Yang Qi slowly rose and raised his palm toward his shoulder.
The Red-breasted Parakeet understood the gesture. It flapped its wings again and hopped onto Yang Qi's shoulder, carefully finding its footing. It subconsciously leaned in toward the crook of Yang Qi's neck, as if the spot offered it more security.
"Let's go."
Yang Qi spoke softly, then strode toward the staff entrance of the enclosure with the "little refugee" on his shoulder.
As they moved, the other Red-breasted Parakeets in the enclosure saw what was happening.
Some of them let out a few indistinct chirps, as if discussing the situation.
Most, however, watched in silence, perhaps surprised, perhaps feeling it was none of their business.
As for the "boss" Red-breasted Parakeet, when Yang Qi passed below it, it turned its entire body around, presenting its backside to Yang Qi and the one it used to bully—a petulant display of "out of sight, out of mind."
