Calling for Help
An eerie silence fell over the cockpit.
Just as Nelly began to question whether everything she had seen earlier had been fake, Han Lu spoke first.
"Sorry, my companion went missing while diving. We were worried it was just an ordinary accident and couldn't convince the Self-Defense Forces to send people to help us search, so we made up this bizarre story in the hope of getting your attention. I had a friend who was really good at Photoshop fake the photos too."
"That explains it." The Boatswain's Mate nodded. "Although you deceived us, as I said, we're still willing to help you find him on humanitarian grounds. Now, can you tell me where exactly your companion disappeared?"
"Of course." Han Lu pointed in a direction.
The patrol boat turned around and headed in the direction she had indicated. Once they arrived, several frogmen put on their breathing gear and dove into the water. Yet even by sunset, they had found no trace of Zhang Heng.
The Boatswain's Mate said to Han Lu and Nelly, "Looks like we won't get anything today. But we'll keep a close watch on the nearby coastline. Maybe the tide will wash your companion's body back. By the way, how many days do you plan to stay on the island?"
"I'll stay until my visa expires," Han Lu said.
"Alright. The moment we receive any news, I'll send someone to notify you at your hotel," the Boatswain's Mate replied.
After that, the patrol boat took both Han Lu and Nelly back to the island.
Nelly looked at Han Lu. Countless questions rose to her lips, yet she had no idea where to begin. She hoped Han Lu would take the initiative to explain what her words on the boat had meant.
The