Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Qiu Guokai scrutinized the film set behind him with a shrewd expression. The actress playing the second lead, who had been frightened by Fang Xiaojie into delivering her best performance yet, was a given. Even the most complained-about wirework scenes saw the big-name leads enduring grueling practice under the encouragement (or humiliation) of the mischievous spirits. As an investor, he had long seen the commercial potential in these handsome creatures, but their actual performance surpassed his expectations.

"Master Wei," Qiu Guokai said, "Look at them. Such promising talents wasting away in the mountains is such a pity. Among the recent breakout stars, few possess their distinct looks and charisma."

He wasn't exaggerating. A spirit's appearance was related to its original form. For instance, the wild fox spirit, in human form, exuded allure and charm, suitable for a sexy persona. The bamboo spirit radiated a cool and detached aura, fitting for a pure and innocent character. The boar spirit, despite constantly sniffling, was tall and muscular with chiseled features, a heartthrob tough-guy look that would undoubtedly attract a fan base. Then there were the haughty nobleman mountain cock, the endearingly clueless and delicate squirrel spirit, and so on.

Unfortunately, Wei Xi failed to appreciate their qualities, seeing them only as edible. "Distinct?" he asked, unimpressed.

Is the flavor of the stew unique? Indeed, wild boar meat would certainly taste different from mountain chicken.

Qiu Guokai, unaware of Wei Xi's thoughts, sincerely declared, "Yes, Master Wei, I believe our collaboration can continue in the future!"

His company, specializing in film and television investments, had no shortage of resources or scripts. However, money could be easily acquired, but talented individuals were hard to find. With this group of supernatural beings before him, they seemed like the perfect choice for the entertainment industry!

But he wasn't sure if these creatures were willing to enter show business. Observing their haughty attitude towards ordinary humans, except for Taicang Sect, he thought of asking Wei Xi to act as a partner and help coordinate their involvement.

******

Upon hearing his invitation, the spirits were all flabbergasted. The bamboo spirit almost got chopped down, and it sat far away from Wei Xi, timidly mentioning, "I've been growing in Mount Mao Hua for 140 years now, and the same goes for my friends. Are we all supposed to leave this mountain…?"

Qiu Guokai sighed and took out a stack of documents, placing them on the table. "I didn't intend to tell you guys, but there's no other choice now. You'll have to know sooner or later."

Wei Xi glanced at the title of the documents, recognizing only parts of it. He read it aloud slowly, "Documents regarding the proposed development of the Mount Mao Hua area by the national tourism bureau and local government?"

Upon hearing this, all the spirits jumped up. "Development? What does that mean? What are they planning to do in the mountains?"

Qiu Guokai explained, "At the beginning of this year, Mount Mao Hua was officially designated for development by the tourism bureau and local authorities. The plan is to maximize the use of this mountainous region, making it more accessible for living and attracting more tourists. Therefore, road construction and railway connections are inevitable. Once the tunnels are blasted and the forests cleared, who knows what will happen to the place where we're currently staying. If you live nearby, you'll eventually have to move, either deeper into the mountains or elsewhere. But no one can predict how far the development will go."

The bamboo spirit trembled with fear. "Cut… cutting trees?"

The boar spirit's eyes reddened. "Blowing up tunnels? My dwelling was destroyed by blasting before I became a spirit, and later, a house was built on top of it. Why are humans so greedy? They must snatch our homes!"

United Justice also felt sympathetic upon hearing this and tried to console them. "Ah, it's all due to poverty. I don't think hiding deeper in the mountains is a reliable solution. If there are more people in the future, they might catch you and put you in zoos. That would be terrible."

To everyone's surprise, the boar spirit's anger dissipated instantly, and it seemed hesitant to speak.

Qiu Guokai asked, "What is it?"

"..." The boar demon asked hesitantly, "So, do they usually have female boars in zoos?"

Everyone: "..."

It was really keen on going to the zoo...

The boar demon felt a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, "I-I was just asking out of curiosity! In the past few years, there've been people entering our mountain village to poach. I've been a demon for over half a year, and I haven't seen a single female boar! It's a major life matter, so why can't I ask?!"

The squirrel demon also expressed its longing, "I've heard that in zoos, they provide food and drink without requiring any work. The food is even served right up to your mouth..."

