Chapter Twelve: Terror in the Skies

(1/3)

(1)

In the morning, after Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi finished breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Luo Tong and Sun Shuqiang arrived, somewhat late.

Seeing Luo Tong yawning incessantly, looking half-asleep, Qin Ke smiled and asked, "Luo Tong, what time did you get back last night?"

"Got back at three in the morning. After leaving the dance hall, I went to play games. Phew, I'm dead tired," Luo Tong replied listlessly.

"You don’t seem to have gone gaming with Xiao Sun, right?" Qin Ke asked knowingly, looking at the wide-awake Sun Shuqiang.

"Qin Ge, I’m not telling you who I went with," Luo Tong played mysterious.

"Haha, looks like someone’s heart is already taken," Qin Ke teased.

"Qin Ge, you can’t have the officials lighting fires while forbidding civilians from lighting lamps," Luo Tong perked up and joked.

"It seems our Luo is really enjoying himself, forgetting all about Hédōng," Bian Xiaoqi joined in the fun, teasing Luo Tong.

"I shall dedicate my heart to the bright moon," Luo Tong said poetically with a smile.

"Our Luo has turned literary—looks like the fallen flowers are intentional, just waiting for the flowing water’s affection," Qin Ke laughed.

"Qin Ge, little Luo has a loyal heart and two preparations," Luo Tong said candidly.

"Brother, I support you," Qin Ke patted Luo Tong’s shoulder with a smile.

After breakfast, according to the plan, Luo Tong and Sun Shuqiang were to conduct an inspection of all equipment of Company A in Tongyuan today. Qin Ke recounted to Luo Tong once more how Jia Yunsheng had apologized to him twice last night.

Luo Tong said, "Qin Ge, with Director Fang backing us, I doubt he dares to cause trouble again."

Bian Xiaoqi added, "Luo Tong, after all, we are on their turf. We must handle our relationship with Jia Yunsheng carefully. Although he may never be our friend, we don't want him as an enemy either."

Luo Tong replied, "Qin Ge, Manager Bian, rest assured, I will handle him well. Unless it’s a matter of principle, I won’t bother with petty disputes."

Qin Ke said, "Luo Tong, I trust you. This morning, Manager Bian and I will go to Tongyuan Telecom to sign the contract with Director Fang for equipment expansion. We’ll return to Xizhou in the afternoon. You and Xiao Sun will have to work hard here."

After seeing Luo Tong and Sun Shuqiang off, Qin Ke said to Bian Xiaoqi, "Xiaoqi, can you sign the contract with Director Fang yourself? As a technician, I’d better avoid interfering in business affairs to avoid conflict of interest."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, "I can sign it myself, no problem. But since I’m already involved in technical matters, I’d still prefer you come with me."

"Alright then," Qin Ke agreed, secretly glad to accompany Bian Xiaoqi to meet Fang Daoqi when she insisted on his company.

The equipment expansion contract worth over ten million yuan had long been agreed upon; only the signing procedure remained. Due to unresolved issues with the Qianfo Town equipment, the signing was delayed until today.

After greeting Director Fang, they quickly signed the contract. They once again expressed gratitude for his warm hospitality.

Back at the hotel, after packing, the two hurried to Tongyuan Airport.

They took the 2 p.m. flight from Tongyuan to Xizhou.

The plane was still a domestically made regional aircraft with only 50 seats, a twin-engine turboprop for short to medium-range transport, still noisy as ever. This flight was like a regular shuttle bus between Xizhou and Tongyuan, with several flights daily, never interrupted.

The plane was not full; about one-third of the seats were empty. Qin Ke sat by the window, Bian Xiaoqi right beside him; they held hands, leaning on each other. The noise was so loud, like an airborne tractor; they spoke softly, barely hearing each other, so they fell silent.

When the plane climbed to over five thousand meters, reaching its limit altitude, Qin Ke looked down through the window. The vast Dabashan Mountains stretched below, with clear ridges, intersecting gullies, and winding rivers—a view different from what he had seen in the mountains.

Qin Ke had been too excited last night to sleep well; with the plane’s turbulence, he closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.

(2)

After an unknown length of time, Qin Ke was shaken awake vigorously by Bian Xiaoqi. Opening his eyes, he saw her tugging his arm anxiously, her voice trembling: "Qin Ke, wake up! The plane might be malfunctioning."

Startled, Qin Ke quickly became alert and noticed the noise had dropped significantly. Looking up, he saw passengers in front and behind growing restless, some unbuckling seat belts, trying to stand. He shouted sharply, "What’s going on?"

"One of the engines has stopped," a passenger cried, voice choked with tears.

"Ah?" Qin Ke was shocked. He looked out the window and indeed saw the propeller on his side’s wing had stopped spinning, explaining the noise drop.

"Qin Ke, what do we do?" Bian Xiaoqi clung to him, worried.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. The plane is safe. Do not leave your seats and fasten your seat belts," the flight attendant standing in the aisle calmly smiled and said.

