Legendary Captain

Chapter 375 First Visit to an Aircraft Carrier

"Xu Jingyang?" Even Wen Changxing was stunned. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then glanced at the still tightly closed door and beckoned Yang Ning over: "You absolutely must not let Jing Shu know that Xu Jingyang came. If she finds out, there will be big trouble."

Yang Ning could roughly guess why Xu Jingyang had come, but she didn't understand how he knew about Wen Jingshu's pregnancy. Logically speaking, Xu Xian was a smart man; he wouldn't tell his father about this, wouldn't that just cause him trouble?

That's right, it only caused trouble for her father and had no other purpose. Yang Ning felt that Xu Xian should be able to distinguish the pros and cons, right? And Mei Tingting, who knew about this, also knew how to behave and would definitely not gossip. So who exactly told Xu Xian's parents about Wen Jingshu's pregnancy?

Yang Ning naturally understood the implications and nodded emphatically, "I will keep an eye on Miss."

Wen Changxing grunted in agreement, tapped the floor with his cane, sighed, and walked outside. He didn't even intend to let Xu Jingyang in.

Xu Jingyang waited anxiously outside the gate for a while until it opened and an elderly man with white hair came out. Upon seeing him, Xu Jingyang immediately bowed and greeted him, "Grandpa, it's you who's come out?"

"Mingyuan is still abroad, and I'm in charge of things at home now, so I'll have to come out and talk to you." Wen Changxing waved his hand, letting the servants standing at the door go in first, as he wanted to speak with Xu Jingyang alone.

Once everyone outside had left, Xu Jingyang smiled and said, "Grandpa, are you planning to talk here and not go in?"

It is extremely impolite to refuse entry to a guest. Even when facing Wen Changxing, who was a generation older than him, Xu Jingyang appropriately showed his displeasure.

"It's a bit inconvenient at home right now, so let's talk here. Jingyang, if there's anything you need, just tell me here," Wen Changxing said indifferently, appearing neither warm nor cold.

"Hmm." Xu Jingyang didn't dwell on it any further. Given Old Master Wen's status and position, there was no need for him, a junior, to lie. If he said there was something inconvenient, then there probably was. It was fine not to go in. Anyway, the person in charge of the Wen family was right in front of him. He was just here to find someone he could talk to. As for where they would talk, he didn't really care.

"Old man, let me be frank, is Jing Shu pregnant?" Xu Jingyang cut straight to the point without beating around the bush, catching Wen Changxing off guard.

Even though Wen Changxing was somewhat prepared, his eyelids still twitched uncontrollably as he listened, but he still stubbornly insisted, "I don't know what you're talking about, but it concerns Jing Shu's innocence, so I advise you to be careful with your words."

Xu Jingyang's gaze sharpened slightly: "Grandpa, it's impolite of me to speak to you like this, but if I didn't have enough suspicion, do you think I would have come all the way from Yunnan to Changfeng?"

To be honest, given Xu Jingyang's current condition, he shouldn't even be flying, but he still came, which shows how determined he is. Today, even facing Wen Changxing, he still wants to get to the bottom of things.

After recovering from his initial shock, Wen Changxing's cloudy eyes flashed with a cold light: "Jingyang, you need to understand that Jing Shu is my Wen family's daughter. She hasn't entered your Xu family. What right do you have to interfere in her affairs? What right do you have to interfere in her affairs?"

Wen Changxing stepped forward, standing firmly in front of Xu Jingyang with unwavering authority. He had to ensure that Xu Jingyang wouldn't get involved in Wen Jingshu's pregnancy.

Although the child is in Wen Jingshu's womb, no matter what, the child also has Xu Xian's bloodline. What if Wen Jingshu softens her heart and is persuaded to force a delivery because of Xu Jingyang's fuss? Therefore, the best solution is to keep Xu Jingyang out of this matter.

