Winter Wonderland
0.00 / 0.00
keep watching Ads by PubFuture
The pilots’ competitive spirits were ablaze, and as the main drivers, they were zealous learners.
Madison ditched any airs as an instructor, preferring to engage with them as a colleague, providing one-on-one guidance.
The specifics of the selection contest remained unknown to them. Hence, they resorted to wide-ranging training.
Later on, clad in a short leather jacket and braving the chilly winds, Madison was directing everyone via walkie-talkie.
“Charlie, your angle of approach is incorrect.”
“Is it?”
“Did you account for wind speed?”
Charlie lapsed into silence.
A serious Madison was stricter than any instructor they had known, her tranquil gaze intimidating enough to make them fear being the last to meet the standards.
In private, they would huddle and speculate.
“Hey, Charlie, you’re close with Instructor Meng. Did she used to be an instructor?”
Charlie shook his head, “Not that I know of.”
“She’s really scary.”
“That gaze… it makes me feel so inadequate.”
They knew how fierce the winds at the training base could be. Madison stood there all day, continuously talking, and when anyone faltered, she’d personally demonstrate the correct method, tirelessly repeating the process.
Her commitment to the selection contest was evident.
Rumor had it that Madison had never been this dedicated in previous major competitions.
The more she invested herself, the more the pilots valued the selection. With the instructor giving her all, they couldn’t afford to underperform.Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org
“I’m still not confident with today’s maneuver. Fuel expenses aside, I must practice more. If Madison tests us tomorrow, I’m doomed.”
One pilot hurried through his meal, eager to return to practice.
After all, with the boss footing the fuel bill, they were free to focus on their training.
In the solitary dining hall…
Madison, who had barely slept the night before, was attempting to catch up on sleep when footsteps approached.
She slowly opened her eyes.
Startled by the sight of the visitor, she sat up quickly, “What are you doing here?”
Ethan made a beeline for her, urging her back onto the couch, “Tired?” Ads by PubFuture
Madison exhaled deeply, “A bit. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“I brought you something to eat. Would you like to have a bite before you sleep?”
Madison glanced at the food William had placed on the table, “Sure.”
At the table…
Madison’s appetite was low.
Ethan leaned in closer, “You’re under a lot of stress. Madison, I don’t want you to go through this because of me; I’d feel guilty.”
“The guilt should be mine.”
Her gaze dropped, her voice softer than ever, “I worked so hard to earn the right to stand by your side. Just as I saw a glimmer of hope, a single piece of news pushed me to rock bottom. I realized I’m nothing.” Being swayed by public opinion, being threatened by others these weren’t signs of strength.
After leaving Lucas, Madison yearned for power, to be beyond control, to not be discarded at someone’s whim. Nearly half a year had passed, and she was still the same.
The sense of defeat and self-loathing brought Madison’s stress to a breaking point.
Ethan had come to check on her today, despite his busy schedule, because he sensed these things.
With his arm around her shoulder, Ethan adopted a tender tone, “Madison, in my eyes, you’re the finest woman. You’re independent, kind-hearted, and treat me well. So why compare yourself to others?” “Because they threaten us,” Madison frowned, “I have to eliminate these threats.”
This was a first.
The first time Madison displayed such assertiveness.
Ethan was momentarily taken aback. He locked eyes with her, catching a fleeting glimpse of her resolve.
“Ethan.”
Madison set down her chopsticks, “I hate being your weakness. Every time I see others using me to sabotage your work, I feel like a burden. I don’t want that.”
Never before had Madison felt such an urgent desire to succeed.
Success?
To become the most respected pilot in the country, a person beyond rumors, no longer a threat to Ethan.
Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the chopsticks again.
Her competitive spirit was fully ignited.
The old Madison, who was amiable and non-confrontational, ended up being tossed aside. She didn’t lack resentment; she simply didn’t want to become so sharp-edged.
Especially after meeting Ethan, she yearned to be softer.
But life forced her to wield the sword, to become that formidable force.
Ethan recognized her determination. Ads by PubFuture
It was for him, but also for herself.
Madison’s thoughts were interrupted as her face was suddenly turned aside.
The next second, her lips were sealed by another’s.
Madison’s eyes widened slightly.
Ethan kissed her earnestly, then drew back.
With serious and soft earnestness,
Vein
he said, “support everything you want to do. But first, you must ensure your safety. Forgive me for
not always being by your side.”
Madison’s heart felt like it was submerged in warm water, a comforting heat.
“Okay.”
News of the big boss’s visit to Madison quickly reached the ears of the other pilots.
When it was time to rejoin them, Madison, looking off into the distance, suddenly asked Charlie, “Do you like Ethan?”
Charlie, startled, stammered, “What?”
Madison blinked, “I asked if you like Ethan.”
“…”
Charlie hesitated.
Madison sat down beside her, gazing together at the grand planes and endless sky.
“Why would you ask that?”
“Just a feeling.”
Charlie fiddled with the edge of her jacket.
After a lengthy pause, she sighed in slight defeat, “It’s not really about liking… more like admiration?”
“Do you know I once studied flying with President Grant?”
Madison was surprised, “You studied together?”
“Yes.”
Charlie reminisced, “President Grant started learning to fly quite late. But he was brilliant, probably inherited his mother’s genes. Later, all the girls at the training ground admired him. I guess I’m just a fangirl?”
Madison chuckled, “A fangirl, huh.”
Charlie looked at her mischievously, “Hey, who pursued whom between you and President Grant?”
Everyone has a curiosity for gossip, and Charlie was no exception.
Ads by PubFuture