Chapter 219: Chapter 217: Accident Breaks Out (2) – Tense Search for the Lost (Second Update)
Translator: 549690339
The business car was traveling on the streets of M Country.
It was raining heavily outside.
Song Zhizhi’s heart was clenched tightly, she withdrew her gaze from the window and looked at Qin Jingxiang sitting in the front position.
Qin Jingxiang’s nimble fingers were constantly jumping on the laptop.
Suddenly, the fingers paused.
Song Zhizhi tried to remain calm.
Qin Jingxiang said, “I’ve found it, Ji Baijian’s mobile phone is at 32 Alice Imperial Street, this address happens to be…”
Yin Qin’s face changed slightly, “The address of a commercial building.”
Suddenly, there was a silence, like the calm before a storm.
Song Zhizhi spoke attempting to retain her composure, although her voice still trembled a bit, “Do you mean, Ji Baijian was inside the building when it exploded?”
Yin Qin nodded.
At that moment, the car was extremely quiet.
So quiet that it seemed as if certain things had already become facts.
No.
Definitely no.
“Hmm.” Yin Qin agreed, as if he was also trying to motivate himself, “Let’s go to the site and check out the situation first.”
Song Zhizhi nodded.
She bit her lip tightly.
In such heavy rain, the business car still reached its destination as quickly as possible.
The whole building had collapsed, affecting many other surrounding buildings. One of them was a residential building with many inhabitants. All of M Country’s rescue forces were concentrated there, and only two lonely excavators were working at the collapsed commercial building, making everything look deserted.
Once the business car stopped, everyone got out immediately.
The vast expanse of ruins seemed like a hopeless task to excavate with just a few of them.
But, they could not give up.
Looking at the towering ruins in front of her, Song Zhizhi yelled out loudly, “Ji Baijian! Ji Baijian! ” There was no response.
Even if she shouted louder, her voice could not overcome the sound of the rain, which drowned out her calls.
Song Zhizhi bit her lip.
The rims of her eyes suddenly turned red.
Very red.
Yin Qin said, “Don’t be too anxious.”
Song Zhizhi felt she had lost her calm.
Yin Qin said, “There’s an eighty percent chance that Ji Baijian is buried underneath, so now we need to find a way to get him out!”
Song Zhizhi nodded, “But now, with just the few of us…”
“That’s why we need to find a way.” Yin Qin emphasized each word, “Get back in the car first.” Song Zhizhi looked at the ruins in front of her and followed everyone else back into the car.
Nobody cared about their soaked clothes.
Yin Qin said, “With just the few of us, it’s impossible to dig up Ji Baijian. This is not Yanshang Country, but M Country, where resources are limited. Given the current situation, M Country has deployed all rescue teams to the nearby residential building. There’s no way they’re gonna help us dig here!”
“No.” Song Zhizhi suddenly interjected.
Yin Qin looked at Song Zhizhi, “If you have a better suggestion.”
“All of M Country’s official resources are being used to rescue the residential building, but civilian resources are not.”
“You’re suggesting we enlist the help of the citizens of M Country.”
“Money can make the mare go.” Song Zhizhi said, “We can offer an attractive price that will motivate the people to dig here.”
“That’s a good solution.” Yin Qin affirmed.
He was surprised that Song Zhizhi came up with it.
That’s why he always said they were a perfect match.
“Miss Qin.” Song Zhizhi suddenly called out to Qin Jingxiang.
Qin Jingxiang nodded.
“Can you find the exact location of Ji Baijian’s mobile phone, down to within a meter? I believe Ji Baijian would have kept his phone nearby before the incident, so the location of his phone shouldn’t be far from him.”
“I can try.” Qin Jingxiang said.
“Thank you. ”
Qin Jingxiang nodded, picked up her laptop, and started working on it.
“Yin Qin, let’s divide the work.” Song Zhizhi said.
“You give the orders.” At this moment, Yin Qin was completely following Song Zhizhi’s arrangements.
Song Zhizhi said, “First, we need to raise funds. I don’t know what procedures are required for withdrawing money internationally in M Country, and we can’t afford to delay, so we need someone to retrieve the money – all in cash. This is the most effective way to stimulate the public.”
“I’ll do it.” Ji Baili said, “I’ve been in the business world for several years, I know a bit about foreign currency.”
“Good.” Song Zhizhi said briefly, “Secondly, we need to find manpower concurrently. As soon as we get the money, we need to be able to get everyone to start rescuing immediately. We can’t delay even a second.”
“I’ll go.” Yin Qin said, “I’ll go inquire about the local influential figures to help us spread the information and find people!”
“We need to be quick.” Song Zhizhi urged. “I know.” Yin Qin turned to Ji Baili, “Let’s go.”
Ji Baili nodded.
Even though everyone was panicking, everyone managed to maintain a remarkable calm.
Song Zhizhi, Wei Ziming, and Luo Xiaolang quickly got out of the car, while Qin Jingxiang stayed in the car with her laptop, and left with them.
“Zhizhi.” Wei Ziming reached out to hold her.
Song Zhizhi said, “I can’t wait.”
