As the expert group officially embarked on the journey back home with LeLe and YaYa, netizens in China erupted with immense enthusiasm.
Countless netizens spontaneously organized welcome ceremonies for LeLe and YaYa.
Representatives from all over the country would gather at the Imperial Capital Airport, and one could imagine how lively it would be.
In addition, netizens also engaged in discussions on another issue.
That was the issue of LeLe and YaYa's placement after returning to China. Under normal circumstances, LeLe and YaYa were to return to the Imperial Capital Zoo after their return this time.
However, after understanding the current situation of LeLe and YaYa, netizens had a different idea.
"I suggest LeLe and YaYa shouldn't return to the Imperial Capital Zoo. As their maternal family, LeLe and YaYa were treated so poorly at the Memphis Zoo, and they never bothered to inquire."
"Exactly. If they had shown even a shred of responsibility and taken a firm stance, LeLe and YaYa would have returned ten years ago."
"I think they no longer deserve to have LeLe and YaYa."
"Speaking of which, I have to mention the Xihong Zoo. The animals in their zoo have never been bullied when they are outside."
"Last time, Director Yang personally went to Motuo for the white tiger cub."
"That's not all. When Tuan Tuan went to Diannan Zoo for a blind date, Director Yang personally accompanied her."
"That's not the point. The key is, do you think the Imperial Capital Zoo has the ability to treat LeLe and YaYa properly?"
"LeLe and YaYa have suffered not only physical trauma but also more severe psychological trauma. I believe only Xihong Zoo can completely heal them."
"What's there to discuss? When they get off the plane, send LeLe and YaYa directly to Xihong Zoo. Who agrees? Who opposes!"
"I agree!"
"I agree too, and I trust Director Yang."
...
Unbeknownst to the Imperial Capital Zoo, netizens had already decided on the destination for LeLe and YaYa.
While netizens in China were already making arrangements for the future lives of LeLe and YaYa, the expert group on the chartered plane had also reached a consensus on the follow-up treatment for LeLe and YaYa.
"Director Yang, even if LeLe and YaYa are sent back to the Sichuan Giant Panda Base, there won't be any better results, especially regarding their psychological recovery."
"And in this regard, your Xihong Zoo has many successful precedents. Therefore, letting LeLe and YaYa receive treatment at your zoo is the most suitable plan."
Inside the cabin, a leader from the Animal Association looked at Yang Lin nervously, as if afraid he wouldn't agree.
After all, this was something the Animal Association should have handled.
Just as Yang Lin was about to readily agree to the request of the Animal Association, the leader added.
"Of course, considering the current condition of LeLe and YaYa, our Animal Association will provide a subsidy of one million yuan per year to your zoo until LeLe and YaYa naturally pass away."
"Hmm!" Yang Lin's spirits instantly lifted.
Doubting he had misheard, he quickly asked again.
"This subsidy is for as long as LeLe and YaYa are alive?"
"Of course, as long as they are alive for one day, we will continue to provide this subsidy," the leader of the Animal Association assured him without hesitation.
In his opinion, given LeLe and YaYa's current physical condition, even with the best medical facilities and care at Xihong Zoo, they would only live for another year or two at most.
At that time, netizens would have no reason to attack them online.
Spending a little over a million yuan to ensure peace was an extremely worthwhile deal.
Meanwhile, Yang Lin, after receiving his assurance, had a different thought in mind.
"One million a year, ten million in ten years, and a hundred million in a hundred years."
"Good heavens, this is a golden rice bowl. Even if my descendants are unaccomplished and squander all my fortune, I won't starve to death thanks to these two pandas."
"It seems I need to upgrade the system to level 3 and extract the longevity talent from the turtle to transfer it to LeLe and YaYa."
At this moment, Yang Lin seemed to envision tourists a hundred years from now pointing at LeLe and YaYa in the zoo and saying:
"Grandson, my grandfather saw these two pandas when he was a child. When they're gone one day, remember to burn some paper money for me."
As Yang Lin agreed to take LeLe and YaYa back to Xihong Zoo, the atmosphere in the cabin instantly became relaxed.
For the expert group, they had successfully completed their mission and wouldn't be scolded upon their return.
For Yang Lin, he gained two pandas for free and secured a stable income.
However, just as everyone quieted down, patiently waiting for their return, a series of strange noises began to emanate from the rear of the plane.
At first, everyone didn't pay much attention to these noises.
After all, at an altitude of 10,000 meters, occasional bumps in the aircraft body were quite normal.
But soon, their brows furrowed.
"What's going on? Why is there a constant noise?"
"It seems to be coming from the back. Could it be LeLe and YaYa making it?"
"It's possible. In such a confined space, they might experience some stress."
"Why don't someone go and check?"
As they spoke, everyone's gaze turned to Yang Lin again.
It wasn't that they were unwilling to move, but rather that LeLe and YaYa seemed to only be close to Yang Lin, completely ignoring everyone else.
Seeing their expectant gazes and hearing the continuous noises from the cargo hold, Yang Lin didn't hesitate. He unbuckled his seatbelt and got up, heading towards the back.
Since this was a chartered flight arranged by the country, there were no other passengers on board except for the expert group and a few crew members.
The plane itself wasn't very large, and Yang Lin entered the cargo hold in a few steps.
The first thing that caught his eye were LeLe and YaYa in their cages.
Compared to before they boarded the plane, they didn't seem to have changed much. Their bodies weren't making any significant movements, and they hadn't put down the bamboo in their hands.
"The sound isn't coming from you?"
With just one glance, Yang Lin determined that the strange noises were not related to LeLe and YaYa.
"If it's not you..."
For some reason, Yang Lin felt the dim cargo hold around him become eerie and terrifying. He involuntarily recalled some horror movies he had watched as a child.
Movies like "Terror Train," "Ghost Plane," and "Final Flight" all flashed through his mind.
Just as the terrifying atmosphere reached its peak, the familiar sound from before echoed from a corner.
He instinctively looked in the direction of the sound.
Before he could clearly see what it was, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and was then thrown against the cargo hold wall.
The next second, a pair of dark golden eyes appeared before him.