Chapter 5

Rather than flitting about the Gobi Desert like a headless fly, it is better to stop first and plan a destination.

However, there is nothing much to tidy up. Her original plan for this trip to Yumen Pass was to return on the same day, and she brought nothing but a thermos for personal use.

If it were her, this base station would be her first choice of destination

Fu Xun was driving while Qu Yiqian was studying the map

With a slight lift of her gaze, she glanced at the naval cap he was wearing

She simply brought only a satellite phone, a mobile phone, and a handheld GPS device

The desert at night is not suitable for traveling; while it is still light, it is advisable to call for an additional vehicle to find people, enhancing efficiency.

It is akin to an illusion, capable of evoking the strongest desire for survival, while also giving rise to boundless despair

Yuan Ye, fearing that Fu Xun might hear, lowered his voice to ensure that only Qu Yiqian could hear and quietly said: "It's Fu Xun."

The statement is indeed correct

If it harms the kidneys, then what should be done? Where should she put her old face

In the eyes of most people, the Northwest is seen as barren and underdeveloped. In recent years, without the support of tourism and the government, it would not have been possible to develop so rapidly.

From a distance, it resembles a wetland, a small town, or a dense forest. Those who are lost in the desert are most easily enchanted by it

With a gentle stroke of the bow, she brushed off the dust and sand clinging to the engine hood, stood still for a moment, and then turned around to sit in the black G-Class that had been waiting behind her for quite some time

Fu Xun said: "First, meet up with the support vehicle"

There are only these two days left, and I can't find anyone... I estimate that they are just collecting the bodies

The sand sorghum stretches across the Gobi Desert, extending for hundreds of miles, and there is a high likelihood of signal coverage from nearby base stations

Initially, Qu Yiqian intended to say that she would rent the large G for two days. The fuel costs and any wear and tear incurred during these two days would all be considered her responsibility

Fu Xun looked as if money was no object. What if they offered her an exorbitant price? Would she accept it or not

She does not engage in moral coercion, nor does she use sentimentality as a means of obligation

Qin Yixian raised an eyebrow: "About whom?"

A lost person, once they take it as a lifeline, will continue to walk through this desert until their strength is exhausted, yet still cannot find a way out

The woman bit her cigarette and replied in a rather improper manner: "It's a family heirloom."

Unable to communicate clearly over the walkie-talkie, Fu Xun stopped the car by the roadside and got out to address a personal matter

The curiosity of Qu Yixian was piqued, but it was clearly not appropriate to gossip in front of the main subject, so she could only suppress it and said seriously: "Alright, I will talk about it when I return"

Qu Yi Xian secretly thought: This is clearly an experienced time traveler, likely having sneaked in many times to search for treasures

Hanging up the phone, Qu Yiqian turned to glance out the window at the scenery rushing by, and asked, "Where are we going?"

Fu Xun curled the corner of his lips, his gaze dropping as he exchanged a glance with her, showing considerable interest: "What if we can't find it?"

Mirage

It is uncertain whether this action aligns with Fu Xun's preferences. He gazed intently, and after pondering for a few seconds, he confirmed with her: "Whatever treasure you wish to seek, can you take me there?"

The string of the instrument did not immediately make a sound

If the base station is still reliable, circling around Sha Liang for hundreds of kilometers... is truly incredibly foolish

Fu Xun asked: "The sand ridges and dunes rise and fall, obstructing the view the most. If it were you, upon crossing the sand ridge and seeing a vast expanse of flat sandy land, would you choose to stay or to leave"

Cherishing one's car as if it were one's life

Qu Yixian and Yuan Ye are in direct contact, and the latest information still requires Yuan Ye to act as an intermediary, mediating between the rescue team and her.

Calculating the solar declination angle based on the time of disappearance, he should have ... . ... deviated in direction, heading north.

Even a single string can be understood, after all, he initially only agreed to supply the cruiser. The vehicle broke down halfway, and his willingness to come over is already a great act of kindness.

The base station is not clearly marked on the map. Based on his multiple experiences traveling between Yumen Pass and Dunhuang, Qu Yiqian drew a line near the road closest to Shaliang in Dachaidan, designating it as the base station

Fu Xun raised his eyes, silently inquiring

The entire sand millet terrain covers several hundred kilometers, so it is normal for him not to be able to walk out. If the base station cannot locate anyone, then this clumsy method is the only option left

This is the first time that a cruiser has run aground midway, necessitating the abandonment of the vehicle

Qu Yi Xian tidies up things in the car

Qu Yixian understood the meaning of Fu Xun

Treasure hunting

Qu Yi Xian early felt that Fu Xun was clear-minded, steady, and reliable. However, upon seeing him, she couldn't help but glance at him a couple more times.

