UAAG CH25

“I feel something’s not quite right.”

“I also feel something’s not quite right.”

“It feels weird somewhere.”

“It feels weird everywhere.”

Su Fei and Old Joseph exchanged a glance, instantly feeling the mutual appreciation of kindred spirits hard to find.

Fu Cheng lifted his head from the computer screen and followed their gaze to the man sitting by the window.

EASA was still investigating the interest groups behind the shell company in detail. They needed to follow the clues to clarify the entire industry chain before they could offer a final investigation opinion. However, on the UAAG side, they could already draft the initial accident investigation report. From morning until now, Fu Cheng and the others had been busy collecting all reports on the accident process. Once organized, they would hand everything over to Zhuo Huan for him to write the investigation report.

However.

“How long has Teacher Zhuo been looking out the window?” Fu Cheng asked.

Su Fei immediately leaned over: “I know the answer to this one—an hour! He grabbed a cup of coffee in the morning and sat there looking at the scenery until now. What do you think he’s looking at?”

Old Joseph, full of experience, took a sip of coffee and said leisurely, “Reid may not necessarily be looking at anything.”

Fu Cheng and Su Fei looked at him together.

Old Joseph sighed with emotion: “Based on my experience, he’s slacking off!”

Fu Cheng and Su Fei: “…”

Just then, Lina walked past. She smiled and said, “Reid is contemplating life.”

The three looked up at her together.

How so?

Lina: “Life is always full of various accidents and surprises, with family, friendship, and love running through it. If one day someone wants to write an autobiography for Reid—in fact, a magazine writer invited him last year, but he refused—I believe that opening this autobiography, from the beginning to the end, one sentence could summarize the whole text.”

“What?”

Lina feigned profoundness, her eyes deep: “A proud and conceited life, and how to continue being proud and conceited even in the face of mistakes. Sometimes I think Reid should really change his name; Lucifer would suit him very well.” She blinked playfully, “Pride is his original sin.”

Su Fei and Old Joseph burst into laughter.

Fu Cheng, however, was thoughtful. He always felt… Lina had specifically glanced at him a few more times just now, with hidden meaning.

Lina didn’t say more. She walked to the window and asked, “Need a refill on the coffee, sir?”

Zhuo Huan handed the cup over very naturally while simultaneously speaking—

“In 2013, the NHIS conducted a survey on national sexual orientation. The study showed that among 68,814 respondents, 1,149 were homosexual and 515 were bisexual. That is to say, bisexuals accounted for 0.7% of the total number. The following year, the NHIS conducted another national sexual orientation survey, and finally, 1.3% of the respondents were bisexual.” Zhuo Huan spoke with fervor and assurance, indifferent and casual. “Overall, bisexuals account for about 1% of the population.”

Lina: “…?”

Huh?

Zhuo Huan: “As everyone knows, sexual orientation is not strongly correlated with country, region, or culture… The proportion of bisexuals in China should also be about 1% of the total population. This probability is generally applicable globally.”

“There were a total of 93 investigators responsible for Martha Flight 123, of which UAAG has 5 and EASA has 88.”

“So…”

“Among 93 people, the appearance of one bisexual is consistent with probability.”

Lina stood there, looking blankly at her friend.

Zhuo Huan scoffed lightly, stood up, and poured coffee for himself. “My deduction may not necessarily be wrong.”

Lina: “…”

Looking up, she realized that her three members had been looking in this direction, pointing occasionally. Zhuo Huan frowned and walked over. At this moment, he fully recovered his vitality, glanced down at Su Fei’s computer screen: “Is the relevant data report for the black box organized?”

The punk teenager acted as if facing a formidable enemy and hurriedly threw himself into busy work.

By the window, Lina finally snapped back to reality. Looking at her friend’s back, she couldn’t help laughing out loud again.

UAAG members spent three days organizing the investigation report for the Martha 123 air crash and finally spent another day writing the initial version of the investigation report. Zhuo Huan sent this report to EASA, and it was eventually published on EASA’s official website.

Once the investigation report was released, it immediately caused a sensation worldwide.

“Man-made Tragedy! Wealthy Heir Dies Due to Shell Company”

“Broken Dreams in the Sky, Truffaut Family Heir Killed by a Screw”

UK, Scotland, East Lothian.

In the majestic and vicissitudinous ancient castle, Madame Truffaut learned the true cause of her son’s death and wept uncontrollably. She could not face such a simply heinous truth of the tragedy, nor could she bear that her son died because of money.

“If we hadn’t driven him out of the house back then, if we had trusted him a little more and let him fulfill his dream, how could Gerard have died! That home of his didn’t even have decent furniture. I went to see it, I went to see it, Louis; he drove a second-hand pickup truck, he scrimped and saved, and our son ultimately died at the hands of money. Why!”

