A Dog's Knowledge

- Su Zhi, who has lived abroad for years, is coming back to the country. The rarely seen actual head of the Su family, the one who holds its economic lifeline in his hands. Everyone speculates about why he’s returning. Some say that, now he’s past thirty, he must be coming back to arrange a family marriage and expand the family’s influence. Zhao Qingyu: “He’s coming back to pursue me.” Friend: “Huh?” It’s not that she isn’t beautiful, but the two of them are just so different. One is bright and lively, with a hint of childishness that hasn’t quite faded; the other is aloof and cold, like a hunting dog born in the dark, with ice in his heart. - At the first gathering after Su Zhi’s return, everyone crowds around him. Zhao Qingyu tries to avoid him, but her family drags her over to offer a toast to this uncle by marriage, with no blood relation between them. She still smiles, radiant and dazzling. “Long time no see, Uncle.” It’s broad daylight. Surely Su Zhi won’t just tie her up and carry her off? Su Zhi lifts his cool, dark eyes. The wine glass’s crimson glimmers in his pupils, and his voice is indifferent. “Long time no see. You’ve gotten good at running.” As their glasses touch, he slips a hotel key card into her palm and says in a voice only the two of them can hear, “Room 2803. Wait for me there. You know what happens if you don’t.” No one knows that Zhao Qingyu and Su Zhi once dated abroad. He spoiled her and loved her, but he wouldn’t give her freedom. All he wanted was to keep her by his side. That was why Zhao Qingyu ran away from him. Years later, they meet again. As Su Zhi taps away his cigarette ash, he says, “Come back. I’ve given you the freedom you wanted.” Zhao Qingyu smiles and shakes her head. “You don’t love me. You only think of me as a canary you keep in a cage, or a pet dog...” She doesn’t get to finish. Su Zhi slowly crouches beside her. The lamplight catches on his long lashes. His dark eyes are still calm, like a mysterious, dense fog. “Then I’ll give you a chance to keep me, Zhao Qingyu.” Six-year age gap. Both characters are virgins. Theme: Be a good person.