Xia Zhining felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she looked at the police officers who were solemnly saluting her and the animals all over the mountains.
She straightened her back and returned the salute earnestly to her respectable comrades.
The small animals around her seemed to sense this solemn sentiment as well. They didn't understand human etiquette, but they instinctively knew that this was a gesture of friendship.
So, in the morning light, the gibbons raised their forepaws, the wild boars straightened their bodies, the birds flapped their wings, and even the snakes raised their heads.
In their own way, they paid silent yet incredibly moving tribute to their bipedal companions with whom they had fought side by side.
The animals knew that from now on, the rainforest would be much more peaceful.
...
In the morning, the sunlight dispersed the morning mist.
Xia Zhining took the reticulated python, which had performed a great service, back to the vicinity of its destroyed home.
Looking at the old lair, now a mess of ruins and puddles, ravaged by drug dealers, the reticulated python felt a pang of loss: [This place... they've turned it into a cesspool.]
"Don't worry," Xia Zhining patted its big head confidently, "We have so many brothers and sisters here, we'll dig you a bigger and more comfortable new home!"
The reticulated python coiled on the rock, watching the elephants and wild boars in the distance receiving thanks and food from people, a hint of envy flashing in its bright yellow vertical pupils.
It muttered under its breath: "I saw the elephants doing a great job, so impressive... Why can't I go steal people again? I'm pretty professional at it."
Xia Zhining comforted her, "You are the number one hero! Without you stealthily picking up the undercover agent, how could we have achieved such great success? Your contribution is unique!"
As they were talking, several police officers carried over a large box filled with fresh, processed meat that smelled delicious.
Leading the way was "Knife," the undercover agent who had been "stolen" back by the reticulated python.
Daozi looked at the savior snake who had once scared him half to death, his feelings complicated.
He pushed the box in front of it, his tone sincere: "Brother Python, thank you for saving my life. This is the reward we promised you, plenty of it, please enjoy."
The reticulated python poked its massive head over the box, sniffed it, and immediately felt overjoyed: [Excellent!! You really kept your word! You're all good two-legged creatures!]
It sighed contentedly, "Now, I can finally sunbathe in peace, without worrying about being caught by bad guys and skinned alive to make bags!"
The reticulated python perked up, its massive body wriggling happily. Suddenly, it looked at the knife, its long tongue hissing: "Hey, buddy! Since you've given me so much meat, come on, let's relive that close bond one last time."
[Let's have a victory hug!]
As it spoke, it made a gesture as if to "embrace" the knife with its body.
"Damn it! No need! Really, no need!!"
Daozi's face turned pale instantly. He jumped up reflexively and ran away as fast as he could, shouting, "I will never forget your life-saving grace!"
"Hugs are fine! Keep your distance! Keep your distance!!"
"This is assaulting a police officer!!!"
Watching the knife flee in a sorry state, and then seeing the reticulated python wriggling triumphantly as if its "prank" had succeeded.
Xia Zhi Ning, the police officers, and even the other small animals around them couldn't help but burst into joyful laughter.
A hearty laugh, like the best news of victory, echoed through the valley that had just welcomed peace.
After the operation concluded, the brother and sister returned from the border. Gu Huaiye had already escorted the seriously wounded to the nearest military hospital.
The siblings' next destination was also the hospital, where they would not only have post-battle medical checkups, but also take their animal companions, who had distinguished themselves in this battle, for a comprehensive "battlefield hero health checkup."
On the way, Xia Zhining finally had a chance to ask about the matter weighing on her mind: "Brother, has there been any progress on what happened to Dad back then?"
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