Legendary Captain

Chapter 175 I must protect him!

"Accountability? Accountability for what?" Xu Xian reluctantly removed his hand from Wen Jingshu's thigh. To be honest, he was also curious whether his right hand was really that comfortable with strangers.

As for Wen Jingshu's suggestion of pursuing accountability online, Xu Xian thought it was pure nonsense. He had never been interested in things that were obviously absurd.

Wen Jingshu found Xu Xian's regretful expression as he withdrew his right hand somewhat endearing. Of course, Xu Xian's bewildered look also left Wen Jingshu feeling helpless: "People online think the crew made a mistake and should have returned to Yunnan Airport."

"What do they know?" Xu Xian curled his lip, completely unconcerned. "What can those keyboard warriors do besides spout nonsense? Especially in such a professional field, do they even have a place to speak?"

Xu Xian has never had a good impression of keyboard warriors on the internet, and he especially detests those keyboard warriors who use foul language.

Xu Xian wouldn't take the words of people he disliked to heart.

"We still need to pay attention to public opinion."

Xu Xian dismissed it: "People can say whatever they want, it's none of our business. We'll just wait for the bureau's investigation report, won't we? I don't believe the bureau's investigation results will be affected by public opinion."

Once the official report is released, everything will be settled. Online opinions are just wishful thinking; once the official conclusion is released, the online sentiment will definitely change, and Xu Xian is confident of that.

As for whether the official outcome will be unfavorable to him? Even now, Xu Xian still feels that there is nothing wrong with his handling of the situation. In any case, if given another chance, Xu Xian's choice would not change.

"By the way, what about the other crew members?" Xu Xian asked. Actually, he was most concerned about Xia Qing. Xu Xian had lost consciousness just before the plane came to a stop. Although he had a very brief semi-conscious state after getting off the plane, he didn't see Xia Qing's condition at that time.

Wen Jingshu understood Xu Xian's thoughts perfectly, and immediately snorted unhappily: "They were basically unharmed, and after tidying up a bit, they were called in for questioning by the Southwest Bureau. You'll still have to go once your condition stabilizes."

"They've already been taken in for questioning? So fast?" Xu Xian checked the time; it was only 2 PM, just a few hours since the incident. Not only had the Southwest Bureau sent people, but the crew involved had also been summoned for questioning. The efficiency was astonishing.

"Don't you understand how serious this is?" Wen Jingshu glared at Xu Xian. "If you hadn't been so badly injured, you'd probably be being interrogated in that small room right now."

The Xingyou 6233 incident happened in the morning. By noon, everyone from the Southwest Bureau had arrived. It was estimated that by evening, the General Administration would have allocated manpower, and the preliminary investigation team would also be on its way.

"Just ask if you want, it's just standard procedure." Xu Xian pointed to the water glass on the bedside table, which still had a little hot water in it. He felt very thirsty after saying a few words. He naturally waved towards the water glass, obviously asking Wen Jingshu to help him pass the water, his movements quite practiced.

However, upon further reflection, Xu Xian realized something was amiss. Had he been too accommodating in ordering their chairman around? Was their relationship really that good? Had it reached the point where he could boss the chairman around at will?

Xu Xian could only vaguely recall events from about half a year ago; his memories of anything before that were like looking at flowers through a fog, somewhat incomprehensible. In his limited, hazy recollection, he was certain he knew Wen Jingshu, but their relationship was very strange. To put it bluntly, his almost instinctive lack of wariness towards Wen Jingshu suggested it was definitely not a simple acquaintance. Yet, to put it another way, he couldn't recall any intimate interactions between them. Therefore, Xu Xian was now somewhat conflicted.

Subconsciously, Xu Xian felt no restraint towards Wen Jingshu. However, rationally, unsure of his true relationship with Wen Jingshu, he forced himself to maintain a proper distance. He didn't want their relationship to be anything less than friendly, lest he offend the chairman and face consequences later.

Seeing Xu Xian's extremely awkward state, Wen Jingshu frowned, picked up a water glass and handed it to Xu Xian, asking, "You know me, right?"

"Nonsense, why would I tell you all this if I didn't know you?" Xu Xian grinned and scoffed. However, upon reflection, he realized his tone had been rather inflammatory and immediately corrected himself, "Chairman, I meant I do know you."

