Chapter 0238
Ethan couldn't help but chuckle, waving off the pilot's worries with a grand gesture, "This month's bonuses are doubled."
At his declaration, the pilots snapped to attention with military precision.
"Long live President Grant!!!"
Such harmony in the workplace even got to William, who joined in the laughter.
Ethan, with a hint of resignation, said, "Head home, everyone, and don't let this delay the upcoming selection trials."
"Sure thing! Goodbye, President Grant!"
One by one, the pilots dispersed, some by elevator, others by stairs.
Once the place had emptied.
Ethan stood up and approached the woman who had been watching him the whole time, her chin propped up by her hand.
In Madison's inebriated vision, she saw Ethan stand and stride towards her slowly.
He was undeniably handsome.
No one could resist the allure of beauty, just as women are drawn to handsome men, just as men are to beautiful women.
So as Ethan squatted before Madison, about to speak, he was preempted by her-
"Ethan, have I ever told you, you're incredibly handsome?"
п
William discreetly distanced himself.
Caught off guard by Madison's compliment, Ethan smiled, "Where exactly is the handsome part?"
Madison, her head spinning, pointed at his eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and finally traced the outline of his entire face.
"The whole thing, it all looks good. Especially your..."
She poked at his shoulder, "Physique, it's really great."
It was the first time Ethan heard her so openly praise him. Playing along, he asked, "Do you like it, then?"
"I like it."
Drunkenness has a way of loosening tongues, revealing thoughts usually kept silent.
Suddenly, she cupped Ethan's face, "You're so good-looking, so exceptional, I wish the whole world knew you're my boyfriend!"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Correction, not boyfriend, fiancé."
"Huh?"
"You agreed to marry me, that makes me your fiancé, doesn't it?"
Ethan didn't take Frank's advice lightly.
Nowadays, Madison's brilliance was known internationally.
There's always someone better out there.
And if someone more suitable than him pursued Madison, he wasn't sure of his own chances.
So, seizing the moment...
Was something to consider seriously.
At that moment, Madison leaned in closer, her voice languid, "Ethan.”
"Yes?" Ethan held her, ever patient.
"I'm drunk, feeling weak. What should I do?"
Madison's voice was soft, melting Ethan's resolve.
He steadied himself, "How about I carry you back?"
"No."
"Why not?"
Madison pouted, "I'm... I'm a bit heavy, you won't be able to."
Ethan's expression cooled, "In your eyes, am I that feeble?" "No... Ah!"
Before she could finish, Ethan hoisted Madison onto his back.
"Ethan, be careful!"
"Don't worry, I won't drop you."
"How can you be sure? If you fall, we both go down."
Madison was truly drunk, a stark contrast from her usual self.
This was the first time Ethan saw her like this, and he wanted to give her nothing but happiness.
"Even if I were to fall, I would never let you hit the ground."
Madison tilted her head, scrutinizing Ethan as he carried her away.
Upon reaching the car, Madison felt dizzy.
"Lean on me?"
Madison didn't respond, seemingly asleep.
Back home, Ethan took care of her, helping her bathe, change clothes, and tuck her into bed.
When he returned to bed to check on work he hadn't finished during the day, a hand suddenly landed on his abdomen. Ethan tensed, his gaze slowly shifting to the side.
Madison was awake, her eyes misty with a layer of moisture, that look...
Ethan was silent for a good five seconds before tossing the laptop aside, turning off the light, and moving towards Madison.
As the temperature rose, he whispered huskily by her ear, "Do you love me?"
Madison, half-asleep, nodded, "I do..."
Ethan kissed her lips gently.
The night grew deeper and darker.
That evening's dinner caused the entire Mukino Airlines flight team to quiet down for two whole days.
Some were nursing hangovers, some were embarrassed.
And some...
Were seeking forgiveness.
Early the next morning, Frank, carrying a wooden stick, marched into Ethan's office.
Ethan, busy at work, gave him several looks, "What's this? Quitting aviation for woodworking?"
Frank: "...President Grant, I've made a grave mistake!"
The remorse and awkwardness after sobering up almost drove Frank to resign.
Ethan ignored Frank's plea, taking a call that turned his expression serious.
"Alright, I understand."
The call was from Deputy Director Ye.
vel
After hanging up, Ethan instructed Frank, "There's been an earthquake, and we need civil aviation to cooperate in delivering supplies. Get on it, quick."
Startled, Frank dashed off.
Twenty minutes later.
The thirty pilots who had
participated in the selection were rounded up by Frank at the airfield. "Each of you take a cargo plane to the destination I give you, deliver the supplies to the disaster area, fast!"
"Captain Madison, lead the way!" Henry shouted.
Madison, just coming out of her liquor haze, donned her Mukino Air uniform and led one group, while Brian headed the other.
"Follow me closely, don't fall behind," Madison instructed.
"Okay!"
"Wait!"
Frank halted everyone, "The
net
situation in the disaster area is severe, vehicles can't get through. Madison, you can't pilot a cargo plane tet Charlie lead. You need to deliver the medical and rescue teams first."
This was a vital task.
What good were supplies if the medical and rescue teams couldn't get there?
Brian looked at Madison, "You've got this, Madison."
Everyone took off hastily in formation, Madison flying solo on a passenger jet.
Frank shouted, "Madison, ensure your safety! The earthquake isn't over!"
Now was the time to test their skills.
A trial by fire.
Before takeoff, Madison glanced towards the edge of the airfield, where a group stood watching.
Among them, and at the center, was Ethan.
He was there to see her off.
Before powering down her phone, Madison made a call to Ethan.
As soon as he answered, Madison said, "Don't worry, I'll come back safe."
On Ethan's side, the wind howled.
After a pause, he said, "If anything happens, I'll be with you. If you're safe, I'll wait for you."
Madison's heart churned with emotion.
She stopped looking at Ethan and, pushing the throttle, took off into the overcast sky.
Years of pilot training had prepared her for moments like this-to serve her country without hesitation.
Nobody knew whether this flight would bring peace or peril.