Chapter 38: The Allure of Persuasion

Chapter 38: The Allure of Persuasion

Liang Xigui sat at the dining table, picking up a chopful of stir-fried greens before him. Looking at Tan Xing in his duck-patterned, egg-yellow pajamas, he recalled something.

"Do you have any formal attire for work?" he asked Tan Xing.

It wasn't strange for him to ask; since their first encounter until now, he had never seen Tan Xing wear anything tailored or fitted.

Most of the time, Tan Xing was dressed in hoodies paired with jeans or casual shirts, nothing overly formal.

Tan Xing thought about the clothes he had brought over and suddenly remembered one, but he furrowed his brows in hesitation. After a few seconds, he said, "I think I have one, but it has many large holes on it."

Liang Xigui had been invited to several fashion shows and instantly understood what kind of suit Tan Xing was referring to. In short, it was not something one could wear out as proper attire.

"We won't wear that one. We'll go buy some later," Liang Xigui said seriously, taking a sip of porridge.

Tan Xing was still inexperienced in this area, so he agreed to Liang Xigui's words. It was perfect timing as he wanted to take Xingxing for a haircut.

Aunt Song mentioned that many people in the neighborhood would take advantage of the recent temperature rise to bring their dogs for trendy haircuts. If other puppies could have it, so could his Xingxing.

Tonight's meal was all about light dishes, personally prepared by Aunt Song for Tan Xing.

The meal left Tan Xing's mouth feeling bland, forcing himself to eat with a bitter expression, secretly vowing never to casually eat roadside skewers again.

After dinner, learning they were going out, the little dog happily circled around Tan Xing, making it almost impossible for him to move.

"Alright, Xingxing, calm down. Let me change my clothes first," Tan Xing said helplessly to soothe the dog's excitement.

Xingxing wagged its tail, following Tan Xing. Just as they were about to enter the bedroom, it was mercilessly shut out, leaving it to excitedly rub its nose against the door.

Tan Xing opened the wardrobe and rummaged through it. Finally, he picked out a dark green silk shirt, paired with slim-fit trousers, tucking the bottom into the pants, outlining his waist in a seductive curve.

This outfit transformed him from a youthful college student to a charming young man, adding a hint of allure to his eyes.

Sitting on the sofa, Liang Xigui raised an eyebrow at Tan Xing's appearance. This look somewhat matched his stereotypical impression of a designer.

The secretary had already driven the car downstairs. Tan Xing put the leash on the puppy, which became even more excited upon seeing the crowd, shaking its head and sniffing around.

"Let's find a pet store nearby first."

"Mr. Secretary, go to Miss Dinosaur's pet store," Tan Xing added, holding the puppy.

Aunt Song said most puppies went to that pet store for haircuts, known for their excellent skills. He wanted to go there too.

The secretary glanced through the rearview mirror, noticing his boss was engrossed in his phone without any objections. He started the car and headed to the pet store Tan Xing specified.

At this hour, the pet store was quite busy. Liang Xigui simply purchased a membership card, using money to bump them up in the queue.

Tan Xing observed the haircuts happening inside through the glass window. The groomers wore masks, skillfully wielding scissors.

Thick fur became light and airy, flying freely in the air as if engaged in an artistic activity of great beauty.

"Mr. Liang, they're amazing," Tan Xing exclaimed, holding the puppy.

Liang Xigui gave a noncommittal glance. Without a response, Tan Xing didn't lose enthusiasm and continued watching through the glass window with interest.

Finally, it was their turn. A groomer approached, professionally explaining suitable hairstyles for Border Collies. Tan Xing flipped through the hairstyle catalog, pointing at one after a moment, "This one. It's a bother."

"Okay."

The puppy was a bit nervous about entering an unfamiliar environment with a stranger, remaining motionless on the spot. Tan Xing scratched under the puppy's chin to reassure it, giving it courage.

"Good boy, Xingxing. I'm right here. You can see me once you go in." Tan Xing firmly believed his puppy was smart enough to understand his words.

Indeed, the puppy licked Tan Xing's hand twice before following the groomer into the room.

Tan Xing turned around and saw Liang Xigui looking at him. He took the initiative to share his feelings, "Mr. Liang, raising a puppy feels like raising a child."

Liang Xigui, recalling something, flashed a cold glint in his eyes. Staring at Tan Xing squatting on the ground, he said, "Yes, once you decide to raise one, you must bear the inevitable painful bond."

Tan Xing didn't know why the conversation had suddenly become so heavy. He stood up, walked to Liang Xigui, and gently touched his sorrow-filled eyes.

"But it's good, isn't it? At least we're the ones bearing this pain," Tan Xing carefully weighed his words.

Liang Xigui wasn't accustomed to getting too emotional. He quickly adjusted his mood, his face returning to calmness.

The groomer's technique was equally professional. Xingxing lay on the platform, leisurely sticking out its tongue, allowing the four-legged creature beside it to manipulate it however it pleased.

Tan Xing watched outside like an old father, eagerly anticipating. Soon, a handsome Xingxing was presented before him.

"Sir, is there anything you'd like to adjust?"

Tan Xing shook his head with a smile, indicating his satisfaction with their service. Liang Xigui had already paid at the front desk, but Tan Xing faced another dilemma.

Malls likely wouldn't allow pets inside, meaning the puppy would have to wait in the car for them. Sensing potential customers, the pet store staff approached.

"Hello, our store has recently launched a doggy paradise on the second floor. You can leave your dog here. There are many playmates for it, and we have professionals supervising."

Tan Xing looked at Liang Xigui, receiving an approving nod before following the employee upstairs.

The floor above was covered with anti-slip materials, divided into various play areas. Large and small dogs were separated, demonstrating a relatively scientific management system.

The dogs upstairs barked excitedly upon seeing new friends. Xingxing, on the leash, responded with howls, causing the noise to become chaotic.

Tan Xing bent down and manually closed the puppy's mouth. "Do you want to play here, Xingxing? Bark once if you do, twice if you don't." After saying this, he released his hand.

The intelligent Xingxing immediately barked once. Tan Xing smiled, glancing at the pet store employee beside him. The employee promptly understood and opened the pet paradise's gate.

Tan Xing bent down to untie the puppy's leash. Xingxing dashed in with a whoosh, quickly bonding with its new playmates.

With Liang Xigui and the secretary still waiting for him downstairs, Tan Xing didn't linger too long before descending. He arranged with the shopkeeper to pick up the puppy at a later time before departing.

Seated in the back of the car, Liang Xigui watched as Tan Xing suddenly closed the gap between them. Tan Xing, unaware of the reason, then observed his companion plucking a hair from his clothing.

Tan Xing explained that it might have accidentally clung to him at the pet store, and he nonchalantly brushed himself off.

The second tactic of high EQ behavior: subtly closing the distance to create a palpable sense of heart-pounding proximity.

Liang Xigui found this attempt equally unconvincing. How could Tan Xing be so oblivious? Or perhaps the timing was just off. He would give it another shot next time.