Legendary Captain

Chapter 364 Flights in the Typhoon

Chengdu Airport waiting hall.

Originally, Xu Xian planned to complete his basic C18 training at the Luoyang Naval Air Base before heading to the 4th Naval Air Division. However, the plan changed at the last minute, and Xu Xian had to rush to Longjiang, where the South China Sea Fleet headquarters is located.

Because the situation was so sudden, there was no suitable military aircraft to transport Xu Xian. In the end, the Luoyang Aircraft Base had no choice but to choose a civilian airliner.

However, even more unexpectedly, a typhoon hit the South China Sea. Looking at the large expanse of red delays and cancellations on the flight information board, Xu Xian felt a chill run down his spine as he searched through the vast amount of flight information for his own flight.

Due to the typhoon's impact, all of southern China has been affected to varying degrees. Many airports near the typhoon's predicted path have closed, resulting in widespread flight cancellations. While other airports not directly on the typhoon's path haven't experienced closures, the extreme weather conditions in the surrounding areas have forced them to issue air traffic control measures. This has led to significant flight delays at some less affected airports in the south.

Xu Xian's desired destination, Longjiang, was fortunately not directly in the typhoon's path, but it wasn't too far away. He estimated that the weather there would be severely affected by the typhoon. Frankly, in such severe circumstances, flight cancellations were normal practice.

Flight delays or cancellations due to weather are not uncommon, but this typhoon has affected a vast area, impacting over two hundred flights to varying degrees, and that number continues to rise. Airlines are assessing the possibility of flight cancellations.

To be honest, this was the first time Xu Xian had encountered such severe delays and cancellations, with large numbers of passengers stranded in the departure hall. Some flights had even suspended check-in, indicating that they were on the verge of cancellation.

Unfortunately, Xu Xian's flight, Letu 5641, was among those flights.

The flight information board showed that Letu 5641 was delayed, and Xu Xian was relieved at the time, thinking that a delay was better than cancellation. However, when he went to the check-in counter to get his boarding pass, the staff there told him that check-in for this flight was currently suspended, and even said that there was a high probability that the flight would be cancelled.

Upon hearing this news, Xu Xianren was completely stunned. The Fourth Division hadn't specified a time for arrival today, but they should at least be able to arrive. How could they just cancel like that? Wasn't this just standing up the Fourth Naval Air Division?

However, the television screens hanging in the waiting area were still broadcasting information about the typhoon. It seemed that this typhoon was quite strong, resulting in a particularly large affected area. It was a natural disaster, and there was really nothing that could be done about it.

Xu Xian figured that since check-in had already been suspended, flight cancellations were probably only a matter of time. He thought it best to explain the situation to the base and have them report the situation to the people at the Fourth Division who were supposed to be there to meet him, so that they wouldn't have to wait in vain.

With this in mind, Xu Xian, seeing that the surrounding environment was too noisy, found a quiet corner and made a call to Li Cheng. The call was quickly answered, and Xu Xian didn't beat around the bush, saying directly, "Captain Li, there's a problem with the flight; it looks like it's going to be canceled."

"I saw it, a typhoon, right? Has it been confirmed that it's been canceled?" Li Chenggang also heard about the typhoon from the news. This typhoon was moving particularly fast, somewhat exceeding the meteorological department's expectations, which caused some of the civil aviation airports in the entire southern region to be caught off guard.

Xu Xian glanced at the check-in counter again; it seemed the same as before, no one was checking in. "Check-in is just suspended now; there's no official confirmation of flight cancellations yet, but I feel it's coming soon. If I don't get to Longjiang today, it shouldn't have much of an impact, right?"

"The weather isn't a major issue, but it's still good that you can get there as planned. After all, if you're a day late, the Fourth Division will have to reschedule the rest of the training courses. The schedule for this training is very full, so it's quite troublesome to change it. Besides, I feel that if you can't leave today, you definitely won't be able to leave tomorrow either." Li Cheng had just watched the news; the typhoon hadn't fully made landfall yet. Once it does tomorrow, the weather conditions in the southern region will definitely be worse than today. If you can't leave today, you definitely won't be able to leave tomorrow.

