believe it if you told me it was over a year old!"

Chen Nian smiled proudly.

The kindergarten director answered for him: "To be precise, it's just over six months old."

"How about that? Surprised? Who would have thought it's the same age as Ling Xiaomang from our park!"

Upon hearing this, the researchers fell silent.

Their gazes turned back to the room, taking in Xue Aotian's smooth and powerful back lines and his strong and muscular limbs, which formed a stark contrast to the still childish and petite figure of Ling Xiaomang in their memory.

"Seeing is believing!"

An older researcher pushed up his glasses and muttered, "This size is almost comparable to some smaller adult individuals! It's outrageous!"

"He truly deserves to be called a 'super individual' who has already made a name for himself internationally!"

The researchers were amazed.

Chen Nian's attention was mostly focused on Xue Aotian's emotional state.

This was the first time Xue Aotian had left the courtyard and moved around alone in a restricted area, and he was worried that Xue Aotian might not be used to it.

However, Xue Aotian's performance once again exceeded his expectations.

It quickly became familiar with the new venue.

They also turned their attention to their new neighbor next door.

Xue Aotian strolled to the sturdy, transparent glass wall used for isolation, tilted his head and looked at the figure on the opposite side for a moment, who was lying on the simulated stone slab, sleeping sprawled out.

Then, it suddenly stood up upright.

It placed its two front paws on the smooth glass surface and began to scratch vigorously, making a 'scratching' sound, trying to attract the other party's attention.

The adult snow leopard, which was fast asleep, was startled by the sudden noise. Somewhat impatiently, it opened its eyes and lazily glanced at the source of the noise.

With just one glance, its sleepiness vanished almost entirely.

What the hell!

This young man!

Its pupils widened instantly!
With a nimble flip, it stood up, quickly ran to the glass, pressed its nose against it, and tried to sniff out the scent of the unfamiliar fellow human on the other side.

A low, curious "puff puff" sound came from its throat.

Xue Aotian responded with a similar nasal sound, and the two large felines began a silent yet passionate 'communication' through a transparent barrier.

The researchers subconsciously compared the body sizes of the two sides.

Then they were shocked to discover that the young Xue Aotian was almost the same height at the shoulder and body length as the adult snow leopard opposite them!
"What the hell is this, the King of the Snow Mountains?" Chen Nian turned his gaze over with great interest.

"This snow leopard is..."

Unlike Xue Aotian's energetic and powerful figure, this snow leopard, though still strong, has a slightly duller coat and a calm look in its eyes that comes from the passage of time.

The head of the kindergarten introduced it to Chen Nian with a smile: "Its name is Nao Nao."

"It is a 16-year-old female snow leopard."

"It was originally staying in another retirement area, but it just 'escaped' and was caught, so we're temporarily keeping it here to observe it before bringing it back to the leopard enclosure."

"Oh! It's that octogenarian leopard lady who 'successfully escaped from prison'!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Qiyue couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

Chen Nian couldn't help but laugh.

Clearly, they had also heard about Nao Nao's glorious deeds.

This elderly leopard managed to escape from the heavily guarded enclosure, proving that she's still got some skills!
Looking at the scene of two snow leopards, one old and one young, 'chatting happily' on both sides of the glass wall, the people observing from the window all showed a relieved smile.

This kind of social start is undoubtedly excellent for Xue Aotian to adapt to group life.

Only Chen Nian stopped laughing after a while.

He suddenly remembered that his young master had learned lock-picking skills from "Prison Break Master" Lily when he was in the courtyard, and also had a "prison break record".

Now, these two 'criminals' have come together.
This looks more like a discussion of 'jailbreak' experiences!
"I hope I'm just overthinking it."

Chen Nian shook her head.

After observing Xue Aotian for another half hour and confirming that he was in good condition, the group left the leopard enclosure one after another.

The future is long, don’t rush for the moment.

Chen Nian, on the other hand, hadn't eaten all day because she was escorting Xue Aotian.

So, after leaving one person to keep an eye on Xue Aotian, the headmaster invited him and Xia Qiyue to his place, where he would cook for them himself.

"I haven't eaten either. After we finish eating, Xue Aotian can probably eat something too."

Chen Nian did not refuse.

He wanted to learn more about Nishino's situation.

So, the two men, who both loved snow leopards, started chatting very enthusiastically!

When discussing Nishino Toyoei's situation...

The kindergarten director gave a wry smile.

"I'm still a long way from my goal!"

Fengrong Zoo.

This means improving the living conditions of animals in captivity to allow them to behave as closely as possible to their natural state.

This not only helps improve the animals' mood but also prepares them for future release.

In the principal's vision for the future.

He wanted Nishino to have the best Fengrong facilities in the country!
We want every animal living here to be happy and to consider this place their true home!
But this goal is a long and arduous journey.

It cannot be achieved in the short term.

While Chen Nian was talking to the zoo director about the topic of 'releasing snow leopards back into the wild'.

[Friendship Quest: Xue Aotian's New Friend]

Mission Introduction: Even a born king needs companions of the same kind on the road to growth.

Task: Help Xue Aotian make friends with five of his own kind.

Task progress: 0/5.

Quest Reward: Cat Affinity +1, Natural Affinity - Leopard (Beginner)

(Kiss me~ I want a hug~)

(End of this chapter)