One hundred and twenty minutes later, the plane was ready to take off again.

Since Fudu Airport had a Shihang Airlines base, another co-pilot was quickly dispatched to replace Yu.

At seven in the evening, the flight returned to Jiangcheng Airport.

Captain Fan packed up and took Ruan Sixian to Fu Mingyu’s office.

“How is he?” Fu Mingyu asked.

Captain Fan stood in front of Fu Mingyu’s desk and answered truthfully: “Acute cholecystitis. He’s already had surgery and is now in stable condition.”

“Hmm.”

Ruan Sixian followed behind Captain Fan, her head slightly lowered, listening to the entire conversation between Captain Fan and Fu Mingyu without saying a word.

Ten minutes later, Bai Yang knocked and entered, interrupting briefly.

Before speaking, he glanced at Ruan Sixian.

Ruan Sixian noticed his gaze and, thinking it was a greeting, nodded to him.

Bai Yang pressed his lips together and walked to Fu Mingyu’s side.

“Director Fu, Miss Zheng is here.”

Miss Zheng?

Although no specific name was mentioned, Ruan Sixian instinctively thought it must be Zheng You’an.

She lowered her head and picked at her nails.

Why did she come?

But this question only flashed briefly in her mind.

It wasn’t important; she had her own business.

Afterward, Bai Yang turned his head to glance at Ruan Sixian, then walked to Fu Mingyu’s side and whispered something.

Standing several meters away from Fu Mingyu, Ruan Sixian couldn’t hear what Bai Yang was saying, only saw Fu Mingyu nod and say: “I understand. Have someone arrange it.”

After Bai Yang left, Fu Mingyu seamlessly continued, asking Captain Fan about the situation.

Towards the end, Captain Fan said: “This time, when using the speed brakes, the engine thrust exceeded 66%. I will take responsibility.”

Ruan Sixian suddenly looked up at Captain Fan.

Was he saying that this QAR Level 3 incident from the emergency landing would be counted against him?

Fu Mingyu held a pen in his hand, pondered for a moment, and seemed not to respond to Captain Fan’s words, only saying: “I understand the situation.”

With the report concluded, Ruan Sixian followed Captain Fan out.

From beginning to end, Ruan Sixian had no interaction with Fu Mingyu, not even eye contact.

Ruan Sixian genuinely found it strange. Just days ago, he had lingered at her home for half a day, working diligently without complaint, not showing a hint of anger despite her criticisms.

Now it seemed his patience had finally been extinguished by her.

But as she reached the door, she heard someone behind her call out “Ruan Sixian.”

Although he called for Ruan Sixian, Captain Fan instinctively stopped, looked at Ruan Sixian, then at Fu Mingyu, his gaze moving back and forth before he left, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.

Ruan Sixian initially didn’t think Fu Mingyu suddenly calling her was anything special, but with Captain Fan’s actions, she inexplicably felt nothing good would come of this.

She turned and asked: “What is it?”

Fu Mingyu opened his computer while saying: “Within the next day or two, you should receive a notice. The company is about to launch this year’s nationwide recruitment tour for the flight academy and needs to shoot a series of promotional videos. The Flight Department has selected you to be featured.”

Ruan Sixian tilted her head, smiling happily: “That’s great!”

Being on camera for promotional videos, representing the company image—who wouldn’t be pleased?

Fu Mingyu then added: “The photographer in charge is Zheng You’an.”

Ruan Sixian was momentarily surprised but quickly understood after a brief pause.

Zheng You’an studied photography, specializing in portraits, and had deep connections with the Fu family. It was normal for her to be responsible for this shoot.

Ruan Sixian asked: “Is something wrong?”

Fu Mingyu looked up at her, a subtle wave passing through his eyes, then lowered his gaze and said: “If you’re unwilling, I can have the Flight Department change the photographer.”

Why would I be unwilling?

If I were unwilling, you could just change the flight attendant—why change the photographer?

Ruan Sixian examined him carefully and suddenly understood.

Oh!

You’re starting this again, aren’t you?

Do you still think I’m jealous of Zheng You’an?!

This dog of a man…

Ruan Sixian looked at Fu Mingyu with a puzzled expression and asked: “Why would I be unwilling? I’m very willing.”

Fu Mingyu looked into her eyes, and after confirming, let out a light sigh. “Good.”