Xu Jingyang didn't back down. He took out a pregnancy ultrasound report and showed it to Wen Changxing: "What is this? You've been pregnant for more than just a day or two. Why didn't I know anything about it? Is there a problem, or is there something wrong with the baby?"

Xu Jingyang could understand if she hadn't told him during the first two months of pregnancy, as many places have the custom of not announcing it during the first three months. But this prenatal checkup report showed that Wen Jingshu was almost six months pregnant, so why would she need to hide it?

Xu Jingyang was worried that something might have been discovered during the prenatal checkup. However, he took the prenatal checkup report to another doctor. The doctor said that, based on the report alone, there didn't seem to be any major problems. However, prenatal checkups require many indicators, and the doctor's opinion was only valid for this one report.

Wen Changxing stared at the pregnancy test report, his heart pounding. The person listed on the report was Wen Jingshu, and the date was the same day Wen Jingshu had her checkup after returning home.

However, despite the turmoil in his heart, Wen Changxing's face remained impassive: "I don't understand what this order means."

"Don't understand?" Xu Jingyang took back the form. He knew that as long as Wen Changxing held on, he had no chance at all. Xu Jingyang silently folded the form and put it back in his pocket. He slowly raised his head: "Grandpa, you know my heart condition. It's unpredictable; I might pass away anytime soon. My only wish in this life is to see my grandson born, so that even if I pass away someday, I can rest in peace."

Wen Changxing trembled slightly. He knew that Xu Jingyang had a heart problem. Moreover, he had heard that in recent years, the condition had only been barely maintained and there was little chance of improvement.

Xu Jingyang had previously participated in Renxin Hospital's aid program, so it would be very easy for Wen Changxing to find out about Xu Jingyang's situation. Xu Jingyang had no need or reason to lie to him.

However, Wen Changxing was unaware that Xu Jingyang's heart condition had deteriorated to this extent. Xu Jingyang's words sounded like he was giving his last wishes.

Wen Changxing was also somewhat moved at this moment, feeling a deep sadness welling up inside him, but even so, he still refused to admit it: "Jingyang, you should go back! You've made a wasted trip today."

This matter concerns his granddaughter's life, and there can be no mishap.

Xu Jingyang involuntarily took a step back. He hadn't expected that even after all this, Wen Changxing still wouldn't budge.

"What's going on?" Xu Jingyang couldn't understand why Wen Jingshu would hide her pregnancy from him. It just didn't make sense!

"No, it's not the child who's having a problem, it's Jing Shu who's having a problem?" Xu Jingyang suddenly remembered something. When Xu Xian and Wen Jing Shu were discussing marriage, Wen Mingyuan had told him to keep a close eye on Xu Xian, saying that Wen Jing Shu had some minor health issues. After the two children got married, he would have Wen Jing Shu resign from all her group duties so she could focus on preparing for pregnancy.

This happened so long ago that he wouldn't have remembered it if Wen Changxing's behavior hadn't been so unusual.

This isn't ancient times anymore. While premarital pregnancy isn't something to be proud of, there's really no need to hide it like this. Besides, Xu Xian and Wen Jingshu have feelings for each other, so it would be much better if they got married naturally.

However, Wen Changxing refused to admit that Wen Jingshu was pregnant, which definitely meant there was something wrong.

Wen Changxing's lips twitched a few times, but he remained silent.

"Wen Mingyuan said that Jing Shu seems to have some health issues and needs some rest before she can get pregnant. Was this pregnancy an accident?" If this pregnancy was an accident, and Wen Jing Shu hadn't taken any precautions beforehand, does that mean the child is having some negative impact on her health? If the child is threatening Wen Jing Shu's health, the only solution is to terminate the pregnancy.

"No wonder, no wonder! That's why you were so adamant about not acknowledging the child?" Xu Jingyang shook his head, somewhat incredulous. "You want to abort the child? You didn't want this child to be born in the first place?"

