Master of Deception System-Chapter 59: Taking Off

During boarding, Li Xuan followed behind Zhao Hetai. He watched Zhao Hetai's back and furrowed his brows slightly.

The time was 11:20 AM. There were forty minutes left until the flight took off.

Generally, passengers would begin boarding at 11:35 AM. If flight ZC5546 was on time, it should leave the ground around 12:00 PM.

Of course, this time could be adjusted earlier or later based on the tower's instructions.

However, due to the uniqueness of an A380 using runway 4F, the deviation shouldn't be too great.

However, Captain Zhao Hetai's presence made Li Xuan feel somewhat vigilant.

It wasn't because Zhao Hetai was behaving oddly at the moment, but rather due to the fact that he used to be a fighter pilot.

His excellent physical condition, combined with his military training, made him a threat.

But at the same time, he was also the guarantee that this flight would land smoothly.

Li Xuan glanced at him, then at the two First Officers behind him, and proceeded onto the aircraft.

"It's 11:21 AM now. The train station should be bustling by now. If they haven't discovered my final destination, that's fine.

However, once they find out I've come to the airport... In the three and a half hours of the flight, they will certainly know where I'll be landing."

In Li Xuan's mind, he constantly calculated the landing time and the maximum time he could be discovered.

His plan had been disrupted, so he knew he had to find an opportune moment to leave, but that was nearly an impasse.

Once the plane landed and was surrounded, even if he had wings, he would still be shot down.

However, soon a feasible plan emerged in Li Xuan's mind.

"Surrounded...?"

Li Xuan wasn't worried about being surrounded. But his gaze wasn't relaxed. Because everything happening now felt somewhat peculiar to him. It was all going too smoothly.

After boarding, the cabin crew had already made the necessary preparations. These women were tall and elegant, exuding a captivating charm.

"Captain."

"Captain."

"Captain."

Their greetings were soft, welcoming Captain Zhao Hetai, who had just boarded. Zhao Hetai nodded slightly in response.

Li Xuan's movements weren't too conspicuous but were certainly appropriate. However, the two newly graduated First Officers seemed somewhat shy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce myself first."

When all the crew members had gathered, Zhao Hetai spoke loudly, "I am the captain of this flight, Zhao Hetai."

"The person standing beside me is Professor Wu Qing, from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He's here for observation and inspection of this flight."

"This is First Officer Qian Zhenyu."

"And Second Officer Zhou Changjian."

"I hope we will have a pleasant cooperation on this journey!"

After saying these words, Zhao Hetai led the way into the cockpit. Li Xuan looked towards the cabin interior.

The Airbus A380 wasn't just huge from the outside, but from the inside as well.

While a typical aircraft had six seats per row, the Airbus A380 had a total of ten seats per row.

Moreover, the A380 was double-decked, resembling a two-story bus, offering immense space. This was also why it was one of the few aircraft capable of using runway 4F.

"Professor Wu, would you like something to drink?"

As Li Xuan was observing, the flight attendant standing beside him asked in a soft voice.

Li Xuan paused slightly before smiling faintly, "No, thank you."

"By the way, is this flight to Guangdong East heavily booked?"

The flight attendant smiled charmingly, "There are a total of 525 seats on board. Aside from one seat in First Class, the rest are all occupied."

"This time, there might be some cooperation between Southern Airlines and Lukou Airport. The discounts are quite substantial, and the flight's timing is well chosen."

"So, including the crew members, there are a total of 544 people."

"Professor Wu, your research this time is bound to be rewarding."

She spoke in a detailed and organized manner.

While recording this information, Li Xuan asked, "May I know your name?"

"I'm surnamed Zhou, Zhou Wenyao, Senior Flight Purser, and Chief Flight Attendant of this flight."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan lifted his head to look at her, "Senior Flight Purser? You're so young."

"I really didn't expect..."

Zhou Wenyao elegantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Professor Wu, I'd definitely be pleased to hear that from others, but when compared to you, it seems I still have a long way to go."

Li Xuan smiled and pretended to finish recording. Then, he raised his wrist to check the time. "I won't disturb you any longer. Passengers will be boarding in just over ten minutes. You can continue with your preparations."

Afterward, Li Xuan entered the cockpit. Inside, Zhao Hetai was also making final preparations.

"Fuel check... cleared."

"Cargo manifest check... cleared."

"Instrument check report... cleared."

Qian Zhenyu was typing away on the keyboard, confirming various aspects of the aircraft. Despite his youthful appearance, his movements were skilled and proficient. It was evident that the training institution had great confidence in him.

As the seconds ticked away, Zhao Hetai confirmed each aspect and then turned his head to look at Second Officer Zhou Changjian, seated behind.

"How's it going on your end?"

"Oh..."

Zhou Changjian glanced at the various instrument panels. He appeared slightly innocent as he nodded, "Everything's normal, Captain, everything's normal."

Li Xuan took a deep breath. It was now 11:36 AM. Although he couldn't hear the sounds from the cabin, passengers should have started boarding by now.

In twenty-four minutes, the A380 would take off from the ground, and his plan would be more than halfway successful.

With this in mind, Li Xuan slightly adjusted his posture, leaving some distance between himself and Zhao Hetai. This person was his only threat on the plane. Though the probability was low, it was better to be safe than sorry. This had always been Li Xuan's principle.

He was well aware that his actions had no margin for error. He couldn't afford to be careless. Regardless of the situation, he always left himself a way out. Even now, even on the airplane.

"I hope..."

"We don't encounter any special circumstances."

He silently thought to himself.

Since arriving at the airport, everything had gone too smoothly. While all these events had their logical explanations, Li Xuan remained vigilant without letting his guard down.

Until he was safely hidden after leaving Guangdong East Airport, he would keep himself in a state of high alert.

Soon, it was 11:50 AM.

All passengers had been confirmed as boarded.

Zhao Hetai picked up the communication device, "Flight ZC5546, ready for departure."

"Southern Airlines Flight ZC5546, Runway 20, cleared for takeoff."

First Officer Qian Zhenyu repeated, "Southern Airlines Flight ZC5546, Runway 20, cleared for takeoff."

"Roger, starting pushback."

In the cabin.

The flight attendants were checking passengers' seat belts, tray tables, and sun visors. Meanwhile, a gentle and pleasant voice echoed through the cabin's speakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Southern Airlines Flight ZC5546. This flight is bound for Guangdong East from Nanjing..."

Everything seemed perfectly normal.

Flight ZC5546 accelerated on Runway 4F, the nose gradually lifted, and precisely at 12:00 PM, it smoothly took to the skies.