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

Chapter 148 Official Stay-at-Home Dad
The atmosphere in the camp fell to freezing point again because of Chen Nian's words.

Lin Sen chuckled and scratched his head.

"It can't be that serious, can it?"

Chen Nian suddenly raised his head, his expression more serious than ever before, and what he said next shocked everyone.

Do you know what the average survival rate of captive-bred snow leopard cubs was in my country up to 2015?

"30%!"

"None of the 13 snow leopard cubs bred at Xining Zoo survived to adulthood!"

“The average lifespan of an adult snow leopard in captivity is only 2-3 years, while the average lifespan of a wild snow leopard can reach 15-18 years!”

“If the high-altitude living environment of snow leopards cannot be restored, then snow leopards are very likely to suffer from various diseases with extremely high mortality rates.”

"As for now."

Chen Nian paused for a moment: "Through the continuous efforts of Xining Zoo, they have increased the survival rate to 70%."

"But as long as it doesn't reach a 100% survival rate!"

"I won't let Xue Aotian take that risk."

Although Chen Nian was well aware that the failure of artificial breeding was all for the sake of further advancing the technology for the protection of endangered species.

But he didn't want Xue Aotian to become the victim.

"Sydney entrusted it to me not to make it a statistical sample of some technological advancement. It is my responsibility to ensure its survival and, one day, to return it to where it belongs!"

"."

Listening to the numbers Chen Nian rattled off.

Those around who were unaware of the situation finally understood why Chen Nian was so reluctant to hand Xue Aotian over to the authorities.

Is a 70% survival rate high?

Very high.

But failure means death!
Looking at the little purple sprite that was cuddling and rolling around in Chen Nian's palm, completely oblivious to life and death, no one could bear to push it into that 30% chance of failure.

However, the snow leopard is a Class I protected animal in China.

If she doesn't hand it in, what can Chen Nian do?
Xia Qiyue was the first to realize this problem.

She looked at Chen Nian with some concern.

Just as she was about to say something, Wang Chen came back again.

This time, his face no longer showed solemnity and difficulty, but rather a sense of relief and exhilaration!

"Teacher Chen, good news!"

“I spoke with the higher-ups, and they know that Shirley’s family survived thanks to you, Teacher Chen. Moreover, Shirley specifically entrusted Xue Aotian to you. Therefore, they have decided to fully respect Shirley’s ‘choice’!”

"The care and upbringing of Xue Aotian is now officially entrusted to you!"

Joy instantly lit up everyone's faces!
This is undoubtedly the best outcome!

Only Chen Nian remained calm as she looked at Wang Chen:

"What about the conditions?"

According to regulations, individuals are absolutely prohibited from keeping nationally protected animals in China.

He has emphasized this point more than once during his live streams.

He'll be locked up for life!
"Ha ha!"

Wang Chen laughed heartily, a sly glint in his eyes: "Of course, an individual identity won't do! But as long as you, Teacher Chen, aren't an 'individual,' then it'll be fine, right?"

"what?"

Lin Sen blinked his clear, big eyes, looking completely bewildered.

"Not a person? Does Old Chen need to start a family first? Does having a family mean you can raise snow leopards?"

His thought process remains as peculiar as ever.

"..." Chen Nian rolled her eyes at Lin Sen helplessly, but couldn't help but smile as she explained to everyone:

"What Brother Wang means is that I should join an official or semi-official organization with qualifications for wildlife conservation and research."

"For example, Cat Alliance!"

"In this way, my identity became 'Special Expert of the Cat Alliance,' and taking care of and studying Xue Aotian, who was 'entrusted' by the mother beast and has extremely high scientific research value, became my job responsibilities and scientific research tasks!"

"Yes!"

Wang Chen slapped his thigh and laughed, "That's reasonable! It's legal!"

"Oh!!"

Everyone suddenly realized what was going on. Wang Chen smiled brightly and extended his hand to Chen Nian: "Teacher Chen, the doors of the Cat Alliance Appraisal Department are always open for you! The previous invitation still stands!"

Chen Nian did not hesitate at all.

He firmly grasped Wang Chen's hand: "Please guide me in the future, Section Chief Wang!"