According to news reports, the typhoon's impact is expected to weaken significantly by the evening of the day after tomorrow.

If we don't go to Longjiang until late in the evening, that will be a significant delay, and it will be difficult to adjust our plans. If possible, we should try to go to Longjiang today before the typhoon makes full landfall.

"I know," Xu Xian knew the situation, but typhoons were something he couldn't control. "I just checked the flights from other companies and times, and they've all been canceled. There's only this one left. If this one is canceled too, then we definitely won't be able to leave today."

Li Cheng's face darkened: "If that's really the case, then there's nothing we can do. Wait a little longer at the airport. If this flight is canceled again, give me a call, and I'll explain the situation to the Fourth Division. Also, if the flight is canceled, are you going back here, or are you just going to find a hotel near the airport to make do?"

"I'm not going back! It takes too long to get back to base, I'll just wait here at the airport."

"Find your own place to stay, that's fine. But remember, it has to be a three-star standard, no violations allowed," Li Cheng reminded him. "Otherwise, I won't reimburse you."

Xu Xian's accommodation standard is a three-star hotel. He is not allowed to stay in four-star or five-star hotels in principle, otherwise the base will not reimburse Xu Xian for accommodation expenses.

"I know, I know, you're so stingy," Xu Xian snorted in dissatisfaction. Suddenly, an announcement came over the loudspeaker in the waiting hall: "Check-in is now open for Letu flight 5641. All passengers on Letu flight 5641, please proceed to check-in counters 12 to 18 to complete the check-in process."

"Huh?" Xu Xian was surprised to hear the announcement. He turned around and saw that a lot of people had gathered around the check-in counters, so it seemed that check-in had really reopened. He quickly said to Li Cheng, "It seems that check-in has started again. I'll go check it out and call to let you know if there's any problem."

After hurriedly hanging up the phone, Xu Xian rushed to the check-in counter and grabbed a staff member, asking, "Excuse me, is check-in open again for Letu flight 5641?"

"Are you on Letu flight 5641?" the staff member asked.

"yes!"

"Check-in counters 12 to 18 are open for check-in now." The staff member pointed in a direction to Xu Xian, and sure enough, passengers were already checking in at that row of counters.

"Wow, check-in is actually open?" Xu Xian hadn't expected this change; he genuinely thought the flight was going to be canceled. "So it's going to take off?"

To be fair, airlines aren't just chasing profits and ignoring everything else; safety is at least a priority. If weather conditions have already prevented flights from taking off, airlines shouldn't be willing to gamble with flight safety.

If check-in reopens now, it should present a window of opportunity suitable for landing.

Without further hesitation, Xu Xian grabbed his ID and jogged toward the check-in counter.

The Wen family ancestral home.

Wen Changxing summoned all the elites from the obstetrics and gynecology department of Renxin Hospital to his home, with the aim of discussing Wen Jingshu's situation and whether there were any solutions.

"How is the situation?" Wen Changxing asked, looking at the vice president of Renxin Hospital. This vice president was a middle-aged woman who came from the obstetrics and gynecology department and was considered the most authoritative person in the obstetrics and gynecology department at Renxin General Hospital.

The vice president looked troubled: "Chairman, Dr. Zhang's diagnosis is basically correct. However, if we are careful during the young lady's delivery, we should be able to prevent massive bleeding."

"Should?" Wen Changxing was very dissatisfied with this answer: "I don't want 'should,' I want a definite answer."

"Chairman, Miss is not suitable for a cesarean section due to a blood clotting disorder. However, if she has a vaginal delivery, there is a lot of amniotic fluid, which increases the probability of postpartum hemorrhage. In addition, the baby is slightly larger than average, and Miss's pelvis is relatively small. Chairman, we can only do our best. If there are no unexpected complications, there shouldn't be any major bleeding. As long as it's not major bleeding, even if Miss has a blood clotting disorder, we have ways to stop the bleeding," the vice president said tremulously. She was closest to Wen Changxing and could feel his emotional changes more keenly. At this moment, Wen Changxing was like a volcano that could erupt at any moment, and she felt immense pressure in his presence.

