According to Hu Rong, on the other side of the island, there is a deep underwater cave more than 100 meters deep, filled with various stalactites, which is the best choice for exploring the mystery.
All of this has made Zhuang Rui's island a well-known island king, and the mysterious owner has become an object of interest for movie stars and tycoons. Perhaps after Zhuang Rui moves in, he will be frequently visited by his neighbors.
"That's the harbor, big enough for your Xuanrui to dock. Come on, let's go check out that beach. I've compared several private islands, and none of them have a beach that compares to this one..."
As Hu Rong spoke, he drove the electric scooter to a road by the beach, where the shimmering sand and azure sea were immediately revealed to everyone.
It was nearing dusk, and the setting sun was turning the originally white sand beach into a golden hue, a beautiful sight that left everyone in the group in awe.
The island is so large that only a small portion has been developed so far. After Hu Rong led everyone on a tour of the beach, they returned to the villa area located on the other side of the airport.
These villas are all in the style of traditional Chinese architecture, with no more than two stories high. They are surrounded by tall palm trees, yet they do not appear out of place at all.
In addition to the six detached villas, there are also some seemingly scattered buildings around the villas that are actually integrated with the surrounding environment.
Seeing these houses on the other side of the ocean, so far from China, felt just like being back home, which greatly pleased Zhuang Rui. Living here would also alleviate some of his homesickness.
Chapter 1245 Island Defense
That evening, Hu Rong treated Zhuang Rui and the others to a dish of fresh conch with chili sauce, a favorite among Bahamians. Hu Rong had specially flown there the day before to collect the conch from local fishermen, and the group thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
After dinner, Zhang Ma, Li Sao, and Qin Xuanbing went to tidy up the rooms. Before this, no women had ever come up to this island, and they didn't trust those men to clean the houses.
Peng Fei, along with several security guards who intended to stay on the island, went to survey the terrain. Although the island's basic infrastructure was now complete, there were no defensive or protective measures in place, and it might be targeted by someone with ulterior motives.
"Brother Hu, let's go for a walk..."
To be honest, even at night, Zhuang Rui wouldn't want to stay in his room on such a beautiful island.
Streetlights have been installed in the villa's yard and along the paths, making the palm trees look exceptionally beautiful under the lights. The warm sea breeze on your face is very pleasant.
"Brother Hu, is there anything else on the island that's not perfect? Tell me about it..."
Zhuang Rui was very satisfied with the private island he had acquired unexpectedly. He planned to stay there permanently once he no longer had to worry about business in China.
"The basic infrastructure is almost complete. What you need to do is strengthen the island's defense system, increase the number of guards and surveillance equipment at the airport and the beach. I haven't had time to install these yet..."
"By the way, I've built an emergency shelter beneath each of those six villas. It's extremely well-defended; nuclear weapons can't withstand it, but ordinary aerial bombs are no problem at all..."
Hu Rong did want to improve Zhuang Rui's defense system, but the cost and engineering involved were too great. He could only settle for second best and dug an air-raid shelter under the six villas during the basic construction.
It's important to understand that for such a large island, the initial infrastructure alone took nearly two years and cost over eight hundred million US dollars. A large portion of Zhuang Rui's shares in the gold mine were spent on this.
Although Hu Rong also wanted to buy an island, he wouldn't even dare to dream of an island like Zhuang Rui's with its own freshwater and pristine ecosystem. At most, he would spend tens of millions of US dollars to buy a small island of a few hundred acres to play with.
Are private armed groups allowed to carry firearms here?
Zhuang Rui frowned upon hearing this. For him, the safety of his family was undoubtedly his top priority.
Although modern piracy has disappeared in this area, there are still many places to land on the island. In this vast ocean, if someone really has malicious intentions, just a few speedboats can surround and wipe out the people on the island.
"Gun? Hah, Zhuang Rui, you could even plant a surface-to-air missile on this island..."
