Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 42 Not Rejecting

San Juan International Airport, Puerto Rico, a U.S. Commonwealth.

Eastern Standard Time, 4:37 AM.

The night breeze, carrying the moisture of the ocean, swept across the wide runway.

In the remote restricted area of ​​the airport, a red and white Boeing 767 stands in the darkness, its engines completely shut down.

One hundred and fifty yards from the flight, dozens of federal law enforcement officers were positioned behind bunkers, patiently awaiting instructions to proceed.

Further away, a KC-135 was parked outside the hangar, its metal beams under the wings serving as a makeshift sniper position.

Two figures lay prone on top, peering through the scope at the cockpit window, trying to discern any suspicious activity.

Two action teams dispatched by the Special Operations Command have also entered the scene.

The four EOD experts who came with them stood beside the modified mobile vehicle, fully armed.

Meanwhile, inside the cabin, the captain and first officer sat stiffly in their seats, looking tense.

In the dead silence, Gina finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked Zhou Yi, "What do we do next?"

"What do we do?" Zhou Yi straightened up, leaned closer to the radio equipment, and tapped the panel. "Let's surrender."

Gina's eyes widened, almost thinking she had misheard.

Zhou Yi's composed demeanor had led her to believe that there was still a chance for things to turn around.

They outmaneuvered the mercenaries in El Salvador, subdued the assassins high in the air, and survived so long under the government's pursuit, but now... is it all over?
Gina took a deep breath, her body trembling slightly: "Just like that, we surrender? Is there no other option?"

Zhou Yi glanced at her in surprise, seemingly not expecting her to ask such a question. "Otherwise what? With the outside under high alert, how can we escape? This isn't a science fiction movie."

Gina's breathing quickened. "But you've always had a plan, haven't you? You knew what was going to happen, and you were always one step ahead of everyone else."

Zhou Yi shook his head slightly, said nothing, and adjusted the frequency to 121.5MHz.

Almost instantly, a female voice came through the radio: "Delta Flight 60, can you hear me? This is San Juan International Airport ground control. We are listening in. What's the situation?"

Zhou Yi pressed the call button and calmly said, "This is Delta Flight 60. The hijackers are speaking directly to you."

There was a brief two-second silence on the other end of the radio, followed by a composed middle-aged man: "We're listening. What are your demands?"

Zhou Yi glanced at the captain and said bluntly, "Let's get straight to the point and not waste time testing each other."

"You should know that the media has received the news."

"So, all I need to confirm now is one thing—"

"Prove to me that the Brazilian government's scandals have made headlines."

"Then, I will release everyone."

"."

A dozen seconds later, the negotiator's voice came through.

"Delta 60, we can remove the signal jamming so you can listen to the broadcast via the onboard radio and confirm the live news."

"However, before that, we need you to do a good deed—release the fifteen passengers."

Zhou Yi scoffed: "Don't try to set me up, and don't play mind games."

"Since I have chosen to surrender, I will not do anything unnecessary."

"As long as the news is broadcast, everyone will be safe."

The negotiator on the other end of the radio did not answer immediately.

Only the noise of the electric current echoed continuously in the air.

A few seconds later, the other party finally gave in and said in a low voice, "Delta 60, your decision has been received. Please tune to AM640 or shortwave 89.3."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi reached out and adjusted the knob.

As the pointer slowly slid, after a brief period of distortion, a clear announcement finally rang out.

"We are continuing to monitor the latest developments regarding Delta Flight 60."

There were 211 passengers and 11 crew members on board, including more than 50 U.S. citizens. There have been no reports of injuries.

"The disclosure of internal documents revealing serious corruption within the Brazilian government, including details about Bahia Governor Álvaro Domingos's overseas accounts, large-scale fund transfers, and financial networks with defense contractors."

Gina listened intently.

She had waited for this moment for too long, so long that she had almost lost hope and followed Zhou Yi's instructions in a daze.

But now, the culprit who ruined her life is finally going to be finished.

Gina wanted to laugh, but her body was too stiff to move.

A sense of unknown dread washed over her. Her freedom, and perhaps even her life, might end here.

Is it really worth it?
The negotiator spoke over the radio at that moment: "Delta 60, can this be confirmed?"

Zhou Yi activated the system in his mind.

[Mission: Fulfill Gina Lopez's wish]

Time Limit: Thirty Days

[Countdown: 336:27:46]

The mission was not completed, and the countdown kept ticking.

Alvaro still has a chance to turn things around.

That old bastard really knows how to live.

Should we start taking a drastic step next?
Countless thoughts flashed through Zhou Yi's mind, but his face remained expressionless as he calmly announced, "Of course."

"I am willing to cooperate and release all the hostages."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Yi ended the call.

Behind them, the captain and co-pilot paused for a moment, looked at each other with disbelief and astonishment, surprised that things had ended so easily.

Zhou Yi didn't make things difficult for the two of them, and gestured towards the cabin door, saying, "You can leave now."

Watching them flee as if they were running away, Gina subconsciously held her breath.

Fear, regret, pleasure, happiness, resentment—all emotions surged within an instant.

"So what? Is it all over? Am I going to die?" she asked in a low voice, her voice dry.

“Listen, you’ll be fine.” Zhou Yi sighed. “You didn’t touch any weapons or kill anyone from beginning to end.”

"But I'm with you!"

Zhou Yi shrugged. "You were coerced. With my help and Alvaro's help, you'll find a good lawyer and won't be sentenced too harshly."

Just then, the control tower sent another call request.

Zhou Yi answered the call unhurriedly.

"Delta 60, all personnel have been evacuated. Only the two of you remain in the cockpit."

"Please surrender as instructed. We do not want to cause unnecessary casualties."

"Step 1: Disarm all weapons and ensure that you do not have any dangerous items on your person."

"Step two: exit the cabin one by one, put your hands behind your head, kneel down facing the ground, and listen to our further instructions."

"Understood," Zhou Yi replied casually, taking out the pistol from his waist and throwing it on the ground with a clatter.

Gina's heart was beating faster and faster.

Ignoring everything else, she stared intently at Zhou Yi: "And what about you? How will they treat you?"

"Calm down, I'll be fine."

Gina's throat tightened.

Sacrifice him. Shift the blame onto him.

Find a good lawyer and file a coercion defense.

That way, I won't be sentenced too harshly.

That way, she can still live.

There is a future.

Gina kept reminding herself of this.

But his attitude was too calm.

Without the slightest struggle, it was as if she had already accepted this ending.

Will this be the last time we see each other?

Ultimately, overwhelming emotions overwhelmed all reason.

Gina suddenly grabbed Zhou Yi's collar, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him without warning.

Madness, mixed with resentment, sorrow, and a love that she herself couldn't even discern.

Zhou Yi was slightly taken aback, but did not refuse.

(End of this chapter)