Chapter 299 Dog Bites Dog (1/2)

Three days later.

Tibetan border, Tingri Everest Base Camp.

Rays of the sunset fell on Mount Everest. The white icy mountains had been dyed golden, creating an incredibly holy and sacred visual impact. Not far away, there was a temple with a shining golden roof, and it formed yet another holy and sacred view.

The off-road vehicle stopped in an empty spot at the base. The Tibetan driver spoke in relatively stiff Mandarin, “Friend, we’re here, you may get off the car.”

The youth who was on the car took out his wallet and paid, then picked up the small medicine chest by his feet and got off the car. Following him off the car were a young woman and a dog.

That small exploration team was Ning Tao, Qing Zhui and Howling Celestial Dog all the way from Guan City.

Ning Tao patted the car door. “Thank you, mister. We’ll take your car too when we return.”

A pure smile appeared on the Tibetan’s tanned face. “No problem, I wish you a happy journey.”

Howling Celestial Dog opened its mouth, seemingly wanting to say something.

Qing Zhui squeezed its mouth close and only released it until the Tibetan driver drove away, then said sternly, “Were you going to speak just now?”

Howling Celestial Dog nodded.

Qing Zhui glared at it. “Nobody would think you’re a mute if you didn’t speak like a human.”

Howling Celestial Dog said, “I want to pee…”

Qing Zhui raised her hand.

Howling Celestial Dog then switched its speech, “Woof woof! Woof woof woof…”

Ning Tao smiled. “Go pee. We’ll wait for you here.”

Howling Celestial Dog then ran towards a quiet spot.

Qing Zhui groused, “Did it think it was really a human just because it could speak like one? It even had to run so far away to pee.”

Ning Tao smiled saying, “The Heavenly Hound tripod gave it heightened sensibilities and wisdom. It’s not like any other dog, so it’s normal for it to be hygiene-conscious. Don’t be too fierce to it. It’s already very obedient.”

Qing Zhui pouted. “You treat it nicer than you treat me.”

Ning Tao put an arm around her shoulder and said gleefully, “Why are you getting jealous over a dog? Let’s go find a place to stay then understand the situation around here.”

With Ning Tao’s embrace, Qing Zhui instantly smiled. She was actually not jealous at all because Howling Celestial Dog was a male dog. As the unofficial mistress of the house, she definitely had to train the new dog of their household.

Howling Celestial Dog ran back after peeing and followed behind Ning Tao and Qing Zhui. A pair of black and white eyes were looking left and right, appearing to be very smart and lively.

After locating the management of the base camp, they were informed that only one tent was available for rent. Ning Tao was vexed while Qing Zhui was gleeful.

Ning Tao paid for the tent, then was led by the management staff to a row of tents. A group of tourists were starting a fire on the ground; some were preparing ingredients and equipment for a barbecue. It seemed like they were preparing for a campfire night.

The group consisted of mostly youths. There was only an older man. His face was tanned and filled with signs of aging. His gaze was sharp. Beside him sat a Tibetan Mastiff, which was huge and appeared to be very fierce.

The management staff brought Ning Tao and Qing Zhui to a small tent. “It’s this tent. Come look for me if you need anything.”

“Okay, thank you,” Ning Tao said.

The management staff turned to leave, then turned to look at Qing Zhui after taking a few steps. Qing Zhui was like a mascot which would attract attention anywhere she went.

“Let’s go in and take a look.” Ning Tao lifted the curtain of the tent and entered.

Qing Zhui pointed at Howling Celestial Dog’s nose and said, “You’ll stay outside and guard after the tent.”

Howling Celestial Dog wagged its tail at Qing Zhui with a bright smile. “Okay… woof woof!”

Qing Zhui glared at Howling Celestial Dog speechlessly, then entered the tent.

Howling Celestial Dog squatted by the entrance of the tent obediently. While watching the Tibetan Mastiff on the opposite side, it muttered to itself, “ABCDEFG…G, what’s after G? Damn it, isn’t the English alphabet too difficult?” Father why did you make me learn English… ahhh!”

Inside the tent, Ning Tao furrowed his brows.

There was not even a single bed inside the tent. A piece of moisture-proof canvas was laid across the floor, and placed on top of it was a mattress, 1.5 meters wide of poor quality. Other than that, there was a thick blanket which looked filthy and had a heavy stench.

How were they going to sleep in such a place?

Yet Qing Zhui looked like she was very happy. “Brother Ning, the blanket is so dirty, so let’s not use it tonight. The mattress is enough. I’m not afraid of the cold, you can hug me to sleep; it will feel very warm.”

Ning Tao looked at that 1.5 meter wide mattress, and his head ached. With such a narrow mattress, wouldn’t he have to hug her even if he did not want to? As a practicing doctor, he was unafraid of the cold as well. It would not be a problem even if he had slept naked on the peak of Mount Everest. However, he was afraid of snakes…

Before Ning Tao could say anything, Qing Zhui had started cleaning up the “room” which Ning Tao and her were going to stay in.

Ning Tao could no longer be bothered with those issues. He opened the small medicine chest and took the map out, studying the route carefully.

The journey from the base camp to the location marked by Zhu Hongqin was at least about 20 kilometers away. For an ordinary climber, it would take at least two to three days to reach that place. The nearest route was actually to cross Everest then descend to South Col located within Nepal.

After looking at the route carefully, Ning Tao thought to himself, “Back then, how did Zhu Hongyu end up in such a place? And who killed her?”