Chapter 88 Two Dogs

◎Preface◎

(renew)

Two dogs

Upon hearing his words, I suddenly looked out of the car.

Sure enough, the boy who brought his puppy to get a bath chased after me from the store. He stood across the street, mouth agape, looking at me in shock.

“We were seen… Xie Yong.” My arms were weak, like a drowning fish.

I felt a little disappointed, but also a little relieved, at least it wasn't Yu Xu.

Xie Yong glanced outside, his arrogant condescension evident in his eyes. The boy, holding his dog, blushed instantly and lowered his head.

I hesitated and looked at Xie Yong. His dark pupils were like a raging tide in the darkness. His gaze was clearly affectionate, yet it sent chills down my spine.

What's the difference between him and Jiang Zhao? They both have an extremely strong possessive desire, just with different methods.

A gentle, coaxing approach to taking something, and a forceful, ruthless act of plunder that completely disregards my feelings, are essentially the same.

I raised my hand. This was probably one of the few kisses between Xie Yong and me that I initiated. My fingers gently ran through his hair. I lowered my head and kissed him. Xie Yong seemed to gain some inexplicable satisfaction from my actions. Seeing this, I left a bite mark on the exposed part of his neck.

Kissing is incredibly tiring. When I finally pulled away, panting, the boy outside the window was long gone. Instead, Xie Yong smiled slightly and said, "Xiao Fu, do you like me that much?"

I smiled as I saw him raise an eyebrow, waiting for an answer. I stroked the fresh hickey on his neck and met his eyes. "What should we do? You'll find out."

"Then I hope it can stay a little longer." Xie Yong's voice was somewhat languid, as if he was both impatient and pleased. Overall, the doubt in him quickly disappeared.

Xie Yong started the car and drove me back to school. Just as I expected, he had attracted a lot of attention at his father's live campaign event yesterday. Almost everyone at school gave us strange looks.

If Xie Yong hadn't been at the top of the pyramid and already used to the gazes of those around him, I would have found it hard to face such direct stares.

No, rather than being used to it, I feel that Xie Yong seems to really enjoy being with me all the time.

Just as I was thinking this, he suddenly reached out his hand to me.

“It seems like other girls hold their boyfriends’ hands, Xiao Fu,” he reminded me. I felt awkward, but I still reached out and gently took his hand.

Xie Yong took the initiative, holding me firmly and escorting me all the way to the studio.

Seeing that there were still a few students inside, I habitually took a few steps back. Xie Yong saw this and immediately reached out and put his arm around my waist. He looked down at me intently and said, "Xiao Fu, I am not like Jiang Mingzhuo."

“I know,” I said softly, “but Jiang Mingzhuo hasn’t woken up yet. We have to wait until he wakes up.”

“He won’t wake up,” Xie Yong said, a smile playing on his lips as he saw my downcast eyes. “Okay, after you finish your class today, we’ll go to the hospital to see him together. After all, Jiang Mingzhuo and I are friends.”

"Okay." I nodded to him, and Xie Yong smiled slightly before openly kissing my forehead.

As he was leaving, he was still stroking my face, saying, "Do you know how long I've been waiting for this moment...?"

Since last night, his mood seemed different from usual. I tried to control myself, my voice trembling slightly, "Okay, I didn't know you liked to act cute like that."

Xie Yong smiled, took a step back, and I waved and turned to walk into the studio.

Several classmates in the art studio were looking at me with curious eyes. One of them couldn't help but ask, "Xiao Fu, are you dating the mayor's son?"

Seeing her barely contained excitement, I thought for a moment and said, "No, we've only gone on two or three dates alone. We're still in contact, and we haven't officially become a couple."

"I never saw you getting too close to any guys during college. It wasn't until graduation that I found out you started dating." The girl smiled.

I walked back to my seat, cleaned up the expired paint in the cart, and suddenly noticed the light gray invitation on the table.

I took it in my hand and glanced at it. The girl next to me reminded me, "This was sent by a private art museum. The owner is also an alumna of our school. A few days ago, she went back to the school with her husband and son. After discussing with the professor, she decided to sponsor us to hold an art exhibition. Xiao Fu, if you also want to participate, remember to prepare your works in the next few days."

"Thank you," I said, opening the invitation. The handwriting was delicate and beautiful, and the violet paper had a pleasant fragrance. It was a very appropriate message, probably about an art exhibition that would be held at the end of the month, with all the participants being art students from the state university. As a senior student, she was looking forward to us joining in.

