Chapter Fifty: The Samoyed

[Jiuyou, it’s alright. In the end, we’ll choose the best one, the one who loves you most, and then you’ll be happy for the rest of your life.] The system, absent for a long time, suddenly bubbled up.

The girl glanced at it, nestled deeper into the man’s embrace, and questioned, [Where have you been? You vanished for so long.]

[I went to upgrade, hehe. Jiuyou, from now on, there’s nothing you can imagine that I can’t provide.] The system boasted, holding its head high, feeling immensely proud.

[Oh, then tell me what you’ve got,] she retorted, realizing the timing was inappropriate, [Forget it, I’ll see for myself later.]

Mu Tingye’s trembling hand gently stroked the girl’s glossy, silky hair, soothing her nerves.

Feeling her grip tighten around him, he spoke softly, “Why aren’t you saying anything?” His cool lips brushed her hairline in a barely-there kiss.

A long silence passed before a timid voice came from his arms. “Uncle Tingye, I’m sorry.” Mu Tingye pushed her away a little, gazing at her porcelain-white face, his voice softening further. “Why apologize all of a sudden?”

The girl pursed her delicate lips, stealing a glance at him before quickly dropping her eyes, murmuring, “Because… Jiuyou wasn’t good.”

Afraid he might truly be angry, she nuzzled her small face against his large palm, trying to please him, her cherry lips whispering, “Uncle Tingye, don’t be angry.”

Beneath his hand was her smooth, tender cheek, bouncing softly, her motions like a kitten that had erred, mewing gently and rubbing repeatedly against its master’s hand for forgiveness.

A shadow flickered in Mu Tingye’s eyes. He gently traced her flawless face with his fingertip, his voice low and husky, “Mm, I’m not angry.”

Receiving his answer, the girl nodded to herself, responding with a faint hum. She yawned, tiny and sweet, her pale hand tugging at his expensive shirt, her voice drowsy and coy, “Uncle Tingye, Jiuyou is sleepy~”

Mu Tingye pulled the girl, whose eyes were already closing, tightly into his arms, soothing her in a whisper, “If you’re sleepy, rest. I’ll wake you when we reach home.”

“Mm.” The girl nodded, found a comfortable spot, and relaxed completely, nestling her soft body into his broad, warm chest. She closed her moist eyes, her small hand still clutching a corner of his suit, full of trust and reliance.

Mu Tingye lowered his gaze to the patch of white amid the darkness—pure as the first snow of winter, crystal clear, concealing all sin.

He silently signaled the driver, watching as the temperature was raised and the partition went up. Then, holding the softness in his arms, he patted her gently, gradually closing his own eyes as well.

…

When the car stopped, the girl awoke, her sleepy eyes blinking as she looked around in a daze. When she saw the familiar handsome face, she broke into a smile, calling out softly, “Uncle Tingye~”

“Mm, if you’re awake, let’s get out.” Mu Tingye glanced at her, then quickly looked away.

She looked so cute when she was just awake, so soft it melted straight into his heart—he wanted to kiss her…

The girl paid him no mind, rubbing her eyes before getting out.

As she entered the villa, she was stunned. A Samoyed, pure white from head to tail, bounded toward her, mouth open and tongue bright red, its fur rippling as it ran, utterly adorable and playful.

She immediately spread her arms to catch it, but in her excitement, she misjudged the dog’s size and momentum, nearly falling—thankfully, Mu Tingye was there to steady her.

He glared at the big dog lying flat on the floor, feigning submission, and scolded sternly, “No mischief!”

His voice was as deep as ever, tinged with a coldness that pressed on the nerves.

If even people dared not disobey him, how could a dog, whose life was in his hands, dare?

The Samoyed sat obediently, staring at the girl, its eyes innocent and pleading, tail swishing behind. Were it not for Mu Tingye’s presence, it would have rushed over to her.

Girls can never resist cute things, especially those that act spoiled toward them. Her sympathy overflowed as she pleaded for the dog, “Uncle Tingye, it didn’t mean to, please don’t blame it.”

She couldn’t wait to approach, reaching out to stroke its shiny fur.

Smooth, fluffy, so comfortable.

Mu Tingye: …

If only he hadn’t given this to her…

The girl lowered her eyes, the curve of her lashes shadowed by a shimmer of affection, her lips curled into a beautiful smile as she contentedly stroked the dog’s fur.

Suddenly remembering something, she looked up at the man. “Uncle Tingye, why do we have a dog at home?”

Home… The word sounded so warm!

Mu Tingye met her clear, bright gaze, his lips parting slightly. “It’s the birthday gift I promised you before…” He pressed his lips together, as if wanting to say more, but stopped.

As shrewd as she was, how could she not guess what he was thinking?

Her smile deepened, dimples blooming sweetly as she thanked him, “Thank you, Uncle Tingye, I really like it.”

[Mu Tingye actually remembered the gift. I’d forgotten myself.] She marveled, impressed by his integrity—he always kept his word.

The system rolled its eyes. Clearly she wanted to praise Mu Tingye, yet insisted on linking him to the elite…

“Uncle Tingye, have you named it?”

“No.”

“Hmm, then let’s call it Bai Bai, alright?” She finally came up with a nice name, her bright eyes sparkling as she looked to him, chin lifted, awaiting praise.

That proud little expression was irresistibly adorable.

Mu Tingye chuckled softly, complimenting her, “Mm, it’s a lovely name.” He reached out to gently pat her little head.

“Uncle Tingye, it’s really so cute.”

“Ah, it’s licking me, haha…”

…

The laughter of the girl, clear as bells, echoed through the villa’s grand hall, one peal after another, lifting everyone’s spirits.

“Uncle Tingye, when I’m not home, you must take good care of it.”

She said this, looking up at Mu Tingye, her smile lingering, eyes curved like crescent moons, brimming with trust and earnestness, making his heart ache with sweetness.

She cared so much for this dog, even though he was the one who gave it to her.

Seeing his silence, she added, “I’ll take good care of it too, since it’s a gift from you, Uncle Tingye.”

Is it because… because it’s from him that she treasures it so?

His heart felt suddenly sugared, as if bathed in syrup, his lips curling into a smile. “Mm.”

The girl, sensing his change in mood, breathed out in relief, continuing to scratch the big dog’s belly, letting it relax in comfort.

So hard to please!

Whether the words referred to the dog, or the man, who could say…