Chapter 26: Rescued

He Chengyang tried to raise his arm, his fingertips trembling slightly, like withered leaves swaying in the wind.

He gritted his teeth, using all his strength to try and lift his arm.

However, a sharp pain instantly shot through his body from the broken bone, like an electric shock.

He couldn't help but let out a muffled groan, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

His arm fell limply to his side, slamming heavily against his side, triggering an even deeper pain.

"No... strength," He Chengyang's voice was so weak it was almost inaudible, like fine sand scattered by the wind.

He leaned weakly against the rough tree trunk behind him, feeling the stinging sensation from the bark.

But he no longer had the strength to adjust his posture, only able to let his body weight press against his injury.

Darkness, like a vast curtain, enveloped the entire forest, the silence suffocating.

A complex light flashed deep in Zhao Chengyu's eyes, a light that seemed to hold both doubt and inquiry.

A barely perceptible wariness lingered, as if he were scrutinizing something.

He slightly turned his head, looking at He Chengyang beside him.

He found He Chengyang also looking at him, his eyes filled with the same confusion.

There was even an indescribable defensiveness, like two wounded wild animals testing each other.

He Chengyang frowned, trying to search for answers in the fog of memory.

But his mind was a mess, like churned paste; he couldn't remember anything.

He only remembered Li Yaqin's resolute back as she left, exceptionally clear in the firelight.

And the faint scent of grass and trees, like a hint, or perhaps a mockery, lingering at the tip of his nose.

Why didn't this girl save her completely after rescuing her?

Was she up to something, or was it intentional?

He Chengyang silently asked himself, desperately trying to recall every detail.

He tried to find clues from Li Yaqin's appearance—the time, the place, her expression, her actions.

He wanted to figure out the woman's true intentions, but he found it futile.

The harder he tried, the more his head throbbed, as if it were about to split open; his temples throbbed.

His body was utterly exhausted, and his mind was in agony. He felt he was about to collapse.

He Chengyang forced himself to stay awake; now was not the time to rest.

If he and Zhao Chengyu both lost consciousness, in this desolate wilderness, they might never wake up again.

Then they would truly become prey for wild animals.

Finally, with his last ounce of strength, he trembled and reached into his robes.

His fingers, stiff with pain and cold, found it extremely difficult to feel.

He touched the cold signal gun, clutching it tightly in his hand as if grasping at a lifeline.

He Chengyang's hand trembled as he raised the signal gun to the sky, the muzzle swaying slightly.

"Bang—"

A sharp whistling sound pierced the silent night, shattering the tranquility of the mountain forest.

A dazzling red beam shot straight into the sky, blooming brilliantly in the darkness.

Like a blooming firework, fleeting yet illuminating everything around it.

This was their last hope.

It was also their signal for survival, hoping it would be seen by their comrades nearby.

The signal flare was launched, and both men breathed a sigh of relief, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted.

But they still dared not close their eyes, forcing their exhausted bodies to stare intently at the sky.

Their gaze shifted between the distant mountains and forests and the starry sky above.

Anxiety burned within them, yet they were filled with hope, hoping to see a signal for help.

The woman's image flashed through their minds again and again.

It lingered, indelible, as if branded deep within their memories.

Like a movie replaying itself, every detail was crystal clear.

They didn't want to think about it, but the more they tried to suppress it, the clearer the image became, the more unforgettable it became.

It was a strange feeling, indescribable.

A mixture of gratitude, doubt, and a strange, inexplicable emotion lingered in their hearts.

Grateful for her saving their lives, yet wondering why she had given up halfway.

And that inexplicable…attraction.

Zhao Chengyu sighed inwardly, utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

He felt this was definitely not a conspiracy, because no enemy agent would be so foolish.

No enemy agent would be so stupid as to approach them in this way.

Their adversaries would certainly not send someone so incompetent to carry out such a mission; it simply didn't make sense.

It was illogical, defied common sense, and completely unnecessary.

But rescuing someone only halfway through—this was just too much!

Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but mentally complain; this was even worse than enemy agents.

He found the girl's behavior utterly incomprehensible, completely beyond his comprehension.

Who in their right mind would do such a thing? Wasn't this just pushing someone to their death?

Half an hour later, when the rescue team finally arrived, the two of them were completely exhausted.

The moment they were lifted onto the stretcher, their weight supported by others, their tense nerves finally relaxed.

But the image of that easily departing figure kept flashing through their minds, refusing to let go.

It was a feeling of humiliation, indescribable.

It was like being played for a fool, powerless to resist, completely at someone's mercy.

It was truly shameful, utterly humiliating.

He Chengyang cursed inwardly; he had never felt so humiliated.

Was he unattractive?

He Chengyang couldn't understand. He had always been very confident in his appearance.

Yet, at this moment, a flicker of self-doubt arose. Had he really become ugly?

Was his injured and wretched appearance too much, frightening her?

Zhao Chengyu was also puzzled. Why had that woman just left like that?

Sigh!

He sighed deeply, burying this question deep in his heart.

Perhaps, once he returned to the unit and investigated her identity, everything would become clear.

The most important thing now is to heal his injuries and regain his strength; everything else can wait.

He remembered this woman, etched her deeply into his mind.

He had a premonition that they would meet again, that they definitely would.

When that happened, he would definitely ask her face-to-face why she did what she did; he needed to know the answer.

Inside the rescue vehicle, the smell of disinfectant filled the air, pungent yet reassuring.

He Chengyang leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to relax.

However, his mind raced with thoughts, like a revolving lantern.

Who exactly was that woman?

Why did she save them?

And why did she leave?

These questions, like a tangled mess, swirled in his mind, preventing him from finding peace.

He desperately wanted the answers, wanted to unravel this mystery.

He even began to plan what connections he would use once he returned.

To find her information as quickly as possible; he had to find her and get to the bottom of things.

He had a strong premonition that this woman was not simple.

She was hiding some secret, a very big secret.

And this secret might bring him an unexpected…surprise.

The rescue vehicle sped through the night, racing towards the military base.

A storm was brewing; an even bigger storm was about to hit.

Li Yaqin had made up her mind. Even after rescuing two officers, she would continue to gather wild vegetables in the mountains.

She needed an excuse, an excuse to get away from Li Panpan, an excuse to move freely.

Li Panpan had been experiencing postpartum anxiety lately, constantly suspicious and paranoid, which annoyed Li Yaqin.

Being with her made it hard to breathe, making her feel suffocated.

Of course, the more important reason was that Li Yaqin needed to continue gathering supplies to prepare for the future.

Her sister-in-law, Li Panpan, naturally didn't want her to risk going into the mountains again.

After all, wild animals roamed the deep mountains; danger lurked everywhere, and no one knew what might happen.

Adding to the rumors, Li Panpan wanted Li Yaqin to stay home and not show her face in public anymore.

But Li Panpan couldn't control her, and could only let her be; she knew she couldn't control her.

However, Li Panpan's attitude had clearly changed, becoming much colder.