Yang Lin had undoubtedly become the star of the journey.
Every vehicle, big or small, couldn't help but pause as they passed him, just to confirm if the creature he was transporting was indeed a panda.
After a final confirmation, the expressions on their faces were astonishingly uniform.
After the shock, they didn't forget to record videos and upload them to Douyin.
Before long, these videos quickly went viral.
"Awesome, this is the 10th video of Tuan Tuan I've seen."
"Hahaha, I've watched the entire process, from Tuan Tuan leaving the zoo to getting on the highway. I've seen videos of the whole trip."
"They're from different people, yet it's become like a continuous drama."
"Another day of binge-watching on Douyin."
"It feels like watching a live broadcast."
"It feels like the whole world is encountering Tuan Tuan except me."
"Keep scrolling, see if I can find any more updates. Then we can compile a video collection called Tuan Tuan's Road to Finding a Mate."
"With the netizens' live coverage, I'm at ease. Based on the timing, Director Yang should be able to bring Tuan Tuan to Diannan around this evening."
"Is anyone organizing a group to welcome Tuan Tuan? After all, she's practically the son-in-law of Diannan."
...
Just as countless netizens were focused on Tuan Tuan and Yang Lin, Yang Lin had unknowingly driven for four hours.
He was about to enter Diannan's territory.
Suddenly, a large truck loaded with pigs sped past from another lane of the highway.
At this moment, Tuan Tuan, who was munching on sugarcane, froze. Her face went from blankness to suspicion.
Yang Lin, of course, noticed the pig truck and hurriedly said:
"Tuan Tuan, let me explain, it's not what you think."
But before he could finish, Tuan Tuan patted her front paws, dusting off all the sugarcane residue.
"Boss, I'm feeling a bit hungry. I've eaten everything. How about we find a place to eat something?"
"Hmm?"
Hearing this abruptly, Yang Lin quickly glanced in the rearview mirror.
He saw that the entire truckload of food that had been there earlier had been completely devoured by Tuan Tuan.
She had even eaten the sugarcane peels and residue.
He had initially thought the food would be enough for Tuan Tuan to last until Diannan.
"It seems I underestimated your appetite."
"Alright, I'm a bit tired from driving too. Let's stop at the service area ahead to rest."
With that, Yang Lin steered the vehicle into the nearest service area.
As expected, the moment his car stopped, a crowd immediately gathered around.
However, they had clearly learned online about Tuan Tuan's trip to Diannan for a blind date, so they weren't as shocked as before.
"Wow, this must be Tuan Tuan, right? She's indeed more beautiful than other pandas."
"This isn't scientific. How can a panda be so graceful?"
"Looking at her, she must be hungry. She probably didn't have anything to eat along the way. Here, have this."
"Tuan Tuan, do you want a Jianbing Guozi?"
"I have a grilled sausage I just bought."
"Do you want some biscuits?"
...
Seeing the enthusiastic passersby, Yang Lin, who was about to buy food for Tuan Tuan, stopped in his tracks.
As an omnivore, Tuan Tuan readily accepted the offerings from the tourists.
Whether it was fruits, snacks, or various staple foods, she accepted them all with excitement.
Someone even managed to get a bundle of bamboo and threw it next to Tuan Tuan.
However, Tuan Tuan, whose palate had been pampered, showed no interest in the tough, unappetizing bamboo.
"Mom, pandas don't eat bamboo! What they show on TV is all lies!"
A child exclaimed with excitement after witnessing this scene.
While everyone was excitedly interacting with Tuan Tuan, Yang Lin eventually bought a large amount of fruits and food and placed them in front of her.
As for himself, he settled for a cup of instant noodles.
After eating his fill and resting, he once again set off with Tuan Tuan towards Diannan.
According to his plan, he intended to reach the Diannan Zoo before dark.
At that time, he might be able to get a free dinner and wouldn't have to worry about accommodation.
But plans don't always go as expected. Just as he drove into Diannan's territory, he received some unwelcome news.
The highway ahead was closed.
"Closed? Why? It's not snowing or foggy."
As soon as Yang Lin asked, a staff member in a highway management uniform replied with a wry smile:
"If it were snow or fog, it would be simpler. The road would at most be closed for a few hours before reopening."
"But this time, it might be a bit more troublesome. You might end up spending the night on the highway."
Hearing this answer, Yang Lin's confusion deepened.
"Is there anything more troublesome than snow or fog?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a voice came from the intercom on the staff member's chest.
"Xiao Wang, Xiao Wang, quickly stop all vehicles behind. An elephant herd is approaching."
"Based on the current situation, their transit time might not be until tomorrow. Tell the drivers and passengers to prepare for a night on the highway."
Upon hearing this, Yang Lin's expression changed instantly.
"Elephant herd?"
He never imagined his luck would be so bad.
As soon as he entered Diannan, he encountered an elephant migration.
And by sheer bad luck, it was directly across his intended route.
No wonder the traffic department had closed the road. If it were truly an elephant herd, even without a closure, no one would dare to pass, right?
Unless you were driving a tank, who would dare to confront an elephant herd?
After his initial shock, Yang Lin inquired further about the elephants, as he definitely didn't want to spend the night on the highway.
"Brother, how many elephants are there ahead? Do we really have to close the road for the entire night? The highway is only so wide; won't they pass by quickly?"
The staff member shook his head at Yang Lin's question.
"If only it were that easy. There are over twenty elephants in this herd."
"Elephant migration isn't like other animals. They're large and move slowly. Furthermore, they aren't crossing the highway but moving along it. Sometimes they might not even leave the highway in a day."
"We can only try to slowly guide them to the next exit."
As they were talking, heavy footsteps could already be heard from not far away.
Yang Lin merely glanced casually and saw enormous figures slowly emerging from the woods beside the highway.