After hanging up, Yang Qi quickly gathered his tools, locked the door to the wolf enclosure, and hurried toward the Leopard Hall.

He mulled things over as he walked.

’A leopard’s gestation period is about 90 to 105 days. By my calculations, Big Flower should be in her second trimester right now—a critical time that requires a stable environment, enhanced nutrition, and close observation.’

’What could be wrong?’

’Loss of appetite?’

’Abnormal behavior?’

’Or signs of a potential miscarriage?’

Lost in thought, Yang Qi arrived outside Big Flower’s enclosure at the Leopard Hall. A number of people were standing outside the viewing area.

Jiang Kai, Cheng Xiaoou, Veterinarian Liu, Keeper Old Li, as well as other personnel from the research institute and relevant staff from the Zoo.

"Chief, Director Cheng, Master Li, Dr. Liu."

Yang Qi strode over to greet them.

"Xiao Yang is here."

Jiang Kai nodded and pointed to a corner of the activity area inside the enclosure.

"Take a look at Big Flower’s condition."

Yang Qi looked up. Through the thick glass viewing window, he saw Big Flower lying on her side in a corner lined with hay and soft padding, her belly noticeably swollen.

But she wasn’t resting quietly or lazily grooming herself like she usually did during her pregnancy. Instead, she seemed restless and agitated, occasionally pawing at the bedding beneath her and frequently turning her head.

Her ears were pricked, and from time to time, a low, anxious growl rumbled in her throat.

Keeper Old Li, a man in his fifties and an old hand with years of experience raising large felines, had a face full of worry.

"Since yesterday, Big Flower hasn’t been herself. Her appetite has dropped significantly. She just sniffs the venison she used to love, takes a bite or two, and then stops eating."

"It’s mainly her spirits. Look at her now—she can’t settle down at all, always looking around as if she’s very nervous. She used to love to sleep, but for the past two days, she hasn’t been resting well during the day either."

Dr. Liu added, "We did a basic check-up, and there are no obvious signs of inflammation or infection. The B-scan two days ago also showed everything was stable."

"Based on observation, we can also mostly rule out the initial symptoms of common obstetric diseases."

"But if she continues in this state, it will be very detrimental to both the mother and the fetuses. It could easily lead to malnutrition, stress, and even more serious problems."

Cheng Xiaoou looked at Yang Qi, her expression grave. "The physical examination hasn’t revealed any major issues for now, but Big Flower’s behavior is clearly abnormal. We’re worried it’s stress caused by psychological or environmental factors."

"Xiao Yang, you have a unique talent for this. Could you try to communicate with Big Flower and see what’s making her so anxious?"

"No problem. I’ll go in and communicate with Big Flower right now."

Yang Qi nodded in agreement and turned, heading for the entrance of the staff passage that led to the Leopard Hall’s inner den.

Keeper Old Li hurried after him, taking out his keys to open the door.

Seeing this, a young researcher who had just started at the Zoo let out an involuntary, hushed exclamation. "He’s just going in like that? No protective suit? No safety gear?"

A colleague next to him, who had arrived a half-month earlier and had witnessed Yang Qi’s methods, quickly pulled him back. "SHH! Keep it down!" he whispered. "You haven’t seen how amazing this keeper is."

"Amazing?" the new researcher asked, confused.

"The other day, when they did a B-scan on Big Flower to check the fetuses’ development, do you know how they did it?" his colleague retorted.

"Is that even a question? Anesthesia, obviously. Otherwise, how could you get a leopard to lie still and let you put a probe on its belly?" the newcomer replied as if it were a matter of course.

"You think I needed you to tell me that?"

His colleague whispered back impatiently, "Yang Qi walked right up with the probe and performed the scan on her abdomen while Big Flower was fully awake. No anesthesia at all!"

"And the most crucial part is, not only did Big Flower not resist, she was exceptionally cooperative, even adjusting her position to give him a clearer view! Now tell me, isn’t that incredible?"

"This..."

The new researcher was completely stunned. His eyes went wide as saucers, and he stared at Yang Qi’s retreating back with utter disbelief.

’Performing a B-scan on a large, conscious predator?’

’And it cooperated?’

It completely shattered his understanding of the world.

Just then, Old Li opened the heavy alloy door. Yang Qi slipped inside while Old Li stood guard at the entrance, ready to provide support at a moment’s notice.

Inside the den.

Big Flower was lying on her side on the hay bedding. Hearing the noise, she immediately lifted her head, alert. But when she saw it was Yang Qi, the wariness in her eyes vanished, replaced by a glimmer of something akin to "joy."

She slowly got to her feet, took a couple of steps toward Yang Qi, and let out a low, non-threatening rumble from her throat, almost like a greeting.

’You’re here, Two-legged Beast.’

Yang Qi stopped a few steps away, at a safe distance, and bent down to make his posture seem more approachable. At the same time, he activated his "Basic Spirit Communication Technique" and asked in a gentle voice,

"Big Flower, how are you feeling today? My colleagues told me you haven’t been well the last couple of days, that you don’t want to eat. Is that right?"

Hearing this, Big Flower paused, lowering her head as if in thought. Then she looked up, staring directly at Yang Qi, and responded with a low growl.

’I just wanted to see you.’

Huh??

Yang Qi froze for a moment.

’See me?’

’Didn’t we just see each other two days ago for the fetal B-scan?’

’I even petted her for a long time...’

Oh! I get it!

Yang Qi realized what was going on.

Animals, especially pregnant females, are heavily influenced by the drastic hormonal changes in their bodies. Their emotions and behaviors can change significantly, making them more sensitive and more dependent on familiar and trusted individuals. They can even exhibit behaviors similar to "separation anxiety" or "attention-seeking."