After a few rounds of drinks, Song Wan stepped out to take a call.

When she returned, her expression was a little strange. "I was just out in the hallway," she said. "I think I saw someone I know."

"Who?" Gao Zhenyue asked casually.

"A woman with short hair, in one of the booths over by the plants in the main hall."

Song Wan answered, "I remember her. Her name is Su Wenxuan. My company once took on a rather bizarre promotional project for pet supplies, and she was the one who brought it to us."

"She seems to specialize in all sorts of strange reptiles and exotic pets. Her methods are a little shady. Things didn’t go too well when we worked together. I got the feeling she was a gloomy person, and the animals she brought with her were a bit unsettling. We lost touch after that."

’Su Wenxuan? Specializes in exotic pets? Shady methods?’

A thought struck Yang Qi. "Does she keep snakes?" he asked.

"Yes! I remember she used to carry a small case with her. I think there was a small, black-patterned snake inside, and she wouldn’t let anyone get close to look at it."

A look of disgust crossed Song Wan’s face as she recalled the memory. "Anyway, I don’t think she’s normal. Why do you ask about her? Do you know her?"

"I don’t. I just think I caught a glimpse of her when we came in."

Yang Qi was deliberately vague, but a plan was already forming in his mind.

’It seems this Su Wenxuan isn’t just an ordinary exotic pet enthusiast. She’s likely involved in circles unknown to regular people.’

The group continued their idle chatter.

About ten minutes later, Qian Yu’s phone rang.

She listened for a few moments, and her expression changed slightly.

"Okay, I understand. I’m on my way."

Qian Yu hung up and said apologetically, "Sorry, everyone. Something urgent came up. I have to go."

"What happened?"

Gao Zhenyue asked instinctively, then caught himself. "Sorry, my apologies. Police business is confidential. I shouldn’t pry."

"This isn’t really confidential."

Qian Yu replied as she gathered her things, "Some elderly man who was exercising in Xinyang Park called the police. He said he saw a small, golden-striped snake he’d never seen before in the bushes. It was freakishly fast and almost bit someone."

"The patrol officers from the local precinct went over but couldn’t find it. Now everyone in the park is on edge, so the bureau asked me to bring some equipment over to assist and see if it’s a protected or invasive species."

’A small, golden-striped snake? Freakishly fast?’

Yang Qi and Song Wan exchanged a look, seeing the same shock and suspicion in each other’s eyes.

’That description...’

’It seems to match the characteristics of the "Golden Threaded Ghost Python" from the system prompt!’

’Could the snake have gotten out of her bag?’

’Or is there more than one?’

"Want me to go with you and take a look?"

Yang Qi spoke up. "I know a fair bit about animals. Maybe I can help identify if it’s a dangerous species."

Qian Yu was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Alright. After all, you’re a professional now, and an advisor to our bureau."

"That’s right! When it comes to animals, you can’t go wrong with Advisor Yang!" Ye Haibing raised an eyebrow and winked at Yang Qi.

"Advisor Yang, show them what you’ve got!"

Gao Zhenyue chimed in.

"Oh, shut up, you guys."

Yang Qi said irritably, "You all carry on. I’m going with Qian Yu to check it out. If it really is a rare or dangerous animal, it’s better to get it under control sooner rather than later."

"We can all just head out then," Song Wan said, getting up as well.

"Yeah, it’s about that time."

Ye Haibing and Gao Zhenyue nodded.

With that, the group left the private room.

As they passed through the main hall, Yang Qi deliberately glanced toward the booth.

Just as he’d expected, Su Wenxuan was gone!

...

They walked out of the restaurant.

Gao Zhenyue saw Ye Haibing and Song Wan off.

Yang Qi went with Qian Yu, first stopping by the precinct to pick up a thermal imager before heading straight for Xinyang Park.

On the way, Yang Qi asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Has anything like this happened at the park before? Like an escaped pet snake or something?"

"Occasionally, but not often. The exotic pet circle in Donghua isn’t very big, and most owners follow the rules. One that’s brightly colored, fast, and aggressive is pretty rare."

Qian Yu replied absently while contacting a colleague on her phone. "I just hope it’s not a venomous species."

Yang Qi fell silent, his mind racing.

’If the snake in the park really is the Golden Threaded Ghost Python, and it belongs to Su Wenxuan, then there’s more to that woman than meets the eye.’

A few minutes later, their car arrived at the south entrance of the park.

A police car from the local station was already parked there, its lights flashing.

Two staff members from the park management office were also present, helping set up a security cordon and ushering away curious night-runners and citizens out for a stroll.

"Sister Qian!"

A young auxiliary officer ran over. "We’ve temporarily cleared the area. Uncle Zhou, the one who called it in, is resting over there, still pretty shaken. We did a preliminary search of the bushes but found no sign of the snake."

Qian Yu nodded and followed the officer with Yang Qi toward the scene.

Xinyang Park had a sizable artificial lake, bordered by a wooden boardwalk and viewing platforms. It was surrounded by large lawns and meticulously trimmed ornamental shrubs and flowers.

The incident occurred in a patch of overgrown grass on a slope next to a section of the boardwalk, dotted with a few decorative boulders.

Uncle Zhou, the man who had reported it, was sitting on a nearby bench accompanied by another officer, his face still pale.

Seeing Qian Yu approach with the equipment, he immediately started gesturing excitedly. "Officer, it was right there! The snake went past with a SWOOSH! It was unbelievably fast!"

"It was golden! I’ve lived a long time, and I’ve never seen a snake like that. It’s definitely no good!"

"Sir, please don’t get excited. Speak slowly. Did you see which way it went?" Qian Yu said soothingly.

"It... it dove into that patch of grass, then headed toward the rocks by the lake shore. It was gone in a flash!" the old man said, pointing toward the lake.

Qian Yu and Yang Qi walked to the edge of the grassy area.

The auxiliary officer handed them a high-powered flashlight.