One o’clock in the afternoon.
The fighter jet landed in the East China Sea.
Ye Qiu stepped off the jet, smiling as he said, “General Wei, I didn’t realise your piloting skills were so impressive.”
Wei Donghai laughed, “Mr. Ye, you may not know, but when I enlisted, I started in the air force. From a lowly aircraft cleaner, I gradually became a top-tier pilot. Later, due to work assignments, I moved to management roles, leading me to where I am today.”
“You’re remarkable,” Ye Qiu praised sincerely.
For someone like Wei Donghai to rise from a soldier to his current rank through sheer effort was no small feat.
Wei Donghai smiled, “In truth, the real heroes are the grassroots soldiers.”
“Training is tough enough as it is, but when something happens, the grassroots soldiers are always the first to charge into the fray.”
“Especially in incidents like this one on the uninhabited island, most of those who sacrificed their lives were grassroots soldiers.”
“Mr. Ye, the East China Sea troops are fully assembled. Shall I arrange a special forces team to protect you?”
“Otherwise, if anything happens to you, I won’t know how to explain it to Elder Tang and the God of War!”
Ye Qiu smiled and said, “General Wei, thank you for your kindness, but I’ll go to the uninhabited island alone.”
“But—”
“General Wei, even if you don’t trust my abilities, you should trust Elder Tang’s judgement. He doesn’t misjudge people.”
Wei Donghai said, “Though this is our first meeting, Mr. Ye, I’ve never doubted your abilities. I’m only concerned for your safety.”
Ye Qiu replied, “Thank you, General Wei. Don’t worry, I can handle this alone.”
Seeing Ye Qiu’s firm resolve, Wei Donghai said no more.
The two boarded a military jeep, and half an hour later, they arrived at the coast.
As Ye Qiu stepped out of the vehicle, he saw countless warships docked along the shore, with numerous soldiers standing by.
“Mr. Ye, please follow me.”
Wei Donghai led Ye Qiu onto a warship, then took out a map and said, “The uninhabited island is three hundred nautical miles from here.”
“In a moment, I’ll personally lead the fleet to escort you there.”
“Once you’re on the island, if anything happens, please contact me immediately.”
“That way, if an emergency arises, I can lead the troops to support you.”
“Mr. Ye, does that sound acceptable?”
Ye Qiu nodded in agreement, “Yes.”
“Good, then we’ll set off now.” Wei Donghai, decisive as ever, waved his hand, “Depart.”
At once, twenty warships sailed into the ocean.
Simultaneously, dozens of fighter jets provided air cover.
Both the warships and jets were armed with live ammunition, ready to engage at any moment.
Standing on the warship, Ye Qiu gazed out at the endless blue sea blending into the sky.
A gentle sea breeze brushed against his face, carrying a faint salty tang, serene and distant.
Ye Qiu felt his heart lighten, all worries swept away.
“Mr. Ye, is this your first time seeing the sea?” Wei Donghai asked, standing beside him.
“I’ve seen the sea before, but sailing across it like this today is a first,” Ye Qiu said with emotion. “I’ve often heard the saying that the widest thing in the world is the ocean, wider still is the sky, and wider than the sky is the human heart.”
“Seeing the ocean now, I feel my heart has opened up without me realising.”
Wei Donghai laughed, “You’re right, Mr. Ye. No matter who you are, seeing the sea opens your heart.”
As they chatted, an aide would occasionally report.
“Report, two hundred and fifty nautical miles to the uninhabited island.”
“…”
“Report, two hundred nautical miles to the uninhabited island.”
“…”
“Report, one hundred nautical miles to the uninhabited island.”
“…”
“Report, fifty nautical miles to the uninhabited island.”
“…”
“Report, twenty nautical miles to the uninhabited island.”
Wei Donghai grabbed the radio and commanded loudly, “I order all units to halt.”
Instantly, all warships stopped.
The jets circled overhead.
Wei Donghai handed Ye Qiu a military pack, saying, “Inside are a bulletproof vest, a radio, a satellite phone, a pistol, and a dagger. Take them with you.”
Ye Qiu smiled, “I don’t need these.”
“Take them,” Wei Donghai said sternly. “We don’t know the situation on the island. These might come in handy.”
With no choice, Ye Qiu accepted and slung the pack over his shoulder.
Then, Wei Donghai took out a brooch and pinned it to Ye Qiu’s clothing.
“It looks like a brooch, but it’s equipped with a camera. Everything you see will be transmitted back in real-time.”
“The camera is also connected to the conference room at the August First Building.”
“In other words, Elder Tang and the others will see your every move.”
“Is there any other equipment you need?”
Ye Qiu replied, “Nothing else.”
“Alright, I’ll arrange a speedboat to take you over. Ye Qiu, be careful.”
Wei Donghai gripped Ye Qiu’s hand tightly, his voice grave, “Come back alive.”
“Mm.” Ye Qiu nodded, jumped off the warship, and boarded the speedboat heading for the uninhabited island.
Wei Donghai watched him leave and shouted, “Salute!”
At once, all the soldiers on the twenty warships stood at attention, saluting in unison toward Ye Qiu’s departing figure.
Two soldiers piloted the speedboat, speeding across the ocean.
It was a military-grade silent speedboat, moving almost noiselessly over the water.
Ten minutes later.
Dead fish began appearing in Ye Qiu’s view.
They floated on the water, emitting a strong stench.
The further they went, the more dead fish there were.
Some were massive, measuring two or three metres long.
Fifteen minutes later.
Ye Qiu saw corpses.
All were soldiers, dressed in camouflage, floating on the sea, their clothes bloated from the water.
Ye Qiu pulled a few bodies closer, finding they had been killed by gunfire, their bodies riddled with bullet holes.
Five minutes later.
An island came into view.
The island was beautiful, lush with greenery, as if cut off from the world.
“Mr. Ye, we’ve reached the uninhabited island.”
One of the soldiers spoke, stopping the speedboat by the shore.
Ye Qiu looked around, seeing a layer of crimson blood floating on the water around the island.
On the shallow beach, alongside soldiers’ corpses, there were dozens of shark carcasses.
Under the scorching sun, the bodies gave off an unbearable stench.
“You’ve done well. Head back now!”
Ye Qiu spoke, then leapt ten metres, landing on the beach.
As the two soldiers drove the speedboat away, Ye Qiu’s body tensed. He sensed a chilling aura of killing intent.
