You have a name of a flower (in Chinese)
"Seventy-two degrees." Fang Tuo raised an eyebrow, poured a layer onto the lid of the lunchbox, and took a sip.
I came to find Duojie, who is our team's liaison in the village. My colleagues have gone into the mountains, and there is no mobile signal. I will go ask Duojie where they are camping.
The little girl with a thin ponytail approached and raised her hand, "Teacher Fang, Teacher Fang, I can recite it." Saying this, she began to recite clearly, and after finishing, she stared intently at Fang Tuo, her big eyes wide open without blinking.
"It must be sixty degrees by now," she exclaimed in astonishment
"So now... are you working with the cavalry?" Xia Xiaoju asked, recalling the discussions among the group earlier. She felt that this question sounded somewhat condescending, so she quickly clarified, "What I mean is, during the winter or off-season?"
The meal is ready, a large pot of noodles cooked together with potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, along with a few flatbreads that have also been warmed over the campfire. In the mountains, everyone is not too picky; as they enjoy the steaming hot food, they feel their bodies warm up and gain the energy to converse. However, after a day of walking and with the cold weather, after eating and drinking horse tea, they all soon crawled into their tents. Only the American couple remained enthusiastically stargazing and chatting, as the horse team had encountered more foreign tourists than Chinese ones early in the morning, and the guides were quite proficient in everyday English conversation.
Fang Tuo brought over an old-fashioned military canteen, and a strong smell of alcohol wafted towards me
Uncle Guide asked: "Xia, would you like to give it a try?"
Laughter echoed around the campfire, along with the exclamation from the American girl, Susie: "Oh my God, my throat is on fire. Are you sure this isn't pure alcohol taken from a hospital?"
Fang Tuo cracked the whip, and it struck the front leg of the large dog just right, causing it to whimper in pain and run away. As it retreated, it glanced back, and Fang Tuo glared in return, cracking the whip once more.
"Do not run, put the puppy down, open your arms, and stare into its eyes." Xiao Rong stood beside her, still holding the camera, also rooted to the spot in confusion
Xia Xiaoju was well-prepared and took out a lightweight down jacket from her backpack, replacing the fleece inside her windbreaker. She shifted to the side, making way for the suitable spot for roasting by the fire. The golden-red flames were bright and warm, further highlighting the deep blue and pristine sky, which was adorned with countless stars, while the Milky Way's clouds swirled along the horizon
He was not in a hurry to get up, casually grabbing the blushing little boy next to him, "You have taken more than others, what about the multiplication table I taught you last time? Recite it for me to hear."
The itinerary for the tourists is to visit the vicinity of the base camp for climbing, where they will stay for sightseeing before returning. Therefore, there is no need to carry large bags; they only need to bring valuable items and cameras for a light journey. Xiaojun's colleagues are also near the base camp, so they can take a detour to walk a bit further. Everyone's belongings are not many, and they have organized them early. While waiting for Fang Tuo to return, they are leisurely wandering around and enjoying the scenery.
The song that Da Tu sang at that time seemed to be "Destiny"
"Should I run or not?" Lin Ting's voice trembled, laced with a sob.
She once feared losing Lu Shiyi's friendship so much, yet in the end, they are separated by vast distances; as for whether a different identity at the beginning could have led to a lasting relationship, that question will forever remain unanswered. Xia Xiaoju gazed at the sky, and the stars in her view became blurred, almost overlapping with one another
Xia Xiaoju shook her head. Fang Tuo did not insist, retracting the water bottle, "Forget it, hasn't she been having stomach issues these past couple of days? Let's do it next time"
A few people were gathered around the campfire, each sharing interesting stories from their journeys. Susi and her boyfriend encouraged everyone to sing, and a guide sang two songs. Fang Tuo picked up a stick and poked at the embers, then began to hum along:
The voice, soaked in alcohol, was somewhat hoarse; after singing a segment, everyone fell silent.
Xia Xiaoju looked over, and Fang Tuoyang waved to her, "Come here, it's warm." He also handed her a baked potato, its exterior charred and its interior filled with a rich aroma of charcoal, freshly cooked by being buried next to the campfire.
"You said the same thing last time," the young girl shook his arm, "Mr. Fang, please come and teach me."
