Gong Jiang

Biodata

Appearance

Gong Jiang is a young man with a bright, readily visible smile. 7 11

• Often participates in outdoor fieldwork with research equipment. 12
• Wears a long trench coat while assisting at wildlife rescue scenes. 20

Personality

Gong Jiang is grateful, considerate, and proactive. After Shi Wen saves him from a runaway horse, he remembers Shi Wen's need for a sheepdog, locates suitable breeders, and personally guides him through several villages. 7 10 11

He is sociable and enthusiastic during fieldwork, readily sharing local knowledge, recommending livestock resources, and encouraging Shi Wen to join the research group's activities. 13 21 25 He also respects Shi Wen's choices: although he warns against buying Black Kid because of the puppy's weak constitution, he supports Shi Wen's final decision. 11

Abilities & Skills

Field Research

Gong Jiang takes part in ecological surveys and wildlife sampling alongside Yan Kexing's team.

• Collects photographs and samples from rare fish in Shi Wen's ranch waterways before releasing the animals. 12 13
• Helps document Small Forest Mouse trails during the Bachu Mushroom survey. 23 24
• Recognizes Shi Wen's unusual wilderness aptitude and says he would recruit him if Shi Wen did not have a ranch to manage. 25

Local Knowledge and Communication

Having worked in the region with the team for over two years, Gong Jiang can speak some of the local ethnic languages. 11

• Leads Shi Wen by motorcycle to remote livestock households without damaging fragile grassland with heavier vehicles. 10 11
• Translates between Shi Wen and local sheepdog breeders. 11
• Connects Shi Wen with local suppliers, including sheepdog breeders and Ma Bingjun's goose farm. 10 13 14

Wildlife Handling

Gong Jiang assists in the rescue and examination of injured wildlife.

• Bandages an injured male goitered gazelle and collects blood samples for examination. 20
• Updates Shi Wen that the gazelle has stabilized and is expected to be released after further treatment. 21

Relationships

• Yan Kexing — His supervising professor and advisor; Gong Jiang accompanies him on field surveys and refers to him as “Teacher Yan.” 7 9 13
• Shi Wen — Friend and benefactor. Shi Wen saves him from a runaway horse; Gong Jiang later helps him find Black Kid, introduces him to local ranching contacts, and includes him in research outings. 7 10 11 13 21
• Lin Chengqian — Fellow member of Yan Kexing's research group who joins fish surveys and the Bachu Mushroom trip. 12 13 22
• Ge Yue — Fellow member of Yan Kexing's research group; accompanies Gong Jiang on fieldwork and outings with Shi Wen. 12 13 21
• Ma Bingjun — Acquaintance who owns an award-winning goose farm; Gong Jiang advocates for Shi Wen when goslings are otherwise fully reserved. 13 14

Story Role / Major Arcs

Runaway-Horse Incident

Gong Jiang loses control of his horse after it is likely stung on the ear by a horsefly. Shi Wen stops the horse, catches Gong Jiang as he falls, and calms the animal. The incident introduces Gong Jiang as Yan Kexing's student and establishes his debt of gratitude toward Shi Wen. 7

First Visit to Shi Wen's Ranch

Gong Jiang joins Yan Kexing for lunch at Shi Wen's ranch after the rescue. He helps prepare hot pot and later wash the dishes, helping create an easy first connection among the three men. 8 9

Helping Shi Wen Build the Ranch

Remembering Shi Wen's need for a working dog, Gong Jiang finds local purebred sheepdog breeders and accompanies him on the search. He warns Shi Wen that the frail puppy later named Black Kid may not be suited to herding, but accepts Shi Wen's instinctive choice. 10 11

He later brings Lin Chengqian and Ge Yue to survey the ranch's unusual fish population. During the visit, he recommends that Shi Wen consider raising geese and uses his relationship with Ma Bingjun to help Shi Wen obtain goslings. 12 13 14

Wildlife Rescue and Mushroom Survey

Gong Jiang helps treat an injured goitered gazelle discovered near Shi Wen's ranch and keeps Shi Wen informed about its recovery. 20 21

He invites Shi Wen to collect Bachu Mushrooms with Yan Kexing's team. When Shi Wen discovers that Small Forest Mouse trails lead to mushroom patches, Gong Jiang enthusiastically documents the phenomenon and praises Shi Wen's value in the field. 21 22 23 24 25

Notable Quotes

“If you didn't have a ranch, I'd invite you to join our team. Think of how much more we could discover.” 25