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Su Chang waved his hand, signaling the female bodyguard to hurry up. After the bodyguard left, Su Chang went straight to a rescue boat on the riverbank.
A middle-aged man immediately blocked his way and asked, "Handsome, who are you? What are you doing here? We need to go on a search and rescue mission. Please leave immediately, it's very dangerous."
Su Chang said earnestly, "I am the boyfriend of the girl who saved the girl. I would like to ask if it is okay if I go with you to search and rescue." His eyes revealed anxiety and determination, and his hands were clenched into fists, showing his tension and determination.
The middle-aged man looked at Su Chang, feeling a pang of pity, but still refused, saying, "No, handsome, although I understand how you feel, you're not a professional search and rescue team member, so we can't take you." His expression was serious and firm, as if telling Su Chang that this was a matter of principle and couldn't be easily broken.
Chapter 292 Rescue
Su Chang was unwilling to give up. He took a deep breath and said, "I can offer one million, as long as you take me with you." His voice trembled slightly, clearly showing his excitement.
When the middle-aged man heard Su Chang say "one million," his eyes widened like saucers, his mouth gaped open wide enough to fit an egg, and his face was full of disbelief.
He pointed at Su Chang with a trembling finger and stammered, "You...you said how much? One million? You...you're not kidding me, are you?" He was so excited that he even blurted out his dialect, and his voice became distorted.
Su Chang remained expressionless, his gaze unwavering as he looked at the middle-aged man without the slightest hesitation. He pulled out his phone, waved it at the man, and calmly said, "Open your payment QR code."
The middle-aged man's hands were trembling slightly. He quickly took out his phone, opened the payment code, and stared intently at the screen, as if afraid that the million yuan would suddenly disappear.
Without hesitation, Su Chang picked up his phone and scanned the middle-aged man's QR code. With a "beep," one million yuan was successfully deposited into his account.
The middle-aged man stared at the bank statement on his phone, completely stunned. His mouth gaped open, and his eyes were filled with astonishment and confusion. He never imagined that Su Chang would actually give him a million.
Su Chang remained calm, then looked at the middle-aged man expressionlessly and said softly, "Can I come with you now?"
The middle-aged man snapped out of his daze and nodded hurriedly, saying excitedly, "Yes, yes." As he spoke, he pulled Su Chang onto the boat.
On the boat, the middle-aged man began to explain some search and rescue precautions to Su Chang. His expression was serious and earnest, and his eyes revealed a sense of professionalism and responsibility. He explained each step and every detail in detail, as if afraid that Su Chang might overlook anything.
Less than two minutes after Su Chang boarded the boat, it started moving and slowly headed downstream. He stared intently at the river, as if trying to take in every single movement. As time ticked by, his expression grew increasingly grim, and anxiety surged within him like a tidal wave.
Song Xingchen had been drinking that evening, and having jumped off the bridge and spent considerable time in the water, she was now in extreme danger. Su Chang frowned deeply; he knew that time was of the essence, and every moment of delay could make Song Xingchen's situation even more difficult.
When the boat reached a buoy, it suddenly stopped. A hint of doubt flashed in Su Chang's eyes. He frowned and looked at the burly man beside him, asking in a somewhat urgent tone, "Why did you stop?"
The burly man pointed to the buoy ahead and asked, "Do you see that buoy over there?"
Su Chang nodded and said, "I saw it. What's wrong?"
The big man understood Su Chang's feelings, patted Su Chang's shoulder and explained helplessly, "The waters ahead are where the sand dredgers used to dredge sand, so there are many underwater currents there. Our boats are too small, and it's nighttime with low visibility, so it would be too dangerous to go over there. Therefore, we can only turn back here."
Su Chang's brows furrowed even more, his heart filled with contradictions and struggles. He knew the big man was right, but he had a feeling that Song Xingchen might be in these waters.
He gritted his teeth, deciding to try again, and said, "Could you wait here for a moment? I'll have someone arrange a larger ship to come right away."
The burly man glanced at Su Chang, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. If anyone else had said that, he would have ignored it, but this man was a millionaire who could spend a million in one go.
