"Yeah, right—like I'd believe that."
Li Yan instinctively wanted to scoff.
But very quickly, his voice caught in his throat.
He looked at Xiao Xiao, uncertain.
"R-really?"
It wasn't unusual for animals to like someone.
What was unusual was how Xiao Xiao had just so casually and quickly calmed an angry animal.
"...Are you an animal trainer?"
That... He wasn't even sure whether animal trainers could do that.
After all, he'd never seen one in person.
But animal trainers could even tame lions, so calming down an angry big dog shouldn't be all that difficult, right?
Thinking about it that way, the shock in Li Yan's heart faded somewhat.
Xiao Xiao's actions hadn't left quite as big an impression on him.
Xiao Xiao smiled. "Didn't you run over here because you trusted me?"
Uh...
Li Yan gave an awkward laugh.
That was true.
"Master Xiao is Master Xiao, all right."
Li Yan gave him a thumbs-up.
He had run over because he trusted Xiao Xiao...
But he hadn't expected Xiao Xiao to deal with the big dog that had chased him for several blocks so easily.
As his relief washed over him, he also felt a little embarrassed.
Had he made too much of a fool of himself just now?
Li Yan only realized this belatedly.
But when your life was on the line, who had time to worry about appearances?
"Master Xiao, I owe you one."
Li Yan shook his head.
Whether he'd made a fool of himself or not...
It had already happened.
There was no point dwelling on it now.
Fortunately, this wasn't near the school.
And Master Xiao wasn't the gossipy type.
His humiliating display would stay in this area.
"I nearly ran myself into a heart attack."
Li Yan patted his chest.
Even