Wen Changxing's face was so dark it was almost dripping with water. He took a deep breath and asked, "Boy or girl?"

The vice president was taken aback for a moment, then said respectfully, "Chairman, it's a boy."

Wen Changxing's body trembled, and his right hand, gripping his cane, tightened its grip. He pursed his lips, paused for a moment, and then said coldly, "Come with me."

After speaking, Wen Changxing slowly walked towards his study, and the vice dean hesitated for a moment before quickly following him.

After the two entered the study, Wen Changxing said calmly, "Close the door."

The vice dean immediately obeyed and closed the door.

As the study door closed, Wen Changxing could no longer contain his rage. He slammed his cane down on the pen holder on the desk, shattering the pen holder, which was worth over 300,000 yuan, into pieces.

The veins on Wen Changxing's forehead bulged. He turned around and pointed directly at the vice president: "For the next two months, you don't need to do anything else. Just think of a way to save them, mother and child. No matter what method you use, no matter how much it costs, understand?"

The vice dean had never seen Wen Changxing so enraged, and his legs began to tremble with fear: "Understood, understood, I will do my best to find a solution for Miss."

Two months. Wen Jingshu can only hold on for two more months at most, otherwise the baby will be too big and it will be dangerous to miscarry.

"If you haven't handled this matter well, then get out of here!" Wen Changxing said coldly.

The vice-dean trembled violently. She had spent a full seventeen years climbing to her current position. If all her years of hard work were to vanish in an instant, she simply couldn't bear it. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead. "Chairman, this...I...I'll go find a solution right away!"

She had originally wanted to argue further, after all, she had previously told Wen Changxing that if Wen Jingshu wanted to get pregnant, she needed to prepare beforehand. However, it was clear that Wen Jingshu hadn't heeded her advice, and Wen Jingshu herself was responsible for this. Now, however, it seemed she had been caught in the crossfire.

The words of explanation were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them back in time. Wen Changxing was clearly already in a rage; there was no need to wait another two months for her to find excuses in front of him. He might very well dismiss her from her position on the spot.

Although she knew Wen Jingshu's situation was very complicated, she still had to try, just in case she could find a solution.

If Renxin Hospital can't handle it, what about other hospitals? If they can't handle it domestically, what about overseas? Anyway, Wen Changxing said that no matter how much it costs, they'll cast a wide net. She refuses to believe that there's really no way out.

Wen Changxing was in a state of utter confusion. He waved his hand, indicating that the vice president could go about his business.

The vice-dean, who was already terrified, felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly left Wen Changxing's study. As soon as he left the study, he could hear the sound of porcelain shattering coming from inside.

In this situation, the vice dean had no doubt that if she couldn't find a solution within two months, all the results of her efforts over the past ten years would be in vain.

Just as the vice president was filled with anxiety, his right arm was suddenly grabbed, and the vice president, who was already on edge, was so frightened that he almost lost his mind.

Upon recognizing the person who had arrived, the vice-dean breathed a sigh of relief: "Second Miss, what is it?"

The person they were holding was Wen Jingyi, the daughter of the vice president.

Wen Jingyi smiled and released her grip, asking, "Dean Yuan, how is my sister?"

"Miss's condition is a bit tricky, I'm trying to figure out what to do."

"Oh? I heard Dr. Zhang say before that he advised my sister not to have this child. Is that what you think too?" Wen Jingyi asked casually.

"Yes." The vice-director nodded. "If Miss tries to force a delivery, her life will be in danger."

"Life-threatening?" Wen Jingyi raised an eyebrow. "Is my sister's child a boy?"

"Yes, it's a boy," the vice-dean said. "Second Miss, I have urgent business to attend to, what do you think?"

