Chapter 6

I returned to Cheng Yedu’s apartment. Diandian was waiting for me at the door.

He was a beautiful little mutt, with soft fur, bright eyes, and a bit of a people-pleasing personality.

Cheng Yedu and I had been hiking once, and a farmer said his dog had just had puppies and we could take one if we wanted.

I refused immediately.

I didn’t have my own place, and I was planning to study abroad. How could I possibly raise a puppy?

But my body betrayed me. I spent the entire day playing with the puppies in the yard, and when it was time to leave, I couldn’t bring myself to let the little one go.

The farmer asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to take him?”

Cheng Yedu said, “We’ll take him.”

My feelings were complicated. I asked him, “Are you sure? Are you ready to be responsible for him for his entire life?”

He gave me a half-smile. “Why does that sound like a marriage proposal?”

“I mean, I don’t own a place in this city. If we break up, I can’t take care of him. Can you promise to always look after him?”

He gave me a long, deep look but didn’t answer. He just picked up the puppy and got in the car.

…

I fed Diandian and took him out for a walk.

As I packed my things, he kept circling my feet.

I stroked his head, my heart aching.

“I’m sorry, little guy, but I have to go.”

“At the end of the day, you’re your dad’s kid. Your dad and I were just a fling, which means we’re not directly related…”

He wagged his tail as if he understood, then trotted into the living room and brought back a ball for me to play with.

I didn’t have many things; everything fit into one suitcase.

After I finished packing, I played with the puppy until he was tired. I used up all the remaining film in my Polaroid camera taking pictures of him, then ruffled his fur one last time.

“Bye, Diandian!”

“Be a happy, healthy boy, always!”