Goddess, Are You Blind? (GL) - Chapter 5:

Xue Funian pulled the little creature from under her palm into her arms, carefully feeling it all over. Her lips curved wider and wider with delight until she burst into a smile.
“It’s a doggy! Why didn’t I hear it bark?”

Ji Yun laughed too. Looking at Xue Funian’s confused, dazed expression, she couldn’t help but be amused. She carefully helped the still-squatting girl up.
“It’s a Labrador. Specially trained—now it’s a guide dog. They don’t bark.”

Xue Funian froze, stunned for a while. She didn’t come back to herself until Ji Yun patted her hand and added,
“From now on, even if I’m not by your side, at least you’ll have it with you. I’ll feel more at ease.”

“Is big sister going somewhere?”

Ji Yun hadn’t expected her mind to jump so fast. She chuckled, then half-pushed the dog into her arms.
“Where could I possibly go? I just mean sometimes I’ll be busy, and it’ll be good to have it keeping you company, so you don’t have to be afraid.”

“Come on, test the goods. See if you like it.”

Xue Funian let out a little laugh, then stroked the dog’s head. Her grin grew even bigger, her face full of unguarded joy.
“I like it.”

“That’s good.” Ji Yun laughed along, then turned her head to nod at the shop assistant. Soon, with one person and one dog, they walked out the door together.

On the way back in the car, Xue Funian was as quiet as before, but with the dog in her arms she looked genuinely happy. Even the corners of her eyes and brows carried a smile.

“Big sister, you should name it,” Xue Funian turned her head to “look” toward Ji Yun.

“You want me to?” Ji Yun tilted her head slightly, glancing at her, then smiled.

“Mhm. You gave it to me, so you should name it.”

“Uh… they say a cheap name makes for easy raising. Let’s call it Gouzi. (‘Doggy.’)”

“…”

Dead silence. By the time Ji Yun glanced at her again, Xue Funian had already smoothed away the look of disdain from her face. Still, the air between them grew oddly awkward over this naming business.

And then the guide dog gave a single clear bark, as if agreeing.

Ji Yun burst into hearty laughter. “See? It likes the name!”

Xue Funian’s brow twitched harder. Whatever she said, a dog could only bark twice—it wasn’t as if it could actually express an opinion.

But she couldn’t think of a better name anyway. So Gouzi it was. After all, just as Ji Yun had said, a humble name meant an easier life. All she could hope for was that Gouzi would live well.

The dog was very well-behaved, quiet, not noisy at all. Trained to perfection, it sat in the back seat without making a sound, tilting its head and staring blankly at the two people in front.

Ji Yun turned back and winked at Gouzi, who lowered its head obediently. She really liked this guide dog—for no other reason than its gentle, quiet nature.

Xue Funian couldn’t see, but she had ears. From the moment they entered the shop until now, bringing Gouzi home, it had only barked once—that tiny sound seeming only to respond to Ji Yun’s words.

“It’s really obedient. Doesn’t make a fuss.”

“That’s why I spent so long choosing. I was afraid a noisy one would bother you.”

Hearing this, Xue Funian’s heart skipped, and she pressed her lips into a smile.
“Big sister, you’re so thoughtful.”

“How could I not be thoughtful with you?” Ji Yun shot her a sidelong glance before focusing back on the road. “From now on, when you go out, take Gouzi with you. That way I’ll be at ease.”

“By the way, A’nian…” Ji Yun’s gaze stayed forward, lips pressed together. “I’ve been on leave for quite a while. The company called. The day after tomorrow I need to take a short business trip. I’ll stock up the house with snacks, and I’ve arranged for an auntie to come by—she’s a distant relative, someone I trust. If you need anything, call me. And if you want to go out, take Gouzi.”

Xue Funian nodded, smiling.
“Big sister, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine at home. You can relax—especially now that I have Gouzi.”