"Then do you know our relationship?" Wen Jingshu leaned closer to Xu Xian, staring intently into his eyes, hoping to confirm the truth of what Xu Xian was about to say.

"Our relationship? What kind of relationship do we have?" Xu Xian asked Wen Jingshu in return.

"A superior-subordinate relationship?" Xu Xian guessed casually, while at the same time observing Wen Jingshu's expression.

"Isn't that right?" Seeing the blank expression on Wen Jingshu's face, Xu Xian scratched his head. "A debt relationship? Doesn't seem like it! Neighbors? Doesn't seem like it either! Classmates? Really?"

Several guesses failed to elicit the slightest emotional response from Wen Jingshu, which greatly troubled Xu Xian: "What kind of relationship could there be between a man and a woman?"

Actually, Xu Xian had considered one possibility from the beginning, but he was a little embarrassed to say it: "Could it be..."

Wen Jingshu's eyes were filled with Xu Xian's wicked and lewd smile, and she was instantly furious: "No way! What are you thinking?"

"No? Then they can't be in a serious relationship, can they?" Xu Xian took a sip of water and casually gave what he thought was an impossible answer.

"We almost got engaged," Wen Jingshu revealed the answer expressionlessly.

"Engaged! Engaged!" Xu Xian's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "This is no joke."

"You really don't know?" Wen Jingshu smiled.

Xu Xian looked completely innocent: "Of course I don't know! Why would I lie to you?"

"But I can see clearly from your hands."

"Hand?" Xu Xian was stunned. He looked down and his hair stood on end. He didn't know when, but his right hand was already wrapped around Wen Jingshu's waist.

That's how powerful it is, that's how effortless it is, everything happens so naturally.

Wen Jingshu leaned closer to Xu Xian and chuckled softly, "If any other man dared to do this, I would definitely chop off his hand."

"No, no! Just kidding, my hand was too naughty today! Sorry, sorry!" Xu Xian quickly withdrew his right hand, which had been causing trouble, and then simply pulled it back under the covers to prevent it from getting restless again.

"It's okay, I'm used to it anyway." Wen Jingshu smiled. "I'll have the doctor come over later to do another check-up for you, and then you'll be transferred to Renxin Branch Hospital, where the environment is better."

"Renxin Branch Hospital? Why would I need to transfer? Will the company reimburse me?" Although Xu Xian's mind was unclear, he still knew that Renxin Hospital was a very high-end private hospital, and the hospitalization fees were terrifyingly high, which he couldn't afford. He didn't think Xingyou Airlines would be generous enough to let him stay in a high-end private hospital.

"Looks like you've really lost your mind after the accident, to even ask such a question." Renxin Hospital belongs to the group, and the group belongs to Wen Jingshu. However, Xu Xian can't figure out this relationship right now.

Wen Jingshu stood up and looked at Xu Xian, who was still somewhat dazed. Recalling the life-or-death moment that morning, a tear welled up in the corner of Wen Jingshu's eye.

She suddenly approached Xu Xian, bent down, brought her small face close to Xu Xian's cheek, and gently brushed her nose against Xu Xian. Feeling the warmth of Xu Xian's body, Wen Jingshu felt so fulfilled.

"That's wonderful!" Wen Jingshu lightly touched Xu Xian's cheek, and Xu Xian heard her sweet, fragrant voice whisper in his ear, "It's so good that you're still by my side!"

The warm breath around his ear made Xu Xian feel ticklish, and he involuntarily shivered. When he turned his head and met Wen Jingshu, who had already straightened up, their eyes met, and an ambiguous atmosphere gradually intensified.

"Ahem!" Just then, the intimate atmosphere between Xu Xian and Wen Jingshu was broken by an awkward cough, and the two of them looked towards the head of the bed at the same time.

Xu Jingyang and Huang Ying stood there awkwardly. Xu Jingyang forced a dry laugh: "Jingshu, I didn't know you were here. Your aunt and I will come back later! Or, we can leave for a bit while you continue?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Jingshu blushed deeply, even her slender neck was tinged with red.

"You old fool, talking nonsense! Jing Shu, don't mind him." Huang Ying couldn't stand Xu Jingyang's idiotic remarks any longer: "Come here, let's talk."

Huang Ying took Wen Jingshu's hand, and the two women went elsewhere to whisper to each other.

With his wife no longer around to keep him in check, Xu Jingyang started to let himself go.

