Wang Qiang led his men cautiously into the narrow tunnel. Their hearts were filled with trepidation and tension, as if every step could trigger unknown dangers. But they had no choice but to grit their teeth and continue forward.
If all goes well, you should be able to find a shelter about fifty meters ahead. This is a unique structure that was specifically built in the mine for emergency situations, connected to the external ventilation shaft.
As long as the problem isn't too serious and the ventilation ducts aren't completely destroyed, there should be at least enough fresh air inside. In the environment of being trapped underground, sometimes sufficient air is even more crucial than food and water.
People can endure hunger and thirst, but a lack of oxygen will lead to death. Therefore, as long as the air supply is normal, the chances of survival will greatly increase.
According to the team leader who previously sent Chen Dazhuang to work there, the abandoned pipeline where Chen Dazhuang was located was the closest to this place. Therefore, if Chen Dazhuang and the others are still alive, they are very likely in this shelter.
In other words, if they cannot be found in this shelter specifically set up for emergencies, it means a worrying fact—the three trapped people have probably met with misfortune.
So, as soon as they entered the new tunnel, Wang Qiang led everyone forward cautiously, feeling their way forward. They had reached the deepest part of the mine, where the water was waist-deep, and they had to be constantly vigilant for the danger of a collapse from above.
After all, this was the most complex area, the one most severely flooded, and a slight misstep could result in serious damage. Even so, as they were about to see the light at the end of the tunnel, everyone remained energetic and continued to push forward.
Although progress was slow, everything was going relatively smoothly, and no major dangers were encountered. Every now and then, Wang Qiang would instruct the other people who were resting to keep calling out to them, trying to make contact with Chen Dazhuang, Hou Xiaojun, and the other two who were still missing.
He wanted to tell them that rescue was imminent and they must not give up. Sometimes, in the final moments of life and death, this last breath is especially crucial. As long as you don't give up hope of survival, miracles can often happen; but once you slacken your efforts and give up, death is not far away.
At this moment, the three people trapped here had long lost the spirit they had initially displayed when they were talking excitedly about enjoying delicious food after escaping their predicament. After enduring a long period of darkness, they could only rely on the two remaining jugs of water to sustain their bare basic needs for survival.
Both mentally and physically, he suffered a heavy blow. Even Hou Xiaojun, who was usually the most active and energetic, is now unable to muster the energy to imagine his future life, as if even thinking has become a luxury.
Chen Dazhuang, who was always known for his composure, is now becoming increasingly impatient, with his eyes revealing undisguised anxiety and despair.
At first, they were able to encourage each other, but as time went on, they gradually lost patience. Having been in darkness for so long, they didn't even know how long they had been trapped.
Although the three didn't communicate, they seemed to have reached a tacit understanding—without rescue, they would likely not survive. After all, their two remaining water bottles were empty, and their hope of survival was fading.
Hou Xiaojun fumbled for the water bottles, shook one of them, and found it completely empty. Although they only drank a capful each when absolutely necessary to moisten their throats, it was simply too little. The other bottle was also almost empty.
The thought that he might die here made Hou Xiaojun unable to hold back any longer. Instead of drinking only one capful at a time as Chen Dazhuang had instructed, he unscrewed the cap and took a big gulp. He then handed the bottle to Chen Dazhuang, saying, "Damn it, we're about to die, so drink until we're satisfied! If there's nothing left, you two drink too!"
Chen Dazhuang was too exhausted to reply. He fiddled with the kettle, expressing his stance through his actions. Hou Xiaojun offered the kettle to another person, but was also refused. His already irritable mood turned even more desperate. Ignoring his chapped lips that hurt when he spoke, he began to complain: "We're almost dying of thirst, and you're still not drinking? Are you really going to wait until we die?"
"Can't I just die a quick death? I'm dying of thirst, what are you pretending for?"
"If I can get out of here alive, I will definitely tear Li Ergou to pieces!"
"That's right, it's all because of that son of a bitch that we've gotten ourselves into this desperate situation."
"Yes, I'll haunt him even as a ghost!"
Hou Xiaojun became increasingly angry as he spoke, his voice growing louder and louder, as if he wanted to vent all his anger and dissatisfaction.
Hou Xiaojun's voice echoed throughout the small room of the shelter, lingering in the ears of the three people for a long time.
Just then, a hand suddenly appeared and covered Hou Xiaojun's mouth. The owner of this hand was none other than Chen Dazhuang, who was half-lying down. Chen Dazhuang said with a serious expression, "Don't make a sound! Did I hear someone calling us?"
Hou Xiaojun, already resentful of being silenced, was now filled with the despair of impending death, and became utterly unrestrained. He even dared to contradict his respected elder brother, Chen Dazhuang, loudly retorting, "Brother Chen, are you starving? Don't you understand? We're all about to die, who's going to save us? I didn't hear you! Listen to me, drink up..."
However, Chen Dazhuang didn't let him continue, but instead scolded him directly, "Shut up!" Then, ignoring Hou Xiaojun, he pricked up his ears and listened intently to the sounds outside. It seemed that he had just heard a faint sound, as if someone was calling his name.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
