Chapter 0230
It wasn't until ten minutes later that Madison could confirm the nature of the competition.
Teams of two, with the co-pilot directing and the pilot flying, had to navigate a set course as outlined by the radar. However, a supervisor on the plane meant that the pilot couldn't see the planned route and had to rely solely on the co-pilot's directions. The final score combined adherence to the route with speed.
Madison's frustration only grew when she realized the teams were determined by drawing lots, not by choice.
"Damn it, why like this!" Zheng Congyu cursed under his breath.
The contest rules and format were always a mystery to the participants until revealed by the organizers.
Brian drew a teammate he had only practiced with twice during formation error drills.
"Don't worry, relax," Brian reassured his partner.
"Please select your pilots and co-pilots," announced an official from the competition.
Brian was quick to delegate, "You direct."
He had to preserve his own condition for the upcoming match with Madison.
Teams were quickly formed, and within a minute, the pilots and their directing co-pilots were paired up.
The primary goal of the first round was to feel out the competition.
A bit of luck and good performance could secure a place in the next round.
The first group finished swiftly, the difficulty of the task apparent to all observers.
Upon landing, Brian gave Madison a reassuring nod-no need to worry.
Madison took note.
As the competitors awaited the return of the first group, gazes inevitably drifted towards the Mukino Airlines camp.
Zheng Congyu also watched Madison, wondering if she would enter the fray in the second round.
Meanwhile, Yang Zi whispered conspiratorially to Sha Zhi, "Hey, we're just here to pad the numbers. There's no need to be too serious, but..." Yang Zi always remembered Miss Zuo's instructions: they were there to support Mukino Airlines.
So...
"Put up a good fight, make it a do-or-die. If our best gets taken down in the second round, then what's the point in continuing?"
Sha Zhi understood this logic but still wanted to maintain some dignity.
"Are you going in?" Sha Zhi asked.
Yang Zi hesitated before nodding, "Yes."
On cue, both Yang Zi and Sha Zhi laid down their pilot rosters, ready to join the competition.
As the second round loomed, all eyes were fixed on who would step forward to compete.
And then...
"No way, are the team leaders facing off again?"
"This is some kind of fate, isn't it?"
"I'm thrilled! I've always wanted to know who among these leaders is the best."
"Focus on the match!"
Sure enough, the crowd's enthusiasm peaked the moment Madison entered the competition arena. They were eager to witness Madison's prowess-was she as formidable as the rumors suggested?
The international competitions weren't fully broadcasted; only selected events were compiled for viewing. Madison stepped forward, followed by Zheng Congyu. Then came Sha Zhi and Yang Zi.
The face-off between the four team leaders was the climax of the selection trials.
In the stands.
Qin Hualin crossed his arms, leaning back in his seat, ready to watch this match of the century.
Behind him, the deputy head of Air China whispered, "President Qin, don't underestimate Madison. Her explosiveness and talent have been analyzed by professionals. She's got unlimited potential." Qin Hualin was well aware.
He recalled their elevator encounter, how the woman named Madison stood so quietly, seemingly unthreatening-yet her potential was explosive.
"President Qin, should we consider luring Madison back to Air China?"
Qin Hualin stayed silent for a few seconds before shaking his head gently.
No poaching.
"Why not?"
Qin Hualin's gaze followed the pilots as they paired up, "Her character isn't driven by money. Otherwise, why would she stay at Mukino Airlines in such a demanding role? Her boyfriend is the chairman of Makino Airlines. Put yourself in her shoes; would you leave?"
The deputy nodded, "Fair point."
Back at the competition field.
Madison's heart raced during the draw.
Thankfully, several of Mukino Airlines' finest had advanced from the first round, the rest being from Air China.
The first round had already eliminated a few from Air China; they needed to keep up the pressure.
When Madison saw the number she drew, her heart settled.
Thank heavens.
She had drawn Charlie.
Charlie's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Zheng Congyu noticed Madison's draw and felt a pang of anxiety.
Zheng had drawn his own partner, but he was still uneasy.
Losing wasn't the issue, but they couldn't afford an unseemly defeat.
As the head of Air China's team, he was the embodiment of the entire airline. A loss could cut their morale in half.
Soon, everyone boarded their planes.
Madison donned all the necessary gear while Charlie took his place in the back with the supervisor.
She glanced at the radar's projected course and frowned.
It was too intricate, full of twists and turns, testing the co-pilot's verbal skills and the pilot's flying technique.
As the plane gradually ascended to the designated altitude.
Charlie, looking down at the ground with a grave tone, said, "Madison everything hinges on this. If we lose, Mukino Airlines won't stand chance."
Mukino had only three or four strong pilots; the rest, despite their prowess, couldn't match Zheng Congyu's team.
Madison's gaze was calm as she looked to the sky, "Don't worry. I won't let you lose with me."
With the supervisor's signal to
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Neither Charlie nor Madison could be sure of the exact distance.
This task was left to fate-whoever could most accurately navigate the predetermined course would prevail.
Unbeknownst to the others, Madison was familiar with these kinds of radar projections.
Her grandfather had shown her a manual of radar flight paths used for training, which she had drawn several times as a child.
These paths were standard for military aviation.
After navigating two curves, Madison suddenly recalled the most complex route she had ever sketched.
She asked abruptly, "Is the final stretch of the route a straight line of about 300 meters?"
Charlie, taken aback, asked, "How do you know?"
The supervisor was equally baffled, yet certain Madison hadn't seen the radar route.
A slow smile crept across Madison's lips, "Charlie."
"Here."
"I'll lead us to victory."
Now that she was clear on the route, it was a race for speed.
Almost at the same moment, Zheng Congyu on another plane recognized the route too.
He was a seasoned pro, with extensive knowledge of many things.
In a blink, both planes surged in speed.
"What's happening?"
"Why are they accelerating? Aren't they afraid of getting the route wrong?"
The pilots watching from the ground erupted in chatter.