Lin Xiaoxiao had no intention of teaming up with Dai Xueming. The man was insincere and showy—more likely to cause trouble than to help. She rejected him bluntly: "No need. I don't have experience either. Let's not waste time and delay the rescue."

Dr. Li, walking ahead, heard her and turned back. "Lin is right. Don't act on your own. Observe carefully in emergencies, and avoid moving the injured recklessly."

Dai Xueming had no choice but to relent. He shot Lin Xiaoxiao an unreadable look but continued to follow her at a distance.

Further up the mountainside, there had also been collapses, though these were abandoned pits with no one trapped inside.

With her medical kit strapped to her back, Lin Xiaoxiao climbed using both hands and feet, keeping up with the rescue team. She couldn't tell if it was her imagination, but she constantly felt Dai Xueming's eyes on her.

She slowed down, hoping he would pass, but he slowed down as well.

"Someone's here!"

A shout came from the front. Lin Xiaoxiao pushed all other thoughts aside and hurried over.

Beneath a pile of rubble, faint cries for help could be heard.

No one dared make reckless moves. They could only peer through an opening less than half a meter wide into the darkness below.

After calling down, they learned there were two people trapped—one already unconscious and in critical condition.

Rescue resources were limited. Waiting for professional teams would cost valuable time, and the unconscious victim couldn't afford to wait.

Dr. Li, as the team lead, surveyed the area. Moving the surrounding rocks was too risky. The opening itself was stable, but only someone small could slip through.

Among them, only Lin Xiaoxiao was petite enough.

But though she was a top student, she lacked real-world experience. Sending her down might be pointless.

Noticing Dr. Li's hesitant gaze, Lin Xiaoxiao immediately understood. She raised her hand. "I can go down."

Dr. Li still had reservations, but Lin Xiaoxiao insisted: "Dr. Li, there's no time to waste. I promise I can handle it. If there's anything I'm unsure of, you can guide me from here."

Knowing time was critical, Dr. Li agreed. They secured a rope and lowered Lin Xiaoxiao into the pit.

Zhou Huai'an didn't see Lin Xiaoxiao return at noon. He covered the food to keep it warm and checked the entrance several times, but there was still no sign of her. Had she gone looking for Lai San already?

She should've been back by now—after all, Lai San had surely been taken away by the police. She wouldn't even find him.

Eventually, he went to the hospital and found Lu Yunda's office.

Before Zhou Huai'an could even ask, Lu Yunda spoke up: "Xiao Lin showed great initiative—she volunteered to join the rescue team at the stone quarry."

Zhou Huai'an frowned. "What happened?"

Lu Yunda briefly explained the mine collapse. "Overmining was bound to lead to this sooner or later. It's a tragedy for the miners."

Zhou Huai'an fell silent for a moment, lips pressed tight. "I'm going there."

Lu Yunda stopped him. "You want to ruin that leg for good? What could you do in your condition? You'd only get in the way. If you're really worried about her, don't hold her back professionally. If you're anxious, go find someone to play chess with in the wards."

Zhou Huai'an stood unmoving, then finally sat down in Lu Yunda's office with a dark expression.

Lu Yunda couldn't help but look impressed. "I never took you for the type. What, can't bear to be apart from your wife now that you have one? Holding her back isn't helping her grow. Besides, Xiaoxiao is sharp—I'm sure she'll be fine. I've got a good eye for people, and in all these years, I've never met a quicker young woman."

Zhou Huai'an glared. "No matter how quick, she's still a trainee. Sending an apprentice on a rescue mission is irresponsible—a failure in your duty."

Lu Yunda raised his eyebrows. "Well, look at you, turning this around on me. Alright, I get it, you adore your little wife. But keep an eye on her—who knows, one day she might fly far beyond our small town."

Zhou Huai'an ignored him, silently calculating. If necessary, he'd ask Lin Zihao to go check.

He didn't doubt Lin Xiaoxiao's skills—he was afraid she'd be impulsive and put herself in danger.

Lin Xiaoxiao descended into the pit with a flashlight. After examining the unconscious victim, she found signs of internal bleeding. Without immediate treatment, the situation would turn critical.

She quickly reported the patient's condition to Dr. Li.

Fortunately, the rescue team arrived promptly and opened another entry point. Someone climbed down to help Lin Xiaoxiao move the patient onto a stretcher, which was then carefully lifted out.

But just after the patient was raised, a sharp cracking sound echoed through the pit.

The rescuer still below with Lin Xiaoxiao pulled her aside just as the newly opened passage collapsed again.

Lin Xiaoxiao mentally cursed. Still, she could climb back out through the original opening.

As she was being hoisted up with the rope around her waist, her fingers had just touched the edge when a sudden, sharp pain shot through her hand. The next moment, she fell hard back into the pit.

A brutal pain surged through her. Lin Xiaoxiao's mind screamed in fury—then everything went black.

She felt as if she had died. How else could she see her parents and her brother Lin Wenbin'an again?

She knew clearly—this wasn't a dream. But just like before, only she could see them. They were busy living their lives, unaware of her presence.

Lin Xiaoxiao noticed her mother had aged. She used to be so vain, visiting the salon every week for maintenance. Even at fifty, she didn't have a single wrinkle around her eyes.

Now, fine lines etched the corners of her mother's eyes, and her gaze seemed dull.

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes welled up. She wanted to hug her mother.

But her form passed right through. Unable to embrace her, she could only follow her mother into the kitchen.

Her mother, who hadn't cooked in years, stood by the stove staring at a pot of soup. As she watched, her eyes reddened, and she quickly wiped them.

"Are you crying again? So pathetic!"

Lin Xiaoxiao was shocked. Who would dare speak to her mother like that? She turned and saw... herself. Or rather, the original owner of her body, standing arms crossed in the doorway, looking impatient.

"All you do is cry. It's annoying. Is the soup I wanted ready? If not, I'm going out to eat."

Lin's mother quickly wiped her tears and turned around, forcing an eager smile. "It's almost done, Xiaoxiao. Wait just a little bit. Eat before you go out, okay?"

The original host curled her lip. "Forget it. Your cooking is terrible. And don't think you can make me see a doctor. If you don't want me around, I'll just move out."

Lin's mother rushed to stop her daughter from leaving. "Xiaoxiao, you're not well yet. Don't run around outside—it's dangerous. You could be taken advantage of."

But the original host shook her off violently—shoving Lin's mother to the ground.