Ji Yun smiled too. After parking, she leaned over to unfasten Xue Funian’s seatbelt, cupping her face playfully.
“Be good. Wait at home for me. I’ll be back soon.”

Xue Funian froze at the touch, then chuckled softly.
“Big sister, don’t tease me.” She stepped out, groped her way to the back, opened the door, and stretched her hands out. “Come, Gouzi.”

Apparently very fond of its name, Gouzi sprang up immediately and tried to leap toward her.

But Ji Yun grabbed her and caught the dog first.

Failing to feel the dog, Xue Funian tilted her head toward Ji Yun, bewildered.

“Alright, you’re not used to it yet. And you can’t see. I’ll hold it.” She gave the dog a glare. “You’re heavier than you look, Gouzi.”

The dog whined twice at her ankle, rubbing against her pitifully before looking up at Xue Funian with wide eyes.

Xue Funian laughed, but before she could step forward, Ji Yun looped an arm around her and guided her hand onto her own arm.
“Hold onto me, I’ll lead Gouzi. Don’t let go.”

Xue Funian nodded, letting herself be guided.

It was sweltering in July and August. Stepping out of the car, heat washed over them.

Ji Yun paused to pat the dog’s head.
“Be good and follow us. From now on, you’re part of the family. It’s your job to guide A’nian.”

Gouzi wagged its tail and strutted proudly ahead.

Ji Yun nearly laughed aloud. Sliding her arm around Xue Funian’s waist, she lowered her head and murmured by her ear,
“You know, Gouzi seems to know where home is. He’s already leading the way.”

Startled by the sudden embrace, Xue Funian’s ears burned at the warm breath tickling them. And when she heard the word “our,” her whole face turned red.

Ji Yun caught sight of it and chuckled.
“A’nian, your skin’s too thin—you blush so easily.”

Xue Funian said nothing, just let herself be led.
“Big sister, where’s your trip to?”

“Mm, Xiao Zhang said Changsha. Want me to bring something back for you? Stinky tofu?”

“In this heat? By the time you’re back, it’ll all be spoiled.”

“Not necessarily! I’ll buy it and hop right on the plane, rush it home for you.” Ji Yun looked smug.

“You’re being ridiculous. You’d gas out half the passengers.”

Ji Yun laughed. This was no longer the withdrawn girl who wouldn’t say a word. Now, Xue Funian could banter back, even tease her.

It felt wonderful. Ji Yun couldn’t stop smiling.

“Don’t worry. If I think of anything, I’ll call you. You’ll have to remember to bring it back for me.”

Ahead, Gouzi sniffed here and there, then turned back with wide eyes, letting out a soft whine.

Ji Yun laughed.
“You’re not a dog, are you? You’re a cat, with that soft little voice.”

Xue Funian laughed too, crouching down and holding out her hands toward the sound.
“Come here, Gouzi.”

The obedient dog bounded over. Seeing her blindness, it slowed at the last step, carefully nestling into her arms.

Ji Yun watched, a flicker of jealousy in her chest at how close they already were.

Xue Funian hugged the dog, nuzzling her chin into its fur.
“It’s too hot, big sister. Gouzi should start learning the road home.”

Ji Yun nodded.
“Your mom’s right—remember the way, so you can bring her home. Don’t go wandering into someone else’s house.”

Xue Funian nodded, then froze—realizing what Ji Yun had just implied. She stayed stunned until Ji Yun tugged her forward.
“Come on. From now on, you’re Gouzi’s mom. You’ll feed him, take care of him. He’s your son now, guiding you and protecting your eyes.”

Ji Yun laughed again.
“As for me, I’ll be his dad. I’ll bully him, and he’ll run to hide behind you, and then—”

“Big sister.” Xue Funian interrupted. “If you’re dad and I’m mom… doesn’t that make him just a dog?”

She smiled, no longer resisting, letting Ji Yun pull her along. Gouzi padded beside them, gazing up at the two with wide, shining eyes.

Quietly watching them laugh and talk, then leading them both home.