Before Fu Xun entered the desert, he not only arranged for a support vehicle but also coordinated the route with the local camp in advance. At each station or camping site, there were people waiting to deliver supplies.

In these years, whether in the snow-capped mountains or the deserts, whether traversing mountains or wading through waters, she has never abandoned the cruiser

Compared to the dignified G-Class, the locally licensed Patrol with the green A plate appears worn and weary

When Qu Yixian was caught in the act, he immediately became honest upon receiving a glance from him

At the moment when the melody almost resonated, Fu Xun pointed to the north: "We will head north, but we cannot abandon the clumsy methods. You contact Yuan Ye and have the main forces search carefully near the Daqaidan Shaliang area."

At the moment she locked the car door, she suddenly felt a sense of reluctance

After getting in the car, she first called Yuan Ye. In addition to discussing the incident of the cruiser running aground, she also reported the discovery made on the sand ridge in Daqaidam.

Approximately ten minutes later, Fu Xun met with the security vehicle

Since the visitor with the surname Xun will not stay in one place, they certainly will not wait to die in the sand.

Therefore, after much contemplation, one must still place oneself on the shelf, relying on one's own abilities

With a light laugh, she said, "If even I cannot find it, then no one will be able to find it."

Although this answer seems rather unreliable, Qu Yiqian thought of this and felt somewhat reassured. She was not worried that Fu Xun had ulterior motives or was a criminal, and she nodded with certainty: "Anything."

Hearing her say that she got a ride from Fu Xun, Yuan Ye rubbed his palms together and said in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "Master Qu, there is something I need to tell you when you return"

When a sand pit was discovered on the sand ridge, Fu Xun mentioned that before the missing tourists went missing, there was a high possibility that they made their last phone call from there

It makes some sense

Therefore, in order to board the same boat, one must possess leverage in negotiations

In recent years, the tourism circuit developed in the Northwest and the government-supported "Belt and Road Initiative" have generated considerable revenue for the region. However, only those who have truly traveled through the Northwest can understand the wealth and cultural depth that this land possesses

Perhaps sensing her thoughts, Fu Xun turned his head and glanced at her

Fu Xun remained silent, merely lowering his head and glancing at her.

Although the mobile signal is weak, it is still possible to open web pages.

Not long ago, she saw it on the head of a female customer with the surname Yan, and at that time, she thought it was quite cool, so she casually asked where it was purchased

On weekdays, encountering sandstorms and wading through cement, I must personally clean it on the return trip

The refraction of light can create a mirage at the end of the desert

A demeanor of indifference, as if it has nothing to do with oneself

However, this thought was directly dismissed by her when she approached Fu Xun

As he finished speaking, he raised his hand to grip Qu Yixian's nape, gently turning her direction, indicating for her to look towards the horizon's end: "What do you see?"

After getting in the car, Fu Xun did not rush to set off

She is very reasonable, she just asked: "If we haven't found it yet, would you mind accompanying me to find the person first?"

In addition, she also followed the terrain to encircle the sand ridge that resembled a sleeping dragon

Although the sky is still bright, it is already late in the day

Qu Yi Xian looked through the car window and saw the driver of the security vehicle glance inside the car, then nod repeatedly. After a moment, Fu Xun turned around and returned, and the driver promptly got into the vehicle

Fu Xun seemed oblivious as he took her GPS and reviewed the destination points she had just set.

It would be impolite for Qu Yixian to casually ask Fu Xun what treasure he is seeking

I have led geological survey teams and served as a guide for archaeological teams; there is hardly any place in the vast Northwest that I do not know or cannot traverse. If you are willing to let me hitch a ride, I am also willing to return this favor to you. Whatever treasure you seek, I can take you there

Finding someone, there are no navigable routes to follow, nor shortcuts to take

After receiving the call from Fu Xun, the support vehicle rushed towards the coordinates. Once within the range of the intercom, I could not hold back: "Boss Fu, if you change the route now, you will not be able to pick up the supplies at the Water Yadan by tomorrow morning."