The next morning, I was startled awake by the sound of barking. I immediately sat up, scanning the room for a dog, but found none; the doors and windows were all securely fastened.

Shaking my head, I dismissed it as a hallucination. Yet, upon reflection, the barking had sounded incredibly real, as if right beside my ear.

Daxiong also jolted upright, rubbing his eyes. "Where did that dog come from?" I shook my head, saying I didn't know, then threw on a jacket and went to the window, pushing it open.

The snowstorm had passed; the weather was fine, though still bitterly cold. Shivering, I peered outside, but there was no sign of any dog.

I quickly shut the window and returned to lie back down. Just as I settled in, something struck me, and I shot up, exclaiming, "Damn it!

Aren't we leaving for Relic Island today? It’s broad daylight!" Saying that, I slapped Daxiong’s cheek.

"You lazy lump, still sleeping! We leave today!" Daxiong mumbled a few times upon hearing me, then rolled over and continued sleeping.

But a second later, he practically sprang out of bed, leaping high into the air. "Right!

Get up, get up!" With that, he hastily dressed and bolted into the main hall at top speed. I had never witnessed Daxiong move so fast; I was momentarily stunned.

Clearly, the guy was terribly eager. Shaking my head with resignation, I quickly pulled on my clothes, smoothed down my hair, and entered the hall.

Andre and Liang Qian were already waiting. The table was set with fried eggs, pan-seared fish, and small side dishes that looked quite appetizing.

I managed an awkward smile, while Daxiong, chewing on half a piece of bread, mumbled to me, "Hurry! Eat up so we can go." I nodded and rapidly finished my breakfast.

During the meal, Andre remained silent, simply staring out at the bright sunlight, his thoughts unreadable. After eating, Daxiong and I went back to our room to gather our gear.

Even if we couldn't actually land on the island this time, preparation was always wise. My backpack was under the bed.

The one I used for the Lop Nur expedition last time was practically ruined. This time, I had specially bought an Adidas hiking pack—it cost me over five thousand.

It felt like fate that I met Andre the very next day after buying it; perhaps it was always meant to be this way. This waterproof, abrasion-resistant bag should be much more reliable than the last one; I truly didn't want to lose anything halfway again.

I knelt by the bed, grabbed the strap of the pack, and pulled it out. Just then, I clearly heard another bark: "Woof!" And at the exact moment the bark sounded, my backpack snagged on something.

I instantly understood: there had to be a dog under the bed. But how did it get in?

The doors and windows were closed tight when I woke up. Though I couldn't figure it out, I gently let go of the backpack strap to avoid damaging my new bag.

I paused, thinking about the only dog connected to me recently: Lauren. So, I called out, "Stop causing trouble, Lauren.

Come out now." As if understanding, a dark shadow wriggled out from under the bed—it was Lauren. After emerging, the dog shook off sawdust clinging to its fur, barked at me, then stuck out its tongue and wagged its tail enthusiastically.

Honestly, the first time I saw Lauren, I was completely struck by its imposing presence; it was the spitting image of a magnificent wolf king. But now, the creature had shifted so quickly, adopting the demeanor of a friendly neighborhood pup.

I’ve loved dogs since I was a child. Seeing its current display, I chuckled, squatted down, and stroked the fur on its neck.

"Buddy, what’s going on? Are you asking me for a favor?" "Woof!" Lauren barked loudly, though I couldn't tell if it was answering me or not.

I smiled wryly and asked again, "How did you get in here?" Lauren barked once more, then turned its head to look toward the window. I was surprised.

Could the dog have jumped in through the window and then closed it? The window was outward-opening; it couldn't be forced open from the outside.

Had I forgotten to lock the latch last night? Obviously, asking Lauren wouldn't yield an answer.

Since it was here now, it must have found a way. Although I sensed Lauren wanted to follow me, I couldn't take it to Relic Island.

So, I said, "Listen, pal, you can stay in the village, but don't let too many people see you. Wait here for me for a few days; I have to go out.

Wait for me to come back, got it?" After speaking, I rubbed its neck again, retrieved the backpack from under the bed, hoisted it on, and started toward the door. But after taking two steps, I felt a tug on my trouser leg.

I looked back to see Lauren had clamped onto my pant leg, stopping me from leaving. I thought, I haven't done anything to you; why are you suddenly so clingy?

Seeing me turn, Lauren released my trousers and trotted to the doorway, beginning to circle in place. I was perplexed.

After a moment, I asked, "Are you saying you want to come with me?" "Woof!" Lauren barked, then let out its tongue and gazed at me very submissively. I pondered it again, finding it increasingly unbelievable.

"Do you know where I'm going?" I asked. "Woof!" Lauren barked again, spinning several circles in place, clearly agitated with excitement.

At that moment, something clicked. The reason Lauren was suddenly being so affectionate must be that it wanted me to take it to Relic Island.

Andre had mentioned that its owner, Zoya, might have gone there. This meant Lauren wasn't trying to please me out of affection; fundamentally, it was trying to find its master.

Thinking this, I felt a twinge of disappointment, but also immense gratitude. After all these years, the dog remained so loyal—it showed such deep friendship.

With such persistence, how could I possibly refuse it? So, I stroked my chin and said, "Alright.

But I can't make the final decision. I’ll try to talk to Andre and see if he’ll take you." Lauren seemed satisfied with my answer, wagging its tail as it moved away from the doorway.

I pushed the door open and stepped outside. Lauren followed immediately behind me.

Everyone present gasped in shock. The village chief and Andre, in particular, shot up from their seats.

Andre spoke first. "What—what is happening here?

How is this dog here?" Seeing Andre and the chief, Lauren’s previous enthusiasm vanished. Its wolf-king bearing returned; it stared coldly at everyone present, making no other move.

Knowing these people, despite their surprise, wouldn't mean any harm to the dog, I explained, "Hold on... let me tell you the whole story." I then recounted the entire backstory to Andre—how Lauren wanted to accompany us to Relic Island.

After listening, Andre lit a cigarette, thought for a moment, and then said, "Fine. If we take it, maybe we can recover Zoya's remains.

We owe that child too much; we should bring her back to be buried in her homeland." The village chief nodded in agreement. Lauren seemed to understand, letting out a "Woof," almost as if saying thank you.

Andre chuckled. "A dog that’s lived over thirty years—its intelligence is indeed different.

This dog is simply too clever." Hearing him say that, everyone present laughed. Next, Liang Qian, Daxiong, Andre, the chief, myself, and one large black Mastiff set off toward the harbor in a grand procession.

The snow on the road had been cleared, but the path was still muddy. Few people were out on the road leading to the port; there was no grand send-off ceremony, yet I felt a thrill of excitement.

It was strange, really. After coming out of Lop Nur, I swore I would never go near ruins again.

But once you’ve truly experienced those things, returning to a mundane life feels dull and meaningless. Furthermore, my grandfather's situation remained unresolved.

This trip to Relic Island would be a crucial move in the whole game, so perhaps my excitement was justified.