Chapter 942: Chapter 942

Mali Island had just experienced friction with Vietnam Country not too long ago, and now India has somehow gotten involved as well. This is quite the headache. The most update n0vels are published on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝙣𝙚𝙩

Moreover, the thing that left Huang Can feeling most helpless was that India had sent out a fleet of their primary warships. In the face of those, the helicopter squad hardly posed any threat. It was highly likely that the helicopter squad would simply be blasted out of the sky the moment they approached.

Ding Fan contemplated for a moment and then decisively said, "Withdraw all troops. Let India's warships remain there for now."

Huang Can was momentarily stunned. Ding Fan had always been extremely resolute and ruthless when dealing with external threats, so why was he choosing silence this time?

Although puzzled, Huang Can didn't question him further. After all, Ding Fan was the master of Yongfan Island. With that, Huang Can immediately went to carry out the orders.

Ding Fan felt that the current situation required him to personally take action…

The villa where Smith and Thompson were staying.

"Mr. Thompson, I've just received some good news," Smith exclaimed excitedly as he entered from outside.

Thompson was using a laptop to view something when he heard Smith's words. He immediately set the laptop aside.

"I just heard that three Indian warships are docked near the waters surrounding Yongfan Island, and the Indian warships even fired upon Yongfan Island's patrol vessel," Smith remarked.

"Are you serious?" Thompson immediately stood up upon hearing Smith's words.

Thompson had arrived at Yongfan Island with a specific mission: to draw Yongfan Island into alignment with The Stars and Stripes Country.

As Yongfan Island had shown no intention of siding with The Stars and Stripes Country thus far, this was, for Thompson, an excellent opportunity.

India had dispatched three warships, and Thompson did not believe that Ding Fan and his people could resolve the crisis with their current strength.

After all, Yongfan Island had only been established days ago.

In Thompson's view, India putting pressure on Yongfan Island was the perfect moment for The Stars and Stripes Country to intervene. Yongfan Island would inevitably stand with The Stars and Stripes Country out of necessity.

"Come on, take me to see Ding Fan immediately," Thompson said impatiently.

"Mr. Thompson, wait a moment…" Smith stopped him just then.

Thompson paused and looked at Smith beside him.

"Yongfan Island is currently facing a crisis. I don't think it'll be long before they come to seek us out directly," Smith reasoned.

Thompson thought Smith's words made sense. He nodded in agreement.

Smith then called for his attendant to bring him some red wine. He put on some music and, along with Thompson, began enjoying the scenery and music while savoring fine wine. It was quite a leisurely affair.

In their minds, Yongfan Island was now in crisis, and Ding Fan would inevitably come to them soon.

But what they did not expect was that as the sky outside darkened, no one from Ding Fan's people approached them.

Although the two men remained stoic, when night had passed and Yongfan Island still hadn't sent anyone over, Smith began to lose his patience. He decided to go find Ding Fan himself.

The two headed to the Municipal Center. When they finally met Ding Fan, they were utterly shocked by what they saw.

Two men dressed in Indian military uniforms were there, listening attentively and deferentially as Ding Fan spoke. Their demeanor was overflowing with reverence, as exaggerated as being at Yu City.

"Take them away…" Ding Fan, seated high above, said sternly.

It was unclear whether the two had understood Ding Fan's words, but the moment passed, and they immediately knelt down, continuously bowing and muttering unintelligibly.

Ding Fan noticed Smith and Thompson entering. He casually gestured for the soldiers by his side to proceed. The two Indian officers were promptly escorted away.

Smith and Thompson exchanged stunned glances.

They couldn't understand why Indian officers would appear here. All they knew was that the closest Indian forces were located in the waters near Yongfan Island. Could it be that these two officers had come from the warships stationed in those waters?

The thought made Thompson's face darken.

Given that Indian forces and Ding Fan's people were in a standoff, the presence of these two Indian officers raised too many unanswered questions.

Thompson refused to believe these men had come as guests; therefore, the only logical explanation was that Ding Fan's people had captured these Indian officers.

The realization caused Thompson's expression to grow even more grim. From the fearful looks on the two Indian officers' faces earlier, there was no denying their apprehension.

"Mr. Thompson, Mr. Smith, what brings you here so early? Is there something you need?" Ding Fan asked with a smile.

"Well… um…" For a moment, Thompson didn't know how to respond.

The two had come expecting a spectacle, but now, given the situation, there was no spectacle to be seen.

Ding Fan, fully aware of their intent, smiled faintly. "Since the two of you seem interested, how about I accompany you on a tour?"

Smith and Thompson exchanged unsure glances, unable to decipher Ding Fan's intentions.

