Lupin frowned and said, "A group of dangerous individuals whose identities, appearances, and even exact numbers are unknown... How are we supposed to find them?"
He habitually glanced at Vid, his tone imbued with trust and inquiry, "Vid, do you have any ideas?"
Vid finally put down the endless Friendship Book and stood up from his seat.
"We can be sure they're not in first class. As for who they are... why don't we go to the back and take a look ourselves?"
Vid hinted meaningfully, "Maybe if we show up, they'll reveal themselves?"
...
Adebayor adjusted his hat, his cold gaze flicking to the man who kept muttering "privilege," "unfairness," "Cornelius," "Renina," with a flash of impatience in his eyes.
This man held the lives of everyone on the plane in his hands, but Adebayor was already certain—the man had no intention of detonating anything; he merely wanted to use this as leverage to get treatment for his daughter.
Even though communication on the other end seemed extremely difficult, and the airport and CNN journalists hadn't found a facility to treat "Cornelius" or offered any promises, Quivin Martin's emotions had gradually stabilized under their appeasement.
The reporter named Kerry made no empty promises; instead, he stated with utmost sincerity—
"Mr. Martin, please trust us. Even if you are taken away by the police once the plane lands safely, our promise to Renina will remain intact."
"CNN will utilize global media resources to find every possible treatment option for her and bear all the medical expenses."
After a slight pause, Kerry solemnly said:
"You don't need to worry about us breaking our promise afterward—CNN is a global news organization, and a promise made before a global audience is even more binding than any political declaration!"
"This is fundamental to our company's credibility. I assume you also understand this, which is why you insisted on this live connection, correct?"
His kind and understanding words precisely touched the softest part of Martin's heart.
The man's arms dropped, his tense shoulders relaxed, and the pent-up anger retreated like a tide, replaced by a flood of tears.
"Thank you... Thank you all..."
He sobbed, his voice filled with guilt and relief, "I'm sorry, everyone... but I really had no other choice... To save Renina, I had to take this path..."
At this moment, Martin's breaking voice and the host Kerry's teary expression were transmitted across television screens in countless homes via satellite signal.
—Even though individualism prevails in the United States today and family ties seem weak, the human resonance for kinship and the yearning for a good life have never been extinguished.
Many viewers were moved by this scene, their eyes moist as they prayed for the girl and sighed in relief that this hijacking incident was finally coming to a perfect resolution.
Quivin Martin, risking his life to hijack a plane to save his daughter, appeared far more heroic and touching than many irresponsible fathers.
Numerous people, at that moment, resolved to petition for Quivin Martin—to ask the court to exempt him from or lessen his punishment.
However, on the plane, Adebayor coldly watched it all without a trace of emotion on his face, only extreme impatience and a hint of an offended irritability.
"Disgusting, weak sentiment!" he muttered, "What a waste of time... I expected you'd be more daring!"
He glanced at his wristwatch, muttering to himself, "Modis hasn't responded either, might have been caught, what a useless guy... No choice, can't wait for his retreat, mission must be completed!"
The next moment, without warning, without countdown.
Adebayor reached into his pocket, felt for the small cellphone he always carried, and without hesitation, pressed the number he had memorized by heart.
From the cargo hold below the plane, suddenly a crisp ringtone sounded:
"Ring ring ring..."