Chapter 26: Chapter 25: April
"You might want to avert your eyes... you know the feeling," Big White gestured with his paws, indicating the need for privacy.
"Sorry, we'll leave you be," Gwen said with an awkward smile, closing the door.
---
After the sound of flushing, Big White strutted out of the bathroom.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" he asked, noticing Gwen and George looking at him curiously.
"We're just wondering how you manage to reach back there," Gwen said, pointing to his bear claws, her face full of curiosity.
Hearing this, Big White ignored them and trotted to the living room.
"If he can use chopsticks, wiping shouldn't be an issue."
"But his arms seem short. Can they reach?"
"Sitting down, there shouldn't be a problem."
---
Big White quickened his pace. What's with these people? Why focus on that?
Despite the late night, the George family was up early, excited by the presence of a talking panda in the house.
Even Little John, known for sleeping in, was up and ready, joining the others in the living room.
"What about Big White's food? Should we order panda takeout?" Mrs. Stacey asked George, sitting beside Big White.
"The mayor arranged for nutritious meals, but I think he'd prefer some local specialties," George replied, in high spirits about the new addition to their family—a panda, no less, that many dream of having.
The fact that Big White could communicate, use the bathroom, and even bathe himself eased George's initial concerns about chaos at home.
Gwen had mentioned Big White's self-sufficiency, so George only needed to handle meals, avoiding a team knocking at their door for panda care.
Once the official statement was made, George looked forward to taking a panda to work and seeing the police station's equipment upgraded.
The panda's arrival had, indeed, turned their household upside down—in a good way.
---
Soon, there was a knock at the door.
"That must be the panda's meal delivery," George said, rushing to open the door.
"Hello, is this Mr. George's residence? I hope I'm at the right place." Standing there wasn't a delivery person but a striking woman with thick lips, short brown hair, a yellow jacket, and a phone in hand.
"And you are?" George inquired, puzzled.
"Oh, I'm April O'Neil, a journalist," April introduced herself with a smile, extending her hand.
"How did you get in?" George asked, not shaking her hand, eyeing her sternly.
"I really want to interview Big White, please!" she pleaded, clasping her hands.
George scrutinized her for a moment.
"I remember you. You're a reporter for Channel 6 of The Sun, covering street fitness."
"But I'm sorry, you came for nothing. Big White was relocated last night," George said before closing the door.
"No, I'm sure he's here..." April's hand hung in the air, staring at the closed door, and sighed before leaving.
April O'Neil, a reporter for the New York Sun, typically covered minor street sports and band stories. Eager for a big break, she'd been chasing the panda story from Brooklyn to Queens.
Like other reporters, she found nothing. But sensing an opportunity, she sought out the George family, sneaking past the apartment doorman.
---
"Dad, who was it?" Gwen asked.
"A sneaky reporter, looking for a scoop. Visitors have been flocking like bees," George replied, raising an eyebrow.
"The doorman complained about the sudden workload," Mrs. Stacey chuckled.
---
Shortly after April's departure, a young man in blue overalls arrived with a box, knocking on the door.
Soon, Big White was presented with an array of bamboo shoots, apples, carrots, milk, and more.
Pandas primarily eat bamboo, with cold arrow bamboo, water bamboo, and ink bamboo being favorites. Bamboo shoots are for spring and summer, leaves for autumn, and bamboo poles for winter. Occasionally, they enjoy crunchy fruits and vegetables.
While pandas sometimes eat meat, bamboo is their main diet.
The bamboo shoots were sourced from the Eastern Land, fresh upon arrival.
Yet for Big White, some comforting, home-cooked meals would be preferable.
---
As Big White dined, Little John finished breakfast and headed to school with his mom. George needed to wrap up the panda search paperwork at the station.
Thus, Gwen, having taken a day off, was left alone with Big White.
Due to his panda status, Big White stayed indoors, leaving Gwen to run errands alone.
His presence would likely cause a stir, complicating any shopping trips.
---
Three days later, Big White lay bored in Gwen's room, gazing at the dimming sky and pigeons on the balcony.
"Where's Peter? He should've been here by now," he muttered, munching a cookie.
Then, with a thud, a figure in red tights landed in front of him.
"Hey, long time no see, Big White! Guess what I'm up to today?"
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