Chapter 68 - Another Setback
The people around looked tense, and many of them had deep fatigue in their eyes.
Upon seeing this, First Mate Hatcher hurriedly reported to the captain that they needed to rest and boost morale.
"Captain, we don't have much food left. How about we go talk to the other side?"
He figured that since his allies had managed to salvage the sunken ship, their mission was not far off, so he might as well take the opportunity to replenish their supplies and buy some other things to make things easier for his brothers.
James was spying through binoculars, trying to discern what was on the island.
Upon hearing his deputy's words, he frowned: "Wasn't it just replenished? How come it was used up so quickly!"
He remembered that he had bought a batch of supplies at the dock in early October through their connections, but it had been used up in just two months.
Hatcher looked somewhat embarrassed and explained, "The brothers ate too quickly, and the remaining food probably won't last until we leave."
"Tell me properly, what percentage was consumed?"
James could tell from his expression that things weren't good, and he suppressed his anger and asked.
"Less than 60% remains, with the alcohol and food being consumed very quickly."
"Hmph, those guys do nothing all day but eat, huh? They'll eat themselves to death."
Many people who had gathered in one place heard the shouts and, upon seeing that it was the captain and first mate, quickly ran away.
"We did use a lot of it before, and the brothers had nothing to do all day but drink and eat meat."
That's so true, it left James speechless.
"Alright, I understand. Make a list and prepare the money."
"Okay, I'll bring it to you later."
After everyone left, James called over a sailor from the ship, a very skilled fellow named Rowan.
"Rowan, come here, I have something to tell you."
The man called Luo Wen was very tall, with a straight and handsome figure, and his eyes had a mature and charming quality.
"Captain, what are your orders?"
Meanwhile, Jiang Cong, who was constantly monitoring the opposite side, saw an unfamiliar face being called over by James.
Jiang Cong immediately became alert and asked his colleague, "Hey, do you think that person looks unfamiliar? Has he never been out before?"
"Captain, the guy next to the captain you mentioned does look unfamiliar!" He didn't remember the captain's name, but he did remember the names of the others, especially the ones who appeared at the very beginning.
"Find someone to keep an eye on him and tell me immediately if he makes any moves."
"Understood, Captain. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things myself."
Seeing that the person had received the instructions, Jiang Cong, still worried, sent the message back to Captain Chen, the person in charge of the warship.
Previously, they had mostly cooperated and worked together to maintain the peace. But since the shipwreck was salvaged, the arrangements on the ship have been gradually handed over to them, while Jiang Cong and the others have been spending more time with the researchers on shore.
"Captain Chen, I suspect the other ship's captain might take some action. Tonight, we'll need you to send people to protect the ship's safety and prevent the sinking."
Captain Chen, dressed in a crisp naval uniform, said, “Don’t worry, Captain Jiang. I’ll immediately arrange for people to work in three shifts to keep an eye on these things. There won’t be any more unexpected situations.”
"Okay, that puts my mind at ease. I'll keep some people on hand as usual."
To avoid alerting the enemy, he decided to have Hosen check things out privately.
Without hesitation, he left the captain's office and immediately found him, explaining the situation.
Sure enough, Hosen's expression turned serious as he tapped the table.
Are there any secret bases on the island?
"No, Captain Chen and his team had already inspected the island beforehand. It's just an abandoned base, and there's nothing there except for some cleaning and tidying up."
Hossen then asked, "Is there any military base closest to this island?"
Jiang Cong's expression changed, and he quickly opened the door to look inside, but no one was there.
He closed the door and lowered his voice, "Are you crazy, prying into military secrets like this? Is this something we should be asking?"
Hosen looked thoughtful. "Go and ask around. Are there any secret bases or anything like that near South Island? Those people probably know more about it than we do."
"Damn it, no way?"
If this is true, then these guys are really something else.
They're a whole bunch of spies!
Why don't we just arrest them?
Jiang Cong had long coveted those things. "If they really exist, I won't tolerate them. I'll find an opportunity to arrest them all, and while I'm at it, I'll also take their gold."
If it weren't for his reputation, he would have intercepted those treasures long ago and handed them over to the state.
"I'll go and find out right away."
Watching him leave in a hurry, Hossen silently resumed reading his book.
The only military theory book he brought was so worn out from being turned over so many times.
"I hope that's not the case!"
"Captain Jiang, is what you're saying true?"
"Bang!" "Damn it, I knew those guys were scum. They really are wicked. I need to prepare in advance."
Jiang Cong looked at it and thought to himself, "Oh no, there really is one!"
After finishing his tirade, Captain Chen noticed the shocked Captain Jiang and quickly tried to cover it up: "Haha, Captain Jiang, you know... you know..."
"Captain Chen, I understand and I am familiar with the confidentiality regulations. Rest assured, I will follow your orders and keep an eye on those people."
