[ " Boom! " ]
A resounding blast reverberated from the ship's depths, startling the people aboard the warship. The seasoned captain, well-versed in naval affairs, immediately wore a grave expression and bellowed, "What's happening?"
As the captain's words hung in the air, another tremor jolted the ship, intensifying his concern. Sensing an impending disaster, he swiftly commanded, "The sound originated from beneath the vessel. Hurry, investigate the cause!"
Just as someone reached for the phone to summon the crew responsible for the bilge, another person rushed in, stumbling and panicking, yelling, "No, no! There's a massive breach in the ship's hull, and seawater is flooding in!"
What!
Could it be a repeat of the incident with the warship a few days ago?
Their warship had been on the verge of seizing a vessel belonging to the Global Shipping Group when it met its demise in the unfathomable depths of the Indian Ocean.
"Quick! Activate the active sonar and sound the alarm!" the captain shouted.
Pandemonium erupted throughout the warship, the piercing wail of sirens filling the air. Not far away, a guided missile frigate, tasked with regional air defence and, crucially, anti-submarine operations, sensed the commotion.
The warship engaged its active sonar, swiftly detecting an anomaly beneath the guided missile destroyer. However, the nature of the disturbance remained unclear.
"Captain, should we launch a torpedo?" someone proposed.
The captain rolled his eyes in disbelief. Launching a torpedo would only hasten the sinking of the warship. They were powerless, forced to watch helplessly as the guided-missile destroyer met its untimely fate.
Meanwhile, aboard the "Shining" and "Jinyao," the crew members eagerly leaned over, their necks craning to glimpse the unfolding chaos.
"What's happening? The crew on their warship seems to be in disarray," one remarked.
"Something must have gone wrong. Haha! I was just thinking about their attempt to seize our ship. Well, now they're the ones in trouble. It's hard for them to protect themselves," another gleefully remarked.
"This is so thrilling! Where's my phone? I must capture this moment," a crew member exclaimed.
...
The crew on the two ships revelled in the spectacle before them. It was an entertaining sight, particularly when some YD sailors began to dive into the water.
Bawang lurked beneath the ship, relentlessly hammering the 5,000-ton guided missile destroyer into a sieve before swiftly moving on to the 3,000-ton guided missile frigate.
With its colossal spear, it struck, struck again, puncturing one hole after another beneath the warship. It ceased its onslaught after creating a staggering twenty or thirty breaches.
Both warships were now doomed!
The first ship, already skewing noticeably, exhibited a significant tilt. In contrast, the others followed suit, succumbing to the depths one after another.
At the YD National Search and Rescue Center, Myron answered a call that shattered his composure. He learned that two warships and a submarine had plunged into the abyss of the Indian Ocean, leaving him visibly pale.
It's all over. It's all over, he repeated to himself, fully aware that after two consecutive failures and paying a heavy price, the military would no longer support their mission to apprehend the Global Shipping Group's vessel.
Without obtaining leverage against the Global Shipping Group, how could they reclaim the batch of priceless cultural relics?
Should they genuinely concede to Liu Yong's demands, offer a hefty sum of two billion U.S. dollars, and grant free docking privileges at three major ports for the Global Shipping Group's ships?
This was an intricate predicament.
Myron found himself at a loss, his mind grappling for a solution. After contemplating for an extended period, he ultimately conceded defeat and decided to report the situation to higher authorities.
However, it was likely unnecessary for him to make the report himself. Those in higher positions were likely already engrossed in finding a solution and devising a plan to retrieve the cultural relics.
Hu Shijun's elated expression was impossible to miss at the Global Shipping Group headquarters as he entered Liu Yong's office. He burst out, "Brother Yong, it's incredible! The captain of the 'Shining' just reported that two YD warships attempted to seize our vessel, but both sank to the ocean floor!"
Liu Yong, upon hearing the news, couldn't contain his joy. YD had suffered a devastating blow, losing at least two billion dollars, two warships, and a submarine.
Buoyed by his upbeat mood, Liu Yong ordered, "Tell everyone that our ships can now sail fearlessly and securely in the Indian Ocean. The YD people won't dare to cause any more trouble."
On this matter, Liu Yong was resolute.
After suffering two consecutive failures and enduring substantial losses, it was inconceivable for YD to contemplate a third attempt. They would be utterly foolish to do so.
"Very well. I'll inform everyone," Hu Shijun replied.
Delighted, the two men engaged in a lively conversation that lasted for quite some time. Finally, Liu Yong suggested, "Let's gather everyone tonight. I'll treat you all. It will be a festive and joyous occasion."
Hu Shijun knew precisely whom Liu Yong referred to as "everyone." It encompassed the middle and high-level executives of the Global Shipping Group.
Several days passed.
As expected, no warships approached, requesting to board the ships for inspections. All vessels traversing the Indian Ocean remained safe, just as Liu Yong had anticipated.
However, the Global Shipping Group received a fax from the YD National Search and Rescue Center that morning. The contents expressed a desire to hold a meeting and engage in cordial discussions.
Liu Yong held the fax, reading it with a smirk.
In his mind, he pondered, "So much for their tough talk and bluster. Why is their tone so polite in this fax, with such a conciliatory attitude?"
If only they had resorted to such manners earlier.
What a waste to lose three warships and a submarine needlessly. It was only after suffering significant losses that they finally decided to approach with a humble attitude.
After perusing the fax, Liu Yong instructed Hu Shijun, "Reply to them and propose a meeting. Our terms are 2 billion U.S. dollars and free docking rights for our ships at their three major ports."
Considering the long journey from Huahai City to the Middle East or even further to Europe, it would be advantageous to have the option of resting or resupplying in YD's ports.
"Understood, Brother Yong. I'll respond promptly," Hu Shijun acknowledged.
However, Liu Yong halted him, stating, "When they arrive, you'll handle the negotiations. I won't be present."
It was evident that Liu Yong had no intention of meeting the YD representatives. He couldn't be bothered. He would have dismissed their request outright if not for the lure of 2 billion U.S. dollars.
Hu Shijun comprehended Liu Yong's intentions and agreed, saying, "Okay, Brother Yong. I'll take the lead."
Two days later, a flight from YD landed at Huahai International Airport. Among the passengers disembarking from the plane were Myron and his team.
Representing their country, they had arrived to negotiate with the Global Shipping Group to reclaim the national treasures.
Feeling slightly irked by the absence of a welcoming party, Myron concealed his anger. Instead, he arranged for taxis to transport himself and his team to a hotel at their own expense.
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