"The Zoo has its rules. It's not a place you can just come and go as you please."
Looking at the male leopard's pitiful expression, Yang Qi remained unsympathetic and spoke calmly.
"One, you can choose to stay here with Hua Hua. This will be your home, and we'll provide the best conditions and care. But you'll have to follow the rules and accept being managed to some extent."
"Or, you can go back to your mountains. You'll continue to live your life of freedom, but you'll also have to bear all the risks yourself."
"It's one or the other. There's no third option."
"…"
The wild male leopard heard the decisiveness in Yang Qi's voice and fell silent.
It glanced at Yang Qi, then at Hua Hua snuggled up against it, and an unreadable rumble echoed in its throat.
Hua Hua seemed to sense the tension in the air. She gently nuzzled the male leopard's neck and let out a low growl, a sound of reluctance, pleading for him to stay.
'Stay. It's nice here. We can be together.'
