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
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtI, 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.”
Then, Aemon continued, “Besides, even if an airplane were to fall from a height of ten 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 a mere ten feet, no one could survive such a catastrophe…”
Balin’s horror was palpable as he exclaimed, “Damn it… We’re flying inside a colossal reservoir of oil!”
Aemon calmly clarified, “The potency of aviation fuel far surpasses that of kerosene. Its power is truly awe-
inspiring.”
Wiping away his sweat, Varis murmured, “This is too terrifying… Should an explosion occur, our eight lives would
not suffice to consume the burning kerosene, weighing hundreds of thousands of catties…”
Aemon smiled reassuringly. “Fear not, Master Varis. The plane is far safer than your imagination allows. I suggest
the three of you close your eyes and engage in meditation. Who knows, you may even arrive in Aurous Hill with
enlightenment.”
“Over three thousand feet? I could never achieve such a state of transcendence…” Varis admitted, his fellow elders
nodding in agreement.
Flying on an airplane for the first time proved to be a experience for them, though their predominant
emotions were tinged with fear.
***
Simultaneously, upon landing the helicopter atop the villa’s upper courtyard, Maria turned to Albert, her voice filled
with respect. “Young Master, please accompany the servant’s household inside. They will prepare the necessary
materials for you to inscribe the Master’s portrait.”
Curiosity danced in Jasmine’s eyes as he asked, “Should I really be the one to do it?”
“Indeed,” Maria replied with a smile. “Morgana is acquainted with my family’s handwriting. If she recognizes it, she
may suspect that we’re attempting to deceive her.”
Puzzlement flickered across Jasmine’s face. “How could she recognize your handwriting? It’s been a century since
you last saw each other.”
Maria pursed her lips, her voice gentle as she explained, “After the Young Master saved me during our last
encounter, before my family evacuated Northern Europe, I left her a written message. This precaution ensures
your safety when mentioning it.”
Understanding dawned upon Jasmine and he nodded. “Very well, I shall mention it then.”
Entering the study on the ground floor, Maria guided Jasmine to the expansive desk where she began grinding ink.
Jasmine selected a brush, its bristles supple and inviting and proceeded to inscribe Morvel Bazin’s life story in the
upper right corner of the portrait.
Upon completing the inscription, Jasmine chuckled and confessed, “My handwriting may be a tad unsightly. I
apologize for the mockery.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTurning her head to examine his penmanship, Maria smiled warmly. “Young Master, your writing is more than
satisfactory. One can discern your skill and finesse. Did you study calligraphy during your childhood?”
Jasmine nodded modestly. “Indeed. I pursued the art of calligraphy for a few years in my youth.”
Maria, who had been observing the exchange, interjected with a thumbs-up. “Only a few years of study during
childhood and you’ve achieved such proficiency! You are truly gifted!”
Bashfully, Jasmine waved off the praise. “Miss Clark, please don’t tease me. I am well aware of my own abilities.”
Maria’s smile remained radiant as she inquired, “By the way, how do you intend to unveil this painting?”
Jasmine’s grin widened. “Later, I shall take this painting to my father-in-law.”
Curiosity piqued, Maria posed another question. “Will your father-in-law publicize this painting?”
Jasmine nodded confidently. “Rest assured, he possesses the necessary connections. He will undoubtedly find a way
to create a commotion. Moreover, I plan to share it on TikTok, exposing Morgana to a spectacle of unparalleled
magnitude. I have faith that she will witness its splendor soon enough.”
Maria voiced her concern. “Young Master, won’t displaying such a sensitive portrait through your father- in-law
attract unwanted trouble? Morgana could easily trace it back to you through him.”
Jasmine’s smile remained unwavering. “Once this painting is released, Morgana will grow exceedingly cautious of
Aurous Hill. In her mind, she will be thoroughly exposed, while I, the enigmatic figure, remain concealed. Hence,
she would never dare send anyone to Aurous Hill again.”
He continued, emphasizing his point. “Furthermore, preconceived notions guide us all. The shrewder and more
cunning an individual, the more entrenched these notions become. If this painting reaches the public eye through
my father-in-law’s hands, the millions of residents in Aurous Hill will be the first to exclude Morgana from suspicion.
They will instead focus on my father-in-law.”
Jasmine leaned in and added, “Moreover, I shall concoct a tale for my father-in-law, tailored to his personality. His
storytelling prowess knows no bounds. When he recounts the story I’ve crafted, Morgana will be left petrified.”
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