Ethan walked in, Madison was reviewing data from past training exercises.


    Comparatively, Air China''s pilots indeed outperformed those from Mukino Airlines.


    No wonder-top graduates from flight schools are immediately recruited by Air China.


    Just like she once was, taking up the co-pilot seat at Air China. Her past encounters with Zheng Congyu, though fleeting, had urred.


    Though it was unlikely he remembered her, with so many captains at Air China, and even more co-pilots.


    "Air China''s pilots are formidable, indeed. Some almost made it into military flight academies and were snapped up by Air Chinast-minute," Ethanmented, joining her side. Her focus set solely on those figures, Madison didn''t notice who was beside her.


    "If we only consider this data, the odds of winning the selection are slim."


    Madison''s ambition was clear-not just having a few pilots make the final team, but none from Air China making it through.


    Btedly realizing who spoke, she looked up to face a greatly magnified visage.


    Ethan leaned in close to her and, unconcerned with Frank nearby, nted a kiss on Madison.


    She blinked, a tad embarrassed. "You..."


    Frank turned his back, giving them space.


    Post-kiss, Ethan settled on the office sofa. "Carry on, don''t mind me," he said to Frank.


    Frankughed it off, "No worries, President Grant. We can discuss together."


    But Ethan replied, "You think I''ll help you with your job? If you''re up for a pay cut, I''ll consider it."N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Frank promptly handed him warm water, grinning, "You should take it easy!"


    Ethan was inherentlyzy, something those unfamiliar with him wouldn''t notice.


    He finished his daily tasks, never burning the midnight oil unless urgent.


    Following Ethan meant rare overtime for his secretaries-a major reason why Mukino Airlines boasted such a favorable industry reputation.


    Madison, holding the data report, leaned on Ethan''s shoulder, her fatigue surfacing in her reliance on him.


    Ethan enjoyed the closeness, his smile visibly brighter.


    Madison pointed out, "I marked the Air China pilots participating in the trials. Ones circled in red have solid technical skills. If there''s a team event tomorrow, I predict they''llpete. What do you think, should I send our best up front?"


    Strategy was crucial inpetition.


    Ethan examined closely. Thoughzy, he was serious about work.


    "I wouldn''t y all your cards at once. Keep some reserves; Brian is strong and has to face their top pilots."


    "I''ve trained a good batch, though not quite at Brian or Charlie''s level, they''re close." Madison added.


    "Keep Charlie back. Select a strong second group for a surprise, catching Air China off guard," Ethan advised.


    "What about me?" Madison pondered the optimal timing for her entrance, fraught with mixed feelings.


    Ethan nced at her, "What''s there to hesitate? Seize the leaders first. Air China follows Zheng Congyu''s lead. It''s like you at Mukino; defeat you, and the others panic. Find the right moment to defeat Zhengpletely, destabilizing their flight team."


    "I understand." She had thought as much but feared making the wrong call. Ethan''s suggestion and affirmation were reassuring.


    "The trials resume tomorrow. How about dinner tonight?" Ethan proposed.


    Madison blinked, bewildered, "When have we not?"


    Sensing her anxiety, Ethan rubbed


    13


    her head, whispering, "Let''s havite


    Jessica and Amelia join while


    William and Michael. A group dinner."


    A chance to rx might ease her stress.


    She nodded vigorously, "Okay!"


    So Ethan apanied Madison in the flight department all afternoon. They left the building together at five o''clock.


    William had already made dinner reservations, transporting everyone to the restaurant.


    Michael and Evel set out separately.


    At 5:40 pm, everyone gathered at the restaurant, dining in unusual silence.


    Michael noted, "Amelia, why so quiet?"


    Amelia looked up, "I don''t feel chatty."


    "Out of character for you."


    "What character would that be?"


    "Not talking when you see people? Doesn''t that suffocate you?" Michael was puzzled.


    Amelia red at him, uninterested in engaging further.


    Madison piped up, having noticed Amelia''s off mood that morning, "What''s wrong?"


    Amelia shook her head, "Nothing."


    Deciding to drop the subject, they finished their meal and entered. elevator heading for the


    age


    underground parking garavel


    The massive elevator could fit twenty people.


    As the doors opened on a particr floor, Amelia, who had been resting her head in a corner, nced sharply.


    The person who entered first stepped leisurely to the back, next to her.


    There


    in


    moment of tension as


    Amelia, and Jessica, d


    O Airlines uniforms, stet


    out conspicuously. Content Belongs


    The neers, dressed in Air China uniforms, had likely also been dining out.


    Then who was this man addressed as President Qin by hispanions?


    Ethan rarely squeezed into crowded elevators, but right now, his focus wasn''t on the number of people.


    Instead...


    Ethan and Qin Hualin locked eyes, exchanging a mutual nod that seemed amicable on the surface.


    Though they had never met nor known each other, there was a connection.


    Ethan instinctively knew this man was Air China''s newly-appointed General Manager.


    Simrly, Qin Hualin recognized Ethan as the Director of Mukino International.


    Their paths finally crossed.


    As the elevator opened, there was a second where neither group stepped out first, leaving the situation at a standstill.