The Charismatic Charlie Wade

In the early morning, as the sun began to paint the sky with shades of gold, Jasmine emerged from his room, clad in his own attire. He beckoned Don Albert, asking him to accompany Zeba to the magnificent Elys-Champ Hot Springs Villa for a comfortable settlement.

Meanwhile, Jasmine and Maria embarked on a captivating adventure with the portrait of Morvel Bazin in tow. They boarded a sleek helicopter and soared through the sky, heading back to Zilian Villa, Maria’s residence.

Simultaneously, in the bustling city of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, a majestic Boeing 777-200LR took flight. Its destination, Australia.

Despite being hailed as the world’s longest-range aircraft, this magnificent machine had yet to breach the 18,000-kilometer mark. Hence, the captain’s flight plan dictated a refueling stop in Melbourne before reaching Aurous Hill.

Inside the airplane, only four passengers occupied the spacious cabin. Among them were Aemon and the three venerable elders who had recently cleared customs. These elders had retreated from the world over a century ago, when the Chinese people had just shed their braided hairstyles. They had merely heard rumors of the remarkable flying contraptions created by foreigners, yet they had never experienced them firsthand.

Now, however, they found themselves seated within the opulent confines of a private plane that rivaled a royal palace, ascending to an altitude of 10,000 meters with utmost ease. This exhilarating sensation left the three elders in a state of awe that lingered long after takeoff.

Observing the elder’s nervous demeanor from the moment the engines roared to life, Aemon felt compelled to reassure them. “Worry not, esteemed elders. Rest assured, air travel is currently the safest mode of transportation in the world, employing the most advanced and mature technologies.”

Balin, the elder at the forefront, discreetly wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead before speaking with trepidation. “Aemon, this metallic behemoth soars to unimaginable heights, surpassing even the clouds. It’s not that I, Balin, fear such heights, but rather the prospect of plummeting from such great heights terrifies me. Even with centuries of cultivation, our lives would surely be forfeit!”

Talix trembled in agreement, echoing his fellow elder’s sentiments. “Aemon, my friend, perhaps you can implore the pilot to lower our altitude a tad. Thirty or fifty feet should suffice, providing us with a greater sense of security…”

Aemon helplessly explained, “Grandfathers, I implore you to cast away your worries. Part of the reason air travel is safe lies in its ability to reach great altitudes. The cruising altitude of over 11,000 meters in height. Why is this significant? Such a height difference allows the aircraft ample time to make adjustments. In other words, even if the engines were to fail, the plane could glide for tens or hundreds of kilometers using its speed and altitude. If we were to fly at a mere thirty or fifty feet, any malfunction would result in a catastrophic crash before adjustments could be made.”

feet, the consequences would likely be fatal. You see, this plane carries over 100 tons of fuel alone, weighing approximately 300,000 catties. Should it plummet from

as he exclaimed, “Damn it… We’re flying inside a

fuel far surpasses that of kerosene.

an explosion occur, our eight lives would not suffice to consume the burning kerosene, weighing hundreds of thousands of

allows. I suggest the three of you close your eyes and engage in meditation. Who knows, you may even arrive in Aurous Hill

such a state of transcendence…” Varis admitted, his fellow elders nodding

first time proved to be a novel experience for them, though

***

the helicopter atop the villa’s upper courtyard, Maria turned to Albert, her voice filled with respect. “Young Master, please

“Should I really be the

handwriting.

recognize your handwriting?

as she explained, “After the Young Master saved me during our last encounter, before my family

upon Jasmine and he nodded. “Very well, I

a brush, its bristles supple and inviting and proceeded to inscribe Morvel Bazin’s

Jasmine chuckled and confessed, “My handwriting may be a tad unsightly. I apologize for the

examine his penmanship, Maria smiled warmly. “Young Master, your writing is more than satisfactory. One can discern your skill and finesse.