Reborn with a Space: Building a Fortune Amidst Famine

Chapter 1000: Rescue 1000

The four of them, father and sons, were still wearing clothes from over there, but now in men’s attire, which was easier to explain.

They seemed to be surrounded. Tan Shaoting raised a white flag.

Three sea patrol ships quickly surrounded them. Each of them was armed with real guns aimed at the father and sons.

"I’m a citizen," Tan Shaoting quickly raised his hands, and the three children did the same.

In fact, the Sea View Base had already received the message. Orders from above instructed them to take care of the four. Seeing that the numbers matched, and since they were wearing clothes from over there and speaking the national language, they felt somewhat reassured.

Soon six people came aboard. The father and sons stood aside waiting.

"Comrade, I’m a citizen. Can we sort this out ashore?"

There was naturally no objection from them. After checking the diesel quantity was insufficient and added some more, the father and sons were transferred to another sea patrol boat, their fishing boat now piloted by the sea patrol.

Once aboard, the father and sons visibly relaxed.

"Comrade, what’s your situation? Are you citizens or Japanese?" one person, who seemed like a leader, asked the father and sons seated together.

"Comrade, I’m a citizen. There are some things it’s inconvenient to explain now. I’ll make a call once we’re ashore. Then there will be an explanation from above."

The person nodded, "Sorry, but we still need to conduct a search."

Tan Shaoting nodded, "I will cooperate with all procedures."

Two sea patrol members came over while the others still held their weapons aimed at them.

Tan Shaoting truly understood. This was normal. But the three children were not happy. However, seeing their father’s actions, they allowed themselves to be frisked.

After finding no issues, "Thank you for your cooperation. Please understand."

"Absolutely understand. Comrade, how long until we reach shore?"

"Another ten hours. We came over immediately upon receiving orders. I think I didn’t make a mistake."

Tan Shaoting nodded. Ten more hours, and this order was probably given by Zeng Zhenqing. He’ll call him once they disembark.

There was food on the ship. But the children didn’t like the food from over there. The sea patrol’s food was just steamed buns.

Honestly, he and his wife had never let the children want for anything. The three children had never had such food.

But they were obedient, understanding that in the current situation, they couldn’t be picky. So they each ate half a steamed bun.

Tan Shaoting had no choice. This was the best he could do at the moment.

Because Tan Shaoting’s situation was unknown, they were still under surveillance, and the father and sons huddled together.

Until 3 a.m., they finally disembarked. Luckily, it was this temperature, otherwise, they would’ve suffered.

After disembarking, they were immediately surrounded, "Comrade, please take me to make a call. I have important information to report."

"Sorry, comrade. We need our leader’s approval. Let me take you to see our leader."

Tan Shaoting nodded and followed him into the office, where a man in his fifties was seated.

He Yanchuan looked at the newcomers, recognizing their attire. Honestly, incidents like these at sea were not uncommon. "So you’re the four who caused a ruckus over there."

Tan Shaoting looked at He Yanchuan, "Leader, I’d like to make a call to Leader Zeng Zhenqing."

He Yanchuan raised an eyebrow, "Go ahead."

"Leader, you’re welcome to listen in."

Actually, it’s sometimes better for officials at their level not to know everything.

The three children stayed close to Tan Shaoting. He quickly dialed the number.

Given the time, it was likely a secretary would answer first. But Tan Shaoting knew Zeng Zhenqing’s secretary.

The call connected, and after a few rings, someone answered.

"Who is this?"

Tan Shaoting recognized Secretary Wu’s voice.

"Secretary Wu, it’s Tan Shaoting. I’d like to speak with Leader Zeng."

Secretary Wu thought he misheard, "Who are you?"

"I’m Tan Shaoting. I need to speak with Leader Zeng."

"Tan Shaoting? The garrison head Tan Shaoting?"

"Yes, that’s me. Can you reach Leader Zeng immediately?"

"Mr. Tan, are you alright? Where are you? Sorry, I’m just overwhelmed. I’ll contact the leader right away. Please call again in ten minutes." He recognized Tan Shaoting’s voice. If he hadn’t been seasoned by years of experience, he might have dropped the phone in shock. Tan Shaoting was actually alive? Truly alive, as this conversation was happening.

"Thank you, Secretary Wu. I’ll call again shortly. Please tell Leader Zeng that I’m at the Sea View Base."

"Yes, yes."

After hanging up, He Yanchuan had overheard the conversation. He didn’t know Tan Shaoting, but hearing Secretary Wu’s words, he realized this was someone of significance.

"Please sit. Attendant, serve them water and have the kitchen prepare food."

Tan Shaoting quickly refused, "Leader, that’s not necessary. Warm water is fine, and could we possibly get some clothes? I’m willing to pay."

"Not now, the logistics aren’t available at this hour. Tomorrow morning."

"Thank you."

The three children sat with their father. Soon, hot water was brought in.

Tan Shaoting and his sons synchronized their watches with the office clock, waiting for Zeng Zhenqing’s call.

Before the time came, the phone rang.

He Yanchuan answered, "Hello."

"This is Zeng Zhenqing. Is Tan Shaoting there? Let him take the call."

"Yes."

Tan Shaoting took the phone, "Leader, it’s Tan Shaoting here."

On the other end, hearing the familiar voice, Zeng Zhenqing, a man who faced countless life-and-death moments, shed tears.

"It really is you. This is wonderful, just wonderful. Don’t say anything else. I’m sending a helicopter for you immediately."

"Thank you, Leader. How’s Yuanyuan?" Tan Shaoting also heard the sobs from Zeng Zhenqing and grew emotional.

"You’ll see her once you arrive. Don’t worry, I’m dispatching the nearest helicopter."

"Thank you, Leader."

"No need for thanks. Hand the phone to the person in charge there."

He Yanchuan had been listening intently nearby. They mentioned Yuanyuan just now. That jogged his memory: the husband of the Deputy Minister Su Yuanyuan, who went missing five years ago with three children, was named Tan.

He respectfully took the phone, "Leader, I’m He Yanchuan."

"Good, I’ve noted your contribution. The helicopter will be there soon. Make the necessary arrangements."

"Yes, sir."

"Alright." After hanging up, Zeng Zhenqing immediately asked Qin Zhiyuan to make the call. He sat there, smiling foolishly.

Qin Zhiyuan was dumbfounded too, but quickly notified the helicopter team to pick them up and bring them to the Capital.

Hanging up the phone and seeing the expression on the leader’s face, he found it hard to describe. "Leader, should we inform Minister Su?"