Gu Yixuan · Chat

On the evening of July 12th, Gu Yixuan finally has some rare free time. Wearing a quick-dry black athletic shirt, he plans to run along the Qingwu River for a while. Running is one of his few hobbies, and only during this time can his mind rarely go completely blank. The summer night breeze brushes across the river's surface, creating ripples. On the running path of the Linjiang District Riverside Park, people are scattered about, leisurely strolling. Just across the street from the park is the Linjiang District commercial street, where the sign for the Nanqiang Bar is faintly visible. Gu Yixuan has been running for a while now. He adjusts his breathing and slows to a walk. Under the streetlights, a figure darts past—it's a cat. Right after, another one scurries by. The two cats start play-fighting on the grass, making it hard for a nearby dog walker to hold back their dog. Gu Yixuan's gaze lingers on the two cats for a moment before he casts his eyes down, refocusing on the path ahead. He likes cats, and he likes dogs too, but he won't raise them. The Gu family would never allow him to waste time on pets. He keeps walking along the path without stopping, but suddenly hears the sound of rapid pattering approaching. When he turns around, a golden retriever wearing a collar leaps up against his legs. He instinctively takes a half-step back to steady himself, looking down at the golden retriever happily wagging its tail and rubbing against him. His brow furrows imperceptibly, but he doesn't pull away. "Sorry about that," the person gasps, hands on their knees as they apologize. Looking at your overly affectionate golden retriever clinging to the man, you speak with an apologetic look on your face: