Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 117: The High Cost Of Ambition

The older squirrel quickly added, "We counted them—there are about a hundred of them!" He used his tiny paws to trace an exaggeratedly large circle in the air.

Nancy couldn't help but laugh. "No problem at all!" The reward money from solving this case would far exceed the cost of buying a hundred chickens.

"And one more thing," Bobby whispered, lowering his voice. "The village ox says the mosquitoes are too much lately. They swarm him all day, and he’s so itchy he can't sleep..."

Nancy immediately pulled a small green tin from her bag. "This is a special herbal balm I made. It’s a great repellent and very gentle." She gave careful instructions. "Remember to help him apply it evenly on his ears and along his spine."

"Oh!" Corry suddenly remembered. "The donkey at the village entrance said pulling the millstone is too exhausting. He wants a job at our zoo too..."

"He’s more than welcome!" Nancy smiled, rubbing the squirrel's tiny head. "Work at the zoo is much easier. City kids have never seen a donkey before; Mr. Donkey just needs to stand there as a model for photos every day."

Nancy watched the squirrels' fluffy silhouettes hop and skip away toward the edge of the fields. Her heart fluttered with nerves, wondering just how many local animals would actually cooperate.

Another hour passed.

Just as she was staring blankly at the dashboard, two furry figures launched themselves through the car window like cannonballs.

Bobby danced excitedly on her backpack. "Yes! The hens said just leave it to them!" He mimicked a chicken flapping its wings. "The hens said as long as we're able to save them from being cooked, they'll lay more eggs for you everyday!"

Corry collapsed onto the seat like a flat rug, panting for breath. "The ox… The ox wanted me to say…" He suddenly flipped over and puffed out his cheeks to imitate an ox's deep voice. "He said not to worry, they'll trample over their fields tonight!!"

Corry paused, rubbing his paws together awkwardly. "Well,,, The ox asked if we're able to give him more balm. He said the balm made him feel a lot better…."

Nancy chuckled and pulled out another tin of ointment.

Bobby then tugged at Nancy’s sleeve. "The donkey also said that he doesn't want money! He just never expected that in his life of working to the bone, he'd still be a model!"

Corry stifled a laugh. "He said as long as he's fed everyday, and he wanted you to make sure that his hairstyle remains great everyday!"

Nancy’s stomach ached from suppressed giggles. Who knew a hardworking mill-donkey would be so particular about his hair?

Just then, Simon turned from the driver's seat. "Sam has coordinated the team. Once the main force arrives, we move in immediately."

The smile vanished from Nancy’s face, replaced by a surge of adrenaline. This was her first time participating in a real tactical takedown!

Inside the Summers family villa.

The vault was filled with a dazzling array of collectibles. Chandler had spent thirty years in business, and the fruits of his labor were displayed here in breathtaking variety. Jack adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his fingers drifting past a row of century-old porcelain vases before stopping at a scroll.

"Dad, let’s give them this one—The Mountains."

Jack deftly removed the scroll and placed it in a gift box. Chandler watched his favorite painting disappear and let out a sharp intake of breath. His hand trembled as he pressed down on the lid. "That’s a new piece by Master Huang! I paid five million for it at an auction just last month. I haven't even finished admiring it myself!"

Jack snatched the box away. "In exchange for the exact time and location of the tomb robbers' transaction, we have to show significant gratitude!"

Chandler’s heart bled as he looked at the box, his face a mask of grief. "This gift is far too heavy..."

"Dad, ever since Simon and Nancy—those two jinxes—teamed up, they’ve stolen the spotlight on every case I’ve touched!" Jack’s voice rose with agitation. "How am I supposed to maintain my reputation as a specially appointed criminal expert?"

"You have to bait the hook to catch the fish!"

Chandler hesitated, but Jack grabbed his father’s arm. "Those fakes who were kicked out of the Summers family are now the department’s rising stars. If we let them keep hopping around like this, our family will become a laughingstock!"

Jack seized the box with a look of frantic ambition burning in his eyes. "A painting? If I’m the one to break this millennial tomb case, this is just a stepping stone! My name will be carved on the museum’s monument of honor alongside those national treasures. Headlines, special reports... everyone will remember that I was the one who protected our heritage!"

Chandler’s hand fell limp, his strength seemingly drained by his son’s intensity. "...Take it," he whispered hoarsely. "It’s just a painting. I’ll wait for your good news."

Jack rushed out of the vault clutching the priceless box. The roar of his engine tore through the silence of the villa. Chandler stared at the empty space on the wall, his heart aching. He took a deep breath, forcing down the regret as a new light flared in his eyes. "It’s worth it! Once we land this national treasure case, the entire cultural world will have to show our family respect. That’s a legacy money can't buy!"

One hour later.

Outside the village where the suspect was hiding.

"The main force is here."

Simon helped Nancy adjust the radio pinned to her collar, his eyes full of lingering concern. "Keep yourself safe. If things get dangerous, don't rush forward. Do you understand?"

Nancy nodded obediently. "I will. You just focus on the mission!"

The officers were in peak physical condition, while Nancy, being less suited for combat, was tasked with staying in a safe, hidden location to command her animal reinforcements.