01x01 - Episode 1

[bunniefuu]

When was the last time you had a dream?

Do you still remember what your dream was?

Jiang City is a shining city
on the eastern coast.

Hengshi Air is the largest
private airline in Jiang City.

It's also where I've worked
as a flight attendant for three years.

Years ago, the executives launched
the Soar Initiative.

Any employee could apply.

Those who passed the exams could train
as company-sponsored pilots.

This was my best chance to move
from a flight attendant to a pilot.

I went through rounds of selection

and finally got my admission letter
from the Aviation Academy.

But the Initiative was suddenly terminated
by the new vice president, Fu Ming Yu.

All the effort I put in
vanished in an instant.

Just when I thought it was all over,

Fu Ming Yu showed up again.

[Episode 1]
[The Letter]

[2017]

Ruan.

Gosh, you scared me.

I didn't even hear you coming.

What are you looking for in the dark?

Where's the letter I wrote?

Letter?

- What is this for?
- Putting it in an envelope.

Two loose pages look so insincere.

After all, he is the vice president.

Forget it. I'll play it by ear.

- I'm late. I have to go.
- Wait! Let me give you a ride.

Hurry! Helmet! Give me your suitcase.

Drop me off at an intersection,
and I'll take a taxi.

Relax. I'll be there in a flash.
Just hold on tight.

Wait, my hair is getting all messed up.

Fix it when you get there.
Better than being late.

- Slow down.
- I've talked to my mentor.

She'll cover for you
when you give him the letter.

No need. We're not that close.

Don't worry. She seems cold-hearted,
but she's actually nice.

We'll see.

Stop saying that.
You sent so many emails with no reply.

Today is your last shot.

You worked so hard, and just as
it was about to begin, Fu canceled it.

Do you still want to be a pilot?

I said, we'll see. I'm losing my voice.

- Hold on tight!
- Slow down!

Ask Wang Le Kang about

[Fu Ming Yu, Vice President of Hengshi Air]
the Air Crew Department's grooming standards.

Will do, Mr. Fu.

Morning, Manager Wang.

Ruan Si Xian.

Morning, Mr. Wang.

[Wang Le Kang, Manager of Air Crew
Department] Your hair. Looking for a demerit?

It was the wind.
Mr. Wang, I'll fix it right away.

On your way here, did you see anyone
riding an electric scooter?

They don't even care about traffic rules.

- Well...
- Fine. Off you go.

- Ruan, you're here.
- What are you chatting about?

Where's the purser?

Didn't you check the message?
The flight is delayed.

They're discussing how
to outsmart Fu Ming Yu.

Outsmart him? For what?

Haven't you heard?
That fair-skinned flight attendant of ours.

Mr. Fu, please take a look at this.

She's about to get engaged to
the son of Zhengxi Steel's chairman.

Unbelievable, right?
I heard they first met on a flight.

Yeah, they fell in love at first sight.
That's how they ended up together.

Your gossip is so boring.

Not even soap operas are this cliché.

Ruan, didn't you have
a lot to say to Mr. Fu?

He just happened to choose our flight.

It's fate. You've got to
seize the opportunity.

Is this how you restructured
your department?

Did you find the attendant
riding the electric scooter this morning?

I've watched all morning,
but I haven't seen her.

I'll check with every squadron.

She'll be disciplined once found.

[Jiang City]

Welcome aboard. Please scan your face.

Welcome aboard.

Hello, Mr. Fu.

I'm Yue Yang, the captain of this flight.
Welcome aboard.

- Welcome aboard, Mr. Fu.
- Welcome aboard, Mr. Fu.

I'm doomed. Look at his grumpy face.

It won't be easy to deliver this letter.

Ladies and gentlemen,
thank you for your patience.

- For your safety, please stow your tray table,
- Ms. Wang, please fasten your seat belt.

- Return your seat to the upright position,
- Ms. Liu, please fasten your seat belt.

- And open your window shade.
- And switch your phone to airplane mode.

Please fasten your seat belt,

turn off your electronic devices,
or switch them to airplane mode.

The use of power banks
and other lithium battery devices

is prohibited throughout the flight.

Thank you for your cooperation.
We wish you a pleasant journey.

Isn't this a bit much for a flight?

So you're afraid of flying.

Mr. Fu, is our airline really going to
buy a large jetliner?

Domestically built
jetliners are the future.

It's also something we must achieve.

Hengshi Air must take
forward-looking actions

to seize the initiative
over the next three years.

Is that why you suspended
the Soar Initiative?

It was also necessary to launch
a new sponsored pilot program.

Si Xiao Zhen told me
about the Soar Initiative.

You're assigned to A1 today.

