22 The Invitation (1/2)
”Old Phil, Old Phil, don't run!”
In the hotel bathroom, Ye Qingxuan pushed the crazy Old Phil into the bathtub, trying to clean the layers of mud off of it.
Old Phil turned around and bit Ye Qingxuan, but he remained determined as ever. He poured half a bottle of the hotel bath soap onto Old Phil, and added a few tablespoons of detergent until the dog was about to be drowned by bubbles.
No one knew how long this old dog had not taken a bath as Ye Qingxuan also brushed out several small hair pins, not knowing who had put them there.
When the dirty water and Old Phil's fur had almost completely clogged the drain, Ye Qingxuan finally stopped and nodded, finally satisfied, ”That's how it's done.”
In front of the mirror, Old Phil sluggishly looked at itself. It whined a little, too sad to continue looking.
This golden-haired dog with luscious fur suddenly stood up, raised its paw and skillfully slapped Ye Qingxuan. Then it sat in a corner and refused to move.
Under the afternoon sunshine, the tips of its fur glowed with golden highlights. They was so elegant and beautiful, making it a totally unrecognizable dog compared to that dirty one before. But why did it love being dirty!? No one knew what the dog was thinking as it was sad despite being so beautiful now.
Old Phil squatted in the corner, sadly bowing its head. It would be perfect if Old Phil could hold a glass a wine, and recite some poetry to express its sadness.
”Do not be sad, Old Phil.” Ye Qingxuan squatted and tried to comfort it. ”You see, if you are dirty, I have no way to take you to come with me to the entrance exam.”
Old Phil was still unresponsive.
”I discovered that before the entrance exam this year, the Royal Academy of Music will have a reception banquet. So tonight you can follow me quietly into the kitchen, and you can eat as much as you want!”
Ye Qingxuan predicted Old Phil's selfish desires, ”Old Phil, it's the Royal Academy of Music's banquet! Wales sausage will certainly be unlimited!
As soon as Old Phil heard the word 'sausage,' its tail started wagging, and its eyes shone.
”And maybe there will be seafood, meat and endless stargazing...”
Stargazing?
Immediately Old Phil stared at him very seriously. Ye Qingxuan realized what he had just said, and tried to make it better, ”Ok, ok, we don't eat that. Just the sausage should be enough! The bread is not the stale kind, but is soft like cotton candy... ”
Old Phil nodded, then opened its mouth and stuck out its tongue as if saying, ”That would be satisfactory.”
”There is seafood, scallops, and lobster, this big...” Ye Qingxuan stretched out his arms wide.
”Ruff, Ruff!” Old Phil was so excited, and flew into Ye Qingxuan's arms. It patted his shoulder, full of gratitude, as if it had begun to see that its little follower had grown up and could now take care of him.
”Haha, don't open your mouth!”
Ye Qingxuan was happily rolling with Old Phil on the ground.
In the end they both were tired, lying on the dirty floor. The sun shone through the window onto the teen's white hair. It glistened like flowing mercury.
Ye Qingxuan spaced out while looking outside the window. The messy streets, the blue sky with white clouds. In silence, he suddenly gave a silly smile.
”Old Phil, I will become a musician soon.”
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The setting sun shone through the clouds like flowing water, brilliant and beautiful.
A ray of sunshine fell from the sky and shone on the top of the palace. White towers stood high, the golden, glistening gryphon flag fluttering in the wind.
The light from the top of the palace reflected upon its surroundings evenly, illuminating the three-ring city. Everything was rendered with a layer of an enchanting golden hue.
Dancing white fog shrouded the city below, huge waves appeared to cover the whole town From there, the shadow of the white church could only be seen vaguely, becoming blurrier as the distance increased, yet the sound of the tide could be heard from afar.
This was the era that the nobles were bathed in the light, while the ordinary civilians looked up to witness the glory.
Outside the iron gate, Ye Qingxuan was holding Old Phil and looked up in awe.
Behind the tall walls, layers of old trees covered the entire school area, faintly revealing a peek of the auditorium and the corner of the bell tower. The ancient college exuded a peaceful atmosphere, with people quietly coming and going. Two-hundred-years ago, when the school was built, the architect had placed solemn monuments in every place.
The doors slowly opened. Years of history blew through the door, fascinating people.
”Old Phil, let's go.”
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Ye Qingxuan finally recovered from spacing out, waved at Old Phil, walked into the school, full of excitement.
”Are you here to attend the banquet?” asked an old gatekeeper. He wore a short cloak and held a short staff. He looked down at the excited child, and the excited old dog, then nodded his head and ushered him in.
Watching the boy happily run away, he laughed. He propped up his chin on the short staff and went back to sleep.