Chapter 16: An An

In the end, Antong could not resist the temptation of the word "attachment" and took in the little puppy, naming it An'an.

Just as Rong Shen had said, the pup was very young and extremely clingy. Every time Antong tried to set it down from her arms, it would start whimpering incessantly. After several attempts, Antong frowned helplessly. "Do you really need to be held to stop crying?"

Whether or not it understood her, the little puppy let out two soft whimpers and continued to leap toward her. Antong scooped up its round, chubby body and cradled it in her arms, murmuring, "You’d better keep your promise."

The puppy's cries ceased immediately.

Antong gently stroked its head. Though her movements were somewhat awkward, it was clear she had accepted this unexpected visitor from the heart.

Seeing this, Rong Shen slowly crossed his legs, his deep voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction. "It seems to like you very much. If you have any questions about caring for it, you can always ask Cheng Feng."

"No problem, Miss An. If you need anything, just call me," Cheng Feng replied.

Antong nodded in thanks, her expression brightening considerably. "Thank you for your trouble today."

"It’s no trouble at all," the man said, gazing at the young woman’s unusually pale cheeks, his Adam's apple rolling slightly. "I have things to attend to, so let’s leave it here today."

"I’ll see you out."

Just as Antong was about to set the puppy down and escort him to the door, the little one sensed something and immediately began whimpering in her arms.

Rong Shen stood and, with a faint smile, said there was no need to see him off.

Antong noted his smile, gentle and benevolent like an elder. "Then… should I pay you for the treatment in cash?"

"No rush, we can talk about it next time."

Moments later, the man left Yunhai Road’s bungalow with Cheng Feng.

Antong cradled An'an as she watched him go. A cool breeze brushed her face, and she suddenly remembered that the treatment fee for her last visit to the resort hadn’t been settled either.

Later, as the sun sank behind the mountains, Antong received a call from Cheng Feng. Her small courtyard was soon piled high with pet formula and supplies he had specially delivered.

"Miss An, Ninth Master is worried you’re unfamiliar with caring for a pet on your first try, so he asked me to bring you some essentials. Everything has instructions—if you’re unsure, just ask me."

Antong’s first reaction was to pay.

But Cheng Feng waved his hands repeatedly, hurriedly gave a few instructions, and rushed away; he dared not accept Miss An’s money.

Looking at the dazzling array of pet supplies, Antong felt Dr. Rong was too thoughtful and meticulous, stirring a sense of indebtedness within her.

Thus, in Antong’s heart, Rong Shen’s image grew ever taller and grander—truly a rare gentleman and healer, a guide for life.

…

Time slipped by silently. With the arrival of An'an, the little puppy, a ripple stirred in Antong’s once stagnant life.

For the past two days, she hadn’t left home; aside from replying to messages about part-time work, she spent most of her time reading and keeping An'an company.

This feeling was strange to Antong—the empty, silent rooms no longer echoed only her footsteps.

An'an was very attached to her, following her everywhere with little hops.

The pup was clever, sensing Antong’s kindness and companionship, and rarely barked without reason.

The next day was Thursday, the third.

The forecast predicted a drop in temperature and light rain over the next two days.

At seven in the morning, Antong sat at her window, lost in thought. The sky was gray, clouds blocking the sun, casting a shadow over her heart.

At that moment, An'an crouched at her feet, whimpering softly.

Antong came back to herself, picked it up, and whispered a bargain, "I have to go out. You stay home… wait for me, don’t bark."

An'an stuck out its little tongue and licked her face, so sweet and obedient it melted her heart.

"Never mind, taking you along won’t affect my errands."

Antong gave in first, prepared milk and dog food for An'an, ate some bread herself, and left before eight.

Though the puppy was small, holding it for long periods made her arms sore.

Shortly after leaving the alley, Antong eyed her hoodie and, with a few quick movements, tucked An'an into the roomy front pocket.

With a pet on her, she couldn’t use public transportation.

Antong took a cab to the base of Su Ji’s apartment, planning to drive out for errands.

She had just entered the parking garage when her phone rang.

Upon answering, Su Ji’s voice came through, cold and sinister. "Come clean—where did you drive my car while I was away?"

Antong stood by the elevator, one hand in her pocket kneading the puppy, the other holding the phone as she countered, "What’s wrong, did it break down?"

"No," Su Ji snorted, "but… the wheels are caked in mud. Care to explain?"

Antong deftly changed the subject, "You’re back?"

"Of course." Su Ji boasted with some pride, "On such an important day, I had to hurry home to be with you. Wait at home, I’ll pick you up."

As Su Ji finished speaking, Antong heard the engine start.

Soon enough, the sisters met in the underground garage.

Su Ji had rushed back at five in the morning; despite concealer, fatigue lingered at her eyes.

Antong obediently climbed into the car, cradling An'an in her hoodie pocket and quietly said, "You’re so busy—next time don’t bother coming back, I can manage on my own."

"I’m happy to do it," Su Ji insisted.

However, as she was about to start the car, Su Ji caught movement in Antong’s lap from the corner of her eye, and asked in alarm, "What’s moving? What did you stuff in your belly?"

Antong revealed the pup’s little head, tugging at her hoodie for Su Ji to see. "This is An'an—cute, isn’t it?"

Su Ji stared at the puppy for a long time, speechless, and after a careful inquiry, finally understood the story.

Her tone instantly turned sour, "I used to suggest you get a pet, but someone just wouldn’t listen. Looks like the doctor’s advice works better than mine—his words are golden to you."

Antong kept her head down, stroking the puppy, attempting to explain, "It came here on its own…"

"Is that so?" Su Ji pressed the gas pedal, mercilessly teasing, "So many fancy guesthouses, and it chose your rundown courtyard? This dog has a taste for the poor, not the rich."

Antong fell silent. She knew she couldn’t win the argument, so she simply gave up.

Despite her sharp tongue, Su Ji was genuinely pleased with Antong’s change.

Perhaps that doctor wasn’t as… ill-intentioned as she’d feared.

Half an hour later, Su Ji’s car stopped at the specialty store for offerings.

Tomorrow marked the third anniversary of Aunt An’s and Xiao Qi’s passing.