"Both engines are off, and you say the plane is fine? You’re lying," a passenger shouted, panic growing in the cabin.

Just then, all noise ceased—the other engine had stopped too.

Qin Ke looked out again; the looming mountain peaks were rapidly approaching. He shouted, "The plane is descending!"

"I'm going to die! I don't want to die!" a passenger started crying, quickly sparking more passengers into tears.

"Qin Ke, I don’t want to either..." Bian Xiaoqi also wept, clutching him tighter.

In that instant, the air disaster scenes from TV flashed vividly in Qin Ke’s mind: the plane crashing, exploding, bursting into flames, shattering into pieces. He was sweating in fear. The plane was minutes from crashing; he dared not think further.

"Xiaoqi, I don’t want to either..." Qin Ke held her trembling body tightly with shaking arms.

They were so young, their love so beautiful, but before they could savor that sweetness, they were facing the end.

No! If death was inevitable now, then let them savor this brief sweetness to the fullest.

(2/3)

At the brink of life and death, Bian Xiaoqi lifted her face and seized Qin Ke’s lips, kissing him fiercely.

Qin Ke, teary-eyed, parted his lips to accept her desperate kiss and kissed her back passionately.

Their hearts were terrified, tears salty, yet love remained sweet, even if only for a few fleeting minutes.

Though death awaited, to be with the one they loved until the last moment made it all worthwhile.

Qin Ke stopped trembling, tidied Bian Xiaoqi’s stray hair, wiped her tears.

Bian Xiaoqi steadied herself, caressed Qin Ke’s handsome face, held his hand, snuggling close.

Both closed their eyes, waiting for the moment neither wished to face…

After some unknown time, the plane suddenly shook violently again; the noise surged—this was not a crash, but the engines roaring back to life.

They slowly opened their eyes, hearing the flight attendant’s usual gentle voice: "Passengers, our plane will continue to climb. Please remain seated and fasten your seat belts."

A bold passenger asked, "What exactly happened?"

The attendant smiled, "Our plane is very safe. It can glide and restart."

Passengers remained pale with fright; some said, "My heart almost gave out." Others said, "I’ll never fly again."

Qin Ke looked out the window; the propellers spun rapidly, and the mountains drifted farther away.

Still shaken, Bian Xiaoqi clung to Qin Ke, unable to believe what had happened.

Qin Ke gently wiped her tears, tenderly saying, "Xiaoqi, don’t be afraid anymore. We’re safe."

Only then did Bian Xiaoqi relax but still held him tight.

"Xiaoqi, what were you thinking just now?" Qin Ke softly asked in her ear.

"I… I just thought that as long as I’m with you, I have no regrets," Bian Xiaoqi whispered.

Blushing at her own impulsiveness, she buried her head in Qin Ke’s chest.

"Me too," Qin Ke kissed her hair and whispered.

Though the aircraft noise remained loud, their soft whispers were clear and sincere.

The plane finally landed at Xizhou Airport.

When it stopped, Qin Ke saw several fire trucks and ambulances waiting—clearly prepared for an emergency. The problem was more serious than the flight attendant’s calm words.

Qin Ke gently freed Bian Xiaoqi’s arms still wrapped around him, preparing to stand.

"Qin Ke, I can’t stand up," she said.

"Do you want me to carry you down?" Qin Ke joked, recalling their night in Qianfo Town.

"You’re so annoying," Bian Xiaoqi laughed through tears, feeling sheepish.

"My legs are still weak," she admitted shyly.

Qin Ke helped her up and slowly walked down the plane. Nearby, passengers speaking Cantonese swore never to fly on such planes again.

Qin Ke let Bian Xiaoqi rest on a chair while he retrieved their luggage. After more than an hour’s rest, she could walk normally again.

"Xiaoqi, you shouldn’t fly on planes like this anymore. It’s too unsafe," Qin Ke said.

"As long as I’m with you, I’ll dare," she teased, playful again.

Having survived this terrifying ordeal, from joy to fear, despair to relief, it felt like passing through life and death together, drawing their hearts closer.

(3/3)

Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi returned to the Xizhou office, where Cheng Ang awaited them.

Like greeting triumphant heroes, Cheng Ang gave Qin Ke a big bear hug and exclaimed, "You succeeded immediately—less than twelve hours to solve the problem! So efficient, boosting Company A’s morale. I’ve already reported your achievements to Director Zhou and Director Gao."

"Director Fang in Tongyuan also praised you for professionalism and dedication, which gives me confidence for future visits."

"Thank you for your hard work improving client relations. Any requests, just say the word. Tonight, it’s on me."

Cheng Ang kept showering them with praise.

Qin Ke teased, "Cheng Zong, maybe you should get a shrine and worship us?"

This made Bian Xiaoqi and Cheng Ang laugh heartily.

That evening, Cheng Ang treated them to authentic Sichuan hotpot.