Seeing that I was just looking at the invitation, the girl came over and said, "Xiao Fu, this is a rare opportunity. Don't underestimate this private art museum. Its influence every year is no less than that of the Imperial Art Exhibition. Since Senior Sister Gu Yu married this man who is more than 20 years older than her, she has been dealing with people from high society. With her connections, the art exhibition she can arrange for us must be of the highest standard. If we are noticed by some collectors, we won't have to work so hard to find a job after graduation."

I hummed in response, my voice soft.

A while ago was final week, and after everyone handed in their assignments, the art studio was almost deserted.

The New Year holiday has just ended and winter vacation is about to begin. Everyone is being lazy and relaxed. Usually, it's just me and Lu Qixi, but these past few days, probably because of the art exhibition, the art studio has become packed with people in no time.

Almost all the students around me had ideas, but I was still slowly sketching with a pencil in my sketchbook.

What should I draw? My inspiration is not abundant. The close-ups in my sketchbook are of little rabbits, kittens, and silly puppies. I know these are not presentable and collectors will not like them.

Like my classmates, I didn't want to miss this opportunity to participate in the exhibition.

I turned on my phone, and a record of my previous search for Rose Garden suddenly popped up. I looked down, and fine goosebumps quickly rose on my arms. I remembered the beautiful, dreamy pink rose garden in my dream. It was clearly a gentle place, yet it made me feel extremely depressed and suffocated.

Maybe I can draw this?

An idea took shape in my mind; the dream was so vivid for me that I could sketch it out effortlessly.

"Xiao Fu, can I borrow your paints?"

The girl at the door got up and walked towards me, and I nodded. She rummaged through my trolley, found an unopened tube of dark brown paint, and seeing me staring at my phone, she couldn't help but say, "Isn't this the manor over in the East District?"

"You know that?" I asked, looking at her.

“Yes, I tutored in the wealthy area of ​​the East District during the summer vacation. This house is on the hilltop.” The girl recalled, “It’s very big, and very luxurious and beautiful. In the summer, you can see a lot of pink roses. But I heard that the manor seems to be the private property of some powerful person, so I only took a look from afar out of curiosity.”

The astonishment in my eyes was even more obvious, and I pursed my lips slightly.

Of the clues I found, I searched all the rose estates open to the public in the entire Empire State using Google Maps, and they were not the same as the ones in my dream. The remaining three were all private estates, two of which were vacation villas in the suburbs of the Empire State, which I vaguely felt were not the case.

The girl, holding the paint, gave me a grateful smile and returned to her seat.

I looked at my drawing board. My hand holding the pencil was a little pale, and my heart was pounding wildly in my chest.

I have an idea that I can't wait to realize: I want to go and see this manor!

I stood up, and the girl next to me looked at me with concern: "Xiao Fu, what's wrong?"

"Most of the paint has dried out; I'm going to buy some new paint," I said, making up an excuse.

Overhead, dark clouds obscured the sky, making it gloomy and overcast.

I went back to my apartment and got in my car.

Fortunately, the roads had been cleared of snow recently, and the car drove smoothly towards the east. The sea outside the car window had lost its summer vitality and looked gloomy. The sea was calm and without waves.

After a long stretch of straight road, you can already see the seaside holiday villas and public gardens.

These villas, which exude extreme luxury and wealth in the summer, appear somewhat deserted in the winter.

And most of those palaces and castles that imitated Europe were open to the public.

Only along that uphill stretch of the estate, without the shade of summer trees, can you see the luxurious buildings, the meticulously maintained lawns, gardens, and the designs complete with fountains and sculptures.

Streetlights and cameras are installed everywhere, and even if you can't see the guards, you still feel a persistent sense of vigilance.

The car couldn't get into the private area at all, so I had to walk up.

In such a prime location, this manor boasts a vast garden and a private forest behind it. The black gates open to a surprisingly spacious courtyard that seems to stretch as far as the eye can see.

I mustered my courage and was about to climb over the wall when my phone, which was in my bag, suddenly rang.

I lost my footing and fell to the ground in a very awkward manner. It was the pain that calmed me down, and I picked up my phone.

Lu Qixi called me several times, and seemed very anxious.

I looked up at the manor, and at that moment, I hesitated.

Should I really go in? I know the people who live here are all rich and powerful. If I step into their private residence without permission, I will surely face endless accusations.

"Xiao Fu? Where are you?" Lu Qixi's voice sounded extremely anxious.

I calmed down. "Qixi Festival, I'm sorry... I was just driving around looking for inspiration."

