The Queen's Dog

Xin Tuyong sat under the shelter of a large tree, trying to avoid getting soaked by the thundering spring rain. Even the dense leaves could not save him from the occasional splatter of droplets that dampened his clothes. He shivered.

He had been working contentedly for years under his boss as an assistant, running to and fro on odd errands without question.

And quite frankly, he didn't even know the specifics of what his boss did. He only knew it had to do with finances — his boss was a wealthy man who liked his privacy.

Thankfully, Xin Tuyong knew when and how to keep his mouth shut and not meddle, allowing him to earn a comfortable wage for many years under said boss.

But a month ago, the company went to shambles. Xin Tuyong was laid off. No explanation, and definitely no help enough for him to find another job to continue making rent payments.

He searched anywhere and everywhere for employment, but the economy was declining throughout the country. No one was looking to hire.

With little choice in the following weeks, Xin Tuyong sold as many of his things as he could to keep up with rent until he ended up with nothing but the clothes on his back and a little pocket change.

His savings were swallowed whole by his living expenses, forcing him onto the streets.

Desperation and an empty stomach led him through the middle of a dangerously heavy rainstorm to a large house.

The employment flyer was damp and hard to read, but he held on to it as though it were gold. To him, it was just as valuable.

Left without any other options, he decided with conviction to apply for the position of a housekeeper and pull his life back together.

He knocked multiple times, but there was no response.

Sinking against the trunk of a looming tree, he could only wait for a sign of life. He would not let this opportunity pass him by.

As the sun set in the grim sky and the rain subsided, Xin Tuyong found himself fighting against the sleep that beckoned him. The thunder of the sky quieted until it was only his empty stomach thundering.

Drifting in and out of consciousness while still gripping the flyer, he eventually lost his battle, falling into a cold, restless sleep.

Next thing he knew, he was woken up by an incessant prodding at his shoulder. 'Ugh,' he groaned, turning over, 'What is it?' He hoped it would stop, but it only became more fervent.

Opening his eyes, he suddenly became aware of his situation. He looked up to see a tall, lean man in a black suit staring at him with apathy.

The man looked as though he were in his thirties. In one hand, he held a briefcase, and in the other, keys. His face could be considered beautiful if not for the dull expression that detracted from his clear, bright skin and natural features.

His glossy hair was slicked back, and his sharp eyes shined darkly beneath gold glasses, making his face look more sinister than the man probably was. Those dark eyes stared expectantly at Xin Tuyong.

Xin Tuyong jumped up from his crumpled position on the ground to stand erect like a soldier, dusting what caked mud he could off of his clothes in an attempt to look professional. His failure to do so was almost comical.

"Hello! My name is Xin Tuyong and I'm here to apply for the position of a housekeeper listed on this flyer." He bowed as he held out the filthy flyer and his cheeks burned bright red.

He shamelessly didn't mention anything about why he was sleeping there, not wanting to explain his pitiful situation.

The man in the suit adjusted his glasses and leaned forward a short distance, reading the barely-legible paper without touching it. He seemed to let out a small sigh, but the optimistic Xin Tuyong thought he must have imagined it.

"I see," the man said. "I'm Di Gaohun, head manager. Did you happen to bring a resume or fill out one of our applications?"

"Ah, that... uh... no, not yet. Where could I find an application by chance?" Xin Tuyong sheepishly smiled. This was more embarrassing that he anticipated, but he refused to back down.

Di Gaohun's neutral expression dipped a fraction into a barely-noticeable scowl as his eyebrow twitched in annoyance. In half a second, however, his face flipped like a switch to an accommodating lilt.

His smile itself could have passed as genuine, but his eyes emanated the same disgruntled feeling from earlier.

"Follow me and I'll take you in to grab an application."

If Xin Tuyong were a puppy, his tail would be wagging fiercely. He was ecstatic to have this chance and he would not let this opportunity go. He followed Di Gaohun with a slight skip in his steps and couldn't restrain the grin that stretched across his face.

He was unlucky before -- yes -- but this was fate!