He hesitated for a moment, feeling that Su Chang was wasting his time. After all, he had been missing for so long, and his chances of survival were probably slim. But seeing Su Chang's serious expression, the big man patted Su Chang on the shoulder, sighed, and said, "Alright then, but you have to hurry, because we still need to continue searching along the shore."
Su Chang nodded, a slight sense of relief washing over him. He quickly took out his phone, dialed the bodyguard's number, and asked, "Has the rescue team arrived?"
The bodyguard's voice came through immediately: "The first rescue ship has already set off, and the helicopter will be there in ten minutes."
A satisfied smile appeared on Su Chang's face; he knew his efforts had not been in vain.
He quickly ordered, "Are there any large rescue ships there? They need to be able to navigate the undercurrents."
Then came the bodyguard's urgent shouts from the other side, and after a short while the bodyguard responded: "Sorry, boss, there aren't any at the moment. Those large rescue ships won't be able to arrive for at least another hour."
Su Chang frowned immediately, his heart filled with anxiety. In an hour, Song Xingchen's body would probably be cold. He remained silent for a moment, then firmly ordered, "Immediately send someone over in an airship. It has to be fast. I'll be at the buoy in the undercurrent. Also, have a helicopter come directly to this area for search and rescue. Any problems?"
"Okay, boss, I'll have them go over right away." Although the bodyguard didn't understand why Su Chang would give such an order, he still agreed immediately.
Su Chang sat at the bow of the boat and began to gaze at the dark currents. His hands gripped the gunwale tightly, his brows furrowed, and he silently prayed that Song Xingchen was still alive.
He was convinced that with his proficiency in mechanical driving, navigating this small, dark waterway would be no problem, and his intuition told him that Song Xingchen was there.
Five minutes later, a tremendous roar of an engine came from the stern of the ship. Su Chang immediately stood up, his heart pounding, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He knew that the airship he needed must have arrived.
Sure enough, a short while later, an airship landed next to the rescue ship. There were three men on the airship, and the man piloting it called out to the rescue ship, "Which one of you is President Su?"
Without hesitation, Su Chang jumped onto the airship and said to the man, "I am Su Chang. You go to the rescue ship now. I'm going to the Dark Current Waters." His voice was firm and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
"What? You're going to the Dark Currents alone?" Everyone on both boats was startled. The man shouted back, his face showing surprise and worry.
Su Chang said matter-of-factly, "Yes, I bought this ship for one million. Anything that happens to you is none of your business. Give me the QR code." His tone revealed an unquestionable determination as he took out his phone from his pocket, ready to scan the code to pay.
Everyone was once again stunned by Su Chang's arrogance. The man still said with some reluctance, "President Su, why are you doing this? It's too dangerous there. You're doing this..." His voice carried a hint of helplessness and persuasion.
A resolute glint flashed in Su Chang's eyes. He interrupted the man and said, "Alright, let's not waste any more time. I have to go. My girlfriend is waiting for me to rescue her. A helicopter will be coming soon. I'll be fine, and I can't let her be in any danger."
After saying that, he stared intently at the man, who had no choice but to take out his phone, open the QR code, and Su Chang quickly scanned the QR code to complete the payment. Then he told the three of them to leave the airship immediately.
The man left Su Chang a walkie-talkie, telling him to contact him immediately if he encountered any danger, and Su Chang nodded in agreement.
After the three of them left the airship, Su Chang started the airship and sped towards the dark currents, with only one belief in his mind: he must find Song Xingchen, no matter what the cost.
At that moment, the sound of a propeller came from above, and the darkness in front of Su Chang was replaced by light. This was the effect of the helicopter's headlights, which illuminated the entire water surface as if it were daytime.
Su Chang stared wide-eyed ahead, secretly relieved that he could finally see the waters clearly. He discovered that there were small whirlpools everywhere, like countless ferocious mouths, as if they wanted to swallow everything.
Yet, Su Chang showed no fear. He skillfully and confidently navigated the airship through the whirlpool. His eyes were resolute as he gripped the steering wheel tightly, constantly observing his surroundings, not missing a single detail.
Seeing Su Chang's skillful piloting, the helicopter crew breathed a sigh of relief. They quickly caught up with Su Chang and began the search and rescue operation for Song Xingchen.
