Chapter 0183
Ethan’s sudden appearance stirred an emotional tempest within Madison, who had not even realized her own sense of grievance. From the underhanded sabotage by Shihua to the passive-aggressive jibes from her compatriots, from standing shoulder to shoulder with international pilots to being brazenly disrupted, Madison had become accustomed to forbearance, to smoothing ruffled feathers without
fuss.
She had never expected anyone to have her back so unequivocally, to demand justice on her behalf. But with Ethan’s arrival, everything changed.
Her eyes, though only faintly reddened, betrayed her feelings if one looked closely enough. Ethan, since hearing Madison’s promise to wed upon her return, had been preoccupied with work matters, seizing every moment to come to her side.
Having arrived half an hour earlier, he had not informed Madison, not wanting to distract her performance. Little did he expect the vile t of events midway through.
From the moment he entered, Ethan’s attention was riveted on
Madison, and he noticed at once the subtle flush around her eyes-a pang of distress filled him. He was suddenly grateful for the impulse that had urged him to come; otherwise, his girlfriend might have had to swallow her grievances in silence
“Come here,” Ethan beckoned from a distance of about two meters,
extending his hand to her.
Without hesitation, Madison reached out to him. He took her hand, and with a glance that fleetingly swept over Deputy Director Ye and Old Gao, he pulled Madison out of the room.
As soon as their figures vanished, Deputy Director Ye slapped his thigh in frustration. “Old Gao, you misspoke just now.”
Old Gao, equally quick-witted, retorted, “That wasn’t my intention!”
“I heard it that way,” insisted Deputy Director Ye.
Old Gao struggled to defend himself, “I meant to say that no matter how difficult, if she wishes, we will help her! We’re on the right side of this issue, we don’t fear upsetting them, why would I let our pilots suffer?”
“Explain that to President Grant,” Deputy Director Ye nudged him.
Meanwhile, the President Grant in question had already escorted Madison to another office.
The office, better described as an international conference room, boasted flags of various nations and a prominent airplane model adorning the wall.
Many officials were gathered when Ethan led Madison inside, prompting them to stand and offer polite handshakes and greeting
With Ethan’s suit jacket unbuttoned, his imposing aura filled the room. Madison, though aware her presence might be somewhat out. of place, sat quietly, not wanting to undermine Ethan’s stature in front of others. Unbeknownst to her, her solemn demeanor radiated an authority that matched Ethan’s own.
Michael and William, who had accompanied Ethan, stood behind them, equally serious.
Ethan began in perfect, accented foreign tongue, “My apologies for not bringing any local gifts in my haste. I shall make up for it next
time.”
The officials were puzzled by his sudden intervention but too
courteous to show it.
After cordial chit-chat, silence settled for a few seconds before
Ethan’s voice grew somber, “This pilot beside me is from Mukino Airlines.”
Nods of recognition went around; they were aware of who she was.
“And more so, she is my fiancée.”
The revelation visibly shook the gathered aviation chiefs.
Ethan leaned back casually, his stance authoritative, “As for the underhanded attack on my fiancée two days ago, your international panel of judges has yet to provide a satisfactory response. I
understand the busy schedule of the head of the International Civil Aviation Organization. I can wait.”
“But as for today’s incident, the facts are clear. Why haven’t the two pilots from that nation received notice of their permanent disqualification from rating assessments?”
As William translated Ethan’s words into other languages for the benefit of the older chiefs, the head of the International Civil Aviatio Organization attempted a placating smile, “We’re all busy with assessments, lots happening. I will-
Ethan’s patience visibly waned, “Is it a matter of being too busy, or is the payment insufficient?”
The direct accusation left the civil aviation chief red-faced.
“If such unfairness prevails, I see little point in participating in these assessments. If you’ll excuse me, I shall take my leave.”
With that, Ethan stood, taking Madison with him.
Regardless of the calls from behind, Ethan didn’t turn back.
If it had been his own issue, he might have let it slide. But for
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Madison, he had promised never to let her be wronged.
After whisking Madison away, Deputy Director Ye received a message that nearly made him jump to his feet.
“What?”
“They’re leaving? Are they not taking the assessment?”
As he hurried to the field, he saw over a hundred Mukino International pilots, solemn-faced, lining up to leave, not looking back.
Ethan had arranged for Mukino Airlines’ planes to come and collect his pilots.
His assertiveness bolstered the confidence of Mukino’s crew.
The international civil aviation chief came out, trying desperately to explain to Ethan.
To protect Madison, Ethan had her step away from the crowd first.
He spoke directly to the civil aviation chief, “Director Tate, I have no intention of disrespecting your approach. But China is a land of manners, and these manners aren’t extended to just anyone. We don’t yield to those who disrespect us, who attempt to exploit our right to fairness.”
“Your system is indeed grand, but apparently too grand for my pilots to comply with, I apologize.”
“Based on this, I will reconsider our international cargo transport
arrangements.”
Ethan stepped back, eyeing Mukino’s pilots, “Everyone, board the plane.”
At the boss’s command, the group moved towards the nearby takeoff point without hesitation.
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The civil aviation chief was in a panic.
Indeed, he had hoped to smooth things over to avoid antagonizing the country’s authorities, thinking domestic players wouldn’t dare to push too far. But now…
“Director Tate, Mukino International currently possesses a third of the world’s largest cargo planes. I hear fifty more are on order this year. If you sever our cargo air transport cooperation… well…”
Director Tate realized he was dealing with a formidable opponent.
Watching their counterparts from the national airlines with envy, Henry chuckled, but then a thought struck him, “Without a rating, can we still fly international routes?”
William, boarding the plane at just the right moment, clarified, “Their certification only has jurisdiction in Asia. We have the leverage to avoid the Eastern Polar routes. We can still head to Europe or South Africa. A little detour won’t hurt. President Grant has assured us, you won’t lose your jobs.”
“Long live President Grant!!!”
“Long live President Grant!!!”
The large international passenger plane erupted in a chorus of exuberant cheers.
Madison, pulling at Ethan, asked, “Is this really okay?”
Ethan glanced at her shoulder and spoke with a calm certainty, “The underrepresentation of domestic pilots on the international stage has always been an issue. For decades, no one dared confront them. Now, if I have ambitions for international expansion, it stands to reason I must first establish Mukino International’s presence. At
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worst, we’ll just face restrictions.”
“Besides, they’ve openly bullied you. How could I possibly not teach them a lesson?”
In that moment, Madison realized something crucial.
To command respect, one must possess assets formidable enough to instill apprehension in others.
And Ethan, right now, had just that.
A duo set to emerge and assert their power on the international stage prepared to step into the light of day.
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