Xiao Bing frowned, her mind racing.

Yao Tang was still lying unconscious on the ground, and she didn’t look like she would be waking up any time soon.

If her friends didn’t save her in time, there was no telling what sort of side effects she would suffer. If this had been her acquaintance, even though they weren’t very close, Xiao Bingcouldn’t just let the poor girl be.

She couldn’t understand it.

What could these people be thinking?

Did they value the passage through the forest more than a person’s life?

Xiao Bing had a nagging feeling that something was not right, but she couldn’t put her finger on it, so she was quick to dismiss the idea.

She raised her chin and nodded at Cheng Yan. "If you don’t hurry up and save her, I’m afraid she might never wake up. Are you sure you don’t want to make a deal with me? Are you really willing to give up on a comrade so easily?"

Any normal person with a conscience would have grabbed the chance to save a fallen friend.

But Cheng Yanchose differently. Why was he refusing her offer? Wasn’t this the same as ending the girl’s life with his own hands?

Meng Yang’s anxious gaze darted to Cheng Yan, but he still kept his mouth shut.

A tense silence fell over them.

"What do we do?" Lin Xinmuttered under her breath, her eyes red from crying.

She shook her head before standing up and walking toward Xiao Bing.

Cheng Yan refused to trade, but that didn’t mean that she was forbidden from begging onYao Tang’s behalf, right?She couldn’t let anything happen to her Sister Tang.Lin Xinhad to save her, no matter the cost!

Just before she could come close to Xiao Bing, however,Lin Xinheard a voice behind her that made her stop in her tracks. It was weak, but still held its characteristic coldness.

"Who’s never waking up again, now?"

Everyone turned in unison to the source of their voice, their faces bearing similar expressions of surprise and disbelief.

"Sister Tang! You’re awake?"

Lin Xin pounced atYao Tang, her face filled with relief.

She had woken up just in time!

Yu Chen strained to bend his neck and glance at the watch on his wrist. It was already way past the time limit for any person to wake up and survive the illusion. ButYao Tang… not only had she woken up beyond their expectations, but she didn’t even look the slightest bit uncomfortable.

This was just absurd.

Did anything significant happen while she was out cold?

Lin Xin held on toYao Tangtightly, tears still spilling from her eyes.

"Sister Tang! It’s great to have you back! I’m so relieved that you’re awake!"

She had really thought Yao Tangwould be in a coma forever. She was even about to plead with that girl,Xiao Bing.

After a while, Lin Xinpulled back and studiedYao Tangto see if she was feeling any discomfort anywhere.

Cheng Yan watched it all happen, utterly displeased with being one step behindLin Xin. A dismal aura began to vibrate around him.

He opened his mouth to voice his grievances, but before he could say a word, Yao Tang’s knees suddenly gave out beneath her, and her face turned ashen.

Alarmed, everyone rushed over to check on her.

…..

Meanwhile, Old Madam Yao was sitting in the middle of a grand banquet, smiling and nodding at the guests milling about around her.

It was her 60th birthday, and many distinguished figures had come to celebrate her milestone.

A red carpet had been rolled out the door, with reporters flanking either side and frantically snapping up photos of each arrival. Old Madam Yao’s 60th birthday was truly a momentous affair.

"I heard that even the Yang family from Beijing is coming tonight."

If they could get even one picture of the Yang family’s patriarch, their publication would surely soar in sales the next day.

It was for this same reason that those who were invited were eager to attend. No event was more important in all of City Athan Old Madam Yao’s birthday banquet.

Yao Yuan stood by the entrance to welcome the guests with a smile and graciously accept their gifts and well wishes.

Yao Rong and his wife were present as well, though they stayed beside Old Madam Yao and kept her company.

"What a pity," Old Madam Yaosighed and shook her head.

Her biggest regret was that Yao Tangcouldn’t come today.

She was her favorite grandchild, after all, yet she couldn’t even see her precious girl on such an important day in her life.

Old Madam Yao had told the servants to callYao Tangnumerous times, but they couldn’t reach her.

As she pondered this now, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

What if something bad had happened to Yao Tang?

In the past, the sweet girl had never ignored her calls despite her busy schedule. Now, she wasn’t even answering a single call, let alone returning it.

It certainly was strange.

Jiang Wan reached out and held the old lady’s hand.

"Don’t worry, Mom," she comforted. "Tangtang is still in Beijing. She can’t come since she has something to take care of, but I’m sure she’ll call to wish you a happy birthday once she’s settled her affairs."