After sending off the stray dogs, the little white tiger once again embarked on its journey home alone.
Following the two battles that had occurred earlier, the viewership for this special live stream had further surged, even attracting the attention of the media and various brand sponsors.
Before long, these media outlets and brands began approaching Yang Lin one after another.
Some wanted to participate in the documentary filming, while others sought broadcasting rights.
There were even film companies interested in acquiring the movie adaptation rights for "Little Tiger Returns Home."
Yang Lin rejected all of their requests without exception.
It wasn't that he was no longer interested in money; rather, he intended to keep these opportunities for himself.
After such a long period of development, Xihong Zoo was no longer the Xihong Zoo that relied on external forces for everything.
The tasks that these media and film companies wanted to undertake could now be independently accomplished by Xihong Zoo.
However, there was one entity that Yang Lin did not refuse, and indeed, could not refuse.
"Director Yang, we are from the Production Office of Dragon Country Comprehensive Channel. We are currently planning to create an animated series with an environmental education theme."
"We happened to see the live stream of your Little Tiger's journey home, and we would like to purchase the animation adaptation rights for 'Little Tiger Returns Home'..."
When Yang Lin received this call, he was somewhat taken aback.
He hadn't expected that even the official channels had been alerted, nor that they would be so optimistic about the pseudo-documentary "Little Tiger Returns Home."
As Yang Lin hesitated whether to sell the animation adaptation rights, the voice on the other end of the line spoke again.
"Regarding the animation adaptation rights, our preliminary offer for the copyright fee is 5 million. If you feel this is not suitable, we can arrange a meeting to discuss it further."
"5 million!"
Before Yang Lin could even formulate a response, he was immediately stunned by the figure.
While earning 5 million was now a matter of less than a day for him, this sale was solely for the animation adaptation rights, which essentially cost him zero.
It was equivalent to picking up 5 million for free, whereas the highest offer from other film companies was only 2 million.
"Yes, this price is acceptable. You can adapt it however you wish."
After his initial shock, Yang Lin couldn't help but show a look of excitement on his face, and he agreed without a second thought.
"Alright then. If there are no further issues, we will send you the electronic version of the contract shortly. A dedicated person will also be assigned to liaise with you, Director Yang, on subsequent matters."
After a brief exchange, Yang Lin hung up the call from Dragon Country Comprehensive Channel.
However, as soon as he ended that call, another one came through.
Glancing at the caller ID, Yang Lin realized it was Ma Chaoqun.
He instinctively felt that this was unlikely to be good news.
"Old Yang, did you arrange for drone surveillance?"
As soon as the call was connected, Ma Chaoqun's voice came through.
"Drone surveillance? No, why would I need to use drones?"
Upon hearing this question, a look of confusion appeared on Yang Lin's face.
"Then where did those drones that suddenly appeared above us come from?"
"You have drones above you?"
"Yes, a few just flew over."
"Hold on a moment..." As he spoke, Yang Lin's brow furrowed.
The next second, he activated Li Shuangying's shared vision.
As the shared vision activated, several drones flying in the air immediately appeared before Yang Lin's eyes.
Judging by the flashing lights on them, they were clearly in recording mode.
A realization dawned on Yang Lin.
"So, it's obsessive fans. It seems becoming this popular isn't all good."
He couldn't understand how those resourceful netizens managed to pinpoint the little white tiger's exact location through the few available camera shots.
But one thing he was certain of was that these individuals using drones to secretly film the little white tiger definitely did not have good intentions.
"It seems they need to be taught a lesson."
With a thought, Yang Lin walked out of his office.
Meanwhile, in a residential house tens of kilometers away, a young man was skillfully operating a drone control device.
The screen above the device currently displayed the little white tiger sprinting through the jungle.
"Brother Yuan, we've located the little white tiger. It's currently in Yuquan Township."
As the young man spoke, the other individuals in the house became energized.
Judging by their appearance and attire, they looked no different from ordinary migrant workers. However, in reality, they were involved in illicit businesses.
The illegal trade of wild animals was one of their many side ventures.
"Yuquan Township? That's not far from us. Why don't we go get it now?"
"A white tiger, if sold abroad, could fetch a lot of money."
"No, no, this is a tiger from Xihong Zoo, and they always have people following it. It won't be easy if we get caught. I heard their animals are quite extraordinary."
"The more extraordinary the better. There are quite a few people on the dark web looking to buy animals from Xihong Zoo, with some fetching over a hundred million."
"We can't touch the ones inside the zoo, but this one outside is easy prey. Even if they find out later, we'll have already fled abroad."
"Let's be more cautious and move at night. The light is dim at night."
"Alright, then at night. But we need to hurry. I noticed several other drones following the little white tiger, likely from the same line of work."
After a discussion, the individuals within the criminal group reached a consensus.
The moment they saw the live stream, they had already decided that the little white tiger was theirs.
And as they had said, they were not the only ones targeting the little white tiger at that very moment.
Driven by immense profit, some individuals with malicious intent had emerged from the shadows.
They included illegal poachers, cross-border smuggling syndicates, and even some who sought fame by secretly filming the little white tiger online.
They existed now, and they would continue to exist in the future.
Yang Lin, of course, was unaware of all this. For him, their specific motives were no longer of great importance.
He would intervene regardless.
Deep within the forests of Bear Ridge, a peculiar wave emanated through the air.
Soon, a large-mouthed crow, completely black and nearly fifty centimeters long, landed on Yang Lin's palm.
As soon as the crow landed, it let out a cawing sound.
Yang Lin had summoned it not for amusement.
"You're so dark, I'll call you Ni Ge (Mud Brother). You're lucky, this good thing is for you."
As he spoke, he retrieved a talent orb from his system backpack.
With the orb's infusion, a faint glow instantly flashed across the crow's body.
Its already black physique immediately became even darker.