Just going out for a walk, this guy really takes preparation to a whole new level.

Run Sheng, holding a "cigar," said somewhat impatiently, "Let’s go!"

These days, even in the city, you don’t often see people using dog leashes, let alone in the countryside. However, the countryside has its own pet ecosystem; any dog that bites or scratches people will be humanely dealt with.

One person and one dog walked along the field ridge, through the rice paddies; the evening breeze and moonlight made it very peaceful.

Occasionally, a group of house dogs would come out at night to patrol their territory, but sensing Xiao Hei’s presence, they would immediately scatter and flee, not daring to come close and disturb.

Just as Xiao Hei was getting immersed in this harmonious atmosphere, Run Sheng’s next words made its fur stand on end.

"Xiao Hei, will you betray us in the future?"

Xiao Hei couldn’t understand complex human language, after all, it was just a lazy dog that drank tonic and donated a little blood regularly. But it could feel the emotion behind the words.

Run Sheng spoke out of emotion, having recently witnessed the betrayal of a monkey and a dog. Naturally, he would think of his own pet.

Xiao Hei immediately lay flat on the ground, wagging its tail frantically.

It knew Run Sheng wasn’t going to kill it, but it feared being set free by Run Sheng more.

With its excellent appearance and being raised in luxury, when other female dogs went into heat, many male dogs would gather eagerly at the yard.

With Xiao Hei, it was the opposite; females in heat would come to Li Sanjiang’s house as if waiting for a blessing.

But Xiao Hei never went out because it seemed to understand the key to maintaining its luxurious lifestyle was staying pure.

Originally, according to initial plans, Xiao Hei had already completed three rounds of service and should have been set free to pursue its own happiness.

Run Sheng had let it go already, planning to buy a new Five Black Dogs puppy to take over, but it just wouldn’t leave, showing no intention of making way for future generations.

Seeing Xiao Hei so frightened, Run Sheng felt he was overthinking.

He reached out and patted Xiao Hei on the head, as Xiao Hei obsequiously stuck out its tongue to lick Run Sheng’s fingers.

"Alright, let’s go home."

Run Sheng headed back, and Xiao Hei followed with its head up, taking large strides, its eyes scanning around like the most loyal guard.

And after returning, for a rare occasion, it didn’t go straight to the kennel to sleep but lay in the yard guarding the house. At the slightest movement, it would bark loudly, "Woof woof woof."

This barking woke Li Sanjiang, who was getting up at night to use the bathroom, cursing at Xiao Hei below:

"Stupid dog, what’s all the barking about? Go back to sleep!"

This lazy dog has been with the family for years, so having it suddenly bark was unusual for the owners.

Inside the room, Alii stood in front of the drawing table, holding a paintbrush, deep in thought for a long time.

She still hadn’t figured out how to design this wave’s illustration. Xiao Yuan wouldn’t like the body to be in the picture, but she couldn’t paint her grandmother, let alone that lazy dog.

"No rush, think about it slowly." Li Zhiyuan took Alii’s hand, led her downstairs, and sent her back to the East Room.

As soon as the door opened, an old lady’s voice came from inside:

"Alii, pour a cup of tea for your sister."

Then, silence filled the room.

Alii smiled.

Li Zhiyuan also smiled.

Alii poured tea, refilled the teapot with hot water, and then filled the cup. She wasn’t particular, but it was Alii who did it, and the sentiment was there.

In the days of being "Miss Liu," Liu Yumei gave her younger sister plenty of commands.

Miss Liu herself found it strange that although this sister wasn’t meticulous at serving, and couldn’t catch the right cues, Miss Liu couldn’t bring herself to be upset with her sister. Even if she just brought a cup of plain water, Miss Liu could still savor it like fine tea.

At this time, Liu Yumei sat up in bed and took the teacup, drinking two sips.

"Xiao Yuan already knows, right?"

Alii nodded.

Liu Yumei sighed, "Alright, I’m too lazy to pretend anymore. My face is already lost."

Alii took back the cup and put it back in place.

"Xiao Yuan is still a good kid; grandma can see that he treats you differently than others."

Alii began to undress and changed into her pajamas.

"But grandma’s words still count. It’s just that grandma got anxious. Xiao Yuan has great talent and a limitless future. He could really lift the gates of the Qin and Liu Families back up.

Alii, we’re not marrying for alliance or tying you down to him. Even if we reach rock bottom, we’re still the Dragon King family; we wouldn’t do such shameful things.

If you don’t like him or if you feel it’s inappropriate, don’t worry about grandma or the family; we can find someone else, or you can never marry. After all, your condition is getting better and better."

Alii, having changed into white silk pajamas, went to give Liu Yumei another cup of tea.

"Grandma’s not thirsty."

Alii shook her head.

Liu Yumei had no choice but to drink the tea again.

Then, Alii poured another cup and handed it to her again.

Liu Yumei understood and gave her granddaughter an annoyed look:

"Is this to stop grandma’s talking? You brat, alright, grandma talks too much."

Alii took the cup away, got into bed, and lay down inside.

Liu Yumei: "This child, you’re more decisive than grandma was in her youth, more aware of what you want. Unlike grandma, who liked him but pretended to ignore him for years, thinking if I agreed easily, I’d lose face.

Looking back now, grandma has some regrets. If only I knew the future was so short, why did I cling to my pride back then?