Near Jin City, there are also mountains. Although they are not very high, at least they wouldn’t be submerged by floodwaters. After rowing for a whole day, in the afternoon of the next day, Shen Zhao and the others finally spotted Lingxi Mountain from a distance, and instantly felt rejuvenated.
For the past two days, sitting in the kayak, they were too afraid to sleep deeply, and with so many people in the kayak, it was cramped and uncomfortable for rest. Their butts were numb from sitting for too long, and their backs felt stiff. Seeing Lingxi Mountain nearby lifted everyone’s spirits. Although climbing the mountain would also be tiring, it was certainly better than sitting in a kayak. Moreover, they could spend the night on the mountain.
It rained again last night. Although they brought covers or wore raincoats and carried umbrellas, which kept them dry, the damp coldness seeped through their clothes and chilled their bodies, leaving many feeling lethargic. Fortunately, Comrade Li Li brought a lot of medicine, and everyone chewed on some cold medicine, which had a surprisingly sweet taste that lifted their spirits.
Soon after, the kayaks and small boats reached the shore. Everyone started walking up the mountain. The majority of what they found on Lingxi Mountain were small animals like squirrels, posing little danger. Many people frequently come here to hike, usually finishing a loop in about three to four hours.
Not long after ascending the mountain, the sky began to darken. The group split into smaller clusters, each searching for a place to secure their kayaks. Most people brought dry food and instant noodles, while a few had brought pots—Zhang Zixin and his friends had one. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining today, so they could still light a fire with the branches.
Shen Zhao and his companions brought an alcohol stove and a small pot, along with a large bottle of household alcohol. At last, they could eat something warm, and everyone was quite happy. Those without pots asked others for hot water to enjoy their instant noodles hot as well.
After everyone finished their meals, they finally had time to chat. Shen Zhao and Zhang Zixin stayed together, both gazing at the distant high-rise buildings with a sigh.
“Who knows how many lives this disaster has taken…”
“When the tsunami struck, everyone was asleep. If we hadn’t been staying on a high floor, we probably would have drowned too.” Zhang Zixin fell silent for a moment, then added, “I hope the government sends help soon.”
“If it takes only three to five days, many families have stored food, but if it drags on, those who remain might…” It’s not looking good. Because there will always be people trying to snatch others’ food.
Once people reach despair, they no longer care about morality or law; their only priority becomes survival.
“It’s a good thing we have a boat,” Zhang Zixin said, giving Shen Zhao a pat on the shoulder.
Shen Zhao smiled but didn’t respond.
“We’ve been exhausted all day; let’s head back and rest early.”
After resting for a night on Lingxi Mountain, they set off again the next day. Two hours later, they returned to the water, continuing to paddle toward their destination.
Not long after leaving Lingxi Mountain, they encountered rescue boats. From a distance, Shen Zhao saw silhouettes approaching. At first, he thought he was mistaken, but soon he realized the shadows were several large boats displaying rescue banners.
“It’s a boat! It’s a rescue boat! The government has sent people to help!”
“Shen Zhao! We’re saved! They’ve come to rescue us!”
“Hey! Over here!”
The boats slowly came to a stop beside them. Several soldiers in orange life vests helped them aboard and provided them with food and water.
Sitting beside Shen Zhao, who was holding a bowl, he watched as the boat sped across the water. He was somewhat incapable of eating, recalling the arduous journey they had taken over the days; the boat arrived in just one hour.
Had he known, they could have just waited for rescue in that office building…
The waves outside were tumultuous and unfathomable. Shen Zhao was somewhat lost in thought, feeling that being rescued so easily seemed off somehow. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
Zhang Zixin chattered excitedly nearby, waving his arms, pleased for everyone who would be saved. Shen Zhao, however, felt somewhat dazed and only responded absentmindedly.
This boat could carry approximately over 500 people at a time. Shen Zhao watched as they commandeered their kayaks to rescue more people in the city. In less than half a day, the boat was already full of 500 people.
Then came the return journey. Once onboard, Shen Zhao learned that several coastal cities nearby had been flooded, and Jin City was the farthest one, which was why they had arrived late due to mechanical issues along the way.
Furthermore, more rescue boats would continue to arrive, providing aid to all disaster victims in Jin City.
As the entire province had been flooded significantly, they proceeded to the nearest shelter, which happened to be in the city where Shen Zhao’s grandparents lived.
The repaired boats were quite powerful; it took only half a day to arrive.
Shen Zhao supported the dizzy Comrade Li Li as they headed for the disaster relief point and borrowed a staff member’s phone to call his grandparents.
After saying goodbye to Zhang Zixin, he waited outside.
Soon, an old man wearing a cotton jacket and hat arrived on a tricycle to pick them up.
“Grandpa!”
“Dad!”
“Hey! Little Zhao! Little Li! It’s great to see you both safe! The news nearly gave your mom and me heart attacks!” The old man’s booming voice startled Shen Zhao; he didn’t expect his usually calm and reserved grandpa to suddenly be so lively.
“Dad! We’re fine, really. Let’s go first! It’s freezing; we can talk at home!” Li Li stuffed their belongings into the trike, and Shen Zhao climbed in beside her.
Their kayak had been commandeered, but their other supplies remained intact.
On the way back, Grandpa Li talked about the current situation in the city. Since disasters erupted nationwide, food prices had risen significantly. To prevent panic buying and hoarding, the government limited the quantity of food each household could purchase.