After driving for about ten minutes, Su Chang suddenly noticed that the whirlpools in the water ahead were getting bigger and the current was getting stronger. His brows furrowed, and his heart sank. He thought to himself, "If Song Xingchen is really swept into this area, he will probably be pulled to the bottom."
Just then, a voice came from Su Chang's walkie-talkie: "President Su, are you there? Can you hear my conversation?"
Su Chang was taken aback, but his hands did not stop. He continued to operate the airship and quickly took out the walkie-talkie to reply, "I'm here, I can hear you."
An urgent voice came from the other end of the walkie-talkie again: "President Su, this is the helicopter search and rescue team. We have found someone floating on the water about 500 meters to your left and in front of you. You can go and take a look."
Upon hearing the news, Su Chang's face immediately lit up with a joyful smile. Without hesitation, he replied, "Okay, I'll be right there." With that, he rushed straight to the left front.
Sure enough, he hadn't gone far when Su Chang spotted two figures clinging to a log, floating on the water. His heart pounded, and his eyes filled with anticipation. When he got closer, he finally recognized the two figures—it really was Song Xingchen and another girl!
Although Song Xingchen looked tired, a hint of strength shone in her eyes. She seemed to be comforting the girl, saying softly, "Don't be afraid, we will be saved."
As the airship approached, Song Xingchen waved towards it, but her vision was already blurred, and she couldn't make out who was approaching. Her heart was filled with hope, hoping that the two of them could be rescued as soon as possible.
Su Chang quickly brought the airship closer, then stretched out his hand and shouted, "Xingchen, come on up!"
When Song Xingchen heard Su Chang's voice, she was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
She waved her hand forcefully, signaling Su Chang to pull the girl onto the boat first. Su Chang sighed helplessly and had no choice but to pull the girl onto the airship first.
However, when Su Chang turned around again to pull Song Xingchen, his pupils suddenly contracted, and a look of horror appeared on his face. He saw a huge vortex spinning violently in front of him, and the airship and the log Song Xingchen was holding were being rapidly sucked into the vortex.
At that moment, Su Chang's walkie-talkie crackled with a familiar voice again: "President Su, there's a huge whirlpool ahead! Set sail immediately, or you'll be sucked in! Set sail now..."
Su Chang's heart raced instantly. He clenched his teeth, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His eyes revealed determination and resolve; he knew he couldn't let Song Xingchen be put in danger.
He rushed to the side of the boat, pulled Song Xingchen up, hugged her tightly, and ran towards the foot of the bed.
As he ran, Su Chang's breathing became rapid, and his steps became unsteady, but he still rushed forward desperately. He had only one thought in his mind: he had to get Song Xingchen away from this dangerous place.
Looking at Su Chang, who was still working hard, Song Xingchen couldn't help but smile, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion. She murmured softly, "Silly boy."
She knew that Su Chang was working so hard for her sake, and her heart was filled with gratitude and love for him. But at this moment, she had no strength left and fainted in Su Chang's arms.
However, the vortex's suction force grew stronger and stronger, and the ship was constantly being sucked into it. But Su Chang did not panic at all and began to steer the airship in another direction.
Chapter 293 He Wakes Up
The next day at noon, Song Xingchen slowly opened her heavy eyelids, only to be met with a blinding white light. She tried to sit up, but was shocked to find her limbs swollen and powerless, as if weighed down by a thousand pounds. The familiar smell of disinfectant filled the air, and she knew immediately that she was in a hospital.
Song Xingchen's face was filled with anxiety, her eyes darting around anxiously, hoping to find Su Chang.
She clearly remembered that Su Chang had risked his life to save her yesterday when they were on the brink of death. As for how she escaped that terrible vortex afterward, she had no recollection of it.
However, no matter how hard she searched, she could not find Su Chang, which made her heart panic instantly, and all sorts of terrible thoughts kept popping into her mind: Could it be that Su Chang had encountered some misfortune?
Not long after, a nurse came in. When she saw that Song Xingchen had actually woken up, her face showed astonishment. She quickly put down the treatment tray she was holding and rushed towards the door, obviously to report the good news.
