"The squadron leaders, I''m feeling a bit uneasy here."
The two pilots Air China had swapped in were hesitant, visibly anxious.
Zheng Congyu took a deep breath, "Rx, just do as we''ve prepared. They are formidable opponents, indeed, but don''t underestimate yourself."
Even Zheng Congyu, uttering these words, felt a twinge of unease.
Madison was too strong.
Her performance in the morning''s individual event had put him under immense pressure.
How could a youngdy possess such explosive power and skill?
Moreover, with the new general manager just appointed, what would be of him if he didn''t secure a satisfactory oue?
In the stands.
Director Wang cheerfully inquired, "Director Qin, what are you hoping to see?"
Qin Hualin smiled, "Regardless of which airline wins, it''s a positive oue for our domestic aviation industry."
A perfect response.
Michael couldn''t help but curl his lip.
That guy was too good with words, hiding his true thoughts; he probably wished for Air China to win.
Thepetition had already begun.
Rows of nes started moving in a disciplined formation.
However, just when everyone was ready to watch the match, the organizers abruptly called a stop.
Not for any small reason, but because the sky had suddenly darkened as a blizzard swept in unexpectedly.
This sudden change baffled everyone.
Madison, retreating from the field, looked at Frank, "Shouldn''t we continue especially under adverse weather conditions? Isn''t it a test of resilience?" Against harsh weather?
But they had to follow the organizers'' directive and collectively return, waiting for further notice the next day.
In truth, it was Qin Hualin who had suggested to Director Wang to postpone the event.
After thepetition dispersed, Qin Hualin called Zheng Congyu to speak privately in the car. Zheng appeared even more nervous than when he was flying. "Director Qin, please speak."
Qin Hualin flipped through the day''s score sheet, his expression indifferent.
But it was this silence that made Zheng Congyu extremely uneasy.
His performance today wasn''t off, it was simply that he couldn''t best Madison.
Admitting this was somewhat embarrassing, but the truth was undeniable.
After a long pause, Qin Hualin finally asked, "Knowing that you might lose the second round, why didn''t you stop in time?"
His tone was as serene as his demeanor.
Yet within it, Zheng Congyu sensed an almost suffocating pressure.
"I don''t have the authority to call a halt. And if Mukino Airlines sensed any fear, they''d capitalize on it. You''ve seen how strong that Madison is."
Madison''s momentum was so formidable that even Air China''s squadron felt the pressure.
"Then don''t confront her head-on. There are many ways to win, as the saying goes, ''It''s the little devils that are tough to handle."" Qin Hualin closed the score sheet and gently ced it in Zheng Congyu''sp. Zheng Congyu understood Qin Hualin''s implication instantly and nodded silently, "Understood, Director Qin."
"I''ll try to postpone the next round for two days. During this time, decide your best course of action."
Zheng Congyu nodded firmly again.
Only when the car stopped near Zheng Congyu''s residence did he alight.
Watching the vehicle drive away, Zheng Congyu''s brows were furrowed as he clutched the folder tightly.
The pressure seeped through the score sheet into his very bones.
Opening the folder and seeing Madison''s name at the top of the list, he felt she was his career''s nemesis.
Her mere presence seemed to foil his every move.
But the disparity in skill was right before his eyes.
He had no choice but to buckle down and work hard over the next two days.
Elsewhere.
Back at Mukino International, the staff were still chatting about the day''s events.
"Madison, you were amazing."
Back at the office, Charlie addressed her by her full name.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.
The other pilots joined in, "More than amazing, she''s incredible! So satisfying to see Air China''s arrogance crushed."
"Did you notice their faces when Captain Madison ranked first? Iughed so hard, haha!"
"Let''s not get ahead of ourselves.
Today''s sudden stop to the selection
process is concerning," Frank said,
feeling that something was amiss though he couldn''t pinpoint what exactly.
Madison was exhausted. Back at the office, she sprawled out on Frank''s couch, letting Brian and Charlie talk as she remained silent. "Madison, are you asleep?" Charlie asked.
Madison didn''t react.
Brian also called out, "Madison?"
Confirming she was indeed asleep, Frank gestured silently for them to step outside to talk.
Madison was truly spent, dozing off within minutes.
The day''s toll had been severe, rxation brought on an overwhelming fatigue, and she could drift off with her eyes closed.
"President Grant."
Someone called out in the hallway.
"President Grant, you''ve arrived."
Upon hearing thepetition had been halted, Ethan had immediately dropped all his work to return.
Learning that Madison was in Frank''s office, he didn''t hesitate.
Ignoring the multitude of pilots, he headed straight into Frank''s office.
The staff watched themanding figure pass with a mix of admiration and reverence.
Gently opening the door, Madison didn''t stir at his entrance.
Ethan approached and cautiously touched her forehead.
She had sweated in just a short nap.
For some reason, the unresponsive Madison suddenly opened her eyes when Ethan touched her forehead.
Heavy-eyed, she asked, "You''re done with work?"
Ethan didn''t mention his tasks, "You tired? Let''s go home and rest."
"No," Madison shook her head. "Later, once the snow stops, we''re heading to the training base."
She couldn''t afford to be idle during
the
essential to stay ahead of whatever Air might be belongs
ition break; training was
sw Content
to NovelDrama.Org S
She had to remain vignt to prevent being outmatched.
Madison decided not to sleep anymore, mbering up to clear her head.
A quick rest could fend off major fatigue, she rotated her neck, asking, "Did you see the other pilots when you came? They haven''t left, have they?" . NovelDrama.Org
"They''re still outside," Ethan observed as she stood, fighting off exhaustion.
Just as Madison was about to step out, the man on the sofa behind her queried, "You''re leaving just like that?"
She turned back, slightly confused, "Huh? What''s wrong?"
"You''re leaving just like that?" Ethan seemed puzzled, "I mean..."