Initially, having Zheng You’an as the photographer for this promotional video was something Fu Mingyu had agreed to in front of Director Zheng.

It wasn’t a big deal; normally, they would just hire a decent photographer, so doing a favor for Director Zheng was fine.

But learning about Ruan Sixian and Zheng You’an’s relationship came afterward.

He usually didn’t manage these minor details, but after the project started, he specifically asked the person in charge about it. Sure enough, as he expected, the Flight Department had selected Ruan Sixian to be featured.

He had considered that if Ruan Sixian didn’t want any contact with Zheng You’an, he could even break his promise and replace Zheng You’an, then make amends to Director Zheng in other ways.

He had another solution: simply have the Flight Department replace Ruan Sixian and select another pilot.

Simple and effective.

But from beginning to end, he hadn’t even considered this approach.

The reason he proactively asked her in advance was that he didn’t want to make assumptions and act on his own again based on his self-presumptions.

Yet there was also an inexplicable urge to somehow impress her.

But Ruan Sixian truly seemed not to mind at all.

Not at all.

The next morning, Ruan Sixian indeed received a notification from the Flight Department, asking her to prepare for shooting this year’s recruitment promotional video.

Although the photographer was Zheng You’an, after the drunken episode, the knot in her heart had largely dissipated—it was just a photo shoot, nothing significant.

However, today’s temperature had reached a new high, and Ruan Sixian had no choice but to wear her uniform.

The shirt had to be buttoned up neatly, the suit pants were airtight, and turning in the sun felt like a small yellow fish flipping on a barbecue grill.

What made it worse was that it wasn’t easy to get a taxi. She walked from her home to the entrance without any drivers accepting her request.

During the few minutes waiting at the entrance, Ruan Sixian felt like she was already medium-rare—those who preferred it raw could dig in right away.

When Yan An drove out of the parking lot, he saw Ruan Sixian standing at the entrance holding her pilot cap, her expression irritated.

He unconsciously stepped on the brake, stopping about ten meters away from her.

After that late-night phone call, Yan An hadn’t returned to Mingchen Apartments.

After all, when someone rejects you, continuing to pursue only makes you look bad. Even if he occasionally felt frustrated and displeased, he restrained his desire to initiate contact.

But at this glimpse, seeing her in uniform for the first time—her posture straight, her skin glowing white in the sunlight—he felt an inexplicable itch in his heart.

Perhaps it’s true that what you can’t have always seems best, or perhaps it was simply unwillingness to give up. Either way, he found it difficult to convince himself to ignore her.

After stopping for a full three minutes, Yan An finally drove slowly next to Ruan Sixian.

“Where are you going?” he asked, rolling down the window.

Ruan Sixian turned to see Yan An and was startled. “Mr. Yan?”

“Mm, going to Shihang?”

Ruan Sixian nodded. “I…”

“Get in, I’m heading that way,” Yan An said. “I’m going to the airport base. Let me give you a ride.”

Seeing Ruan Sixian hesitating, Yan An grinned. “Really? You won’t even get in my car now? I’m genuinely just giving you a ride since we’re going the same way. Didn’t we agree to be friends?”

You called me late at night when we were just “friends.”

Ruan Sixian kept her sarcasm to herself and just smiled, saying: “I’ve called a taxi. It should be here soon.”

Yan An’s smile disappeared as he impatiently tapped the steering wheel. Cars behind him were honking.

“Stop dawdling and get in. It’s not a big deal. The cars behind are about to get out and hit someone.”

Ruan Sixian looked up at the road—not even a shadow of a taxi in sight.

Meanwhile, three cars had already lined up behind them.

The sunlight was dazzling, and the heat made everything extremely irritating. She ran her fingers through her hair, and her fingertips were already damp with sweat.

Fine.

She opened the door and sat in the passenger seat.

As she lowered her head to fasten her seatbelt, Yan An glanced at her and pressed his lips together as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

They drove in silence until reaching Shihang’s main gate, where Yan An slowly stopped.

Ruan Sixian said thank you, but as she got out, Yan An called after her.

She held the car door and looked back. “What is it?”

Yan An let out a breath inside the car, hesitated for a few seconds, then said: “The weather’s hot. Be careful of heatstroke.”

Ruan Sixian nodded and turned to walk inside.

