manynovel Chapter 120 Transoceanic Journey: Propellers on a Sea of Clouds and a First Glimpse of America
Chapter 120 Transoceanic Journey: Propellers on a Sea of Clouds and a First Glimpse of America
The commotion and panic at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo were left far behind. Lin Yan and his group of four rode in a taxi, weaving through streets still filled with shock and confusion, heading towards Haneda Airport. Along the way, newsstands were packed with people, all discussing the bizarre case of "cultural disappearance."
The atmosphere at the airport was noticeably more tense than usual, with increased police patrols, but the screening process for international passengers remained largely unchanged. Lin Er had already booked a Japan Airlines (JAL) flight to the United States by phone for the earliest possible departure.
In the departure hall, Lin Yan saw that familiar figure again—a Douglas DC-7C "Seven Seas Master" passenger plane. It belonged to a different airline than the one that had flown in from Hong Kong, but was the same model, still a giant in the skies connecting East and West in this era. Its four massive propellers gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and its enormous aluminum fuselage spoke of the power of the industrial age.
After a quick check-in, they stepped back into the cabin. The familiar smells of leather and fuel, and the slightly cramped space. Lin Yan once again chose a window seat. The plane slowly taxied, the engines started, and a deafening roar filled the air. Compared to the jet airliners of later generations, this mechanical roar was more primal and more passionate.
After a long acceleration, the plane soared into the sky. Outside the window, Tokyo Bay and the gradually shrinking city skyline were slowly replaced by thick clouds.
"Young Master, this flight will stop in Honolulu, Hawaii for refueling before continuing to San Francisco," Lin Er explained in a low voice. "The entire journey is expected to take nearly 20 hours."
Lin Yan nodded, indicating that he understood. He didn't find it boring at all; on the contrary, he observed with great interest. His divine sense could perceive the subtle stress distribution of the aircraft structure, every power adjustment of the engine, and the minute changes in airflow—it was a completely new experience. He could even "see" the flow of fuel in the pipes and the operations of the crew in the cockpit. What would be a long and arduous journey for ordinary passengers was like a fascinating real-time observation lesson on mechanical and physical phenomena for him.
After about eight hours of flying, the scenery outside the window began to change. On the endless blue Pacific Ocean, emerald-colored islands began to appear, like green gems scattered on blue velvet.
"Passengers, we are about to land at Honolulu Airport in Hawaii for refueling and maintenance. Please remain in your seats..." the announcement came over the loudspeaker.
As the plane began its descent and altitude decreased, the details of the Hawaiian Islands became increasingly clear. Azure, clear waters lapped against white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation covered the volcanic landscape, and winding roads resembled ribbons. Honolulu Airport, though small, exuded tropical charm, with palm trees swaying in the breeze. Parked alongside the runway were numerous Pan Am aircraft of the same model or even earlier (such as the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser), highlighting its status as a key hub for trans-Pacific routes.
The plane landed smoothly. The cabin door opened, and a rush of hot, humid tropical air, carrying a salty smell and the scent of flowers, filled the cabin. Passengers were allowed to disembark and rest briefly in the terminal. Lin Yan and his group also disembarked and moved around in the designated rest area.
The terminal was filled with travelers of all skin colors and speaking a mix of languages. There were business people in suits and ties, as well as tourists in brightly colored shirts, creating a relaxed vacation atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the tension of Tokyo. In the distance, a corner of the famous Waikiki Beach could be seen. Lin Yan ordered a pineapple juice, enjoying the tropical atmosphere so different from East Asia, finding it quite novel.
About an hour later, an announcement came over the loudspeaker to reboard. The DC-7C, fully fueled and after maintenance, roared back onto the runway, carrying passengers to the Americas.
The flight from Hawaii to San Francisco takes about five hours. As the plane climbed back to cruising altitude, the boundless Pacific Ocean stretched out the window, with the occasional small cargo ship visible. Lin Yan spent most of the time resting with his eyes closed, but in reality, his consciousness was immersed in his spatial dimension, sorting through the vast sea of "spoils of war," planning which could be used for future technological development and which needed to be carefully preserved.
