Shen Xi picked up the Rubik's Cube and the Nine-Link Puzzle, and helped Xu Zhilan walk towards the backyard.
The two chatted and laughed as they walked, and soon found themselves back in the same pavilion where they had sat last time.
Looking at the Rubik's Cube in Shen Xi's hand, Xu Zhilan couldn't help but frown and ask, "Xi Xi, how can one play this Rubik's Cube quickly and accurately?"
Raising the Rubik's Cube, Shen Xi turned it over and examined it carefully several times. She suddenly remembered that when Shuo Shuo played with the Rubik's Cube, she had specifically asked her to buy a book.
It contained formulas specifically explaining how to restore the Rubik's Cube.
"Grandma, playing with a Rubik's Cube isn't about just turning it randomly; there are formulas. As long as you master those formulas, you can play it very well," Shen Xi said, her eyes shining brightly.
"Oh? Then buy me a book next time, and I'll study it," Xu Zhilan said, her interest piqued.
"Alright," Shen Xi agreed readily.
Just as she finished speaking, Qin Si Ye's voice suddenly came from behind them, "Dr. Shen, I didn't expect you to have some research in Rubik's Cubes as well?"
Shen Xi was startled and quickly stood up, turning to greet him, "Mr. Qin."
At this moment, she suddenly felt something furry rubbing against her feet.
Unable to bear it, she reflexively took a step back. Immediately, she felt a sharp pain in her calf.
"Ah!" Shen Xi cried out in surprise, her body tilting backward.
Qin Si Ye's heart tightened. He quickly stepped forward two paces and caught her as she swayed precariously.
Then, with a swift, accurate, and powerful kick, he sent the furry thing flying into the nearby pond.
Everything happened so fast that by the time Xu Zhilan reacted and stood up, she could only see a brown puppy struggling desperately in the water.
"How are you?" Qin Si Ye gently helped Shen Xi to sit on the stone bench.
Shen Xi suppressed her pain and replied in a low voice, "I'm fine."
However, her rapid breathing clearly betrayed that she was holding back.
"How can you be fine? Your skin is broken," Xu Zhilan looked down and said in alarm, "How did a dog suddenly appear in the house?"
"Ah—no, my Teddy! How did you fall into the water?" At this moment, a young boy's surprised scream came from a distance.
The three looked in the direction of the sound and saw a thin, tall young boy quickly walk to the edge of the pond. With great difficulty, he managed to pull the dog out of the water.
He held the nearly lifeless Teddy bear and walked furiously towards the three of them.
"Si Yu, when did you get back?" It was only then that Xu Zhilan realized that the boy in front of her was Qin Si Yu.
Qin Si Yu seemed not to have heard her. His eyes, red with anger, swept over the three of them.
"Who did this?"
At this moment, Qin Xiu Zhi and Jiang Jie also heard the commotion and hurried over.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
"Si Yu, what happened to the dog you just bought?"
Qin Si Ye took a step forward and met Qin Si Yu's fierce gaze, "I did it. What about it?"
"It's just a pet, how could you be so heartless to it?" Qin Si Yu looked at the Teddy bear in his arms with heartache and glared at him with burning eyes.
Qin Si Ye met his gaze with icy eyes, "It bit someone. It's no longer a pet, but a beast."
Hearing this, the others couldn't help but look at Shen Xi, who was sitting on the stone bench.
"Si Ye, oh no! Quick, Xi Xi's leg is bleeding," Xu Zhilan exclaimed in shock.
"Ah?" Qin Si Ye's heart raced. He looked down, and indeed, some red blood was oozing from where Shen Xi had been bitten.
Without hesitation, he bent down, scooped her up in his arms, and said, "Shen Xi, hold on. I'll take you to the hospital right now."
Everyone stared in bewilderment in the direction they had left. This scene was so similar to what had happened five years ago.
Shen Xi's heart pounded, and she couldn't help but gently tug on his arm, "Mr. Qin, please put me down quickly, I can walk myself."
"Your leg is injured like this, how can you walk? Don't be stubborn now," Qin Si Ye glanced down at her, his footsteps unwavering.
Before they knew it, they had reached the villa's entrance. Shen Xi's eyes flickered, as if she had thought of something.
"Wait. It's too far to the hospital from here. It'll take at least half an hour at the shortest. Do you have soap at home? It's best to clean the wound first."