"You're really something, kid! You survived all of this! Your mother went into premature labor on a plane back then, and almost died along with her unborn child. I never thought that twenty years later, you'd be involved with airplanes again. Could this be some kind of divine intervention?" Xu Jingyang pulled up a small stool and sat down next to Xu Xian's bed.

Xu Xian rolled his eyes: "Your son escaped death, and you say that? I thought you were going to advise me to stop flying!"

"A true man should aspire to travel the world! You have the skill and talent for flying; if you can make a name for yourself through it, your life will not have been in vain!" Clearly, Xu Jingyang's thinking was completely different from Huang Ying's. He continued, "Your Uncle Qing was just an ordinary person back then, but in the end, he still made a huge name for himself. What's the point of living a muddled life for decades? Shouldn't you make a name for yourself? Your mother and I have different ideas on this point."

Not only in this incident, but also in the Chimelong volcanic ash incident more than half a year ago, it was clear that Xu Xian's talent for flying was extraordinary. Xu Jingyang felt that it would be a terrible sin to waste this talent.

"You only say that to my face," Xu Xian laughed. "Would you dare say that to my mother? Wouldn't she skin you alive?"

Huang Ying was a very typical conservative woman, with little interest in wealth and status, but extremely devoted to her family. Her philosophy was that she didn't expect her children to achieve great success, but at least to live peacefully and safely. She would absolutely not allow Xu Xian to achieve fame or success at the expense of his safety.

If Huang Ying had heard what Xu Jingyang just said, she would have given him a severe dressing down.

"No, no, no! Your mother is very irritable right now, don't provoke her! My life will be in danger." Just now, under Huang Ying's intimidation, Xu Jingyang said some things against his will regarding Xu Xian's future career choices. However, that was a helpless act driven by the desire to survive. When it was truly just the two of them, Xu Jingyang still wanted to speak the truth.

"Wait a minute!" Xu Jingyang realized, "Didn't you say you didn't remember things from so long ago? You were just asking about your relationship with Jing Shu. How come you know so much about your mother!"

"I just bumped my head, so my memory is a bit hazy, but I haven't completely lost my memory. Although I remember things from a long time ago less clearly, I still know what kind of person my mother is," Xu Xian said speechlessly.

How could Xu Xian not know what kind of person his mother was, if it wasn't ingrained in his very bones?

Just like Xu Xian, who seemed a bit distant because he couldn't quite figure out the exact relationship between himself and Wen Jingshu, but he could still recognize her hand, so he didn't seem so distant anymore.

"Anyway, I advise you to make good use of your talent since you have it. Just take this as advice. Of course, if you really don't want to fly anymore, even if we have to beg on the streets, I won't force you to fly," Xu Jingyang said.

Xu Xian sneered: "My mom will take care of me, but you might not. You'll probably be the only one begging on the streets."

"You unfilial son!" Xu Jingyang was furious. After finally calming down, he remembered something: "Oh right, your master came by earlier. But you weren't awake yet, so he went back."

"My master?" Xu Xian's mind raced for a moment before he realized, "Oh, it's nothing, I'll call him in a bit."

At the hospital entrance, Wen Jingshu appeared extremely obedient when facing Huang Ying.

"I heard you took over your father's job?" Huang Ying waved to Wen Jingshu, who was standing, as if inviting her to sit down and talk.

The usually decisive and ruthless Wen Jingshu was unusually reserved at this moment, and only dared to sit down after Huang Ying asked her to sit next to her.

"Yes, it took about half a year," Wen Jingshu said repeatedly.

Huang Ying asked casually, "Are you still busy?"

"Not busy at all! When my father handed the company over to me, he cleared up some of the problems that had been left behind. Now the company is operating normally, and I only need to make some major decisions. I don't need to worry about the specifics," Wen Jingshu said.

"That's good!" Huang Ying glanced at Wen Jingshu, who was sitting upright beside her, and sighed softly, "Girls from good families really have a different kind of temperament."

Even if, deep down, Huang Ying preferred Xia Qing, whom she had met before, Wen Jingshu was undoubtedly the most stunning in terms of temperament among all the girls she had ever met.

"Ah?" Huang Ying's sudden praise caught Wen Jingshu off guard: "Auntie, you flatter me!"

