Love at First Sight, Chapter 18: Beloved Pet Jinzi

Wen Yueqing and Tong’er closed the door, whispering together in the room.

“Eloping? You’re saying I once wanted to elope with Shangguan Yinchun?” Wen Yueqing’s eyes widened in astonishment.

She hadn’t expected that the original Wen Yueqing, usually so timid and submissive, would ever rise up in defiance. It seemed she had truly been deeply fond of that Shangguan Yinchun.

“Yes, miss. At that time, you wrote a letter and asked someone to deliver it to Mount Taiyan,” Tong’er recalled.

“But for some reason, Brother Shangguan never returned, and you fell gravely ill. Later, I was afraid you’d remember it and get sad, so I never told you the whole story.”

“So that’s how it was,” Wen Yueqing sighed softly. It was a shame she wasn’t the original, and she couldn’t fully empathize.

“Sister Qing, who do you like now? I think His Highness is a very good person,” Tong’er whispered.

She was eager to know Wen Yueqing’s thoughts, because her mistress’s happiness meant everything to her.

Wen Yueqing laughed, gently pinching Tong’er’s cheek. “The only one I like is you—look at you, so soft and delicate, brimming with life. If I were a man, I’d marry you home in a heartbeat.”

“Sister Qing! You always tease me,” Tong’er protested, her cheeks flushing red.

The Wen Yueqing of old, gentle and reserved, would never have spoken so boldly.

“Oh, blushing already? Could it be you have someone you like?” Wen Yueqing narrowed her eyes mischievously at the adorable girl.

“Miss! Of course not, don’t say such things,” Tong’er cried, stamping her foot as her face grew even redder.

“Hmm? Why is the door closed? Has Wen Yueqing not moved in yet?” Lord Zunyou’s voice called from outside.

“That’s odd. Miss Wen was supposed to move in this afternoon,” said Liu Yi, sounding surprised.

“Your Highness, I’m changing clothes. Please wait a moment,” Wen Yueqing called out, barely restraining her laughter.

The two girls hurried to the door. Zunyou was indeed waiting outside, and Wen Yueqing quickly opened the door.

At the sight of her, Zunyou’s face broke into a dazzling smile. He took Wen Yueqing’s hand. “Come with me.”

“Ah!” Wen Yueqing was caught off guard. “Where are we going?”

“I have something wonderful to show you. You’re bound to like it,” Zunyou replied excitedly.

Seeing his eager expression, Wen Yueqing had no choice but to let him lead her away. He took her straight to the small garden.

“Look, this is for you,” Zunyou said, glancing at Wen Yueqing. “From now on, it’s your pet.”

Liu Jiu was playing with a little puppy—a lively golden creature with glossy fur and big, sparkling eyes, utterly adorable.

Wen Yueqing was overjoyed. She had always loved cats and dogs, and back in her modern home, she’d had a husky, a Pomeranian, and a ragdoll cat.

Now, faced with this little puppy, she was truly delighted.

“How cute!” she exclaimed, crouching down to scoop up the puppy, gazing at it fondly as she swayed it gently in her arms.

Yes, even dogs in ancient times could be this adorable—a true native village dog.

For a minute, girl and puppy locked eyes, until the puppy stuck out its tongue and licked her.

Wen Yueqing hugged it tight, unable to resist its charm.

Standing up, she looked at Zunyou. “Your Highness, shall we name it Goldie?”

Zunyou’s smile froze. That name was far too plain—couldn’t she pick something more elegant? But seeing her beam with such rare happiness, he only reached out and flicked her nose.

“You little money-grubber. Are you really so greedy, naming a dog like that?”

“Yes, I’m greedy,” Wen Yueqing replied with a mischievous wrinkle of her nose. “I was actually thinking of naming it Fortune, or even Lucky. What do you think?”

Zunyou could only cover his face. “Enough! Let’s just call it Goldie.”

Seeing him feign helplessness, Wen Yueqing nudged his arm. “Thank you for the gift. I really like it.”

“Come on, let’s go back. I’m ready for dinner, and you’re to serve me well tonight,” Zunyou said grandly, turning and striding away.

Wen Yueqing shook her head, laughing. A boy like him was simply too endearing. What was she to do? It seemed Zunyou was starting to rub off on her.

At least now her role as a pet caretaker was firmly established. She used to feed Zunyou; now she was feeding Goldie.

On the seventh day after Zunyou brought Goldie home, he began to regret it.

Where Wen Yueqing once kept him company, she now spent her days playing with the dog, walking the dog, ignoring the prince entirely—she even brought Goldie to meals.

“Is this reasonable? Wen Yueqing, get over here!” The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he called out loudly.

“What is it, Your Highness?” Wen Yueqing’s reply was lazy.

She ambled into the study, not at all eager, with the mischievous Goldie prancing behind her, its little tail wagging, stubby legs hurrying along as it barked for its mistress.

Zunyou sat at his desk, raising an eyebrow and shrugging. “Help me with my writing.”

“All right, all right, you just want me to grind ink,” Wen Yueqing muttered as she walked over.

“It’s not allowed in here. I want you to myself,” Zunyou said, pointing at Goldie.

Wen Yueqing burst out laughing. “What, Your Highness, are you jealous of a puppy?”

“You spend all day doting on that dog. Do I even exist to you anymore?” he grumbled, glaring at her.

“Didn’t you bring it here for me? Of course I have to take good care of it, or your thoughtful gesture would be wasted,” Wen Yueqing replied, feigning innocence.

Zunyou leaned back and heaved a deep sigh. The pet he’d brought home—now he had to live with the consequences.

He explained, “I just didn’t want you to feel lonely when I’m away from the manor. When I’m here, you should be with me instead.”

Hearing this, Wen Yueqing’s heart melted. To be cared for like this—it felt so wonderful. She was wavering, wondering how to repay Zunyou’s kindness.

“All right, I understand. But Goldie really is so well-behaved. Please, Your Highness, don’t chase him away?”

She put on a pitiful look, her eyes as clear as water, her performance flawless.

Goldie looked from his mistress to Zunyou, licked his lips, then curled up obediently by the table, his little tail wagging in plaintive apology—so pitiful he could melt anyone’s heart.

Zunyou’s chest softened. The more he looked, the more alike they seemed—girl and dog, both making his heart flutter, both weakening his resolve, both impossible to scold, both impossible not to adore.

“All right, he can stay,” Zunyou said, sitting up straight. “Now fetch a stool and sit by my side. I’ll permit you to serve me sitting down.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. You’re so compassionate to little animals—you truly are the kindest man in the world.”

Wen Yueqing showered him with flattery. For now, nothing else mattered but keeping him happy.