Chapter 12

Fu Ming Shi wanted to give Zhen Bao a high-end gift, but Zhen Bao was afraid he would waste money and insisted on just wanting a bicycle. Nothing else would do.

Fu Ming Shi could only help her pick out a bicycle.

There were expensive bicycles, but thinking about the college campus environment, Fu Ming Shi browsed online and set the price range at 500-1000 yuan. If it was too expensive and got lost, he could easily buy her a new bike anytime. But Fu Ming Shi was worried Zhen Bao would feel bad about the cost of the bicycle, so he opted for a cheaper one. That way she wouldn't feel too upset if it was lost.

"Pick one."

Fu Ming Shi turned the laptop to face Zhen Bao. The screen was filled with bicycles. Zhen Bao liked them all, and finally chose a pink and white one with a cute pink front basket.

Fu Ming Shi didn't comment on her aesthetic taste. Just as he was about to pay, he thought of something and called Zhen Bao over, teaching her how to shop online so she wouldn't be laughed at by her dorm mates for being behind-the-times when she got to campus.

"If you want to buy anything in the future, use my account." Fu Ming Shi also told her his password.

"No, I'll register my own. Just help me link my bank card." Zhen Bao was firm.

Fu Ming Shi glanced at her but didn't insist. Though he privately decided to add an online shopping budget to her monthly "salary" from now on.

That night, as promised, Fu Ming Shi sent Zhen Bao a list of top universities and corresponding strong majors. He even noted the difficulty of each major, job prospects, and male-female ratios. Zhen Bao looked over the spreadsheet and searched online until 10pm, but still couldn't decide what to study.

The next day was Fu Ming Shi's day off. He had planned to take her out to play, but Zhen Bao was having her period so they just stayed at the villa.

In the afternoon, Zhen Bao's new bike arrived - a cute pink one that looked even better against the villa's green lawn.

"Try riding it," said Fu Ming Shi, standing in the shade of a tree, waiting to watch her ride.

Zhen Bao stood awkwardly in front of the bike, hesitant.

Fu Ming Shi watched her and suddenly recalled that there were no bicycles in Zhen Bao's rural family courtyard.

"Don't know how to ride?" He walked over and asked in a low voice.

Zhen Bao nodded shyly.

"I'll teach you, it's simple." Fu Ming Shi went to the left side of the bike, adjusted the seat, then held the rear while having her sit up first.

Zhen Bao was 165 cm tall. Sitting properly, her feet easily touched the ground.

"Pedal and steer forward," Fu Ming Shi said, firmly holding the rear. "Don't be scared. If you lean, just put your feet down. You won't fall."

Zhen Bao was dubious, but as a soon-to-be college student, she had some courage. With a few starts and stops, she quickly got the hang of it. Fu Ming Shi walked briskly with her for a stretch, then surreptitiously let go of the bike while still following behind.

Going straight was no problem. Fu Ming Shi glanced left. "Try turning left."

Zhen Bao turned the handlebars but her foot didn't follow. The bike suddenly tilted left. Fu Ming Shi saw the mishap and rushed over, one hand grabbing the handlebar while the other held her waist. Zhen Bao instinctively clutched his shirt. He stabilized the bike while she remained seated, her face buried against his chest.

Fu Ming Shi helped her down first, anxiously asking, "Are you okay?"

Zhen Bao was sweating from the scare but unhurt. Catching her breath, she smiled and pushed him away. "I'm fine, I'll try again."

She was still excited to have just learned to ride a bike.

Fu Ming Shi smiled and continued to safeguard her.

Riding a bike was simple. After practicing for a few minutes, Zhen Bao could do it. She rode a few more laps around the yard, her cheeks flushed from the sun. Still not used to sunscreen, she didn't care about tanning either. But the considerate Fu Ming Shi timely brought her back inside to prevent future regret. After a relaxing day, Fu Ming Shi went back to work again, only coming home at night.

College registration was in 4-5 days. Zhen Bao was still slowly considering her options, not feeling rushed with time left.

"Hei Dan!"

After breakfast, when Fu Ming Shi had left, Zhen Bao returned upstairs. Pushing open the bedroom door and taking two steps in, she suddenly noticed a stain on the floor. Staring for nearly a minute, Zhen Bao finally realized what it was and immediately called for Hei Dan. Moving from the village to the big city was an adjustment for both her and Hei Dan. Fortunately Hei Dan always obediently listened to her and had learned to use a doggie toilet.

Two weak whimpers came from inside.

Zhen Bao stepped over the stain and saw Hei Dan lying under the desk, big eyes pitifully looking up at her. Zhen Bao first thought Hei Dan had deliberately made a mess, but seeing her listless, became worried.

Was she sick?

Touching Hei Dan, her body seemed a little warm.

Never having been ill before, Zhen Bao didn't know what to do with Hei Dan's first sickness. She immediately carried Hei Dan downstairs to ask Auntie Wang.

Auntie Wang had no experience with dogs either and wasn't sure. "Why don't we take Hei Dan to the pet hospital?"

Zhen Bao worried, "Do you know where one is?"

That was simple. Auntie Wang took out her phone and quickly found a reputable one nearby. "This one has great reviews and is only half an hour from us. Oh right, should we let Mr. Fu know?"

"No need, it shouldn't be serious." Fu Ming Shi was very busy with work. Zhen Bao didn't want to bother him over this. Putting Hei Dan down, she went upstairs for her bag, phone and card packed inside.

Auntie Wang drove steadily. In half an hour they arrived at A University Animal Hospital.

