Seeing Jiang Ye's state, I could understand his feelings.
After all, his wife was in critical condition. If they didn't go to the hospital quickly, she might be in great danger.
However, I noticed Jin Qiaoyue's expression; she seemed to want to continue their journey.
"Mr. Xiang, what do you think?" Fatty came over and asked me in a low voice.
I hesitated for a moment and then asked Rexiti how long it would take to reach a place with a hospital if they went back now.
Seeing my question, his face lit up, and he seemed eager to return. He said, "I know a shortcut. If we move fast, we can reach the county town in a day and a night."
A day and a night...
Given everyone's current condition, it was clearly unrealistic to travel for another day and night.
Including rest time, it meant it would take two days to get out.
While I was contemplating, Jin Qiaoyue said, "We must keep moving forward."
As soon as she said this, Jiang Ye exploded with anger. He stood up and roared, "If you want to go, you go. We are going back now! I want to save my lover!"
For a moment, everyone was locked in a stalemate.
From the expressions of those present, Song Bing and Fatty were focused on me. If I said they should go back, they wouldn't object.
I couldn't figure out Li Chuang's intentions, while Jin Qiaoyue was determined to press onward.
Thus, apart from Li Chuang, Jin Qiaoyue was the only one who wanted to continue the journey.
I initially thought that the majority would rule, and even if Jin Qiaoyue was insistent, she would back down. To my surprise, she directly drew her gun and pointed it at Rexiti, telling him to come over.
Rexiti glanced at me, looking terrified, and went to Jin Qiaoyue's side.
"If you want to go back, then go back by yourselves. I am continuing my journey."
Jin Qiaoyue spoke with great determination.
We all knew that without Rexiti, neither continuing forward nor turning back would be possible.
At this moment, Jiang Ye also drew his gun and pointed it at Rexiti, telling him to come over.
The atmosphere became tense, with Rexiti caught in a dilemma, unsure which side to lean towards.
At this point, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
I spoke up, "What are you doing? Can't we talk this through? Put your guns down first."
As soon as I finished speaking, Jiang Ye turned to look at me, his eyes red, and said, "Mr. Xiang, you should know that if we don't go back now, my wife..."
"I know, so my suggestion is to save the person first," I said, glancing at Jin Qiaoyue.
Jiang Ye thanked me, then gritted his teeth and aimed his gun at Jin Qiaoyue, "Miss Jin, please put down your gun!"
Jin Qiaoyue, facing the muzzle of the gun pointed at her, did not flinch. Instead, she let out a cold laugh.
This cold laugh was extremely incongruous on her young face.
Her appearance gave the impression of a girl next door, creating a stark contrast with her actions.
"What if I say no?" Jin Qiaoyue said calmly.
Jiang Ye's eyes turned cold, "Then don't blame me for being impolite!"
Jiang Ye shifted his aim, seemingly trying to intimidate Jin Qiaoyue. However, when he pulled the trigger, the gun made a dry "click."
He was stunned and was about to check the bullets in the gun when Jin Qiaoyue fired a shot at his feet.
"Bang!"
A muffled sound made me realize something, and I quickly took out my own pistol, only to find the magazine empty.
Not only me, but Fatty and Song Bing's pistols were also out of bullets.
Looking back at Jin Qiaoyue, I saw that Rexiti's hunting rifle was also with her.
"You don't need to try in vain. All the ammunition is with me. I'm not trying to force anyone..." Jin Qiaoyue said, scanning the group, "We all know why we came on this trip. The contract clearly states it. Now that we're almost at our destination, you want to turn back?"
I licked my dry lips, beginning to feel wary of this woman. "Miss Jin, aren't you afraid of violating the contract terms by doing this?"
I wasn't entirely sure what the contract stipulated, and my words were intended to deter her.
After all, I believed that even Jin Qiaoyue couldn't afford to offend the expedition team's hidden benefactor.
"I haven't violated any regulations," Jin Qiaoyue said, pointing at Jiang Ye. "If he wants to leave, let him. I won't stop him. As for the rest of us, we must continue our journey."
By this time, the sky had begun to turn gray. We were in a flat area, and the wind was strong, making my face ache.
Continuing to stall was not an option. I thought for a moment and said, "Continuing the journey isn't impossible, but we need to find a place to rest and treat Ms. Zhao's wounds first."
"That is perfectly fine," Jin Qiaoyue replied.
Jiang Ye gritted his teeth and remained silent, but it was clear that he was seething with rage inside.
However, there was nothing he could do. After all, she had the real firearms and ammunition, while we didn't.
I walked over to Jiang Ye and said, "Mr. Jiang, let's find a place to rest first and then check on your wife's condition."
He took a deep breath, looked at me, and a hint of gratitude appeared in his eyes. He then went to pick up Zhao Xuezhen and carry her.
Led by Rexiti, we found a mountain hollow. We gathered some firewood, started a bonfire, and dispelled some of the chill from everyone.
I took stock of the remaining supplies and found that there wasn't much left: only about twenty cans, ten bottles of water, and some bread and compressed biscuits.
If we were frugal with these supplies, they should last until we got back.
If all else failed, we could hunt some wolves for food. As for water, there were plenty of lakes around, and we had brought bleach, so water wouldn't be an issue.
After organizing the supplies, I went to check on Zhao Xuezhen's condition. Her injured arm had already turned somewhat black, and she was still unconscious.
Fortunately, the medical kit was there. Jiang Ye administered a glucose drip to her, which helped her hold on.
"Mr. Xiang..." Jiang Ye whispered to me, "I have to go to the hospital now."
"I know, but..."
Before I could finish, he continued, "I plan to try and snatch the gun later. At that time, I hope Mr. Xiang will stand with me."
I was startled and quickly said, "Don't do anything rash! You need to know that Jin Qiaoyue is not to be trifled with."
I had no doubt that if Jiang Ye tried to snatch the gun, Jin Qiaoyue would shoot him without hesitation.
This feeling was very strong; she exuded a dangerous aura.
I continued, "You need to think this through. If something happens to you, what about your wife? You can still take care of her now. If you're gone, who will take care of her?"
Jiang Ye was taken aback, clearly not having considered this aspect.