After a mix of threats and enticents, half of the bodyguards left with Ghost Hand to search for a water source to dig a well and extract water. The other half were busy rescuing the boss and leader. Luo Zheng just needed them to not cause trouble, and as he walked around with Lan Xue, they were greeted by kindly smiles from everyone. Luo Zheng had given them hope for survival, and for this, they were grateful, with their previous fear of Luo Zheng now significantly lessened.
The able-bodied n were still collecting fuel for the fire, while the won, elderly, and children dried their damp clothes by the flas. Those with fevers lay nearby, with their worried families at their sides, unsure of what to do. In the pitch darkness of late night, Luo Zheng too was at a loss. After observing the situation, he was relieved to find that no one was sneaking around or playing tricks. The tourists' spirits had started to stabilize, gathering in small groups around the fires, whispering amongst themselves.
Luo Zheng and Lan Xue arrived at their own fire, which was a bit distant and secluded from the rest, making it easy to spot anyone approaching. The assassin was still among the crowd, so vigilance was necessary. Both sat down to dry their clothes when Mountain Eagle and Snow Leopard approached. The two discussed shift rotations, offering Luo Zheng and Lan Xue peace of mind to rest. Luo Zheng, without any hesitation, closed his eyes slightly and started his family's Breathing Skill to recuperate his energy, and, without realizing it, soon entered a ditative state.
He didn't know how much ti had passed when he faintly sensed soone approaching. Opening his eyes, he saw the wealthy businessman, and daylight had already begun to break. Mountain Eagle, who was on guard duty, blocked the businessman, speaking in a low tone. Luo Zheng slowly stood up, not sure what the businessman wanted with him, and called out with a stern face, "Brother, let him co over."
The businessman approached, scrutinizing Luo Zheng with a sowhat pale and flustered expression, he said, "I apologize for what happened yesterday, and hope you won't mind."
"It's a trifle, anything else?" Luo Zheng, seeing the man coming to apologize, refrained from picking on soone who was already down, and replied indifferently. His gaze unintentionally drifted over the businessman's shoulder to the bodyguard leader as he continued, "You seem like a military man, and judging by your strength, you probably co from a Special Forces background. As a soldier, I hope you still rember the oath you once took, rember that you were once a soldier."
"?" The bodyguard leader's face turned crimson with embarrassnt after being addressed by Luo Zheng.
"This gentleman was only standing up for , let bygones be bygones," the businessman interjected, attempting to smooth things over. He continued, "You're quite capable, and from what you said, you seem to be a policeman, right? How about this, co work for , and I'll pay you an annual salary of five million."
"If you have nothing else, please feel free to leave," Luo Zheng said flatly, closing his eyes again.
"How about ten million? That's my sincerity, and my final offer," the businessman said through clenched teeth, pained at the thought but willing to go the distance to recruit talent.
Luo Zheng couldn't be bothered to even look at the businessman, continuing to rest with closed eyes. Mountain Eagle stepped forward, standing between them, and said coldly, "Put away your money sll, so things can't be bought with money, like dignity." With that, Mountain Eagle glanced aningfully at the bodyguard leader, making him even more mortified.
Everyone has their own aspirations. Luo Zheng didn't expect the bodyguard leader to act any particular way, and neither did Mountain Eagle care to intervene. But they were all soldiers, and there was a kind of connection between soldiers, familiar or not. It's as if they were all from one family, the sons and daughters of the nation and its people. No matter where they went, they couldn't forget their roots. So, both n were giving the bodyguard leader a friendly reminder.
The bodyguard leader understood what the two were saying, but in the face of cruel living conditions, he did not have many choices. As a soldier, he could survive on the battlefield, even thrive, but upon entering society, the industries open to him were too limited. Bodyguarding and security work indeed offered a profession where he could continue to utilize the skills learned in the military. Without bodyguarding, the leader did not know what else he could do.
The wealthy businessman glanced at the bodyguard leader and turned to leave. The bodyguard quickly followed. Mountain Eagle was about to curse in irritation when Luo Zheng patted him on the shoulder, watching the departing businessman and bodyguard leader, he softly said, "Everyone has their own aspirations, one can't force them. Let him be. We are retired, and who knows, maybe we're not even as well-off as he is. The important thing is to live well."
Thinking of the future, Mountain Eagle was left speechless. Just then, Lan Xue hurried over, joyfully saying, "Ghost Hand and the others have hit water, but without proper tools, the work is slow, probably will take another hour. Now we're facing two issues, food and fever. I've looked around, and there is no sign of animal activity on the island, which ans we have no source of food."
"Then we can only rely on the sea, catch so fish," Luo Zheng said reluctantly.
"Right, there's a reef over there, the stones are not large, should be where fishes gather. I'll take so people to try and get sothing to eat. Mountain Eagle, you organize people to send up fireworks for help. Snow Leopard, watch over his safety, and be careful of the assassin," Lan Xue continued, her gaze turning serious as she looked at Snow Leopard.
Without food or dicine, it was no big deal for the group, they could last two or three days, but the other tourists couldn't, especially the few with persistent fevers, among them children, which was heart-wrenching to watch. Snow Leopard agreed, and glancing at Luo Zheng, whose expression was grave, realized the issues Lan Xue ntioned were also on Luo Zheng's mind, but he had no better solution and nodded, "I think it's a good plan, we should send out a call for help as soon as possible, otherwise it will beco very troubleso. Snow Leopard Brothers, let's go help with the smoke signal."
Without a satellite phone or any other communication device, thods for signaling for help weren't nonexistent. One commonly used thod was SOS, universally recognized. Luo Zheng called over a few young people who seed to be in good condition, explained the situation, and once they heard it was to release a distress signal, they imdiately cooperated. In short order, they arranged timber in the shape of SOS and set it on fire. Then they placed wet branches on top to create thick smoke.
The thick smoke drifted into the sky, and the international distress signal SOS could easily be captured by satellites. To ensure that the signal was clear for satellite monitoring, they enlarged the bonfire. More people, hearing that it was a rescue signal, ca to help. Half an hour later, the fire had grown larger, producing billowing smoke that soared into the sky. In the effort to survive, everyone's hearts united.
Luo Zheng, watching everyone's high enthusiasm, quietly heaved a sigh of relief. When people are united, their combined efforts can break through any barrier. As long as they were united, they still had a chance to survive. At that mont, cheers ca from not far away, they had struck water. Luo Zheng rushed to see, and in a low-lying area not far away, Ghost Hand was organizing people to dig a well. Calling it a well was actually more like a pit, without tools, they were all prying with sticks little by little.
The water slowly seeped out, its speed visible to the naked eye. Luo Zheng quickly told everyone to stop, to first take so water and try it before continuing; otherwise, all their efforts might be wasted. After waiting for about ten minutes, the water cleared up. Luo Zheng squatted down, scooped so with his hands to taste it—there was no odd taste—and he said, "Whether it's drinkable or not, we don't yet know, everyone wait, don't rush."
Seeing Luo Zheng risking his life to test the water, a sense of respect surged within everyone.
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