Song Xi had finally earned a day off and was catching up on sleep at home when she suddenly received a call from Huang Liuer.
"Xiaoxi! You’re resting today, right?"
Still drowsy, Song Xi replied, "Yes."
"Come over to my place! I simply must show you something eye-opening!"
"I don't think so. It would be too much of an imposition."
"It’s fine, really. I’m the only one at the villa. Lord Shang is so busy that he’s never even set foot in this place. You don't have to worry at all."
Hearing this, Song Xi felt a bit tempted. If Gu Lishang wasn't there, she would certainly feel much more at ease.
Before Song Xi could even answer, Huang Liuer had already decided firmly. "That’s settled then, it’s a date! I’m sending someone to pick you up right now!"
Unable to refuse Huang Liuer’s enthusiastic invitation, Song Xi eventually found herself being chauffeured to the villa.
The villa was designed in a traditional Chinese style, with pavilions and corridors winding through the grounds, and arched bridges spanning tranquil, elegant streams.
The servants had already set up tea and refreshments in a pavilion. After they had walked until they were tired, they sat down to admire the expensive koi swimming in the clear lake water while sipping tea. Such a leisurely life was truly enviable.
Huang Liuer had booked a facial spa and originally wanted to drag Song Xi along, but since Song Xi wasn't interested, Huang Liuer went on her own.
"If there’s anything you want to eat or drink, just tell the servants. If you’re bored, feel free to wander around, but a word of warning: stay away from the backyard. There’s a dog kept there, and it’s notoriously fierce."
"Got it."
Song Xi was bored out of her mind, tossing feed to the koi in the pavilion. The fish in the lake were all as fat as pigs; it seemed they were well-fed indeed.
Unsure of what to do after finishing the fish food, she stood up and wandered about. Suddenly, a Border Collie with a merle coat came bounding toward her, full of energy.
She instinctively stepped back a few paces, but the Border Collie stopped obediently at her feet, tilted its head, and sniffed around her.
She didn't dare move—she really didn't dare!
"Woof! Woof woof!"
After circling her once, the Border Collie looked up and barked twice, then rubbed its head against her leg.
"Huh?"
She had thought it was going to be aggressive, but it was actually this docile?
With the dog showing such initiative, Song Xi lost her fear. She crouched down and ruffled the soft fur on its head. The dog’s coat was smooth and fluffy; it felt wonderful.
She glanced toward the backyard. Although she was relatively close to it, this shouldn't count as the backyard, right? And since this dog was so gentle, it surely wasn't the fierce one Huang Liuer had warned her about.
Thinking this, Song Xi stroked the dog with even more confidence.
"Baby, what’s your name?"
"Woof woof!"
"You’re so pretty, baby."
"Woof woof!"
"Can you shake hands, baby?"
To her surprise, the dog actually extended its paw. Song Xi reached out to shake it, sighing to herself—a dog is indeed just a dog, but a Border Collie is something else entirely.
"Who gave you permission to touch him?"
A cold voice shattered the warm atmosphere between Song Xi and the dog. Startled, she quickly pulled her hand back and turned around.
The man walked toward her against the light. The sun outlined his tall, straight figure. Although she couldn't see his features clearly, the aura he carried was so intense it was impossible to look away.
"I’m sorry."
Song Xi apologized and stood up. Only then did she see his face clearly.
Gu Lishang?
Didn't Sister Liuer say she had never seen him? Why had he suddenly come back?
Her fair, pretty face turned pale in an instant. She bit her lip and looked away, hoping to avoid any eye contact with him.
"Did I frighten you? You look so aggrieved."
"No..."
Song Xi’s reply was dishonest. He clearly had been frightening, but she didn't dare say it.
Gu Lishang explained his previous comment. "Did you wash your hands before touching the dog? Stone is getting old, and he’s prone to getting sick."
"I washed my hands before tea..." Song Xi replied guiltily. She stole a glance at him and added, "Does that count?"
Gu Lishang was charmed by her little expression, and his tone softened.
"Go wash them again."
"Oh, right away!"
Song Xi obediently ran off to wash her hands, even using hand soap before returning.
Gu Lishang was sitting casually on the lawn, one leg bent and the other stretched out, holding a ball and interacting with the dog. Before Song Xi came out, the dog had been perfectly cooperative. But the moment the dog saw Song Xi, it abandoned Gu Lishang and sprinted toward her, jumping up and nudging her head, begging to be petted.
Gu Lishang: "..."
Song Xi crouched down to stroke the dog’s head. It was truly hard to resist the enthusiasm of such a small animal.
Suddenly, the dog turned and bounded back toward Gu Lishang. A smile finally appeared on the man's face.
"Remembered me, have you?"
The dog jumped around in front of Gu Lishang, signaling for him to throw the ball. Gu Lishang tossed it, and the dog leaped up, catching the ball with a graceful motion.
Song Xi clapped from the side. "Good job, baby!"
Just as Gu Lishang confidently expected the dog to bring the ball back to him, the dog executed a perfect turn, ignored him completely, walked over to Song Xi, and dropped the ball at her feet.
Gu Lishang: "????"
Well, well. It turned out he was the clown.
Song Xi felt a bit awkward after picking up the ball. After all, the dog’s owner was right there; wouldn't her actions look like she was taking over? She looked at Gu Lishang, feeling she should respect the owner's wishes.
Gu Lishang: "Just throw it the way I did."
That counted as permission.
Song Xi mimicked Gu Lishang’s throw. The dog caught it every time, even showing off different styles of catching as if it were boasting about its skills, behaving like a very smug little child.
Gu Lishang: "Stone is usually wary of strangers. He’s only taken a liking to you."
Song Xi stroked the dog’s head freely. The dog wore a silly, happy expression, actively leaning into her touch. It was impossible to tell that this was an introverted dog.
"Is that so? I thought he was just naturally friendly."
Gu Lishang sat not far away, watching the scene, his gaze softening. The frustrations of his work seemed to be healed by this sight, and even his mood relaxed significantly.
He had originally been very annoyed by the old man's decision to bring a woman to his villa, which was why he had avoided coming here. He had only stopped by today to check on Stone, never expecting to run into her.
Gu Lishang couldn't help but think that if she were to be a part of his life, it might actually work out.
Just as this thought sprouted, a woman in a sexy slip dress and exquisite makeup appeared on the lawn. In the breeze, the hem of her dress swayed, and she looked incredibly alluring.
"Lord Shang, you're back!"
Huang Liuer ran over from a distance, crouched beside Gu Lishang, and reached out to gently grab his arm. "I was busy and couldn't come out to greet you immediately. You aren't angry with me, are you?"
Gu Lishang frowned, his expression darkening instantly. He brushed Huang Liuer’s hand away with a look of disgust.
"Who are you?"
"I’m Huang Liuer."
Gu Lishang recognized the name; she was the girl the old man had insisted on bringing into his home.
"What about her?"
Huang Liuer looked at Song Xi and smiled, explaining, "She’s a friend I invited over as a guest."