She instinctively struggled a bit, trying to see if she could muster the strength to ease his burden, but as soon as she moved, the arm clamped around her waist tightened with a bit of imperious impatience and warning. Juhua's brain had already ceased functioning rationally by then, fearing that she'd truly incite his anger and he'd leave her behind. The taste of death was too frightening, so she instantly became obedient, relaxing her body and clinging to him, letting him lead her upwards bit by bit along the river.
Splash, they finally broke through the water, Juhua struggled to open her eyes, the blinding sun still hanging overhead. She gasped for breath, with her sight filled with glistening water, unable to tell if it was river water or tears of joy.
