Chapter 0211
The whole debacle was merely a smokescreen, a calculated move by Air China to undermine Mukino International's recent prowess. As a result, the drama dissipated almost as quickly as it had surfaced.
Sophia's scathing exposé on F******k about Lucas's shamelessness and his desperate, face-saving attempts to reconcile with Madison only to lash out in humiliation after rejection poured fuel on the fire. Her verbose post, several thousand words long, served as a juicy gossip fest for netizens.
Many who had initially watched the drama unfold now flocked to Madison's F******k page to offer their comfort.
- Escaping from that scum pilot was the wisest decision, Captain!
- Goddess Captain and the love-struck CEO are a match made in heaven!
- Keep your spirits up! Don't let the lowlifes drag you down!
- Captain Madison, you are our beacon! The pride of women everywhere!
The overwhelming stream of supportive and encouraging comments buried the occasional snide remark, which was promptly scorned and deleted by Madison's defenders.
Madison's fan base skyrocketed by hundreds of thousands overnight.
Upon realizing she was just a pawn used by Air China to smear Mukino International, Madison was incensed. Yes, genuinely angry.
It was rare for Madison to lose her temper, but this time her cool, prolonged demeanor even unnerved Ethan.
"Madison, you..."
"Didn't I overhear Manager Xiao mentioning something about a selection for a civil aviation elite flying squad the other day?"
Ethan, caught off guard, confirmed, "Yes. It's an initiative from higher-ups, intended for transporting critical materials in the future-a reserve unit. But I had no plans for Mukino's pilots to join." "Why not?"
"Because you are all too busy, and your abilities don't need proving through this. Safely transporting passengers is also serving the country-and it's crucial."
Madison suddenly looked up, her gaze earnest and serene.
Ethan was rarely on the receiving end of such a look and became serious in response, "What's wrong?" "Count us in."
"Pardon?"
Madison probed, "Air China's joining, right?"
"That's a given."
"Mukino Airlines will participate too." For the first time, Madison interjected into his work matters, "Is that okay?"
A realization dawned on Ethan.
But before he could ask, Madison stepped closer, her voice calm, "They used me to hurt you. I need to settle this score."
In that moment, Ethan felt his blood surge in reverse, his heart pounding with an unfamiliar intensity.
He leaned down to embrace Madison, "Thank you."
Madison hugged him back, "I can't stand others bullying you."
Ethan's eyelashes fluttered before he chuckled, "Bullying me?"
"Absolutely!"
Madison let go of him, "I'm heading to the company. Remember to inform Manager Xiao about this."
President Grant, now buoyantly taking orders from his girlfriend, nodded eagerly, "I'll send word right away."
Within half an hour, the notice for all main pilots at Mukino Airlines to participate in the civil aviation elite squad selection had been dispatched to every squadron. Frank called for a meeting.
When Madison entered the conference room, her usually gentle smile was replaced by a formidable expression that seemed to weigh down the atmosphere.
All squadron members were present, save for those currently on flights.
Frank announced, "The nation is organizing a selection of thirty
reserve pilots to form an elite flying squad for future readiness. Every major airline will partake, including Air China, Song Airlines, Yun in Airlines,
and us. The rest are
inconsequential."
"We're conducting internal
selections to nominate candidates for the contest. Squad leaders are mandatory participants-it's a firm requirement. The rest will undergo a two-day assessment, with the highest scorers proceeding. After selection, there will be a week of
intensive training. By the first of next
month, we'll head to the official
selection event. Understood?"
Someone inquired, "Are we sending thirty people?"
Frank nodded affirmatively and turned to Madison, "Once we've made our internal selection, I plan to appoint Madison as the instructor to train you for a week. Any objections?"
The room was momentarily stunned, then broke into supportive laughter, "How could we object? With her S-tier flight license, her skills are undeniable."
"Couldn't wait for Captain Madison to share her wisdom."
Madison quickly interjected, "Let's just say it's a mutual exchange of experience. There's no need for me to be an instructor."
She felt unqualified to teach her seniors due to her modest experience.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
But someone countered, "Captain Madison, don't be modest. In our line of work, skill speaks for itself. Your expertise in navigating through thunderstorms is truly impressive. Let's not focus on age."
"Exactly."
"Looking forward to your guidance, Captain Madison."
With unanimous agreement and no further protest from Madison, the room was buzzing with readiness and competitiveness.
The process moved swiftly. Within two days, thirty pilots were selected for the contest, including the leaders of the six squadrons.
Madison was named the chief instructor, with Brian as her deputy, given his age and limited energy.
On the first day of training, twenty-nine uniformed pilots gathered on the field, awaiting instruction.
Then, a figure in a stark black instructor's uniform, her black boots crunching against the frosty ground, approached them from a distance. The biting wind swirled with flurries of snow.
All eyes were on her.
Even Charlie had to admit, "There's something about a woman in uniform."
Brian glanced at her, "You've got that same cool factor as Instructor Meng."
Charlie burst out laughing, "Thanks, Brian."
"Don't mention it."
In her role as instructor, Madison's demeanor was exceptionally stern. Her seriousness inadvertently prompted the pilots to form two neat rows. They stood solemnly, treating their profession with the utmost respect.
Madison's eyes swept over them, and without any introductory fanfare or rousing speech, she simply voiced what was on her mind-
"I'll be frank with you all. For this selection contest, I want none of the thirty spots to go to Air China's pilots."
"Not a single one."
That was why she had taken on this role.
In an instant, a fierce sense of loyalty and defense for their company took root in everyone's hearts.
Brian was the first to voice his commitment, "No problem!"
Shihua raised an eyebrow, "We'll need Instructor Meng to guide us well then. We'll put our all into crushing every Air China pilot!"
Another pilot bellowed, "Let's make sure every plane in the elite squad bears the emblem of Mukino Airlines!"
These words ignited a fiery competitive spirit and camaraderie among them.
They were united in their goal-to triumph in the name of Mukino Airlines.