A Tale of Dogs and Pigs

Qin Huaiyu is a minor civil servant at the city's finance bureau. Despite his modest status, his father is a well-known dog breeder, nicknamed "Dog Millionaire."

One day, the bureau chief called Qin Huaiyu over, mentioning that his wife wanted to raise a pet dog. Understanding immediately, Qin Huaiyu assured, "Leave it to me!"

Upon returning home, Qin Huaiyu promptly called his father, informing him that the bureau chief's wife wished to own a dog and asked his father to prepare the most precious puppy available. His six-year-old son overheard the conversation, snatched the phone, and requested a puppy for himself as well. His grandfather, doting on his grandson, cheerfully agreed.

The next morning, Qin Huaiyu arrived at his father's dog breeding facility. His father pointed to two cages and said, "The black one is for the bureau chief's wife, and the white one is for my grandson. Don't mix them up." Qin Huaiyu observed both puppies, both lively and seemingly excellent, and asked, "Which one is more valuable?"

His father chuckled, "One is for the son's superior, and the other for my own grandson—both are top-notch, so you can trust me." Qin Huaiyu, in a hurry, didn't linger for further discussion and took the dogs back with him.

Back in town, without a break, he went straight to the bureau chief's home. The bureau chief's wife was delighted to see the two puppies in Qin Huaiyu's car, finding both equally adorable. Qin Huaiyu explained, "Sister-in-law, the black one is specially selected by my father for you, it's particularly valuable; the white one is a gift from my father to his grandson, not worth much."

Hearing this, the bureau chief's wife became more interested in the white puppy: "This white one looks so clean and cute; I'll take this one." Qin Huaiyu looked troubled: "Sister-in-law, truly, the black one is the valuable one." The bureau chief's wife smiled and said, "Raising a dog is just for fun, what's the fuss about value? You wouldn't be reluctant to give me the better one, would you?"

Fearing further explanations might lead to misunderstandings, Qin Huaiyu reluctantly agreed. The bureau chief's wife carried the white puppy upstairs, thinking to herself, "Trying to fool me, he's got the wrong idea. Grandpa would naturally give the best to his grandson; I've made the right choice with this one!"

Half a month later, the bureau chief called Qin Huaiyu to his office again. Thinking he was about to be rewarded for his previous gift, Qin Huaiyu entered with high spirits. However, he was met with the bureau chief's stern expression: "Qin, you've got some nerve, daring to deceive me?" "No, I haven't..." Qin Huaiyu was puzzled, unsure of the bureau chief's anger.

"Still denying it! I asked you to get a dog for my wife, and you sent us a meticulously disguised pig! My wife showed it off and was humiliated when it was recognized as a pig. I thought, how could such a valuable dog not bark?"

"Director, I truly didn't know. Let me call my father and ask..."

"There's no need. It's definitely a pig; its feet are covered with hair, but they're hooves..."

Leaving the bureau chief's office, Qin Huaiyu immediately called his father. His father laughed upon hearing the news: "You fool, who told you to give the white one to the bureau chief's wife? It's actually a pet pig I've carefully groomed! After years of breeding dogs and getting bitten, I've grown wary, so I decided to give my grandson a pet pig instead. These little pigs don't grow large and are perfect for children to play with..."

"Dad, you've really put me in a tight spot this time..."