Chapter 107: Ruthless Determination

“Cousin, that dog…” Gong Shaoyu glanced at the two of them and the dog walking ahead, his mouth twitching as he said.

“I’m used to it!” Gu Li lounged sideways, running a hand through his hair.

“Oh.”

“Hey, are you two gentlemen alright?” A rough female voice came from above—the vegetable vendor.

“We’re… fine!” Gu Li glanced up sideways and replied.

“Fine, fine, and still lying down! What are you doing sprawled out on my vegetable stall? So young and already so careless!” The vendor launched into a tirade, berating the two young men mercilessly.

Gu Li muttered to himself, “Today just isn’t my day.”

Gong Shaoyu thought, “Why did I even come out today?”

Meanwhile, Fubao was treating Little Black to a feast, storming into the tavern and indulging without restraint.

“I say, Ba’er, your dog sure can eat! Wait… have you ever seen anyone bring a dog to a tavern?” The Chen family’s young lady looked at the black dog, happily roaming after eating its fill, with a hint of helplessness. She had expected a fierce beast but got a foodie instead!

“Money talks! If they have money, even a donkey can be brought in! Don’t worry!” Fubao said nonchalantly.

“Uh… alright,” she chuckled. “Who would dare say anything at your big cousin’s tavern?”

“By the way, you said we saved two young masters. Do you think they’ll come to thank us?” The Chen family’s little female friend propped her chin on her hands, giggling. “Heroes rescuing beauties usually end up marrying them, right?”

“Hey! Watch your mouth!” Fubao’s voice cut off her daydream.

“Oh, stop it!” The little friend pouted, embarrassed.

“Hmph.” Fubao sneered.

At that moment, Little Black seemed to realize it had forgotten something… but what?

Meanwhile, Gu Li and Gong Shaoyu hurried back to the Gong residence, changed their clothes, and quickly tried to forget what had just happened, only to be summoned by their aunt.

Madam Gong, sister to Gu Xiaoxiao—the eldest Miss Gu—was heartbroken after her brother’s death and treated Gu Li with great tenderness.

“How have you been, Li’er? Are you comfortable here?” Madam Gong asked.

“Thank you, Aunt. I’m quite accustomed here,” Gu Li replied.

“That’s good. Since your cousin is back, I’ve enrolled you both in the Holy Academy. I hope you study hard there for your futures!”

Gu Li!!!

Gong Shaoyu???

“Wait, Aunt, why me? When did we say we were going to the Holy Academy?” Gong Shaoyu, used to a life of ease, protested.

He had only planned to stay home a few days before setting off again with his master to travel, but his mother had other plans.

“Traveling? Hmph! You’ve traveled enough. That Yu Sheng fellow will quietly take you away for good. I’ve waited so long for your return, and every time you sneak off. Not this time!” Madam Gong was resolute, leaving no room for argument.

Moreover, ever since seven years ago, Yu Sheng had been known for always carrying a red umbrella during the day, rain or shine.

Madam Gong was determined. Gu Li noticed that the courtyard of his cousin Gong Shaoyu was now surrounded by numerous guards and servants, even the sturdy old housekeeper was assigned there to watch over him.

Looking at the bustling crowd outside and his own empty courtyard, Gu Li sighed.

“Aunt really trusts me,” he thought.

The next day, Fubao led Little Black to the Bai residence. Upon entering, her little cousin promptly grabbed the dog and dragged it to Bai Zhuo’s courtyard.

Fubao? What’s going on?

“Fubao, what did you do yesterday?” Bai Jie teased, dragging Little Black along.

“Nothing,” Fubao replied.

“Really? This morning, Shopkeeper Xu came to complain. Seems someone brought a dog into the tavern again—and reserved the best room! Rich folks, huh?”

“Ugh, Uncle Xu is so annoying—always tattling!” Fubao pouted.

“Oh, feeling wronged? Big brother is waiting for you in the courtyard. Let’s go!” Fubao was dragged inside.

Inside the study, Bai Zhuo shot Fubao a stern look. Bai Jie was outside playing with Little Black. Admittedly, the dog was so strong it could be intimidating.

Suddenly, Little Black growled fiercely at the courtyard entrance.

“Bai Jie? What’s wrong?”

They searched the gate and surrounding corners, finally finding a small freshwater crayfish hiding before Little Black finally calmed down.

“Such a strange dog,” Bai Jie muttered. “But I’m used to it. I have even stranger ones at home.”

Speaking of which, where did that crayfish come from?

As he pondered, a fat bird with long legs suddenly waddled over excitedly. Bai Jie had never seen this bird so enthusiastic before—feeding it hadn’t been in vain.

Just then—

“Woof woof,” said the dog, “Long time no see! Your legs have gotten even longer!”

“Quack quack,” replied the bird, “Daily exercise and chasing fish make them grow!”

“Woof woof,” the dog lamented, “You two are living the life, but us brothers have it rough!”

“Quack quack,” said the bird kindly, “Dog brother, you’ve worked hard. Come, let’s talk as we walk.”

“…”

Bai Jie watched as these two creatures, speaking different languages, wrapped their arms around each other and walked off, leaving him with a somewhat bewildered feeling. What kind of beasts were these? Were they enchanted or what?

Around the corner, Bai Yuru watched the departing dog, still shaken. That dog’s nose was incredibly sharp—she had almost been found out!

Fubao was caught by Bai Zhuo, who lectured her thoroughly and forbade her from bringing animals into the tavern again. Only then did she give up.

Turning around, Fubao tearfully complained to Madame Bai that Bai Zhuo was bullying her, which led to Bai Zhuo getting scolded again. Seeing Fubao’s triumphant grin, he could only sigh.

“Grandmother, it’s not true! How could I bully Ba’er?” Bai Zhuo protested.

“But Ba’er says you do,” Madame Bai said, feigning anger, fully aware they were joking.

“Alright, alright! It’s my fault. I apologize to my cousin!” Bai Zhuo quickly backpedaled.

“You little rascal! Ha ha,” Madame Bai sighed, while Fubao leaned against her, laughing joyfully.