Wen Changxing's eyes narrowed. "Don't blame us for being heartless. You want your grandson, and I want my granddaughter. Faced with this choice, we had no other option. Blame your precious son. Jing Shu has some blood clotting issues. The original plan was to give her regular injections of clotting factors and some other treatments while she was trying to conceive. But your precious son has completely disregarded all of that. Now, if Jing Shu forces a delivery, she could be in mortal danger if she bleeds. What am I supposed to do?"

Pregnant women are already prone to some physiological coagulation disorders during pregnancy, which undoubtedly aggravated Wen Jingshu's coagulation problems.

If Wen Jingshu supplements with trace elements and receives appropriate injections of clotting factors during the preconception period, her body can be temporarily brought to a relatively normal state. If she maintains this state throughout her pregnancy, there shouldn't be any problems.

However, Wen Jingshu's blood clotting disorder is now quite serious, and because of the presence of the fetus, strong drugs cannot be used, otherwise it will also harm the fetus.

Therefore, Wen Jingshu is now in a dead end, forced to choose between herself and her child. From Wen Changxing's perspective, he would definitely choose his granddaughter.

"Of course, Jing Shu is more important. Once Jing Shu has recovered, we'll discuss her marriage to Xu Xian." Hearing this, Xu Jingyang understood the reason. He wasn't an unreasonable person; if it really came down to saving the mother or the child, he would never let Wen Jing Shu risk her life to give birth. Although it was heartbreaking, as long as she recovered, she could always have another child later. He just didn't know if he could hold on until then.

However, although the child couldn't be saved, Xu Xian's marriage couldn't be delayed any longer. Since Xu Xian only wanted Wen Jingshu to be pregnant with his child, regardless of whether the child was saved or not, given Xu Xian's personality, he would definitely marry Wen Jingshu. Besides, Xu Xian and Wen Jingshu were already in love, so getting the marriage done sooner rather than later would at least put his mind at ease, even if he didn't see his grandchild born.

To everyone's surprise, Wen Changxing shook his head: "Marriage? Forget about it. At least right now, I don't want Jing Shu to marry such an irresponsible person. How worthless is my Wen family's darling to be treated like this by your Xu family? This miscarriage means Jing Shu may never be able to conceive again. Who caused all this? Hmm? Tell me about it!"

"What did you say? You can't get pregnant?!" Xu Jingyang was utterly shocked. Since Xu Xian knew that Wen Jingshu was pregnant with his child, he would definitely marry only Wen Jingshu, and it had nothing to do with the child.

Xu Xian wasn't particularly concerned about having children. If Wen Jingshu couldn't get pregnant, wouldn't there be a high probability that his Xu family line would end?

"No, absolutely not!" Xu Jingyang couldn't accept this outcome no matter what.

Wen Changxing looked at Xu Jingyang with mixed feelings: "Jingyang, let's leave it at that. Perhaps this was destined to be a tragic fate. I'm tired. You should leave."

Wen Changxing suddenly felt a bit listless, waved his hand, and returned to his residence somewhat wearily.

As the door closed, Xu Jingyang seemed to age ten years in an instant, slumping to the ground as if his soul had been hollowed out.

Longjiang Airport Reception Room.

After receiving Xu Jingyang's call, Xu Xian, still shaken, grew increasingly frightened. He tried calling Xu Jingyang again, but Xu Jingyang wouldn't answer. He also couldn't get through to Wen Jingshu and Yang Ning, leaving Xu Xian frantic.

However, after some time, he called his mother, Huang Ying, to confirm that his father had already set off back to Yunnan and was alright. Hearing that his father was fine, Xu Xian was finally relieved.

The next day, Xu Xian arrived at Longjiang Airport with the help of the 4th Naval Aviation Division's shuttle bus. After confirming his identity and going through various induction procedures, Xu Xian met his direct superior in the 4th Naval Aviation Division, Lü Ping, the squadron leader of the 1st Carrier-based Aircraft Squadron of the "Gengdu" aircraft carrier, who held the rank of Navy Lieutenant Commander.