Seeing this, Song Xingchen was extremely anxious. She wanted to call the nurse to ask about Su Chang's condition, but at this moment, even speaking became extremely difficult for her.
Immediately afterwards, the nurse from before led a doctor in.
The nurse's face beamed with excitement as she exclaimed, "Dr. Zhu, look! Just as Mr. Su said, the patient has really woken up!"
Dr. Zhu looked at Song Xingchen with a face full of surprise and exclaimed, "It's a miracle! I didn't expect you to actually wake up. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere in your body right now?"
Song Xingchen opened her mouth with difficulty and asked in a weak voice, "Where is Su Chang?"
Her eyes revealed immense concern and worry, as if Su Chang was her whole life.
Dr. Zhu was taken aback. He hadn't expected that Song Xingchen, like that man, would ask about the other person's whereabouts as soon as she woke up.
A feeling of envy welled up in his heart, so he comforted her, "Ms. Song, don't worry, Mr. Su woke up before you, and he's in the ward next to yours."
Upon hearing Dr. Zhu's answer, Song Xingchen felt a huge weight lifted from her heart, and she let out a long sigh of relief.
Then, she tried to regulate her breathing and slowly said, "I feel okay now, but my limbs are weak and I don't have the strength to speak. Everything else is fine."
Dr. Zhu was stunned again. He originally thought that the diagnosis he gave Song Xingchen last night had almost sentenced her to death. Even if she didn't become a vegetable, she would most likely have serious internal organ diseases after waking up.
However, Song Xingchen's adverse reactions after waking up were so mild that it was beyond his expectations. So he said, "Ms. Song, I need to give you a full examination now. I hope you can cooperate with us."
Song Xingchen, being a doctor herself, naturally understood Dr. Zhu's reasoning and nodded, saying, "Okay."
Dr. Zhu then asked the nurse to call for help, and then gave Song Xingchen a full examination. When the doctors saw the results, they were all surprised. Song Xingchen only had swelling in her limbs and some inflammation, but otherwise she was perfectly healthy.
Dr. Zhu then recalled that Su Chang had come to Song Xingchen's ward alone last night, and the problem might lie there. However, considering Su Chang's identity, he didn't say much and simply told Song Xingchen to rest well before leaving.
As soon as the doctors left, Su Chang walked in, supported by Guan Xiaodi and Fang Zhiheng. However, Guan Xiaodi and Fang Zhiheng both looked at Song Xingchen with unfriendly expressions.
Su Chang patted their arms, signaling them to stop, and the two barely managed to calm down.
Su Chang sat down beside Song Xingchen's bed, took Song Xingchen's hand, and asked softly with concern and tenderness, "Is there anything still bothering you?"
Song Xingchen shook her head, her lips trembling slightly, and said with difficulty, "Last night... what happened... afterwards?"
Upon hearing Song Xingchen's question, before Su Chang could speak, Guan Xiaodi couldn't hold back any longer. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, and her voice trembled with emotion: "It was all to save you that Su Chang almost died! If it weren't for his superb skills in navigating the boat to the edge of the whirlpool and then risking his life to protect you and that girl as you swam out, plus the helicopter rescue, all three of you would be sunk to the bottom of the river right now. You're such a jinx..."
Su Chang called out with slight dissatisfaction, "Xiao Di!"
Guan Xiaodi snorted in dissatisfaction, then continued, "Later, when we brought you to the hospital, the doctors gave you a death sentence. Su Chang, who was already injured, expended so much effort and energy to treat you, and now his injuries are aggravated..."
As Guan Xiaodi spoke, tears streamed down her face like a burst dam. Her fists were clenched tightly, as if she were trying to suppress the anger and sorrow in her heart.
Fang Zhiheng stood to the side, silently shedding tears. Her eyes revealed her heartache for Su Chang and her dissatisfaction with Song Xingchen. She bit her lip, trying hard not to cry out loud.
Su Chang gently patted Guan Xiaodi's shoulder and comforted her, "Xiaodi, don't say anything, and don't be sad. I would have done the same thing if either of you were in this situation." Although his voice was calm, the firmness and sense of responsibility in it were undeniable.
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