Tourism was the Maldives’ true economic pillar, and they couldn’t afford such a disaster.
Not to mention Blackwater, even if U.S. officials intervened, they couldn’t cover anything up, as the Maldives lacked strategic resources or geopolitical significance. The U.S. had no incentive to support a nation of this size, leaving them to fend for themselves.
The military commander quickly nodded, “Rest assured, though our country is small, we take responsibility seriously!”
At that moment, netizens worldwide held immense respect for Bernard Arnault and Tawana.
Their fearless stance against power earned widespread admiration.
Especially Bernard Arnault, who truly stole the show today.
This spelled trouble for Blackwater. Their worst fear was that their scapegoat wouldn’t absolve their guilt, and this could lead to even greater losses.
For Blackwater, the situation was like cancer. If caught early, a ruthless surgery to remove the affected tissue could lead to a cure.
But if the cancer had spread, even excising the primary site wouldn’t stop new issues from arising, potentially draining half their life in the process.
…
Though the Maldives military took a long time to process the scene, Ma Lan and Xiao Changkun remained in high spirits.
This was largely due to Bernard Arnault’s promised $100,000 reward, their moods like a rollercoaster ride, now brimming with uncontainable joy.
After the military registered every guest’s details and handled all the corpses, the tourists were finally allowed to return to their rooms to rest.
It was already late at night, and many, physically and mentally exhausted, supported each other as they walked back.
Ma Lan and Xiao Changkun walked hand in hand. A sea breeze carried a bloody scent, and Ma Lan closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and sighed, “Oh, darling, somehow the Maldives’ air feels sweeter!”
Xiao Changkun felt similarly but didn’t realise it was the fresh blood in the air. He chuckled, “Good grief, coming here for a trip, spending nothing, and picking up $100,000 for free? Forget sweeter air, I reckon even the seawater tastes sweet.”
Ma Lan said gleefully, “With Chinese New Year around the corner, this good fortune is a sign we’re in for great luck next year!”
Then, she suddenly thought of something and said with disappointment, “What a loss, such a huge loss!”
Xiao Changkun asked hurriedly, “What’s the loss?”
Ma Lan lamented, “Churan and our dear son-in-law didn’t come to the bar tonight! If they had, wouldn’t that mean another $200,000 in compensation?”
Xiao Changkun suddenly realised, exclaiming, “Oh, you’re right! Damn, what a massive loss! $200,000 slipped right through our fingers!”
Ma Lan said, “No, I’ll call them now, see if they can get up and register their names. Just say we forgot to register earlier and want to add them now. Maybe we can still snag that compensation.”
With that, she quickened her pace, ready to jog back and wake Ye Chen and Xiao Churan.
Xiao Changkun grabbed her, warning, “Oh, come on, don’t stir trouble. They’ve already finished registering everyone, and the numbers are tallied. If they go now and get caught, what then? We don’t know Maldives’ local laws. What if they charge us with fraud? It’s nearly New Year, let’s not risk it!”
Ma Lan stopped, sighed, and said, “Fair point. This isn’t our home turf, better be cautious. Oh well, our dear son-in-law earns plenty anyway, he won’t care about $200,000.”
Smiling, she asked, “By the way, darling, once we get that $100,000, how do you plan to spend it?”
“Spend it?” Xiao Changkun shook his head, “No idea, no pressing needs. Just save it, I suppose.”
Ma Lan scoffed, “Save it? I’ve already got plans. We’ll rest a few days back home, then head somewhere even better for a trip!”
Xiao Changkun asked, “Where to?”
Ma Lan gritted her teeth, “Dubai!”
Xiao Changkun frowned, “Dubai again?”
Ma Lan snapped, “Last time was your fault, causing all that mess. I didn’t get to enjoy Dubai at all. This time, I’m going to have a proper trip and spend every penny of that $100,000!”
Xiao Changkun recalled the painful memory of trying to scam Zhou Liangyun in Dubai, only to shoot himself in the foot. His heart sank again.
He was about to say he wouldn’t go this time, but Ma Lan warned, “I’m telling you, last time was your doing. This time, you’re coming with me, and you’d better make it up to me! When we get there, you’re spending $50,000 on gifts for me as compensation!”