"Phew...you scared me to death." She breathed a sigh of relief.

I quietly surveyed the manor before me, remained silent for a moment, then turned and left. I asked her, "Why did you suddenly call me?"

“You might not know this,” Lu Qixi said mysteriously. Even though I couldn’t see her expression, I could guess how cute she was. She paused for a moment, then said, “Xiao Fu, I passed my interview! I’m now an intern lawyer at Financial Street.”

Ye Fenglin was actually not lying.

I blinked, looked up, and saw the car was right in front of me. I got in and congratulated her with a smile, "So, from now on, should I call you Lawyer Lu?"

"Stop teasing me, Xiao Fu." Lu Qixi's tone clearly showed happiness. "Are you free tonight? I'd like to invite you to dinner and also introduce you to some other interns I met at the law firm."

My voice suddenly stopped.

What is that? I just felt that the car parked not far away was a bit strange. It seemed that ever since I parked my car on the side of the road, that Audi had been parked not far away.

You see, this area is the most typical wealthy neighborhood in the Empire State, but unlike the old neighborhood where Xie Yong's family lives, where parking is inconvenient and even the most expensive luxury cars are parked on the side of the street, here every family has a garage, and this car...

"Xiao Fu?"

"Okay, it's Qixi Festival. Which restaurant is it? Send me the address and I'll drive there."

I tried my best to make my voice sound normal. After the call ended, I bit my lip, drove off, and quietly passed by that Audi.

I drove along the coastal highway for a long time without seeing the car, which made me feel a little more relaxed. But just as I entered the city, I suddenly noticed that the car was coming in from another street and was right behind me.

The car windows were fitted with privacy screens, so I couldn't see who it was at all.

I pretended to be nonchalant, took out my phone, and pretended to be navigating to a destination. In reality, I filmed them following me in one go.

After driving through several blocks, I was finally certain that the car was following me.

I can't alert them like I did last time.

The car maintained a very steady speed and gradually disappeared into the traffic.

Around 7 p.m., I found the restaurant according to the address Lu Qixi sent. The car behind me was still parked not far away. I did nothing out of the ordinary and got out of the car naturally in front of them.

"Xiao Fu, over here." Lu Qixi waved to me incessantly from the corridor leading into the restaurant.

This is a restaurant with a great atmosphere. The walls and corridors are covered with green plants, and beautiful weeping jasmine flowers hang from the ceiling, making you feel like you've stepped into a garden.

When I saw her, the tension in my heart seemed to suddenly ease. I jogged a few steps towards her, and Lu Qixi couldn't help but laugh when she saw me panting. "What's wrong? You look so nervous."

"Qixi Festival, I..." I wanted to tell her immediately about the strange car outside the restaurant. I was extremely flustered and didn't know what to do.

Looking into Lu Qixi's eyes, I almost blurted out, but she stroked my cheek with great sympathy, "Xiao Fu, you must have had a hard time these past few days. Young Master Jiang had an accident, and you still had to go to the hospital to take care of him. You look like you've lost weight."

That instant.

I felt a chill run through me; the restaurant was at a comfortable temperature, yet I shivered.

When did I tell Lu Qixi about this? I bit my lip tightly. Jiang Mingzhuo's car accident was kept a secret from his parents, and even the people in the company didn't know. The official reason for postponing the press conference was that Jiang Mingzhuo was abroad on business, not because of an accident.

How did Lu Qixi find out? My hand tightened slightly.

I said softly, "Actually, I've only been there once, because it was too cold outside. I recently had an art exhibition arranged, and I really didn't have any inspiration, so I drove around everywhere. I just came back from the east."

Lu Qixi held my hand. "Xiao Fu, let me go with you next time. Don't run around on your own. Don't you know there have been a lot of robberies in the Empire State lately? There's practically no one in the East District except for Xia Tian. Aren't you afraid something will happen to you?"

She is the girl who understands me best, supports me the most, and protects me the most. I shouldn't doubt her.

I stared at her blankly, and a thought suddenly flashed through my mind: were those people who were following me just worried that something would happen to me?

But my trip to Rose Manor was completely unexpected by everyone. How did they find out about it...?

If Lu Qixi and I are inseparable every day...

They're not around every single moment...

No, there is a place.

I remembered the room across from my apartment that could always see what I was doing.

My neighbors, the residents next door, and the housewives downstairs who are always chatting.

Lu Qixi, a classmate and teacher in the art studio...

Which one is real and which one is fake?

