Under the Moon's Embrace

As the year-end approached, after half a month of continuous overtime, I thought this weekend's double break would allow me to rest. Unexpectedly, the boss had a sudden idea and arranged a team-building event with a Saturday dinner. Though losing my day off wasn’t pleasant, the company splurged on a one-day trip to a hot spring resort in the suburbs. I had seen the price on a group-buying app; a single hot spring visit with an overnight stay costs over 700 yuan. That evening, I took off my glasses, applied a face mask, and lounged on the sofa, scrolling through my phone. My coworkers in the small chat group, whimsically named "God of Wealth Blesses Me," were confirming their attendance. The group had three members, and in my absence, the chat had exploded with 300 messages. As the only single person in the group, my friends Li Mei and Ouyang Jing encouraged me to go, suggesting I might meet Mr. Right. While they made finding love sound as casual as buying pork, a bit of fantasy now and then isn't bad for an otherwise monotonous life. I packed a toiletry bag, swimsuit, and a spare pair of contact lenses. For a one-night stay, I opted for a backpack instead of a suitcase. We gathered at the company entrance at 8 AM on Saturday and boarded the bus. Two hours flew by as we chatted and snacked. Upon arriving at the hot spring resort, Manager Lin handed out room keys. Due to a shortage of double rooms, one person had to stay in a less desirable single room. Single room 109 was on the far left of the first floor, with limited views and a cramped layout. "Manager Lin, I’ll take the single room," I volunteered when I saw her dilemma. "That room is a bit isolated. Maybe a male colleague should stay there," she hesitated, considering everyone’s comfort. "Don’t worry, I’m braver than I look," I assured her, pushing up my black-framed glasses for emphasis. At 155 cm and weighing just 100 pounds, with over 300-degree myopia and a quiet demeanor, I seem soft and easy to bully. But my colleagues know I’m reliable. Manager Lin, relieved, patted my shoulder and agreed. "Thanks, Azhi. If there’s any issue, contact me or call the front desk immediately." I acknowledged and took the key. Li Mei and Ouyang Jing, meanwhile, teased me in our chat group for sucking up. I calmly replied that it’s smart to make a good impression for future leave requests. The room had heavy curtains blocking a floor-to-ceiling window. Opening them revealed a small balcony with limited views, bordered by a tall wooden fence. Satisfied, I put down my bag and headed out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadow outside the window. It was probably my imagination, fueled by too many horror movie clips last night. After washing my face and putting on my glasses, Ouyang Jing knocked, bringing grapes to share. She mentioned how the room felt gloomy and invited me to stay with them if I felt uncomfortable. I assured her I was fine. We headed to the lawn for a barbecue lunch, followed by an evening bonfire. Despite my friends’ matchmaking efforts, no romantic sparks flew. That night, around 8 PM, I spotted the Czech wolfdog again. It had likely sneaked out unnoticed. This time, it stayed put, rolling over and wagging its tail to show it was friendly. I couldn’t help but laugh at its antics, feeling an odd sense of comfort. I wanted to show my friends, but they were busy. So, I cautiously approached with some food and water. The dog didn’t shy away, devouring the offerings gracefully. Its noble demeanor and sharp eyes made me feel secure, despite being alone. “Azhi, wanna soak in the hot spring again? Let’s make the most of it,” called Ouyang Jing from a distance. “Coming,” I replied, looking back to find the dog had vanished without a trace. She ate while saying, "This room feels a bit gloomy, but as long as you’re not scared, it’s fine. If you feel uncomfortable, you can sleep with us tonight." "I'm fine, really. Just closing the curtains will do," I replied, taking a grape she offered and using the remote to draw the curtains shut. Ouyang Jing said, "Meimei is waiting for us on the lawn. We’ll definitely have a barbecue and then a bonfire party tonight." I asked, "When are we going to the hot springs?" "Anytime! I want to take a video for Hao Ge to make him jealous!" Ouyang Jing replied enthusiastically. Hao Ge is Ouyang Jing's fiancé, with their wedding set for next year. Liu Mei got married even earlier, and her child is already in kindergarten. Both are very keen on finding me a match since I’m nearing thirty and still single. Whenever there’s new talent in the company, they make a note of it and inform me eagerly. I don’t mind, and I’m always open to meeting the dates my family recommends, playing the role of a cooperative daughter. Yet, I remain unattached. The hot spring pool is outdoors, partitioned with bamboo, exuding an ancient charm. Leaning against natural rocks, soaking in the hot water, and looking at the mountains across, is truly rejuvenating. "Azhi, are you wearing contact