Luo Tian had been stationed outside Bai Cheng’s building for half a month without any suspicious individuals showing up. After that period, the police decided to lift the 24-hour protection on Bai Cheng and her family, removing the patrols around their home.
Even though the police protection was gone, Bai Cheng’s life remained calm and uneventful. She even considered returning to work at the hospital, but when the hospital learned she still wasn’t sleeping well, they advised her to take more time to rest. With no other choice, Bai Cheng stayed home, occasionally flipping through medical books.
One Saturday evening, Bai Cheng received a message from Luo Tian: “Come to the church tomorrow morning. I have something for you.”
Bai Cheng replied, “Alright, I’ll be there.”
The next day, Bai Cheng arrived at the church. As soon as she sat down, she felt drowsy, even before the sermon began.
“This place is really something. How do I get sleepy the moment I sit down?” Bai Cheng thought to herself.
Luo Tian spotted her and walked over just as she was yawning widely.
“Didn’t sleep well again last night?” he asked.
Bai Cheng nodded. “I don’t know why, but as soon as I sit here, surrounded by so many people, I get sleepy. By the way, what is it you wanted to give me?”
“Come with me,” Luo Tian said.
Bai Cheng followed him to a room inside the church. When they reached the door, Luo Tian apologized, “Sorry, Miss Bai, I didn’t want to startle anyone, so I brought you here.”
He opened the door and stepped inside. As Bai Cheng entered, something quickly dashed toward her. Startled, she realized it was a German Shepherd. The dog circled her excitedly, sniffing at her, likely because it recognized Luo Tian’s scent on her.
“This… this is the ‘something’ you wanted to give me?” Bai Cheng’s eyes widened in surprise.
Luo Tian tugged the leash gently, and the dog obediently returned to his side, sitting quietly by his leg and tilting its head at Bai Cheng, looking rather endearing.
“His name is Pharaoh. He used to be my drug-sniffing dog, but during a mission, he accidentally inhaled drugs and developed chronic pneumonia. He had to retire after that. I’ve been taking care of him since, though my parents look after him most of the time. Even though Muddy Eel hasn’t caused any trouble recently, it’s always best to stay cautious. I thought Pharaoh could stay with you for a while. He may be retired, but as an ex-drug-sniffing dog, he’s much more capable than any regular pet. With him around, you’ll be much safer. Once Muddy Eel is caught and this whole situation is over, you can return him to me.”
“You want me to take in this big dog?” Bai Cheng still hadn’t fully processed the idea.
“Of course, it’s just a suggestion. If you don’t think it’s necessary, I can take him back.”
Before Bai Cheng could respond, Pharaoh trotted over to her, jumped up with his front paws on her waist, and gave two soft barks.
Bai Cheng smiled and took hold of his paws. Pharaoh seemed to take this as encouragement and rested his head gently on her stomach.
“Alright,” Bai Cheng said, stroking Pharaoh’s back, “I’ll keep him for a while. Once Muddy Eel is brought to justice, I’ll return him to you.”
“No problem. Miss Bai, the hymn is about to end, and I need to help out at the front. You can take Pharaoh for a walk outside. If you get tired, just bring him back here. The priest lets me stay in this room often, so here’s a key,” Luo Tian said, handing her a key.
Bai Cheng took the key, and they left the room together. Bai Cheng and Pharaoh slipped out the church’s back door, and she took him for a walk around the square in front of the church.
Pharaoh proved to be incredibly sharp. Though he appeared relaxed, with his head low, his ears would perk up every time someone or a vehicle approached. Only after determining there was no threat did his ears relax again. After a while, Bai Cheng grew bored and decided to take Pharaoh back to Luo Tian’s room.
The room was simple, with a dark wood desk, a wardrobe, a bookshelf, and a bed, along with a bathroom. The room was furnished with beige carpets and curtains, and the bedspread was a rich coffee color. Pharaoh obediently lay on the carpet by the bed as soon as they entered.
Bai Cheng walked over to the bookshelf, noticing it was rather empty. Despite its eight shelves, only two were filled with books, suggesting Luo Tian didn’t stay here often. As she browsed for something to read, she came across a picture frame hidden at the back of the shelf, placed face-down. Curious, she picked it up and found a photo of Luo Tian with another person. In the picture, the two stood in front of the police station, both in uniform. The man beside Luo Tian looked about his age but seemed more outgoing, holding his police hat casually in one hand and slinging an arm around Luo Tian’s shoulders with a carefree smile. Even Luo Tian, who rarely smiled, was grinning softly in the photo.
Just as Bai Cheng was looking at the photo, the door opened, and Luo Tian walked in. Startled, she accidentally dropped the frame. She quickly bent down to pick it up, and by the time she stood again, Luo Tian was already in front of her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go through your things. I was just looking for something to read,” Bai Cheng explained.
“It’s fine,” Luo Tian said, taking the frame from her. Instead of placing it face-down again, he stood it upright on the shelf.
Looking at the person in the photo, Luo Tian said, “That’s Jiang Shuo, my best friend.” After that, there was only silence.
Bai Cheng didn’t ask further questions.
“Miss Bai, the service has ended. Shall I drive you home?”
“Sure,” Bai Cheng replied.
Once again, they were in the familiar gray Citroën. As soon as Luo Tian opened the back door, Pharaoh agilely jumped in, taking up the entire backseat. Bai Cheng sat in the passenger seat, and perhaps due to the exhaustion from walking Pharaoh, she soon fell asleep.
When she woke up, she realized a black jacket had been draped over her. She looked toward the driver’s seat and found herself face-to-face with Pharaoh, who was tilting his head and staring at her with wide, curious eyes.
From behind the dog, Luo Tian reached over and playfully smacked Pharaoh on the head. “Get back.”
Pharaoh whimpered softly but obediently returned to the backseat.
Bai Cheng pulled off the jacket and realized they were parked in front of her building.
“Did I sleep for long?” she asked.
“Not too long, just a little while. Walking him can be tiring. Sometimes, when he gets excited, I can’t hold him back. If he gives you trouble, just give me a call and I’ll deal with him.”
“Woof, woof!” Pharaoh barked indignantly, as if protesting.
Bai Cheng laughed, grabbed Pharaoh’s leash, and got out of the car. As they walked toward the house, Pharaoh looked back at Luo Tian and barked loudly, clearly reluctant to part ways. Luo Tian responded by whistling long and loudly, waving goodbye from a distance. Bai Cheng and Pharaoh watched until he was out of sight, then they went inside together.
