บท 85: 85
The once sparsely populated island now saw a flood of tourists rushing towards a single entrance. The narrow mountain path quickly became congested as people pushed and shoved in panic, discarding all sense of politeness. Some even started arguing and fighting. A child was knocked to the ground, screaming as the crowd trampled over her. Her mother desperately tried to shield her from the chaos.
"Watch where you're going!"
Someone yelled as they collided with Jiang Wenxiu and Shen Jiayu. Normally, Jiang Wenxiu would have argued back, but she remained silent, too focused on holding onto Shen Jiayu, fearing that if she let go, they'd be separated in the crowd.
Jiang Wenxiu pulled out her phone, intending to call Pei Yujang, knowing that she and Yu Zhiwan were somewhere up the mountain. But before she could dial, her phone was knocked out of her hand by a large man rushing past. She cursed internally, realizing it was too chaotic to retrieve it.
With no other choice, Jiang Wenxiu abandoned her phone and led Shen Jiayu towards the forest. She remembered there was a steep path that led up the mountain, and if they didn't hurry, the growing crowd would block their way.
She couldn't worry about her other classmates anymore, focusing solely on keeping Shen Jiayu safe. Sweat pooled in Shen Jiayu's palm, making their grip uncomfortable, but Jiang Wenxiu held on tighter, sensing Shen Jiayu's fear.
"It's okay. My sister is amazing. Remember how I told you she saved people from a tower and solved that kidnapping case? She's a hero..."
Jiang Wenxiu's breathless reassurances might have made Pei Yujang laugh under different circumstances, not knowing she was held in such high regard.
As they passed through the dense forest, the path up the mountain became visible. Jiang Wenxiu wiped the sweat from her brow. The weather was unusually hot, and after being jostled around for so long, the air reeked of sweat.
She noticed some people ahead stumbling and scrambling back down the path, their terrified expressions signaling trouble.
"What's going on?"
Jiang Wenxiu tried to stop someone to ask, but the person, pale as a sheet, ignored her. Finally, after several attempts, she managed to grab a woman, demanding an answer:
"What's up ahead?"
Surely it couldn't be that sharks had made it to the mountain?
The woman's lips quivered, her body shaking like a leaf before she finally uttered a word:
"Snakes..."
Jiang Wenxiu's face paled.
Her mind raced. It was normal to encounter snakes in the mountains, especially in undeveloped areas like this, but for so many people to be this terrified, it had to be something more.
More and more people were fleeing, their faces twisted in fear, with occasional shrill screams piercing the air. Jiang Wenxiu's anxiety grew.
What on earth was happening?
"This is bad. That forest is a restricted area. Why are people running there?"
Despite the bright sunshine, the sight of people frantically running made Pei Yujang frown. The fear of the unknown spread like wildfire, and the air was filled with the sound of people frantically making calls on their AG network-connected phones.
If there was trouble with the lake or the sea, rescue planes would be the only option. Pei Yujang quickly called the local authorities, her calm voice conveying the urgency of the situation. Though the management found it hard to believe, they agreed to dispatch planes after hearing her seriousness.
Even with that assurance, Pei Yujang couldn't relax. She tried calling Jiang Wenxiu, but the call went unanswered, so she tried Jin Duo instead. Thankfully, she managed to reach the usually cheerful girl, who sounded shaky.
Jin Duo was hiding between two large rocks, squeezed tight with other terrified people. The entire island seemed to be heading up the mountain, including locals and vendors dragging their goods.
Jin Duo was on the verge of tears as she explained the situation, mentioning that her classmates had scattered in the chaos.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhiwan urged Pei Yujang to help others while she took over the call:
"The path is crowded, so don't come down. Stay where it's safe and don't move. If there's an emergency, call directly. Keep your phone on."
Pei Yujang, busy helping the security team maintain order and pulling people back from the restricted forest area, suddenly heard someone shout:
"What's that sound?"
The shout irritated many, who cursed at the man for being jumpy. But as the man continued to retreat, murmuring to himself, a nearby woman holding a child suddenly screamed, her voice cracking. Her face contorted in terror as she stumbled back, trembling as she uttered a single word:
"Snake!"
Panic spread like wildfire.
Qianshui Island was rich in natural resources, with forests teeming with life, including snakes. Now, the commotion had driven the snakes out of their burrows, and they began slithering aimlessly through the underbrush.
