Chapter 127: Smoke in the Rain

July 23rd. Heavy rain, high winds.

The rain fell heavily that day, like endless strings of beads pouring from the sky. The pitter-patter was audible even inside the house. It was not just the rain; the wind was fierce, too. No matter how torrential the downpour, the wind whipped it into a misty haze. The curtains of rain had already obscured the view, and with the wind's interference, it was as if a fog had risen within the rain, making the scene outside increasingly indistinct. In such weather, people avoided going out at all costs; no one wanted to brave the wind and rain.

Yet, things are rarely absolute. They say where there is rain, there is thunder, but today not a single roll of thunder sounded. They say it is unwise to go out in such weather, yet some people choose to step out for various reasons.

The rain was heavy, the wind was strong, and it took significant effort to hold an umbrella against it. An umbrella is meant to shield one from the rain, but it cannot always do so. Rainwater would inevitably find its way around the umbrella's protection, driven by the wind, soaking the person beneath to the bone.

The person walking toward the Dog Language Training Center was no exception. The umbrella could only shield a small part of her; most of her body was already drenched. Despite this, she paid little mind, continuing to walk toward the center step by step.

The wind had churned the rain into a mist, making it impossible for Zhang Congwen to see her face clearly. But whoever it was, seeing them in such weather, Zhang Congwen would have hurried to usher them inside.

The person was no stranger; Zhang Congwen recognized her. It was Zhou Yingying. The look on her face today was indescribable—certainly not happy; it leaned more toward sadness, tinged with a sense of grief.

Zhu Qingyan had a great fondness for Zhou Yingying and, seeing her arrive at the center in such weather, immediately hurried to welcome her. Song Jiawei, who happened to be there, saw that her clothes were soaked and quickly brought out a cup of hot water for her. Zhou Yingying had a lovely figure, and with her clothes wet, her silhouette was vaguely visible, appearing as if she were emerging from the misty rain. But no one harbored any stray thoughts; everyone could see that she had something on her mind.

She managed a forced smile and handed over an object that no one had noticed before. It was a silk banner, dripping wet. Usually, when a banner was presented, it was customary to take a group photo with the giver. But today, no one did.

Opening the banner, they saw only two large characters and a small line of text indicating the source.

"Understand Dogs!"

That was the content of the two characters. For a dog trainer, these words were the highest praise. A trainer who understands dogs is naturally a good trainer. However, Zhang Congwen felt no joy; everyone fell silent, waiting for Zhou Yingying to continue.

"Banban is gone."

She did not keep them waiting long. Zhou Yingying spoke the words. She took a deep breath and once again forced a smile. "The first time I met you, I was always crying. It’s quite embarrassing."

No one responded; instead, they turned their heads away. A rustling sound came from behind her; no one knew exactly what she was doing, yet everyone understood.

"That day, the rain was also very heavy." After a long silence, Zhou Yingying began to speak again. "It wasn't like today, though. It only rained for a while before clearing up. Once the sky cleared, I let Banban wander around the yard. After he went out, he kept scratching at the door, wanting to go out. I didn't think much of it at the time and let him out."

"He circled the house and then ran back inside, visiting every room. He had never been willing to go into my sister's room, but that day he went in, and finally lay down where Peipei's bed used to be. He had always avoided that spot, taking a detour whenever he passed it."

"By evening, I realized Banban was acting strangely. I went over and patted him. He looked as if he were just sleeping, but he was already cold to the touch."

As she spoke, she covered her eyes and fell silent. Zhang Congwen recalled the training he had done with Banban. In the end, it had not been a perfect session. Some things, in the end, were beyond his power to change. Though he had never spoken of it to anyone, he still harbored a deep sense of regret.

"I had taken Banban for a full physical exam before. There was nothing wrong with him. By his age, he was in his prime," Zhou Yingying continued. She forced another smile. "Banban lived with me for such a long time; I think he felt it was enough, and he missed my sister and Peipei."

Having said that, she could say no more. Her emotions could no longer be contained, and she broke down in tears.

July 23rd. Heavy rain, high winds. Everyone remained silent, unsure of how to comfort her. Even the usually eloquent Song Jiawei could find no words of solace. Zhang Congwen and the others waited in silence, waiting for the wind and rain to cease.

"I came here today because I need your help," Zhou Yingying said, finally steadying herself.

"What is it?" Zhu Qingyan asked quickly. "We will help if we can."

"It's nothing major," Zhou Yingying forced yet another smile. "Could you give me a copy of the promotional video you filmed at my house, the one featuring Banban?"

"Of course!" Zhu Qingyan agreed immediately. He had kept the raw footage. The video included Banban, Zhou Yingying, Zhang Congwen, as well as himself and Song Jiawei.

After sending it to her email, Zhu Qingyan wanted to say something more, but Zhou Yingying stood up and whispered, "Thank you."

She turned and headed back into the misty rain. Zhang Congwen, Zhu Qingyan, and Song Jiawei exchanged looks, not knowing what to say, watching as she walked away alone, holding her umbrella, disappearing into the rainy haze.

...

The rain would eventually stop, and so would the wind. Even the rain from the Carnian Pluvial Event, which may have lasted for over two million years, eventually came to an end.

As time passed, the reputation of the Dog Language Training Center grew. With the increase in orders, the center finally began to turn a profit.

"It's done! I've done it! Hahahaha!" Zhang Congwen was training Dasheng on a new skill when Song Jiawei, who had been out handling business, burst in, laughing like a madman and spouting nonsense.

This sudden outburst startled not only Dasheng but Zhang Congwen as well. Zhang Congwen quickly tried to stop him. "If you keep acting like a lunatic, I’m going to have you committed to St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatric Hospital, believe me!"

Song Jiawei ignored him and asked, "Where's Zhu Qingyan? Get him too; we’re going to have a proper drink tonight."

"What's going on?" Zhu Qingyan appeared, asking, "What's the good news?"

"We did it! We really did it, do you hear me?" Song Jiawei laughed again upon seeing him.

"What did we do?" Zhu Qingyan was equally bewildered.

"The Xingrong Residential Complex project!"

"Xingrong Residential Complex!" Zhang Congwen was surprised; even the usually composed Zhu Qingyan let out a gasp. "We really pulled it off?"

"Of course!" Song Jiawei puffed out his chest with pride.

Only Zhang Congwen was left in the dark, having no idea what they were talking about. Could it be they were plotting something behind his back again?

"What Xingrong Residential Complex?" Zhang Congwen asked. He knew it; they passed by it every time they returned to their rental. It was a well-known mid-range complex in the area. Its official name was actually Xingrong No. 1, but most people just called it Xingrong Residential Complex.

Still, Zhang Congwen remained confused. What did that place have to do with them?

"What's so exciting about Xingrong Residential Complex?" Zhang Congwen asked, feeling it was all very strange. "Did you suddenly discover that the developer of the complex is your long-lost biological father?"