Chapter 27: The Work Group Chat

Xu Ying nodded, unsure how to describe the sensation in her ears—it was as if her brain came equipped with a built-in translator. “I can communicate with cats without any barriers!”

“Their meows reach my ears, and I can naturally understand what they mean.”

“Not just cats, but bears too.”

At this, Xu Ying glanced around. “By the way, where’s Brother Gobi Bear, the big hero?”

She searched for the Gobi Bear, eventually spotting him hiding away from the crowd.

Xu Ying turned to Chen Su, “Sorry, I need to step away for a bit.”

“Not sure why, but Brother Bear has become shy lately.”

Chen Su caught sight of the apparently introverted big bear in the distance and smiled knowingly. So these animals were interesting—sometimes their personalities were even more distinct than humans’.

Xu Ying handed the little sand cat over to the care of a black Abyssinian cat before approaching the Gobi Bear.

“Brother Bear, thank you so much today!”

Xu Ying patted his shoulder. “By the way, how is Sister Bear’s condition? I remember her due date is less than a month away.”

The Gobi Bear’s dark eyes widened in surprise, and scratching his head shyly, he replied, “I’m still single.”

“Are you sure you have the right bear? This is our first meeting.”

Xu Ying froze at his words, scrutinizing this Gobi Bear carefully, only then noticing that his arms bore no wounds.

Embarrassed, she wished she could vanish underground, suddenly becoming polite and careful. “Sorry, brother, I was in such a hurry back then. You cooperated so well that I didn’t notice anything unusual.”

“Apologies and thank you for the trouble. If there's anything I can help with, just say the word.”

Seeing Xu Ying’s awkwardness, the Gobi Bear also grew a bit uneasy. “Maybe you could treat me like before?”

He scratched his head clumsily, but there was a sincere feel to it.

“That makes me feel like a friend. I don’t have any friends yet and feel so lonely in this desert.”

Xu Ying felt a trace of loneliness and sadness in his eyes. Compared to other bears she’d met, this Gobi Bear appeared more worn and listless, giving her the impression that he was mentally unwell.

She knew that solitary animals often suffer from depression due to lack of social interaction, monotonous environments, or stress.

So far, most of her animal research samples had been cats and dogs, but it seemed desert-dwelling solitary animals were no exception.

Depression reduces an animal’s appetite and activity level, negatively impacting health and accelerating mortality.

“Such a fun game of catch! Can you still take me along next time?”

The Gobi Bear’s voice softened as he lowered his head, returning to his shy, uneasy demeanor.

Xu Ying was stunned by his words. To her, facing off against those villains was thrilling, but for the Gobi Bear, it was pure enjoyment.

“Of course! We’re partners after all!”

Xu Ying clasped the Gobi Bear’s arm. “I feel so safe with you!”

At her affirmation, the Gobi Bear lifted his head instantly, grinning broadly, flashing his large white teeth.

From a distance, Chen Su called out, “Station Chief Xu, we’re wrapping up! The fifth person has been found.”

With a confirmed location, the reconnaissance drones quickly locked onto the fifth spy.

“Do you want a ride out of the no-go zone?”

Xu Ying told the Gobi Bear, “Follow me shortly; we’re getting ready to head back.”

She then jogged over to Chen Su. “I rode here on my motorcycle, but I’d love a lift.”

Pointing to the black Abyssinian cat and the little sand cat, “Can these two comrades hitch a ride with you?”

“Oh, right.” Xu Ying also scooped up the sand rat leader hiding in the sand pit.

Chen Su and his colleague exchanged wide-eyed looks.

They had encountered all kinds of passengers in their police car, but never guests quite like these!

Chen Su opened the rear door, gesturing invitingly. “Well then, three heroes, please get in.”

Xu Ying placed the little sand cat on the back seat. The black Abyssinian cat nimbly leapt up.

The sand rat leader trembled on the spot. “Is this really a good idea, being with these two cats?”

Chen Su couldn’t help but chuckle at the statue-like sand rat standing still on the ground, and extended a hand. “Want to stay in my pocket instead?”

The sand rat’s small eyes flicked toward Chen Su. This guy carried the same aura as the Abyssinian cat—the righteous and imposing presence that this scheming little rodent dreaded most.

But after weighing the options, it followed Chen Su.

The little animals climbed aboard the lift, while Xu Ying went to start her motorcycle.

Just as she was about to ignite the engine, a plaintive voice sounded at her feet: “Partner, partner, I’m looking for a partner.”

Looking down, Xu Ying saw the spectacled cobra slithering gloomily beside her.

She slapped her forehead, nearly forgetting about their single “king.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll put up a matchmaking notice for you when we get back.”

At this, the cobra raised its upper body, elegantly coiling around the motorcycle’s handlebar with a graceful flourish.

Together, woman and serpent headed toward the 032 Rescue Station.

An hour and a half later, Xu Ying arrived at the 032 Rescue Station, discovering the two cats waiting at the door to open it for her.

The black Abyssinian cat nodded. “The sand rat ran straight into your house as soon as we got off.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

Xu Ying parked the motorcycle and pulled out her keys.

Just then, the sand rat leader was picking up cookie crumbs off the floor.

The little sand cat suddenly lowered its head, approaching the rat leader.

Caught off guard, the sand rat froze, startled by the warm breath steaming from the cat’s nostrils, convinced it was about to be bitten on the neck.

Instead, the little sand cat simply kissed the top of its head and nudged it gently.

“Little sand rat, thank you!”

The sand rat was stunned by the cat’s affection, standing there dumbfounded.

Just as it was about to shyly cover its face, the little sand cat said, “I won’t eat you today. Maybe next time.”

The sand rat leader immediately fled with its little brothers, leaving Xu Ying no chance to greet them.

“Alright then, next time I’ll visit the sand rat leader at its home.”

Xu Ying shook her head and turned to see five little fennec foxes peeking their heads out one by one from behind the travel crate, like meerkats. “Sister, you’re back~~~”

Xu Ying was filled with happiness again, calling each little fox by name and introducing her new companion, the little sand cat.

After a brief discussion with the black Abyssinian cat, Xu Ying decided to keep the little sand cat at the rescue station to recuperate.

At that moment, Xu Ying’s phone vibrated. Ning Zexi sent a message:

“Station Chief Xu, I’ve successfully applied to be a temporary rescuer.”

“After handing over to the person in charge, I was added to the work group chat. But why aren’t you in the group?”

Work group chat?

At those words, Xu Ying had a bad feeling. She’d seen those dramas where five dorm mates had six different group chats filled with complicated drama.

The next moment, she received another message from Ning Zexi:

“Damn, they’re all gossiping about you in the group, even saying they want to report you.”