Chapter 5: I’ve Raised Dogs Before, But Not Like This

Chapter 5: I’ve Raised Dogs Before, But This Is Different

The Hamster Head Nurse reported that the Orc Planet Empire hospital, located near the logistics sanatorium, had suddenly requisitioned numerous nurses due to a surge in emergency patients, leaving the sanatorium severely understaffed.

Si Jiu, temporarily assisting, was assigned to care for an elderly brown bear patient. This patient, a former combat spacecraft pilot in the Orc Planet Empire forces, had injured his leg on the front lines of an interstellar war in his youth and required a wheelchair permanently.

As Si Jiu entered the room with a tray of medicine, the elderly, gray-haired brown bear orc was watching television from his wheelchair.

On the screen, the "Orc Planet Empire News Bulletin" interrupted its regular programming with an urgent report: "Around 3 p.m. today, a vicious attack occurred in the outskirts of Elderan Town in the Empire’s southern district. Preliminary reports indicate that at least five orc civilians were assaulted by unidentified attackers on their way home. All injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, with three in critical condition and undergoing emergency procedures. The scene was bloody and horrific. The Empire’s security forces have cordoned off the surrounding streets and launched a thorough investigation."

The deer-antlered news anchor, impeccably dressed in a suit, solemnly warned: "Residents of the southern district are advised to avoid the affected area for now. If traveling at night, please do so in groups. Upon receiving the news, Marshal Silver Night of the Empire expressed his outrage and has ordered a full investigation into the case, vowing to severely punish the perpetrators and safeguard the lives of every citizen on the Orc Planet..."

"Hmph, it must be those human refugees from Yalan Planet!" the brown bear orc grumbled, slamming his cup onto the adjacent table. Only then did he look up and notice Si Jiu placing the medicine on the table.

Si Jiu offered the embarrassed brown bear a perfect, professional smile: "Here is your medication for today. It’s placed here; please take it after your meal."

He then helped the mobility-impaired brown bear orc by pushing the movable table closer. The television continued to blare indistinctly in the background. The brown bear’s ears twitched, and his round eyes fixed on Si Jiu, clearly recognizing him as human but refraining from an outburst.

Maintaining his smile, Si Jiu efficiently logged the visit on the medical electronic tablet, nodded slightly to the patient, and turned to leave—a fluid, effortless motion, as if leaving no trace.

But once outside the room, his smile vanished. Not only had he heard the brown bear’s dissatisfied growl before closing the door, but also because the outskirts of Elderan Town in the southern district were precisely where the military logistics sanatorium he worked at was located.

Si Jiu’s studio apartment was in Elderan Town, and the news report indicated that the attack had occurred right along his daily commute.

No wonder nearby hospitals had suddenly been flooded with patients, leading to a severe nurse shortage—

...For safety’s sake, he should head home early after work.

Fortunately, he hadn’t been assigned any night shifts this month.

As Ran Lie’s designated caregiver, the big dog didn’t require overnight companionship. But before clocking out, Si Jiu needed to check in with him as usual.

Si Jiu placed the meal tray on the bedside table: "Mr. Ran, your dinner is here. Please enjoy."

The big dog looked up. His tablet was also broadcasting news about the attack—three were critically injured, with one still in danger.

Si Jiu recalled the brown bear orc’s earlier remark that humans might be responsible...

It wasn’t entirely impossible—among the humans who had migrated to the Orc Planet with him, there were indeed a few disgruntled extremists.

So, even if orcs treated him poorly, he could understand.

If Ran Lie also developed an aversion to humans, perhaps he would change his mind about living together—would that be a good thing for Si Jiu? But why did the thought leave him feeling so unhappy?

"Woof, woof, awoo?" The big dog’s dark paws paused the news on the tablet. Si Jiu had already pulled out his translation software.

—"When will you take me home?"

Huh? Si Jiu blinked, almost caught off guard.

Had too many steps been skipped? They were completely on different wavelengths!

"Woof woof woof!" Seeing Si Jiu hesitate, the big dog sat up straight.

—"That long-nosed fellow didn’t tell you?" Long-nosed guy likely referred to the elephant superintendent.

"...The superintendent did mention it to me." Si Jiu nodded. Looking into the big dog’s anxious yet hopeful eyes, he found himself unable to immediately say he needed more time to think.

—"You... don’t want to?" The dog’s barks turned into somewhat pitiful whimpers.

"I— Mr. Ran, as you know, I’m human." Si Jiu could cite numerous reasons to refuse taking in the big dog—his busy work schedule left limited time for treatment after work; he wasn’t used to living with others, which would cause inconvenience for both; his salary was limited, and he didn’t want to use any of Ran Lie’s funds...

More importantly, as an orc, living with an unwelcome human—even if Si Jiu empathized with Pure Beasts—how would Ran Lie feel?

The dog’s round eyes looked especially innocent.