Finally, the announcement came on again, informing him that the plane was about to land at San Francisco International Airport. Lin Yan looked out the window. The first thing that caught his eye was the winding coastline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which appeared a warm red in the sunlight. The dense urban buildings, docks, and undulating streets of the San Francisco Bay Area gradually came into view. San Francisco International Airport was now quite large, with multiple runways crisscrossing the area, and more DC-7Cs, Boeing 707s, and other passenger planes parked on the tarmac, demonstrating the prosperity of the American aviation industry.
The plane landed and taxied. Lin Yan and his group of four went through immigration procedures, which went much more smoothly than in Hong Kong—they held valid US visas and had flown from Japan, so they did not attract much attention.
But they didn't stop in San Francisco. Lin Er had already booked a connecting domestic flight—a Boeing 707 from TWA Airlines—from San Francisco to New York. This marked Lin Yan's first experience with a jet airliner of this era.
Stepping onto a Boeing 707 is an immediate experience. Cabin noise is significantly reduced, the flight is smoother, and the speed is faster. The journey across North America from San Francisco on the West Coast to New York on the East Coast takes only about five hours with a jet airliner.
The aerial views from above were even more spectacular on this leg of the flight. The plane first soared over the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, then over the vast agricultural plains of the Midwest, where expansive farmland stretched like a giant, colorful chessboard, vast and vibrant. Next came the winding Mississippi River, followed by increasingly dense towns and industrial areas. As the plane began its descent, the outline of the massive metropolitan area on the east coast of North America—the New York metropolitan area—became faintly visible. The densely packed skyscrapers, the crisscrossing streets, and Manhattan Island, encircled by the Hudson and East Rivers, all showcased the prosperity and power of this world-class metropolis.
"Passengers, we are about to land at New York Adwellland International Airport..." the announcement came over the loudspeaker.
The plane landed smoothly at Adwell Airport. The airport was incredibly busy at the time, one of the world's major international airports, with flights from all over the world taking off and landing. Lin Yan and his group followed the flow of people off the plane, crossed the jet bridge, and entered the bustling waiting hall.
The air was thick with the mingled scents of languages, perfumes, and cigarettes, while outside the enormous glass windows, the spectacular sight of planes constantly taking off and landing filled the air. Just as they finished collecting their belongings and were about to head to customs, a white man of about forty, dressed in a well-tailored, high-quality dark suit, exuding a composed and capable air, approached with a smile. His gaze fell on Lin Yan, and he bowed slightly, speaking in fluent American English:
"Welcome to New York, Master Lin. I am Alexander Winters. Everything is prepared as you instructed."
His demeanor was impeccable, his tone respectful yet not servile, and his eyes sharp and calm—perfectly embodying the image of a Wall Street elite.
Lin Yan looked at him and smiled slightly. The head of the Americas Group had finally met him in person (Lin Yan had only seen the puppets' original faces; this was the first time he had seen the white faces they had transformed into).
"Very well, Mr. Winters," Lin Yan replied in English, his tone flat. "Lead the way."
"The car is outside, please follow me." Alexander Winters stepped aside to lead the way, with Lin Gang and Wang Yuling silently guarding Lin Yan on either side, while Lin Er stepped back half a step, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
The group walked through the crowded airport terminal and exited through automatic doors. The cool air of an early summer evening in New York was refreshing, and the Manhattan skyline in the distance was silhouetted against the setting sun.
Outside the airport waiting area, two sleek black luxury sedans sat quietly. These were the Lincoln Continentals Lin Yan had specified. Their streamlined bodies and exquisite chrome trim contrasted sharply with the surrounding vintage taxis and ordinary cars, attracting considerable attention.
Alexander Winters personally opened the back door of the first car for Lin Yan.
"Young master, please."
Lin Yan leaned over and sat down in the spacious, comfortable car, filled with the scent of genuine leather and solid wood. Winters sat in the passenger seat, and a taciturn white driver steadily started the vehicle. Lin Gang, Wang Yuling, and Lin Er got into the car behind.
The convoy smoothly drove away from the bustling Adwell Airport, merging into the traffic heading towards Manhattan. Looking out the car window at this vast metropolis, a symbol of the pinnacle of capitalism, slowly unfolding before him, a hint of nostalgia appeared on his lips.
He's back in New York.