Ten days later, Jiang Chen's name was still trending on major media outlets.
However, since he hadn't appeared in public for that time, his popularity had waned a little.
Jiang Chen was unfazed; he was hosting Zhou Jitong and his group at his villa.
"I never expected someone as young as you, Jiang Xiaoyou, to achieve so much. It makes me feel quite old!" Zhou Jitong chuckled.
"Please don't say that, Mr. Zhou. You are the backbone of our nation, while I'm just an explorer. I can't compare to you," Jiang Chen replied with a humble smile.
This made Zhou Jitong think even more highly of Jiang Chen!
At such a young age, Jiang Chen had accomplished so much without being boastful or restless, which is quite rare!
"You understand why I'm here, right?" Zhou Jitong asked, a bit awkwardly.
Jiang Chen smiled knowingly and said, "Of course. I've had many visitors these past days. My home has never been this lively before."
"Don't worry, we won't take your things for free; we just need to borrow them, and we can cover some of the costs. How does that sound?" Zhou Jitong asked eagerly.
Jiang Chen smiled; he wasn't really interested in money.
However, during these ten days, he had many ideas.
With the upcoming expedition, he would definitely bring back more creatures, and he couldn't keep them at home without help!
So, he planned to create a facility that would combine a zoo, museum, and research lab.
This way, it could serve as a place for visitors and also aid in scientific research, which is very important.
He shared his thoughts with Zhou Jitong.
Jiang Chen added with a smile, "I can fund it, but I'm not familiar with how to set up such a facility, the necessary procedures, ongoing development, animal care, etc. So, I'd like to partner with you, Mr. Zhou!"
"What... a partnership?" Zhou Jitong exclaimed, filled with excitement.
Jiang Chen believed this was a perfect win-win situation for everyone involved.
"That's fine! No problem at all!" Zhou Jitong exclaimed, patting his thigh with excitement.
"Regarding the control of the organization..." Jiang Chen said, looking a bit concerned.
Zhou Jitong, feeling a bit embarrassed, quickly interjected, "We haven't created anything yet, so we are just part-time workers. This isn't really a partnership, and we can't claim any control. The organization remains yours, and we are your subordinates. Being allowed to help with research and take care of living things is already a huge benefit for us!"
Jiang Chen smiled slightly but didn't argue, saying, "Alright, let's proceed. I will prepare a contract, and it will be effective as soon as we sign it!"
"Great! Wonderful!" Zhou Jitong nodded eagerly, filled with joy.
However, Jiang Yan, who was with them, frowned and said, "Mr. Zhou, is this really the right move? You are a national treasure-level expert, and we are a top research team working for a zoo. Doesn't that diminish our status?"
"Disrespectful? What do you know!" Zhou Jitong shouted. "Mr. Jiang's organization doesn't let just anyone in, but we can join and have a great time!"
"Is it really that impressive? It's just two big bats," Jiang Yan replied skeptically.
Zhou Ji's childishness has its roots.
"Just a big bat?" Jiang Chen chuckled as he revealed another cage, pulling off the black cloth!
The extremely ugly Tuo Fei appeared before everyone!
"Ah!"
This was Jiang Yan's first encounter with it, and she was genuinely shocked!
She couldn't believe such a creature existed!
"This... this thing... Mr. Jiang, you brought it back?" Zhou Jitong gasped in disbelief.
When Jiang Chen returned to China, he passed through border checks without anyone noticing the Tuo Fei.
Zhou Jitong felt let down for a moment, thinking Jiang Chen hadn't caught the Tuo Fei!
In reality, Jiang Chen had secretly stored the Tuo Fei in his mobile space and brought it back without a fuss.
After all, a creature like Tuo Fei is far beyond a giant bat.
Russia allowed Jiang Chen to leave with a giant bat as per the contract.
However, if they discovered he was bringing back the Tuo Fei, they would definitely intervene, regardless of the agreement.
That's why Jiang Chen had to be discreet; his mobile space was crucial!
"Let Mr. Zhou handle Tuo Fei and the giant bat for now. I'll go on another adventure next time. You can choose the location of the institution, so no need to worry," Jiang Chen said with a smile.
"No trouble at all! It's our privilege to take care of them!" Zhou Jitong replied, looking uncertain.
It wasn't until Zhou Jitong and his group got into the car and drove off that they began to regain their composure.
"Now do you understand why I'm so thrilled?"
Zhou Jitong took a deep breath and sighed.
Jiang Yan nodded enthusiastically.
...
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen is packing his bags for another trip!
The reason why he was so anxious to reach a cooperation with Zhou Jitong and entrusted Tuo Fei and the giant bat was because the system released another mission!
And the place where he was required to go in this mission was in Veryovkina Cave in Georgia.