vncnus Page 177
Page 177
Although Xu Li was also a little flustered, she tried to remain calm and patted Yang Tao's hand: "Don't be afraid, it's probably just a small earthquake, it shouldn't last too long."
The tremors lasted for about five minutes before gradually subsiding. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but the unease in their hearts did not completely dissipate.
Su Chu looked around and noticed that everyone looked unwell, especially the girls in the group, who were clearly quite shaken by the earlier tremor.
He frowned, walked up to the group, and said in a deep voice, "Although the tremors have stopped, there's no guarantee there won't be aftershocks. For everyone's safety, I suggest we go down the mountain now and return to the hotel to rest."
Everyone nodded in agreement. After all, no one wanted to stay on the mountain any longer under such uncertainty.
However, just as everyone was preparing to pack up and go down the mountain, a female bodyguard hurriedly walked up to Guan Juer and whispered a few words to her.
Guan Juer's expression instantly turned serious, her brows furrowed, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.
Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli, who were beside her, immediately noticed her unusual behavior and quickly stepped forward to ask, "Guan Guan, what's wrong? What happened?"
Guan Juer took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but her voice still trembled slightly: "The bodyguard just told me that he can't contact the bodyguards sent to protect Yan Xiaoqiu. Something might have happened to Yan Xiaoqiu."
"What?" Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli exclaimed in surprise at the same time, their faces turning grim.
Guan Juer bit her lip and said firmly, "I have to go and take a look."
Song Xingchen immediately reached out to stop her, his tone serious: "Guan Guan, don't be impulsive. The situation is unclear right now, and acting rashly could be dangerous. Contact Su Chang first and get his opinion."
Han Xiaoli nodded in agreement: "Yes, Su Chang is so capable, he even saved Xingchen, he will definitely have a way."
Although Guan Juer was extremely anxious, she knew that Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli were right. She nodded, took out her phone, and dialed Su Chang's number.
At the same time, Yang Tao, Andy, Xu Li, Tong Wei, and Song Nuan also noticed the commotion. They walked over and saw Guan Juer's solemn expression, as well as Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli's serious faces, which made them suspicious.
"What happened?" Yang Tao asked first.
Song Xingchen sighed and briefly explained the possible trouble that might have happened to Yan Xiaoqiu and the bodyguard. Everyone's expressions turned serious after hearing this.
"Will Yan Xiaoqiu be alright?" Tong Wei asked with some concern.
"The situation is still unclear, but we can only wait for Su Chang's decision. There's nothing we can do to help if we go there now," Han Xiaoli said in a deep voice.
Just then, Guan Juer answered the phone. She briefly explained the situation to Su Chang.
After listening, Su Chang remained silent for a few seconds, then decisively said, "You all hurry down the mountain. We'll meet halfway down. I'll handle the rest. Don't make any rash moves."
Guan Juer nodded in agreement. After hanging up the phone, she said to everyone, "Su Chang told us to go down the mountain first. He's waiting for us halfway down."
Although everyone still felt uneasy, they knew now was not the time to hesitate. They quickly packed their things and headed down the mountain.
On the other end, Su Chang's expression turned unusually serious after hanging up the phone.
Bi Ruoshan, who was in his arms, noticed his change in mood and asked softly, "Honey, what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Su Chang glanced down at her and forced a smile: "It's okay, Ruoshan. You and Ma Li rest at the hotel first. I have some things to take care of."
Although Bi Ruoshan was puzzled, she knew Su Chang's personality, so she didn't ask any more questions and just nodded: "Then be careful."
Su Chang handed Bi Ruoshan over to Ma Li for care, and then hurriedly left the hotel with Guan Xiaodi and Cui Tianqi.
On the way, he walked quickly and said to Guan Xiaodi, "Contact Damei immediately and have her find a few rescue teams near Lijiang to be on standby."
Guan Xiaodi nodded in agreement and immediately took out her phone to make the contact.
Su Chang then turned to Cui Tianqi and said, "Tianqi, call the police immediately, explain the situation, and request their assistance."
Cui Tianqi also acted quickly, her eyes revealing determination and decisiveness.
The group descended the mountain quickly, but their unease grew stronger. Guan Ju'er frequently glanced back towards the uninhabited area, praying that Yan Xiaoqiu was alright. Her brows were furrowed, her lips trembled slightly, and her hands clenched unconsciously.
"Guan Guan, don't worry too much, Su Chang will definitely handle it well," Song Xingchen comforted her.
Guan Juer nodded, but her anxiety remained undiminished. She bit her lip, her eyes filled with worry and unease.
Just as the group was about to reach the halfway point of the mountain, they suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps in the distance. They stopped alertly and looked in the direction of the sound.
Su Chang arrived hurriedly with Guan Xiaodi and Cui Tianqi, his face serious. Su Chang's steps were firm and powerful, and his eyes revealed a sense of determination and resolve.
"Brother Su Chang!" Guan Juer strode forward and asked anxiously, "Is there any news from Yan Xiaoqiu?"