Xia Xiaoju did not say much, walking aside to observe this pasture in the woods. Just after turning around and walking a short distance, she heard Lin Ting's terrified scream from behind. Turning back, she saw Lin Ting holding a small puppy, facing a fierce and alert large dog. The dog was baring its teeth, emitting a low growl, its body tense, with its hind legs bent, as if it was ready to pounce at any moment. Without thinking much, Xia Xiaoju picked up a dry branch in her right hand and grasped a stone the size of a goose egg in her left hand. Turning back, she saw Lin Ting holding a small puppy, facing a fierce and alert large dog. The dog was baring its teeth, emitting a low growl, its body tense, with its hind legs bent, as if it was ready to pounce at any moment. Without thinking much, Xia Xiaoju picked up a dry branch in her right hand and grasped a stone the size of a goose egg in her left hand
What?
I am concerned that he might be bored by himself. Moreover, the snow-capped mountains can be seen from here; it is not necessary to go to the base camp.
I have some simple thoughts that I express on my own
"Help feed the yaks, drive the yaks," he said, pronouncing the words 'yaks' with a slightly heavy nasal tone, infused with a hint of the local dialect
You don't have much of an accent; you must have studied abroad
"Come whenever you have time," Fang Tuo replied, "Previous customers and friends would send books and stationery over."
"We are not responsible for formulating policies." Xia Xiaoju smiled, "Are you worried about your yaks?"
Not far from the camp, there is a meadow, and Lin Ting and Xiao Rong walked over, taking pictures of the wildflowers along the way
Lin Ting followed her gesture and looked over, where several furry little animals were wriggling near a large rock. It turned out to be four small puppies, each about a month old, with a mix of brown and gray fur, hiding beside the stone. A cursory glance would hardly reveal their presence.
In your view, this is fundamentally a joke
The little girl nodded and said, "I would like to ask if Sister Ning Ning will come back, as I still want to learn to dance with her"
Fang Tuo lowered his head and saw a tear in the gray cargo pants above her left ankle, which had already soaked through with a few deep black spots
Thus, I am sorrowful
I won't trouble everyone any further. Xia Xiaoju waved her hand, I am basically fine, and the noodles are the same.
On the way back, Fang Tuo asked: "What are you here to investigate, geology? Plants? Animals?"
The little boy twisted his arm in struggle and chuckled, "Teacher Fang, it is summer vacation now; I will recite it for you when school starts again"
Xia Xiaoju choked on her saliva and began to cough
"You really know how to divert attention." Xia Xiaoju sighed in relief, "Do you come to see them every time you go into the mountains?"
Fang Tuo pointed to his eyes and said, "I have seen more mountain climbers than you have seen donkeys."
The current altitude is over 3,600 meters, and today it is expected to reach a maximum of 4,300 meters. You should stay in the village and enjoy some tea; there is a place that serves very good sweet tea. Fang Tuo smiled slightly, but his tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation, "There are many trees here, and the oxygen is more abundant."
"What could such a big guy possibly have to worry about?" Xiao Rong scoffed, "Are you afraid that he would be left alone and lose face?"
Fang Tuo, feeling constrained, turned his head and saw Xia Xiaoju standing by with a smile, watching the commotion. He raised his hand and pointed, saying, "Let that sister teach you, go find her quickly"
Lin Ting said, "Oh, I haven't seen the two of them talking much on the way."
He Guang looked up and said, "Are those the stars? Unfortunately, there are clouds, making it hard to see clearly"
Fang Tuo smiled and said, "Ninety percent of love songs are sad." He was unsure whether it was due to having drunk too much or sitting by the fire for too long, his cheeks were flushed, yet his eyes still held a glimmer of laughter
A few children nearby clapped their hands, "Teacher Fang, dance; Teacher Fang, dance."
This road, how rugged and fraught with obstacles it is
Fang Tuo gently rubbed her head and said, "Didn’t you just receive the books and chocolate? No more bargaining, okay? Studying hard is for your own benefit, do you understand?"
After causing a commotion for a while, he finally coaxed the children to go home for dinner, agreeing to meet again next time they go into the mountains
She shook her head, "I was startled just by seeing it"
Xia Xiaoju pondered for a moment, "Are you saying that I am a donkey?"
