Chapter 0171
The team doctor’s voice was grave, and Yu Lulei sensed the
seriousness of the situation.
Charlie stayed by Madison’s side, “Are you feeling unwell anywhere right now?”
“Not at the moment,” responded Madison, her tone subdued.
She remembered a story her grandfather had told her when she was young. It was about how some pilots abroad, out of mutual dislike or competition for a position, would resort to foul play if they couldn’t win openly. And in certain places, the use of underhanded tactics was all too common.
One such tactic involved pricking someone with a small object laced with bacteria. It was not deadly but enough to cause physical discomfort, forcing the victim to take medication.
The preliminary medical examinations for this ranking event were designed to prevent pilots from taking banned substances or participating while ill, which could lead to accidents during the assessment phase.
Madison never imagined Shihua would stoop to such despicable.
methods.
For a moment, the women in the room fell silent.
Soon enough, Deputy Director Ye, along with the seasoned M and the team doctor, hurried in.
Mr. Gao’s face turned as soon as he saw the rash-like swelling on Madison’s shoulder, “What happened?”
Charlie spoke up quickly, “During the lottery draw, Madison bumped
discovered a small inconspiciousstthorn in her shoulder.”
“Where is it?” the doctor askedcurgently.
Kou Mei, being closest, used a tissue toccarefully hand it over.
The doctor examined it closely against the light, and after a moment
confirmed, “Indeed it is.”
What exactly?
Everyone was perplexed.
But Mr. Gao seemed to understand; hepoteantleed his teeth, “How.could
Shinya do something like this?””|
He had heard the recent rumors about Shihuaaaamd knew about her conflict with Ethan. He just never imagineskistlecocoudkobesso cunning.
Madison asked, ‘Does this meam can’t participate in the ranking?”
Fora moment, meither the doctor no Mr.Gasokkewwhloow.torrespond.
Deputy Director Ye was the only one whoospoddee, Youreest for now. Dortuthink about these things just yet
Meetthree of them left in a rush.
Baukintterroom.
Yuluesitoxed about anxiously, “Madison,howane your feet
discomfort?”
Waxdissamstudieritead.
She quesaditheliacterial hadn’t fully kicked in yet!
Any
Charlie leesdaggamata cabinet, arms crossed, her face epcheck wi anger “Whycidriftyoullet President Grant finish her off when youhark) the chance??”
couldn’t secure her pilot ranking this time, she would lose her chance to compete when Mukino Airline acquired the Airbus A380 next year.
It was only here she learned that the international professional rankings occurred biennially. A miss or failure meant waiting another
two years.
Charlie, who understood the stakes all too well, sat beside her, “Are you thinking about the Airbus A380?”
At this, Kou Mei and Yu Lulei turned their attention to them, “Airbus
A380?”
Charlie didn’t keep them in the dark, “Our company might acquire an Airbus A380 next year.”
Kou Mei surmised, “So you wanted to vie for the lead pilot position?”
Nowadays, flying large aircraft or international routes required an S- tier pilot license.
That was why nearly a thousand pilots, including some nearing retirement from abroad, still insisted on participating in the rankings. Without that certification, they couldn’t fly major routes.
Yu Lulei’s eyes sparkled as she crouched in front of Madison,” Captain Meng, how about I switch to your company? No worries, if you can’t compete, I’ll do it for you. Once you get your S-ti years, I’ll hand it back to you.”
“Where do you think you’re putting me?” Charlie tapped her sl in jest.
Then, Madison suddenly remembered, “Doesn’t Song Airline have a
A380?”
Yu Lulei spread her hands with a polite smile, “It was converted to a
“You can fly cargo too,” suggested Charlie.
But Yu Lulei responded with a smirk that wasn’t all too happy, “Since it’s been converted, it’s barely taken off. The main pilot retired this year! Can’t fill it with cargo, how to fly?”
The plane was simply too large; most routes couldn’t meet its passenger demand.
After its conversion to a cargo plane, it was somewhat easier to fill than collecting passengers, but the costs remained high, beyond the means of the average customer.
Yu Lulei, hands on her hips, exclaimed, “Looks like I really do need to switch jobs. I have no room for growth here!”
“Just don’t let your Song Airline boss hear that,” Kou Mei snickered coldly, “He’d have your head.”
Madison’s spirits lifted slightly with their banter.
“It’s okay, you all rest up for the assessment this evening.”
But how could they rest now?
“Knock knock.”
“Come in,” said Charlie.
Deputy Director Ye strode in, his expression serious, lookin of breath, “You rest first. Later, the doctor will come to gi injection to detoxify. The assessment has been postponed to tomorrow evening. If we hurry, there shouldn’t be any problems.
Charlie was astonished, “It’s been postponed?”
Could Deputy Director Ye have the clout to delay an international professional pilot assessment?
Deputy Director Ye caught his breath, silent for a long while, then said, “Not by me. I don’t have that kind of power.”
He pointed at Madison with a sudden smile, “You’re quite lucky.”
As they all looked on perplexed, Mr. Gao and the team doctor arrived, accompanied by two other doctors.
Madison was laid on a bed as the medical team busied themselves drawing blood and administering IV fluids.
Mr. Gao finally clarified for the eternally curious Yu Lulei, “The negotiations were with President Grant of Mukino International.”
Pausing for a moment, he added, “I heard it cost a lot of money, at least a billion dollars.”
This was an international assessment, and postponing it for one person was a massive deal. To get others to accommodate you naturally requires a hefty price.
Ethan had reached out to the international assessment committee overnight from within China, all to gain time for Madison’s recovery.
He knew how dejected Madison would be if she missed the ranking, and despite the steep price, he deemed it worthwhile.
Hearing Mr. Gao’s words, Madison’s heart lurched, and she cle her fist involuntarily.
“Relax,” urged the doctor.
Madison loosened her grip.
Mr. Gao reassured her, “Rest and get treated. After this, we’ll make it right. Keep a positive attitude, and do your best in the assessment
tomorrow.”
Bru
Madison managed a faint smile, “Thank you for your efforts, Deputy
Director Ye.”
Deputy Director Ye waved it off, “We should be thanking you.”
It wasn’t just Madison who felt unwell upon arrival today. Just recently, several pilots had suddenly developed stomach issues and
relentless nausea.
Whether it was acclimatization or something else, the day they fought for was enough to mitigate the adverse effects.
The Civil Aviation Administration now owed a big favor to President
Grant of Mukino International.
If Madison hadn’t been the one in trouble, they doubted Ethan would be so willing to help.
After all, the sum was not insignificant.
On W******p.
Madison’s eyes grew moist as she read the new message.
Ethan: Don’t be afraid of anything, I’ll always be here.
Her eyes dampened as she typed back with one hand. Madison: Ethan, when I return home, let’s get married..
