Chapter 530: The Masterminds Translator: Timothy Editor: GlobeGlotter

“Brother Ye, a Chinese man says he has something important to tell you,” Fang Wei rushed inside and reported, after all the ships had been secured.

“Something important?” Ye Mo mused. The ships were his, and all the rebellious pirates were dead. What could it be?

“Tell him to come.” He might as well hear what the man had to say. If it was absurd, he’d toss him overboard.

Soon, Fang Wei brought a man who appeared to be in his 50s. Ye Mo guessed his actual age was closer to 40, but years at sea had aged him. He had thick eyebrows.

“I’m Huang Yinian, City Leader Ye,” the man saluted.

Ye Mo nodded. “Huang Yinian, you weren’t among the other men aboard, correct? Tell me, what’s this important matter? Don’t talk, and you’ll join the others at the bottom of the sea.”

“The Black Fleet’s main members aren’t pirates. There are few like me,” Huang Yinian said.

Ye Mo nodded, unconvinced.

Seeing this, Huang Yinian continued, “Since hearing of Luo Yue City, I’ve wanted to join, but lacked the opportunity. I couldn’t leave my life behind.”

“While we welcome people to help build Luo Yue, not everyone can come. We don’t welcome pirates like you,” Ye Mo stated plainly. He recognized Huang Yinian’s capabilities.

Ye Mo hadn’t captured the 2000 marines out of mercy; he needed workers to build Luo Yue. They were free labor. Those who surrendered wholeheartedly could join the Luo Yue Navy.

Huang Yinian wasn’t discouraged. He took a deep breath. “I understand. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Da Lian, China, and emigrated to the US with my parents at age 11. I joined the naval academy at 17 and served in the 7th Fleet at 21. Two years later, I saw combat, earning enough accolades for a sergeant's commission. Over the next eight years, I served in secret US wars, becoming a brigadier general.

But being Chinese was a problem for the Americans. The following year, I received orders to lead a fleet to China. I refused. I’m still Chinese, despite serving the US military.”

Ye Mo smiled. “You reached brigadier general in under 20 years. I believe in your naval skills. The Americans likely gave you that sensitive order because they valued your abilities. They sent you on that mission to test you.”

Huang Yinian stared, shocked. He’d only realized that afterward.

He nodded, dejected. “Regardless, I wouldn’t lead a US fleet against China. After my refusal, I received no further missions. The next year, my parents died in a suspicious shooting. I suspected the government, but lacked proof. I was tired of the country, ready to sell my assets and return to China, but my bank account was frozen.

They claimed my parents were involved in money laundering. That year, my wife took my daughter and divorced me. Despair engulfed me. I offered to forfeit my wealth to leave the US, but my request was denied.”

Ye Mo sneered. “They kept you prisoner.” Even if the US couldn't use Huang Yinian, they wouldn't let him go, especially not to China.

Huang Yinian nodded. “Yes. Denied permission to leave, I refused to surrender. Three months later, I escaped on a cargo ship, which was attacked by pirates. I joined them. I didn't return to China; even if I had, I might have been sent back to the US.”

“So, you were a pirate for almost a decade?” Ye Mo asked.

Huang Yinian said, “Yes, but I’ve longed to rejoin a proper fleet, the navy I love. This campaign showed Luo Yue’s naval inexperience. I wish to join and contribute.”

Huang Yinian looked at Ye Mo. “Don't ask why. I’m Chinese, as are you. You mentioned special considerations for Chinese moving to Luo Yue. My ideals are like yours. I don’t want to be a pirate.”

Ye Mo considered it. “I’ll let you join, but I need to test you. If you’re willing, close your eyes and relinquish control of your mind.”

Huang Yinian complied without hesitation. Ye Mo used his abilities to question Huang Yinian, confirming his story.

Ye Mo awoke Huang Yinian. “Huang Yinian, you’re genuine. You’ll join Luo Yue City and command our navy. I expect you to fulfill your promises.”

“Yes, City Lord!” Huang Yinian saluted, still fearing Ye Mo’s abilities. He’d told the truth. A spy would be dead.

Ye Mo summoned Guo Qi, appointing Huang Yinian as naval commander and ordering Guo Qi’s return to land.

Guo Qi was relieved. He knew he wasn’t cut out for naval combat and willingly ceded control.

“Huang Yinian, was the US behind this attack?” Ye Mo asked, voicing his suspicion. Huang Yinian shook his head. “It wasn't the US fleet. I don’t know which country, but as a minor pirate boss, I was excluded from many matters.”

Ye Mo dismissed him and called David and Li Lan.

“Your country?” Ye Mo asked.

David and Li Lan exchanged glances. David replied in broken Chinese, “Indonesia.”

Ye Mo frowned. He hadn't offended them.

“Indonesian? Why attack us?” Ye Mo’s face hardened.

“No, no,” Li Lan explained, “We’re not entirely Indonesian. We’re from the Blue Ray Corporation in Africa. We were hired. The Indonesians hate the Chinese, and hearing Chinese controlled Sai Na, they…”

Ye Mo was speechless.

Li Lan watched Ye Mo carefully. “The pirates and we were hired by Indonesia, except Captain Louis and some Indonesian troops. They wanted to attack Luo Yue and curry favor with the US.”

Ye Mo sneered. That wouldn't have worked. The US wanted Luo Yue to grow quickly; they wouldn't appreciate this attack. Indonesia’s decision-maker was an idiot.