(Alert: contained spoilers of “Flight to You”.)

Heyyy, I am back. You should be glad that this “you’ll hear from me again when I am in the mood of writing” blogger was on fire, coming back only 2 days after posting something. Hihi. I swear, at first I didn’t have any intention to make the sequel to my previous post. I was quite satisfied that it contained my major thoughts about the drama I am currently having withdrawal syndrome over. However, after finishing the last episode, I couldn’t help wanting to write the second part of my thoughts regarding Cheng Xiao of “Flight to You”. No, I wouldn’t talk about the romance side, as the drama itself didn't put the romance in the center, even though I will still mention her love interest, Gu Nanting. Through this post, I would love to give the spotlight on her journey and struggle as a female pilot.

As a woman who is also navigating a male-dominated field, I think the attachment I have for Cheng went stronger as the story progressed. She faced doubt and underestimation from the senior pilots, was persuaded to quit by her instructor (who was Gu Nanting himself -__-), received sexist hatred from an influential pilot, needed to start over, was transferred to the ground handling department, was treated roughly by some passengers, was slandered, even faced a legal issue: she basically was in a hamster wheel of misfortunes. Of course, I didn’t even feel 1% of her struggle intensity however it still resonated well with me.

Contrary to giving up, she bravely faced everything because she believed flying is her life. She fought back the pointing fingers because she knew it is a dream she put her soul into. I found myself admiring her for fighting for the things that matter to her. So, when the last three episodes showed that the table was turned, I can’t help feeling what she felt as if she shared it with me. Unknowingly I smiled proudly at the scene where she pulled her suitcase to the plane with four bars in her suit (four bars epaulet/suit stripes indicate someone is a captain). On top of that, someone who initially she addressed as “the biggest enemy” because he had discouraged her from becoming a passenger pilot became the one who promoted her and called her “Captain Cheng” for the first time. Such a dramatic, well-executed emotional scene that made me once again say, “Cheng Xiao, you’re awesome.”

However, the utmost goosebumps I got from the drama was when the company assigned her as the captain for the maiden flight of the first Chinese-made aircraft--a historical moment in Chinese aviation. Initially, Gu Nanting was prepared to take the driving seat but he suffered a vision problem so he passed it on to Cheng Xiao, his chosen-over-selection co-pilot. Cheng Xiao immediately rejected the idea of taking over his position and instead wanted to accompany him doing the eye operation. However, he convinced her by saying:

“Domestic planes are what generations of Chinese aviation professionals have hoped for. They have devoted their whole lives to this one thing. All their efforts on those 80 tons of metal. At first, I thought I could turn this blueprint into reality as soon as possible. But I don’t have the chance anymore. So, I’m passing it on to you. You are doing this not only for me, for Luzhou Airlines, but also to fulfill the wishes of several generations of Chinese aviation professionals,”

Cheng Xiao was teary hearing such encouragement from Gu Nanting who hoped that she could be strong in shouldering the huge responsibility. Both Tan Songyun and Wang Kai executed that scene greatly as we can see how Cheng Xiao, no matter how tough she looked was still a woman who had doubt and fear while Gu Nanting, no matter how fearful he was of the situation tried to always be her rock. Those words were beautifully said but what made me lost it was when he, a prideful man himself, concluded his heartfelt message by uttering:

“Cheng Xiao, you have always been my pride. Promise me. Fly well tomorrow.”

Guess who was crying? I was not *grabbed my tissue. The reversal from hearing “Don't be proud of yourself” when she showed Gu Nanting her rapid learning progress to “You have always been my pride” when she became the captain of a historical high altitude journey caught me off guard. As if I copied Gu Nanting’s feelings, I can feel how proud I was of her as well. After going through an emotional rollercoaster with her during the show, I can say: Gu Nanting, she is also my pride.

Several hours after I finished the drama, those words still lingered in my mind. You have always been my pride. How beautiful it is to hear someone direct that confession to us. It holds a deeper meaning compared to “I am proud of you”. It is someone acknowledging you as their source of any great feelings. It is someone recognizing you as their hope and wish.

Looking up at the blue sky from my window, I found myself praying that someday I can hear someone says: “iim, you have always been my pride” or something similar to it. Until then, I will work my hardest to be someone who can make myself proud. Until later, I will continuously improve myself to be my better version. I will definitely give my all to be someone who deserves that confession. When the time comes, will you say that I am your pride?

Dear Cheng Xiao, I hope I can be a brave and strong-willed woman like you. On top of that, if Allah permits, I wish that I can hear a similar declaration you heard from Gu Nanting be expressed to me. Even if eventually I couldn’t hear it from someone, I would still wish it as if one day it will come true. I will pray often. I will also work my hardest.

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All photos belong to iQIYI. All right reserved.

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P.S.:

1. A special mention: Ni Zhan's quote cheering up Cheng Xiao who was demoted to the ground handling department: "I used to think that life is unfair. All roads lead to Rome, but some people are born in Rome.". I am glad that this story had such a beautiful soul who was there for Cheng in her ups and downs.

2. Now after finishing the entire episodes and taking time to process the story, I can eventually understand why my heart, just like Cheng Xiao's,  was attached to Gu Nanting. I tried to be rational and said that I would choose Ni Zhan but then I remember my own words to a close friend, "You know, even if I haven't loved someone, probably would accept him if I admire and respect him,". Cheng Xiao's feelings stemmed from the admiration and respect she had for Gu Nanting. I must say that a man we respect and admire is totally in a different league. Also, what a relationship goal it is to be each other's pride.

3. Shout out to Liu Yuning who lent his voice to this drama's soundtrack "Gravity". I knew he is the singer behind many dramas that I like but this time, I fell for his voice even more. (please turn the CC on to see the subtitles.)