Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 954 - 955: In the Same Boat

Chapter 954: Chapter 955: In the Same Boat

Miao Qingqing and the others sat on the wing of the plane, which stood out conspicuously on the sea surface. Soon, people floating nearby started swimming towards them.

Everyone was a survivor in distress, so Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan naturally extended their hands to help, pulling one person after another onto the wing.

However, the size of the wing was ultimately limited. After accommodating six or seven people, the space had already run out. More importantly, the wing’s buoyancy was limited too. It was now submerged below the water’s surface, with everyone partially immersed in the sea.

"Help! Help!" Two men came over, gripping the edge of the wing and shouting at the top of their lungs.

The people on the wing looked at each other and then decided to pull the two men up as well.

The men were now onboard, but the wing sank even lower. It was apparent that it was nearing its breaking point.

Others continued swimming over, even if they couldn’t get onto the wing, choosing to cling to its edges.

At this moment, no one wanted to float alone in the sea; everyone wanted to cluster together, finding some sense of safety in numbers.

After about an hour, most of the survivors had gathered around the wing, totaling around forty people.

Although forty people might seem like a lot, this was an international flight, a large Boeing 747 model, carrying over four hundred passengers. Now, fewer than forty survivors were left—less than one-tenth.

With the faint assurance of survival, many people started crying. The emotion spread rapidly among the group, and almost everyone was in tears—some grieving their lost loved ones, others mourning those who perished, and many fearing whether they themselves could continue living.

A girl clinging to the wing suddenly shouted loudly, "This is Wu Xiaoya, a flight attendant on the plane! Everyone, please stay calm. When a plane crashes, rescue efforts will follow."

Upon hearing that there was a crew member among them, everyone turned their attention to her.

Wu Xiaoya hurriedly added, "I wouldn’t lie to you. When a plane crashes, it definitely sends out signals. The site of the crash will be quickly located, and rescue teams from nearby countries will send planes and boats to save us. Everyone, please remain calm, help one another, and hold on until the rescue teams arrive."

The group had been directionless until now. With this flight attendant stepping up to speak, she became like a pillar for them to lean on, helping stabilize their emotions somewhat.

"How long until the rescuers arrive?"

"Yeah, when will they come? I’m so cold—can I climb onto the wing to rest for a while?"

"Me too, I’m freezing. I want to get on the wing as well."

It was early March, and the temperature outside at this location hovered around twenty degrees. But after staying submerged in the seawater for some time, which was colder than body temperature, people were beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable from the heat loss.

Those already seated on the wing were reluctant to move, as their legs were the only parts submerged in water. Other parts of their bodies could still absorb heat, making the situation less unbearable.

Song Xiaodong, soaked in seawater, woke up shortly after. Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan, who had been keeping an eye on him, immediately noticed.

Listening to the anxious chatter around him, Song Xiaodong furrowed his brows slightly and motioned for Miao Xuanxuan and Miao Qingqing to help him sit up.

Seeing the forty-something survivors, Song Xiaodong sighed in his heart and then quietly said, "Tell them that we need to take turns resting on the wing. Children and women should go first, followed by weaker men, and lastly the stronger ones. Otherwise, everyone will freeze to death by tonight."

His voice was weak, audible only to Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan. Miao Xuanxuan frowned and asked, "What about you?"

Song Xiaodong smiled faintly and replied, "I’m feeling better now. I should be able to manage like everyone else."

Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan hesitated before Miao Qingqing stood up and loudly declared, "Everyone, let’s quiet down! We are all survivors of a disaster. Before the rescue arrives, we must find a way to save ourselves. I have a suggestion to make."

Miao Qingqing, being a company leader, naturally exuded authority when she spoke. Standing tall and delivering her words, she drew everyone’s attention.

"The wing can hold about eight people at a time. After surveying the group, we now have forty-two survivors. I propose dividing us into five groups. Children and elderly should go first to rest on the wing for half an hour and then rotate into the water, followed by weaker women and then others. Doing this ensures everyone has a chance to maintain their body temperature. If we stay submerged too long, we risk freezing to death."

The survivors still in the water eagerly agreed. Miao Qingqing’s speech, delivered while she stood on the wing, carried much more authority than if she had spoken from the sea.

Furthermore, amidst the shared mindset of cooperation, no one voiced opposition.

Wu Xiaoya, the flight attendant, quickly echoed, "What this lady says makes a lot of sense. This is the only way we can all survive and wait for the rescuers. I’ll help organize the groups unless anyone objects."

Everyone agreed. The men demonstrated remarkable selflessness by rotating out of the wing. Elderly individuals and children were helped onto the wing first, their lighter weight allowing over ten people to climb aboard this time.

Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan continued to closely guard Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong then said to Miao Qingqing, "Have them gather anything floating on the sea—clothes and other items will be useful. We’re likely going to be out here for a while and will need supplies."

Miao Qingqing immediately repeated Song Xiaodong’s words aloud.

A few physically strong men with good swimming skills quickly volunteered to search the surrounding area for floating luggage.

Unfortunately, they’d missed the best chance. Immediately after the crash, luggage and other items had floated to the surface, making it easy for anyone to grab.

But now, after more than an hour, the wing was far from its original location, and the suitcases and debris had scattered. After searching for a while, they only managed to retrieve five suitcases.

On the bright side, they also found a box of mineral water.

While the box of water brought some relief, it also heightened the group’s sense of anxiety. Floating on the sea, surrounded by water, their biggest concern was drinking water. With forty-something people and only a small supply, how long could they last?