A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall!
Now that danger had descended, he naturally could not sit still and await death. Keeping himself alive came first.
The man and dog left the private cabin.
Just then, Sun Gongchang emerged briskly from his own cabin, carrying that large box in his arms.
Sun Gongchang turned his head and saw Fang Zhixing with his pack on his back.
The two exchanged a glance.
Sun Gongchang remained expressionless and said nothing. He turned and left, moving as swiftly as if he were flying.
Fang Zhixing followed close behind.
The two men and one dog reached the deck almost at the same time.
At that moment, the ship lurched violently, followed by a thunderous boom from somewhere.
Fang Zhixing craned his neck to look and discovered a long, slanting gash in the ship's left side. A thick serpent's tail hung outside it, slowly withdrawing inward.
Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle—
River water poured in through the breach!
Skinny Dog said in astonishment, "Good heavens, that's the water monster?"
Fang Zhixing's face grew grave as he turned to look.
Sun Gongchang, still clutching the large box, stamped his foot without hesitation and leaped from the deck. With a splash, he plunged into the river and swam toward the shore.
The shore was about twenty meters from the ship!
Seeing this, Fang Zhixing slung his pack securely over his back, scooped up Skinny Dog, and jumped down.
Splash!
The river swallowed them both.
Fang Zhixing kicked hard with both legs and broke the surface, releasing Skinny Dog at the same time.
Skinny Dog could swim on his own. He paddled doggy-style, his four little paws kicking back and forth as he slowly made his way toward shore.
Fang Zhixing used the breaststroke.
He had no choice.