Ji Chenai: “….” He was unsure whether the dog could eat the cake, seeing that the large dog was wearing a collar around its neck, the dog must be lost but then again how could the dog enter the mall?

Just as Ji Chenai was pondering, a man’s voice interrupted. “Baobao Tang, you’re running around again.”

Ji Chenai followed the voice to a man in a plaid shirt, smiling gently. He was taller than Zhou Yaoyun, and even from a distance, Ji Chenai felt his imposing presence.

The man approached, securing the rope on the dog’s collar, and addressed Ji Chenai with a smile. “I’m sorry, it escaped when I wasn’t looking.”

Ji Chenai shook his head, indicating it was fine.

The man continued, “Do you need to wash your hands again? I noticed Baobao Tang licking you earlier.”

The was displaying attentiveness. Ji Chenai replied. “Then I’ll trouble you.”

So, the man, with one hand leading the dog and the other pushing Ji Chenai’s wheelchair. They entered the restroom together, and the man stood by Ji Chenai’s side throughout, even handling him tissue after washing his hands.

“Can dogs come in here too?” Ji Chenai asked, noticing the lack of surprise from the coffee shop’s owner and neither the security nor the cleaning staff objected to the dog.

The man simply smiled, explaining. “Today’s an exception. Baobao Tang had a vet appointment. I was planning to take him home afterward, but something came up so I had to bring him here.”

As he spoke, he pushed Ji Chenai’s wheelchair back into the coffee shop, saying. “I apologize for the inconvenience today. Let me treat you to dessert.”

Before Ji Chenai could decline, he settled the bill with a smile and then left, holding Baobao Tang.

Ji Chenai found it a simple, harmonious encounter, but as he sipped his coffee, he suddenly realized the man seemed familiar.

—