POLAR BEAR ARC CHAPTER 31

At the polar research station, a group of experts and professors had become increasingly intrigued by the stone house by the sea. They were all speculating whether it was the work of Inuit people or perhaps some other highly intelligent animals. As for polar bears... well, most thought that was highly unlikely.

The general impression of bears has always been that they are clumsy and reckless, relying on brute strength and a bad temper rather than cunning or strategy. However, the researchers hadn't forgotten about the famous brown bear from World War II, a bear whose life was filled with remarkable achievements and moving stories. This bear, even as an animal, had been awarded the rank of private and its tale was still widely told.

To get to the bottom of the stone house mystery, the research station decided to place land-based cameras near the two polar bears. This wasn't a spontaneous idea; the research team had long considered it. With the arrival of the polar night, drone photography had become more difficult, and they were no longer able to obtain high-quality images. Additionally, aerial photography only provided one perspective, which no longer satisfied the researchers' growing curiosity about Otis and Alexander.

Previously, they hadn't deployed land-based cameras because Otis and Alexander were always on the move, making it inefficient to set up cameras that could keep up with their migrations. But now, these two polar bears seemed to have settled down at the seaside with what appeared to be a house. What could be better than that?

The mere thought of these two polar bears having a shelter on this barren land made everyone smile. Moreover, with them staying in one place, the land-based cameras could finally start their work.

On a calm night, under a sky full of bright, dazzling stars—stars as charming as Alexander's eyes—a camera wrapped in a stone-like shell silently made its way to the polar bears' home. This was the most advanced field camera available, sourced from China, and was said to be incredibly powerful, capable of capturing relatively clear and bright images even at night. The only downside was its exorbitant price.

Because of the cost, such equipment was rarely used and usually reserved for observing docile animals, like small, cute otters, foxes, or rabbits. Polar bears, with their naturally aggressive tendencies, were among the top animals known for attacking cameras. The research station's decision to use such an expensive camera to track Otis and Alexander was perhaps a testament to how much they loved these two bears. They also likely believed that the steady and reliable Otis, along with the kind and adorable Alexander, wouldn't 'play' with the camera.

Let's hope their trust won't be betrayed.

Once the camera, now dubbed "Little Stone," was in place, it began transmitting every frame it captured to the research station's computers, where eager researchers watched intently.

Finally, they would get a close-up look at the lives of Otis and Alexander. The researchers, who had previously only seen them from above, couldn't tear their eyes away from the screen.

The first thing that appeared on the screen was the bears' house. The close-up view made it even clearer that the house had been carefully constructed, with gaps tightly sealed, leaving only an entrance.

At the moment, the two bears were not at home; they were likely out in the sea, busy catching fish to fill their bellies. Little Stone moved to the front door, where the researchers caught sight of a bright yellow object inside the house, prompting cheers from those watching.

"Look, it's Alexander's little bucket!" they exclaimed, seeing it neatly placed inside the house.

"So cute, hahaha," laughed one researcher, as they spied on the polar bears' home.

"Oh, when it was on Alexander's head, it looked so small, but now it seems much bigger," someone noticed.

"Looks like a 20-liter industrial bucket," the experts and professors began discussing Alexander's little bucket, all genuinely interested.

Who would have thought that this small yellow bucket would one day become an object of such attention? All because it belonged to the little polar bear, Alexander.

Little Stone thoroughly captured the inside and outside of the house, and then it needed to find a good spot to stay and wait for the two polar bears to return.

About an hour later, the sound of movement could be heard on the beach.

Alexander, who had just eaten, was the first to appear on camera. This was the first time they'd seen him from this angle, providing a clear view of his front, his lazy stride, and the quick flash of his paw as he lifted it.

His black, paw pad, shaped like a plum blossom, was incredibly cute.

"Too cute, too cute, Alexander is so white, and those strong arms are just adorable," the researchers in front of the computer could almost feel what the little bear's arms would be like to touch, imagining his round, chubby paws—the very ones Otis often lovingly held in his mouth.

"Ah, look at that round face, those big eyes, ah, ah, ah, that chubby body, Alexander!" someone in the office stood up, waving their hands and even wiggling their hips in excitement, "He's so cute, he's so cute!"

Alexander's front view was just too adorable, melting everyone's hearts.

This wasn't surprising, considering how cute he had looked even from an aerial view. A close-up was bound to be even better.

Compared to the photos taken at the rescue station a few months ago, Alexander had grown taller and bigger. His face now had the early signs of a mature polar bear's charm, but he was still incredibly cute!

Little Stone, on a mission, reluctantly moved its focus away from the highly photogenic little bear and switched to the large polar bear, Otis, who was coming ashore behind him.

