Chapter 0090
Ethan hadn’t passed out yet; he was just dizzy from blood loss and
felt an all-consuming chill.
Michael held him close to share his warmth.
“Let’s talk for a while, Ethan.”
He nodded slightly and began, “I have a regret.”
“So do I. I haven’t even worn my new tie yet.”
“I haven’t had the chance to date Madison.”
“At a time like this, you’re thinking about women!”
“Your concern for your tie is even more absurd than mine.”
I was trying to lighten the mood.”
“Who do you think can be happy at a time like this?”
“You have a point.”
The sky loomed oppressively dark, a blend of black and blue, as if the heavens and the sea were conspiring to overturn the world.
They had no idea how long they had been stranded; escape was impossible. Looking around, no signs of life were visible, and wandering aimlessly would just deplete their energy.
They were, essentially, waiting to die.
Time lost meaning.
Eventually, Ethan spoke up, “Michael, do you think Madison will come
rescue me?”
“Don’t dream.”
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“I’m serious. I think I see a helicopter in the clouds.”
Michael let out a weak, cold chuckle, “You might as well tell me your see Aunt Fang. I’d believe that more.”
Aunt Fang, Ethan’s mother, had been a pilot, a formidable woman who flew fighter jets.
Suddenly, Ethan pushed him away and looked towards the dark
horizon.
“Michael, look.”
Michael’s gaze followed Ethan’s.
After a tense few seconds, he sprang up like a Jack-in-the-box, jumping and waving frantically, “Over here! There are people here!!!”
“Someone’s here!!!”
The helicopter nearby slowed down, but in the darkness, with nothing to signal their position, it was a shot in the dark they’d be spotted.
Michael seemed to realize this too the hope that had ignited in hi heart promptly extinguished.
If they had to stay here overnight, Michael could manage, but with Ethan’s injuries, he was…
Doomed.
Michael’s arms fell lifelessly to his sides.
Ethan’s expression, however, had remained unchanged from the start.
He kept his eyes fixed on the green Mi-24 helicopter, inexplicably convinced that the pilot was Madison.
There was no rational explanation for his intuition.
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“Michael, stop shouting. They can’t hear us.”
As the helicopter flew away, Ethan whispered, “As long as she’s alive, that’s enough.”
As Michael turned with a retort about Ethan’s resignation, a
searchlight suddenly bathed them in light.
Both of them looked up simultaneously.
The beam of light seemed to tear through the pitch-black sky, spilling onto the earthly shores.
It was like a glowing staff or a cigarette lit by nature itself.
The light wavered nearby, and before Michael could react, it shone directly upon them.
The brightness forced Michael to close his eyes…
But Ethan faced the intense light head-on, staring as the helicopter rapidly approached.
Never had the military green been so magnificent in their hearts. Or those who felt its radiance could truly understand its pride and
sanctity.
The deafening sound of the helicopter’s rotors filled the air, its downdraft churning the coastal waters.
Michael was blown off balance, forced to kneel.
The immense helicopter soon landed on a nearby spacious shore.
A figure emerged, carrying the resolute glimmer of humanity, heading
towards them.
At that moment, Ethan glanced at his watch, surprised to find it still ticking – the advantage of water resistance.
20
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Nine hours and forty-six minutes.
They had been trapped for nearly ten hours.
He looked up again as footsteps approached rapidly, followed by the embrace of warm arms.
Ethan staggered back.
The familiar scent of her hair brought a smile to his face.
In this moment, the sea breezes and waves witnessed the tears they had held back for nearly ten hours.
Madison’s voice was hoarse, “I’ve finally found you…”
For ten hours, Madison had consumed nothing, her fuel was nearly depleted, and she desperately needed to return for refueling. Yet, as she passed this area, she had an inexplicable urge to look one more
time.
Even with the fuel indicator light on, she couldn’t give up.
Returning for fuel would waste precious time. If Ethan was injure even an hour’s delay could cost him his life.
So Madison circled this small coast twice, sweeping the searchlight
back and forth.
Spotting two figures on the ground, Madison was grateful for her sharp eyes.
Letting go of Ethan, she brushed away her tears and pulled out her phone to call for the rescue and medical teams.
She smelled blood.
And the Mi-24 was out of fuel; it couldn’t make it out of this area.
After the call, Madison kneeled and wrapped her own jacket around
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Ethan, “Show me where you’re hurt.”
“It’s no use looking.” Ethan leaned into her, showing vulnerability for the first time in front of someone other than Michael.
Madison stiffened, then gently held him, rubbing her cheek against his forehead, trying to impart some warmth.
Ethan’s energy seemed to be reaching its end, his lips deathly pale.
His face buried in Madison’s neck, he laughed softly, “I knew you’d
find me.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
He couldn’t explain his certainty.
They weren’t even lovers, and she had never expressed any sentiment
for him.
Madison clutched his icy hand, breathing heavily, “Ethan, hang on a little longer. The rescue team is nearby, not far. They’ll be here soo Can you keep talking to me?”
“You start.”
Ethan’s consciousness was fading; he was cold, in pain, and drained
of strength.
“Do you have any dreams?” Madison searched for a topic as tears fell silently from her eyes.
They landed on Ethan’s cheeks. He struggled to open his eyes and reached out to wipe her tears away.
He didn’t have the strength for many words, so his comforting had to be downplayed.
So Ethan answered her question, “It used to be about making money,
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but later…”
He paused for so long that Madison became anxious.
Finally, Ethan continued, “Later, it became… protecting your dream.”
His dream had become safeguarding hers.
To see her soaring in the sky again, free from harm, piloting the planes she loved.
He would escort all of Mukino Airways’ aircraft for that woman named Madison.
As Ethan’s hand fell, Madison choked up, suddenly holding him tight, ” Hang in there, and when we get back, we’ll be together, okay?” Watching him fall silent, Madison’s eyes reddened with pain, “Ethan!”