Hu Rong laughed upon hearing this, pointing to the island in the night and saying, "When this island was purchased, the relevant laws weren't very comprehensive. The Bahamas was quite chaotic back then. Not only were the residency rights to the island sold, but the territorial rights were also sold. In Western terms, you were the king of this island, haha. In Chinese terms, you had a responsibility to protect your territorial integrity..."
"This...this will work?"
Zhuang Rui was stunned. "I'm not breaking the law if I kill someone on this island?"
Hu Rong nodded and said, "Of course it's not illegal. You have the right to kill anyone who comes to the island without your permission. Not to mention this island that is entirely yours, in Western countries, you can kill someone without being punished for trespassing..."
"Damn, then I really need to renovate this island. Brother Hu, I can't keep you company today, let's talk again tomorrow..."
Deep down, Zhuang Rui is still very afraid of death, especially after experiencing a near-death experience, which made him value his safety even more.
After parting ways with Hu Rong, Zhuang Rui immediately found Peng Fei and recounted his conversation with Hu Rong to him.
"Brother Zhuang, this is great! Let's build a shooting range on the island, then we can satisfy our shooting cravings whenever we have free time..."
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Peng Fei's first reaction was that he could play with guns again. Although he had been out of the army for several years, Peng Fei could never let go of the feelings he had for those who fought in the war.
"Stop talking nonsense. I'm asking how to defend this island and what weapons to install."
Zhuang Rui interrupted Peng Fei impatiently. He knew nothing about island defense and could only rely on Peng Fei.
"That's easy, Brother Zhuang. First, we need to install surveillance and radar facilities all over the island to prevent anyone from sneaking onto it... Isn't there a mountain here? We'll have someone carve out two caves here and here, and put two surface-to-air missile launchers inside. Hmm, that's for air defense..."
"Also, I suggest buying a small submarine and a minelayer to blockade the entire harbor. Oh, and we should also install a few naval guns in concealed positions on the other beaches where we can land..." Peng Fei became more and more excited as he spoke, slapping the table and gesturing wildly. Zhuang Rui was dumbfounded. This wasn't setting up island defenses; it was practically building a maritime military fortress!
"Stop, stop! Damn, this place is near the Bahamas, and there are patrol fleets in the surrounding waters. Do we really need to carry all that stuff? Besides, where am I supposed to buy all that stuff?"
In Zhuang Rui's opinion, only the first point Peng Fei mentioned was somewhat plausible. Even if Zhuang Rui was willing to spend the money, he might not be able to equip the others. Could he even get his hands on a submarine mine-laying ship?
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Peng Fei curled his lip and said, "Brother Zhuang, with money, what can't you buy? The Russian Navy relies on buying these things to make a living. Go find that kid Li Zhen; he knows everything about this..."
"Can you really get your hands on it? How much would it cost?"
When Peng Fei mentioned Li Zhen, Zhuang Rui began to believe it. Weren't all the weapons on his Xuanrui ship equipped by these two guys?
However, Zhuang Rui spent tens of millions of dollars on the defense of that cruise ship alone. If he were to arm such an island, Zhuang Rui really didn't know if his wealth would be enough.
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Peng Fei started calculating on his fingers: "Two surface-to-air missile launchers, plus the missiles, will cost around fifty to sixty million US dollars. The submarine will probably cost around 50 million US dollars, and equipping it with weapon systems will add another twenty to thirty million..."
"Wait, submarines need to have their fur removed? Does your submarine have fur?"
Zhuang Rui couldn't help but interrupt Peng Fei.
"Ahem, Brother Zhuang, what I meant by 'hair removal' is that, apart from its diving capabilities, all the radar defenses and offensive weapons inside the submarine have been removed..."
After Peng Fei explained, Zhuang Rui finally understood. Although Russia was selling some submarines and ships that were in service, they weren't selling everything; many core technologies were removed.
