Chapter 12: An Old Classmate Reaches Out for Help Through a Voice Call

With the viral video of yesterday’s bear ride and the fennec fox kits gaining traction, coupled with Ning Zexi’s relentless promotion, Xu Ying’s account had now amassed 20,000 followers—and the number was still climbing.

The livestream was bustling with activity. Upon hearing that the fennec fox kits had been without milk for three days, viewers grew increasingly worried.

“These poor little ones have been weaned for three days already. Can anyone help them?”

“The kits are hungry and have no milk. I wish I could buy all the milk powder in the supermarket and airdrop it to them! But the desert rehabilitation zone is so far away; I can only send a rocket gift to support!”

“It’s really too far. I want to help but feel powerless. I’ll send a message to my friends and see if anyone has connections. Everyone in the livestream, please help spread the word!”

The viewers, unsure how else to assist, could only shower Xu Ying with gifts—essentially contributing funds to buy milk powder.

Xu Ying was stunned by the dazzling array of luxurious gift effects filling the screen. Livestreaming really was lucrative!

“Thank you all for your gifts!”

Xu Ying’s tongue almost tied itself in knots as she read the thank-you messages. The fox kits, sensing the love from so many in front of the small screen, gradually relaxed, wagging their tails and winking playfully, joyfully engaging with the audience.

With just a slight gesture from the kits, unimaginable fortune seemed to flow their way.

Ning Zexi, who was helping adjust lighting and camera angles nearby, watched the five little foxes transform from their previously aloof, cold demeanor—when they had turned their backs to him—into lively, affectionate creatures. He was at a loss, thinking, how could such tiny kits be so selective?

Clenching his fists silently, Ning Zexi decided to ride this wave of popularity with Little Xu. He resolved to apply for a temporary rescuer’s position, especially since the two troublemakers from the 028 Rescue Station had recently left.

He was determined to build a good relationship with the top influencer of the desert zone and the fox kits!

“Little Xu, could you lend me a motorcycle?” Ning Zexi whispered to Xu Ying. “My car’s parked at the service area lot. I plan to drive to the county to restock some hiking supplies and buy milk powder for the kits.”

Xu Ying immediately recalled the scene of Ning Zexi vomiting wildly after getting off the motorcycle and worriedly asked, “It’s such a long journey. Are you sure your body can handle it?”

Ning Zexi nodded vigorously. “Trust me! I’m a seasoned hiking streamer!”

Handing over the motorcycle keys, Xu Ying watched as Ning Zexi set off, entrusted with an important mission.

The round trip to the nearest county would take nearly ten hours. Xu Ying couldn’t leave the kits behind and could only hope Ning Zexi would successfully purchase the milk powder.

Meanwhile, as fans brainstormed ways to help, a viewer named “Pastoral Brave” caught everyone’s attention with a message in the chat.

“Pastoral Brave: Is the station chief currently at the 028 Desert Rehabilitation Zone Rescue Station? I’m on my way with dairy products and bottles.”

The comment quickly drew attention.

“Is this for real? Our fennec fox kits might be saved?”

“Station Chief Xu, look at this viewer! @Pastoral Brave says he can help!”

Xu Ying’s excitement surged as she quickly confirmed, “Yes, we’re currently at the 028 Desert Rehabilitation Zone Rescue Station!”

“Thank you so much! I’ll reward you handsomely!”

“Let’s follow each other—I’ll send you my contact details privately.”

“If this is real, the viewers will cover the cost of the dairy and bottles, @Pastoral Brave.”

“Pastoral Brave: No need for payment. I’ll be there in about an hour and a half. Wait for me.”

After sending the message, “Pastoral Brave” went silent, likely already on the road with supplies.

Curious viewers began digging into “Pastoral Brave’s” identity to gauge his trustworthiness.

“Looks like he’s an employee at the ranch closest to the desert rehab zone. This should be legit!”

“Not just an employee. I saw some scenic videos he posted while herding, and his captions make it seem like the ranch belongs to him.”

“This ‘Pastoral Brave’ is actually my supplier for mutton products. He owns thousands of acres of pasture. Don’t worry, the kits will get their milk.”

“No wonder he won’t take payment—he’s a wealthy ranch owner. What a kind-hearted uncle! He deserves all his wealth!”

“Pastoral Brave’s” profile was full of landscape shots without showing his face, and his wealth and leisure made everyone think he was a kindly ranch owner with a big heart.

While waiting for “Pastoral Brave” to deliver, Xu Ying took the opportunity to educate the livestream audience about the fennec fox’s habits: “The fennec fox is the smallest fox species in the world. They are highly social animals, living in family groups of about ten, with strong territorial instincts.”

She gently squeezed a little fox’s paw and added, “Also, our kits are monogamous for life—they stick with one partner for life.”

“Aww, I like them even more now! What a treasure of an animal!”

“Such devoted little foxes!”

“I have two white fox kits at home with a 500-square-meter pet play area. On behalf of my foxes, I’d like to propose a marriage alliance with the little fennec foxes!”

“Seriously? You can’t even keep a national second-level protected animal yourself, and now you want to arrange a marriage? Our little fennec foxes are still children!”

The little fennec foxes’ charm and ability to attract followers skyrocketed, and Xu Ying’s livestream grew ever more popular.

Many viewers requested to connect for live PK battles. Seeing the downtime while waiting for the milk powder delivery, Xu Ying thought, why not hold an online pet consultation session? She could use her animal language skills to help more creatures.

Nowadays, most pet owners focused on cats and dogs—foxes being canines themselves, the fennec kits could even act as interpreters when interacting with dogs.

So Xu Ying exchanged her third-level animal language mastery skill for “Mastery of Cat Language.”

Once the system notified her, “Cat Language Mastery skill activated,” Xu Ying announced to the audience, “If your cat or dog is feeling unwell or acting strangely and you can’t figure out why, connect with me. I can provide online consultations for your pets.”

The livestream chat had mixed reactions to the idea of remote diagnosis.

“She just graduated less than six months ago. Is this really reliable?”

“I think Xu Ying is very professional in animal care—very attentive and naturally good with animals. We shouldn’t judge her expertise by her looks or age.”

“That’s funny. If I were to see a doctor, I’d only trust a balding guy with glasses!”

Soon, the first viewer connected for a live consultation.

Xu Ying recognized the caller as a stylish young man with heavy beauty filters.

He looked familiar, but she couldn’t place him immediately.

Then he greeted her warmly.

“Hey, old classmate! Remember me? I’m Lin Zhou! I sat right behind you in high school!”

Lin Zhou, dressed in a luxury brand hoodie and seated in a genuine leather gaming chair, greeted Xu Ying, his Chrome Hearts ring gleaming—gifts from his wealthy fans.