The man entered the courtyard, and Qiao Jiaqi led him into the living area and poured him a cup of hot water.
"Is your home far from here?"
"Yes, it's about ten miles away."
The man was dressed in patched clothes, indicating his less fortunate circumstances.
By this time, Qiao Mai had arrived in the living room. When the man saw her, he was about to stand up, but she quickly said, "Please, have a seat."
The man hadn't even taken a sip of water yet; he hurriedly brought the basket in front of him and lifted the lid. Inside were two shivering puppies wrapped in a pile of thick straw.
"They just turned a month old today. Take a look."
Qiao Mai picked up one with both hands. The puppy smelled her unfamiliar scent and immediately opened its eyes in alertness. Upon seeing a stranger, it bared its teeth at her and started barking wildly.
She couldn't help but laugh, "This one's fierce indeed. It's a good watchdog material."
