Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 201: The Homecoming Gifts

Immediately after, Star trotted over with a large, beautifully wrapped box of chocolates in his mouth. "Look! Lots of kids overseas eat these!"

Before Nancy could even react, the dog began pulling a variety of imported snacks, a set of high-end skincare products, and even a shimmering crystal bracelet out of the bag as if it were a bottomless pit.

Nancy watched, completely stunned. "Are these... all for me?"

Star nodded his head vigorously. "That's right! Do you like them? I saw people who go abroad always bring things back for their friends and family!"

Hearing the word "family" caused a slight lump to form in Nancy's throat. She reached out and gently rubbed Star's large, furry head, her voice softening.

"These... these are all far too expensive. I'll just take some of the snacks."

Barry let out a short, mocking huff from the side, arching an eyebrow at her. "Expensive? Since when does a bit of jewelry matter to a big shot who pulls in 1.3 million a day?" His tone was thick with teasing. "Didn't someone personally brag to me about making 1.3 million in a single day?"

Nancy was momentarily speechless. She lowered her head and mumbled, "That... that was only for that one day..."

Barry glanced at the mountain of gifts and said nonchalantly, "Just keep them. Consider it a reward for eating well and sticking to your exercise routine lately." He paused, then added with a touch of feigned disgust, "Besides, that dog's drool is all over them. I certainly don't want them."

Nancy burst into laughter. She leaned down to wrap her arms around Star's neck and planted a firm kiss on his furry forehead.

She looked up at Barry, her eyes bright and sparkling. Her voice was sweet and clear as she said, "Thank you, Star, you little darling! And thank you, Barry!"

Barry merely let out a dismissive grunt. The car window caught a blurry reflection of his cold profile and the faint flush that had quietly crept up to the tips of his ears.

The car slowly rolled into the zoo. As Nancy and Barry stepped out, they noticed a large truck parked in the clearing. Several staff members were busy unloading chicken coops while a donkey stood nearby, casually munching on a carrot as a handler held its lead.

Barry raised an eyebrow and shot a skeptical look at Nancy. "What's the situation here? Are you planning to turn the zoo into a farm?"

Nancy scratched her head sheepishly. "Not exactly..."

"When we went to that village to catch the tomb raiders, I promised Madam Hen and Mr. Donkey that I would 'ransom' them," she explained. "I followed through on that promise a month ago. They've been at the quarantine station for observation, check-ups, and deworming ever since. Now that all the procedures are finished, they can finally move into the zoo."

Watching the chaotic scene, Barry felt a vein throb in his temple. "And how exactly do you plan to house these... hens?" A sense of foreboding colored his tone. "You aren't planning to keep them on the lawn right next to my RV and tent, are you?"

Nancy waved her hands frantically. "No, no! Of course not! Madam Hen and her friends can't exactly control where they... do their business." She pointed toward the distance with a smile. "I had a new coop built on that wasteland in the back. I hired someone to clear it out specifically. It's very clean!"

Barry still wasn't convinced. "Is it sturdy? They won't be wandering out in the middle of the night to pay my tent a visit, will they?"

Nancy gave a firm vow. "Absolutely not! You can rest easy."

Barry narrowed his eyes at her, still doubtful. "It had better stay that way."

With that, he turned and walked away with Star. The high-energy dog raced ahead, pulling toward the snow leopard enclosure. Barry remained focused on his phone, processing work emails and trailing behind Star without realizing where he was being led.

Nancy started to say something, but then thought better of it. Looking at him, it seemed Barry was destined to play "temporary nanny" in the snow leopard house once again today. It had been over half a month, so the cub surely missed him. Plus, the little guy had grown quite a bit; she wanted Barry to see the progress.

Supplying a silent giggle, Nancy followed behind the man and his dog, waiting for the show to begin.

When Barry finally looked up from his emails, he realized Star had "navigated" him directly to the door of the snow leopard house. The keeper, who was busy cleaning, looked up with a look of pleasant surprise.

"You're back in the country! What perfect timing. Come in and see the cub; the little guy has been growing like a weed lately!"

The keeper warmly invited him inside. Star began spinning in circles with excitement, barking his agreement. "I want to see the snow leopard!"

Barry sighed helplessly and tucked his phone away, allowing himself to be "dragged" into the building by the enthusiastic dog. As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze was immediately drawn to a certain furry figure in the activity area.