- Thank you.
- Think twice before giving Mr. Fu that letter.

If he complains, that's on you.

Honestly, you might as well just quit.

If everyone wants to be a pilot,
how am I supposed to run this crew?

Go on.

Careful, the coffee is hot.

Okay, thank you.

Coffee, please.

Certainly, Mr. Bai.

- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.

Mr. Fu, would you... like some coffee?

M-Mr. Fu? You...

Are you tired of
being a flight attendant at Hengshi Air?

Yes, I don't want to be a flight attendant.

- I want to be...
- The boss's wife?

Keep dreaming. Don't forget you're
still wearing the Hengshi Air uniform.

Can you at least consider
the company's image?

Mr. Fu, don't get me wrong.

This is about the Soar...

Dad!

- Ladies and gentlemen.
- Daddy!

Please fasten your seat belts.

Little one, fasten
your seat belt. It's okay.

Passengers standing in the cabin,
please take the nearest seat immediately.

Ensure your luggage is stowed
and the overhead bins are closed.

Cabin crew, please be seated
for your own safety.

Sit tight.

How much longer do you plan to sit here?

Your love letter fell.

- Mr. Fu, let me explain.
- No need.

Get your purser over here.

Mr. Fu, please read this letter.

Once you read it, you'll
understand everything.

This is ridiculous.

Mr. Fu, were you hurt
during the turbulence?

We sincerely apologize for the poor
experience caused by our lack of oversight.

But rest assured,
we will strengthen crew management.

Mr. Fu, we're truly sorry.

Please give us another
chance to rectify this.

[Ma'ao]

Take care, Mr. Fu.

- Take care.
- Take care. Watch your step.

- See you.
- Goodbye.

- Thank you.
- Bye.

- Take care, little one.
- Bye.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Xuan, I'm at the airport.
On the arrival floor.

Wait for me.

Okay. I'll wait for you at the entrance.

- Okay. See you in a bit.
- Okay.

What bad luck. Why is this guy everywhere?

Wait. He doesn't think
I'm stalking him, does he?

- Ruan!
- Xuan!

What's with the face?

Don't even ask.

That Fu Ming Yu won't even read my letter.

He even thought I was harassing him.

Alright, alright. Let's go.
I'll take you somewhere fun tonight.

- Where to?
- To my boss's c*ck party.

Any hot guys?

Of course.

Thank you so much. You're really nice.

Cheers.

The richer people
are, the pettier they get.

Turbulence on a flight is totally normal.

Yet he's holding a grudge over that.

It's not exactly a grudge.

But he probably thinks I'm a stalker.

Why does everything get in my way
whenever I try?

Should I just give up
and be a total slacker?

No way. That's not the Ruan Si Xian I know.

Even if you were a slacker,
you'd be the most hardworking one.

You would grind from every angle.

- What nonsense.
- You laughed. Finally.

What's the occasion
today? Why so many guests?

No idea. My boss loves
throwing parties like this.

He likes a lively crowd.
But the guests must be big shots.

I heard it's about
the acquisition of WT Airport.

Of course, they wouldn't tell
a flight attendant like me the details.

But one thing's for sure.
They're either rich or powerful.

Xuan!

Yes? Okay.

My boss is here.

- Go ahead.
- Boss.

You have to take this.
Chairman Fu is furious.

- Hello?
- Hengshi Air isn't your personal fiefdom.

You abolished the Soar Initiative.

Who's going to be responsible
for the sunk costs?

Is the board just for show?

Please, let me explain.

- Reforms are bound to cause...
- Fu Ming Yu.

You've barely taken office.

Do you know how many people
complained about you?

[Fu Si Nian, Chairman of Hengshi Air]
Get back on the earliest flight.

Chairman Fu. Here's the thing.

Yes, he's had a lot on his plate lately.

Don't worry. I'll book him
the earliest flight back tomorrow.

How ridiculous.

- Mr. Fu.
- Why are you...

You've misunderstood.
I was invited here by a friend.

A friend? Which friend?

Her boss's name is...

What was it again?

Mr. Fu. I won't waste time explaining.

You didn't read this letter before.
Please take a look.

So you don't think I have ulterior motives.

Please stay away from me.

That's truly clumsy.

Would you believe me
if I said today was pure coincidence?

Yes. Of course I do.

I'd even believe you could fly.

How can you be like this?

You aren't listening to me at all.

As I said, it was pure...

Being unreasonable won't get you anywhere.

I've seen plenty of
these cheap tricks before.

If you have this much time and energy,
focus it on your actual job.

A man who's afraid of flying
wants to run an airline?

That's the biggest
joke I've heard all year.

The whole way here,
you thought I was harassing you?

