Han Yi expressed his concerns, saying, [ " The military doesn't approve of your personal involvement in this matter. It's too dangerous. The pirates have demanded a ransom of 100 million US dollars. It is suggested that the military negotiate with them, and there might be some positive outcome. " ]
Interrupting Han Yi, Liu Yong raised his hand and interjected, [ " We have already agreed to transfer 100 million US dollars to their specified account. However, we have one request. We hope that the military exerts some pressure on the pirates to ensure they follow the rules and release our ship and crew immediately after receiving the payment. " ]
Han Yi readily agreed, saying, [ " That shouldn't be a problem. " ]
Deep down, he didn't want Liu Yong and the others to take risks. He was acutely aware of the dangers involved, especially considering that Liu Yong and his companions were outnumbered.
[ " These pirates are extremely formidable adversaries; otherwise, they wouldn't have managed to survive for so many years, " ] Han Yi warned.
[ " Liu, I strongly advise against direct contact with the pirates. It's too perilous, " ] Han Yi advised.
However, Liu Yong responded slowly, [ " They demanded 100 million dollars from me, so I won't let it slide. I want them to pay twice that amount and let them learn the true meaning of regret. " ]
Han Yi countered, [ " But the three of you are in no way on the same level as them. You cannot match the pirates. " ]
[ " Who says we can't face them ? " ] Kang Zhenggang retorted, his conviction evident.
As one of the former elite soldiers and a retired special forces member, Kang Zhenggang had undergone the enhancement of "genetic medicine," significantly boosting his strength, reflexes, and skills to astonishing levels.
Han Yi glanced at Kang Zhenggang and remarked, [ " Brother, it seems you were once a soldier too. " ]
Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang simultaneously snapped to attention, executing a special military salute. With resounding voices, they proclaimed, [ " Kang Zhenggang (He Qiang), formerly of the Langya Brigade in the Special Operations Brigade of the Southeast Military Region. " ]
Han Yi returned the salute and replied loudly, [ " I am Han Yi, a member of the Lightning Special Operations Team in the Navy's Jiaolong Brigade. " ]
They were three renowned warrior figures, mutually acknowledging each other's presence.
Han Yi added, [ " I never anticipated that both of you were retired special forces. However, when facing the Melka organization, your strength seems insufficient. " ]
Kang Zhenggang retorted, [ " I refuse to believe that. How about we demonstrate our abilities to show you how strong we truly are? " ]
[ " Actions speak louder than words. Let's see! " ] Han Yi said.
Han Yi had never been easily convinced in such matters.
The two of them assumed formidable stances within the room. Fortunately, Liu Yong had booked a spacious suite, which functioned as a lobby.
Both combatants engaged, their fight commencing and concluding swiftly.
In a matter of two or three exchanges, Han Yi was thoroughly defeated.
Upon rising from the ground, Han Yi expressed admiration
[ " There is always someone more exceptional out there. As someone fairly well-known, I never expected to encounter individuals of such immense power in this world. " ]
Kang Zhenggang chimed in, [ " Don't sell yourself short. The true powerhouse is our Boss. Even if He and I joined forces, we wouldn't last more than a few rounds against our Boss. " ]
-What!
Han Yi gazed at Liu Yong in utter shock.
He could never have fathomed that Liu Yong, who appeared devoid of combat prowess, possessed such terrifying strength.
-Impressive!
No wonder the three of them dared to provoke the Melka organization.
Liu Yong asserted, [ " Captain Han, please provide me with detailed information about the Melka organization, including their organizational structure, the identity of their leader, and the location of their hideout. " ] Han Yi nodded in agreement.
He proceeded to provide an overview of the Melka organization's situation to the trio.
Melka organization's secret hideout.
Inside, a group of leaders gathered for a meeting, basking in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
Zawahiri, the imposing figure who led the organization, was satisfied as he announced, [ " Gentlemen, the Global Shipping Group has deposited the requested 100 million US dollars into our account! " ]
His words were met with exuberant cheers, and jubilation filled the room.
[ " That's fantastic! We managed to earn 100 million US dollars in just two days. It's the easiest score we've ever made, " ] remarked one leader, brimming with satisfaction.
[ " The Global Shipping Group proved to be an unexpectedly generous target. I never thought they would hand over the money so readily, " ] another leader said.
[ " We should consider targeting their ships more frequently. It's a guaranteed way to make quick money, " ] suggested a third leader.
Amidst the collective excitement and pride, Zawahiri raised his hand to call for attention. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on him, a testament to his immense authority. Zawahiri nodded in approval and spoke with authority, [ " However, it wasn't as smooth as you might think. We initially demanded the money to be delivered within 24 hours, but they delayed it until now, nearly 48 hours later. " ]
[ " Gentlemen, we have finally received 100 million US dollars. Tonight, we shall celebrate and revel in complete relaxation. " ]
One of the leaders interjected, ["Boss, what about the ship and the twenty hostages? What do we do with them? " ]
Zawahiri deliberated for a moment. Known for his ruthless demeanour, one would expect him to execute a few crew members even after receiving a hefty ransom. The captured vessel, "Eastern Star," was proof of his brutality.
After a brief pause, Zawahiri spoke slowly, [ " Since we have obtained the 100 million US dollars, we shall release the ship and all individuals aboard. " ]
Meanwhile, at a nearby port...
The "Eastern Star," a freighter belonging to the Global Shipping Group, had been docked there for two days.
The entire pier was heavily guarded, with armed men patrolling its length. At least a dozen individuals armed with AK-47s stood guard on the ship's deck.
Inside a room on the ship, the twenty crew members were gathered. Through the glass, they could observe the armed guards stationed on the deck and the two armed men stationed at the door.
A sad and lonely atmosphere in the room hung heavy in the air.
A few crew members were shedding tears initially, but their weeping ceased. Their eyes appeared vacant, gazing blankly at the ceiling.
Captain Wei Jianshe, amidst his feelings of despair, continued to offer solace to everyone. He understood the importance of instilling confidence in them.
[ " Xiao Xu, we must have faith in the company. They will undoubtedly arrange for our rescue and bring us back, without a doubt. " ]
[ " Uuuhhh... " ]
Xiao Xu, a young crew member, succumbed to tears again, while Xiao Xie, seated beside him, bore empty eyes, consumed by utter hopelessness. His entire being resembled a corpse.
Suddenly, a commotion swept through the room.
Fear permeated the entire space in an instant!
Some individuals who had previously displayed vacant and lifeless gazes now exhibited a spark of life, though tinged with boundless fear and panic.
A sight unfolded before them through the glass—armed personnel ascended the deck. Leading the group was a black man, easily discernible as their leader. He guided a contingent of at least seven or eight individuals heading towards their room.
Witnessing this scene, Wei Jianshe's heart sank, his countenance reflecting profound despair.
It's all over. There's no hope left...
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