"You should be the only new recruit I personally disembark to greet. I originally thought you were some kind of three-headed, six-armed deity, but you don't seem to be anything special." Lü Ping gave Xu Xian a military salute: "Lü Ping, from now on you will be the company commander."

Xu Xian knew that the rank of squadron leader for carrier-based aircraft was generally that of a naval lieutenant commander, but since he was Lu Ping's superior, he quickly straightened his back and gave Lu Ping a proper salute: "Xu Xian, pilot of the Third Division of the Western Air Force, greetings, sir!"

"No, no, no, I'm hardly a leader. What leader would come to greet you like this?" Lü Ping laughed, patting Xu Xian on the shoulder: "Your body isn't strong enough. Don't have trouble adjusting when you get on the ship."

Although living conditions on the ship are much better than before, they are still quite tough. Xu Xian is so small and thin; I wonder if he can endure the hardship. Actually, Xu Xian has actually grown quite a bit now; before, he really looked like a bean sprout.

"I came to the South Ship to endure hardship, not for tourism," Xu Xian said in a loud voice, looking very confident.

"Great, that's impressive enough." Lu Ping laughed heartily. "If there are no problems, get ready to board the plane."

"Get on a plane? Not a boat? How many people can a fighter jet carry?" Xu Xian was taken aback. He thought they would send him to the aircraft carrier in a small boat or something, but he didn't expect to be on a plane.

Lü Ping laughed heartily: "Do you think all carrier-based aircraft are combat-oriented? Your thinking is too narrow. Our carrier air wing has four fighter squadrons, one electronic early warning squadron, one electronic strike squadron, two helicopter squadrons, and one non-directly assigned transport squadron. There just happens to be a transport plane returning to the ship; we can just hitch a ride. Do you really think we should send a special ship to pick you up? That's too much of a favor; your rank isn't high enough yet!"

"That's true, that's true!" Xu Xian scratched his head sheepishly. He had indeed been overthinking things. For an air force lieutenant like himself to have someone send a boat to pick him up was really asking too much. Having his direct superior, the squadron leader, come to pick him up was already a great honor.

"However, it's already quite rare for the platoon leader to specifically instruct me to come and pick you up. What's your situation? You're not related to the commander, are you?" Lü Ping said with a smile.

Of course, this was clearly a joke. Our army has strict discipline; nepotism simply won't work. Lü Ping was merely curious; Xu Xian was so young, how could he have such influence that his superior had to come and greet him?

The "commander" Lü Ping referred to was the commander of the entire carrier strike group. Xu Xian had no connection to him whatsoever.

Xu Xian waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Captain Lü, don't joke with me. I'm just a newbie, and I'll need your guidance in the future. It's not good for you to keep scaring me like this."

Xu Xian observed that Lü Ping was humorous and cheerful, and spoke without much restraint.

"Let me show you around. Hey, things are a bit different in the Air Force than in the Navy. I'll explain things to you on the way, at least give you a general overview of the carrier strike group. Otherwise, you'll be going there completely clueless, which will be quite troublesome." As Lü Ping spoke, he suddenly remembered something: "By the way, we're the C18E squadron. Did you complete your type training in your original unit?"

"It's all done!"

"That's good, otherwise we'd have to do aircraft type training for you, which would be a waste of time. Someone with a foundation like you is easy to handle; the main thing is to get used to the carrier takeoff and landing procedures." Lu Ping put his arm around Xu Xian's shoulder. "If there are no problems, let's go. Off to the airport, off to board the plane. The organization of this carrier strike group will vary depending on the mission. Our current carrier strike group has a carrier strike group command, one aircraft carrier, two guided-missile cruisers, one destroyer squadron, six guided-missile destroyers, two attack submarines, and one high-speed replenishment ship."

Hearing Lü Ping's words, Xu Xian was quite surprised: "So many? This is top-of-the-line equipment!"

