So this was a downpour to see them off.
It washed away the festive spirit, leaving the citizens of Shanming City too consumed by fears of urban flooding to remember the countdown to the 2016 Spring Festival.
It signified death, robbing the staff who had struggled so hard to survive of any further courage to fight, to venture forth, to take a chance.
A privately chartered passenger plane stood ready despite the atrocious weather.
The cockpit was staffed entirely by seasoned pilots with decades of experience, more than enough to handle such a long flight under such demanding conditions.
In the cabin, the poised, impeccably groomed flight attendants had already prepared every emergency supply and service item, awaiting only the arrival of these high-paying clients.
For the Tianhai Staff, money had become the most useless thing in the world.
Gu Xingjian had spared no expense and planned everything well in advance, striving to eliminate as many potential dangers as possible under these conditions and create a clear route.
Everything was aimed at their final destination—Hong Kong.
And at this very moment, many had already set out, departing punctually from different locations and charging through the downpour toward the airport on the outskirts.
Su Chenghe drove alone into the rain at breakneck speed, with Branch No. 2 receding farther and farther behind him.
The Wangdu Hot Pot Restaurant had already posted a notice reading "Closed for rectification." After leaving this time, there was no telling whether he would ever return.
Hou Guisheng sat in a taxi, a rare calm settling over his timeworn face.
He could hear an intermittent announcement coming from the radio.
"Shanming City police have issued an emergency bulletin. If you see any of the following individuals, please call the police immediately.
Su Chenghe, male, 26 years old,