"Who else but you, kid, would constantly stir up trouble for me? Did you bully Teacher Wu’s students into crying again?"
Teacher Gao stood with one hand on her hip. Ever since taking this troublemaker under her wing, there hadn’t been a single peaceful day.
"How could they tattle? They were the ones who challenged me. How is it my fault if they lost?"
"So you really ate all their chicken legs?"
"That was their bet. A deal’s a deal, right?"
Li Wu tilted his head up proudly, while Tang Sheng and Jiang Cheng stifled their laughter. Seeing Teacher Gao fume while the little chubby kid stood his ground with shameless confidence was always amusing.
"Was it really necessary to eat them all? Are we that short on food?"
Teacher Gao sighed in exasperation.
"No, but wasting food is a sin! Besides, victory tastes sweeter."
"Could you at least stop picking on the newcomers?"
Teacher Gao couldn’t help but be protective of her favorite student.
"They were the ones who came looking for trouble. They called me ‘little chubby’ right off the bat, said someone like me couldn’t even swim, and claimed anyone who lost to me was trash."
Jiang Cheng, who had also called Li Wu "little chubby" before, turned his head and scratched his nose awkwardly.
"Alright, fine, that wasn’t your fault. But no forming gangs, got it? You’re too young to be playing boss. Don’t make me tell your grandma."
Teacher Gao issued another warning.
"You always use my grandma to scare me. Hmph."
Li Wu pouted defiantly, only for Teacher Gao to ruffle his hair.
"Your hair’s getting long again. Time for a trim. I’ll cut all your hair this evening."
With that, Teacher Gao left to attend to other matters.
At the base:
"This is your first time piloting the new fighter jet. The flight duration is thirty minutes to test its performance. If you experience any discomfort, report it immediately."
Shen Xianjun and the others suited up and boarded the jet in an orderly manner. All their training had led to this moment—the final test of their efforts.
As commands echoed from the control room, final checks were completed, and the jet was cleared for takeoff.
The familiar voice in his headset made Shen Xianjun’s lips curl slightly. His hands moved effortlessly across the controls.
The jet soared into the sky, flying smoothly.
"Increase altitude."
Following the command, Shen Xianjun steadily climbed higher.
By the third ascent, the jet was enveloped in clouds.
"Professor Qin, this altitude is already impressive. The jet’s performance has been flawless so far."
Everyone monitored the data closely, wary of even the slightest anomaly.
"I think we can push higher. In extreme weather, this altitude would still be dangerous."
Qin Nian observed the jet’s position within the clouds. During severe conditions, electrical ions and turbulence could severely impact the aircraft.
After confirming the current altitude posed no risk, Qin Nian ordered another ascent.
Shen Xianjun adjusted the controls, watching the altimeter climb. Just as he was about to report success, a sharp, electric jolt of pain shot through his body.
The jet wobbled slightly, but Shen Xianjun gritted his teeth and steadied it.
"What happened?"
The team’s hearts clenched as they scrutinized the data.
"Not an issue with the jet," Shen Xianjun’s voice came through.
"Descend immediately and return to base."
Qin Nian’s order was firm.
Shen Xianjun wanted to insist he was fine, but the pain had been real. If his condition compromised the mission, it wouldn’t be a minor incident.
He landed the jet smoothly on the tarmac and stepped out.
By then, Qin Nian and the others had arrived in a vehicle.
"Explain what happened up there."
The training instructor’s tone was stern.
"I felt a sudden, electric-like pain here. It faded once we descended."
"Medical check-up, now. A pilot’s health is never trivial."
Though Shen Xianjun didn’t think it was serious, he obeyed and followed the medics.
Qin Nian exchanged a nod with him before leading a team to inspect the jet. Finding no issues, they sent another pilot for a second test.
As the jet climbed back to Shen Xianjun’s peak altitude, tension hung thick in the air.
This time, the flight was flawless. Data readings remained optimal, and all commands were executed without a hitch. The jet eventually descended, mission accomplished.
"Compile the data. We’ll run further tests tomorrow. I’m going to check on my husband."
Only after confirming everything was in order did Qin Nian delegate the remaining tasks.
She arrived at the medical facility an hour and a half later.
"How are you?"
Her concern was evident.
"I feel fine. Bloodwork’s normal too. Just waiting on one report—they said it’ll take two hours."
Shen Xianjun scooted over to make room for her.
"Ah, Comrade Qin Nian. Perfect timing. There’s something we need to discuss. Come with me. You stay put."
The instructor spoke gently to Qin Nian but shot Shen Xianjun a look that brooked no argument.
Qin Nian followed, only to be led into the doctor’s office.
The door shut firmly behind them. The doctor’s expression was grave as he reviewed the documents.
"This is Qin Nian, Comrade Shen Xianjun’s wife and the lead professor in our fighter jet program."
The instructor introduced her.
"Please, sit."
The doctor gestured.
"Is there something wrong with my husband’s health?"
Qin Nian already had an inkling.
"Has Comrade Shen Xianjun undergone major abdominal surgery before? The scar is quite significant."
"Yes, but that was years ago. It should be in his records."
Qin Nian nodded.
"That’s the root of the issue. In the pressurized cockpit at high altitudes, the old injury caused sudden, electric-like pain due to the pressure."
"Does this mean he can’t fly anymore?"
Qin Nian cut straight to the point. The doctor nodded.
"For his safety, he should avoid piloting fighter jets. While altitude can be controlled, future risks are unpredictable. Mid-flight complications are impossible to address immediately."
The verdict was clear: Shen Xianjun’s days in the skies were over.
Qin Nian sat in stunned silence.
"Professor Qin, as his wife, we hope you can help him come to terms with this. It will undoubtedly be a heavy blow."
The doctor sighed sympathetically.