Wei Ziming pursed his lips.
Song Zhizhi had already pushed him away and walked straight towards the ruins.
The pile of ruins was very high. It required a lot of effort to climb up.
Wei Ziming hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he followed Song Zhizhi with Luo Xiaolang to climb the ruins.
Both the sky was pouring rain, making the ruins difficult to traverse.
“Song Zhizhi.” Wei Ziming reached out to brace her.
Song Zhizhi gritted her teeth.
The ground under her feet was too slippery and the depth uneven.
She almost stumbled.
Song Zhizhi managed to steady herself and began to climb up again.
Wei Ziming was constantly protecting Song Zhizhi, while Luo Xiaolang was clearing the way in front.
Finally, after a lot of difficulty, everyone managed to climb up.
In such a vast place, they didn’t know where to start.
Song Zhizhi didn’t know either, all she knew was that they had to dig Ji Baijian out, no matter what it took.
She squatted down and began to dig the ruins bit by bit by hand.
Wei Ziming looked on, his eyes flickering slightly.
Seeing Song Zhizhi doing so, Luo Xiaolang also helped her dig through the ruins.
Wei Ziming hesitated for a moment, then also squatted down.
The three of them seemed so insignificant amidst the vast ruins.
They didn’t know how long it had been.
The rain showed no signs of letting up.
“Song Zhizhi, take a break.” Wei Ziming called her.
No.
She couldn’t rest.
She believed Ji Baijian was waiting for her.
Seeing her like this, Wei Ziming once again chose to remain silent.
It seemed to be getting darker.
There seemed to be some noises around.
Song Zhizhi turned her head and saw many people coming towards the site one after another.
Looking over, she couldn’t see the end of the line.
Song Zhizhi didn’t know how Yin Qin could find so many people in such a short time. She just saw Yin Qin walking ahead quickly towards her, “There are now about 500 people here, I’ve asked Baili to keep looking for more.”
“Okay.”
Yin Qin said, “Just relying on manpower is not enough. I’ve searched for some rescue equipment through my contacts, and now I’m going over to negotiate to get more resources.”
“Okay.” Song Zhizhi nodded.
She felt that there was a hope, there must be hope.
Yin Qin turned around and left. When he was leaving, he saw bloodstains all over Song Zhizhi’s hands, he said, “Remember, your own safety comes first.”
“I know.”
Yin Qin didn’t say more, he quickly left.
A huge crowd began the rescue operation. Many people were holding some equipment, mostly shovels used at home. Fortunately, they had a lot of hands on deck, which brought more hope.
The sky was gradually turning dark.
The rescue effort was becoming increasingly difficult.
Even though everyone had a rescue flashlight in their hand.
But the light from the flashlight was still too limited.
At that moment, overhead, a large amount of light suddenly turned on, row after row, instantly illuminating the area as if it were daylight.
Song Zhizhi looked up.
He saw a dozen tower cranes with lights as big as the moon.
There were also dozens of excavators, working together to dig into the wreckage.
Along with this, a helicopter descended from the sky, kicking up a lot of small stones.
Song Zhizhi watched as Yin Qin crawled down from the helicopter, which then took off.
Yin Qin said, “Almost all the rescue teams that could be found have arrived. According to preliminary estimates, it will take about 72 hours, or three days, to dig up this entire area. There’s no issue with Ji
Baijian surviving for three days.”
Song Zhizhi didn’t know if Yin Qin was trying to comfort her.
“To get accuracy within one meter is somewhat difficult. The program needed to achieve that is at least ten times more complex than before. Give her some time.” “Okay.” Song Zhizhi nodded.
Yin Qin said, “I’ll take you away from here first, so you can rest.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Song Zhizhi.” Yin Qin looked serious. “If anything happens to you, it will be hard for me to explain to Ji Baijian.”
Song Zhizhi looked at Yin Qin. “But I want to stay with him.” Yin Qin frowned.
“I know about my health condition.” Song Zhizhi didn’t budge.
She wouldn’t leave.
She didn’t want to leave, not even a step.
She was determined to find Ji Baijian.
Yin Qin was about to say something, when he heard someone calling him.
He turned his head.
It was Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen said, “Have they found anyone yet?”
“If they had found someone, would we still be standing here in the rain?” Yin Qin was speechless. “Did you just get off the plane?”
“I came directly from Africa, and saw a lot of news on the way here. I saw some bad news…” Yan Zhen’s words were cut off.
“Brother Yin Qin!” Ji Baili shouted from below.
Yin Qin went over. “What happened?”
“The official in charge from M Country has arrived and is now forcefully demanding that everyone stop!” Ji Baili roared.
The people on the wreckage paused.
At that moment, Yin Qin bolted towards the wreckage below.
He even rolled and crawled in his haste.
Upon hearing this, Song Zhizhi was not surprised. It was bound to happen!
Unable to remain calm, she quickly followed.
Wei Ziming grabbed her arm. “Don’t panic, the ground is slippery, let me help you.” Song Zhizhi nodded, telling herself not to panic.
