Baisui

Biodata

Background

During Shen Rui’an’s recovery in the Land of Longevity, he found Baisui as a pale-yellow stray puppy near the grave of a nineteen-year-old martyr. After cleaning the tomb and paying his respects, Shen took the puppy home and named him Baisui. 8

At the time, Shen had been severely depressed by his illness and had considered giving up on life. Caring for Baisui gave him a reason to keep living: he feared the puppy would be sad if he died. 8

When Shen moves to Su Tingbai’s manor to recuperate, he misses Baisui enough for his family to arrange the puppy’s transfer. Baisui arrives the following morning and wakes Shen by tugging at his pant leg. 7

Appearance

Baisui is a tiny, pale- to creamy-yellow Chinese rural dog with a white face. He was not yet three months old when Shen first spoke about him. 6 7

• Yellow coat with a white face 6
• Pink tongue and an energetically wagging tail 7
• Small enough to be carried by Shen Rui’an 16
• Uses a dented stainless-steel bowl as his preferred food bowl 45

Personality

Baisui is affectionate, lively, and strongly attached to Shen Rui’an. He follows Shen closely, comforts him when he is upset, and becomes anxious when Shen suffers a low-blood-sugar episode. 26 34

He is playful around water and readily joins Shen during outdoor outings, but is also food-motivated and eager for meals prepared by Su Tingbai. 23 45

Habits and Behavior

• Pulls at Shen Rui’an’s pant leg to wake or greet him 7
• Whines outside Shen’s room when they are separated 6
• Plays in streams and splashes Shen during the camping trip 23
• Climbs stairs to find Shen despite the difficulty for his small size 19
• Brings over his own bowl when Shen tells him to do so 45
• Prefers Shen’s company, leaving Huo Heng to run back to him 36
• Sleeps in a dog bed beside Shen Rui’an during the camping trip 37

Relationships

• Shen Rui’an — Owner and rescuer. Baisui became Shen’s emotional anchor during a period when Shen had lost the desire to live; the two are deeply attached. 8
• Su Tingbai — Shen’s caretaker and Baisui’s secondary caregiver. Su prepares minced-meat porridge and low-salt food for Baisui, rubs his head, and brings him to the RV to stay with Shen. 8 26 37
• Huo Heng — A friendly acquaintance who feeds and pets Baisui, though Baisui immediately returns to Shen when he sees him. 36

Story Role

Shen Rui’an’s Recovery

Baisui represents the turning point in Shen Rui’an’s struggle against illness and despair. Shen’s responsibility toward the puppy helps him choose to continue living one day at a time. 8

Life at Su Manor

Baisui’s arrival makes Shen more comfortable at Su Tingbai’s home and contributes to the domestic routine between Shen and Su. Su’s care for Baisui also demonstrates his increasing attentiveness toward Shen. 7 8 14

Online Attention

Shen posts casual videos of Baisui through the Baisui Chang’an account. The puppy’s popularity helps netizens connect the account to Shen Rui’an, rapidly increasing its follower count and contributing to public curiosity about Shen’s identity. 40 46 47 48

Trivia

• Baisui was found beside a martyr’s grave. 8
• Shen initially cared for Baisui entirely by himself, despite it being his first time raising a puppy. 8
• Baisui accompanies Shen and Su Tingbai on their mountain camping trip and later to the town market. 23 50
• Market vendors praise Baisui’s looks alongside Shen Rui’an’s and predict that he will grow into a fine-looking dog. 50