When Otis appeared on screen, everyone held their breath, their minds filled with thoughts like, "Oh my gosh." Otis was indeed a massive polar bear, and the term "giant" was the perfect way to describe him.

Just a moment ago, they had thought Alexander's limbs were sturdy enough, but now, compared to Otis, they seemed tiny in comparison.

If the little polar bear was the epitome of cuteness and beauty, making people want to hug and kiss him, then Otis was in a league of his own.

This huge polar bear was different from other scruffy ones. He maintained a rare, pristine white coat, and people were immediately drawn to his strong, muscular physique. Or rather, the sheer power he exuded.

Only after noticing his physical strength did they admire his handsome, charming face, which, despite the autumn season, showed no signs of thinning.

It was clear that Otis not only took great care of Alexander but also of himself.

Moreover, Otis's slightly narrowed eyes gave him a look far removed from the usual clumsy bear appearance.

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and Otis's deep, intelligent gaze, combined with his majestic and steady demeanor, made him appear as reliable as they had imagined. The researchers admired him, though not with the same exuberance as before. This time, they were awestruck by his rare, noble bearing.

Could this really just be a polar bear?

Many of the people watching couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't that they seriously doubted it, but they were certainly expressing their amazement.

Amazement at having encountered such an extraordinary polar bear.

"They always say polar bears are the kings of the Arctic, the rulers of the ice, but honestly, I never really felt that way before," one professor sighed. "I've always seen them struggling to survive on this land, far from being regal." He paused, then suddenly smiled. "Seeing Otis, I've changed my mind."

"Otis definitely has a kingly aura," someone agreed.

"Indeed," the professor said, adding, "Not just Otis, but any creature that can take control of its destiny is a king."

Meanwhile, Qiao Qixi, blissfully unaware, was out eating, not knowing that his house and the few belongings he had were being thoroughly observed.

After all, this was the Arctic, and they hadn't exactly planned on locking the door to their house.

If Qiao Qixi found out that not only was someone spying on his home but had also installed surveillance around it, he would definitely exclaim in disbelief at how the world had gone downhill.

When the little polar bear came ashore, he didn't immediately go inside the house. First, he was still wet and needed to shake off the water and let the polar winds dry him out. Secondly, the house was small and cramped; besides sleeping, the active little bear preferred to stay outside.

This was the luxury of being a bear with a home—you could stay outside if you wanted or go inside whenever you felt like it. Unlike the other bears in the area, poor things.

Alexander's Daily Sass (1/1)

The sand on this beach was fine and clean, with no impurities. Otis would lie on the beach and roll around, using the sand to absorb the excess water from his fur, helping it dry faster.

Snow could also serve this purpose.

These were little life hacks for them.

So when polar bears roll around on the ice after coming ashore, it's not because they're itchy; it's akin to humans using a towel to dry off after a bath.

At first, Qiao Qixi was quite picky about the sand, wondering if it was clean. He didn't want to roll around like Otis. But after seeing that Otis didn't turn into a gray bear after rolling around, he changed his tune.

Little Stone stealthily focused its camera on the two polar bears wriggling on the beach, trying to capture every movement.

The little bear was lying on his back about a meter away from the big bear when he suddenly paused, turned his head to look at Otis, and then rolled

over to him.

With a thud, he bumped right into Otis's waist.

In front of the computer, the researchers thought, "What a mischievous little bear, but so cute!"

Everyone could tell that the little bear had done it on purpose, but should he be scolded for it?

Smiling, they continued to watch, and no, humans wouldn't scold the adorable Alexander.

As for Otis... well, he was the last being on Earth who would ever scold the little bear.

In the footage, Otis stopped moving and reached out to hug the little bear, placing him on his belly. Their two round heads nuzzled together, and it seemed like Otis lifted his head to lick Alexander.

After a brief moment of affection, Otis hugged the little bear tightly and resumed rolling back and forth to dry his fur.

At that moment, he was like a rocking chair.

No coins were needed—just a pleading look from the little bear would get it moving.

Qiao Qixi had discovered this game months ago, so whenever Otis lay on his back and started rolling, he would gleefully join in.

Left, right, sway.

So comfortable!

And he didn't need to worry about holding on; Otis would keep him securely in place.

It was as if Otis had accepted this as a little game to entertain him.

Sometimes, even when his fur was dry, Otis would stay down, just so the little bear could enjoy himself.

This joyful post-meal activity was a way for the polar bears to unwind after a long day, both for Qiao Qixi and Otis.

Although their lives mostly consisted of eating and sleeping, who said that wasn't tiring?

Desires are endless, and the more comfort, the better.

Qiao Qixi wasn't selfish enough to treat Otis as a free, automatic toy. That wasn't his style. In fact, every time he enjoyed Otis's service, he would give something back in return.

As a human, Qiao Qixi had heard of a service called "animal massage," which sounded quite outlandish at first.

