Chapter 197: Rescue 2
Tong Yao was quiet throughout the conversation between the three people, but she felt reassured. Regardless of whether Gu Hongwei would look out for her, it was always good to have a familiar face around.
The bus had been driving on the highway for more than three hours. During this time, no one spoke. As they got closer to Qing City, the conditions outside began to worsen. A light drizzle began and the visibility on the road worsened. A number of buildings on both sides of the road had collapsed. Everyone started discussing the situation at the epicenter of the earthquake in Qing City as they looked out at the scenery from the bus windows.
At this point, the driver, Zhou Shi’an, announced, "In about thirty minutes, we’ll have to get off the bus and start walking. We’re heading over the three hills to Matou Town. According to the news reports, the situation is the most dire there. Our mission is to assist at the school in Matou Town directly. When rescuing others, you must keep your own safety in mind. I brought you all here and I intend to bring all of you back safely."
It’s well-known that schools are populated by many minors who have poor evacuation capabilities. If they get trapped beneath the collapsed buildings, the consequences of not launching timely rescue efforts are unimaginable.
Previous rescue teams had all been deployed within the city and hadn’t yet reached Matou Town. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to go. There just wasn’t enough manpower and Matou Town was relatively remote. The rescue teams had no choice but to prioritize rescuing those nearby first. The city was filled with buildings, and those trapped beneath them would have little chance of survival if they weren’t rescued promptly.
Niu Gang was the first to respond, and the others echoed his response, their proud and loud voices stirring up feelings of courage in all who heard them.
Amidst the concerned mood of the group, the vehicle finally came to a stop. The road ahead was impassable due to the earthquake. Numerous vehicles from other rescue missions were parked on the side of the road, their teams already off and helping with the rescue work, with only their empty vehicles left here.
Zhou Shi’an told everyone to eat the dry rations they had brought from home and prepare to depart. Gu Hongwei, having left in a hurry, hadn’t brought anything, so Tong Yao shared two pancakes and a bottle of soda with him. Gu Hongwei didn’t bother being polite and accepted her offer, eating the food heartily.