The plane began to show signs of crashing. Zhan Yichen quickly secured the parachute, then held Mu Linjing as they stood at the edge. "Mu Linjing, promise me."
Mu Linjing suppressed the fear in her heart and moved closer to him. "I promise."
Immediately, she felt her feet leave the ground, a terrifying sensation of falling engulfing her. The immense pressure made it almost impossible to breathe. She could only close her eyes tightly, her arms wrapped around Zhan Yichen's waist, finding a sense of security in his embrace.
Finally, the parachute opened, and their descent slowed. Zhan Yichen finally had a chance to get a clear view of the terrain below.
As they descended, more and more became visible. He had initially thought it was a vast ocean, and they would likely perish at sea. But now, he saw a patch of land below.
"Linjing, look!"
He pointed urgently to Mu Linjing. "Stay close to me."
Seeing a glimmer of hope for survival, Mu Linjing forced herself to calm down and followed his parachute towards the land.
Despite limited skill, the piece of land was not small, and they both landed safely.
The joy of surviving the ordeal washed over them. Mu Linjing, overcome with emotion, threw herself into Zhan Yichen's arms. "We're alive, we're both alive!"
Holding her slender frame, Zhan Yichen tightened his arms. Yes, they were both alive.
He helped the exhausted and trembling Mu Linjing sit down. He didn't do anything else but held her, silently comforting her 불안정한 emotions.
After a long while, Mu Linjing finally lifted her head from his chest. "Zhan Yichen, I knew trusting you was the right decision."
Zhan Yichen rarely saw her in such a vulnerable state. The first time was when he saved her and Wei Yumeng from Jiang Siyu's clutches, and the second time was now.
She was accustomed to being strong, and seeing her soft side now ignited a fierce protective instinct in Zhan Yichen. He vowed to shield Mu Linjing under his wing, ensuring she always retained her sharp edges.
Seeing that Mu Linjing's emotions had finally calmed down, he said, "So now, you're my girlfriend."
Mu Linjing froze, remembering what she had promised him on the plane. Her face flushed, and too embarrassed to nod, she gently pushed Zhan Yichen's shoulder. "Who said I'm your girlfriend? We're still stranded here, we're not safe yet."
Zhan Yichen chuckled, understanding her shyness. But her words were not wrong. He estimated they were on a deserted island. While there might not be wild beasts, if they weren't rescued, they would eventually run out of food and water, perishing on this desolate island.
Their phones had been lost somewhere during the crash, leaving them with no way to contact the outside world. This island might not even be marked on a map, making their rescue uncertain.
However, Zhan Yichen didn't want to voice these concerns and worsen Mu Linjing's already fragile mood. So, he continued the previous topic. "Then, when we are truly safe, you'll be my girlfriend, okay?"
As he spoke, he took Mu Linjing's hand, his tone laced with a hint of pleading.
Mu Linjing was deeply touched by his demeanor, but still, she said, "Then you have to deal with all those inexplicable flirtations cleanly. I don't like the feeling of my boyfriend being coveted."
This feeling was unpleasant for anyone, regardless of gender. Zhan Yichen knew she was referring to Qiao Ningzhi and immediately assured her, "Don't worry, I won't let you be wronged. I'll also explain my relationship with Miss Qiao to my family as soon as possible. My girlfriend can only be you."
While these words didn't entirely address Mu Linjing's core concerns, such a promise was hard to resist.
Seeing the satisfied expression on her face, Zhan Yichen felt his heavy heart lighten for the first time in days. Arguing and giving each other the cold shoulder had been the most difficult days of his life.
A gust of sea breeze swept by, chilling them both. Mu Linjing rubbed goosebumps on her arms and snuggled into Zhan Yichen's embrace. She didn't know when rescue would arrive. On this barren land, if the sea breeze grew too strong, they might not even have a place to shelter.
Zhan Yichen clearly recognized this issue as well. The island stretched endlessly. To avoid danger, they should explore their surroundings.
Mu Linjing was feeling cold anyway, and moving around might help.
So, he pulled her up. "Let's go, let's see what's here."
Mu Linjing followed him as they explored the deserted island. As expected of a deserted island, there were no birds or beasts, only the occasional fish skeleton, which was somewhat unsettling.
After a long walk, they found a cave. It could serve as shelter from the wind, so it wasn't a complete loss.
Having experienced a brush with death, they were both exhausted. Upon reaching the cave, Zhan Yichen encouraged Mu Linjing to rest against him.
He himself couldn't sleep, in case there was a signal for rescue and he needed to respond.
Meanwhile, Wei Yumeng and Zhan Yichen both saw the news of the plane crash: "We interrupt this program with breaking news. This morning at 10 AM, a flight to Country X experienced an accident. The 122 passengers on board are still missing. Rescue teams are conducting a full-scale search. We will continue to provide updates."
Upon hearing the news, the glass of milk in Wei Yumeng's hand dropped. She knew that Mu Linjing and Zhan Yichen were on that flight today. She immediately felt dizzy.
Grandpa Zhan, who was sitting beside her, was unaware that Zhan Yichen was traveling. Hearing the sound of the broken glass, he was displeased. "Be careful, what's all the haste about?"
Mu Linjing was anxious, but considering Grandpa Zhan's age, she decided not to tell him the truth. After making up an excuse, she hurried to the company.
Zhan Mohan had just received the news and immediately dispatched a large search party. As soon as he sat down, Wei Yumeng arrived at the company.
Seeing her pregnant belly, Zhan Mohan quickly helped her to a seat. "Yumeng, why are you here?"
"Have they been found?"
Wei Yumeng clutched his hand tightly, hoping for good news, but he could only shake his head. "I've sent many people to search. Please wait a little longer."