"Just telling the truth, you can take it!" Huang Ying waved her hand: "I talked to Xianbao's father about Xu Xian's girlfriend before, and I said at the time that I didn't agree with you being with Xianbao, you know that."

About half a year ago, when Xu Jingyang was hospitalized due to a recurrence of his heart condition, Huang Ying visited him and discussed Xu Xian's romantic relationship with him. At that time, Huang Ying clearly stated that Wen Jingshu was not suitable for Xu Xian. Unfortunately, Wen Jingshu was right outside the door and overheard everything.

"I...I know." How could Wen Jingshu forget this? That night, Wen Jingshu hid under the covers and cried for a long time.

Huang Ying said earnestly, "I have my reasons for opposing this. Firstly, it's because of your father. I know he doesn't like Xianbao. Also, he did some bad things, which has created some distance between the two families. If your father were still the one who calls the shots in the family, I would never allow Xianbao to have a powerful father-in-law who dislikes him. But things are different now. You are now the one in charge of the Wen family. Even if your father still has reservations about Xianbao, it doesn't matter anymore."

Wen Jingshu's heart skipped a beat. Huang Ying said that her father had done some bad things, which caused a rift between the two families. That was basically an implication that Wen Mingyuan had stabbed the Xu family in the back.

However, Huang Ying clearly did not want to dwell on this matter too much, otherwise she would not have glossed over it.

"Also, I'm worried that you'll only focus on your career in the future and neglect Xianbao. Am I overthinking this?" Huang Ying suddenly looked at Wen Jingshu, needing a clear answer from the person involved.

Without a second thought, Wen Jingshu replied, "Auntie, of course, people are the most important."

"Really? That's what you think?"

"That's always been my thought."

"Am I mistaken?" Huang Ying patted Wen Jingshu's little hand. "If that's really the case, then of course I won't object. Don't let Xianbao's dad's eccentric behavior fool you; I think he made a good point in one thing."

"Hmm?" Wen Jingshu became curious.

Huang Ying sighed deeply, "Xianbao is not a settled person. I originally wanted him to find a decent, ordinary woman to marry, have children, and live out his life. But now it seems that I was the one who was being wishful."

"Auntie!" Wen Jingshu called softly to Huang Ying, sensing Huang Ying's dejection. Huang Ying believed that living a quiet and unassuming life was the true way to live, but Xu Xian's fate seemed to have completely deviated from her expectations.

Just then, a figure sped past the two of them, and Huang Ying didn't even get a good look at the person.

"Why does he look like Xianbao's master?" Huang Ying asked uncertainly. She had only met Qin Zongyang once not long ago and they weren't very familiar with each other.

"Xu Xian's master? Qin Zongyang?" Wen Jingshu asked curiously.

Huang Ying: "Yeah! I came to see Xianbao once earlier, but he wasn't awake yet, so I went back. Why are you here again? It seems like something urgent has come up!"

Wen Jingshu echoed, "Yes!"

Suddenly, Wen Jingshu heard a commotion. She turned her head and looked towards the hospital entrance, where she saw a large group of people carrying microphones and cameras rushing toward the hospital building.

"What's going on? A reporter?" Huang Ying was a little confused.

Wen Jingshu hesitated for a moment, then instantly realized, "Oh no, they're here to see Xu Xian!"

In the hospital room, Xu Xian picked up his phone to let Qin Zongyang know he was safe. But after dialing the number, Xu Xian suddenly heard Qin Zongyang's phone ringing.

"Huh? What's going on?" As Qin Zongyang's phone rang clearer, a series of hurried footsteps sounded at the same time.

Xu Xian looked up at the entrance and saw Qin Zongyang rushing in in a great hurry.

"Master?"

Upon seeing that Xu Xian was awake, Qin Zongyang shouted repeatedly, "Hurry up and leave! The reporters are here!"

"A reporter? What's going on?" Xu Xian was a little confused. Besides Xu Xian, Xu Jingyang next to him also didn't understand Qin Zongyang's meaning.

"Never mind that! Let's get out of here! These guys' pens are scarier than guns, let's go!" Qin Zongyang ran to Xu Xian's bedside: "Can you walk?"

"Walking is fine, but..." Xu Xian only bumped his head, and there was nothing else wrong, so walking should definitely be no problem.

"No buts, I won't hurt you." Qin Zongyang quickly helped Xu Xian up.

