After watching the Smithsonian's surveillance video, George looked at the panda before him with a newfound complexity in his expression.
"Dad, why don't you come and pet him?" Little John, full of excitement, circled Big White like a little monkey, inviting his father to join in.
"No, I think he might not like grown men getting too close," George replied with a smile, now viewing Big White as much more than just an ordinary animal after seeing the video.
"George, did you call the Smithsonian Zoo?" Mrs. Stacy asked while tidying up the mess in the refrigerator.
"Yes, I did. They'll be here within five hours, and there's a generous reward," George replied.
Big White, nestled lazily in Gwen's arms, perked up at this, his ears twitching.
"What? They're coming to take me back? I just escaped! I can't go back," he thought, alarmed, and began plotting how to avoid capture.
"Gwen, order us some takeout. This panda ate everything we had. After breakfast, I'll go buy some groceries," Mrs. Stacy said after cleaning up the fridge.
"Sure, what should we get?"
"Sandwiches and milk are fine."
"I want toast!"
"We still have some oatmeal at home, so skip the milk," Little John and George chimed in.
"Okay, my phone's in the bedroom. I'll change first," Gwen said, setting Big White down and heading to her room.
"Hey, Big White, where are you going?" Little John called, seeing Big White follow Gwen happily, leaving him disappointed.
"It seems he really likes me," Gwen said, glancing back at Big White and smiling, while Little John pouted.
"Alright, go wash up first. Your sister will come out with the panda soon," George said, ruffling his son's hair and leading him to the bathroom.
---
Big White followed Gwen to her bedroom, taking in the surroundings. The walls were adorned with gray-brown stickers, and photo frames lined the doorways, capturing moments from family travels and activities.
Bookshelves and a computer desk flanked the bed, while a clothes rack stood opposite. A window, with breathable curtains, let in beams of light through the vents.
On a desk beneath the window were animal carvings and other knickknacks. A square desk lamp sat on the far right, with shelves beneath brimming with books.
"I really don't want you to leave, but you're a panda, rented from Dragon Country, and I can't keep you," Gwen said, changing out of her pajamas and into clothes from the rack, speaking to Big White as if he understood.
"You're so smart, you probably understand what I'm saying..."
Big White's attention wasn't on Gwen but on the window. He leaned against the desk to look outside. The window wasn't high, about an adult's waist height.
Outside was a steep fire escape. They were on the 20th floor, and despite the guardrail, it looked precarious, like it was made of iron sheets.
Yet, this was Big White's only escape route.
"Big White, I'm ordering takeout. Do you want something to eat?" Gwen asked, recalling how he'd devoured everything in the house. She figured he was intelligent enough to respond.
Hearing "food," Big White scampered over to Gwen with his short legs.
"Haha, still a glutton!" Gwen laughed, seeing his enthusiasm. She placed her phone where Big White could see it.
She opened a takeout app, displaying burgers, fruit salads, pasta, pizza, and more.
"Want anything?" After ordering breakfast for her family, she turned to Big White.
Big White shook his head, then tapped her phone with his paw.
He navigated to the app store, found the Panda Restaurant app, and began downloading it.
Gwen, watching in awe, exclaimed, "Oh my god, you can use a phone and download apps!"
"Are you sure you're not just someone in a panda suit?" she teased, tugging at Big White's fur to check.
Big White swatted her hand away, rolling his eyes.
"I'm definitely a real panda, not a fake! It's just that my soul is human," he thought. "If you weren't so nice, I'd teach you a few words in my hometown dialect."
Once the Panda Takeout app downloaded, Big White pushed the phone back to Gwen, gesturing for her to register an account.
"Wow, you really know a lot," Gwen said, raising an eyebrow as she registered an account and opened the ordering page for Big White.
The Panda Takeout app specialized in delivering Chinese food.
The menu featured buns, dumplings, Peking duck, mapo tofu, orange chicken, and more familiar to Big White.
Well, maybe not orange chicken.
Big White eagerly tapped away with his paw, but as the shopping cart filled, Gwen intervened, worried about her budget.
"Wait, that's enough. If we keep going, I'll run out of money for the month!"
Big White paused, eyeing her.
"No money? So poor? I might need to find a richer family," he mused.
"What's with that look? Are you judging me?" Gwen laughed, amused by his expression. "With your appetite, who could afford you?"
Despite her concerns, Big White stopped and handed back the phone.
Gwen sighed in relief. For a moment, she thought maybe it wouldn't be so bad for the panda to be taken away.
Big White leaned over, watching intently as she finalized the order, ensuring she didn't reduce any items.
"Don't worry, I won't shortchange you," Gwen promised, rolling her eyes before confirming the order.