Everyone: "..."

Why were the demons nowadays so unambitious?

Wei Xi immediately looked at it, "Food and drink provided, no need to work, and meals served directly to your mouth?"

What kind of paradise was this? He wanted to fly there right now and live there immediately!

Shuo Zong: "..."

Unable to endure any longer, Shuo Zong interrupted impatiently. His gaze turned icy as he fixated on the squirrel spirit who sought an easy life, his words laced with cruelty, "A zoo would never take in a species like you."

Creatures: "??"

The squirrel spirit stammered, "I've become a spirit, isn't that quite rare..."

Shuo Zong gazed at it coldly, "What kind of species are you?"

Squirrel Spirit: "...Just, just a common variety..."

"Red-bellied squirrels have become rampant in the Sichuan forest region," Shuo Zong stated. "The Beijing Forest Zoo keeps the vulnerable and second-class protected Giant Squirrel."

Squirrel Spirit: "..............."

Upon hearing 'protected animal', the Boar Spirit secretly puffed up with pride. Shuo Zong promptly turned to it, "What species are you?"

Boar Spirit, with great gusto: "I'm a second-class nationally protected wild—"

"Common native wild boar," Shuo Zong interrupted without any qualms. "The Beijing Forest Zoo houses the Steppe Marmot."

Wild Boar Spirit: "???"

Shuo Zong: "Imported from South America."

Wild Boar Spirit: "..............."

I-I see... It's actually an exotic pig...

Do our local pigs not deserve recognition anymore? !

Shuo Zong shifted his gaze and landed on the Wild Fox Spirit, who trembled in fear. "I, I didn't say I wanted to go to the zoo!"

Shuo Zong looked at her for a moment before turning his head away with disdain. "The foxes kept in the Forest Zoo in the Capital City are Arctic foxes."

Wild Fox Spirit: "..."

Shuo Zong added, "They have pure white fur."

No matter how much the Mottled Fox Spirit tried to play with her hair, it would be in vain; at best, she might earn a compliment for her crisp ears.

******

"Junior Brother, Junior Brother," Unity Yi rushed forward to mediate, seeing the wild fox demon's devastated expression. If they allowed him to continue, all the creatures in this house might end up jumping off a building.

However, after hearing his second disciple's words, Wei Xi finally dismissed the idea of sneaking into the zoo for food. Apart from lacking the necessary credentials, even these legitimate, protected animals native to the mountains might not be able to compete with foreign animals due to their lack of sophistication!

Life was indeed tough, and everyone's future was filled with uncertainty.

Qiu Guokai was also taken aback by the revelation. He suddenly realized that animals had it just as hard as humans, needing to rely on their background to succeed. Clearing his throat, he seized the opportunity to persuade them, "Yes, Daoist Lu Que is right. With your exceptional talents, why bother enduring the cold shoulders at the zoo? Wouldn't it be better to make your own money? The entertainment industry pays well and offers a glamorous lifestyle. Once you earn money, there'll be nothing you can't have. I'm planning to collaborate with Daoist Wei's Taicang Sect to establish an agency specifically for all of you. Would anyone be interested in joining?"

The creatures hesitated for a while. Considering the development plans for Hua Maoshan and the zoo's emphasis on nationality and bloodline, they realized they had no advantage, and their prospects were bleak. Eventually, they agreed.

After signing the contract, the boar demon seemed to have something on his mind. After stuttering for a while, he whispered to Shuo Zong, "M-Master Lu Que, about that capybara in the national forest zoo you mentioned..."

Shuo Zong raised an eyebrow at him.

The boar demon: "...Was it male or female?"

Shuo Zong: "..."

Wild Boar Spirit: "Do you have any pictures? Could you show them to me?"

Shuo Zong coldly turned away, but Tuanjie Yi eagerly provided the information: "Definitely female! Definitely!"

The Wild Boar Spirit hurriedly leaned in for a look. The moment he saw the tourist's photo of a female capybara grazing on a grassland, his eyes glazed over.

Tuanjie Yi, noticing his trance-like state, was startled. "What's wrong with you?"

"Damn it," the Wild Boar Spirit mumbled to himself. "It feels like falling in love."

Wei Xi: "?"