Flight Traces

Chapter 3: Save the Rush for Next Time

Five minutes ago, this shirt was still intact.

Bian Ji recalled the events of those five minutes, certain that this compliant passenger had a smooth escape, with no falls or accidents that could have damaged his clothing. The only variable was himself.

However, Bian Ji didn't think he had exerted enough force during the turbulence to tear the shirt. He cautiously asked, "Did I do this to your shirt?"

Yan Ankuo seemed unaware of his exposed neck, adjusting his collar and switching the suit jacket to his right hand. With a dismissive wave, he said, "No, it's just poor quality."

A tailor would likely fly from Italy to China in anger if they heard this excuse.

Bian Ji couldn't figure out when he had damaged the shirt. But since the passenger suffered economic loss due to him, he bowed apologetically, "Sorry, it must have been... too much force?"

"No problem," Yan Ankuo reassured Bian Ji.

Having inhaled smoke, Bian Ji's throat still hurt, coughing twice before speaking. Out of politeness, he covered his mouth.

Yan Ankuo noticed the bruise on Bian Ji's wrist, his brows furrowing deeper as he asked if it was severe.

Bian Ji denied it, but not convincingly.

Yan Ankuo insisted, pushing a tube of ointment into Bian Ji's hand. He explained that it was a pain-relieving medicine distributed by a nurse earlier, "Take it."

Bian Ji didn't resist, simply thanking him.

Yan Ankuo looked at him, asking, "How many more thank-yous?"

Bian Ji was taken aback. Yan Ankuo pointed to his hand, saying, "If anyone should be thanking, it's me."

Bian Ji really didn't want to participate in the upcoming passenger gratitude session, considering it part of his job and knowing that credit didn't solely belong to him. He didn't expect Yan Ankuo to break convention, saying, "You made my birthday quite special."

Bian Ji chuckled bitterly, "Indeed, it was quite special."

Yan Ankuo joked, "I'll probably remember today every year from now on."

"That better not happen! It wasn't exactly a good thing." Bian Ji waved his hand, coughing again during the conversation.

A nearby plane was taxiing for takeoff, its loud roar interrupting their conversation.

Yan Ankuo watched the plane depart, gathering his thoughts. Unexpectedly, he asked, "Were you afraid?"

Bian Ji didn't anticipate the question, pausing.

Yan Ankuo repeated, "Afraid? Just now."

"I don't know," Bian Ji answered honestly, "There wasn't time to think."

"In truth, I was terrified. Until touchdown, I thought I wouldn't make it back." Without waiting for Bian Ji to respond, Yan Ankuo changed the subject, "Fortunately, I bought travel insurance yesterday, so it's a win in that sense."

Bian Ji was about to offer comfort, but held back upon hearing this, "..."

Yan Ankuo's phone rang again. He checked it briefly, then disconnected the call, continuing to chat with Bian Ji as if nothing happened.

Bian Ji didn't want to distract Yan Ankuo from his work, steering the conversation away from flight-related topics, "The company is arranging a new plane to Kunming, but the departure time is still pending. After the health check here, I'll distribute accommodation and meal vouchers. Mr. Yan, do you have any plans afterward?"

Yan Ankuo replied, "I won't wait for the new flight, I've already bought a high-speed train ticket to Kunming, it'll be faster."

"Very urgent?"

"Yes, I have a case to attend to."

That meant they wouldn't see each other on the next leg of the journey. Bian Ji didn't feel sad, but his stomach pain was becoming more noticeable, "I see, then I wish you success in court!"

"Safe takeoffs and landings." After exchanging wishes, seeing Bian Ji hadn't left, Yan Ankuo patiently asked, "Anything else?"

Around them, survivors chattered noisily, and in the distance, a smoking plane. It wasn't an ideal setting for a conversation. Yet, Bian Ji didn't want to end this dialogue.

"Right, should I compensate you for your shirt?" Bian Ji slapped his forehead, pointing to Yan Ankuo's collar, "We can exchange WeChat contacts, let me know if you need anything."

In reality, if there was a need, Yan Ankuo could file a claim with the airline rather than seek personal compensation from a flight attendant. Thus, after giving this awkward reason, Bian Ji began to suspect whether his language system had failed due to excessive stress.

Yan Ankuo hesitated for a few seconds, quietly studying Bian Ji's face, about to speak.

At that moment, a medical worker nearby called out, "All crew members, come for health checks, hurry!"

Bian Ji sighed, turning to shout a "Yes," then looked back at Yan Ankuo. His eyes shone with hope and moisture, a sign of survival.

Yan Ankuo pondered for a moment, tapping his watch, "Save the rush for next time."

Adults knew that the probability of "next time" was close to zero. Therefore, Bian Ji naturally interpreted this as a rejection, not pressing further, and jogged toward the medical team.

Thus, he missed the sight of Yan Ankuo lowering his head to search his pocket, pulling out a business card a moment later.

[📢Author's Note: Term Explanation: Brace Position - Legs pulled back, beyond the vertical line of the knees; head tilted forward as much as possible, close to the knees or the back of the seat in front.

Single Engine Operation - Refers to a special situation where one of the engines fails on a twin-engine aircraft, leaving only one engine operational. Reference Case: Nine Air AQ1305 Emergency Landing Due to Fire Alarm.]