The other women also saw Su Chang. They had been startled on the mountaintop and wanted to be comforted by him, but they knew it wasn't the right time, so they just waited on the side.
Su Chang shook his head, his face looking somewhat grave: "Not yet, but I heard from the staff at the scenic area that a mudslide and landslide occurred in the uninhabited area. However, I have already contacted the rescue team and the police, and they will launch a search and rescue operation as soon as possible."
Guan Juer's heart sank, but she knew this wasn't the time to panic. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down: "So what should we do next?"
Su Chang looked at everyone and said in a deep voice, "You all go back to the hotel to rest first. Xiao Di, Tian Qi, and I will stay here to assist in the rescue operation. I will notify you immediately if there is any news."
Although everyone was still uneasy, they knew that staying would only cause more trouble, so they all nodded in agreement.
Back at the hotel, Guan Juer sat in her room, still unable to calm down. Her eyes stared blankly out the window, as if she had lost her soul. Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli stayed by her side, trying to comfort her, while Zheng Shuyi stayed with Bi Ruoshan.
"Guan Guan, don't worry too much, Xiao Qiu will be alright," Han Xiaoli said softly.
Guan Juer nodded, but the worry in her eyes did not lessen in the slightest. Her fingers gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, as if only in this way could she find some comfort.
Chapter 332 Rescue
Song Xingchen gently patted Guan Juer's shoulder and said, "We must trust Su Chang; he will definitely find a way to find Yan Xiaoqiu."
Guan Juer raised her head and looked at Song Xingchen, her eyes glistening with tears: "I'm really scared, I'm scared of losing Yan Xiaoqiu."
Song Xingchen hugged Guan Juer tightly and comforted her, "No, Yan Xiaoqiu is so kind, she will definitely be safe and sound. We must be strong and wait for good news together."
Guan Juer leaned on Song Xingchen's shoulder, feeling her warmth and comfort. She knew she couldn't collapse like this; she had to believe in Su Chang, believe in everyone, and that they would definitely find Yan Xiaoqiu.
On the other side, deep in the no-man's-land, Yan Xiaoqiu was walking alone on a rugged mountain path. Her steps were heavy, and her breathing was rapid, but she still persevered.
The surroundings were desolate, and apart from the occasional whistling of the wind, there was almost no sound. A vague unease crept into her heart, but thinking of her younger sister Chen Shanshan, she gritted her teeth and continued onward.
Suddenly, a violent tremor ran beneath her feet, as if the earth itself was shaking. Yan Xiaoqiu abruptly stopped, startled, and instinctively turned to look.
A large amount of dust rose from the mountaintop not far away, accompanied by a loud rumbling sound, and countless rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop, rapidly approaching her.
"Mudslide!" The thought flashed through Yan Xiaoqiu's mind instantly, and her face turned pale. She knew she had to take cover immediately, or the consequences would be unimaginable.
Just then, a hurried shout came from behind: "Watch out!"
Before Yan Xiaoqiu could react, a figure rushed in front of her. It was the female bodyguard who had been silently following behind her.
Without hesitation, the female bodyguard shielded Yan Xiaoqiu with her body, holding her tightly and using her back to block the flying debris.
"Bang! Bang!" Several muffled thuds were heard as several fist-sized stones slammed heavily onto the female bodyguard's back.
Her body trembled violently, and a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth, but she still held onto Yan Xiaoqiu tightly and did not let go.
"Are you...are you alright?" Yan Xiaoqiu asked in a panic, her voice trembling.
The female bodyguard forced a smile, her voice weak but firm: "I'm fine... Quick, get to the bottom of the cliff!"
Yan Xiaoqiu finally came to her senses and quickly helped the female bodyguard up, running towards the bottom of a cliff not far away. The female bodyguard's injuries were clearly serious; she staggered and could barely walk on her own. Yan Xiaoqiu gritted her teeth and used all her strength to support her, inching her way towards the bottom of the cliff.
"Don't worry about me... It's too late... You have to go..." The female bodyguard's voice grew weaker and weaker, clearly she had reached her limit.
"No! I won't abandon you!" Yan Xiaoqiu's voice was filled with unwavering determination. Tears welled in her eyes, but even more so, her resolve was resolute.
She knew that if the female bodyguard hadn't risked her life to save her, she would have been crushed to death by the falling rubble. Now, she absolutely couldn't abandon her.
Seeing Yan Xiaoqiu's determination, the female bodyguard stopped trying to persuade her and could only grit her teeth, use her last bit of strength, and follow her down the cliff.
Just as the two of them reached the bottom of the cliff, a deafening roar came from behind them.
A massive mudslide swept down like a flood, instantly submerging the spot where they had just been standing. The rocks at the bottom of the cliff blocked most of the impact, but some debris and mud still splashed onto them.
Yan Xiaoqiu held the female bodyguard tightly, protecting her in her arms. Several pebbles struck her back, causing her to wince in pain, but she didn't utter a sound. She knew this wasn't the time to cry out in pain; she had to hold on, she had to protect the person who had saved her life.
