These pirates were extremely brazen, not only hijacking his ships with impunity but also abducting everyone, including clients and crew.
If it were just the cargo, it would be one thing, but there were so many lives on board, what could be done?
This was the second time Zhao Haiwei had faced such inhuman pirates. The moment he encountered them, he knew he had absolutely no chance of escape.
In fact, Zhao Haiwei had started sailing at a very young age. The first time he encountered pirates hijacking a ship, he was sailing with his cousin. The Yan Nation was not as powerful then as it was now. After the piracy incident, he had watched his cousin being killed wantonly by the pirates and his body thrown into the sea. He himself had to take a detour to survive.
If these pirates were only after money, he would gladly give them whatever they wanted, no matter how great his loss. But the problem was that these pirates didn't even spare people. It was likely that everyone here was in mortal danger.
"Will I ever see my wife and children again?" As Zhao Haiwei thought of all this, his heart sank, his face turned pale.
The Yan Nation was so powerful now, yet they dared to hijack them. What did this indicate?
It meant that these people must have someone backing them. As for who that person was, he didn't know, but he was certain that he would have a hard time returning this time.
"There are over two hundred lives here!"
Zhao Haiwei looked at the despairing crew members around him, his heart aching as if being cut by a knife. He sighed inwardly, shaking his head in silence, and finally lowered his head helplessly.
What was the most feared thing when sailing at sea?
It was encountering those inhumane pirates.
Because these pirates were evil in every way, dwelling on islands and living by robbery. But if it were just about stealing money, it would be bearable. However, this time they had captured people as well. What was their purpose?
Zhao Haiwei dared not think further, nor did he want to imagine it. He knew these pirates too well. They could use the most brutal methods, truly like beasts in human form.
Was he going to perish in this sea today?
Zhao Haiwei felt both despair and unwillingness.
At this moment, a young crew member next to Zhao Haiwei noticed the captain's worry. He walked up with a confident expression and said, "Director Zhao, don't worry, our homeland will definitely come to save us!"
Homeland?
Hearing this word, Zhao Haiwei's heart trembled slightly. Would the homeland really send troops to save them? Was it possible?
How could it be?
The next second, Zhao Haiwei gently shook his head, dismissing his own thought and, at the same time, negating the crew member's words.
This was not within Yan Nation's territory. The country would not send troops to sea for a merchant ship.
Of course, if this had happened within the country, Zhao Haiwei knew the nation would definitely intervene and handle it quickly. But now, it was uncertain. After all, this was abroad. If the country sent troops, it would directly involve violating the maritime sovereignty of another country, which could lead to a military war between nations.
In Zhao Haiwei's opinion, the value of his mere two merchant ships was not enough to warrant the nation risking its army.
The young man who had spoken earlier saw Zhao Haiwei's continued look of despair and continued to comfort him, "Director Zhao, I believe our homeland will not abandon us. Let's wait a little longer!"
Hearing this, Zhao Haiwei let out a heavy sigh and said with a hint of despair, "Don't hope. Would such small merchant ships like ours attract the attention of the nation? Moreover, the homeland might not even know we are in trouble. Even if they did, it would take at least half a day for them to send someone, meaning it would be too late."
"These pirates want ransom, and they will want to establish their authority first. Once they've had their fill and their shares are divided, they'll definitely start killing people. Do you see those guns? They are real firearms. A single bullet can blow a head off!"
Hiss!
Hearing Zhao Haiwei's words, the young man's gaze fell on the pirates. His eyes were fixed on the dark, glinting guns. After seeing them clearly, he couldn't help but gasp and shiver.
Guns?
Yes!
Director Zhao was right, these pirates were all armed. These were not ordinary pirates. If a fight broke out, they would be no match for these pirates. Furthermore, with so many people at sea, they wouldn't even have the slightest possibility of escape.
And it was precisely because these pirates had firearms that they dared to rob merchant ships so boldly. If these pirates went berserk and started shooting, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In an instant, the young man's mind flashed back to news reports he had seen before, recalling the scenes of pirates robbing and killing people. His heart began to panic.
Yes, if the country really didn't care, no, it was impossible...
As the young crew member thought, his face turned terrified. But the next second, he firmly shook his head and said resolutely:
"No! Director Zhao, I believe our homeland is different from other countries. They always emphasize that no matter where we are, our homeland stands behind us. They will definitely send troops to save us, really! I have this premonition, believe me, believe our homeland."
"Besides, such a big incident, our homeland must have received the news. Perhaps someone is already on their way to save us."
Zhao Haiwei listened and suddenly became impatient, saying coldly, "How would they know? This is not our country's territorial waters, there are no surveillance points, and we can't send out our rescue message. How would they notify us? How would the nation know we are in distress?"
The facts were indeed as he said. When they encountered the pirates, the pirates had immediately confiscated their communication equipment, cutting off all contact with the outside world. Otherwise, they would have already called for help.
The young crew member remained unmoved by Zhao Haiwei's words. He still maintained a firm attitude, "No! Our homeland will know. Perhaps there are satellite captures, or perhaps someone is monitoring this..."
Zhao Haiwei looked at the young crew member's determined attitude and said helplessly:
"Damn it... You watch too many movies and TV shows! This is reality. Where would someone monitor from? This is pirate territory..."
Listening to the conversation between Zhao Haiwei and the young crew member, other crew members in the cages also started to discuss.
"Yes, no matter what, I believe our homeland will send someone to save us."
"Right, our homeland has never abandoned anyone. Someone will definitely come to save us!"
"Our country is not the same as it was a hundred years ago. We can't be bullied so easily now."
"Whether at home or abroad, the nation will not abandon us..."
"..."