Now that both of them are growing, she makes sure to buy various proteins, including seafood. One meat and one vegetable is their standard; if there are leftovers from dinner, they’ll have noodles, otherwise she’ll prepare something new. Breakfast and lunch are more critical, so after dinner is when Hua Yan is busiest.
She needs to marinate the meat for the next day in advance, like the steak for breakfast or the braised pork for lunch. If they want to eat ribs, she has to start stewing them in the evening, and reheat them the next day.
Everyone wants to eat fresh, but as students, isn’t it because they don’t have enough time? After ten p.m., she transforms; she can’t wait for Ning Hao to leave before preparing everything and storing them in the space—it’s all about having no time.
She has considered eating out, but worries about the ingredients. After much deliberation, she decided to endure a bit more; perhaps during the weekends, she could cook more to store in the space, then gradually take things out over the next week. She needs to find a point of independence between the two, to manage all this.
Ning Hao also has interest classes, which he gets to by subway or bus, so Hua Yan doesn’t need to pick him up. They both carry phones for easy contact.
On Tuesday evening while Ning Hao was in class, he arrived home by eight, so Hua Yan couldn’t attend evening study sessions; instead, she prepared dinner while doing homework, waiting for him.
It was at this time that Liang An appeared before her with two pet dogs. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the pair of just-full-moon huskies in his arms. Upon seeing her, the dogs’ eyes welled up with tears. Just from this expression, she knew Doudou hadn’t lied to her.
"Uncle Liang, please come in."
Liang An was surprised at Hua Yan’s good attitude towards him and subconsciously raised his eyebrows, "He told you everything already?"
Hua Yan nodded, "Yes, he told me everything. Are they all well?"
"Yes, they’re quite well. But if you have time, you should get a certificate and a vaccine. It’s safer for both of you to raise them this way."
Hua Yan hurriedly took one of the dogs and gently petted its head, "Uncle Liang, rest assured, I know what to do. Did you forget I used to take care of Doudou?"
Liang An twitched his lips and looked up at her, "Did you agree to me becoming your guardian?"
Hua Yan nodded, "I did agree. When are you free so we can go to the court to handle the paperwork? You might need to provide a work certificate."
"Yes, I know. I’ve inquired about it, too. Why not do it as soon as possible? How about tomorrow morning? I have an announcement and a business trip in the afternoon."
Hua Yan thought for a moment, "Okay, let’s meet at the xx court door tomorrow. I’ll contact Aunt Zhao’s former colleague to help us process it."
Their conversation didn’t avoid the two huskies, so after Liang An left, when Hua Yan turned around, she squatted down and gently rubbed their heads.
"Uncle and Auntie, I know it’s you. Though you can’t say anything, I know what you’re worried about. Don’t worry, Ning Hao is very independent now, as if he grew up overnight."
The two huskies stared at her incredulously, seemingly unable to believe it was true. Hua Yan didn’t mind and recounted events that had happened since their departure. After hearing her out, the couple let out a deep breath.
Clearly, the heart that had been hanging in suspense was gradually settling.
This emotion didn’t last long and was almost driven to emotional loss because of Ning Hao coming home from school. Hua Yan couldn’t tell Ning Hao these were his parents; she could only say:
"These are gifts Uncle and Auntie booked for us before they passed away. They were delivered today. Can you name them? One male, one female—they’re both just full moons old. At night, let them keep you company, okay?"
Upon hearing the gift was from his parents, Ning Hao couldn’t hold back any longer, his eyes red, his voice choked, "Re-really? I’ve wanted to raise one for a long time, but Mom didn’t allow it. She said taking care of me was worrisome enough, and they didn’t have the time to worry about a dog, so it was never done. I really like Sister’s Doudou, but he doesn’t seem to like me. Later, he ran away. Sister, you must’ve been sad too, right? How about each of us takes one for companionship?"
Hua Yan shook her head, "No, no. At night, take them home with you; tomorrow, bring them over, and during the day, we’ll care for them together. Let them accompany you at night. Your sister is used to sleeping alone; you’re different—you’ve just started."
Maybe it was maternal instinct, or fatherly love, Ning Hao couldn’t reject such temptation and naturally nodded.
The dinner originally prepared for the two of them, Hua Yan added ingredients to accommodate four. In the future, it’s likely she’d prepare meals for four; though they turned into animals, staying by their child’s side is a kind of reincarnation in another form.
Though the two puppies were just-full-moon, they weren’t light to carry, but fortunately, they obediently followed Ning Hao as he ran. Hua Yan watched from behind and decided to make the certificates for them tomorrow, take half a day off—not to waste it—and while at it, visit the pet store to buy four sets of doggies’ outfits. She stored away Doudou’s for when he returns; for Uncle and Auntie, she’ll buy new ones—one set for Ning Hao’s home, and one for here.
Oh, right, Ning Hao named them F for the male and M for the female—normally they’re called Little F and Little M. The meaning of this, those who understand will understand, won’t they?