The cheapest Truffaut bag costs about 400 euros.

A ticket for Martha Flight 123 costs only 11 euros.

Facing his wife’s questioning, Mr. Truffaut was speechless. He remained silent for a long time before turning on the gramophone switch. A voice mixed with electronic static came from the sound system worth tens of thousands.

“Martha 123 takeoff preparations complete, waiting for takeoff clearance. Over.” That voice was somewhat different from his memory, seeming rougher and more mature. Although slightly hoarse from excessive fatigue, it carried a trace of cheerful laughter. “Leon, it’s Ellie’s birthday next month. I prepared a gift for her; I don’t know if she’ll like it.”

The captain laughed loudly: “If she knows Uncle Gerard still remembers her birthday, she’ll be overjoyed. What gift did you prepare?”

It was ordinary pre-takeoff chat. Gerard complained: “How can I say the gift in advance? That wouldn’t be a surprise. By the way, a flight to Berlin was suddenly added tonight; we definitely won’t make it back to Zurich. You’ve been flying all day today; I’ll do the inspection after landing. You go to the hotel and rest first…”

The air traffic controller’s voice cut in: “Martha Flight 123, enter the runway, prepare for takeoff.”

In the cabin, the two pilots immediately stopped chatting.

Amidst the crackling electric sounds, the co-pilot said seriously to the tower: “Martha Flight 123, ready for takeoff.”

…

After releasing the initial investigation report, UAAG’s investigation work came to an end, and the rest was handed over to EASA.

Since the direct cause of the crash was the mismatched screw model causing the tail to fall off, the airline must bear financial compensation and compensate the families of the two pilots. This money would be advanced by Martha Airlines; as for how they would claim compensation from that shell company, that was their own business.

In addition, EASA also recommended to the European aviation management department to revise the laws to eliminate this chaotic phenomenon in the industry.

“Gerard Truffaut’s death at least brought a good ending.” At the dining table, the UAAG crowd was eating when they suddenly heard this. They looked at the speaker in unison. Zhuo Huan had finished the pasta on his plate, leaned back in his chair, and was chewing gum.

“European aviation law will definitely add a clause to ban all shell companies hiding in the undercurrents.” Zhuo Huan stretched his wrists slightly, his tone matter-of-fact: “Because the person who died was named Truffaut.”

Everyone’s lips moved, but no one could refute him.

Yes, if two ordinary pilots had died, European aviation law might not necessarily have changed for them.

A seemingly simple shell company hides a huge interest network that is intertwined and complex. No one would hurt their own interests and do such a complicated thing for a cargo plane crash. The European aviation industry has been chaotic for decades and has never changed.

But now, the Truffaut family will definitely facilitate this matter.

Fu Cheng withdrew his gaze, looking calmly at the pasta on his plate.

If Gerard Truffaut wasn’t one of the victims, what would the outcome of this accident be?

The pilots’ families receive financial compensation, officials release an investigation report strongly recommending the government revise aviation-related laws. However, it would end there. Whether the laws would really be revised, and if revised, whether they could really change the dark market surging behind the European aviation industry, remains unknown.

After dinner, this was UAAG’s last day in Schaffhausen; they had booked tickets to return to Shanghai tomorrow.

Since it was the last day and the investigation report was finished, everyone strolled around this small town. This kind of European town doesn’t cover a large area; walking from the westernmost to the easternmost side only takes an hour. When the five walked to the entrance of the town theater, Old Joseph looked at the poster posted at the entrance and said in surprise: “Romeo and Juliet? Wow, it’s actually a performance by the Royal Ballet of England. I didn’t expect to see such a good dance drama in such a small place.”

Everyone stopped.

Old Joseph chuckled and looked at Zhuo Huan: “Reid, we’ve worked hard for months; shouldn’t there be some rewards? Anyway, it’s all reimbursed by public funds. Before in Helsinki, every time we drank, it was reimbursed. Tired for so long this time, shouldn’t there be some spiritual reward? I see this dance drama hasn’t started yet; there seem to be remaining tickets for sale…”

Old Joseph winked, hinting extremely obviously.

Su Fei was also very interested in this and looked expectantly at Lord Zhuo.

Fu Cheng was indifferent; he had never seen a dance drama.

Lord Zhuo’s gaze swept over them one by one, gave a soft scoff, and said righteously: “No money.”

Everyone: “…”

Lord Zhuo pointed with his chin to a young couple performing on the street in the town square: “Treat you to listen for free.”

“…”

Does this damn well need you to treat us?!