"Xiao Fu?" Lu Qixi called me again.

I then came to my senses. "Qixi, you're already interning at the law firm. You're not as free as before. It's more important for you to focus on your work."

I controlled my emotions to make myself look the same as usual. I affectionately hugged Lu Qixi's arm, and she smiled. "Okay, okay, when I become a lawyer like my master, I'll hold an art exhibition for Xiao Fu, so you can live comfortably at home for the rest of your life."

As I entered the restaurant, I clearly saw my reflection in the mirror.

Her face was pale, and she looked so frail that she seemed about to faint at any moment.

Lu Qixi ordered two black truffle beef set meals, which also included soup, appetizers, and dessert. Seeing her smiling and chatting with me the whole time, I forced myself to stay awake and decided to test the waters by asking, "Qixi, I'm going to the hospital to see Jiang Mingzhuo tomorrow. Do you want to come?"

"Huh?" Her face showed some fear and apprehension.

"Are you busy? Or... do you not want to go?"

“Xiao Fu, I can do it, but I’m scared,” Lu Qixi quickly found an excuse, “I’m afraid to see him hurt too badly, I’ll have nightmares.”

I smiled slightly and looked at her, resting my chin on my hand.

Once I had doubts in my heart, it became very difficult for me to open up to Lu Qixi.

I can't deny the warmth I received from her. She always took care of me and stayed by my side at school. I would tell her anything that troubled me. But when I clearly realized that she might just be watching me, observing me, and reporting every little detail of my life to others...

It was painful. I realized that the person who allowed her to monitor me was the only one who connected us.

If it weren't for "him", I might never have met Lu Qixi.

It seems that as "Jiang Fu," I am not worthy of having any connection with anyone in this world.

When Lu Qixi got out of the car, she smiled and waved at me. The smile on my face remained until I could no longer see her, and then I finally cried.

"It was him, it must have been them..."

The phrase seemed to keep repeating in my mind. I couldn't even describe this eerie feeling. I felt like I was in a strange, distorted world, and my life seemed to revolve only around those men.

I couldn't find the missing memories, and every man who approached me seemed to have ulterior motives. I felt uncomfortable, even in pain. My whole body felt burning. I had to hastily park my car near the apartment and go back to take some medicine and get some sleep.

No, I believe that after I go back, it won't be long before people "find out" that I'm sick.

I took a few steps back and looked at the neighborhood that I knew so well. For the first time, I felt fear. The quiet neighborhood, with its flashing streetlights, seemed like a monster with its jaws wide open, waiting for me to enter and then swallow me whole.

My steps were unusually unsteady. I couldn't even believe everyone who lived nearby. Before I knew it, I had walked to the pet store. Looking at the green sign, I approached slowly. The door was pushed open from the inside, and the man named Yu Xu was startled when he saw me.

"You? Sorry, we're closing up shop."

"Do you know Jiang Mingzhuo was in a car accident?" I gave him a helpless smile, my voice very soft. "Or, do you know people like Xie Yong, Jiang Zhao, Lin Jindong, or Ye Fenglin?"

Yu Xu frowned, his eyes filled with confusion and worry about my mental state. Wasn't he arranged this? I don't believe it.

He turned and went back into the store. After a while, he brought me a thermometer and handed it to me. He himself put on a coat and was also wearing a scarf.

“I’m sorry, I think you might have a fever. Please take your temperature with this. I’ll go to the nearby pharmacy to buy you some medicine,” he said, quickly putting on his scarf while looking at me. “It’s not safe for you to stay here so late. I’ll take you home later.”

I looked down at the thermometer.

"You really don't know the people I'm talking about? Don't lie to me..." My voice grew softer and softer, and the tears of hurt, fear, and grievance just wouldn't stop.

Yu Xu stopped walking and looked at me quietly. "I'm sorry, I know Xie Yong. When we were in high school, I participated in a math competition summer camp with him, but I don't think he remembers me."

His eyes remained fixed on me, gentle, clear, and calm. He looked completely different from the people around me. In those dark eyes, I saw myself on the verge of a mental breakdown.

"I..." A wave of bitterness welled up in my eyes, making me want to cry even more.

"I'm so scared. I feel like nothing around me is real, and I've forgotten so much. I can't remember anything." I stammered, as if I had finally found someone to confide in. I wanted to tell him about my fear, but I was also afraid that my words would frighten him.

Yu Xu sighed slightly.

He said, “Don’t be afraid, okay? I don’t know how to make you believe me, but I will listen to whatever you want to say until you don’t want to talk anymore, or until you are tired of talking.”

