Chapter 217: Mission

Su Ruo immediately said to Zhou Feng: I plan to invest in building a department store.

Zhou Feng had always known that Su Ruo was a very opinionated and decisive person, so he was not at all surprised by her decision.

After they discussed it, that evening Su Ruo told Li Zhaodi and Bai Xinya of her plan.

Bai Xinya usually didn't concern herself with business matters, and besides she still had her mother to care for, so she left the matter entirely to Su Ruo and Li Zhaodi to handle.

The money Bai Xinya had invested over the past two years had multiplied many times over, and she had unprecedented trust in Su Ruo's and Li Zhaodi's judgment.

Li Zhaodi even more so raised both hands in approval of Su Ruo's decision, for in her heart she had long regarded Su Ruo's decisions as divine edicts, knowing that following Su Ruo would surely make money.

The three happily made the decision, but when implementing it they encountered difficulties; that night, people who were sound asleep were suddenly jolted awake by a tremendous shaking.

People immediately realized what had happened, so they rushed out in panic; although there were several aftershocks later, fortunately the shaking was not strong and no major danger occurred.

After dawn, people thought it was over, but Su Ruo was summoned by the hastily arriving Third Senior Brother to the school.

Su Ruo had never seen such a grim expression on the Third Senior Brother's face; he associated it with last night's earthquake and immediately realized what had happened.

Su Ruo knew that by going there she might not return for a short time, and there could also be unknown danger.

So she told Li Zhaodi: I may have to leave for a while; the bidding and company matters are all to be handled by you.

Li Zhaodi also sensed the gravity of the situation, feeling a bit nervous and worried, yet she did not stop Su Ruo, because she knew no one could hinder Su Ruo's decision.

To put Su Ruo at ease about leaving, Li Zhaodi solemnly promised she would handle the company's affairs well, so Su Ruo need not worry.

When Su Ruo arrived at the school, many people had already gathered there, and she saw all the students and professors of the Medical Academy.

The white-haired old Dean said with a sorrowful expression: "Students, yesterday in Chuan Sheng, a major earthquake occurred."

Now there are many disaster victims and wounded there awaiting our rescue.

We have studied medicine for so many years; now the country needs us, and I hope each of you will step forward to go to the disaster zone and participate in relief.

Of course, I must also tell you that this rescue is dangerous; no one knows whether the earthquake will happen again, and we will face whatever hardships and obstacles.

Therefore, participation in this rescue is entirely voluntary; the school can fully understand those who cannot go.

But I want to say that you are students of Jingda, the pillars of our motherland; I hope you can fearlessly face hardships, for the country and for your chosen medical career, choosing to bravely confront them.

Just as you said when you chose this profession: I am a child of Huaxia, I am willing to devote my life to the medical cause, taking healing and saving lives as my duty, fearing no hardship, and dedicating all lives to healing and saving.

The old Dean's impassioned speech made all the students below red-eyed; a feeling called patriotism burned within them, making them fear no hardship at this moment.

When deciding whether to join the rescue, no student shrank back; they knew the mission would be arduous, and they might not even survive to return, yet at this moment everyone unreservedly chose to participate in the rescue.

Some of them might have minor flaws, but at this moment they are heroes!

Seeing the students' choice, the old Dean's eyes filled with relieved light, but when he prepared to get in the car, he was obstructed by the instructors.

"Dean, you're old; we can handle the rescue ourselves."

But the old Dean firmly said: "I am the Dean; now my students are going to the battlefield, I must accompany them."

"Back then, I could carry patients over ten-odd li of mountain road under enemy fire; even now I can still do it!"

"I am old, but I can still walk; this old body of mine can still heal and save lives."

"As long as I am alive, and as long as the country still needs me, I will surely be at the forefront."

After saying that, the old Dean resolutely got into the car; at this moment, Su Ruo and all the students present were deeply moved.

The older generation's love and reverence for the motherland, though they may not fully comprehend it, does not prevent them from being deeply moved.

The predecessors exchanged countless lives and blood for today's peace.

That patriotism flowing in the blood will continue to influence generation after generation, passed down, until the motherland grows ever stronger.

With only half an hour's time pressing, the students returned to the dormitories, simply packed their belongings, and several dozen green military pickup trucks set off with hundreds of Medical Academy students.

Then followed a day and night of nonstop travel; after the initial excitement, many students began to feel timid, started to fear, and even silently shed tears.

Facing the unknown situation ahead, they were fearful, yet not a single person chose to withdraw.

The vehicles were driving along when they suddenly stopped because the road ahead was buried in sand and stone, making passage impossible, but there were still several dozen li of mountain road to the disaster area.

If they wanted to reach the destination smoothly, they had to go through it; facing this difficulty, the old Dean was the first to get out of the car and walk forward.

Then all the students got out of the cars, shouldering their packs, and advanced forward without hesitation.

The mountain path was very steep; the students helped each other, encouraged one another, step by step, while the instructors constantly reminded them to stay safe, until their voices grew hoarse.

Several hundred students formed a long line on the mountain trail; this road was dangerous and might also face aftershocks, yet at this moment they resolutely advanced toward their goal.

After passing that most dangerous mountain stretch and reaching the plain, everyone involuntarily let out a sigh of relief.

But the difficulties did not end there; to reach the disaster area they still had several dozen li to go.

Affected by the earthquake, the already difficult roads became even more arduous.

Under the teachers' leadership, after persistent effort, the students finally reached the epicenter of the earthquake.

Although along the way they had already witnessed the earthquake's devastation, only upon arriving here did they truly understand what a human tragedy is.

It turned out that hell truly exists on earth; humanity is so insignificant and fragile before nature that it can hardly withstand a single blow.

Yet amidst this devastation, the greenery brought hope to people.