Big Flower was very likely in just such an emotional and sensitive stage right now.

Her dedicated keeper, Old Li, looked after her every day, but she probably took that for granted. Instead, she had developed a deeper sense of closeness and dependency on Yang Qi, who occasionally brought her "special care," and now wanted to see him every day.

For a moment, Yang Qi found it both amusing and strangely touching.

Come to think of it, the fact that Big Flower had successfully gotten pregnant—and with an extremely rare litter of septuplets, no less—was indeed all thanks to the "Creation (Fertility) Pill" he’d won in a lottery.

After she conceived, he was the one who came every few days to perform an ultrasound without anesthesia, monitoring the cubs’ development and patiently soothing and communicating with her each time.

Compared to anyone else, even her own mate, Er Hua, Yang Qi had undoubtedly become the Two-legged Beast that Big Flower was closest to and trusted most during her pregnancy.

’Pregnant women have mood swings and need extra care. A mother leopard is no exception.’

Yang Qi sighed inwardly, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

He extended a hand, palm up, inviting Big Flower to come closer.

As expected, Big Flower padded forward and gently nuzzled her head against his palm.

Yang Qi took the chance to stroke her smooth head and the spot behind her ears, murmuring soothingly, "Alright, I get it. I’ll make time to visit you every day from now on."

"But you have to promise me to eat well, and make sure you and the little babies in your belly grow big and strong. If you feel uncomfortable, or if you need anything, you have to tell me right away, you hear?"

Okay.

Big Flower gave a submissive grunt, nuzzled his thigh again, then turned and padded toward her food dish.

The dish held fresh, tender venison that had just been put out in the afternoon.

She lowered her head, sniffed, and began to eat in small bites. Her previous state of agitation, where she couldn’t stomach any food, had vanished completely.

Yang Qi watched quietly from the side for a moment. Once he confirmed that she was eating well and her mood was stable, he turned and walked out of the inner enclosure.

Old Li quickly locked the door behind him.

"How did it go, Xiao Yang? Why was Big Flower so restless?"

Jiang Kai, Dr. Liu, Cheng Xiaoou, and the others who had been waiting outside immediately surrounded him, asking with concern.

"Er..."

Yang Qi gathered his thoughts, then launched into a "scientific" analysis using the knowledge of animal ethology and psychology he had recently learned from Song Chunfang, combining it with Big Flower’s special physiological state and the trust she had in him.

"...All things considered, Big Flower is currently in the middle of her pregnancy. The hormonal changes are likely making her more emotionally sensitive than usual, causing stronger reactions to subtle environmental changes and to the people she relies on."

"Her recent loss of appetite and restlessness are very likely because... well, she wants to see me every day to receive more comfort and attention."

"It’s a way of seeking security and psychological comfort."

After hearing this, a flicker of astonishment crossed Cheng Xiaoou’s eyes. "So, you’re saying it’s not environmental stress or a physical illness at all? It’s just that Big Flower wants to see you every day?"

"That’s one way to put it." Yang Qi nodded, looking somewhat resigned.

Hearing this, the crowd around him was stunned for a moment, then expressions of wonder and amazement appeared on their faces.

"That makes sense. Xiao Yang, you’ve been taking special care of Big Flower ever since she got pregnant. It’s only natural that she’s grown close to you and relies on you,"

Jiang Kai remarked with a sigh.

He thought of Yang Qi’s miraculous methods and his extraordinary affinity for animals.

"That’s right. Animals have feelings, too, especially expectant mothers."

Veterinarian Liu also nodded in agreement.

Although it seemed a bit incredible, he had to believe it after seeing with his own eyes how Big Flower’s demeanor changed after Yang Qi went in.

"Is that normal?"

A newly arrived researcher couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, "This is just like a pregnant woman, needing a specific person to keep her company..."

"What kind of question is that?"

His companion immediately shot back in a whisper, "Right now, Big Flower is basically a ’pregnant woman,’ isn’t she? And don’t forget, she’s carrying septuplets!"

"She’s already a record-breaking case. What’s wrong with having some special needs?"

The new researcher was left speechless by the retort.

Jiang Kai pondered for a moment before making a decision. "Since Big Flower’s stability depends on seeing Xiao Yang every day, here’s what we’ll do. Xiao Yang, temporarily hand over your duties with the Gray Wolf and the raccoons to someone else."

"For the foreseeable future, you’ll work with Old Li and focus exclusively on taking care of Big Flower until she safely gives birth. Our top priority is ensuring a smooth delivery for Big Flower and the septuplets."

Two keepers assigned exclusively to one pregnant leopard?

This arrangement clearly showed how much importance the park placed on Big Flower and her septuplets. It was also a great show of trust in Yang Qi’s abilities, and a way of looking out for him.

Yang Qi was taken aback by Minister Jiang’s "special treatment," but his own considerations were more thorough.

"Minister Jiang, thank you for the arrangements. However, Big Flower’s due date is still about two months away. If I completely hand over the gray wolf enclosure to someone else for that long, I’m afraid Happy will act up."

After his Spirit Awakening by Yang Qi, Happy had become much more intelligent. Every time Yang Qi returned after being away for a few days, the wolf would circle him for ages, "asking" where he’d been and trying all sorts of tricks to beg for his favorite roast chicken.

Besides Happy, there was Huan the Second from the raccoon enclosure. After getting to know Yang Qi, he had also revealed himself to be a mischievous character who required a delicate touch to keep calm.

Yang Qi didn’t state these points explicitly, but his meaning was clear.

Other animals under his care had also grown dependent on him. A sudden and complete change of keepers could cause new problems.