Hearing the voice, Jiang Cheng finally looked toward Zhao Qiming, who stood at the very edge of the crowd, looking rather ill at ease.
Well, well, if it isn't Old Zhao again.
Seeing Jiang Cheng speak to him, Zhao Qiming could no longer contain his joy and excitement.
The stiffness born of tension melted from his face in an instant; the corners of his mouth lifted higher and higher.
His eyes sparkled with exhilaration, even the crow's-feet at their corners deepening, etched by sheer delight.
Yet beneath the excitement, a flicker of gratitude quietly surfaced in the depths of his gaze.
People are like that: once your perception of someone shifts, your attitude follows in subtle ways.
In the past, when Jiang Cheng talked to him, Zhao Qiming would simply act a bit more obsequious, hoping to build a good relationship.
But now that he knew Jiang Cheng's true identity far exceeded anything he had imagined,
and the gulf between their social positions was so vast,
the mere fact that Jiang Cheng still bothered to acknowledge him felt like a bestowed grace.
That feeling made gratitude well up unbidden; being noticed by Jiang Cheng seemed an incomparable honor.
Unable to hide his delight, Zhao Qiming beamed.
Yes, Young Master Jiang! Ever since you saved our airport last time, your deed has become legend among us. Day and night I've longed to see you again.
Seeing Zhao Qiming bring that up once more, Jiang Cheng gave a helpless smile.
Old Zhao, this isn't the best moment—my parents haven't gotten off the plane yet.
Startled, Zhao Qiming's heart lurched and surprise flashed across his face.
He had never imagined Jiang Cheng would be here to meet his own parents.
While secretly wondering who Jiang Cheng's parents might be, he hurriedly thumped his chest in assurance.
Young Master Jiang, rest easy! I've had the runway area cleared and every procedure double-checked; an accident like last time is absolutely impossible!
As he finished, Du Wei stared at Jiang Cheng in astonishment.
Then, with a grateful air, he extended his hand once more.
So it was you who solved the airport crisis. I was in Kyoto for a meeting when I heard; the report had me breaking into a cold sweat. Though the airport falls under the Aviation Bureau, this is Shanghai—one of the busiest hubs in all of China. Had anything happened, I'd have borne the blame.
Du Wei spoke earnestly; at his side Qi Feng shot him a subtle glance.
In truth, both knew perfectly well who had been behind the rescue.
When they'd contacted Jiang Cheng for an award ceremony, he had declined, and they'd had no chance to meet.
Qi Feng had even asked his son for his view.
Qi Yuan had replied he simply wanted to be Jiang Cheng's friend, not curry favor for his own future.
Qi Feng had been proud of that answer.
With a new term beginning, every faction was undergoing a major reshuffle.
For the moment all were watching and waiting; no one dared move rashly.
In posts as sensitive as theirs, staying neutral meant promotion was remote,
but backing the wrong side could end in ruin—or worse.
Thus, though they knew Jiang Cheng was in Shanghai, they had held their fire.
and taken no overt action.
But now that Jiang Jianming had made a move, everything would change.
From the instant they received Shen Chong's call they had raced to investigate Jiang Jianming.
Yet most of what they found was superficial;
his true family background remained opaque.
One fact, however, was certain:
For more than a decade Jiang Jianming had been nothing more than an ordinary construction-company boss.
Now he had stepped into the limelight.
The implications were obvious: either the Jiang Family was about to deploy its vast resources to advance him,
or it was paving the way for the next term.
Qi Feng smiled and chimed in, Indeed, Secretary Du phoned me then, demanding a full inquiry. We never guessed you were behind it, Jiang Cheng—you saved Shanghai's peace. Had a crash happened here, it would have crippled our work and shattered the image Shanghai has spent years cultivating.
Watching Qi Feng hold forth like Du Wei, Jiang Cheng felt helpless.
Uncle Qi, you make it sound far too grave.
Before he could continue, Du Wei stepped forward and clasped Jiang Cheng's hands gratefully.
Not grave at all! Your contribution to Shanghai is immense. 'Ten years of effort unnoticed; one failure known worldwide.' The title 'Outstanding Party Member' is too modest. Comrade Qi, this year's Top Ten Touching China Youth must include Jiang Cheng!
Qi Feng's face lit with agreement; every wrinkle seemed to applaud Du's words.
He nodded repeatedly. Secretary Du is right; that award would be entirely fitting.
The pleasantries wearied Jiang Cheng.
He knew they were only playing the roles the circus of fame required.
Had an ordinary pilot solved the incident, he might still have earned the medal and bonus,
but Du Wei and Qi Feng would never have clasped his hands with such emotion.
A line flashed through Jiang Cheng's mind: 'You think they toast the man? They toast the power in his hand.'