Chapter 73 – Earthquake, Xiangjiang Grasslands

After Da Bai rescued Jiang Chengwu and Zhang Qingfang from the ravine, it seemed sluggish and listless.

Worried it might be injured, Jiang Si asked Lu Zhifeng to check on Da Bai after the helicopter took off.

When Lu Zhifeng approached, Da Bai raised its eyelid and shot him a cold glance with its pitch-black eyes—calm yet intimidating, radiating a fierce majesty befitting the king of the forest.

It was as if no one but Jiang Si was allowed to touch it.

Yet just moments ago, it had been so gentle.

Lu Zhifeng turned to Jiang Si. “It won’t let me examine it. Maybe it really is feeling unwell.”

But Jiang Si didn’t have time to worry about it right now. She turned her back to Da Bai and said, “Are you hungry? Want some sausages to fill your belly?”

Suddenly, Da Bai stood up. Shen Baoying thought it was about to eat and quickly pulled out some sausages from her bag, offering them first to their great savior.

But Da Bai instead walked toward the cockpit where Jiang Si was, startling everyone. They were afraid it might disturb her piloting.

However, Da Bai only gave them a dismissive glance before settling itself behind Jiang Si’s seat. Its long tail draped over her lap, tapping rhythmically.

Only then did everyone realize: Da Bai was disdainful of them.

It wasn’t going to disturb Jiang Si—it just wanted to cuddle. Even with a seat between them, it insisted on being close to her.

This magnificent, regal white tiger, acting like a clingy house cat, was unbearably cute.

If Niu Niu weren’t being held back by Lu Zhifeng, she’d have already reached out to stroke its fluffy tail.

Jiang Si glanced down at it; it looked up at her. Her heart warmed, and her exhausted body seemed to regain a little strength.

Jiang Linhai poured water for Jiang Chengwu, who lay on a stretcher, and asked casually, “Dad, how exactly did Da Bai rescue you?”

After all, they’d fallen into a ravine likely buried under sand and rubble. Da Bai wasn’t human—how did it find them so quickly and carry them up?

Jiang Chengwu recalled, “Your mom and I were buried. I felt like my stomach had been pierced, bleeding everywhere. When I woke up, Da Bai was already in front of us. I think it must’ve dug us out with its claws.”

Jiang Linhai was alarmed and quickly lifted his father’s shirt. Seeing no injuries, he let out a breath of relief. “Da Bai really understands humans. We’re lucky it saved you.”

Jiang Chengwu nodded. “Without it, your mother and I would probably be gone.”

Even now, he felt like he’d narrowly escaped death.

Everyone looked at Da Bai with more warmth and gratitude.

Of course, they were still worried about Qin Shen’s safety. As the helicopter rose and stabilized, everyone pressed their faces to the glass windows, searching every illuminated spot below, hoping Qin Shen might see the lights and signal for help.

The helicopter circled above for a long time, revealing a landscape of devastated mountains and valleys.

Occasional aftershocks caused already crumbling peaks to collapse further.

Jiang Si had mapped out the area where Qin Shen was most likely to be and flew in circles around it eight times. By the time dawn broke and the fuel gauge neared empty, her eyes were barely open—but still, there was no sign of Qin Shen.

The group sank into quiet disappointment. Niu Niu even burst into tears.

That kind and strong big brother… gone, just like that?

But they couldn’t keep waiting.

They had to head toward areas unaffected by the earthquake.

Truly leaving meant abandoning Qin Shen. Jiang Si felt worse than anyone.

If he were still alive, she would be giving up on him.

But she had family to protect—she couldn’t afford to gamble.

No one else could pilot the helicopter. She had to fight her fatigue and stay alert, watching for vultures or other threats.

When Jiang Si finally made the call to leave, the others looked down at the shattered, lifeless terrain. The silence was heavy with unspoken grief.

Niu Niu whispered a prayer for Qin Shen, tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked up at Lu Zhifeng with hope, “Brother… do you think he’s still alive?”

Lu Zhifeng sighed. “Maybe.”

Everyone knew Jiang Si had done her best.

Jiang Linhai, seeing how exhausted Jiang Si was and worried she couldn’t keep going, told Shen Baoying to care for the others and climbed into the co-pilot seat. “Si Si, teach me how to fly the helicopter.”

If he could learn quickly, she wouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.

But flying a helicopter wasn’t like riding a bike. It took more than a few lessons, especially to handle wind currents, avoid birds, and prepare for potential threats.

In her last life, even after electricity was restored, there were still air pirates. Air travel was never truly safe.

Jiang Si didn’t expect him to master it overnight. But at least he could start learning. “Dad, just watch for now. First, get me two cups of coffee and apply some medicated oil on me.”

She hadn’t slept in nearly a full day and night.

She was exhausted, and worried that if she let her guard down, she might just collapse.

Jiang Linhai rushed off. Soon, Jiang Si had downed two cups of coffee and rubbed on the oil, feeling more alert.

But Da Bai seemed to hate the smell. Its brow furrowed like a human’s.

Jiang Linhai chuckled. “Da Bai’s just like the cat we used to have—both hated the smell of that oil.”

Jiang Si stroked Da Bai’s fluffy tail and explained, “Cats have a far more sensitive sense of smell than dogs. Tigers, being the kings of the cat family, are even more sensitive. The oil smell probably makes its nose uncomfortable.” Then she gave Da Bai a small smile. “Sorry, I’ll avoid using it next time.”

Everyone only grew more concerned for Jiang Si. They could at least nap for a while—she had to keep pushing herself, with no end in sight.

After flying north for two hours, the map showed they were nearing Xiangjiang Grasslands in Jiangcheng.

Jiang Si just wanted a flat place to land and rest. Xiangjiang might be the perfect spot.

But upon arrival, she saw the area hadn’t been spared by the quake either.

Cracks like winding dragons scarred the earth.

Still, because of the flat terrain, a central patch looked suitable for a temporary landing.

Jiang Si descended immediately. The moment the helicopter touched down, before anyone could get out, she leaned back—and instantly fell asleep.

She was, after all, only human. She had truly reached her limit.

Everyone stayed quiet, not daring to wake her, while peering through the windows to assess the surroundings.

Da Bai’s tail stayed hooked around Jiang Si’s wrist, its eyes shut tight, not stirring at all.

A while later, a sudden rumble echoed through the sky.

Everyone looked up—

Another helicopter was approaching!