"Forget it, we don't need this thing. If we buy a submarine, wouldn't I have to find someone who can operate it? We don't need a minelayer either, those things are too conspicuous. Just calculate how much it would cost for shore-based defensive weapons..."
Zhuang Rui thought for a moment and realized that unless it was World War III, he wouldn't need those things. The armed forces of the dozens of countries and regions around him weren't just for show either.
Moreover, the Bahamas and the Caribbean Association of Nations now rely on leasing and selling islands to make money, and the buyers and sellers are all internationally renowned figures. If security issues are not guaranteed, they will not be able to continue this business.
"It'll probably cost at least three or four hundred million dollars. I'm not too sure about this, so it's better to get that kid Li Zhen to handle it..."
Peng Fei pondered for a long time but still couldn't give Zhuang Rui a clear answer. He was good at killing, robbing, attacking, and causing destruction, but when it came to building defenses, he was completely clueless.
"Alright, let Li Zhen come over when we get to Central Africa..."
Qian Zhuangrui didn't care much. Although the gold mines in Myanmar were about to be exhausted, the sale of the jade mine was also put on the agenda. Moreover, due to the soaring price of jade in recent years, the British finally offered a price of 1.5 billion pounds, which was 300 million pounds higher than before.
Moreover, the Sino-African mining company that is about to start mining is a rare mineral that is even more valuable than gold. According to the bright future that Song Jun planned for Zhuang Rui, his 15% share could bring him at least one or two hundred million US dollars a year.
It is extremely rare, not only in China, but also worldwide, for someone like Zhuang Rui to accumulate such wealth in just four or five years without engaging in financial stocks or real business investments.
The defense construction of an island cannot be completed in a day or two.
There are many of Hu Rong's family confidants on the island, so there are no immediate safety issues. Zhuang Rui was relieved and spent a few days playing with his wife and children. He also officially named the island "Xuanrui Island". After staying on the island for about a week, with three or four days left before the deadline given by the Song army, Zhuang Rui left the island with Peng Fei. At this time, the Xuanrui ship led by Li Zhen also arrived in the Gulf of Guinea in Central Africa.
The plane landed at a military airport not far from the Gulf of Guinea. After disembarking, two off-road vehicles parked next to the plane.
The sight of the off-road vehicle with its doors and windows welded with thick steel plates made Zhuang Rui, who had been extremely relaxed, suddenly tense up. No matter the era, Africa... is always associated with the words turmoil and slaughter.
Due to poverty, backwardness, and constant warfare, Africa is home to the world's largest number of mercenary organizations, and many small countries or regions are even controlled by these organizations.
Chapter 1246 Return to Africa
Although Africa was also sunny at this time of year, just like the Caribbean, Zhuang Rui felt a bit hot and dry. The air in front of him seemed to be distorted under the scorching sun.
On his second trip to Africa, Zhuang Rui felt a little lost. Standing in the small military airfield, looking at the heavily armed black soldiers in the distance, Zhuang Rui seemed to sense the untamed wildness of the African land.
"Brother Zhuang, you can't even fly as fast as we can swim in the sea..."
Just as Zhuang Rui settled into his new position on the African continent, Li Zhen jumped out of an off-road vehicle. He had been waiting for Zhuang Rui's arrival for three days after arriving at the Gulf of Guinea.
"You little brat, you really want to be a captain?"
Zhuang Rui patted Li Zhen's shoulder forcefully. He had contacted Li Zhen via satellite phone before coming. The reason he came to the airport was to take the plane back to Zhuang Rui's Xuanrui Island in the Caribbean.
"Hehe, I'm more interested in transforming an island; Fei Zi isn't cut out for that..."
Li Zhen winked smugly at Peng Fei next to Zhuang Rui, then shifted slightly to the side to make way for the person behind him. "Brother Zhuang, this is Commander-in-Chief Li Shaohua, who is on a military visit to Central Africa for our country..."
