Flight to You Episode 36 Recap
> Flight to You Recap
Cheng Xiao apologized to Gu Nanting for her mother's actions, noting his familiarity with her father. Gu Nanting admitted her father had previously sought his help in persuading Cheng Xiao to abandon her flying career, a request he firmly refused, stating he would never deprive anyone of their passion, especially hers. Cheng Xiao then reminded him of something he wanted to tell her earlier, but Gu Nanting deflected, promising to discuss it at a later time.
Jiang Tao summoned both Gu Nanting and Cheng Xiao to an old airport, the site of his first solo flight. He reminisced about his early passion for flying, which he now sees in them, admitting that over time, he had "gotten his air route wrong." He presented Gu Nanting with materials on the Flight Department's future development, including specific suggestions for Gu Nanting's new security system.
While expressing deep admiration for Gu Nanting, Jiang Tao urged him not to pursue the vice president position, believing he was "too kind and too tough" for the harsh realities of corporate competition. He asserted that only someone like Ni Zhan could advance the airline on the business front, while expressing complete confidence in Gu Nanting's ability to lead the Flight Department. With a final wish for their safe flights, Jiang Tao departed.
Moved by the encounter, Gu Nanting suggested Cheng Xiao extend her leave to handle her mother's situation. He confided in her about his own past trauma following the death of a pilot, a very important person to him, in a crash. He described his subsequent deep depression, during which he isolated himself and couldn't even bear the sound of planes, believing his career was over. After six months of professional psychological counseling, he recovered and returned to the cockpit.
Drawing from his experience, he earnestly advised Cheng Xiao to encourage her mother to seek professional treatment, offering to connect them with a psychologist specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Cheng Xiao's parents moved into her house. During a heartfelt conversation, her mother expressed regret for prioritizing work over being a mother. Cheng Xiao, in turn, confessed that her initial pursuit of flying was partly to escape her mother's control, though it had since become her true passion.
She proposed her mother see a doctor, even promising to quit flying if the treatment failed, but her mother adamantly refused, insisting she was fine. Later, while researching psychological counseling, Gu Nanting experienced a sudden bout of dizziness and spilled his coffee, leaving him unsettled. The next morning, Cheng Xiao's mother unexpectedly agreed to see the psychologist.
The doctor proposed "exposure therapy" through hypnosis, simulating a flight experience for her mother within an actual plane cabin to enhance the treatment's effectiveness, without the plane taking off. Cheng Xiao and Gu Nanting approached Ni Zhan, who, after initial hesitation due to regulations, arranged for them to use a 787 during its maintenance window, securing special approval from President Xu for a two-hour session. At the airport, Ni Zhan had arranged a passenger stair for a formal entry.
Xia Zhi greeted Cheng Xiao's mother warmly, guided her to a seat, and served her favorite lavender tea. Once the psychologist began the session and the mother was relaxed, Gu Nanting approached Cheng Xiao. Citing the psychologist, he relayed the suggestion that for optimal therapeutic effect, Cheng Xiao herself should act as the captain in her mother's hypnotic fantasy. Acknowledging the risk, he asked for her consent, and she agreed.
As her mother entered a hypnotic sleep, the simulated flight from Luzhou to Qingdao began. When the "flight" encountered turbulence, her mother recognized Cheng Xiao's voice as the captain. Overwhelmed with anxiety, she became agitated and tried to get to the cockpit. The psychologist noted that she was acting independently of his guidance. Her father rushed to her side, seating and comforting her by praising Cheng Xiao's capability.
To continue the simulation, Gu Nanting and Cheng Xiao began acting out their pilot roles. He prompted her for status updates, and she reported the changes in speed and altitude. He then made a reassuring broadcast to the "passengers." The flight "landed" safely, and the psychologist gently woke her mother, who appeared remarkably calm. The psychologist was cautiously optimistic but noted that further sessions were needed to determine the long-term effectiveness.
Gu Nanting supported Cheng Xiao’s request to extend her leave. Later, on the company rooftop, Cheng Xiao's mother revealed she had seen Cheng Xiao flying in her dream. With newfound acceptance, she encouraged her daughter to "fly as you wish," apologized for her past actions, and proudly called Cheng Xiao "Mom's pride." After a heartfelt embrace, she thanked Gu Nanting for his support.
Promising to continue her therapy, she playfully ushered her husband away, leaving Cheng Xiao and Gu Nanting alone. Eager to return to work, Cheng Xiao immediately applied to cancel her leave. Pleased, Gu Nanting told her he wanted to take her "to a special place."