Even animals need this kind of pampering?

But there was scientific evidence to support it.

Some pet owners were willing to pay high prices for this service to keep their pets healthy.

Qiao Qixi wished nothing more than for Otis to be healthy. If they were in the human world, he would certainly get a membership card for Otis.

But since that wasn't possible, he had to rely on his own two paws.

After enjoying his daily rocking chair ride, it was Qiao Qixi's turn to use his little bear paws to massage Otis's tired back muscles.

It was an effective way to relax the muscles.

Didn't gym instructors always say you need to relax your muscles after a workout?

They were right.

Catching fish in the water provided as much exercise as lifting weights at the gym.

And if Otis ever found the little bear's paws too ineffective, he could always use his feet.

Of course, all this effort was exhausting, but as long as it kept Otis healthy, it was worth it.

Exhausted, with his limbs cramping, Qiao Qixi lay on the sand, daydreaming about how the Arctic should have an award for "Best Little Bear."

Oh, and Otis should get an award too... but what would it be for?

Before he could think of a fitting title for Otis, the sleepy little bear succumbed to his drowsiness and drifted into sleep.

In his dreams, he imagined an award ceremony where he received the title of "Best Little Bear," along with a little banner that he proudly hung in their house.

How cool was that?

Otis sniffed the little bear's nose, finding him already asleep. He blinked, looked around, and seemed resigned to the little bear's habit of sleeping wherever he pleased.

Fortunately, the weather was calm today, so sleeping outside wasn't a problem.

Otis let out a puff of white mist from his nose, preparing to sleep as well.

He stood up, shifted to a new position, lay down, and circled his body around the little bear, ensuring he would sleep comfortably even outside.

The researchers watching the monitor realized that Alexander had fallen asleep, and Otis was protecting him as he slept.

It was a heartwarming scene.

"Goodnight, Alexander. Goodnight, Otis," they whispered.

When Qiao Qixi awoke from his dream, he found himself lying on the beach instead of inside the house.

Groggily, he got up and yawned, then suddenly remembered something, quickly clambering over Otis's back.

This time, he didn't trip, a sign that he was getting better.

Not bad, not bad.

The little bear ran into the house, scanning the walls and grinning to himself.

What a funny dream that was.

A little banner, huh?

Suddenly, Qiao Qixi heard a noise that stood out. Maybe it wouldn't catch a wild polar bear's attention, but Qiao Qixi was very aware of it—it sounded like a remote-controlled car moving across the ground.

He immediately left the house, circling around to see if he could find the source.

This made the researchers in front of the computer nervous. It was happening—the classic scene of a polar bear vs. a camera.

They hesitated, wondering whether they should stay still or quickly move Little Stone out of the bear's sight.

"Stop it, moving again will only draw more attention," they finally decided.

By now, Qiao Qixi had spotted the extra stone near the house, standing out in the clear area he and Otis had deliberately cleaned.

That stone was too conspicuous.

Other polar bears might not care about an extra stone nearby, but Qiao Qixi wasn't like other polar bears. He could be scared to death by something like this.

A supernatural event!

The little polar bear immediately bristled, hesitating between running to Otis and investigating further. Then, with his good eyesight, he noticed the wheels under the stone.

Qiao Qixi: Something's not right.

Little Stone: !!!

He cautiously approached and quickly realized it was a fake stone—a camera in disguise.

The little bear's face froze in front of the lens.

His inner thoughts: What? There's a camera filming me? Aaaah!

Total shock.

The researchers assumed he was curious and intrigued by the camera, having never seen one before. What a cute little guy, they thought.

Nonsense.

Qiao Qixi had watched countless animal documentaries, so he knew about wildlife cameras.

He just hadn't expected that he and Otis would have one following them, especially since they never stayed in one place for long.

Rationally speaking, they weren't exactly ideal subjects for long-term tracking.

Come to think of it, they had only recently settled in, yet a camera was already here, suggesting they had been tracked all along.

Perhaps ever since they left the rescue station, their movements had been recorded.

Qiao Qixi: "..."

Well, the initial reaction to being filmed by a camera was definitely resistance.

Why would they do this?

Infringing on two polar bears' privacy!

But then he thought, maybe the purpose of this was to better understand the animals, to help them in a more comprehensive way?

Perhaps.

Qiao Qixi strongly believed that there were kind and respectable people in this world, people who tirelessly fought on the front lines of animal and environmental protection.

They were the unsung heroes.

Ah, if he could also help in some way, why not?

It was just contributing some data, after all.

As long as they didn't mind that this data might be a bit unconventional—no, a bit off, or rather, a bit non-mainstream!

He was willing.

The only request from the non-mainstream little polar bear was that the research station made sure to film him and Otis in a cool way.

Revised ✔