Seeing the situation, Xu Jingyang realized it was really urgent and quickly went to find Xu Xian a pair of cotton slippers.

And so, Xu Xian was helped out of the emergency room by Qin Zongyang and Xu Jingyang.

Shortly after Xu Xian left the emergency room, a large group of reporters rushed in. The leader of the reporters glanced at the photo of Xu Xian that he had found beforehand, and began to search for patients on the beds in the emergency room.

But after looking around, he couldn't find any trace of Xu Xian.

"Where are they?" The reporter was momentarily confused.

Just then, another reporter came over from the nurses' station and hurriedly said, "Xu Xian is in bed number 23!"

"Bed 23?" The reporter looked towards bed 23, following the bed numbers, his face full of confusion: "There's no one in bed 23!"

While a large group of reporters were scratching their heads in frustration after arriving at the emergency room, Wen Jingshu and Huang Ying had already caught up with them.

Wen Jingshu knew Xu Xian's bed number. She glanced at it and found that the bed was empty. Seeing the reporters pacing around anxiously, she knew that Xu Xian had received the news and left first.

Just then, Huang Ying's phone rang. When she opened it, she found that the caller was Xu Jingyang.

The main conference room on the top floor of Qingyuan Group's headquarters.

"You rushed me here just to see this?" Han Qi looked at the dense data projected on the white screen, a hint of displeasure on his face.

Xu Qing tapped the remote control in his hand, and an audio clip was played—the cockpit voice of Star Travel 6233.

"This is first-hand data from Star Travel 6233," Xu Qing said.

"Star Travel 6233, the one with the double-engine bird strike malfunction?" Unlike Xu Qing, Han Qi wasn't interested in the special events happening in the industry. He only knew that Star Travel Airlines had experienced a bird strike in the morning, resulting in a double-engine malfunction and an emergency landing on the Kunyang River in the city. As for any further information, Han Qi didn't know and didn't want to know.

It has to be said that Xu Qing is incredibly resourceful. He managed to obtain all sorts of data about the aircraft involved in the incident in less than half a day; his power is simply unimaginable.

"If you're trying to show me how good your information gathering skills are, then I'll be honest, you're really impressive! But if you want me to analyze this incident with you, then I'll be honest again, I'm not interested! Is there anything else? If not, I'll head back now!" Han Qi finished speaking and turned to leave. "Also, don't bother me with these kinds of trivial matters in the future. Although we're cooperating a bit now, our relationship doesn't seem to have reached the point where I'm available at your beck and call."

Xu Qing did not stop Han Qi from leaving. But when the cabin audio of Star Travel 6233 was played, Han Qi immediately stopped in his tracks.

He heard a familiar voice.

"Xu Xian?" Han Qi turned around abruptly, carefully discerning the cabin audio: "It really is Xu Xian! He's the crew member involved in Star Travel 6233?"

"That's right, he's the co-pilot who seized the captain's authority and forced a landing on the Kunyang River!" Xu Qing laughed.

Han Qi said coldly, "What do you want to do?"

Xu Qing smiled: "It seems you really admire Xu Xian! You must have realized he's a promising talent after the incident with the co-pilot of Kunlong Airlines, right?"

Xu Xian and Han Qi first met during the incident involving the co-pilot's incapacitation at Kunlong Airlines. Xu Xian happened to be on the plane at the time and came on board to fill in for the rest of the flight.

"Are you investigating me?" Han Qi's voice turned extremely cold.

"No, no, no!" Xu Qing denied with a smile, "I don't have the habit of investigating other people. I'm just keeping an eye on Xu Xian."

Han Qi snorted but didn't say anything.

"Back when Xu Xian was learning to fly with me, I could see he had an amazing talent for the aviation industry. Unfortunately, he wasn't initially interested in flying. However, due to some circumstances, he still entered the aviation industry. Since then, I've been keeping an eye on him, seeing when he would show his talent, but I didn't expect it to be so soon!" Xu Qing said. "You've flown with him, so you should know what kind of person Xu Xian is. With your discerning eye, you shouldn't have missed Xu Xian's special qualities!"

"So, what exactly do you want?"

Xu Qing's expression turned serious: "Xu Xian has gotten himself into big trouble this time, and I must protect him!"

As usual, I'm asking for your monthly votes. The double vote event is about to end, so I hope everyone will vote a lot and try to reach 1,000 monthly votes!

(End of this chapter)