FLASHBACK: PORT ACCIDENT

Ling Li observed herself in the waiting area of the domestic airport when suddenly, her ears caught small portions of conversation from three young men. Their words carried a sense of intrigue and intricacy as they discussed the mysterious person, Otako Sentoki. Her curiosity was piqued. She had just arrived in the Country on the way home to her city.

"Are you planning to visit the Country? What is your place of origin and your intended destination?" Ling Li inquired.

It appeared that the two gentlemen were struggling with their English, as only one could speak the language fluently and respond to her.

"We are from China, and we are heading to, um…" One of the men said and paused, showing her a picture of their destination on his phone.

"Wow, you're going to Boracay, Long Island Beach! The place is absolutely breathtaking." Ling Li responded.

Ling Li was eager to learn more about Otako from these men. However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Ling Li's assistant rushed to their side with urgent news. One of their vessels had been involved in a major accident while docking at the port.

"Which vessel?" Ling Li sought clarification.

"King Hero." The assistant responded.

"Please immediately connect me to the governor and divert our flight," Ling Li firmly instructed.

"So, what is your intended duration of stay in the country?" Ling Li asked the young Chinese man.

"Just ten days."

"I'm sorry, but the governor's assistant informed me that he is currently in session and is unable to speak at the moment," her assistant prompted just as Ling Li was speaking.

"Hand over the phone.

Who is this? Tell me again that you won't let me speak with the Governor. Who is with him? Oh, I see.

Connect me to Mayor Co," Ling Li told her assistant.

The Mayor promptly answered her call.

"Mayor, this is Ling Li speaking. Are you currently in the presence of the Governor?" Ling Li asked assertively.

"Yes, I am, Madam. Shall I pass on the phone to him?" the Mayor asked, sensing Ling Li's urgency.

"Indeed, I would like that. Thank you very much."

"Governor, I apologize for interrupting your session," Ling Li said firmly.

"Absolutely not. I'm always available whenever it's you," the Governor said with remarkable generosity.

"Unfortunately, your assistant doesn't share the same sentiment, so I contacted Mayor Co. It's good that you're in the company of all the mayors. My vessel had an accident while it was at the port. It would be best if you dispatched your ambulances immediately, and all hospitals must be prepared to accept and care for any patients who have traveled with us.

Our company has partnered with the Red Cross to ensure the utmost care and support in times of emergency. We have gathered a highly skilled team of doctors dedicated to providing immediate first-aid assistance. They will be swiftly deployed to the port to ensure prompt response and aid.

We deeply regret the unfortunate incident and will ensure that all the injured passengers are duly compensated for the inconvenience they have experienced. Furthermore, please help us restrict the media exposure." Ling Li passionately conveyed the gravity of the situation to the Governor, and her tone reflected their long-standing professional relationship.

"I understand. We'll be on our way." The Governor acted swiftly, demonstrating his political acumen.

As Ling Li and the Governor were deep in conversation, a downpour of rain suddenly began. Ling Li calmly continued giving instructions to her assistant, even as another assistant delivered the news that their flight had been canceled due to adverse weather.

The assistant informed Ling Li about the presence of their helicopters at the hangar as an alternative option should she opt to use them.

The next flight is in five hours. Ling Li must address the accident without any delay. They possess a copy of the most recent flight manifesto. Ling Li also learned that all flights to Boracay had been unexpectedly canceled without indicating when they would resume.

"Eh, your flight has been canceled. The flight to your destination is only available four times per week, and today is the last day for this week; rebooking your flight would take forever this time.

Why don't you visit my place and use one of my choppers? Our area has many beautiful beaches. I will have one of my assistants accompany you. "If I finish my work early enough, I'll try to visit and follow you," Ling Li proposed.

The three companions appear to have no choice but to accept her offer.

"Just hand over your boarding passes to them. They will take care of your baggage and issue a refund. Let us go." Ling Li gave the three directions.

The assistant quickly organized the boarding process, ensuring a smooth transition onto the helicopter.

As Ling Li led the way, the three gentlemen followed her instructions to the nearest helipad. The sound of the chopper blades cutting through the air filled them with excitement.

The rain poured relentlessly, but Ling Li's company was granted access to their exclusive hangar, where they were guided to board their chopper. The three gentlemen were taken aback as they boarded a six-seater helicopter while Ling Li departed on her own.

"But here's the thing: You need to change to suit; this is SOP. Even Madam has to change so that you would camouflage among us," the assistant explained.

But the three gentlemen were looking at the assistant, who was a woman.

'How could they change in front of a woman?' The three gentlemen are looking at each other and thinking the same thing.

The assistant caught their attention quickly.

"Don't worry about me. We are all professionally trained. We see, but we don't look. We hear, but we don't listen. We touch, but we don't feel. We taste, but we don't savor. We smell, but we don't sniff. There is no malice in us." The assistant clarifies.

The three gentlemen still feel hesitant.

"Madam herself would change in front of her bodyguards. Should you be concerned, I have witnessed numerous bodies that are, um... more impressive than yours." The assistant rolled her eyes as she attempted to persuade her visitors.

"Otherwise, you can't go where our Madam is." She said it with finality.

The three gentlemen looked at each other. It implied that they had no choice but to change, and they did.