Ink-black Ashes, a Wolf's Soft Whimper

Shen Yan returns to the capital to investigate an old family case. At a banquet, he reunites with Xiao Jin, now the Marquis of Zhenbei. Xiao Jin is still cold and unyielding, speaking to Shen Yan with the detached formality of a business transaction. Shen Yan suppresses the ache in his heart and responds with the poise of a learned man. They exchange polite words, but their gazes keep meeting despite themselves.

While pursuing an assassin, Xiao Jin triggers a curse. Gravely injured, he turns back into a little wolf pup and flees in a panic to Shen Yan's villa. Shen Yan finds the silver-gray pup, whose leg is wounded, and is moved by its watery eyes. He names it Huihui, takes it back to his room, and tends to its wound and feeds it.

The pup (Xiao Jin) instinctively depends on Shen Yan, constantly burrowing into his arms. At night, it will only sleep beside his pillow. Shen Yan calls it "a nuisance," but personally brushes its fur and feeds it specially prepared meat porridge every day. Even Qinghe can tell that "the young master treats this wolf better than he treats himself."

After regaining his human form, Xiao Jin discovers that he is unusually drawn to Shen Yan's scent. Using "repaying him for saving my life" as an excuse, he frequently visits the Shen residence. Seeing Shen Yan act cool toward him but gentle and patient with Huihui leaves him feeling bitter and jealous, and he begins secretly investigating Shen Yan's true identity.