Chapter 650: Fighting to Be Friends

Tang Beiwei favored Luo Ying, while Ye Ling preferred Ning Qingxue. Xu Yuehua rejoiced at Ye Mo's success in bringing Lu Na and Liang Jun back. Although they hadn't gathered much intelligence, their time in Luo Yue's core sector provided valuable insights. Even the strongest-willed individual cracks under torture.

Ye Mo desired a private conversation with Luo Ying and Ning Qingxue, but Luo Yue's precarious situation demanded immediate attention. Success meant continued prosperity; failure, utter ruin. He immediately convened a meeting in the large conference room with Xu Ping, Xu Yuehua, and others. Ning Qingxue and Luo Ying were absent, having pressing matters to discuss, and Ning Qingxue's financial responsibilities did not require her presence at military meetings.

Despite his frequent absences, Ye Mo remained abreast of Luo Yue's progress. Ye Xing's meticulous planning consistently pleased him upon his return. The city's foundation was complete, and the air, once foul with the stench of the ocean, was now fresh. Were it not for the looming war, Ye Mo would have taken Luo Ying and Ning Qingxue on a tour.

All of Luo Yue's high-ranking officials were present. Ye Mo was highly satisfied with Xu Yuehua's efficiency, recognizing her exceptional abilities even before giving her the chance to prove herself. While many assisted her, her competence was undeniable. Ye Mo knew she had a recurring enemy that necessitated occasional trips to Hong Kong, leaving her with little free time. He intended to inquire about this enemy; as city lord, the matter could not be ignored.

"Alright, everyone's here. Let Sister Yuehua begin," Ye Mo announced. The decision for war or peace had to be made that day; further delay was unacceptable.

Ye Mo began, "According to our negotiating team, Indonesia refuses to apologize, and the Philippines concurs. Their mass weapons purchases suggest a clear threat."

"Those small countries dare threaten us? Send a fleet to annihilate them!" Xu Ping grumbled. Ye Mo knew Xu Ping, an accomplished martial artist, lacked battlefield command experience but remained loyal as his second brother.

Following Xu Ping's outburst, Huang Yinian stated, "I support war, but not solely via a naval assault."

Xu Yuehua added, "Initially, Indonesian officials expressed concern and willingness to compromise with reduced demands. However, within a day, their stance drastically changed, with the Philippines now allied against us. If we fail to swiftly address the outlet incident, more countries may join them. War is necessary, but the strategy is crucial."

Ye Mo pondered their words, sensing unseen support for Indonesia. Was it America, or another nation?

Yu Miaodan reported, "The Union urges both Indonesia and us to exercise restraint and pursue negotiation, advising against hasty warfare."

"Preposterous! 'Avoid hasty warfare'? They say that to us? If we remain idle, they may attack! If we fight, let's do it Germany's way: a blitzkrieg," Guo Qi declared.

"Effective against others, but not an island nation like Indonesia. With only 20,000 troops, we should concentrate our power and strike a decisive blow," Sherman countered.

Xu Yuehua nodded silently, her gaze fixed on Ye Xing.

"I concur with Brother Xu and Sherman. Our new interference machine is ready for mobile warfare, integrated into the Luo Tian Carrier Ship. Island attacks would require no stealth; we simply bomb them," Ye Xing said, smiling at Xu Yuehua.

Silence descended upon the room. After a moment, Huang Yinian exclaimed, "Chief Engineer Ye, you succeeded?" The memory of their last war, won by their superior interference machine, stirred their blood.

Ye Xing replied, "However, most of our bombs are from Russia and Germany. We can construct defensive missiles, but mass-producing offensive ones requires more time—time we lack."

Before anyone could respond, Ye Xing sneered, "Given time, we wouldn't even need a fleet. I can create a bomb they cannot defend against."

Ye Mo believed Ye Xing, but war was unavoidable. Ignoring Indonesia and the Philippines would damage Luo Yue's reputation, inviting further aggression. Within two years, a stabilized Luo Yue would become unconquerable.

He nodded. "No one treats Luo Yue this way. We fight Indonesia and the Philippines. While Ye Xing likely has alternative strategies, we must demonstrate dominance directly and forcefully. Let them, and their backers, understand they cannot challenge Luo Yue so easily. I agree with Sherman's approach. The Indian Ocean separates us; we take an island first."

He addressed the group, "Which island?"

Huang Yinian smiled, "For seizing territory, Bali is ideal. It's significant, a major tourist attraction, and a key source of Indonesian income. Its capture will force compliance."

All agreed.