Why are you so full of yourself?

How can you just ignore
other people's effort?

Effort?

I think you just want a shortcut.

Go back to work.

Chairman Fu.

Actually, on your way back,

my anger had already mostly subsided.

In the past, I was even
more reckless than you.

But that very temper

caused me a lot of
trouble when I was young.

So, I want to give you some advice.

Before making a major decision,
give yourself some time.

Don't rush.

Always leave others some leeway.

This is a lesson
I've learned the hard way over the years.

Dad, times have changed.

And I've thought it through.

If Hengshi Air is to turn a profit,
reform is inevitable.

Some programs are outdated now,
like the Soar Initiative...

Don't be so hasty.

Let me break it down.

How many people
would canceling the Soar Initiative affect?

Once it's canceled, a whole year of work

by Human Resources and Flight Operations
would go to waste.

Do you think they won't
have any complaints?

You'll need to terminate the training
program with the Aviation Academy.

Setting aside the penalty fees,
the negotiation cost is already high.

Besides, it was Mr. Zhu's way
to promote Hengshi Air's core values.

He wanted to address employee needs

and provide everyone with a chance
to become a pilot.

The board also approved it.

Even though Zhu retired before you arrived,

by doing this, you're ruining his legacy.

How could he be happy about it?

Cabin Services, Flight Operations, and HR.

The heads of these departments
were all mentored by Zhu.

Which part of your current work
doesn't rely closely on these people?

Fine.

I'll stay with you for a bit longer.

Think it over,
then tell me your final decision.

[Director Qin, Admissions Office]
[Aviation Academy]

[Fan Lei, Captain of Hengshi Air]
Captain Fan.

Captain Fan.

I don't know if you remember me.
My name is Ruan Si Xian.

You were my interviewer
for the Soar Initiative.

I remember. What are you doing here?

I'm looking for someone.

Did you find them?

No.

What brings you here?

I'm here to practice.

I'll head in now.

Ruan Si Xian!

- She's with me.
- Okay.

- Open the gate.
- Go on in.

So?

Are you still canceling
the Soar Initiative?

Hengshi Air needs reform.

My stance has never changed.

Alright.

I'll give the board an explanation.

You handle the arrangements
for each department.

Got it.

I heard the Soar Initiative was canceled.

Captain Fan. It is indeed canceled.

So I came here to find out
if I still have a chance to learn to fly.

But I heard

our training program with the Aviation
Academy has already been terminated.

Even if you got accepted into the program,

the academy might not take you.

But I'm not here for a guaranteed result,
but for a glimmer of hope.

Even if there's only a 1% chance,
I want to try.

How? What's your plan?

I'll find admissions officers
and fight for a spot.

Admissions officers? Did you find one?

No. They didn't answer my calls.

That's why I came here.

I think that alone says a lot
about the academy.

Coming in person won't change much.

Two years ago, I never thought
I'd pass the Soar Initiative selection.

And to be honest,
I've already resigned from Hengshi Air.

- Come with me.
- Where to?

Practice with me first. I'll take
you to the admissions office later.

Dad. I want to be a pilot when I grow up.

Then I'll only fly on planes
my little girl flies.

Director Qin.

- Director Qin.
- You're here.

I'm here to ask you something.
Sorry to bother you.

Don't be so formal.
We've been classmates for four years.

Can't believe you're being
so polite with me. Have a seat.

The thing is, we couldn't reach
admissions by phone.

So I had to come in person.

That's just how it is here.

Once the holidays start, the
admissions office's line is always busy.

If you want to get through,
you need a bit of luck.

- Here, have some water.
- Don't trouble yourself.

- Please sit.
- Sit. Let me introduce you.

This is Ruan Si Xian,
my colleague at Hengshi Air.

She passed the interview
for the Soar Initiative.

She even received the admission letter
from the Aviation Academy.

Now that the Soar Initiative is canceled,
everything is on hold.

So, I came here to ask for her.

In a situation like hers,
is there any room for maneuver?

How can there be any room?

Well. The entire training
program has stalled.

If we recruit these students,
who would take them after graduation?

You know,
every takeoff and landing costs money.

Even a plane sitting in
the hangar costs money.

Training a single pilot costs
at least 700,000 yuan.

If airlines won't pay the tuition,

the academy can't just swallow the cost.

Are there still self-funded students?

Self-funded students?

In the decades since this academy opened,
there have only been two.

If you ask me, it's perfectly fine
for a girl to be a flight attendant.

You're still on a plane.
Right.

You're an exception, of course.

Out of the dozens of people in our class,
you're the only female captain.

Still, you should know
the pressure on a pilot is immense.