"Xiao Zhuang, it feels so warm to see someone from the same country in a foreign land..."
The naval fleet commander was wearing a floral T-shirt, the most common type of T-shirt in Africa. His face was dark from sun exposure, and he looked to be no more than forty years old, which would be considered a young officer in the country.
"Commander Li, I'm so sorry, how could I let you come to greet me in person..."
Zhuang Rui dared not be negligent in the slightest towards this naval officer whose attire was somewhat incongruous, and quickly stretched out his hands to hug Commander Li tightly.
Before he came, he learned from a phone call with Ouyang Lei that this General Manager Li was only forty-four years old this year, but he already had the rank of Rear Admiral in the Navy, making him an absolute powerhouse in the naval system.
Moreover, Li Shaohua himself comes from a revolutionary family in China. His sister is Song Jun's wife, and he has close ties with the Song family. This is the main reason why he was able to participate in this Sino-African military visit.
The Song family patriarch and Zhuang Rui's maternal grandfather forged a life-or-death bond during the war years, and their political views remained very similar after the founding of the People's Republic of China. They were truly ironclad allies. Therefore, apart from Zhuang Rui being the most suitable person to oversee things, Li Shaohua didn't really take anyone else seriously.
Li Shaohua learned a lot about Zhuang Rui from Song Jun. After sizing Zhuang Rui up, he waved his hand and said, "Don't call me Commander-in-Chief, just call me Big Brother. Come on, get in the car. We'll stay at the military camp tonight, and I'll take you to familiarize yourself with the situation tomorrow..."
"Hehe, Brother Li, then I'll be counting on you for support..."
Zhuang Rui immediately seized the opportunity. Although he had connections with several families, they weren't his own. If he wanted others to take care of him, he would have to rely on his own abilities.
Before getting into the car, Zhuang Rui turned around and said to Ding Hao, who had just gotten off the plane with him, "Old Ding, you guys will have to work hard. After you fill up the tank, head back to the Caribbean. And, everything will be arranged by Li Zhen..."
Zhuang Rui was still a little uneasy leaving Hao Long and five security personnel on the island. After all, his wife and children were there, and if something happened to them, they would be helpless.
Li Zhen raised his eyebrows and said, "Brother Zhuang, don't worry, I guarantee I'll make it even more fortified than Bin Laden's base..."
"Alright, after you go, let your sister Xuanbing go back to China. I'll always feel uneasy if I'm not there..."
Zhuang Rui waved his hand, turned around and got into the reinforced off-road vehicle. Li Shaohua, on the other hand, was a little confused. "Does this young man in front of me want to build a military base overseas?"
Two SUVs drove out of the airport one after the other. Li Shaohua looked at Zhuang Rui and asked, "Xiao Zhuang, is there anything I can help you with?"
Zhuang Rui shook his head upon hearing this and said, "Brother Li, thank you, it's nothing. I just bought a small island overseas and want to install some surveillance equipment on it. I asked Li Zhen to handle it..."
Zhuang Rui dared not mention missiles or guns to Li Shaohua; these things were taboo in China. There was no guarantee that Mr. Li wouldn't casually mention it to a higher-up, and Zhuang Rui would be in deep trouble.
Compared to Zhuang Rui's first trip to South Africa, although this place is also in Africa, it is different from the barren land and numerous gold mines of South Africa. Since leaving the airport, the off-road vehicle has been shuttling through jungle roads, with dense forests on both sides.
Upon arriving here, Zhuang Rui felt as if he had returned to the tropical rainforest of Myanmar, except that the temperature here was higher, and because it was close to the sea, the heat was mixed with the smell of the sea breeze.
"That airport we just saw belonged to Congo, but now we're entering Togo, and we'll reach the port in about half an hour..."
After Li Shaohua's explanation, Zhuang Rui realized that they had already crossed two countries without seeing a single boundary marker. It seemed that people in Africa didn't need passports to travel abroad.