lenses?" Liu Mei asked through the rising steam from the other side. I shook my head, unable to clearly see her face. "No, I’m not wearing glasses. I’ll put them on after the soak," I replied. "Make sure you do! There are lots of young people from other departments here. You should try catching a younger one!" Liu Mei exclaimed, always lamenting that her husband is eight years older and joking about her desire for younger men. In truth, she and her husband are deeply in love, never complaining about their marriage. Her in-laws don’t live with them and often send gifts without pressuring them for a second child. While acknowledging my friends’ enthusiasm, I picked up a floating tray and poured myself a cup of sake. The low-alcohol drink, akin to fruit wine, was perfect for a light buzz. I overheard Ouyang Jing talking about the resort owner's dogs, praising their beauty and size. I asked, "Are they guard dogs?" Ouyang Jing, blowing bubbles in the water, replied, "They’re companion pets. The Bernese Mountain Dog is particularly affectionate and adorable!" "I think the Czech Wolfdog is more handsome!" Liu Mei added, showing me a photo on her phone. It depicted a large, imposing gray-white dog with a strong build and striking fur. Its stern expression softened into a sunny smile. After scrutinizing the photo for a few seconds, I wondered if my prolonged single status made me find even dogs attractive. "How come you both saw the dogs, but I didn’t?" I asked, feeling a bit disappointed. "The owner keeps them away from the guest area to avoid scaring people. We saw them when we came to find you for the bath," Ouyang Jing explained, floating on her back with a wine glass balanced on her stomach like a playful sea otter. We enjoyed the hot springs while chatting and playing. A message in the group chat announced a barbecue lunch on the lawn. After a quick freshening up, we headed to the barbecue area, which was spacious and nestled by the woods, surrounded by many man-made attractions. Liu Mei, adept at cooking, brought me a plate of grilled meat and bread. I found a less crowded spot to eat, feeling an inexplicable sense of being watched. Glancing around, I saw no admirer’s gaze. Just as I was about to look away, I noticed a large dog crouching several meters away, partially hidden by a charcoal box. It had been in my blind spot. The dog turned and ran awkwardly, limping slightly. Could it be the owner's dog? It must have been the Czech Wolfdog, given its distinct appearance. The bonfire barbecue lasted until well past nine in the evening. Minister Lin announced that after lunch tomorrow, we would all collectively return to the city by bus. It seemed tonight might extend into the late hours. Sadly, amidst this team-building event, I found no one who caught my eye. The romantic encounters depicted in online novels were simply implausible. Interestingly, around eight in the evening, I spotted the Czech Wolfdog again. It seemed it had sneaked out unnoticed by the landlady to join the festivities. This time, it didn't run away upon meeting my gaze. Instead, it meekly lay down, as if assuring me it posed no threat. It even rolled over and stuck out its tongue. Pushing up the frames of my glasses, I couldn't help but smile foolishly, feeling like I was witnessing a macho man acting coy. The dog showed no signs of aggression toward me, behaving rather obediently, which eased my apprehension somewhat. I wanted to invite Liu Mei and Ouyang Jing to see the dog with me, but one was video calling her husband, and the other was engrossed in conversation with a superior. In the end, I cautiously approached the large dog with some food. As I closed the distance, I hesitated, mindful of its size. After setting down the food and water, I retreated while facing the dog, ensuring a cautious encounter. We were now far from the center of the bonfire, illuminated only by ambient colored lights. Despite maintaining a safe distance, I couldn't clearly make out the features of the Czech Wolfdog. Though I wanted to pet the dog, I didn't want to risk it. After I withdrew to a certain distance, the dog approached, sniffed the food in the bowl, and then started eating. The noble dog finished its meal swiftly and quietly, exuding an air of aristocratic dining. But why did it seem bigger than in the photos? And its appearance was slightly different, with sharper eyes? The color seemed purer too. Unexplainably, I felt a sense of reassurance with this Czech Wolfdog. For a single woman living alone, having a large dog as a companion would indeed increase the feeling of security. "Azhi, are you going to bathe? Let's soak again, get our money's worth," came Ouyang Jing's voice from nearby. I backed away several meters before responding, "I'm here, wait for me." "Why are you alone in the dark without even a lamppost?" she continued. "Oh, it's the landlady's..." Before I could finish the word "dog," I turned around to find that the dog, having finished its second plate, had vanished without a sound, not disturbing me in the least.