"Woof, woof woof!"

—"I know. I’ll protect you!"

The big dog’s logic was indeed quite different from other orcs.

"That’s not what I meant, Mr. Ran." Si Jiu felt utterly disarmed by the dog. He was skilled at handling hypocrisy, coldness, mockery, and even worse treatment—none of it ever bothered him, never provoking any emotional response. A faint smile was his usual response.

But he wasn’t good at dealing with Ran Lie.

He kept thinking about the little dog he’d once raised. It had been locked in a cage outside a dog meat shop, whimpering and casting pleading glances at his younger self.

Perhaps it was that directness that made it hard to refuse.

But later, that little dog ended up biting him.

After that, he never raised another dog. About half a year later, the interstellar explosion occurred—Yalan Planet was thrust into an entirely unfamiliar galaxy by the massive cosmic blast, right next to the even stranger Orc Planet. The explosion also wiped out over half the population on Yalan.

That little dog must have also...

The Pure Beast dog looked just like that little dog all grown up. Even though he thought he’d never like dogs again, he’d already begun unconsciously worrying about the big dog’s life after retirement. Or perhaps, from the very beginning, he hadn’t really wanted to refuse the superintendent’s request.

"I don’t need your protection, Mr. Ran." Si Jiu lowered his gaze as the big dog cautiously touched the back of his hand with a paw. "I’ll provide ongoing treatment for you, and you’ll cover the associated costs."

That seemed fair.

"If you don’t mind, you can come live with me." You wouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you like that ungrateful little dog, would you?

"Woof woof!" The big dog’s excitement was obvious—he wagged his tail so vigorously he nearly jumped, making Si Jiu worry about his wounds.

—"You agreed?!" The software specifically noted: "The other party is expressing extreme happiness."

Sigh, in the end, he’d let emotions guide his decision.

Si Jiu couldn’t bring himself to admit openly that it was just part of the job.

"Woof woof, woof." Then, after Si Jiu patted his head to calm him slightly, the big dog pawed at the tablet on the bed and looked at Si Jiu.

—"Lately, this area hasn’t been safe. Let’s go back together tonight!"

Si Jiu hadn’t expected Ran Lie to not only notice today’s attack but also consider his safety on the way home.

"No, your wounds haven't fully healed yet." Si Jiu had a feeling Ran Lie was about to jump off the hospital bed.

Most dogs were action-driven, and Ran Lie was undoubtedly a prime example.

"You need at least two more days to recover. You can’t be discharged until after a comprehensive examination the day after tomorrow." As Si Jiu spoke, he detected a concerned expression forming on the big dog’s face.

"Woof woof woof!"

—"Then you stay here with me tonight!"

Si Jiu felt a touch of warmth in his heart. The VIP ward had a dedicated caregiver's room for overnight care of patients. Although Ran Lie was essentially assigning him night shift duty by staying over, Si Jiu knew it was out of concern for him.

It had been a long time since he last felt cared for... even if it came from what seemed like this reckless big dog.

Then again, he wasn’t an ordinary dog—he was an orc from the special forces of the Orc Legion. Not like the little dog he had once raised.

“It’s fine, no need to worry. The area where the incident happened today has been sealed off, and the way back is full of police officers now. It’s very safe.” As he spoke, he brought the steaming dishes from the meal tray one by one to the hospital bed's movable table. “Please have your meal first. It won’t taste as good if it gets cold.”

“Woof—umm, awoo…” The big dog lowered his head, seeming reluctant, yet also deep in thought.

Si Jiu smiled faintly and shook his head, then reached out to gently pat the big dog’s forehead. The dog’s upright ears twitched in response.

—“I’ll go home with you tomorrow. Long Nose will agree.” The translated voice sounded surprisingly certain.

Not long after leaving the VIP ward, Si Jiu received another call from the head nurse. At first, he thought he was being asked to assist with another patient, but unexpectedly, the head nurse instructed him to go directly to the Elephant Director’s office.

In the office, besides the Elephant Director, there was also an orc soldier in military uniform.

When Si Jiu stepped into the office and saw the soldier standing stiffly with a stern face, he couldn’t help but pause in surprise—what was going on? Could it be related to the attack in the southern district that afternoon?

His first thought went to his identity as a human from Yalan Star. Was he under suspicion? Was he going to be interrogated or something similar?

This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. Whenever something bad occurred, humans were often the first to be singled out as suspects, even if they were merely passing by.

Though he was somewhat weary, he had experienced all kinds of situations—he wasn’t someone to be easily bullied.

Si Jiu had already begun mentally drafting his responses, a routine he was well-practiced in.

“Si Jiu.” The Elephant Director, seated in his artificial leather-backed chair, tapped the desk lightly with his fingers. Si Jiu waited calmly for him to continue.

“Orders from above. This soldier will escort you home. The vehicle is waiting outside. You can leave early today.”

Huh, this was a first.