After the car drove away, she looked back.

This Yan An—why did it feel like he wasn’t giving up?

Ruan Sixian arrived with several other young captains and co-pilots.

This time when she saw Zheng You’an, the other woman was dressed much more casually—a short top with jeans, her hair tied up high, and a tense expression as she moved around the photography studio.

The work wasn’t much, but she had brought three assistants.

Zheng You’an spotted Ruan Sixian at a glance but paid no attention. However, after walking a few steps, she suddenly backed up to stand in front of her and bluntly said: “Haven’t we met before?”

Without waiting for Ruan Sixian to answer, she continued: “Oh, I remember now. We saw each other at the business terminal last month.”

“Yes.” Ruan Sixian nodded. “We have met.”

Zheng You’an looked Ruan Sixian up and down, with a half-smile saying: “You must be very photogenic. Your company is so thoughtful—they’ve already selected all the people, saving me a lot of trouble.”

It sounded like she was somewhat annoyed that the Flight Department had pre-selected people for her without giving her any choice, so the compliment didn’t sound sincere.

Behind her, one of her assistants suddenly snickered: “Of course, considering whose company it is, how could they not help you save trouble?”

Zheng You’an turned and glared at her assistant, but scolded with a smile: “Shut up!”

Ruan Sixian immediately understood what they were talking about—they were teasing Zheng You’an about her relationship with Fu Mingyu.

On one hand, he claimed they had no relationship, while on the other, he was helping her diligently.

This dog of a man was truly inhuman.

Ruan Sixian pursed her lips, not knowing what to say, so she just stood quietly.

As she stood there, she began to curse Fu Mingyu in her mind again.

This dog of a man was inhuman. Just days ago, he had hypocritically asked if she wanted to change photographers.

Hypocrite.

Scumbag.

“Come on, time for makeup,” Zheng You’an’s assistant suddenly waved at Ruan Sixian. “We’ll let the lady go first, okay?”

After makeup came the actual shooting.

Ruan Sixian had been photographed for Shihang’s publications before when she was a flight attendant, and the photography team was also hired externally, so she thought she was familiar with the process.

But Zheng You’an was probably different from those who made a living from photography; she nitpicked about the makeup for a long time.

Sometimes she complained the eyeshadow was too heavy, sometimes that the eyebrows were too thick. The other male pilots had long finished their makeup and were waiting, while Ruan Sixian had been sitting in front of the makeup mirror for two hours.

Wasn’t this just a recruitment promotion?

Did it need to be treated like a fashion magazine shoot?

By the end, Ruan Sixian could barely sit still, and Zheng You’an reluctantly nodded. “Let’s go with this. It’s passable.”

Ruan Sixian: “…”

I’m not saying anything, but young lady, how does your attitude not match your appearance at all? Are you a Virgo?

During the actual shooting phase, the process wasn’t as smooth as Ruan Sixian had imagined.

Just setting up the lighting boards took Zheng You’an’s assistants ages, and a single pose was adjusted dozens of times until Ruan Sixian’s smile was almost frozen in place.

By five in the afternoon, everyone thought they were about to finish, but Zheng You’an put down her camera and said: “Let’s go, we’re shooting outdoors now.”

Ruan Sixian:?

Excuse me, do you want to shoot outdoors in 38-degree weather?

Besides Ruan Sixian, the others were not too thrilled either.

“Just take a few shots in a few poses and be done with it. Why go outdoors? Don’t we have post-production?”

“How is that the same?” Zheng You’an responded as if she’d heard a joke. “Can post-processed blue skies and white clouds be the same as real scenery? I never use post-processing.”

Ruan Sixian was speechless, wanting for the hundred and eightieth time to tell her that this was just a series of recruitment promotional posters, not an art piece for the exhibition.

The other pilots, who initially found Zheng You’an cute and pure-looking and had been quite attentive, were now approaching the edge of losing their tempers after being tormented all afternoon.

They remained silent, and Ruan Sixian didn’t express her opinion either. Zheng You’an looked at them, and after half a minute of standoff, said: “None of you want to do this, right?”

Fine, let’s not argue with a woman.

Those male pilots nodded irritably: “Let’s shoot!”

Zheng You’an looked at Ruan Sixian. “What about you?”

