Chapter 477 - 237: The Insatiable Gale Spirit Leopard (2)

Chapter 477: Chapter 237: The Insatiable Gale Spirit Leopard (2)

For Yang Qi, taking the exams for these two courses was really just a formality—a way to familiarize himself with the academic expressions and theoretical frameworks.

"That’s more like it."

Song Chunfang’s tone softened. "The exams are on January 7th and 8th. The ’Advanced Animal Behavior’ exam is on the afternoon of the 7th, and the ’Wildlife Conservation Ecology’ exam is on the morning of the 8th. The location is the large lecture hall on the third floor of the School of Life Sciences building."

"Okay, Teacher, I’ve got it. January 7th and 8th, third floor of the School of Life Sciences building. I’ll be there on time," Yang Qi confirmed, repeating the details.

"Good. Prepare well. Even though I have faith in your abilities, don’t get careless," Song Chunfang added.

"Understood. Don’t worry, Teacher."

After hanging up, Yang Qi held his phone, feeling a wave of emotion.

’It’s been over two years since I graduated, and I never thought I’d be walking into an exam hall again.’

’The feeling was both familiar and a little strange.’

’Still, the timing of this exam was perfect.’

Yang Qi had already been planning a trip to the Provincial Capital soon.

The one-month period he had agreed upon with the wild leopard was already up.

Regardless of how the breeding efforts with Hua Hua were progressing, an agreement was an agreement.

One had to be true to their word, even if the other party was an animal.

Yang Qi had to go to the Red Star Zoo to check on the situation and fulfill his promise.

If the pairing was successful, it would be a happy outcome for everyone.

If it wasn’t, and the wild leopard wanted to return to the mountains, he would have to arrange for that as well.

...

So, over the next few days, while juggling his daily work, cultivation, and animal care, Yang Qi made a point to set aside more time for studying.

Yang Qi dug out the textbooks, reference lists, and class notes Song Chunfang had given him for the two courses. Combining his practical experience with the superhuman comprehension granted by his "+1 Insight," he reviewed and organized the material quickly and efficiently.

The theoretical models, classic experiments, and cutting-edge debates became crystal clear in his mind. He could even extrapolate from them to form his own insights.

Soon, the lively and busy New Year’s holiday was over.

January 7th, a Tuesday.

Dawn was breaking.

As usual, Yang Qi finished feeding the Gray Wolves and the raccoons, then went to check on "Stone," giving a few instructions to the zookeeper on duty.

He then returned to his dorm, gathered Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard, locked the door, and drove his SUV out of the Zoo, heading straight for the Provincial Capital.

A little after eleven in the morning, the SUV drove onto the campus of Handong University.

A prestigious, century-old institution with a rich heritage. Ancient trees towered over the campus, creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere even in the depths of winter.

Following his GPS, Yang Qi drove to the faculty housing area. He registered at the gate, explaining he was there to see Professor Song Chunfang. After verifying the information, the security guard let him through.

The vehicle slowly entered the quiet residential area and stopped in front of a small, red-brick house with a private courtyard, part of the housing complex for senior faculty.

The courtyard gate was open. Yang Qi grabbed two gift boxes of high-end health supplements and called for Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard to get out of the car with him.

"Teacher, I’m here!"

Yang Qi called out toward the house as he walked inside.

"You’re finally here."

Song Chunfang’s cheerful reply came from inside the house.

Soon, Song Chunfang appeared at the door. She was dressed in padded loungewear, her hair tied back in a neat bun. Seeing Yang Qi and the "tail" of animals trailing behind him, her face broke into a wide smile, though her words were playfully chiding.

"You came, and that’s enough. Why bring gifts? I don’t need anything here. You’re just wasting your money."

"It’s just a small token of my appreciation, nothing expensive. To help you stay healthy," Yang Qi said with a smile, placing the gift boxes on the entryway cabinet.

Song Chunfang wasn’t truly upset. Her attention was immediately captured by the Guardian Beasts.

She crouched down, first petting Xiaojiu who had trotted up to her, then ruffling the heads of Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard one by one, her eyes filled with undisguised affection.

"Xiaojiu, you’re as lively as ever. And Bai Wan, Hu Zi, Leopard—you’ve all gotten sturdier. Good, good!"

The Guardian Beasts were very obliging, interacting with her cooperatively.

Xiaojiu, in particular, even took the initiative to nuzzle Teacher Song’s hand.

"Are you home alone, Teacher? Aren’t your daughter and Yuanyuan over?"

Yang Qi asked as he changed his shoes.

He knew that Song Chunfang’s husband had passed away and that her only daughter, Zhang Liping, was a chief physician at the provincial hospital. She was always busy, and while the early estrangement between mother and daughter had since eased, they didn’t live together.

Her granddaughter, He Yuan, did, however, visit her grandmother often.

"Liping has surgery today, and Yuanyuan is at school. It’s just me. It’s peaceful."

Song Chunfang said with a laugh, but Yang Qi could see a longing for a livelier atmosphere in her eyes.

"You came at the perfect time. I’ve already finished cooking and was just waiting for you to start eating. Go wash your hands and help me bring out the dishes."

"You got it~"

Yang Qi replied cheerfully and told Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, and the others to lie down in a corner while he went to the kitchen to help.

Soon, four dishes and a soup were laid out on the dining table. They were all home-style dishes, but their appearance, aroma, and flavor were all impeccable—clearly, Song Chunfang had prepared them with great care.

The mentor and disciple sat opposite each other. The Guardian Beasts also had their own meal to the side—meat and fresh water specially prepared by Song Chunfang.

Preparing a suitable diet for animals was second nature to her.

"Here, eat more. You have an exam this afternoon. You need a full stomach to have strength," Song Chunfang said, continuously putting food on Yang Qi’s plate.

"Teacher, that’s enough, that’s enough. I can get it myself." Yang Qi felt a warmth spread through his chest.

He knew that Teacher Song genuinely cared for him like a close family member of a younger generation.

Over the meal, the two chatted about their recent lives.

Yang Qi gave a brief update on his work at the Zoo, leaving out the more dangerous parts. He only mentioned the growth of "Stone" and shared amusing stories about the Gray Wolves, the raccoons, the giant panda, the leopard Big Flower, and her seven cubs.