Madison couldn’t grasp why their private channel was broadcast for all to hear.
Luckily, she hadn’t said anything off the cuff-how embarrassing that would have been.
“Are you thinking how lucky it is you didn’t say anything personal? Since everyone heard everything?” Charlie suddenly leaned in.
Madison was surprised that Charlie could guess her thoughts. Was her IQ really that high?
“How did you know?”
Charlie pointed towards the Song Air camp. “Look at Zuo Yulei crying over there.”
“Crying? But didn’t she complete the flight and advance?”
Madison and Charlie turned their gazes toward Zuo Yulei.
Zuo Yulei was sobbing dramatically, her face buried in her hands amidst the Song Air formation.
“It’s so embarrassing! Utterly humiliating!”
“Why on earth did they broadcast it?!”
“And I was the only one panicking!!!”
“I’m going to kill whoever played that broadcast!!! Aaaah!”
Madison heard Zuo Yulei’s wails as they approached.
Charlie’s expression stiffened too.
Was it really worth such tears?
“I quit… I’m resigning… It’s too humiliating…” Zuo Yulei cried, trying to remove her captain’s epaulettes.
Yang Zi was soothing her, trying to prevent her from doing anything rash.
During their scuffle, Zuo Yulei saw Madison and Charlie approaching and suddenly lunged at Madison, hugging her tightly. “Wuuu… I can’t live this down! My lifelong reputation is ruined by that damn broadcast…”
Her hard-earned aloof persona had crumbled in an instant.
How would she ever face her colleagues at Song Air again?
Compared to Madison’s cool-headed guidance, she…
Madison couldn’t help but smile reassuringly, “Stop crying, you didn’t embarrass yourself. You were quite calm. At least you finished the race, while other pilots couldn’t even make it back. Don’t underestimate your accomplishments.”
She pulled Zuo Yulei up, patiently soothing her distressed emotions. Ads by PubFuture
From a distance.
Director Wang and the instructors were observing Madison’s every action.
“This girl has a strong presence and patience to boot. She’s a natural leader and could be a pivotal figure for a team.”
The evaluation of Madison was ongoing and thorough, though unbeknownst to all.
Director Wang, reminiscing about Madison’s grandfather, turned to address the Civil Aviation Authority, “She must be well nurtured and cared for. We absolutely cannot afford to lose this talent.” Deputy Director Ye nodded emphatically, “Certainly! With such a promising seed, we at Civil Aviation will spare no effort to cultivate her potential, aiming for her to contribute to our nation one day.”
His words were a clear nod to Madison.
Director Wang looked at Deputy Director Ye with a knowing smile and a nod.
While Madison was comforting Zuo Yulei, Brian had successfully led the other pilots through the competition.
“Amazing!”
“All top five from Mukino Airlines?! Incredible!”
Others from different airlines couldn’t help but applaud.
“Having a strong senior to lead makes such a difference. I’m envious.”
With Madison’s prior warning, Brian had memorized the coordinates of the landing strip, and the other pilots had taken note too.
At the final landing, Brian found the direction and led everyone down.
They made it just in time, barely qualifying.
This was a true test of a pilot’s limits; completing it was an achievement in itself.
Brian returned beaming, “I’ve lived up to your expectations, right? I brought them back just as I took them out.”
Madison stood to congratulate her colleagues, “Congratulations on advancing.”
The pilots wayed their hands
dismissively, No, no, Captain
Madison, don’t say that. Without your lead, we wouldn’t have had the confidence. Plus, with Brian, this treasure guiding us, it would’ve been a shame not to advance.” S
Laughter filled the air.
Brian playfully kicked the pilot who had spoken, “Who’s old?”Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org
The pilot chuckled, “Me! I’m old!” Ads by PubFuture
For this round of individual races, Madison had arranged for several experienced veterans to lead, their expertise proving invaluable.
Following this competition, pilots
who might once have been a bit too
proud Began to sincerely respect their more seasoned peers, their
tone filled with newfound reverence.
The atmosphere among Mukino Airlines’ flight team was notably harmonious.
Deputy Director Ye and even Frank, who was discreetly taking notes, observed all this.
Frank was ambitious.
He wanted to cultivate the nation’s top pilot and hoped that individual would emerge from Mukino Airlines, from his own efforts.
Over the past two years, Frank had scouted many candidates, but none seemed quite right.
Only Madison, growing step by step, had her achievements meticulously chronicled by Frank.
Seeing Madison’s performance and the Aviation Authority’s intentions, as Flight Department Manager, he vowed to direct the best resources her way. However, they still needed to find someone to partner with Madison.
Brian’s coordination with her was flawless, but considering his age and impending retirement, another candidate was needed…
Frank’s gaze slowly shifted to Charlie, who was not far off.
But he was torn.
Before Madison joined Mukino Airlines, Charlie was the sole female captain, outstanding in all aspects. Asking her to play second to Madison might not be received well, indeed, it would be somewhat unfair.
Elsewhere.
The selection contest’s closing bell had sounded.
et
Judging by the results, Mukino Airlines claimed a decisive victory thus far with no casualties, white over half of Air China’s team had been eliminated.
As they left together, Charlie said to Madison, “Have you ever thought that in future competitions, we may need to eliminate Zuo Yulei?” Their aim was for all thirty Mukino Airlines pilots to advance.
That would mean even Zuo Yulei couldn’t stay.
Regarding Zuo Yulei, Madison simply said, “We’ll leave it to fate. If Zuo Yulei truly excels, it’s not for me to influence. The main issue is Air China.” Just then, a rush of footsteps approached from behind.
It was the Air China flight team.
Zheng Congyu led the team, those eliminated wore dejected faces, while the rest looked anxious, the atmosphere somber.
In contrast, Mukino Airlines’ team was worlds apart.
Zheng Congyu came up and politely congratulated Madison, “Congratulations to Captain Madison.”
“Thank you, Team Zheng,” Madison replied without false modesty. “It seems the grueling training paid off.”
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