How do you treat emotions in your heart
Xia Xiaoju turned to run, but stumbled and couldn't get away, surrounded by the children for ten minutes, singing a song before she managed to escape. Fang Tuo took the opportunity to hide beside the empty space; he didn't know whose family had tied up a donkey. With a long stride, he mounted it backwards, watching with amusement.
A friend in the group echoed, "Yes, I thought he cared for Rongrong the most, but now he seems quite happy chatting with others"
"So cute!" Lin Ting exclaimed, tiptoeing over, "Can I touch them?"
Everyone laughed, "He is drinking, why are you coughing along?"
Lin Ting felt somewhat uneasy, "Perhaps I won't go either; I will stay in the village to accompany He Guang"
That day, Shen Duo told her that after graduation, she would go to France with her father. Regarding her seemingly hopeless unrequited love hidden deep in her heart, Xia Xiaoju felt a sense of shared sorrow and even took the initiative to give up her position next to Da Tu.
"This is a project we are collaborating on with Sichuan Province, focusing on the comprehensive assessment of the ecological environment in the upper reaches of the Min River," replied Xia Xiaoju. "There are many factors to consider, and we mainly emphasize forest coverage, grassland degradation, and so on"
Lin Ting smiled and said: "It's rare to see you praise a boy. If you don't go, I think he will become familiar with others."
Gradually awakening from the moment you turned and left
It should be a nest," Xiao Rong said
Xiao Rong curled her lips and said, "It's so cold, why would you want to chat with him"
Are you speaking from the heart? Do you really not want to go? Then why did you sign up for the Xuebaoding route in the first place? We might as well go to Muni Valley instead
Xia Xiaoju felt quite embarrassed, "No way, I really just recovered." The warmth from the campfire spread over, warming her chest.
The guide uncle smiled, "Ato's beloved is a girl as beautiful as a flower"
Susi said: "I do not understand the lyrics, but I think this is a sad love song"
Ah, the yak! No, it won't charge at us, will it..." Lin Ting said in a panic, stopping in her tracks. "Didn't the guide tell us not to get too close?"
Fang Tuo sent He Guang to Nami Village, and upon returning to the camp, he discovered that three girls were missing. Following the guidance of the uncle guide, he made his way over. From a distance, he heard Lin Ting's scream, mixed with the whimpering of a dog. His heart tightened, and he ran over quickly, drawing the Uduo (a type of sling commonly used by Tibetan herdsmen) that was tucked at his waist. Looking up, he saw Xia Xiaoju sitting on the ground, still holding a branch and poking at something.
A person who always smiles does not necessarily mean they are always happy
The next day, they were supposed to set off early, but He Guang showed some slight signs of altitude sickness. He had not slept well the entire night, and his neck was somewhat painful. Fearing that a few girls would look down on him, he insisted on continuing with the horse team towards the base camp.
Fang Tuo was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "Do you still remember Sister Ning Ning? She has started working and is very busy. How about I invite another older sister to teach you how to dance next time?"
Xiao Rong felt a bit impatient in her heart. Just before leaving, she had specifically said goodbye to Fang Tuo, who did not ask her to sit down but instead called for Xia Xiaoju. It wasn't that she thought Fang Tuo had any particular feelings; it was just that on a night like this, with the campfire, stars, and drinking, there was a certain spirit of wandering the world. Why did she have to retreat back into the tent?
Fang Tuo nodded, "I have read it for a while"
Xiao Rong said: "You cannot take the initiative to touch; you must gradually approach, allowing them to come closer on their own"
Susie asserted, "I am certain that you are a person with a story."
"It's still so far away, does the yak need to digest after eating too much? Running all this way to chase you?" Xiao Rong laughed at her, "I meant for you to look beside the stone."
"Be careful, there are big dogs nearby." The voice of Xia Xiaoju came from behind, "They should still be weaning."
Xia Xiaoju was not yet sleepy, but she also did not feel like talking much. She sat at the entrance of the tent, hugging her knees, gazing at a starry sky that enveloped the valley above. The winding star clouds resembled the cross-sea bridge she had seen from a distance that year; at that time, she seemed to stand at the entrance of a strange dream, as if she could run along the brilliant light trail into the night, running towards any place in the future, to the so-called ends of the earth.
