Chapter 0214
Simultaneously, at Air China's headquarters, their pilots were in a meeting.
The squadron leader's expression was especially stern; they'd caught wind that Mukino Airlines was already in training.
They too had trained for a week, but considering Madison's past achievements, the squadron leader didn't dare to take it lightly. The newly appointed General Manager hadn't set explicit expectations for the selection contest, but the pressure was still immense.
Even among themselves, they were unwilling to lose to the pilots of Mukino Airlines.
Zheng Congyu, the squadron leader and de facto head of Air China, was 35 years old - a young and prominent figure in the industry.
"This selection contest will determine the top thirty pilots. I expect everyone to give their all. If possible, let's keep Mukino Airlines out. Understood?"
When abroad, they would naturally band together, presenting a united front. But in this domestic contest, no one would afford the other a chance to survive.
Thirty competing pilots responded in unison, "Understood!"
The following day dawned.
At 6:15 AM local time in Slandon Port, thirty Mukino Airlines pilots were ready, wearing their matching uniforms just like they did for previous competitions, sitting upright in silence on the company bus. Madison, leading the group, was reviewing the selection contest rules.
Competition was the essence of the selection.
"According to these rules, we'll only face Air China in the last round. With pairs competing, it will be down to pilots from the last two airlines to make up the thirty."
Madison's gaze swept over the Mukino International logos emblazoned on the pilots' chests.
"We'll give it our all," assured Charlie.
Other pilots chimed in, "Don't worry, Instructor Meng."
"With our normal skills, we are on par. But with the intense training of this past week, I think our chances are quite good," one pilot said with a laugh.
Indeed, they were anxious. This contest was about pride and whether Mukino Airlines would be overshadowed by Air China in the future.
But having come this far, retreat was not an option. They had to forge ahead, especially since their younger Instructor Meng showed no fear. The bus journeyed steadily onward.
On W******p.
Jessica: You're the best, Madison, don't be nervous, just do your best! You're always my goddess!
Amelia: Remember who you are. You are Madison, fearlessly pursuing your dreams.
These messages nearly brought tears to Madison's eyes.
She had never been flustered in previous competitions, even able to sleep on the ride there. But this time...
Additionally, there was another W******p message from ten minutes ago.
Ethan: In my heart, you're already number one.
In that instant, Madison's heart settled.
Indeed, what could be more important than Ethan's view? If she was already the champion in his heart, then everything else... ...would fall into place naturally.
Knowing well the significance of mindset, Madison spent the rest of the journey adjusting her emotions to avoid affecting her performance.
At the selection contest venue.
Air China, Pine Airlines, and Cloud Airlines had already gathered on the eastern side of the field.
When the Mukino Airlines bus arrived, hundreds of pilots' eyes turned in unison.
Previously, Pine Airlines and Air China never really reckoned with Mukino Airlines, given its smaller scale and lack of significant pilot presence. How times change.
Now, Mukino Airlines demanded the spotlight the moment they appeared.
The bus rumbled to a stop in front of the huge crowd, and out stepped Frank, the ever-restful General Manager, the first to disembark.
The flight managers from various airlines went to shake his hand upon recognizing him.
Following him, they saw a figure in crisp uniform, with a new leather jacket specially bought by Ethan.Text © by N0ve/lDrama.Org.
He'd said cheerfully, "Wear the new battle garment for a triumphant start."
"A leather jacket as a battle garment?" Madison had been surprised when she put it on.
Ethan had hugged her and laughed, "I won't come to the contest. I don't want to make you nervous."
"I don't get nervous because of you." Madison was confident in her mental fortitude.
Snapping back to the present, Madison faced Zheng Congyu, who approached politely, "Your squadron leader is..." Squadron leader?
Mukino Airlines had six independent squads; there was no overarching leader.
The others instinctively looked at
Madison, and Brian, seizing the
vel.net
moment, nudged her forward.
"Captain Madison is the head of the
Mukino Airlines flight department."
Madison was bewildered, "When did that happen?"
Not just her, even Frank, and Zheng Congyu, as well as the leaders from Pine and Cloud Airlines, were all taken aback.
Frank thought, When did I appoint a head of the squadron?
Zheng Congyu quickly regained composure, shaking hands with Madison, "Captain Meng, it's impressive to see someone so young and capable, truly an example for new pilots."
Madison resigned herself to the unexpected title, "You're too kind. I still have much to learn."
The head of Cloud Airlines, a slightly
stout man named Sha Zhi with a booming voice, added, "Captain Meng is too modest. To become the head of such a talented group at Mukino confirms your exceptional skills. And your performance in the qualifying rounds is well noted by all."
Yang Zi, the squadron leader from Pine Airlines, concurred, "Indeed, our pilots often revisit your miraculous performance."
Madison held her own in the exchange of compliments with the squadron leaders.
Then the officials from the Civil Aviation Administration arrived in their formal attire.
The main representatives from each airline went to greet them.
They were acquainted, exchanging pleasantries and discussing the upcoming contest.
Soon after, the officials walked towards another area.
"Are these the squadron leaders?" asked Director Wang from the Administration.
"Yes."
Director Wang glanced at Madison, "So you're Madison?"
Among the leaders, she stood out as the sole woman, easily distinguishable and notably attractive.
Madison, hearing them address him as Director Wang, followed suit, "Hello Director Wang, I am Madison."
"Good, good," Director Wang seemed to admire her, gesturing for Madison to walk by his side.
"Your grandfather was quite formidable," he mentioned unexpectedly.
Madison was astonished, "Director Wang knows my grandfather?"