New Beginning and Future

Chapter 60: Altitude, Attitudes, and the Art of Arrival

Summary: As the team lifts off toward the championship, the skies are filled with teasing, tradition, and a few very firm hands keeping chaos in check. Touchdowns aren't just on the runway, some happen in the quiet, shared moments where family, legacy, and love hold fast no matter the altitude.

Overprotective: ZGDX
Overprotective/Possessive/territorial: Chessman
Chessman is literally his own warning when it concerns his girl

Notes:

⚠️ Author's Note: They have arrived in Shanghai!!

Disclaimer: The Muse would like to remind everyone we do not own FIYS nor the beloved characters nor any dialogue from either the show nor the book...the Muse is very sad and not pleased with this continued reminder that they do not own them and never will!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Sixty

The morning of the flight to Shanghai was, in a word, chaos.

ZGDX's usually pristine base looked like a storm had passed through it. Suitcases lined the hallways, half-zipped duffels leaned against walls, and the faint sound of someone cursing about a missing charger echoed from down the corridor. Pang had somehow lost one of his sneakers; Yue was arguing with Rui about packing protocols; Lao K was herding Da Bing and Xiao Cong away from the luggage with all the energy of a weary babysitter.

Yao stood in the middle of the lounge, arms crossed, expression halfway between amusement and disbelief. "We're supposed to be professionals," she muttered. "We look like a reality show."

Sicheng walked past, carrying two of her bags effortlessly. "Correction," he said calmly. "They look like a reality show. We look prepared."

"Smug," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"Accurate," he replied without missing a beat.

The front doors opened just then, and Madam Lu's unmistakable voice rang out, firm and commanding. "If you're not ready in the next ten minutes, we're leaving without you!"

Every member of ZGDX immediately moved faster.

Wei followed her in, graceful as ever, speaking into her phone as Yeon carried a clipboard and directed Lu Security agents through the lobby.

"Equipment cases first, then personnel," Yeon ordered crisply. "I want everyone accounted for before we take off."

"Already on it," one of the security leads said, tapping his earpiece.

Da Bing and Xiao Cong meowed loudly from their carriers, making their displeasure known.

"Even the cats are complaining," Yue groaned, rubbing his temples.

"They take after you," Lao Mao muttered.

"Rude!"

The air outside was crisp and bright when they stepped onto the tarmac. The Lu jet gleamed under the morning sun, its sleek silver body catching the light. A line of Lu Security staff stood by the stairs, and just behind them, Madam Lu and her husband waited with Wei, Yeon, and, of course, Hsia Yìchén.

Yao's steps slowed when she saw her grandfather standing beside the plane. The older man was immaculate as always, gray suit, tie perfectly knotted, expression as unreadable as carved stone. His gaze swept over the approaching group, sharp and assessing. "Morning, Yeye," Yao greeted as she yawned as she nodded to the man before her.