The zoo was vast and teeming with visitors, necessitating a multitude of roaming staff to maintain order and prevent accidents. However, due to the overwhelming workload, some experienced staff were dismissive of the new recruits, offering vague directions. Amidst conflicting advice, Mei Nan proved reliable, directly inquiring about the director's office.
The director, of course, was in his office, so all the passengers followed Mei Nan. They traversed the petting zoo, skirted a lake, and passed through a wooded area before finally spotting the building described by the staff. It was no more than five stories high, yet it housed all the employees and the surveillance room. Adjacent to this building was the warehouse, fully stocked to meet the dietary needs of both herbivores and carnivores, complete with a dedicated section for infant animal supplies. On the other side stood the staff dormitory buildings.
"Let's go see if the director is in his office," Mei Nan announced, bringing the passengers back to the task at hand. Lingering any longer might delay their crucial objective. The group streamed into the administrative building, thankfully finding a receptionist at the front desk. Mei Nan, leading the way, approached the desk and presented his ID. "We are new staff reporting for duty. Is the director in his office?"
The receptionist rose, examined the ID, and upon confirming its validity, returned it to Mei Nan. "Please forgive the scrutiny," she explained. "The zoo needs to be cautious. We have a pregnant animal recently, so we're taking extra precautions." Mei Nan waved dismissively. "No problem at all, we understand. It's part of our job." With his smooth demeanor, Mei Nan soon had the receptionist completely at ease. She not only confirmed the director's presence but also provided the floor number, adding a final piece of advice: "The director is excellent in every way, but he's exceptionally devoted to the animals. You must show him you're a devoted animal lover." Mei Nan thanked her with a smile and led the rest of the passengers upstairs.
The director's office was on the fourth floor. The building lacked an elevator, with staircases on both sides. Besides the director, the fourth floor housed the offices of the vice-director and other key senior staff. Mei Nan, being the eldest, took the initiative to knock on the director's door. "Come in," a mature male voice responded. Mei Nan exchanged a wary glance with Ning Wei. Receiving his nod, he gently opened the door. The other passengers held their breath, fearing that the office might conceal not the director, but some terrifying wild beast.
As the door creaked open, Mei Nan, positioned at the forefront, had the clearest view. The office was sparsely decorated. A middle-aged man sat behind his desk, engrossed in a book titled "Complete Animal Encyclopedia." He looked up slowly, a smile gracing his face as he gestured for them to enter. They filed in one by one, soon filling the office. Mei Nan and Ning Wei were at the front. Upon seeing everyone enter, the director immediately stood, shook hands with the eldest, Mei Nan, and then welcomed the rest.
"I won't waste your time with pleasantries. I saw you arrive at the main gate and I'm sure you've seen how lively the zoo is. I'll assign your duties now. You will each be responsible for your respective zones." He continued, "Work starts promptly at eight every day. The park opens at nine. You must clean the animal enclosures and ensure the animals are fed before opening. The park closes at six in the evening. Once the area is cleaned, you are free to leave. We don't have clock-in and clock-out here; it's all about your personal initiative." The director then produced a stack of papers and distributed them. "Your assigned zones and tasks are detailed on these papers. Head to your posts now, and report to the dormitory after work." Before they left, the director emphasized, "My only requirement at the zoo is this: you must love the animals."
"Understood," came a chorus of varied responses. Stepping outside, they proceeded to their designated work areas as indicated on the papers. The zoo was extensive, and the quickest way to reach their destinations was by using the patrol vehicles parked outside the administrative building. Each vehicle could accommodate ten people. With twenty-five passengers, three vehicles were needed. As they bickered over who would ride with whom, Ning Wei and her group were already in a vehicle and departing. Ning Wei was assigned to the panda enclosure, and the thought of cuddling pandas filled her with delight.
However, in the car, Zhu Yilian suddenly posed a question: "The cat guided us here. So, how do we leave this zoo?" A collective realization dawned upon them. "We were so focused on the environment, we completely overlooked that!" they exclaimed. "Ning Wei, what do you think?" All eyes turned to her, seeking an answer. Unfortunately, Ning Wei's mind was elsewhere. The patrol car had arrived at the panda enclosure. Before it even stopped, she had jumped out, startling Yuan Yuan, who was sitting beside her.
Seeing Ning Wei heading into the panda enclosure, Fu Chengwei leaned out of the car and shouted, "You haven't answered the question yet!" Without looking back, Ning Wei gave him the middle finger. "I'll tell you when I'm done playing!" Fu Chengwei, enraged, slammed his hand on the car. Just then, Mei Nan, eager to reach his own assigned zone, started the patrol vehicle. The sudden movement nearly sent Fu Chengwei tumbling out, but Song Zhi, quick to react, grabbed him. "Mei Nan!" Fu Chengwei yelled in dissatisfaction.
Mei Nan pretended not to hear, accelerating as there were few tourists in the area. He reached his predator zone, parked, and disembarked with remarkable speed. Subsequently, everyone proceeded to their respective areas, with the last person to exit responsible for parking the patrol vehicle. They had agreed to pick each other up in order of their arrival in the morning, and then all head to the dormitory building together.
Upon reaching the panda enclosure, Ning Wei found numerous visitors already observing the pandas. The panda exhibit was a highly significant area within the zoo, and several staff members were already present before Ning Wei's arrival. The enclosure housed five adult pandas and two red pandas. One of the adult pandas was pregnant and due to give birth soon. Visitors had been flocking to see the expectant mother panda in the past two days.