Wen Ning brought the dog squad back to the shop.
Husky-Corgi Mix, Old Limp, Blackback, and the white dog squatted in a row by the entrance. Big Yellow handed each dog who had taken part in the operation a bowl of dog food—the errand fee Wen Ning had promised.
Husky-Corgi Mix finished first and tried to mooch some of Old Limp's food, but Big Yellow pinned an ear down with one paw, sending the dog slinking back.
Old Limp ate the slowest, chewing each mouthful and occasionally looking up at the streetlights in the alley.
A few days later, Wen Ning was squatting by the entrance, brushing Big Yellow's fur, when he heard barking.
He looked up and saw the white dog approaching with a basket in her mouth. The little puppy followed beside her, her four white paws stepping along with particular vigor.
The white dog reached the Bathhouse entrance and set the basket on the steps.
Inside were several medicinal herbs and a small pile of wild fruit. The fruit was a size smaller than what the Hedgehog Spirit carried on its back, but brighter in color, with a sweet, fresh scent.
After the white dog set down the basket,
"Boss Wen, thank you for helping us last time. I found these herbs in the mountains. They're especially good for treating external injuries. The wild fruit is for Xiao Bai to snack on, but I brought some for you, too."
She glanced back at the little puppy.
"This little one has been much better behaved these past few days. She follows me everywhere, terrified she'll get herself lost again."
The little puppy poked her head out from beside her mother's legs, her tail held high, and called out to Wen Ning.
"Hello, Boss Wen!" Then she ducked back