Chapter 233 A Gambit!~



Liu Yong possessed a cunning intellect and a formidable arsenal of resources at his disposal. However, his most significant advantage lay in keeping a trump card—one that could potentially tip the scales in his favour. 

As fate would have it, he owned two boxes of priceless cultural relics, some of which were regarded as national treasures of the illustrious YD. Despite the gravity of the situation, Liu Yong remained unruffled, secure in the knowledge that these artifacts were under his watchful care.

After a leisurely lunch, Liu Yong retreated to his office, seeking solace and a momentary respite. There, he conversed with his trusted associate, Bawang, also known as the Overlord.

[ " Overlord, I have a task for you, " ] Liu Yong began, his voice firm and purposeful.

Upon hearing the promise of another mission, Overlord's spirits were immediately rekindled, and he responded eagerly, [ "Master, just give me your orders. " ]

Liu Yong wasted no time in divulging his plan. [ " Retrieve the boxes of cultural relics and transport them to our warehouse by the sea, " ] he commanded.

Without hesitation, Overlord nodded, fully aware that this would be no small feat. Despite the arduous journey spanning thousands of nautical miles, he remained resolute in his commitment to carry out his Master's wishes. 

Overlord embarked on his mission with a mighty stride, swimming purposefully toward the shallows adjacent to the mysterious nameless island, where he would retrieve the precious artifacts and clasp them securely in his formidable jaws.

Bawang, swift and decisive, swam at an impressive speed of over 280 knots, propelling himself swiftly toward Huahai. Sitting in his office, Liu Yong couldn't help but ponder the impending arrival of his loyal companion. He knew that within a few short hours, Bawang would grace Huahai City with his presence.

True to his reputation, Overlord possessed remarkable speed and exceptional physical prowess, capable of enduring hours of continuous swimming without falter. Pausing only briefly to rest and replenish his energy, he stopped briefly as he approached the South China Sea of the Yan Kingdom. There, he sought sustenance, foraging for food to satiate his hunger before resuming his determined journey.

And now, having traversed the South China Sea of the Yan Kingdom, Overlord estimated that it would take him less than two hours to reach the warehouse by sea, the final destination of his mission. As Liu Yong switched off his pet panel, he contemplated visiting the seaside warehouse within an hour or two, eager to look at the two boxes of cultural relics that promised exquisite wonders. These artifacts were undoubtedly treasures beyond comparison, representing YD internationally. 

Liu Yong's anticipation swelled with each passing moment.

Around ten o'clock, Liu Yong's phone buzzed in the morning, signalling an incoming call from Ding Wen. Retrieving the device, he noted Ding Wen's name on the screen and promptly answered.

[ " Brother Yong, are you at the company? I'd like to come over, " ] Ding Wen's voice echoed through the line.

Confirming his presence, Liu Yong replied honestly, [ " Yes, I'm at the company. However, I'll have to leave in about an hour or two, as I have some engagements to attend. " ]

Without delay, Ding Wen declared, [ " Alright, I'll head over immediately. " ]

The conversation was brief, indicating they would discuss matters further upon meeting in person. Ending the call, Liu Yong couldn't help but wonder about the purpose of Ding Wen's visit. A thought suddenly crossed his mind—could he entrust Ding Wen with handling the cultural relics once Bawang returned with them?

The idea grew more appealing with each passing second.

Naturally, Liu Yong had yet to sell all the artifacts. Instead, he envisioned releasing a select few to attract the attention of YD, enticing them to seek his cooperation. It was a gambit, waiting for their desperate pleas to come knocking at his door.

Before long, Ding Wen arrived at the office. Stepping inside, he was intimately familiar with the surroundings, promptly making himself a cup of coffee. Taking a sip, he casually remarked, [ " Brother Yong, the progress on the Universal Building is truly remarkable. I paid it a visit yesterday. " ]

Recognizing the underlying purpose of Ding Wen's visit, Liu Yong smiled knowingly and commented, [ " You young scamp! Don't tell me you have your sights set on the Universal Building too? " ]

-HAHA!

Ding Wen's cheeks reddened slightly as he chuckled sheepishly. [ " Brother Yong, I can't be the only one entertaining such thoughts. I'm sure many major companies are contemplating the same. " ]

Liu Yong acknowledged the truth in Ding Wen's statement. The Universal Building, a grand edifice in Huahai City, was considered a Grade A office building, symbolizing prestige and a testament to a company's power.

As construction commenced on the building, several prominent companies inquired about its availability for lease, keen to secure a foothold within its hallowed halls. Ding Wen, too, harboured aspirations of connecting two or even three floors for his Hanhai Culture company.

Grinning with delight, Liu Yong responded, fully aware of Ding Wen's intentions. [ " Don't worry, I've already taken Hanhai Culture into account. You shall have three floors at your disposal. " ]

Ding Wen's face lit up with joy as he exclaimed, [ " Really, Brother Yong, you're the best! " ] Overflowing with happiness, he harboured an almost irresistible urge to hug and kiss Liu Yong—a gesture of gratitude and relief. At long last, he had found solace in the reassurance of his aspirations coming to fruition.

Liu Yong's decision was not without reason. With a significant stake in Hanhai Culture, he deemed it a sound investment. After concluding their discussion on this matter, the two engaged in further conversation, their rapport and enthusiasm evident.

Time flew by, and more than an hour passed unnoticed. Liu Yong checked the time, gestured for Ding Wen to follow, and declared, [ " Come, join me outside. " ]

With that, Liu Yong rose from his chair, and Ding Wen promptly followed suit. The purpose of their excursion became clear—both were heading to the seaside warehouse. A voice resonated within Liu Yong's mind, heralding the imminent arrival of Bawang, who, having covered a distance of over 100 nautical miles, would soon bring the two boxes of cultural relics to their final destination. It was estimated that Bawang would arrive within half an hour.

In the depths of the Indian Ocean, several salvage and rescue vessels tirelessly toiled for days on end. Nearby, two warships of the YD Navy maintained a vigilant watch, forbidding any unauthorized ships from approaching the area. From the ocean's depths, bodies of the deceased were steadily recovered, along with fragments of the ill-fated aircraft.

A remarkable display of efficiency, the operation deployed a substantial contingent of troops, yielding impressive results. Almost all the bodies and wreckage that could be salvaged within two or three days were retrieved. However, a sad reality persisted—despite their tireless efforts, 21 passengers remained unaccounted for, their bodies lost to the abyss. Only nine of the 13 crew members had been recovered, leaving the remaining four missing.

The aircraft had suffered extensive damage, and although all available wreckage had been retrieved, the analysis revealed that roughly a quarter of the debris was yet to be located. Such findings were far from reassuring.

The situation that placed the YD National Search and Rescue Center under immense pressure was the disappearance of two crucial boxes of cultural relics from the ill-fated flight. Their whereabouts remained unknown, prompting the personal intervention of YD's Prime Minister.

Determined to recover the cultural relics at any cost, the Prime Minister's resolve left no room for compromise.

Back at the seaside warehouse, two vehicles arrived in succession.

Driving his Cullinan, Liu Yong led the way while He Qiang followed closely behind in a small van. Puzzled by the circumstances, Ding Wen queried, [ " Brother Yong, why have you brought me here? Is there something special? " ]

[ " You'll find out soon enough." ] Liu Yong said, delighted in teasing Ding Wen.

Their vehicle entered the warehouse, and Liu Yong sealed the doors shut using the remote control key.

............