Chapter 0116
For the single event of the simulated crash landing, the four judges had awarded an average score of six points.
It was, to say the least, a near-perfect score!
Madison, in this session, had taken the event to the brink, with an
incredible minimum distance of just 2.5 meters.
Team M had only managed 2.8 meters.
Madison had broken her own record!
When the crew disembarked from their fighter jets, a swarm of international journalists with microphones buzzed around them.
They fired off questions in English one after the other.
Madison simply smiled, not intending to respond.
But among the throng of reporters, a voice in Chinese emerged-not fluently spoken, but the effort to articulate clearly was evident.
Seemingly by default, Madison had become the core figure of the team. When she stopped, the rest followed suit.
The foreign reporter asked, “Hello, could you please tell us which airline’s pilots you are?”
Though his accent was thick, Madison understood.
Stepping forward, she purposefully took the reporter’s microphone and enunciated in measured tones, “Chinese Civil Aviation, Mukino International.”
Eight words that, in an instant, were broadcast to every corner of the globe.
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This was a live stream watched worldwide!
At that moment, Madison did not smile or show any softness. Her expression was stern and sharp, reflected by her teammates’ equally solemn demeanors.
Beside the other teams, their earnestness was overwhelming.
The news of Team Mukino International’s first-place victory spread rapidly among domestic audiences.
Those who were previously skeptical or mocking of Mukino International sat stunned before their computer screens.
Watching Team M’s disbelieving and flushed angry faces on the
screen, they knew the competition was fair.
Mukino International’s victory was purely a triumph of skill!
Within minutes, the domestic sentiment flipped overwhelmingly in support of Mukino International.
Meanwhile, as chairman, Ethan was on a plane to the competition country, unaware of the latest developments.
Domestic netizens commented:
“Who is this female captain? Is she really that remarkable?”
“I’ve seen news about her more than once!”
“Is she Mukino International’s new star?”
“Sure, she’s impressive, but she looks so young. Is her face the work of plastic surgery?”
“666!!! I’ve always supported Mukino International! My buddy said there’s no way they could win. I’m about to make him eat his words!”
There were, of course, dissenting voices:
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“Must be some behind-the-scenes manipulation, right?? How can someone so young be so skilled? Give me a break.”
“Looks like every industry has its dirty secrets. This pretty young pilot,
who knows what she did to get such high scores. I’m over it, it’s
meaningless.”
The competitors themselves were oblivious to these discussions.
Madison, leading the way, felt the tension of the competition dissipate as soon as her feet touched solid ground.
Facing Team M, who had earlier shown them disdain, she didn’t offer them as much as a glance.
Often, the more you say, the more you fuel your opponent’s
arrogance. The less attention you give them, the more they feel the sting of humiliation.
Seamlessly, everyone followed Madison’s example, not even sparing a glance at the incensed Team M.
Returning to the competitors’ seats, they sat upright, neither fidgety nor overly joyous, their demeanor a picture of stern righteousness.
The soldiers who had escorted them maintained a watchful stance behind them, pride flickering in their eyes.
Old Gao had said, “Always maintain discipline. No idle chatter, rules must be followed. We cannot afford to lose face abroad.”
They took his words to heart.
Looking at the big screen, which now read “First place: Team Z- Mukino International,” they all allowed themselves a slight smile.
In the first team event, they had secured a lead, ahead of second- place Team M by 0.8 points.
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Now came the individual events, the first and second challenges.
The margins were slim, but by claiming all points on offer, victory was
within reach.
The combatants were a pilot from Song Airlines and Charlie from
Mukino International.
The first two events were relatively straightforward, each offering two or three points. Within two hours, all eight teams had completed them, all earning full marks.
Thus, after the team event, Mukino International was ranked first, still leading Team M by 0.8 points.
