Jiang’s father, sitting on the sofa, looked at Jiang’s mother, who was smiling brightly. “Why are you so happy?”
Seeing her expression of a prank successfully carried out, he shook his head with a laugh.
Jiang’s mother said with a grin, “By now, Xiao’er has definitely discovered Xiao Ha. It’s about time he took him out for a walk.”
Only then did Jiang’s father realize that the puppy that had been circling his feet earlier was gone. He pointed at her. “You’re still like a child. He’s going to a classmates’ banquet. What’s he supposed to do bringing Xiao Ha along?”
Jiang’s mother refused to back down. “Why can’t he? It’ll temper his temperament a bit. He’s always acting old and solemn. He doesn’t look like a young person at all.”
Jiang’s father clicked his tongue. “So someone as jumpy as Qin Fen has youthful energy?”
If he had a son like Qin Fen, he would cry himself to death. “Xiao’er is just fine like this. A little steadier is more reliable. Weren’t you drawn to me for being steady and reliable?”
Jiang’s mother spat lightly in his direction. “Shameless. Get lost.”
Jiang’s father burst into laughter.
In the car, Jiang Chan and Xiao Ha stared at each other.
Seeing that Jiang Chan had noticed him, Xiao Ha’s eyes lit up. He panted and tried to leap toward her. Unfortunately, his legs were short. After several failed attempts, he whimpered anxiously.
Qin Fen found it amusing. He lifted Xiao Ha by the front legs and placed him on the passenger seat. Tapping the three flame markings on the puppy’s forehead, he said, “Not bad. He even knows how to follow the car.”
Jiang Chan pressed her fingers to her temple. “It’s the middle of summer. We’re going to a teacher appreciation banquet. What was my mom thinking putting Xiao Ha in the car? What are we supposed to do with him? Leave him in here? What if he overheats?”
Qin Fen laughed. “What’s there to worry about? We’ll tuck him inside my shirt and sneak him in. I’ll carry him. You cover for me.”
He was completely smitten, constantly squeezing Xiao Ha’s pointed ears. The puppy loved playing and bounced excitedly on Qin Fen’s lap.
Watching Qin Fen’s intelligence regress to that of a three year old, Jiang Chan felt helpless. Forget the dog. You could not expect a dog to think. But had Qin Fen forgotten his real age?
After parking, Qin Fen boldly lifted the hem of his T-shirt. Xiao Ha was tucked against his stomach, creating a noticeable bulge, as if he were pregnant.
Jiang Chan dutifully provided cover. Just as they reached the entrance, Wu You came out to greet them, and no server approached. Jiang Chan finally let out a long breath.
Most classmates had already arrived. The teachers had not yet come. The atmosphere was lively. The girls were clearly dressed up in skirts and makeup.
As soon as they entered, Qin Fen released Xiao Ha. The short walk had already left sweat on his stomach.
The puppy’s appearance caused a stir. Unlike adult dogs, a young husky had little destructive power. At this stage, he was at his most adorable.
The girls all competed to hold him, eyes sparkling. Xiao Ha accepted everyone’s attention happily.
When dishes were served, the students discreetly shielded him from view. Throughout the entire evening, he went unnoticed.
Knowing that puppies had sensitive stomachs, no one fed him inappropriate food despite their fondness. Xiao Ha scratched at Jiang Chan’s pants in frustration.
Toasts were inevitable. Jiang Chan took a glass of wine and toasted the homeroom teacher and subject teachers. They stayed briefly, ate a little, and left. With teachers present, the students could not fully relax.
Once the teachers departed, the atmosphere loosened. Games began.
Jiang Chan did not enjoy the noise. She stayed in a corner with Xiao Ha, occasionally feeding him mild food.
Song Miao approached with two glasses of cocktail, her gaze shifting as she made up her mind.
Jiang Chan was holding a piece of cantaloupe above Xiao Ha’s head, teasing him as he jumped against her leg.
Watching her relaxed profile, Song Miao bit her lip. In the end, her private desire prevailed. She set one glass down in front of Jiang Chan. “Jiang, shall we have a drink?”
Jiang Chan’s expression cooled slightly. “Sorry, I don’t drink.”
Song Miao bit her lip. You just toasted the teachers. She forced a pitiful look. “Are you looking down on me?”
“You’re overthinking it. I simply don’t drink. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave.”
Song Miao’s eyes shifted. “Then I’ll get you juice. Juice is fine, right? I know I went too far recently. Please don’t hold it against me.”
Before Jiang Chan could refuse, she returned quickly with two glasses of orange juice, leaving no room for objection.
Jiang Chan eyed the glass with suspicion. Song Miao’s insistence felt excessive.
Subtly, she patted Xiao Ha by her feet. The puppy barked and ran out of the booth. Jiang Chan stood to follow, but Song Miao clenched her teeth. “I’ll get Xiao Ha. You stay and rest.”
Watching Song Miao hurry away, Jiang Chan lifted the glass and gave a faint laugh.
Beside her stood a large potted money tree. After discreetly collecting a sample with a tissue, she poured the remaining juice into the plant.
It was not paranoia. In such settings, she rarely consumed drinks handed to her by others. If she wanted something, she would get it herself.
A minute later, Song Miao returned carrying Xiao Ha. Seeing the empty glass, she exhaled in relief.
After sitting briefly, Jiang Chan had nothing to say to her. She picked up Xiao Ha and stroked his silver gray fur lazily. “I’m heading back. Do as you please.”
Without waiting for a response, she carried Xiao Ha out. Song Miao tried to speak but was too late. Her expression twisted with anger.
Instead of going home, Jiang Chan drove to a nearby hospital. She wanted the orange juice tested.
Given Song Miao’s persistence, she did not believe she would give up easily.
Holding Xiao Ha outside while waiting, the results came back.
“There’s an extremely high concentration of sedatives on this tissue. A single sip would cause immediate unconsciousness. Where did you get something like this?”
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