Riding the Elephant, Pasturing the Ox

With the capture of the two Bengal tigers, only the white rhinoceros, African elephant, and African lion remained at large.

Except for the African lion, the other two, although large in size, were herbivores and not as temperamental.

Soon, Yang Lin spotted them through the golden eagle's vision.

The command center also confirmed their locations through various surveillance cameras.

When Yang Lin learned of their whereabouts, he couldn't help but feel speechless.

"Let's go, Captain Lin, those two big fellows have run to the same place. We can catch them both at once."

With that, Yang Lin voluntarily got into Lin Feng's police car.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at an enormous plantation facility.

Judging from the chaotic footprints at the entrance, the white rhino and African elephant had entered one after another.

As for the reason, well, that was self-evident.

Looking at the collapsed greenhouses and various destroyed fruit trees and crops, Yang Lin remarked:

"Looks like the city zoo will be stripped bare paying for all this damage."

"It's worse than that. Given the severity of this incident, I estimate half of the zoo's management will be spending a few years behind bars."

"The whole city zoo might even have to shut down."

Hearing Lin Feng's words, Yang Lin's face showed surprise.

"Is it really that serious?"

"You bet it is. This animal escape incident has gained national attention, putting all of Ningnan in the spotlight."

"It can definitely be classified as a major safety incident. If it weren't for you, I can't imagine what the final outcome would have been."

"And fortunately, there were no casualties. If anyone had been hurt or killed, the zoo's leadership would be facing more than just a few years in prison."

After saying this, Lin Feng fell silent.

But Yang Lin could still see the gravity of the situation on his face.

Clearly, this incident would have some impact on him as the criminal investigation team captain as well.

Just as the two were worrying about the current situation, a police officer operating a drone came running over.

"Captain, we've located the white rhino and African elephant. One is in the potato field, and the other is in the banana plantation. They appear to be stable at the moment."

Hearing the officer's report, Lin Feng nodded and said:

"Keep observing them. Report to me immediately if they show any signs of movement."

However, just as he finished speaking, Yang Lin interrupted.

"No need. Leave these two big fellows to me. I'll talk to them - they're probably just hungry."

"Oh, and get the transport vehicles ready. I'll have them both loaded up within half an hour."

With that, Yang Lin walked straight into the plantation.

The task force members didn't try to stop him.

After the events of the past few hours, they had developed an inexplicable trust in Yang Lin.

As everyone waited, half an hour passed quickly.

The transport vehicles had been waiting outside the plantation for some time.

"Why is it taking so long? Could something have gone wrong?"

"Surely nothing's wrong."

"Then why aren't they coming out?"

"Maybe Director Yang is negotiating terms with those big fellows."

"How would he negotiate? Can he make promises to animals?"

As the promised time approached, those waiting outside the plantation grew anxious.

However, just as they looked toward the plantation, a massive figure appeared in their field of vision.

Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the white rhinoceros that had been charging through the streets earlier.

Unlike before, the rhino now appeared much more docile.

Before anyone could prepare to take cover, more heavy footsteps could be heard coming from inside the plantation.

At this point, everyone had a vague idea of what was coming.

But the scene that followed still made them gasp.

An African elephant, as big as a small mountain, was slowly walking toward them.

Its four pillar-like legs sank deep into the soil, crushing small trees and rocks along the way.

Such a terrifying creature, if it went berserk, probably only a tank could stand against it.

Yet amazingly, there was a figure casually sitting on top of this terrifying giant.

The figure held what appeared to be a cattle whip picked up from somewhere, occasionally cracking it at the white rhino in front.

Seeing this bizarre scene, everyone, including Lin Feng, was dumbfounded.

"This..."

Both the African elephant and white rhino were apex beings in nature, creatures that even tigers and lions preferred to avoid.

Yet here they were, being handled by Yang Lin like a pair of old oxen.

Only when Yang Lin drove the two giants up close did Lin Feng finally snap out of his daze.

"Mission accomplished. Got them both to come back."

"Quickly arrange some good food for them. The main reason they escaped was that they weren't fed properly during transport."

Hearing Yang Lin's voice from atop the elephant, Lin Feng, still somewhat dazed, quickly nodded.

Just then, the elephant carrying Yang Lin suddenly crouched down.

The next second, Yang Lin leaped down from the elephant's back.

"Director Yang, can you really communicate with elephants?"

Seeing Yang Lin jump down, Lin Feng quickly asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.

Hearing this question, Yang Lin remained completely calm.

"It's something like that. If you listen with your heart, you can also understand what animals are thinking. I just put in a little more effort than you all."

"Of course, the most important thing is that I have love in my heart."

As he spoke, Yang Lin patted the elephant's large ear. "Isn't that right?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the elephant raised its trunk and trumpeted toward the sky.

Witnessing this amazing scene, everyone present clicked their tongues in wonder.

Though the exact reason for this interaction remained known only to Yang Lin and the elephant.

As the two giants were loaded onto the vehicles, news of what had just happened quickly reached command headquarters.

Ning Nan City Television Station began broadcasting this news on continuous loop.

The citizens of Ningnan and internet users across the country were all greatly encouraged by this development.

However, they knew it wasn't time to celebrate yet, as the crisis wasn't completely over.

Because among the 8 escaped animals, the most ferocious and powerful one - the African lion - was still unaccounted for.

It seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Realizing this, the joy in everyone's hearts instantly vanished without a trace.

If they couldn't find the African lion before nightfall, probably none of Ningnan's citizens would be able to sleep peacefully.

Yet just as everyone felt their hearts heavy with worry, Yang Lin, who was in the vehicle, suddenly had a dramatic change in his expression.