By the time she got there, Yin Qin was already arguing with the official in charge.
Song Zhizhi immediately rushed forward to pull Yin Qin away and asked the middle-aged man in international language, “May I ask why we need to stop the rescue?”
“This is our jurisdiction in M Country. We call the shots. I don’t want to use harsh measures, but I give you ten minutes to evacuate everyone immediately, or else, I will use force to make everyone leave, including all of you! And I will deport you!” The man’s tone was severe, leaving no room for discussion.
When he finished, he turned to his men and shouted, “Everyone, stop! If you do not stop, we will detain all of you for public disturbance!”
Most of the people put down their shovels.
The working excavators and cranes also didn’t dare to move.
In an instant, all the rescue forces were gone.
No.
It was only a tenth, just a tenth of the effort.
Song Zhizhi looked at the heartless official in front of her. “You have no right to stop us. We are here to rescue lives, not to take them! You are impeding our human rights!”
The official’s face was rigid, unfazed. “Our rescue team is over there, not here! If you insist on this, I will forcefully send you away!”
As he finished his words.
Turning around, he got straight back into his car and departed.
Song Zhizhi watched the workers, one by one, dropping their spades and leaving.
“Don’t go!” Song Zhizhi shouted at them.
Some seemed to hesitate, but ultimately no one dared to defy the orders.
“Don’t go, I beg you, don’t go!” Song Zhizhi stepped forward, grabbing a man by his arm.
The man looked at her, shook his head, and said, “I’m sorry.”
Then he left anyway.
“Don’t go, I’ll give you more money. Don’t go!” Song Zhizhi couldn’t control her tears.
Yet still, not a single person stopped.
Powerless, Song Zhizhi could only watch as person after person left her behind.
With everyone gone, what was to become of her Ji Baijian?!
“Zhizhi.” Wei Ziming pulled on her, “Don’t torment yourself. It’s an official order. They suspect criminal activity. No one dares to defy it.”
Song Zhizhi knew.
But she couldn’t accept it.
No one could.
It was unbearable to stand by and watch so many people leaving, one after another.
Yin Qin, out of anger, slammed his fist into the debris beside him.
Ji Baili restrained him, “Brother Yin Qin.”
In that moment, Yin Qin seemed to be struggling to hold back.
A man who normally seemed collected, a man who always controlled the situation, was becoming agitated, even desperate.
“Why did it turn out this way?” Song Zhizhi suddenly asked.
Why did it turn out this way!
Was someone manipulating things behind the scenes? Does that person have the power to reach the official institutions of M Country?!
Who has Ji Baili offended?
Who has gone to such lengths to destroy him completely?!
Song Zhizhi couldn’t figure it out. Right now, she couldn’t seem to think of anything. Her mind was completely blank. She knew she couldn’t give up, but she just couldn’t calm down. “It’s because of public opinion.” Yan Zhen finally made his way down from the ruins.
He was naturally weak and couldn’t keep up with the rest.
Catching his breath, he said, “I was about to say something when Yin Qin rushed away. There’s been a surge in public opinion here in M Country.”
Everyone looked at him, watching him intently.
“A news story has broken. It tells of an unknown group that’s spent a lot of money to employ thousands of citizens to dig through a commercial building, for unclear reasons. Actions like this completely exploit the power of money and diminish rescue efforts in residential areas. The way this news is spreading, it’s having a huge impact here in M Country. All over the country, people are criticizing this indifference, demanding that the authorities put a halt to such immoral actions!” Yan Zhen explained.
So.
They were leveraging the power of news and public opinion.
In the eyes of the world, during a disaster like this, rescue efforts should be driven by humanitarian values, not financial gain. To M Country, their actions seemed heartless. The news was highly negative and the government had to intervene!
Song Zhizhi bit her lip.
They hadn’t considered this before.
But even if they had, they’d still have done it.
Nothing could stop her from finding Ji Baijian at this point.
But now…
What should she do now?!
Who was the person behind Ji Baijian?
Who was so set on his absolute destruction?
“What do we do now?” Yan Zhen asked, “Without the help of these rescue teams, with just us, Ji
Baijian doesn’t stand a chance.”
Yin Qin shot him a murderous look.
Perhaps it was his exposure to life and death as a doctor, but Yan Zhen seemed very calm, “I’m stating facts. No matter how capable Ji Baijian is, if he’s trapped beneath the rubble and can’t get any air, that’s it.”
Song Zhizhi abruptly turned and ran to the business car parked nearby.
She yanked the car door open, “Qin Jingxiang, can you pinpoint Ji Baijian’s location?
“I could have, under normal circumstances,” Qin Jingxiang said, looking at Song Zhizhi, “I had almost figured it out, but then his phone died.”
Song Zhizhi looked at her.
‘When his phone died, it meant no signals could be received. I can’t determine his exact location through base station signals. I need to restore his previous phone signals, then go back and search. However, I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to restore it within three days. Even more importantly, I’m now being monitored by M Country’s network security personnel. If I go any further, I’m likely to be blocked. Once I’m blocked, I’ll have to give up!”
so…
What should they do now?!
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