Yu Xu solemnly assured me, and I hesitantly raised my head.

Under his gaze, I calmed down a bit and checked my forehead.

38.2.

I really had a fever... I looked at the thermometer and handed it back to him. He quickly cleaned up the shop and then took me to a nearby pharmacy to buy some medicine. He also bought a refrigerated sandwich and hot cocoa from the convenience store, heated them up, and delivered them to me.

"You're sick, do you want to go to the hospital?"

I leaned back in my chair and shook my head at him.

Yu Xu pursed his lips, picked up his phone, and I immediately opened my eyes wide in horror. Seeing this, he handed the phone to me, went into the store to get a cup of hot water, and watched me take the medicine. My eyes were red, and I sat in my seat with a dull pain in my lower abdomen, as if something was flowing down.

"What's wrong?" Yu Xu asked patiently when he noticed my strange expression.

He maintained a polite distance from me throughout, and even when he handed me the water glass, he never touched my hand.

"I think... my period has started." I gripped the paper cup of hot cocoa tightly, feeling cold sweat from head to toe, waves of pain in my lower abdomen, a burning, itchy feeling on my skin after an allergic reaction, and the drowsiness brought on by a high fever.

Everything was unbearable for me, and I didn't know what to do except silently shed tears.

Through my blurry vision, I seemed to see Yu Xu walk back to the shelves in the store, and then he handed me the package he had bought.

"I'm sorry," Yu Xu said, his cheeks slightly flushed, his voice tense with nervousness. "Go to the store and change first, then I'll take you to see a doctor."

I nodded gently.

He reached out to help me. I lingered inside for a long time, and Yu Xu waited patiently for me. He drove his car and parked it outside the convenience store, then draped his coat over my lap and bent down to fasten my seatbelt.

I blinked blankly, watching him drive off to another block.

In addition to senior centers, pediatric clinics, various convenience stores and pharmacies, there is also a 24-hour community hospital nearby.

Seeing that I was in too much pain to speak, he gently lifted me up. I lay in his arms, my vision and mind too dulled to perceive anything around me. I could only vaguely hear him describing my condition to the doctor.

“She had an allergic reaction. Her temperature was taken half an hour ago and she had a high fever. In addition, she is also menstruating,” Yu Xu said slowly. “She only took fever reducer and did not eat anything else. She drank half a cup of hot chocolate.”

Then, I was put on a small hospital bed. It was almost midnight, and the hospital room was even colder than outside. The blankets on the bed were thick and heavy, and the cold touch made me shiver. I hugged myself tightly because I was so cold that I couldn't bear the pain at all.

"It's so cold, I want to go home," I cried, sounding quite pitiful.

After a while, I probably passed out.

My body slowly warmed up, and the blankets felt much softer. I couldn't help but curl up in the covers. A moment later, my throat felt dry, and I instinctively uttered, "I want some water..."

Warm water was brought to my lips, and I bit the straw, drinking continuously. My body slowly began to feel more comfortable.

"I want to sleep," I said habitually.

"Take your medicine before you sleep, okay?" the other person said gently to me.

His eyelashes lifted weakly and slowly. I obediently stepped forward, took the medicine, and grabbed his sleeve. He patiently let me do this and tucked me into the warm bed. I pulled the blanket tighter and fell asleep.

I slept well all night.

I have never had such a painful and suffocating nightmare again.

I slowly woke up and felt much better. I opened my eyes to find myself in completely unfamiliar surroundings. There was no pungent smell of disinfectant, and the walls were covered with huge photos taken by the boy during his travels. The room was exceptionally fresh and clean, and there were vibrant plants by the window, all well-cared for.

"I……"

The whole room was warm and comfortable with the air conditioning on. There was a humidifier in the corner, and a note was tucked under a thermos on the bedside table.

I'm going to class and will be back at noon. There's breakfast and medicine in the kitchen, and in the closet in the bedroom are clothes I borrowed from the neighbor, as well as things girls use during their periods.

You can use it directly.

Preface.

My eyes welled up with tears, and I felt a surge of warmth in my chest.

Although my feelings for him are vague, I have to admit that I have an unprecedented urge to get to know him and thank him, even though I have only met him a few times.

[Author's Note]

Sorry for the wait! I wrote over 3000 words yesterday, and today I've already reached 7000. Tomorrow I'll guarantee at least 7000 words, and aim for 10000 words a day! I've been quite busy this week, so I'll make up for the missed words over the weekend.