Xu Xian hadn't expected that the carrier strike group he was visiting this time would be a top-tier configuration. Generally speaking, one guided missile cruiser or one attack submarine would suffice. As for high-speed replenishment ships, they weren't even standard equipment for a carrier strike group, and their absence was acceptable.

However, the carrier strike group he was going to was equipped with top-of-the-line features in every aspect, which was quite rare.

"You knew that, didn't you?" Lü Ping laughed. "You even knew this was the top-of-the-line model. Looks like you did your homework."

Xu Xian was speechless. He was indeed a novice, but relatively speaking, not a complete novice who knew nothing. He did know a little about the organization of a carrier strike group. Just because he knew a little about the organization of a carrier strike group, Lü Ping said that he had done his homework. Xu Xian didn't know if this counted as Lü Ping teasing him.

"Alright, alright." Lü Ping seemed to really enjoy teasing Xu Xian: "Once we get to the ship, you'll have to go to the captain's cabin first. The captain wants to see you."

The captain Lü Ping referred to was the captain of an aircraft carrier, which is not the same person as the commander of the carrier strike group mentioned earlier. In other words, the aircraft carrier captain is not, as some people might intuitively assume, the commander of the entire carrier strike group.

The aircraft carrier captain is just one member of the command system of the entire carrier strike group, usually a naval captain. For a junior officer like Xu Xian, a captain is already a very high rank. Xu Xian couldn't understand why the carrier captain specifically wanted to see him. Moreover, it was extremely rare for his own captain to come and greet him, a new recruit. Could this strange behavior from the South Ship be related to his previous act of risking his life to protect the terrain data of the South Ship's command headquarters?

With no other option, Xu Xian could only think of this way of contacting the South China Sea Fleet.

The two boarded a small-to-medium-sized Hound carrier-based transport plane and flew towards the southern sea.

As they approached their destination, Xu Xian looked out the window and saw an aircraft carrier surrounded by cruisers, destroyers, and frigates.

Closest to the aircraft carrier are high-speed replenishment ships. These ships are mainly used to provide fuel, ammunition, fresh water, and other supplies to the carrier strike group. Because these replenishment ships must be able to keep up with the rapid movements of the entire carrier strike group, their speed is usually above 25 knots, hence the name "high-speed".

Then, in a slightly further circle, there are escort ships at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock. Next, on the outermost perimeter, there are additional escort ships at 12 o'clock, 2 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 5 o'clock, 7 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 10 o'clock.

This formation essentially surrounded the aircraft carrier in the center, creating an impenetrable wall. Its defensive capabilities are evident.

This is only what's visible. Underwater, various submarines patrol; in the sky, early warning aircraft and anti-submarine helicopters fly. Above, on the surface, and underwater, it's virtually watertight. Aircraft carriers are incredibly valuable; wouldn't they be protected by layers upon layers of security?

Landing on an aircraft carrier isn't as simple as just looking at the carrier, facing the runway on the deck, and landing however you want. Xu Xian knew that landing on an aircraft carrier involves a whole set of procedures, including a queuing phase, an approach phase, and a final landing phase. Each phase has its fixed procedures, and most of them require the pilot to complete the procedures consciously, which is no small feat.

Even though the carrier strike group was clearly in sight, it still took some time for it to actually land.

After a rough landing, Xu Xian got off the plane and was hurriedly pulled by Lü Ping towards the captain's cabin.

Lü Ping led Xu Xian along, turning left and right until he was completely disoriented. Finally, they arrived at a doorway.

"Report! Xu Xian is here!" Lü Ping first reported loudly inside, and only after receiving permission did he open the door and lead Xu Xian inside.

As soon as Xu Xian entered the room, he saw a three-star, two-pole officer with dark blue shoulder stripes, which was the shoulder insignia of a naval colonel!

It seems this person is indeed the aircraft carrier captain!

(End of this chapter)