Old Joseph and Su Fei wanted to say something more, but Lord Zhuo had already strode into the crowd of street performers and started listening to their song. He had absolutely no intention of turning back; he really didn’t plan to spend a dime treating his members to a dance drama.

Su Fei: “Stingy! Miser! Grandet! Agreed on team building, but the result is coming out to eat pizza and pasta, and then watch street performances?!”

Old Joseph was also filled with righteous indignation: “Reid’s behavior is truly contemptible. If I had that much money, I would definitely be generous and invite my friends to share with me. What is the most painful thing in this world…”

Old Joseph and Su Fei looked at each other, minds in sync.

“The person is gone, but the money hasn’t been spent yet!”

Lina said helplessly: “I have to defend Reid on this.”

Everyone looked at her.

Lina said sincerely: “Reid’s situation is really not very good; his financial situation is quite terrible.”

A question mark slapped onto Old Joseph and Su Fei’s faces with a snap. Fu Cheng remained calm on the surface but focused his attention on Lina.

The conversation between Lina and Zhuo Huan on the plane resurfaced in his mind.

Fu Cheng said in surprise: “Lina, Teacher Zhuo’s financial situation is bad? I know Teacher Zhuo has a private island in the Atlantic.”

Old Joseph immediately nodded: “Right, my friend at NTSB told me this. Five years ago, he was invited to Reid’s island!”

Lina didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Onirii? Yes, Reid bought it, but it no longer belongs to Reid.”

Fu Cheng: “?”

Su Fei: “?”

Old Joseph: “?”

Old Joseph immediately said: “No, if it’s as you say, and Reid really isn’t as rich as rumored outside, what about the clothes he wears?” He pointed to Zhuo Huan listening to the song in the distance, “Even today I can tell that trench coat is Brioni, and the boots on Reid’s feet are Berluti.”

Just like this, you tell me he’s poor?

Lina furrowed her slender brows and said helplessly: “My dear Joseph, it surprises me that you remember them so clearly; my understanding of menswear isn’t deep. But if you understood a bit deeper, you would find that the Brioni trench coat on Reid is last year’s autumn model, and the Berluti boots are from the year before last… It’s been a long time since Reid has worn any new clothes. Doesn’t this precisely illustrate that our friend seems to be in some difficulty?”

Old Joseph: “…”

Well-reasoned and convincing.

After believing the fact that Lord Zhuo really had no money, the next second, a question lingered in everyone’s mind.

…Zhuo Huan, why would he have no money?

However, before they could ask, Lina stepped forward and walked towards the street performers. Everyone froze for a moment and had to follow. When they arrived, the two young artists had already finished singing a song. Because it was sung in French, none of the three understood it.

There was not a trace of emotional fluctuation on Zhuo Huan’s cool, elegant face. He quietly watched the two young singers, as if still listening to the song that had already ended, immersed in it, savoring it carefully.

Amidst thunderous applause, the singers bowed repeatedly, thanking the audience for their praise.

After a long while, Zhuo Huan extended his hand and said to Lina: “Lend me your checkbook.”

Lina was stunned, took the checkbook from her bag, and handed it over.

The other few UAAG members: “???”

Holy shit, carrying a checkbook around?!

Zhuo Huan wrote a terrifying number on the checkbook with a pen and signed his name. Then he tore off that page, stepped forward, and gently placed it in the hat the singers had placed on the ground.

The two singers hadn’t reacted yet, thinking he was just an ordinary kind listener; they smiled at Zhuo Huan, who returned the smile. Zhuo Huan returned to the crowd, hands in pockets, raising his eyebrows at his companions: “Go?”

Old Joseph: “…Reid, I must have seen it wrong just now. I saw you write ten thousand euros on that check.”

Zhuo Huan: “You didn’t see wrong.”

Old Joseph and Su Fei shifted their gaze sharply, eyes wide, staring at Lina.

Lina spread her hands innocently: “I didn’t lie.”

Everyone: “…”

I really believed in you rich people’s poverty!

Su Fei and Old Joseph clamored again to be treated, but Zhuo Huan’s eyelids didn’t even move, pretending not to hear at all.

Fu Cheng: “What was that song just now called?”

Zhuo Huan raised his eyes to look at Fu Cheng. The black-haired young man really didn’t understand that song; he just subconsciously felt that Zhuo Huan wouldn’t spend so much money for no reason. Maybe this song was very meaningful. Of course, it was also really nice to listen to.

“L’Été Indien.”

Zhuo Huan said the name seriously in a plain tone.

Author’s Note:

Su Fei & Old Joseph: What the hell kind of poor! I believed in your rich people’s ghosts!!!!

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