When they were alone, Hamid said nervously, “Brother, do you think it’s dangerous for me to go back now? The opposition and traitors must be watching me…”
Ye Chen replied, “The traitor’s manageable, he hasn’t consolidated power yet, so he’s waiting for your death to collude with the opposition. The opposition definitely wants you dead. I’ll have Ma Kui wait for you at the Syrian border with his men to escort you back. I’ll also inform Wan Pojun to send people to ensure your safety.”
Hamid sighed in relief, “Thank you so much, brother! Once I’m back, I’ll root out that traitor and eliminate all internal threats!”
Ye Chen nodded, “Stay in your stronghold for now. I’ll have Wanlong Hall send some experts to protect you. Also, remember what I told you, work on the opposition from within, win over their weaker factions, and start by dividing them internally.”
Hamid nodded firmly, “Got it, thank you, brother!”
Ye Chen asked, “When are you planning to head back?”
Hamid said, “As soon as possible. I want to fly to Beirut tonight and cross the border from there.”
Ye Chen nodded, “I won’t see you off then, big brother. Safe travels.”
As they spoke, a golf cart approached from a distance.
The driver was Bernard Elno’s assistant, with Bernard Elno in the passenger seat.
From afar, Bernard waved eagerly at Ye Chen, shouting, “Mr. Ye, Mr. Ye, are you free? I’d like a quick word!”
Ye Chen nodded, “Come over.”
Bernard Elno had the cart stop by the roadside, declining his assistant’s help. He hobbled over to Ye Chen and Hamid with a cane, wincing with each step.
Seeing his pain, Ye Chen made a subtle lifting gesture from a distance. Bernard, initially confused, suddenly felt an invisible force supporting his injured leg, making his body feel lighter and the pain vanish.
Amazed, he realised it must be Ye Chen’s doing, his awe deepening.
Ye Chen was indeed a man of great power, having summoned lightning at the bar last night, a scene so vivid Bernard felt he’d never forget it, even if he got dementia.
Light as a feather, he reached Ye Chen’s side and said respectfully, “Thank you, Mr. Ye!”
Ye Chen nodded, “Mr. Elno, what’s the matter?”
Bernard hurriedly said, “Mainly to thank you for everything last night. You saved everyone, yet I got all the credit. I’m truly unworthy.”
Ye Chen smiled, “Be honest, Elno, you can’t hide the joy on your face. You don’t look unworthy at all.”
Bernard gave an embarrassed chuckle, “I won’t lie, Mr. Ye, from last night till now has probably been the peak of my personal reputation. I can’t deceive you, I’m truly delighted, all thanks to your support!”
Ye Chen said casually, “It’s not exactly support, you paid for it. It’s just normal cooperation between us.”
Bernard quickly replied, “No, no, it’s all thanks to you, Mr. Ye. Otherwise, I might already be dead.”
He paused, then continued, “By the way, Mr. Ye, the French president wants to meet me soon for a commendation. I’ll stay on the island tonight to celebrate New Year’s Eve with you, your family, and the other Chinese guests, then leave for France tomorrow morning. Rest assured, I’ll resolve the matter of the two islands within a week. If you have any other requests regarding them, just let me know, and I’ll handle it!”
Ye Chen said, “Here’s the plan, you go handle your business. Once this batch of guests leaves, announce that White Horse Island is closed for renovations. I plan to turn it into a maritime base for Wanlong Hall. It’s relatively close to Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is convenient. You can liaise with the Maldives authorities, say it’s for rebuilding. I’ll have Wanlong Hall bring construction crews to modify it.”
Most cargo ships heading to Europe via the Suez Canal pass through the Malacca Strait from Singapore, skirt Sri Lanka, and enter the Red Sea. Colombo is a key hub on this route, and though White Horse Island is a few hundred kilometres away, it’s close enough. Ye Chen planned to station Wanlong Hall soldiers there, equipped with high-powered speedboats like Ma Kui’s and mid-sized seaplanes for quick response to any issues on the route, especially since the Maldives’ military presence is weak in that area.
Bernard Elno said without hesitation, “Rest assured, Mr. Ye, I’ll handle everything so Wanlong Hall can build here without issue!”