"Okay, let's go, I'm fine," Wen Jingyi said with a smile. After the vice-dean had walked away, Wen Jingyi's face immediately darkened, then a mocking expression appeared on her face: "A boy?"

She took out her phone from her pocket, dialed a number, and said to the person on the other end of the line, "It's me! I need you to do something for me, as soon as possible! Could you go to Yunnan and deliver a message for me?"

In the first-class cabin of Letu flight 5641, Xu Xian yawned, sat down comfortably, and was quite satisfied.

That's right, Luohang had booked him a first-class seat, something Xu Xian never expected. Given the stingy nature of Luohang's fleet, it was truly a miracle that they would book Xu Xian a first-class ticket.

"How long has it been since you paid to go into first class?" Xu Xian had flown in first class quite a few times before, but most of the time it was the captain who upgraded him for free. He had never paid to go in first class.

Lotto Airlines isn't like Star Travel, which operates on a low-cost model. Xu Xian has heard that Lotto Airlines is a small company with pretty good service. He's curious to see just how good their first-class service really is.

Just as Xu Xian was idly flipping through a magazine, the captain in the cockpit went to the restroom. The cabin curtain was open, and he immediately spotted Xu Xian in first class. His face lit up with excitement.

"Holy crap, Xu Xian!" The captain didn't even bother to go to the restroom and immediately ran to the first class cabin, as excited as a fan meeting their idol.

"What's wrong?" Xu Xian was caught off guard by the captain's sudden, overly excited appearance. "What's the problem?"

"No, no problem, I'm just a little excited. Don't mind it, don't mind it." The captain probably realized he might have gone a bit too far, and tried to control his emotions a little: "It's just... if it's convenient, could we take a picture together? If taking a picture is too much trouble, an autograph would be fine too."

"Wait a minute!" The captain opened the overhead bin, revealing his overnight bag. His flight to Heilongjiang was originally a local flight, not involving overnight layovers. However, given Heilongjiang's somewhat unpredictable weather conditions, the possibility of an emergency landing was extremely high. Moreover, if the first landing attempt failed and an emergency landing was necessary, it would essentially mean no takeoff, and he probably wouldn't be able to catch a replacement flight the next day. To be on the safe side, the captain had the foresight to bring an overnight bag; even if an emergency landing occurred and he couldn't catch a replacement flight the next day, he wouldn't be too distressed.

That's the shrewdness of an old pilot.

"What are you doing?" Xu Xian asked, puzzled, not understanding what the captain was trying to do.

"If you want an autograph, sign it on my shirt." The captain quickly opened the overnight bag and took out a white shirt. "If you want an autograph, sign it on this."

As he spoke, the captain unfolded his shirt, indicating that Xu Xian could sign it on the back.

"You..." Xu Xian was speechless. He really hadn't expected to have such a fervent fan among his peers: "Let's take a photo, let's take a photo. But, do you guys know about the situation in Longjiang? Is it okay to take a photo there?"

"Dispatch said the rain in Longjiang will subside in about two hours, lasting for about an hour and a half. This period of rain reduction coincides with our landing time. If we act quickly, it's possible to complete takeoff and landing within this window," the captain said.

The flight from Chengdu to Heilongjiang takes about one hour and forty to fifty minutes. Including the extra time spent on detours, it takes about two hours to reach Heilongjiang. We arrived just in time for the precious window of opportunity when the rain subsided.

An hour and a half should be enough time to complete a full transfer, barring any issues. Of course, this is all under the premise that there are no problems.

"Is there a problem with the fuel?" The typhoon's impact area is too large. To be honest, if you draw a circle with Longjiang as the center, within a one-hour flight radius, all airports within that area will likely be in the same situation. If Longjiang can't be used for landing, the normal alternate airports probably won't be available either. In that case, the alternate airport will have to be chosen further away, plus the fuel needed for the detour. Xu Xian is more concerned about whether Letu Dispatch has provided enough fuel.

