Pet Romance

At the age of twenty-five, Shen Qian finally couldn’t stand the loneliness anymore and got herself a three-month-old male dog. Her colleague, best friend, and university classmate, Li Meili, criticized Shen Qian’s taste in pets, questioning why she would choose to raise a mixed-breed sheepdog. Although purebred sheepdogs are expensive, mixed breeds are considered of low status, often ending up as meat dogs. Shen Qian, however, was fond of this little mongrel, affectionately naming him “Zamao.” Perhaps the humbler the dog, the more eager it is to please its owner; Zamao would nuzzle Shen Qian’s feet, lying at her feet, and would accompany her to and from work, almost like they were joined at the hip. It seemed as if they were “in love.” As Li Meili was about to get married, Shen Qian’s only male companion was this “Zamao.” Li Meili then earnestly asked, “I say, Qianqian, you can treat men like dogs, but don’t expect dogs to act like men. You still need a man to have a home.” Shen Qian gave a soft laugh; as a twenty-five-year-old woman without even a male friend, her situation was indeed quite pathetic. Li Meili’s husband, Gao Changfeng, was a classmate of Shen Qian’s during her senior year repeat, one of the longest-standing memories for her. Their relationship was good back then, and Shen Qian even introduced and facilitated the relationship between Li Meili and Gao Changfeng, leading to their marriage. Whenever Li Meili urged Shen Qian to go on blind dates or meet more men, Gao Changfeng would always cheerfully interject, “If you need men, our team is full of them.” Gao Changfeng was a SWAT officer, dealing with dangerous criminals. Whenever men were mentioned, Zamao would start growling at Gao Changfeng, his voice incredibly loud, showing his strong possessiveness. “Well, this dog thinks of her as his own,” Li Meili said with a helpless look. Shen Qian immediately pointed at Li Meili and commanded Zamao, “Go tear her skirt.” “Woof woof…” Zamao leaped up and dashed towards Li Meili, who, scared, clutched her skirt and ran out. Shen Qian burst into laughter at the sight.