"Hahahaha! Sure, sure~"

At this moment, the change in identity relieved Chen Nian of a huge weight.

Becoming a 'identification expert' in the Cat Alliance not only solved the identity problem of raising Xue Aotian, but more importantly, it also gave him the authority to check on the movements of Xue Li's family at any time!

congratulations!

As for the previous refusal...
Chen Nian lifted the cricket pupa onto her palm, playfully rubbing it against Xue Aotian's hand, revealing a gentle smile.

I don't mind being a little tired for this little one!
Lin Sen grinned and came closer.

"That's great, Teacher Chen, you won't have to be separated from Xue Aotian anymore. Come, young master! Let your uncle take a look."

Before his fingers could even touch the silvery-purple down, Xue Aotian abruptly turned his head away.

With its little mouth open, it let out a fierce, cute hissing sound, and all the fur on its body stood on end.

Like an angry little purple fluffy ball!
"Forehead"

Lin Sen's hand froze in mid-air, then he awkwardly withdrew it, shrugging with a wry smile.

"Well! It seems that only Teacher Chen can get close to our young master's wild temper! We mere mortals are not worthy of such treatment, not worthy of such treatment!"

He shook his head dramatically, eliciting good-natured laughter from the crowd.

The sadness of parting and the heavy pressure that had been building up in the camp for days were dispelled by this heartwarming and funny scene.

The infinitesimal watched this scene with a relieved smile on its face.

He clapped his hands and said in a loud voice, "Alright! Everyone's happy! Problem solved, and the cleanup is done! Attention everyone—break camp! Heads home!"

"go home!!"

Half an hour later.

The expedition team, like a long dragon, wound its way down the snowy slope.

Sunlight shone on the pristine white snow, reflecting a dazzling light.

Behind them, the traces of the camp were carefully erased, leaving only a few deep footprints, which would soon be gently covered by the new wind and snow, as if no one had ever disturbed the tranquility of this snowy land.

Chen Nian and Xia Qiyue walked at the back of the group.

Chen Nian's bulging chest was none other than Xue Aotian.

He originally intended to temporarily house Xue Aotian in an insulated box.

But as soon as this little darling leaves his arms, even if it's just for a few seconds in the box, he immediately starts whimpering in extreme grievance.

The little paws frantically scratched at the sides of the box!

His blue eyes were brimming with tears, as if he had been abandoned by the whole world!
Feeding it its favorite milk didn't work. Only when Chen Nian held it in her arms again, close to her warm chest, would it sob and quiet down, its little head bobbing up and down as it sought comfort.

After several failed attempts, Chen Nian finally gave up.

"Alright, you little clingy brat!"

Chen Nian resignedly stuffed Xue Aotian into her down jacket, zipping it up only to her chest so that its little head could comfortably peek out and breathe.

The little guy was satisfied now.

Curiously turning its little head, its sapphire-like eyes darted around, taking in the moving snow scene. Occasionally, it would stick out its pink little tongue to lick the cool snowflakes that drifted to its nose, making a comfortable purring sound.

She completely used the father's chest as a mobile luxury viewing platform and a temperature-controlled cradle.

Xia Qiyue walked quietly beside Chen Nian.

His gaze occasionally swept over the curious little Aotian in his arms, but more often it fell on Chen Nian's profile, which was filled with helplessness yet incredibly gentleness, with a faint smile on his lips.

She was holding a small video camera.

But it seems that Xue Aotian wasn't the only subject of the filming.

After descending the steep slope, Chen Nian took a breath of the crisp, high-altitude air and then turned the live-streaming equipment back on.

"Sorry everyone, the broadcast was temporarily suspended because of a little... um... a minor issue."

He adjusted the camera, focusing it on the silver-purple furry creature on his chest that was peeking out with its little head, curiously staring at the camera.

"Now, let me formally introduce it to you."

Before Chen Nian could finish speaking, the live stream chat was instantly flooded with a tsunami of comments!
"Teacher Chen, did you abduct the young master down the mountain? Does the Queen know?"

(Hill sheep? Have you ever seen a rock cat?)

(End of this chapter)