at dog?" Zhao Zilong asked in surprise.

"Yes," the girl laughed, recounting the whole incident. Zhao Zilong listened intently, growing respectful towards the little dog that saved his life.

Though they met for the first time, it felt like they had known each other forever, perhaps due to their shared orphanhood. They chatted on the wooden bench in the courtyard, losing track of time until they realized it was almost evening.

"Yang Feng, today you'll witness my culinary skills!" the girl said joyfully. "My grandfather used to love my cooking the most! Now..."

Though she spoke lightly, Yang Feng sensed the sadness in her words.

"Whether or not I was actually dead, I must live well from now on!" Yang Feng resolved, staring at her back. "I just want to live happily!"

"Xue Ying, let me help you!"

Yang Feng followed her to the kitchen, and the two busied themselves amidst laughter, finally preparing dinner after much effort.

There used to be only Xue Ying and Xiao Hei for dinner, but now with Yang Feng, it felt a bit odd but also joyful.

After dinner, Xue Ying cleaned up the dishes while Yang Feng played with Xiao Hei in the courtyard. Laughter echoed through the yard.

"Ah!~" Xue Ying's scream broke the cheerful atmosphere. Yang Feng sensed something was wrong and rushed to the kitchen to find her hand bleeding.

"How could you be so careless?" Seeing the blood, Yang Feng felt a pang of pity, fetching the first aid kit to clean and bandage her wound carefully.

"You rest here," Yang Feng said gently. "I'll handle the remaining dishes."

"Okay," Xue Ying nodded.

Yang Feng put away the first aid kit and headed to the kitchen, washing dishes and tidying up the place, bringing a sense of order to their little home.

Chapter 3: Teaching a Bully a Lesson

Xue Ying lay on a lounge chair with Xiao Hei in her arms, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. Her heart felt peaceful, almost as if she had returned to her childhood. As the moon before her grew smaller, she slowly drifted into sleep. Xiao Hei lay quietly in her arms, gazing at his owner; no one knew what the little dog was thinking.

Yang Feng finished tidying up the kitchen and came out to the courtyard, where he saw Xue Ying had fallen asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, he gently picked up Xiao Hei and placed him on the ground.

"Xiao Hei, lead me to Xue Ying's room."

Carrying Xue Ying, Yang Feng followed Xiao Hei, who obediently led the way to his owner's room. Yang Feng tread lightly, careful not to wake the girl in his arms. 

Upon entering Xue Ying's room, he discovered it was modest, filled with old furniture. A photo of Xue Ying sat on the bedside table. He carefully placed her on the bed and quietly exited, closing the door behind him.

As soon as Yang Feng left, Xue Ying opened her eye

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