"Advisor Yang!"

The police car had just come to a stop when Tan Zheng waved and called out to Yang Qi through the window.

At the same time, Mei Ying had already gotten out of the sightseeing buggy. She stood there and explained with a warm smile.

"Xiao Yang, Captain Tan said he wanted to come personally to thank you for your help last time."

As she spoke, her gaze swept over the police car, and she sighed inwardly.

’Last time it was the criminal investigation captain from the Hongshu Branch, and this time it’s someone from the Lvliu Branch. If this keeps up, is the municipal criminal investigation detachment commander going to have to pay a visit in person too?’

’This Xiao Yang’s "Advisor" title is carrying more and more weight.’

"Captain Tan, why did you come in person?"

Yang Qi walked up to greet them, then nodded to Officer Chen, who was getting out of the other side of the car, and another unfamiliar young male officer.

"Please, come in, come in. Have a seat inside."

Tan Zheng got out of the car with a smile. He looked around at Yang Qi’s small, bed-and-breakfast-style villa built against the mountain and praised, "Advisor Yang, this place of yours is quite unique. The environment is so peaceful and secluded, like a paradise hidden from the world."

"It’s all thanks to my superiors taking care of me, a company benefit," Yang Qi replied with a smile, stepping aside to lead the way.

"WOOF!"

A brown-and-yellow figure rounded the corner of the backyard wall. It was Bai Wan, who had heard the commotion.

When it saw Tan Zheng and Officer Chen, it barked once and gave its tail a friendly wag.

"Bai Wan!"

Tan Zheng’s eyes lit up when he saw the yellow dog. As he walked toward the house, he said to Yang Qi, "Advisor Yang, I came today specifically to thank Bai Wan."

As he spoke, he took a certificate with a dark blue, gold-embossed cover from a file folder held by Officer Chen behind him and solemnly handed it to Yang Qi.

"After discussion and decision by our branch’s party committee, and with approval from higher authorities, we are officially bestowing the title of ’Honorary Police Dog’ upon the meritorious animal, the Chinese Rural Dog ’Bai Wan’!"

"Here is the certificate."

Yang Qi quickly accepted it with both hands. On the certificate’s cover, the words "Honorary Police Dog" were solemn and conspicuous.

Immediately after, Tan Zheng took out a small, exquisite, silver commemorative police badge and an envelope filled with cash from the file folder and handed them over as well.

"This is a commemorative badge, and there’s also a ten-thousand-yuan bonus. It’s a small token of appreciation from our branch, as well as a tangible reward for Bai Wan’s heroic performance."

"The money isn’t much; it’s mainly about the honor."

’It’s here!’

Yang Qi had been expecting this. As he accepted the certificate, badge, and bonus, his face naturally filled with joy and gratitude.

[Congratulations! The Spirit Beast "Fiery Flame Demon Dog" under the Host’s control has received a conferment from the Immortal Dynasty Office, bestowing it with great fortune! When the Host cultivates, you will receive a certain amount of fortune feedback, gaining additional assistance when seeking enlightenment or breaking through realms!]

’Just as I thought!’

Just like when Xiaojiu received the "Honorary Police Cat" title, Bai Wan had also been "bestowed with great fortune."

Moreover, this feedback directly affected his cultivation, benefiting him in both seeking enlightenment and breaking through realms!

This was far more exciting to Yang Qi than a simple reward of Magical Artifacts or pills.

Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Yang Qi’s smile grew wider as he offered his sincere thanks.

"Thank you, Captain Tan! Thank you to the branch leaders for their recognition!"

"For Bai Wan to go from being a stray dog to earning the title of ’Honorary Police Dog’ is the greatest affirmation of its recent period of diligent ’training’ and hard work!"

"WOOF~!"

Bai Wan, who was sitting obediently to the side, seemed to understand it was being praised. It let out a timely bark, its posture upright and its gaze steady.

"Meow meow?"

Attracted by the commotion, Overlord sauntered out. It curiously sized up the unfamiliar Tan Zheng and the others, then rubbed against Yang Qi’s leg and let out a quiet call.

[Two-legged Beast, what are these people doing?]

[Are they here to bring yummy food?]

"..."

Yang Qi ignored it, instead subtly shooting a look at Xiaojiu, who was sitting in the corner, and flicking his eyes toward Overlord.

Xiaojiu’s turquoise eyes shifted slightly, instantly understanding. It walked gracefully toward Overlord and let out a low "meow," its tone solemn.

[Follow me to the backyard.]

Although Overlord was curious, it didn’t dare disobey the "boss’s" command and immediately scampered after Xiaojiu to the backyard.

"Is that Xiaojiu?"

Tan Zheng’s gaze followed the two departing cats, his eyes filled with admiration, especially for the completely jet-black Xiaojiu.

"We’ve all heard about the ’Honorary Police Cat’ from the Hongshu Branch throughout the city’s entire police system, but not many have seen it in person. I finally got to see it today. It’s truly magnificent."

He turned to Yang Qi and gave him a sincere thumbs-up.

"Advisor Yang, a cat and a dog, and you’ve trained them both to wear the ’police cap.’ Incredible!"

Officer Chen and the young male officer also nodded in agreement, their faces full of admiration.

"I’ve seen plenty of police dogs, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen a police cat."

"It’s not just your first time seeing one, Xiaofang, it’s mine too. Who would’ve thought a cat could solve crimes?"

"Haha..."

The men laughed.

"Xiao Yang’s training abilities are truly excellent. He even trained the Gray Wolves in our park to line up obediently for blood draws," Mei Ying said with a proud smile, sharing in the glory.

"Really?"

Hearing this, the male officer gave Yang Qi a thumbs-up.

"Director Mei is exaggerating. Bai Wan and Xiaojiu were able to wear the ’police cap’ because they earned it themselves."

Yang Qi waved his hand humbly.

He led them to seats in the living room, took out some disposable cups, picked up a kettle, and quickly poured water for them.

"Captain Tan, Officer Chen, Officer Fang, Director Mei, my place is simple and I don’t have much to offer. Please have a cup of plain tea to quench your thirst."

’Spirit Tea’s effects are good and immediate, but giving it to ordinary people would be too much trouble to explain later.’

"Plain tea is perfect. I was getting a little thirsty."

Tan Zheng graciously picked up his cup and took a sip. Then he set it down, his expression turning slightly more formal. "Advisor Yang, I heard Captain Sun from Hongshu mention that you were interested in adopting a retired police dog, is that right?"

"That’s right."

Yang Qi nodded, his heart skipping a beat. "Are there police dogs retiring?"

He had mentioned wanting to adopt a police dog to Sun Zhenghong last time, but he hadn’t heard anything back since.

Yang Qi had almost given up hope.

"That’s correct."

Tan Zheng smiled. "There are two police dogs at the base. They’ve reached retirement age, and their physical condition makes them suitable for retiring into a family home."

"Since you’re willing, Advisor Yang, and your status perfectly meets the adoption requirements, I kept an eye out for you. Tomorrow around 10 AM, you can go directly to the municipal Police Dog Base to handle the adoption procedures and bring one home."

He paused, as if remembering something, and added in a casual tone, "Or, if you think it’s a good fit, it’s fine to adopt both of them. They were teammates from the same unit anyway, so they’re used to living together."

’Hmm?’

Tan Zheng’s tone was casual, but Yang Qi keenly sensed a hidden meaning in his last sentence.

’Two retired police dogs would normally be placed with different, suitable adoptive families to avoid placing too great a burden on the new home.’

Tan Zheng’s suggestion that "it’s fine to adopt both" sounded a little...

’...too proactive and generous!’