The boy's mother was carried farther and farther by the waves. Ou Lan couldn't care about much else and swam toward her with all her might, finally grabbing her hand.
But the boy's mother refused rescue, pushing Ou Lan away forcefully, "Don't save me, let me die. I want to find my husband; he must be terribly lonely out there in the ocean. I need to be with him!"
Since the boy's mother wasn't wearing a life jacket and was resisting rescue efforts, it created significant obstacles for Ou Lan's rescue attempt. She had to use more strength to hold onto the boy's mother to prevent her from being swept away by the waves.
In the water, the scene was less of a rescue and more like a struggle.
The waves grew bigger and the wind stronger.
In a moment of desperation, Ou Lan slapped the boy's mother hard, "Stay still for heaven's sake! You want to die, fine, but what about your child? Do you know how desperate the child feels watching you commit suicide?"
