Lin Yu'an's boots crunched through the thick snow.
The rising sun cast a long shadow of him as he held Little December in his arms, who curiously twisted its tiny head to look at the large box he was dragging with his other hand.
Back in the warmth of the shelter, Lin Yu'an fastened the heavy door with a wooden latch, completely sealing off the cold outside.
He gently placed December on the ground before setting the heavy supply box onto the open space in the center of the shelter with a dull thud.
This sound, like a switch, instantly ignited December's curiosity.
It immediately stumbled over and began circling the giant object several times its size.
It kept using its small nose to sniff forcefully at every corner of the box, making exploratory "hmm-hmm" sounds from its throat.
Lin Yu'an didn't open the box immediately but first went to the fireplace. He brushed aside the ashes from last night, revealing the embers still burning beneath.
