Mad Dog

In Chen Kong Alley, ten-year-old Jiang Qi, with his dark hair, pale complexion, and frequent injuries, was ostracized due to his father’s notoriety as a murderer. Villagers believed he harbored wicked blood, ignoring him except for Zhi Qi. She tenderly bandaged his wounds, questioning his constant pain. Jiang Qi, usually rebellious, responded with a rare obedient smile, claiming her comfort would ease his suffering. By high school, Jiang Qi had become Lin Lan’s infamous, cold, and ruthless “madman.” He once confessed to Zhi Qi that his life felt like that of a dog, preferring fear over bullying. Despite his fearsome reputation, Zhi Qi remained unafraid. Determined to heal him, she made a rooftop promise: “Jiang Qi, take care. When I reach the legal age, I can marry you.” His faint, star-like smile and hopeful gaze suggested this vow saved him, pulling him from despair. However, this redemption was temporary, leaving him as a neglected, sick dog. For Jiang Qi, Zhi Qi was the sole sweetness in his dark existence.