Chapter Eight: Calling Again

The speaker was Song Jiawei, Zhang Congwen’s roommate and the only person in this city with whom he could truly converse. Despite his wiry, monkey-like build, he was nicknamed “Fatty.” Zhang Congwen had no idea where the nickname came from; Song Jiawei already had it when they first met.

“Don’t talk nonsense. She’s just a university classmate.” Zhang Congwen shot Song Jiawei a glare before responding.

“A goddess from your student days, huh? I get it.” Song Jiawei waggled his eyebrows knowingly, then changed the subject. “So, how’s the job hunt going?”

Zhang Congwen sighed. “Still the same as before.”

“I’m telling you, you might as well join me. I’ll show you the ropes. Can’t promise you’ll make a fortune, but it’ll definitely be better than your last salary.”

“Forget it. You know my temperament—I could never do sales like you.” Zhang Congwen declined without hesitation.

“So, are you planning to keep job hunting tomorrow?” Song Jiawei asked.

“I have something else to do tomorrow,” Zhang Congwen replied.

Song Jiawei immediately grew alert, looking at him in disbelief. “Bro, don’t tell me you’re really going to play the lovesick fool. Haven’t you heard the saying? A bootlicker gains nothing in the end. Even if you want to be one, you need money first.”

“Get lost! You think I’m like you, you hopeless Fatty?” Zhang Congwen retorted irritably. “Tomorrow I’m going to train a dog for someone.”

“Train a dog?” Song Jiawei was momentarily confused.

After Zhang Congwen briefly explained the situation, Song Jiawei looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. “You can train dogs?”

“Of course I can. Why else do you think I tolerate your barking every day?” Zhang Congwen replied smugly. He didn’t think dog training was anything to boast about, but showing off in front of his buddy—even the most trivial thing—was satisfying.

“You’re the one barking,” Song Jiawei shot back, flipping him the finger before grinning ingratiatingly. “So, can you take me along tomorrow?”

“Don’t you have work?” Zhang Congwen asked.

“My job doesn’t care if I’m there one more day or less. I just want to see you train a dog,” Song Jiawei said solemnly.

“More like you want to see someone, huh?” Zhang Congwen rolled his eyes.

He doubted Song Jiawei truly cared about the dog training; it was clearly about the people involved. In fact, Zhang Congwen didn’t really question his motives. Song Jiawei was quick-witted and loved learning new things, always eager to dip his toes into something fresh. Dog training was no exception. But the desire to meet people was stronger than his curiosity about training.

Having been exposed, Song Jiawei was unfazed and replied righteously, “I just want to pick up a few tricks from you. In case I ever lose my job, I can become a dog trainer.”

Zhang Congwen ignored him and pulled out his phone to browse food delivery options. After bantering with Song Jiawei for a while, he realized he was actually hungry.

Working in sales, Song Jiawei was not only quick-thinking but also sharp-eyed. Seeing Zhang Congwen scrolling through takeout options, he immediately got an idea and patted a plastic bag on the table. “Haven’t eaten yet? Good thing I bought an extra serving of fried noodles downstairs. Call me ‘Daddy’ and you can have it. Or just take me along tomorrow.”

“A gentleman does not eat food offered in contempt,” Zhang Congwen replied with mock dignity, but then promptly sat down and dug in. “Fine, I’ll bring you tomorrow. You can be my assistant.”

He knew perfectly well that Song Jiawei had bought the fried noodles especially for him, and even if he refused his request, Song Jiawei would never let him go hungry. Besides, he did need an assistant for tomorrow’s dog training, and Song Jiawei was perfectly suited for the job.

Satisfied with Zhang Congwen’s agreement, Song Jiawei retreated to his room to play video games. After a hearty meal, Zhang Congwen also returned to his own room.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, around nine thirty, Zhang Congwen was woken by knocks on his door.

“Time to get up and train the dog. Don’t be late,” Song Jiawei called from outside.

“Man, it’s only nine thirty. We still have half an hour,” Zhang Congwen grumbled as he opened his bedroom door.

Song Jiawei stood outside, full of anticipation. Normally, his attire was casual, but today it was obvious he had put in effort—even spritzed himself with cologne.

For a moment, Zhang Congwen thought Song Jiawei had even more potential to be a lovesick fool than he did.

“I’ve never seen you buy cologne before. Where did you get it?” Zhang Congwen asked curiously.

“Smells good, huh?” Song Jiawei beamed. “It’s a classic domestic brand—genuine Liushen Floral Water.”

No wonder the scent seemed so familiar.

“Hurry up and get ready. Don’t keep her waiting,” Song Jiawei urged.

With no other choice, Zhang Congwen started to prepare. He had to admit, Song Jiawei’s sense of timing was much better than his own. As soon as he finished getting ready, Zhu Qingyan called to say her car was already downstairs.

The two of them went down, and Zhang Congwen briefly introduced Song Jiawei to Zhu Qingyan. She didn’t object to bringing an extra person, so they both got in the car and headed straight to her parents’ place.

Once there, Song Jiawei leaned over and whispered, “I didn’t expect your university classmate to be a little heiress.”

Zhang Congwen wasn’t familiar with Zhu Qingyan’s family background and couldn’t help but ask, “How do you know?”

Song Jiawei looked at him as if he were clueless, but patiently explained, “This neighborhood is called Prosperity Garden. It’s a very famous upscale community—houses here are ridiculously expensive, not just anyone can afford them. Even renting here costs way more than other places. Opportunities like this don’t come often—you should seize it.”

“Master Zhang the dog trainer!” Zhu Qingyan’s voice called out, interrupting their conversation. “I forgot to ask yesterday if you need us to prepare anything.”

“No need. I’ve got everything ready,” Zhang Congwen replied, patting Song Jiawei’s shoulder. The meaning was clear: Song Jiawei was the “equipment” he needed for today’s training.

A surge of unease washed over Song Jiawei.

“Fatty, wait downstairs for now. We’ll head up first. I’ll message you when I need you,” Zhang Congwen said, ignoring Song Jiawei’s protest and heading for the elevator with Zhu Qingyan.

When they reached her family’s floor and stepped out, they could already hear Tuantuan’s barking at the end of the hallway. As soon as Zhu Qingyan opened the door, they saw Liu Mei cuddling Tuantuan, gently soothing the little bichon frise.

Zhang Congwen gestured for Liu Mei to set the dog down. Miraculously, as soon as Tuantuan’s paws touched the floor, the barking stopped.

The bichon sniffed at both Zhang Congwen and Zhu Qingyan, circled the living room once, then found a corner and lay down calmly.

Compared to yesterday, the dog’s condition had clearly improved. This showed that Zhu Qingyan’s parents had indeed been following his training methods, rather than reverting to old habits as soon as he left.

It also proved that his training plan was effective.

Once Zhang Congwen was welcomed inside, Zhu Qingyan’s mother, Liu Mei, greeted him warmly, “Xiao Zhang, how are we going to train Tuantuan today?”

Clearly, after seeing the dog’s transformation, Liu Mei was no longer resistant to the idea of training and had become proactive instead.