As a night passed, negative reviews about Xihong Zoo festered online. While most were clearly orchestrated by paid commenters, their sheer numbers were overwhelming. Some even appeared to be from overseas animal protection organizations. Together, they managed to create a stalemate in the online war of words with Xihong Zoo's fans.
“Cousin, do we really not need to issue a clarification?” Chen Kexin and a group of zoo employees looked at Yang Lin with worry in the office.
Yang Lin, however, remained unperturbed. “What’s there to clarify? They’re just paid commenters. Besides, their masterminds haven’t shown themselves yet, so there’s no rush.” He then took a sip of tea from a large ceramic mug on his desk.
“Oh, and by the way, people from the television station might come to the zoo for an interview later today. Everyone, please tidy up your appearance. Just answer whatever they ask.”
Hearing this, everyone present was stunned. “The television station? Why would they interview us again?”
“Yeah, didn’t they just come a few days ago?”
Yang Lin quickly addressed their confusion. “This time, the TV station is coming mainly to check on how the animals that were moved to Xihong Zoo are doing. It’s also to promote upcoming events.”
However, his explanation only deepened their bewilderment. “What events? Do they have anything to do with our zoo?”
“Of course they do. Ningnan City is preparing to participate in the national civilized city evaluation. Ningnan’s theme this time is ‘City of Tourism, City of Ecology and Animals.’ So, we’ll have to play a significant role in this event, and we’ll definitely benefit from it later.”
As he spoke, Yang Lin recalled last night’s phone call. According to Director Nie, Xihong Zoo was to be developed and promoted as Ningnan’s new landmark. If things went as planned, Xihong Zoo would become an important calling card for Ningnan in the future. It was for this reason that he was unconcerned about the negative online舆论. With the official backing, those critics were nothing more than clowns.
Just as he was thinking this, the city television’s interview crew entered the zoo. Simultaneously, Ningnan Online, Ningnan City’s platform for national viewers, also went live. Due to the TV station’s prior announcement, a large number of viewers from all over the country had already tuned in.
“This episode is interviewing Xihong Zoo. I heard the animals there aren’t doing well.”
“Don’t be swayed by the paid comments. The videos I saw online showed the animals doing quite well.”
“What you see is usually what others want you to see. Seeing isn’t always believing.”
“Exactly. Maybe the zoo hired influencers and marketing accounts.”
“This time it’s from the perspective of the official TV station, so there shouldn’t be any problems, right?”
“There must be animal performances. I also heard they make animals smoke to attract tourists. That’s outright animal abuse.”
“You haven’t seen that gibbon, always preening and posing. I don’t believe it’s natural without someone teaching it.”
“Can you paid commenters use your brains? I can’t even be bothered to argue with you.”
“Enough talk, let’s watch the live stream. The camera’s view is the most direct.”
While the netizens in the live stream were in heated discussion, the interview team found Zoo Director Yang Lin.
“Hello, Director Yang. I’m Zhang Meng, a reporter from the city television station. Today, I’m here with the citizens and viewers to check on the animals that were relocated to Xihong Zoo. Would you be so kind as to give us a tour of the zoo?”
Upon hearing the female reporter introduce herself, Yang Lin nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Let’s start from the front.”
Yang Lin then led the reporter towards the orangutan enclosure. Before they had even fully entered, small monkeys began to emerge from various corners of the enclosure.
“These young monkeys were the first to be moved from the city zoo. They have now fully adapted to their new life here.”
As he spoke, a small monkey jumped onto Yang Lin’s shoulder. Yang Lin casually took a handful of peanuts from his pocket and offered them to it. The monkey showed no fear of humans, which amazed the reporter. She recalled a previous unfortunate experience at the city zoo where a monkey had snatched her microphone.
Yet, even this heartwarming scene drew criticism from some. “Look, look. Is this even a monkey? Its wild nature is gone. When did monkeys become so obedient? What has it been through?”
As soon as this comment appeared, it was immediately shot down by other netizens. “Six six six, I can’t believe someone would criticize this. When you were cursing at the ‘vicious monkeys’ elsewhere, you weren’t like this.”
“Hilarious, such blatant double standards.”
“When they steal things, you call them vicious monkeys. When the little monkeys at Xihong Zoo don’t steal, you say they lack wildness.”
“So funny, this must be a fifty-cent comment.”
“No middleman markups. Fifty yuan for you turns into fifty cents.”
Despite being attacked, the paid commenters were not backing down. “Even if these monkeys are fine, I heard the tiger from the city zoo gets beaten up every day. What about that?”
“Right, right! Other animals are also bullied by the older animals in Xihong Zoo.”
However, as soon as this issue was raised, Yang Lin led the female reporter through the orangutan, monkey, tiger, and bear enclosures. In the orangutan enclosure, the chimpanzee Li Wei was busy building a mud house. In the monkey enclosure, the gibbon Li Qiang was leading a group of monkeys in practicing Tai Chi. In the tiger enclosure, Hua Dajie was teaching the white tiger Xiaobai various skills, while Shuai Shuai sunbathed on his back. The Li Hei family of three in the bear enclosure were also enjoying family time. The heartwarming scenes even moved the female reporter.
At this point, the paid commenters who had been creating trouble fell silent. They clearly couldn’t find any more fault. Although Yang Lin had not made any direct responses, these scenes served as the best rebuttal.
Just as everyone thought the matter was concluded, the reporter Zhang Meng suddenly asked, “Director Yang, the animals in Xihong Zoo all possess extraordinary skills. Would you be willing to share their past stories with everyone?”
Hearing this question, the viewers in the live stream became instantly interested. After witnessing the animals' unusual behaviors, they were eager to know how they had become this way.