Chapter 12
Husky
Xia Xin believed that the dog must have gone through many unpleasant experiences before meeting her. She only hoped that from now on, it would be happy every day.
When the dog heard its new name, its eyes brightened, as if it was happy to have a name.
Xia Xin originally planned to take Layle to the veterinary hospital for a check-up, but her colleagues informed her that there was only one large veterinary hospital nearby, and it was usually crowded. If she went after work, considering the waiting time for appointments, she might not be able to return home until late at night.
After some consideration, Xia Xin decided to take Layle to the veterinary hospital during her days off. As for today, she would bring Layle to a bath.
There were quite a few pet shops nearby. Xia Xin found a pet shop with good online reviews. When she arrived, the staff inside were busy cleaning and grooming several pets.
Compared to those noble breeds with smooth fur and beautiful appearances, Layle, whom Xia Xin had just picked up today, looked like a dirty bundle. After entering the pet shop, Xia Xin could sense that Layle was very uneasy.
Layle kept its head lowered, afraid to look at the other pets. It did not even dare to rub Xia Xin’s pants anymore as if it feared that Xia Xin would discover it was the ugliest dog in the shop and abandon it once again.
Xia Xin rubbed Layle’s head, unsure how to comfort it. She thought perhaps only time could heal Layle’s inner insecurities and anxieties, letting it know that it was also worthy of love.
The pet shop staff also noticed that Layle was a stray dog, but they did not show any disgust. On the contrary, they asked about Layle’s condition with concern. After learning about Layle’s tongue issue, the staff were filled with anger.
Most people who work in pet shops are animal lovers; otherwise, they would not have the patience to clean and care for small animals. They condemn those who harm animals more than ordinary people.
Perhaps due to sympathy for Layle’s ordeal, one staff member pointed to a room inside and said, “Ms. Xia, please wait in there for a moment. That’s the VIP grooming room. We have some medicine inside, so after the bath, we can apply some ointment to your dog’s wounds.”
Xia Xin nodded and went to the VIP grooming room with Layle.
The VIP grooming room was slightly larger than the regular grooming room. There were beautiful potted plants on the windowsill, and a curtain at the entrance provided better privacy and soundproofing.
It did not take long before it gradually quieted down outside. It was already past 8 o’clock, and the busiest period for the pet shop had passed.
Xia Xin patiently waited when suddenly, after the pet shop door was pushed open, continuous barking filled the air with dissatisfaction and anger. It seemed like a dog with a big temper had arrived.
As Xia Xin was thinking that, the curtain was suddenly lifted, and a man wearing a black sports suit and a hood walked in, accompanied by a staff member. The man held a leash, and an extremely handsome husky was desperately trying to break free, its entire body exuding resistance and discontent while barking.
Xia Xin could understand perfectly what the husky was saying. At the entrance, the husky was saying, “Two-legged creature, you’ve deceived me into this hellish place again! If I trust you again, then I’m a dog!”
At that moment, Xia Xin thought, ‘But you already are a dog.’
Seeing that it was a husky, Xia Xin was no longer surprised. After all, everyone knows about Huskies’ intelligence.
Now, the husky was saying, “I don’t want a bath! You wretched two-legged creature! I lick my paws every day, and they’re cleaner than your face! I want to go home!!”
The man in the black casual sportswear seemed accustomed to his pet’s behavior. He skillfully lifted the husky and placed it directly into the grooming tub next to Xia Xin. He then held the husky’s head firmly, picked up a nearby basin of water, and splashed it onto the husky’s body. His actions were swift, rough, and practiced.
Xia Xin stared in disbelief, and the husky also widened its eyes in terror, showing a look of despair as if saying, “I’m dirty now.”
The man turned and looked at the pet shop staff. He said, “He’s ready for a bath now.”
The pet shop staff, who had been watching the scene from the side, seemed to be accustomed to it. Xia Xin even suspected that the basin of water had been specially prepared for the man.
The husky’s resistance significantly diminished after getting soaked. Two pet shop staff worked together and were able to fully put the husky under control.
As the man in the black casual sportswear turned around, Xia Xin finally noticed his exquisitely chiseled jaw, and she was momentarily stunned.