Nevertheless, they couldn't find an appropriate reason to decline his offer, so they followed Ding Fan, Huang Can making arrangements for a Jeep ride to the coast.

When their vehicle arrived at the docks, Smith and Thompson were once again struck by the scene before them.

Indian forces were scattered on the beach, while three warships were docked at the harbor.

Thompson, who had served in the military, understood enough about the situation. Even a fool could see that the Indian forces were entirely under Ding Fan's control.

Thompson inwardly exclaimed to God repeatedly… The entire situation seemed surreal.

Beside him, Smith appeared equally dumbfounded as he gazed at the Indian warships moored at the shore.

A seasoned arms dealer, Thompson instantly recognized the models of these warships and their capabilities. These were the principal warships independently developed by the Indian military.

In terms of combat power, it had been said that India's warships were the most powerful in Yahuan State.

Not even Huaxia Country, the military giant of Yahuan State, could have captured three intact Indian warships. Let alone Yongfan Island's comparatively modest armed forces.

To Smith, Yongfan Island's forces were practically rabble.

And yet, this so-called rabble had successfully captured three Indian primary warships intact. Even though Smith saw it with his own eyes, the entire situation felt unreal to him.

"Escort all personnel to Yongfan Island's rear mountain. Didn't Hu Jin mention the lack of labor hindering development? These people will serve as a ready labor force," Ding Fan instructed, pointing at the soldiers scattered on the beach.

Huang Can nodded and spoke to the soldiers beside him. "Move all the prisoners to the rear mountain."

"Yes, sir!" A company of soldiers immediately converged, rounding up the prisoners on the beach and ushering them away.

"Mr. Thompson, what do you think of the scenery here by the rear coast?" Ding Fan turned his head toward Thompson with a faint smile.

Thompson gave an embarrassed smile. "Beautiful, truly beautiful…"

In the end, Thompson and Smith failed to reach any significant agreements with Yongfan Island before leaving.

However, Ding Fan did not outright offend them either. While he declined their offerings and refused to become The Stars and Stripes Country's subordinate, it didn't mean Yongfan Island wouldn't purchase their weapons in the future.

After all, The Stars and Stripes Country's weaponry remained the best in the world, and maintaining cooperation was essential.

Although Yongfan Island rejected the idea of becoming a vassal state, Thompson didn't terminate collaboration because Yongfan Island had not demonstrated intent to become enemies.

Thompson believed that it was only a matter of time before Yongfan Island aligned itself with The Stars and Stripes Country. With enough sincerity and goodwill, there was still hope…

With city planning talents like Wang Zhian and Xie Lingling joining, coupled with Ding Fan's substantial funding, Yongfan Island entered a phase of rapid development.

Power facilities were fully operational, bringing electricity to the entire island. Enhanced water systems ensured that all island residents had access to safe drinking water.

The island's town center was established at Erdao River, the island's most bustling area. After renovation, the municipal building became exceptionally grand, and the plaza in front of it carried the distinct style of an international urban center.

Schools, hospitals, and police stations were all built across the sixteen small towns. Beyond basic infrastructure, Xie Lingling was also preparing to establish a local television station.

When Xie Lingling shared this idea, Ding Fan thought of his Second Sister, Lin Qingqing.

Having spent years working in the entertainment industry, Lin Qingqing had unparalleled expertise in this domain.

The Lin Family and Ding Fan shared an exceptionally close bond. Upon hearing of this endeavor, Lin Qingqing immediately lent her full support, sending over professional technical personnel along with essential equipment.

With Zhou Ruoran and Fang Ruohan stepping up efforts in legal enforcement, Yongfan Island's crime rate saw a significant drop. This freed up Zhou Ruoran to oversee other matters.

Beyond law enforcement, Zhou Ruoran turned her attention to education.

All children under eighteen were required to attend school for free education. Night schools were also established, allowing residents to receive an education for minimal fees.

As Yongfan Island was still in its development phase, talent was scarce. Recruiting experts externally was not yet feasible, so enhancing the local population's educational level became the immediate solution.

At this time, Sun Qi and Mei Zhi of the Spirit Sect returned to Yongfan Island after an extended stay in Huaxia Country.

Mei Zhi had remained behind in Dancheng due to a revelation but had finally returned.

Upon her arrival, Mei Zhi sought out Ding Fan without delay.

"Master, a friend asked me to bring you something," she said.

A friend? Ding Fan was intrigued, wondering what kind of friend would send him something.

Mei Zhi presented a finely crafted invitation cast from gold. The invitation was as thick as a finger and exquisitely designed, with formations concealed within.

On the side of the invitation was a line of small text.

"A Hidden Sect auction at Mount Lu… Fondly, Wu Die!"