Pei Yujang spotted a colorful snake emerging from the grass, causing people to scream and panic. The snake, though not particularly large, blended perfectly with its surroundings, its glassy eyes gleaming with a cold, deadly intent.
Amidst the chaos, a small girl who had lost her mother stood frozen, paralyzed with fear as a snake slithered towards her. Her mind went blank, and she couldn't move.
Pei Yujang shouted a warning:
"Don't move!"
But it was too late. The girl, driven by sheer terror, instinctively bolted, but her small legs were no match for the snake's speed.
Realizing there was no time, Pei Yujang grabbed a watermelon knife from a nearby vendor and flung it with precision, the blade arcing through the air. It struck the snake just as it was about to lunge at the girl.
The snake, now wounded, became even more agitated. Pei Yujang shouted again:
"Stay still! It can't see you if you don't move!"
Snakes had poor eyesight and relied on movement to detect prey. The girl's fear had momentarily paralyzed her, and Pei Yujang's quick actions drew the snake's attention away.
As the snake hissed and prepared to strike, Pei Yujang rushed forward, grabbing it by the head, her grip firm on its neck. The snake thrashed violently, trying to escape, but Pei Yujang held on, using the knife to finish it off.
But the danger was far from over. More snakes were emerging from all directions. Pei Yujang could fend off one, but with so many, she had no choice but to order the security team to evacuate the area.
"If we leave the mountain, where do we go? What if there's a flood?"
Someone questioned her, but Pei Yujang ignored him. Even if a flood were possible, staying in an area swarming with snakes was far more dangerous.
Most people agreed, and Pei Yujang's recent display of bravery had earned her some authority. The security team began coordinating the evacuation, and some even started filming the scene with their phones.
"Where's the sulfur powder?"
Mountain areas often had snakes, so it was standard practice to keep sulfur powder on hand. The security guards quickly ran to retrieve it, and the mention of sulfur powder caused a stir among the crowd.
Would there be enough to go around?
Pei Yujang noticed the growing anxiety and addressed the crowd with a loudspeaker, her words quick and decisive:
"First, apply sulfur powder to the children. Their delicate skin makes them more attractive to snakes. Not all of these snakes are venomous, but if a child gets bitten, it could slow us down and attract more snakes. Parents carrying their children will also benefit from the protection of the sulfur powder."
"We need to work together. We can handle a few snakes, can't we?"
Her reasoning, though somewhat fabricated, calmed the crowd. The suggestion that children might attract snakes gave everyone a plausible explanation, and those who had been arguing with parents earlier fell silent.
The sulfur powder was quickly distributed, with some applied along the boundaries to ward off the snakes. But the area was too large to cover completely, and the snakes, driven by their need to prepare for winter, were not easily deterred.
After giving her orders, Pei Yujang jumped down from the rock she had been standing on, watching as the children were coated with sulfur powder. However, some parents, frustrated by the small amounts they received, began to argue again.
Seeing the situation deteriorating, Pei Yujang turned to Yu Zhiwan, who tugged at her sleeve.
"I have snake repellent powder. I bought it because I'm afraid of snakes," Yu Zhiwan announced loudly enough for those nearby to hear.
She pulled out several packets from her bag.
Since they had taken the cable car up, Yu Zhiwan had kept her backpack with her. Pei Yujang hadn't noticed what was inside, but as she glanced at the contents, she saw various herbal remedies.
Most women would carry makeup for photos, but Yu Zhiwan had packed a variety of useful items. Pei Yujang, impressed, gave her a discreet thumbs up.
The crowd quickly surrounded them, eager to grab the powder. Pei Yujang pushed the greedy hands away, allowing only those without sulfur powder to take the snake repellent, while Yu Zhiwan kept track.
Yu Zhiwan had a sharp memory and could remember faces easily, so there was no chance of anyone getting a second helping. When someone tried to take more, Yu Zhiwan caught them, sending them away embarrassed.
Once the repellent was distributed, more screams echoed through the forest. The security team worked to direct the crowd down a different path towards the sturdier villas for shelter.
Children coated in sulfur powder found themselves the center of attention, with adults instinctively moving closer for protection. The crowd moved cautiously, avoiding accidents, though the occasional snake still caused people to faint or trip.