Just a few days ago, one of our students
was grounded due to the stress.

Sorry. I couldn't be of more help.

Captain Fan, you've
already helped me a lot.

Thank you.

As for the tuition...

I'll find a way.

Why are you so set on learning to fly?

Actually, before I met you,
I hadn't really decided to learn to fly.

I was just being stubborn,

insisting on achieving
the goal I've had for two years.

After all, it was what kept me going
for the past two years.

I felt I had to make it happen.

But after seeing you pilot that plane

and soar into the sky today,

my dream suddenly felt within reach.

I felt those two years
of effort weren't in vain.

It made me certain that
I must become the person I want to be.

It's just a matter of money.

I'll find a way.

Everyone is telling you it's impossible.

You should listen to good advice.

Why are you so stubborn?

Captain Fan, I know you mean well.

But if everyone tells
you that you can do it,

the outcome is already known.

Then why should I even try?

Isn't a dream all about
turning the impossible into the possible?

You still don't understand
how hard this path is for a woman.

Captain Fan, my life up until now
has always been hard.

What's wrong with keeping at it?

I'll give it my best shot.

Ruan Si Xian from Division 4 has resigned?

I heard she didn't get
her way on the plane.

Even after arriving in Ma'ao,
she's still pestering Mr. Fu.

[Hengshi Air]
[Three years later]

[Hengshi Air Board Meeting]

Ladies and gentlemen, may I begin?

Please look at the screen.

This is the Z101, a commercial aircraft
developed in our country.

Our purchase contract has reached
the final delivery stage.

Commercial domestic aircraft are not only
a milestone in high-end manufacturing,

but also key to reshaping the global aviation
supply chain and ensuring economic security.

Introducing domestic aircraft

holds strategic weight
and huge economic potential.

Regarding the Z101 air crew,

we've assigned our top captain instructors
for aircraft conversion training.

They will then lead the new pilots
in transition training.

This will also greatly shorten the
time from delivery to the inaugural flight.

Let me say a few words.

Three years ago,

due to declining profits at Hengshi Air,

we had to adopt a cost
optimization strategy.

Whether stopping the Soar Initiative
or laying off staff,

both have greatly reduced costs.

However, in terms of optimization,

we haven't seen any obvious results yet.

So, introducing this new model
is the perfect opportunity.

I hope that under Mr. Fu's leadership,
we can seize this opportunity

to boost our publicity
and drive overall performance.

I hope all the board members here trust us.

Since you mentioned publicity,

next, Zeng Yu
from the Corporate Publicity Department

will present the detailed plans.

Here's the plan to promote
Hengshi Air's new model.

We've already launched
the public bidding process.

After the first round of screening,

three suppliers have made it
to the final pitch stage.

I believe that through our final efforts,

we will create a perfect launch campaign
before the inaugural flight.

We will certainly work tirelessly...

The launch is set for 68 days from now,
on Hengshi Air's 20th anniversary.

Supplier selection will be completed
within a week.

The publicity plan will be finalized
within 30 days.

This is our current schedule.

Sit down.

The Publicity Department
and the Vice President's Office

have researched the market.

Among the two airlines
that introduced domestic aircraft,

Jiangbei Air paired domestic aircraft
with local catering

on key domestic tourism routes.

However, the results
did not meet expectations.

The other airline, Qinshan Air,
updated its aircraft livery

and customized themed uniforms
for the cabin crew.

This generated a lot of buzz online.

It has a strong appeal to young passengers.

We can use this as a reference.

So...

are you satisfied with
these current options?

They're not ideal.

Okay.

Then I hope you and Mr. Zeng's department
give this some serious thought.

While introducing a new model,
we need to find an answer.

An answer that can save
Hengshi Air at its root.

[Hengshi Air]

Fu Ming Yu.

I heard you're mistreating your employees
just to promote your company's new aircraft.

You won't even let them go home.

Let me show you a video.

This is the female pilot
Bo'ao is about to sign.

This will wake you up.

She is so cool!

Ma'am, can I be on one of your flights?

Imagine a domestic jumbo jet flown
by a female pilot. That'd be so cool.

If she's flying it,
I'm definitely buying a ticket.

She's the top student
at Qin Island Aviation Academy.

She's very famous.

Mr. Yan. She's a student
from Qin Island Aviation Academy, right?

How come I haven't heard of
your airline sponsoring female pilots?

[Yan An, Vice President of Bo'ao Air]

She's not sponsored.

She's already trained.

She's the top student
in the entire academy, you know?

Bo'ao must sign her today.

And I, Yan An, fell for her at first sight.

Just you wait, Fu Ming Yu.

[Qin Island Aviation Academy Students]