Eating spicy lamb slices and sipping cold beer, Cheng Ang shared his market plans: "Next, I’ll develop the Guizhou market, then Yunnan. Manager Xiaoqi, you’ll stay in Xizhou. Director Gao will assign someone to lead in Yunnan; I’ll be on a business trip to Guizhou during that time."

Cheng Ang envisioned the future and said to Qin Ke, "Brother Qin, once projects in Yunnan and Guizhou progress, this Southwest will be our territory. Why not come here as technical director? I handle marketing; you handle technology. Your pay doubles, with year-end bonuses. How about it?"

Bian Xiaoqi looked at Qin Ke, curious about his thoughts.

Qin Ke smiled, "Cheng Zong’s plan sounds great with tempting terms. I need some time to think—maybe one to two months. Is that okay?"

Cheng Ang agreed immediately, "Sure, the sooner the better."

Qin Ke added, "Cheng Zong, if I want to come south, Director Zhou might not let me go easily."

Cheng Ang replied, "Brother Qin, once you say yes, Gao and I will persuade Director Zhou. The key is your decision."

Qin Ke changed the subject, smiling, "Cheng Zong, this trip to Tongyuan showed you can recognize and utilize talent well. Thanks to Manager Bian’s help, I might have faced defeat otherwise. Though a young woman, her ability rivals ours. Given time, she’ll be a well-rounded professional."

Bian Xiaoqi was pleased but modest: "Qin Gong, you overestimate me. You helped when I only added a little."

Cheng Ang laughed, "Qin, you’re right. As the market expands, Manager Bian will definitely hold her own. If we work together, each of us will succeed."

After dinner, Cheng Ang had other appointments and left first.

Left alone, Bian Xiaoqi smiled, "Thank you for speaking up for me in front of Cheng Ang."

Qin Ke smiled, "Xiaoqi, I spoke honestly—you deserve it."

She looked at him softly, "Why do you say good things about me?"

Qin Ke grinned, "Xiaoqi, don’t pretend you don’t know."

"I want you to tell me the reason," she pressed.

Qin Ke whispered near her ear, "Xiaoqi, because I like you."

She smiled, "That’s more like it. By the way, you said Zhou Pingyi might block your move south—is that an excuse? What do you really think about Cheng Ang’s offer?"

Qin Ke said, "Xiaoqi, I’m undecided. If I accept, I can be with you. If not, I fear it might affect us. What do you suggest?"

She said, "I’m glad you value me so much. Whether you accept Cheng Ang or not, besides me, you must have other reasons that convince you. So I’ll support any decision you make—who told me to like you?"

Qin Ke said, "Xiaoqi, I don’t want to choose between love and reason—I want both. I truly like you, so I must consider your feelings. Do you think I should accept Cheng Ang’s offer?"

She said, "Actually, you’ve already decided—you won’t accept."

Qin Ke asked, "Xiaoqi, why are you so sure?"

She smiled, "Cheng Ang’s offer is great—something others would jump at. You didn’t immediately accept but found an excuse to delay. That’s a stalling tactic, showing your heart’s elsewhere."

She paused suddenly.

Qin Ke smiled, "Please continue."

She laughed, "What else do you want me to say?"

Qin Ke said, "You hit the nail on the head. I want to hear more."

She continued, "Unfortunately, you met me and fell for me, shaking your prior resolve. Staying at Company A means being with me but against your original plan. Leaving fulfills your wish but risks losing me. That’s why you’re torn. Am I right?"

Qin Ke was surprised, "Xiaoqi, you’re so clever—you see right through me. I must cherish your affection, so I must decide carefully."

She looked at him, "Actually, there’s one thing you haven’t considered."

Qin Ke hurried, "Xiaoqi, what is it?"

She smiled, "If you could take me with you anywhere, you wouldn’t hesitate."

Hearing this, Qin Ke said instantly, "Could you?"

She smiled, "Why not? I said I’ll support any decision you make."

Qin Ke embraced her happily, "Xiaoqi, you’re so smart and understanding. I adore you. I want to kiss you properly."

She looked into his eyes, smiling, "How do you want to kiss me?"

Seeing her blooming smile, Qin Ke was moved beyond words. He kissed her tenderly, pouring his passion into her lips. Bian Xiaoqi enjoyed and reciprocated warmly, making him feel like the happiest man tonight.

Qin Ke said with deep affection, "Xiaoqi, I want to never leave you."

Bian Xiaoqi replied with equal warmth, "Qin Ke, me too."

When Qin Ke accompanied Bian Xiaoqi to her doorstep, she asked if he wanted to come inside.

Qin Ke said, "Xiaoqi, you should first go in and greet your uncle and aunt, so they’re prepared. I’ll visit at the right time. Otherwise, it’s too sudden and informal."

Bian Xiaoqi agreed, seeing the reason.

They hugged again for a long while before reluctantly parting.