The female bodyguard had already fainted, her face as pale as paper, and her breathing had become weak. Yan Xiaoqiu was filled with panic and helplessness, but she knew she couldn't collapse.
She gently patted the female bodyguard's cheek and whispered, "Wake up, don't sleep... We'll definitely be saved..."
However, the female bodyguard didn't react. Yan Xiaoqiu's heart sank, but she quickly rallied. She looked around and realized that the terrain at the bottom of the cliff wasn't too high; although the mudslide was powerful, it wouldn't immediately engulf them. She had to take this opportunity to move the female bodyguard to higher ground.
Yan Xiaoqiu gritted her teeth and used all her strength to carry the female bodyguard on her back. Her body was already thin, and carrying someone made it even more difficult for her to move. But she did not give up and moved step by step towards the top of the cliff.
Gravel kept slipping under her feet, and she was hit by splashing mud and gravel, but she persevered without uttering a sound.
"I can't fall... I absolutely can't..." Yan Xiaoqiu silently told herself.
The scene of the female bodyguard risking her life to save her kept replaying in her mind, filling her with gratitude and guilt. She knew that if it weren't for protecting her, the female bodyguard wouldn't have been injured at all. Now, she had to repay this kindness with her own actions.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the no-man's-land, Su Chang anxiously awaited the arrival of the rescue team and police. As darkness fell, his unease grew. He knew that every minute Yan Xiaoqiu and the female bodyguard remained in the no-man's-land increased their danger.
"We can't wait any longer!" Su Chang suddenly stood up and said to Guan Xiaodi and Cui Tianqi, "I have to go in and find them."
"No! It's too dangerous!" Guan Xiaodi immediately objected. "It's already dark, and the terrain in the no-man's-land is complex. If you go in alone, you won't be able to find them at all, and you might even get yourself killed!"
Cui Tianqi nodded in agreement: "Yes, boss, the rescue team and the police will be here soon. Let's wait a little longer."
Su Chang shook her head, her tone firm: "I can't wait any longer. Yan Xiaoqiu and the others are still missing, I must find them as soon as possible. You all wait for the rescue outside, I'll go in with a GPS tracker and some basic equipment, everything will be fine."
Seeing that Su Chang's attitude was firm, Guan Xiaodi and Cui Tianqi knew that further persuasion would be futile, so they could only nod in agreement helplessly.
Su Chang quickly packed his gear, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and headed deeper into the no-man's-land. He gripped the GPS locator tightly in his hand, silently praying that Yan Xiaoqiu and the female bodyguard would be safe and sound.
As midnight approached, in the desolate area, Yan Xiaoqiu had carried the female bodyguard to a relatively safe high ground at the bottom of the cliff. Her strength was almost completely exhausted, and her legs were trembling uncontrollably, but she still persevered, gently setting the female bodyguard down and letting her lean against a rock.
Yan Xiaoqiu was panting heavily, her forehead covered in sweat. She looked down at the female bodyguard and saw that her breathing was still weak, but at least she was still alive. Yan Xiaoqiu felt a slight sense of relief, but she knew that now was not the time to relax, because the cold of the night could very well take their lives.
She looked up and saw that it was completely dark outside, with only the occasional howl of a wild animal in the distance. A sense of fear rose in Yan Xiaoqiu's heart, but she quickly forced herself to calm down.
“We can’t just sit here and wait to die… We have to find a way to get help…” Yan Xiaoqiu muttered to herself. She took out her phone and found that there was still no signal, and her heart sank.
Just then, she suddenly heard a faint sound coming from afar, as if someone was calling her name.
"Xiaoqiu! Yan Xiaoqiu!"
Yan Xiaoqiu's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stood up, looking in the direction from which the sound came. In the darkness in the distance, she could vaguely see a faint beam of light flickering.
"I'm here! I'm here!" Yan Xiaoqiu shouted loudly, her voice filled with excitement and hope.
The beam of light drew closer and closer, and finally, Su Chang's figure came into her sight.
"Xiaoqiu! Are you alright?" Su Chang rushed to her, his face full of anxiety and worry.
Tears welled up in Yan Xiaoqiu's eyes instantly. Forgetting all about propriety between men and women, she threw herself into Su Chang's arms, wanting only to feel the warmth of his embrace. Her voice choked with sobs, "I'm alright... but she's injured, please save her..."
Su Chang glanced down at the unconscious female bodyguard, immediately took out a first-aid kit from his backpack, and began to treat her wounds. His movements were swift and skillful; his master-level medical expertise was proving invaluable.
"The rescue team and the police will be here soon, let's hang in there a little longer," Su Chang comforted Yan Xiaoqiu while tending to her wounds.
Yan Xiaoqiu nodded (to Qian Nuozhao), her fear and unease finally subsiding slightly. She knew that as long as Su Chang was there, they would be saved.