The security team quickly helped those who fell, ensuring they continued moving.
With one packet of repellent left for themselves, Yu Zhiwan and Pei Yujang decided not to follow the slow-moving crowd. Yu Zhiwan tapped Pei Yujang's shoulder:
"Let's take the shortcut and help rescue others."
"Got it!"
Pei Yujang responded immediately, sprinting down the mountain after informing the security captain. She knew there were still people trapped and needed help.
The forest was teeming with snakes, but Yu Zhiwan's repellent proved effective, keeping them at bay. Pei Yujang marveled at its potency, grateful for Yu Zhiwan's foresight. As she ran, slightly out of breath, she called out Yu Zhiwan's nickname:
"Zhiyuan."
"Yes?"
"You remind me of Doraemon," Pei Yujang said as she ran. "Have you ever watched Doraemon? It's a blue cat with a round head and a pocket that can pull out anything its friends need..."
Yu Zhiwan listened to her description, confused:
"How am I like that?"
"Why not?" Pei Yujang replied.
Yu Zhiwan answered seriously:
"Doraemon helps its friends, but I only help my girlfriend."
Pei Yujang's heart skipped a beat, her thoughts racing. Was Yu Zhiwan flirting with her?
Dodging a fallen branch, Pei Yujang asked:
"What if we went back to being just friends? Would you still help me?"
"Why don't you try?"
Yu Zhiwan's tone was as neutral as always, leaving Pei Yujang unsure. But she wasn't about to risk it.
Having a girlfriend is much better!
The forest was chaotic, filled with angry animals disturbed by the humans. Pei Yujang felt the weight of unseen eyes watching them but remained confident in the protection provided by Yu Zhiwan's repellent.
Finally, they found Jiang Wenxiu and Shen Jiayu hiding under a tree, their clothes torn and dirty. Pei Yujang realized they had already encountered snakes.
Jiang Wenxiu, eyes red, had bravely stood in front of Shen Jiayu, using a stick to fend off a snake. The two girls had managed to kill the snake together, but its body still lay at their feet like a twisted rope.
When she saw Pei Yujang and Yu Zhiwan, Jiang Wenxiu's legs gave way, and she shakily called out, "Sister."
Pei Yujang could tell this was the most sincere "sister" she had ever heard from Jiang Wenxiu. She helped her up and gave them some of the remaining repellent powder.
Yu Zhiwan had warned not to use too much, as it could irritate the skin.
They walked a little further and found Jin Duo and some other survivors hiding in a rock crevice. Some had been bitten by venomous snakes and died on the spot, while others bore deep bite marks from non-venomous snakes.
Jin Duo was tending to a little girl's wounds, using a makeshift method to stop the bleeding. Normally so loud, Jin Duo showed surprising skill, earning Pei Yujang's praise.
As the survivors gathered, thanks to Pei Yujang's earlier call, local authorities dispatched planes to evacuate them to a nearby clearing. The tide was beginning to rise, but the professional rescue team managed the situation well.
The air was filled with the sound of crying and people calling for their loved ones. Few people traveled alone; most had come with family or friends.
Pei Yujang and Yu Zhiwan were also evacuated by plane. Seeing the situation under control, they decided to return home. Before boarding, Pei Yujang took a moment to call Pei Jinhui and let her know they were safe.
Pei Jinhui, worried, asked if it was convenient to call. When Pei Yujang agreed, she immediately video-called, only relaxing when she saw that they were unharmed. Pei Yujang, hoping to ease her worry, made a request:
"Mom, I'm coming home soon. I'll be there in a few hours. Can you ask Auntie to make me some udon?"
Pei Jinhui nodded, agreeing readily. Pei Yujang had just hung up when a burly man nearby sneered at her. Seeing her look back, he loudly accused:
"Chatting casually when things are like this? What's next, live streaming to gain more followers? You're obstructing rescue efforts—can you bear that responsibility?"
He spat his words, drawing attention by mentioning Pei Yujang's status as a blogger. Pei Yujang barely had time to put her phone away before the crisp sound of a slap echoed.
"Smack!"
Yu Zhiwan had slapped the man hard, her hand stinging from the impact. The man, caught off guard, saw stars and then heard the seemingly gentle woman coldly say:
"Why don't you just get off this plane? It's idiots like you that make rescue operations difficult."
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