An older woman recognized her face and tentatively called out.

"cough…"

Upon hearing the coughing, they simultaneously shone their flashlights toward the source of the sound.

Lin Ziyan had no time to pay attention to her surroundings, pressing on the pressure as fast as she could. In just a few minutes, her whole body was soaked in sweat.

cough…

Xiaoxiao choked on water and soon burst into tears.

Lin Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed to the side, feeling utterly exhausted.

"sister…"

Grandma Li's eyes welled up with tears as she murmured, "How did you fall into the pond, you little rascal? You're so old, you should know you can't play around here."

"Xiaoxiao, is that Xiaoxiao?"

"Quickly go find the village doctor to come and take a look..."

The women realized what was happening, and one of them immediately ran to find someone.

Lin Ziyan's hands trembled as she looked at her sister, who was crying her eyes out, and she couldn't bring herself to say anything to blame her.

“Jiaojiao, I’ve come to find…Jiaojiao…” she said incoherently.

"Someone said she ran towards the pond..."

A dark glint flashed in Lin Ziyan's eyes as she thought of the two boys.

However, she quickly dismissed the idea. She walked around the neighborhood and confirmed it really was those two boys; Xiaoxiao was beyond saving...

“Jiaojiao is hiding behind the water tank; she’s been at home the whole time.” Lin Ziyan regained some strength in her hands and feet.

Soon, the village doctor arrived.

Everyone started talking at once, discussing the matter animatedly.

"There are probably water ghosts at night, otherwise why would someone fall into the water for no reason?"

"Don't talk nonsense, it's scary at night..."

"However, this pond is very clean, and no one has ever drowned in it."

"It must be a water ghost, getting ready for the Ghost Festival..."