Ruan Sixian crossed her arms, looked at the blazing sun outside, and frowned before nodding. “Alright.”

As long as it’s not Fu Mingyu, I can tolerate anything.

Zheng You’an lifted her chin. “Then let’s go.”

This set of outdoor photos wasn’t completed until the sun was almost setting. Ruan Sixian’s uniform was soaked through front and back, and she drank an entire bottle of mineral water that someone brought her in one go.

Meanwhile, Zheng You’an flipped through the photos, muttering to herself: “The posed shots have no soul.”

Ruan Sixian: “…”

This sister must be a guardian of Virgo.

She had no patience to stay there any longer. Seeing Zheng You’an absorbed in reviewing the photos, she probably had no intention of saying goodbye to them.

So Ruan Sixian picked up her bag, preparing to leave.

However, as she passed behind Zheng You’an, she heard one of her assistants mutter: “You’re being way too meticulous. It’s just a promotional video, not an artistic masterpiece.”

Ha, finally someone who understands.

But Zheng You’an replied: “So what if it’s just a promotional video? Mingyu-ge will see this. I need to do my best.”

Ruan Sixian: “…”

She didn’t stop walking, but her brows furrowed even tighter, matched only by the tightness in her heart.

After taking a deep breath, Ruan Sixian still couldn’t adjust her mood.

Fine, Mingyu-ge, huh? Today’s frustrations, I’m still blaming you.

In the Chunjiang Night private room, Fu Mingyu’s nose suddenly itched. He pressed his index finger against his nose and coughed lightly.

“What’s wrong? Is the air conditioning too cold?” Zhu Dong said, about to call someone in, but Fu Mingyu quickly stopped him.

“It’s nothing.”

“The weather’s been too hot lately. I caught a cold last week and only got better a couple of days ago.”

Zhu Dong picked up the wine pot in front of him and poured it for himself and Fu Mingyu. “You’ve been busy with important matters lately. Don’t ruin your health.”

Fu Mingyu held his wine glass, his gaze falling on it, but he seemed distracted.

“Hey, about your reform of the flight quality monitoring—do your father and brother know about it?” Zhu Dong asked.

Fu Mingyu nodded.

Zhu Dong asked again: “What did they say?”

Fu Mingyu narrowed his eyes, looking at the screen behind Zhu Dong, saying casually: “Even if they oppose it, it doesn’t matter.”

Zhu Dong smiled and raised his wine glass for a sip. “Looks like you’ll be fighting a lone battle.”

He raised his glass. “Spiritually, I support you, brother.”

Seeing that Fu Mingyu remained unmoved and showed little interest in the topic, he changed the subject. “Guess who I saw at Shihang’s entrance today?”

Fu Mingyu raised his eyelids slightly but didn’t respond.

“That kid Yan An,” Zhu Dong said. “He was dropping off that female pilot from your company.”

He started laughing. “Why did you bother fighting with him for someone back then? She’s serving one master while her heart belongs to another, making both of you suffer. But then again, Yan An’s words can’t be trusted. He kept saying he wasn’t pursuing her anymore, but I knew something was off that day. When has he ever drunk over a woman before?”

Seeing that the person across from him seemed to have no interest in this topic either, Zhu Dong gave up and tapped the table.

“What’s wrong with you today? Bad mood?”

“No.”

Zhu Dong couldn’t be bothered with him anymore and focused on eating and drinking.

Meanwhile, Fu Mingyu lowered his eyes, his gaze profound. After a long silence, he suddenly let out a scornful laugh and raised the wine glass in front of him.

After the photo shoot, Ruan Sixian went home first to shower and change clothes. Then Si Xiaozhen drove over to pick her up. They went out for dinner together, and Si Xiaozhen dropped her back home. With all the coming and going, quite a bit of time was spent, and it was already ten at night when she returned to Mingchen Apartments.

The streetlights stretched her tired silhouette long across the ground. When she reached the entrance, she encountered several households walking their dogs, standing under the eaves watching their dogs play.

Ruan Sixian had no way to go around them. After standing under the streetlight for a while, seeing that those households weren’t likely to leave soon, she awkwardly spoke up, asking them to pull their dogs away.

Those dog owners thought she was strange and stared at her while pulling their dogs away.

As Ruan Sixian passed by, an excited Golden Retriever rushed toward her, startling her and making her stumble slightly.