Captain Chen looked pleased and offered a few words of comfort to his comrade who was so cooperative. “Good comrade, we have the upper hand now. We just need to keep a close eye on the 39 people on that ship. We’ll arrest anyone who moves around carelessly.”
"There were not 39 people on board. One drowned at sea, and three were penalized. There were only 35 people available to move around in total."
"That would be even better. I have about three hundred men under my command. Even if a group of men are transferred over, at least a few people can keep an eye on each one."
Jiang Cong thought about it and agreed, so he wasn't in such a hurry for the time being.
When dinner was served, Chef Zhang specially prepared a large amount of delicious food and brought it over.
These people ate on the boat; the food was delivered in buckets.
Everyone ate to their heart's content, their bellies round and full.
"I didn't expect to have rice today, I ate a whole bowl of it."
"Haha, me too. Even though I added a lot of vegetables, this seafood rice really has a unique flavor."
"The chef said that there will be delicious food these days. After we contact the nearby cruisers, we will have more supplies delivered. We can add a lot of dishes in time for the New Year."
"This is wonderful, I live a better life than I do at home."
"Haha, everyone's had a good meal, don't fall asleep tonight!"
Looking at the soldiers laughing heartily on the warships not far away, the Maria was a scene of utter desolation.
With the help of two assistants, the head chef, who had regained control of the kitchen, successfully prepared a white meal.
Looking at the bland and tasteless plating, and smelling the smoky aroma of stir-frying in the iron wok, the people who were used to eating white food suddenly lost their appetite.
"What are all these?"
"Another pan-fried steak, paired with the same red wine!"
"I've had enough of this. Tomato pasta still tastes the same."
Hearing the familiar complaints around him, James's hand holding the knife and fork trembled involuntarily.
Indeed, his mouth was rejecting food; his taste buds were screaming at him not to eat.
"Ugh~"
"What's wrong, Captain?"
"Could there be something wrong with this steak?"
The head chef, who had just finished tidying himself up and walked up, was taken aback by what he heard. "Who is questioning my culinary skills? I am a Michelin-starred chef."
"Don't panic, I'm alright!"
The young man, who had been glared at, quickly lowered his head and avoided his gaze.
When the chef saw that it was the captain speaking, his expression softened and he took a few steps forward.
His face stiffened when he saw the barely touched plate.
Oh no, his career has been dealt a devastating blow!
The researchers, who had huddled together and rested in the camp overnight, woke up the next day feeling recharged and in excellent condition.
I haven't felt that sense of physical and mental well-being, and spiritual liberation, in a long time.
Even the soldiers guarding the vicinity looked much better.
As soon as his health improved, Xia Ming discussed the next steps with Yu Jingtong.
Yu Jingtong planned to lead a team, along with Captain Chen, to escort the sunken ship to nearby Pier No. 1, which is currently the closest area to Nanwei Island. Furthermore, Yu was taking some researchers with him to directly participate in subsequent archaeological research and conservation work, and also to prepare some supplies.
Meanwhile, Xia Ming and another group of people stayed behind to discuss the next steps of the salvage operation with James and others.
After they delivered the ships, the supplies were replenished and the Maria embarked on its journey again.
They had prepared for two scenarios because they simply couldn't afford to waste any more time.
Yu Jingtong solemnly arranged, "Then let Lao Hu stay with you, and Lao Zhuang and I will leave with some people."
Old Hu, who was called out, looked regretful, but still nodded seriously.
"I am ready to cooperate with the organization whenever needed!"
Xia Ming nodded in agreement, then looked at Yu Jingtong. "Your return journey will also be very challenging. The subsequent salvage and protection of the ships are urgent. It's a pity we have to stay here and can't participate in this major project." Xia Ming said, but a smile appeared on his face. "However, Lao Hu and I will be involved in the excavation of the Rhine shipwreck, which is known as the world's largest underwater treasure. If it is indeed unearthed with our participation, it will be no less prestigious than the No. 1 shipwreck!"
"Hahaha, that's right!" Old Hu thought about it and immediately became smug.
"Old Zhuang, you and Old Yu have to work hard and try your best to catch up with us."
The four of them settled two major events that would influence the next century in a relaxed and humorous conversation.
At a time when everyone knows that the No. 1 shipwreck has greater research and archaeological value, a group of people are willing to devote themselves to another project, all for the sake of a better country and social stability.
This is our generation—a generation that works hard and strives for success!
Looking at Old Man Chen lying on the beach, sunbathing, Luo Yin's lips twitched again.
That old man is really shameless, even worse than her.
Look at Old Xia and Old Yu, they led a lot of people back early this morning.
Looking at Xia Lao who remained behind, he immediately contacted James to go aboard the ship to discuss the subsequent route.
James happened to deliver their supply order, catching a ride.
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