The hospital was located on A University's campus. Auntie Wang led the way while Zhen Bao followed holding Hei Dan, eyes drawn to the school buildings, open field, and students coming and going - her first time seeing a university up close.

"A University is a top school too, but Miss can attend even better ones. Don't look, the majors here are all agriculture," Auntie Wang smiled, seeing her almost transfixed. In her eyes, the rich Fu family could send Zhen Bao to the capital's most famous schools, not this agricultural one.

But Zhen Bao recalled that A University wasn't even mentioned on the spreadsheet Fu Ming Shi had given her.

Nevermind, Hei Dan's health was most important now.

~

The hospital was packed!

Sitting holding Hei Dan, Zhen Bao saw the rows ahead already filled with pet owners. Besides common pets like cats and dogs, there were also turtles, pet pigs, and a large parrot. As Zhen Bao looked around, many glanced her way too, some with disdain seeing the mutt in her arms.

"Ignore them, Miss." Auntie Wang humphed.

Zhen Bao stroked Hei Dan, unbothered.

After waiting 20 minutes, sudden wailing came from outside, making everyone curious. An old lady in her 60s ran in, sweaty and carrying a cat carrier, a 4-5 year old boy in tow.

The child's crying drew a nurse over.

"Nurse, my cat was hit by a car. Can you see him first?" The old lady anxiously stopped the nurse.

The nurse soothed her while peeking in the carrier, seeing all the blood. She immediately brought them to the ER.

The boy kept crying "Coffee!" - the name of the big yellow cat.

Hearing this, Zhen Bao felt awful for the boy. She hugged Hei Dan tighter, who lay limply on her lap, more obedient than ever. The couple sitting to Zhen Bao's right had a small Samoyed on the girl's lap. Seeing Zhen Bao pet Hei Dan, the Samoyed suddenly barked at Zhen Bao in a milky voice.

Zhen Bao looked over. The Samoyed puppy opened its mouth, seeming to smile at her.

"Dabai loves beauties. When he sees a pretty girl he sucks up," said the short-haired girlfriend, smiling kindly at Zhen Bao.

Flattered at being called a beauty, Zhen Bao shyly reached out to pet the Samoyed, confused. "Is he sick?" The girlfriend whispered and giggled, "We brought him to be neutered."

Zhen Bao couldn't help glancing at Hei Dan, also laughing.

But the light mood was soon interrupted by the grandmother and grandson pair. Coffee the cat's injuries were too severe. He died shortly after entering the ER. The boy hugged the cat's body, crying so hard he started hiccuping. His grandma promised to buy him a new cat but the boy refused, demanding Coffee be brought back to life.

Most here were animal lovers. Some discreetly wiped away tears.

Zhen Bao also shed a few, still feeling sad for the boy.

To the child, Coffee was likely both pet and family member. Of course he was heartbroken over what happened and didn't want to lose him.

~

Hei Dan only had a minor illness. The vet prescribed medicine and said she'd recover after a few doses.

Back at the villa, while holding Hei Dan, Zhen Bao searched online about the vet profession, clicking in to read several personal accounts. The more she read, the more drawn she felt. Old Mr. Fu said she could choose a major she liked. Zhen Bao felt she had found it.

But she also wanted to earn money.

Searching vet salary ranges, she read starting salaries were around 3-5k, higher at places like A University Animal Hospital.

That kind of pay, plus her interest in the career, was enough.

Looking up China's top veterinary schools, A University was ranked first.

When Fu Ming Shi returned that evening, he first learned about Hei Dan's illness from Auntie Wang. Before going to see Zhen Bao, Fu Ming Shi emotionlessly instructed Auntie Wang, "From now on, no matter how big or small, inform me of any issues involving her."

Auntie Wang quickly agreed.

Fu Ming Shi went straight upstairs.

Zhen Bao was watching the movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale with the a/c on and windows shut tight, not hearing Fu Ming Shi come home. Only when he knocked and called her name did she hurriedly set the laptop aside, smooth the bedsheets, and run to open the door. Having leaned against the bed watching, her hair was a bit messy.

"Hei Dan was sick?" Fu Ming Shi glanced at her then looked for Hei Dan.

Hei Dan bounced over, much more spirited than the morning.

Seeing Hei Dan was fine, Fu Ming Shi swept his eyes over the paused movie playing on the bed. "What film?" he casually asked.

Zhen Bao reported the title.

Fu Ming Shi's lips quirked up. Hei Dan got sick so she watched a pet movie, how appropriate.

"Oh right, I decided on a major." Zhen Bao placed the laptop back on the desk, pulling up A University's website for Fu Ming Shi to see.

Seeing the school name, Fu Ming Shi frowned. "What do you want to study?"

"Veterinary medicine," Zhen Bao said brightly, picking up Hei Dan who had come over and beaming at Fu Ming Shi. "I want to become a vet." She liked small animals, and they had always liked and felt close to her since she was little. Perhaps she was a natural fit for the career.

But looking at her happy face, Fu Ming Shi strangely thought of the photo grandfather had sent.

"Vet work is dirty and tiring, not as easy as you imagine." Fu Ming Shi tried to change her decision.

"I'm not afraid of hard work." Zhen Bao stared back defiantly.

Fu Ming Shi: "Vets study dissection. Aren't you afraid?"

"...I'm not." Zhen Bao hesitated briefly before shaking her head. She had killed chickens and fish before, and seen pigs butchered. She could handle it.

Fu Ming Shi suddenly didn't know what else to say.

This girl, instead of cherishing a fiancé like him, wanted to study veterinary medicine? She was simply...

Quirky.