"Don't move..." Her features scrunched together as she raised her hand to stop, "There is something I need to discuss."
Xiao Rong scoffed, "What clouds? That is the Milky Way!"
Fang Tuo glanced at her and said, "Are you talking about me, or are you talking about yourself?"
Only then did I realize that imposing my world upon you requires courage
Duo Jie also heard that she had been unwell a few days ago, so he asked her to stay in the village.
The little boy broke free, "I picked up the most trash, wait for me to show you."
Fang Tuo tapped his forehead and said, "You have learned to set conditions now."
You and I have long since lost the path of no return
He was very familiar with the village, and along the way, villagers greeted him. In just a few minutes, he arrived at Duojie's home, inquiring about the location where the research team was camping, and then called out to Xia Xiaoju, "I heard from the manager that you have a weak stomach. Would you like to have a bowl of porridge in the village?"
Xiao Rong pointed to the top of his head and said, "Look, the Milky Way"
Fang Tuo tapped the wooden stick in front of her feet, sparking a few sparks, "Do you know everything again?! Do I look like it?"
Fang Tuo chuckled, "What kind of logic is this? Is it a donkey or has it been kicked by a donkey?"
He Guang, feeling embarrassed after being interrupted, smiled awkwardly and said, "The city is filled with light pollution, making it impossible to see; the mountains are still better."
The girls in the tent tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep, feeling that the canvas of the tent and the Tibetan robe beneath them both had a strong smell of horse. However, they had wrapped themselves up tightly and did not want to go out into the wind. Lin Ting nudged Xiao Rong, "Aren't you going to chat with A Tuo?"
Lin Ting hesitated, "I... I will think about it some more."
The guide uncle smiled and looked over, "A-Tuo treats Xiao Xia the best."
Seeing the large dog wandering in the distance, he no longer approached. He hurried over, wanting to help Xia Xiaoju up, "Are you alright?"
He Guang observed his resolute attitude and understood that there was no possibility for negotiation. Although he felt uneasy and reluctant, he still followed Fang Tuo's lead to Nami Village
Although your fragrance still lingers in my hands
The two crossed the stream, and Fang Tuo stood on the bank, wanting to reach out and help Xia Xiaoju. When he turned around, he found that she had already jumped over from the nearby rock. He withdrew his hand and smiled at her, "You often go outdoors, don't you? Your climbing posture is quite different."
As the sky darkened, the temperature suddenly dropped after the sun disappeared, and everyone huddled together by the campfire, wrapping themselves tightly in their clothes. Lin Ting curled her hands and nestled in her boyfriend's embrace. Xiao Rong had little clothing to keep warm, repeatedly warming her hands but feeling the smoke irritating when sitting too close. Fang Tuo noticed this and rummaged through his backpack to find a jacket. When she took it, she caught a strong scent of horse on it, which made her frown slightly, yet she did not refuse and draped it over herself, thanking him.
Xiao Rong does not like being instructed by others, and her tone is somewhat impatient, "I know, I have raised dogs at home since I was a child, we would not recklessly approach them"
Xia Xiaoju scrutinized him, "Of course, I am talking about you now, do not change the subject."
Fang Tuo asked her: "Are you coming to the village for a visit?"
"Hurry up and go to sleep," she huffed, turning away.
"Are you planning to return farmland to forest?" Fang Tuo asked, "Is following the horse team considered a discreet visit?"
Until now, you have not mentioned it to me
Xia Xiaoju sat cross-legged and whispered in Chinese: "She is right."
Can this really be seen?
Fang Tuo pushed the wooden stick, and the campfire crackled loudly. He wore a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, and replied, "Which girl is not like a flower?"
Susi said, "Do you want to give it a try? I couldn't taste anything at all, it just felt like my throat was about to be torn apart." She shrugged, "After all, it's a rare experience, won't you take a sip?"
"Look over there," Xiao Rong tugged at her sleeve and pointed ahead.
Fang Tuo jumped down from the donkey's back and said, "I will go with you. I know the locations of several camps here, and I will take you there tomorrow"