Chapter 0226
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 occurred.
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 China last-minute," Ethan commented, 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.
Belatedly realizing who spoke, she looked up to face a greatly magnified visage.
Ethan leaned in close to her and, unconcerned with Frank nearby, planted a kiss on Madison.
She blinked, a tad embarrassed. "You..."Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.
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.
Frank laughed 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."
Frank promptly handed him warm water, grinning, "You should take it easy!"
Ethan was inherently lazy, 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'll compete. What do you think, should I send our best up front?"
Strategy was crucial in competition.
Ethan examined closely. Though lazy, he was serious about work.
"I wouldn't play 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 glanced 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 Zheng completely, 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 relax might ease her stress.
She nodded vigorously, "Okay!"
So Ethan accompanied 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 glared 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 particular floor, Amelia, who had been resting her head in a corner, glanced sharply.
The person who entered first stepped leisurely to the back, next to her.
There
in
moment of tension as
Amelia, and Jessica, clad
O Airlines uniforms, stet
out conspicuously. Content Belongs
The newcomers, dressed in Air China uniforms, had likely also been dining out.
Then who was this man addressed as President Qin by his companions?
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.
Similarly, 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.