Radio transmitting devices, after entering the 21st century, were gradually phased out. I only saw one at my grandfather's house when I was a child.
At that time, my grandfather held me and specifically explained to me, teaching me how to use this machine.
I was only seven or eight years old then. I don't remember much else, but the appearance of this machine has always stayed deeply in my mind.
My gaze did not linger too long on the radio transmitter. After all, we were not yet familiar with the three people in front of us, and asking rashly would not yield an answer. I simply sat down cross-legged and began to make small talk with them.
After some conversation, I had figured out the backgrounds of the three.
The thin and stout companions beside the mixed-race woman were nothing special, just ordinary stranded tourists. I only chatted with them for a few words and then paid them no further attention.
I focused all my attention on the mixed-race woman.
The mixed-race woman said her name was Gulinina, a Russian ethnic who lived in Inner Mongolia.
She was a university teacher, lecturing on law.
This trip was originally intended for her to attend an international conference. Unexpectedly, the plane had an accident midway, and she was stranded on this island.
Although Gulinina was polite to me, her attitude was full of distance. With my banter and Zhuoya's harmless demeanor, I finally gained her trust, and the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
Seeing that the time was ripe, I casually pointed to the tent behind Gulinina and asked curiously, "Guli, what is that machine behind you?"
Although I was chatting very well with Gulinina, one must still be cautious.
After all, we had just met. Sometimes, being reserved in social interactions can yield unexpected results.
Gulinina was not on guard, assuming I had seen it by chance and didn't understand. She smiled and replied, "This is just an old telegraph machine, an antique from the last century. I keep it as a collection."
As she spoke, she turned and took the transmitter out of the tent, fiddling with it for us to see.
The machine was about the size of a palm, similar in appearance to a radio, but with a few extra buttons.
In an era where base stations are built everywhere, this thing is not very useful.
After all, in this day and age, a phone call can connect people even if they are thousands of miles apart. Radio waves have limited range and have gradually been phased out by the times, with only some military forces still using them.
In other words, on this deserted, unnamed island, this thing could very well become our bridge to the outside world!
Once the signal is sent out, if there is anyone nearby who can receive it, we can be rescued!
However, everything I envisioned was the most ideal scenario. Not to mention whether anyone nearby could receive it, but sending out the correct signal itself would be very difficult.
As I pondered, a doubt suddenly arose in my mind.
How would a university teacher carry such an antique item to a conference?
Gulinina was completely unaware of my thoughts and was busy adjusting the equipment with her head bowed.
The thin woman next to her seemed to be provoked by something. Seeing me constantly appraising Gulinina as she fiddled with the machine, she said irritably, "Hey, stop staring, your eyes are about to pop out! You brought your girlfriend out and you're looking at Gulinina with such a lecherous gaze, how disgusting!"
As she spoke, she blocked my view with her body, watching me warily.
Damn it, she's treating me like some kind of pervert!
Besides, Zhuoya isn't my girlfriend!
The thin woman's remark amused me to the point of laughter.
Although Gulinina was indeed well-endowed and curvaceous, was I such a superficial person?
"What are you thinking? I'm just curious about this machine."
I originally intended to give the thin woman an easy way out, but to my surprise, after hearing my explanation, she still insisted, "Who knows what you're thinking? I've seen it clearly now, no man is a good person!"
Seeing the thin woman's reaction, I couldn't help but frown, feeling annoyed.
Had this woman been provoked by something in the past two days on the island? Why was she acting like a mad dog, biting at everyone!
Seeing how hostile the thin woman was towards me, Zhuoya couldn't help but speak up for me, "Brother Xiao Ye is not like that at all! If you say another word, I'll deal with you!"
After all, Zhuoya was a girl who grew up in the forest, dealing with wild beasts from a young age.
She usually appeared harmless, with a naive and innocent expression. However, when she became serious, the fierce aura she had acquired from facing danger would emanate from her.
The thin woman, having lived in peaceful times, had never encountered such an imposing presence.
Startled, she instinctively took two steps back.
Perhaps feeling that she had appeared somewhat cowardly, she puffed out her chest and said loudly, "Did I do something wrong! He looks so proper on the outside, but who knows what disgusting things he's thinking in his heart!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhuoya narrowed her eyes and was about to step forward to teach the thin woman a lesson.
Just then, Gulinina suddenly exclaimed excitedly, "Stop arguing for a moment, the machine is making a noise!"
The radio has a signal?!
Doesn't that mean we have a chance to get out of here!
The thin woman also stopped her nagging and quickly sat down next to Gulinina.
My gaze was filled with anticipation as Gulinina pressed a button, and a series of noisy, low currents emanated from the radio receiver...