Georgia's drowsiness had dissipated, leaving her fully awake and alert. Jack, with his unspoken mission accomplished, quirked an eyebrow, ready to voice his thoughts. However, before he could utter a word, Georgia's demeanor shifted dramatically. Her expression contorted into one of acute concern as she inquired, "Did you hear that?"
He was momentarily perplexed, his curiosity piqued. "Hear what?" he inquired in turn.
Pressing a finger to her lips, Georgia silenced him and urged, "Shh, listen!"
Both of them fell into a hushed silence, their ears attuned to the distant, faint sounds that seemed to emanate from afar—indistinct and elusive, like distant echoes carried on the breeze.
"General Jack..."
"Georgia..."
The voices were a cacophony of cries and shouts, merging into a symphony of desperate calls for help. In a synchronized motion, Georgia and Jack pivoted toward the source of the commotion, their eyes locking in shared astonishment.
A rescue party was approaching! Relief washed over Jack, and he rose to his feet, his voice carrying hope as he called out, "We're here!"
Georgia joined in, echoing his words with equal enthusiasm, "Here we are!"
As the boat drew closer, the voices became clearer, and the approaching figures came into view.
On board were Dadong and a group of their male colleagues, their expressions a blend of relief and concern. Dadong hailed them with an exclamation, "You're here!"
Witnessing their imminent rescue, Jack cast a fleeting glance at Georgia, his concern now fully focused on her. She smiled, albeit with less vivacity than before. Her pallor spoke of her ordeal, and her smile appeared somewhat forced.
A sense of unease settled in Jack's chest, prompting him to ask, "What's wrong?"
Georgia shook her head, still smiling, and offered a reassuring response, "It's nothing."
"Mr. Jack! Georgia! How did you end up here?" Dadong inquired, his voice laden with worry.
"Yes, we've been searching for you for quite some time!" one of their colleagues chimed in.
In response, Jack explained, "There was an issue with the boat's engine, and we couldn't dock."
Dadong skillfully maneuvered the boat, allowing them to embark safely. Jack, ever vigilant, glanced at Georgia, who was shivering from the cold. Turning to their rescuers, he asked, "Do you have any spare clothes?"
After receiving a coat from a colleague, Jack promptly handed it to Georgia. Without a word, he delivered a tacit command, "Put it on."
The sight of Jack's uncharacteristic attentiveness did not go unnoticed by their male colleagues. Speculation swirled, and it seemed that the rumors regarding Georgia and Jack held a measure of truth.
Without delay, Jack urged, "Hurry up!"
Dadong and his colleagues exchanged glances and complied, hastening the boat's journey. Within twenty minutes, they reached the safety of the shore.
Their arrival was met with palpable relief from the assembled crowd. Concerned colleagues and competitors alike approached, eager for news of their well-being.
Prior to the deluge of inquiries, Jack issued a directive to Xiao Han, who was supporting Georgia. "Take her back to the hotel immediately. Have her take a hot bath and give her some cold medicine."
Xiao Han nodded in acknowledgment. "Certainly, General Jack."
The collective attention of the group shifted to Georgia, who had been in their care for more than three hours. Speculation and curiosity lingered, as no one was certain what had transpired during their time adrift on the lake with General Jack.