Just as she was about to trip, someone steadied her shoulder firmly.

Ruan Sixian looked up. Under the bright lights of the hall, she unexpectedly met Fu Mingyu’s gaze.

He seemed to have been drinking; Ruan Sixian smelled alcohol.

The alcohol had made his face paler, with little color, but his eyes reflected the light, faintly flickering.

Ruan Sixian instinctively asked: “What are you doing here?”

As soon as she spoke, Ruan Sixian regretted it.

He had an apartment upstairs, so his presence here was perfectly normal.

Ruan Sixian twisted her mouth, feeling that she must have been dazed from the heat that day.

Turning her head, she noticed Fu Mingyu’s hand was still on her shoulder.

Ruan Sixian moved to the side to avoid it.

This action caused Fu Mingyu’s eyes to darken as he said: “I was waiting for you.”

His voice after drinking was particularly deep yet clear, and Ruan Sixian couldn’t convince herself that she had misheard.

She looked at Fu Mingyu strangely: “Why were you waiting for me?”

He looked to the side, letting the evening breeze blow against his face.

“Where did you go today?”

If he hadn’t mentioned it, that would have been fine, but now that he had, Ruan Sixian grew angry.

His precious You’an-mei had tormented her all afternoon just to impress him, and he had the nerve to question her.

“Where could I go? Besides shooting photos for your photographer, where else could I go?” she retorted.

Fu Mingyu looked down directly at her. “You know that’s not what I’m talking about.”

Ruan Sixian didn’t understand. “If not that, then what? I was just taking photos today. If you don’t believe me, ask someone else.”

Then she muttered: “Had I known it was all for you, I wouldn’t have gotten involved.”

Suddenly, his fingers lifted her chin, forcing Ruan Sixian to meet his gaze. Her expression froze for a couple of seconds at this sudden movement.

“What are you doing?”

“You were with Yan An today?”

“Yes,” Ruan Sixian turned her face away, her chin escaping his touch. “He gave me a ride on his way. What about it?”

Fu Mingyu’s fingers fell empty, with nowhere to rest, yet his fingertips were burning.

He looked at Ruan Sixian, the confusion in his eyes gradually no longer suppressed.

“Why?”

Why, after everything, could she still be friendly with him, yet avoid him like the plague?

“What do you mean, why?”

Ruan Sixian said, “I already told you he gave me a ride on his way.”

After speaking, Ruan Sixian felt a moment of regret.

Why did she need to explain so much to him?

Ruan Sixian turned to leave. “If you’ve had too much to drink, get some rest, Director Fu.”

Fu Mingyu suddenly grabbed her wrist. His grip was a bit strong, and his palm was very hot, giving Ruan Sixian an ominous feeling.

Drunk men are dangerous—it has always been so throughout history.

Ruan Sixian turned and glared at him: “What are you doing? Are you going to control who I interact with now? Aren’t you overstepping? You’re my boss, not my father.”

During Fu Mingyu’s momentary silence, a thought suddenly flashed in Ruan Sixian’s mind.

She slowly curved her lips into a smile. “What? Director Fu, don’t want to be my boss anymore?”

“With all this management, do you want to be my boyfriend?”

As she expected, she saw Fu Mingyu’s gaze deepen, his Adam’s apple slightly bobbing.

Before he could speak, she smiled again and said: “Dream on.”

“…”

Although he had guessed this outcome when he heard her previous words.

But hearing her say it, Fu Mingyu’s heart still sank to the bottom.

Was it really… all just his wishful thinking?

For Ruan Sixian, no moment had felt more satisfying than this one.

Her smile deepened as she shook off Fu Mingyu’s hand and walked away triumphantly.

However, after just one step, her hand was grabbed again.

This time with more force, directly pinning Ruan Sixian against the wall.

The temperature of his palm gradually rose, his breath brushing Ruan Sixian’s nose tip.

A bit hot, and a bit scorching.

“Do you really…” he said, “have no feelings for me at all?”

His eyes were deep and focused. When concentrating on someone, they became as black as the deep sea, with undercurrents moving only in his pupils.

The curve of Ruan Sixian’s lips slowly disappeared.

Just then, Ruan Sixian felt his hand tighten its grip even more.

“You hesitated, didn’t you?”