Chapter 2, son of a dog

After settling down in the Lin family's vegetable garden, Hua Buqi sought the old lady's permission to go to the chaotic graveyard of Maihua Jiu to burn incense and paper money

The cabin is aptly named, as it can only accommodate a small bed and a wooden table. Yet, she is quite happy with it. This is her first time having her own home since her journey began. She lies comfortably on the bed with Ah Huang and leisurely says: "It's much larger than Liu Erniang's doghouse."

Old Lady Lin recited a phrase from Amitabha and said: "Do not let her dog mother be estranged from her!"

The stick was raised several times but never fell. After all, he was still a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy, still a human life. Unable to continue, he let the stick droop weakly and sorrowfully looked at the mangy dog, saying: "Ah Huang, they say that when beating a dog, one must look at its owner. If you were to be fed milk by the Fourth Miss, no one would dare to touch a single hair on you. I am soft-hearted and afraid when it comes to killing, and I cannot avenge you, so please do not blame me!"

Not abandoning her words while wiping away tears. When her tears dried, she said to the mangy dog: "What was lacking in ancient times? Talent! Being a maid is also a job. Although the boss is not myself, it is nice to be sheltered under a big tree; one should hold onto a thicker leg. I think the Lin residence is quite good, what do you think?"

Wiping away tears, I suddenly remembered the murderer who killed Ah Huang, and I felt a surge of murderous intent. Turning around, I saw the young man who had killed Ah Huang lying in the snow, covered in blood, already unconscious.

A-Huang affectionately nudged her with his head. Hua Buqi smiled broadly and said: "Come, let me show you around. Although the Lin residence is large, the vegetable garden is adjacent to the wall, which has a big dog hole. It won't be a problem for you to come find me. Where there is milk, there is a mother; from now on, I will serve you with delicious food and drink!"

She could not bring herself to act, yet she was also unwilling to save him. After spitting on the ground and cursing the little thief fiercely, she took the mangy dog and went to find a place to bury it

The vegetable garden is secluded. In the harsh winter of frost and snow, even the laborers have nestled into their warm homes. The sound of weeping, unrelenting, echoes lonely in the garden, dissipating before it even reaches beyond the garden.

When she first arrived at the Lin residence, she often sat on a small stool gazing at the stars. She pondered whether having the memories of a past life projected onto an abandoned infant was a blessing or a curse, straining her neck in vain without arriving at any conclusion. Not wanting to give up, she yawned and said to Ah Huang: "I suppose it's a blessing, after all, I have lived two lives. Uncle Jiu named me Buqi, and I no longer mind being a beggar girl, nor do I mind having you, this dog. Come on, let's go to sleep"

From then on, Ah Huang and Hua Buqi relied on each other in the Lin family's vegetable garden

At this moment, holding the gradually cooling body of the scruffy dog Ah Huang, Hua Buqi only felt as if a knife was twisting in her heart. Ah Huang's warmth, past events, and the lack of support in this life surged to her mind, causing Buqi to cry inconsolably.

The people of the Lin residence covered their mouths and laughed at this dog mother, and then immediately instructed the servants to build a small wooden house next to the dog hole in the wall, allowing Buqi and Ah Huang to live there

What else could be done? There were no beatings, no endless chores, and no contracts of servitude for her to sign. There were only Ah Huang's tender gaze and warm, soft body comforting her. Even though the young masters and mistresses of the Lin family had pointed her out to their friends, calling her a dog-born wretch, Hua Buqi still greeted them with the same respect and courtesy.

Thus, seven years passed peacefully. Ah Huang had turned into a lazy, scruffy dog, while Hua Buqi had become a nimble maid in the Lin family's vegetable garden

Ah Huang has developed feelings for Hua Buqi, and with the ample scraps and oil from the Lin family, he has gone to the Lin family's vegetable garden and no longer returns to the Liu family. Liu Erniang sighed and said: "When it rains, dogs will seek their lovers; let it be!"

She ground her teeth, her eyes filled with hatred. What is so terrifying about a wounded boy who has fainted? It would be better to kill him to avenge Ah Huang, and no one would suspect her. As the urge to kill arose, Buqi picked up a stick and walked over. Upon seeing Yun Lang's pale face, her heart faltered again

Ah Huang barked a few times to express agreement, jumped off the bed, and circled around the small house to mark his territory.

The ashes of the paper money were scattered by the wind, and Hua Buqi sat in front of the grave, staring blankly at the place where the ashes drifted away. She then held Ah Huang and murmured to herself, saying some words that, if heard by others, would have led them to set her ablaze.

The mountains and forests have sprouted new branches, with specks of green that are fresh and pleasing to the eye. The slightly chilly breeze and the gentle sunlight cascade down, causing the graveyard to lose its nighttime terror, becoming quiet and serene