Those Years I Opened a Zoo

• Author: Marshmallow Bunny
• Genres: Đam Mỹ, Urban, Hài Hước
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 199
• Rating: ★ 4.5 / 5
• Published: 2026-09-30

Accidentally Inheriting a Zoo Full of Deities

The story kicks off with a hilarious stroke of bad luck for fresh graduate Duan Jiaze, who finds himself flat broke. Right when he hits rock bottom, he suddenly inherits a private zoo tied to a bizarrely binding contract. Just like that, Duan Jiaze's life takes a wild turn as he is saddled with the heavy duty of reviving the bankrupt Linh You Zoo.

What really makes you crack up is that the "animals" checking into this zoo are anything but ordinary. Instead of typical bears or tigers, our guy has to host ancient immortal beings, demons, and ghosts. These proud, high-and-mighty deities are forced to masquerade as cute animals and work for a regular human in the age of dharma decline.

The zoo quickly becomes a bizarre melting pot of the modern world and ancient mythology, where these mystical creatures must learn how to charm tourists. The author's comedic genius shines through as these almighty ancient figures are forced to "perform" for their supper, making the story incredibly creative and engaging. You can't help but wonder which legendary figure will crash Linh You Zoo next.

A Sweet-Tempered Director and His High-Maintenance Crew

Our protagonist, Duan Jiaze, is the ultimate golden retriever boy—cheerful, passionate, and incredibly caring. Even though he was practically forced into this gig, he treats his unique "animals" with the utmost kindness. It’s this warm heart of his that gradually wins over these uninvited supernatural guests.

An intriguing twist to his backstory is that his late parents were actually two Dragon King generals. Although he doesn't start off with any overpowered abilities, his sheer grit and sharp business acumen quickly shoot the zoo up in the rankings. He's not just a director; he's the ultimate bridge connecting mythical beasts to the modern human world.

The supporting cast is an absolute riot, especially with the entrance of Daji, also known as You Su. This gorgeous nine-tailed fox is a delightful mix of gentle and sneaky-smart, constantly sparking hilarious chaos. Then you have Bai Suzhen, a calm and kind snake spirit, rounding out a truly one-of-a-kind staff.

A Slow-Burn Romance: Human Meets Divine Bird

The second male lead is Lu Ya, an ancient primordial immortal stuck in the body of a Three-legged Golden Crow. He oozes arrogance and pride, acting exactly like a supreme deity who is absolutely insulted by the idea of being a display animal. At first, Lu Ya is incredibly cold and aloof, giving our young director endless headaches.

But behind that prickly exterior is a genuinely sweet and somewhat dense heart when it comes to romance. The bond between Duan Jiaze and Lu Ya is a classic slow-burn, developing piece by piece through their daily lives at the zoo. The chemistry between a chill human and a petulant, sulky deity is incredibly adorable.

Their romance isn't an instant spark, but rather builds as they tackle hurdles together to raise animal welfare awareness. Watching Lu Ya slowly open up and soft-spot his way into caring for Duan Jiaze is a heartwarming journey that will leave you smiling. It's a gentle love line, perfect for those who prefer deep, low-drama romance.

A Unique Blend of Myth and Modern Life

The setting offers a refreshing take on how mythical beings navigate modern human society. At Linh You Zoo, you'll see everyone from monks and nuns to Taoist priests dropping by for their own quirky reasons. This mix creates a rich world where ancient values must adapt to the thinking of the 4.0 era.

The author brilliantly weaves in classic lore, like the legend of the sisters Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing or the Black Bear Spirit. Even minor characters, like the little goose Qi Ji, breathe life into the zoo's bustling atmosphere. These clever details flesh out a rich world that feels uniquely alive.

Running a zoo isn't just about feeding the animals; it's also about raising public awareness. Duan Jiaze turns the place into a cultural hotspot where humans and mythical beasts peacefully coexist. The way he handles PR crises and attracts tourists adds a super realistic, business-savvy vibe to the story.

Key Highlights

• A highly unique premise that blends the system-management trope with familiar Eastern mythology.
• Well-defined characters, from Lu Ya's haughtiness to Daji's clever wit.
• Natural and charming humor that never feels forced, keeping things incredibly fun throughout its 199 chapters.
• The main romance develops naturally and sweetly, with zero frustrating misunderstandings.
• Wholesome messages about animal welfare and environmentalism are subtly and beautifully woven in.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• The pacing early on might feel a bit slow if you're looking for non-stop action.
• Business obstacles are occasionally solved a bit too easily thanks to system perks and divine powers.
• The romance is danmei (BL), so it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

What the Community Thinks

• Novel Updates: 4.4/5 (2,689 votes, as of Sept 30, 2026). Most readers praise the creative integration of deities into a modern zoo setting and the adorable cast of characters.

The Verdict

"Those Years I Opened a Zoo" is the perfect pick if you're looking for a cozy, lighthearted read to unwind after a long day. The blend of fantasy, comedy, and sweet romance gives this story a unique charm in today's crowded urban fantasy genre. If you love business-management stories and mythology, you definitely shouldn't miss out on Duan Jiaze's journey.

TL;DR: A bright, hilarious danmei novel featuring an absolute riot of a mythological cast—perfect for entertainment and healing your soul.

Tags: zoo tycoon, modern mythology, hilarious romance