Working in a Zoo with Beast Taming System

A warmth spread through Yang Qi’s heart. He immediately replied, "I’m free, Grandma. I’ll head back tomorrow. I can be home by noon."

"Really? That’s wonderful!"

His grandmother’s voice instantly became cheerful. "Then Grandma will make you something delicious tomorrow! What do you want to eat? Braised pork belly? Sweet and sour ribs? Or how about some old hen soup?"

"Grandma, don’t go to all that trouble. Just make something simple. I’m coming back to see you, not for the food."

Yang Qi quickly tried to dissuade her.

"That won’t do. My grandson is finally making a trip back, so he has to eat well. That settles it. Grandma is going grocery shopping."

His grandmother didn’t listen at all. As soon as she finished speaking, she hung up, afraid Yang Qi would try to refuse again.

Yang Qi held the phone, now emitting a dial tone, and shook his head with a laugh, a warm feeling spreading through him.

He knew he couldn’t win an argument with her, so he decided to just let her do what made her happy.

’Besides, it was about time for a visit anyway.’

...

The next day, before the sky was fully light, Yang Qi finished his cultivation.

He got up and went to the backyard, deactivating the Demon Extermination Array that had been running all night. He tallied his gains: over seven hundred contribution points.

’A seven-pull!’

Yang Qi started pulling right away.

It was all standard supplies. No special surprises, but they were practical enough.

Yang Qi was calm and collected. He prepared breakfast for Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, Leopard, and Ta Xue, and urged them to finish eating quickly.

He then went to the Zoo warehouse first, collecting food to feed the Gray Wolf and the raccoons, completing his morning routine.

Back in his dorm, Yang Qi changed into a fresh set of casual clothes, gathered his furry companions, locked the door, and drove his SUV out of the Zoo, heading into the rising sun.

The car got on the highway, heading toward Ningshan County, which is administered by Donghua City.

Around ten in the morning, the SUV slowly decelerated and came to a stop in front of an old house with blue bricks, gray tiles, and a tidy little courtyard.

"We’re here. Let’s get out." Yang Qi turned off the engine and opened the car door.

Xiaojiu was the first to dart out, landing lightly. Ta Xue followed close behind. The two felines were clearly no strangers to this place; they had been here before. They navigated with familiarity, slipping through the half-open courtyard gate.

The three dogs, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard, jumped out of the car one by one. They first surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings, their noses twitching as they took in the scents.

Then they followed the other two into the courtyard, looking around curiously as they went.

"Xiaojiu, you’re back! And Ta Xue is here too? You’ve gotten so big, you really look like a little leopard!"

Hearing the commotion, his grandmother came hurrying out of the house, still wearing an apron.

She first spotted Xiaojiu and Ta Xue, her face blooming into a wide, affectionate smile as she greeted them.

Then, her gaze fell upon the three dogs behind them. With their agile builds, bright eyes, and spirited appearance, they made her pause for a moment before she blurted out in admiration, "What handsome dogs!"

Just then, Yang Qi walked through the gate, carrying bags of all sizes. He smiled and called out, "Grandma, I’m back!"

"It’s good you’re back, it’s good you’re back."

Her eyes moved from the dogs to her grandson, her face filled with affection and joy.

"Grandma, this is Bai Wan, this is Hu Zi, and this is Leopard. They’re my new companions, and they’re very smart and obedient."

Yang Qi introduced them as he carried the bags into the house. Then he turned to the three dogs and said, "Bai Wan, Hu Zi, Leopard, come on. Give Grandma a proper greeting."

At his command, the three dogs immediately sat down in a row, lifted their front paws, and gave a convincing wave in their grandmother’s direction, letting out friendly, low rumbles from their throats.

This incredibly anthropomorphic and well-behaved display made his grandmother laugh heartily, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out.

"Oh my! Such good boys, so well-behaved. Come in, come in."

Once inside, Yang Qi put down the bags and sat with his grandmother in the main hall.

His grandmother held his hand and asked about everything, from his work to his health.

Yang Qi patiently answered each question and, in turn, asked carefully about his grandmother’s health and daily life.

After they had been chatting for over half an hour, Yang Qi noticed his grandmother seemed a bit distracted, her eyes darting to the old-fashioned wall clock from time to time.

"Grandma, is there something else you need to do?" Yang Qi couldn’t help but ask.

As if reminded, the old woman suddenly slapped her thigh. "Oh, dear! Look at me, I was so happy I completely forgot about the important thing!"

She grabbed Yang Qi’s hand, her tone becoming urgent. "Xiaoqi, you need to go right now. Drive to the central plaza in town. There’s a place there called the Time Cafe. You’re going there to meet a girl."

Yang Qi froze. "Meet a girl? Who?"

"Her name is Liu Ting. She’s 25 and also works in the city, as a clerk in some company, I think? Your Aunt Li introduced her. We know her family background. I’ve seen a picture of the girl. She’s pretty, and I hear she has a good temper too."

His grandmother spoke rapidly, her eyes shining with expectation. "I already told them you’d be back today, and arranged for you to meet at the cafe at eleven. It’s already past ten now. Hurry up and go, don’t keep the girl waiting."

Yang Qi was speechless.

He understood instantly.

So that was it. His grandmother’s urgency in calling him back, her genuine concern for his well-being... it was all real, but behind the promise of a lavish lunch and her "I missed you," there was a hidden "mission."

A blind date! 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

’I’m a cultivator, and I still can’t escape a blind date?’

Looking at his grandmother’s eager yet slightly apprehensive eyes, Yang Qi felt a sense of resigned amusement. He couldn’t bring himself to refuse the old woman’s good intentions.

"Alright, Grandma. I’ll go."

Yang Qi stood up. "But don’t get your hopes up too much. I’m just going to meet her, maybe make a new friend."

"Yes, yes, yes, as long as you go. Be on your best behavior! Now, hurry up!"

Seeing Yang Qi agree, his grandmother was overjoyed and urged him to leave quickly.

Yang Qi shook his head, told his curious furry companions inside to "stay home and keep Grandma company," then picked up his car keys and started the SUV again.