The boat was still some distance from the beach and could go no closer.
Song Ning had already climbed out and stumbled forward.
She was just about to fall.
Han Xiao caught her arm from behind and hauled her upright.
"Don't panic!"
Song Ning nodded. Only then did she realize that her legs were trembling.
Chen Liang had already rushed ahead and lifted the person wedged between the rocks out of the crevice.
The body was frail and thin, unmistakably that of a child.
There was a splash behind them-Huang Ali had fallen into the water.
"Bao... Baomei-"
With Baomei in his arms, Chen Liang hurried toward the shore.
"Hurry! Hurry!"
Tears filled Song Ning's eyes as she urged Han Xiao on.
What she had feared most had happened after all!
Holding her by the arm, Han Xiao followed Chen Liang onto the beach.
Song Ning rushed forward, reaching for Baomei's carotid artery as she lowered her head to the girl's chest and listened carefully.
Then, without a word, she began resuscitation.
She followed the standard emergency procedure to the letter.
Opened the airway.
Gave rescue breaths.
Performed chest compressions.
Thirty compressions, followed by two rescue breaths.
Over and over.
No response. No normal breathing.
That did not mean resuscitation was pointless.
There was still time!
There had to be time!
Baomei was only twelve.
She was still so young!
So warmhearted and kind!
Heaven had to look kindly on her!
Huang Ali lay draped over a rock some distance away.
He dared not come any closer.
He dared not make a sound, either.
He knew Song Ning was fighting death itself for his daughter's life.
Everyone in the village wanted sons.
They all said that without a son, the family line would end.
He wanted a son too. That