"Fuel is no problem!" the captain assured him. "Dispatch has allocated two hours' worth of extra fuel, almost enough for a round trip. There will be absolutely no problem."

"Two hours?" Xu Xian had never heard of such a large amount of extra fuel before. Usually, an extra twenty to thirty minutes of fuel was considered normal. If the weather at the destination airport was bad, and there was a possibility of circling and waiting, an hour of extra fuel was considered quite ample. Wow, Letu dispatch gave them two hours of extra fuel! That was definitely more than enough.

If there's a window of opportunity for takeoff and landing at Longjiang Airport, and we've brought enough fuel, then it's definitely worth a try.

"Won't the extra fuel for two hours make us too heavy for takeoff?" Xu Xian was now more worried about the weight issue.

"No, not at all. Many passengers cancelled their trips on this flight, so there aren't many people on board. Bringing extra fuel won't be a problem." The captain didn't hide anything from Xu Xian: "How about we take a picture together, if it's convenient?"

"Okay! Alright!"

The captain was overjoyed. He turned his phone camera back to Xu Xian, went to his side, and pressed the shutter button, instantly capturing a photo.

Perhaps because most flights had been canceled, the plane pushed back immediately after everyone was on board, without any waiting, and there seemed to be no delay at all.

Xu Xian breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that he didn't have to wait. He checked his watch; although it was an hour and a half later than expected, it wasn't too bad. Now he just had to pray that the flight window at Longjiang Airport would hold; otherwise, a diversion would be quite unpleasant.

However, what happened next was beyond Xu Xian's control. After the engines started and the plane began taxiing, Xu Xian closed his eyes to rest. After landing at Longjiang Airport, he would still need to travel for a while to reach the South China Sea Fleet headquarters.

After such a long and tiring journey, let's take this opportunity to rest for a while.

Perhaps because Wen Jingshu's pregnancy had made Xu Xian somewhat uneasy, he was feeling listless. But once he sat down, the tension in his mind eased, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue washed over him.

He didn't know when he fell asleep, but after a strong jolt that shook his upper body off the back of the chair and then slammed him back down, he gradually regained consciousness.

In a daze, Xu Xian felt as if his whole body was swaying. But when he touched the seatbelt, it was fastened. At this moment, Xu Xian's mind was still a little muddled, but as the swaying became more and more obvious, Xu Xian slowly came to his senses.

It wasn't just him swaying; the whole plane was making him sway.

However, the plane was shaking so violently that even with the seatbelt on, my body was still swaying uncontrollably.

"The weather?" Xu Xian glanced at the window and looked outside. It was pitch black outside, except for occasional flashes of light, like the effect of flashing lights in the clouds.

"A strobe light? That doesn't seem like it!" Xu Xian leaned towards the window, wanting to get a clearer view outside. Suddenly, the darkness outside was replaced by an indescribable light, as if the entire night sky had been illuminated.

With the help of this extremely bright light, Xu Xian could even see the raindrops outside for a moment.

No! Those don't look like raindrops, or at least not entirely.

Before Xu Xian could react, an unidentified object slammed into the window with a loud thud.

Xu Xian was startled, but he didn't see clearly what it was that hit the window.

Faintly, amidst the rumbling of the engine, there seemed to be another sound lurking, like something hitting the fuselage.

Xu Xian kept recalling what he had seen outside by the light, but because the light only lasted for a moment, he couldn't be entirely sure.

Thinking this, Xu Xian approached the window again, but just then, another burst of light, as if the heavens and earth had been created, shone forth. The light was so dazzling that Xu Xian almost went blind instantly, and everything in front of him was a white blur.

A moment later, Xu Xian heard a deafening roar that sounded like the void exploding.

Xu Xian's heart tightened. Before he could react, he felt his arm being suddenly grabbed. He turned his head and saw that a flight attendant had somehow appeared beside him.

The flight attendant's face darkened, her eyes fixed on Xu Xian: "Mr. Xu, please come to the cockpit!"

(End of this chapter)