Great Power Reclamation

The nights in North Africa are hot and long. In the hotel room, the air conditioner hummed monotonously, but the air it blew still carried the heat of the desert. Ye Guigen stood by the window, the screen of his satellite phone lit up, showing that a connection was being made.

There was a burst of static on the other end of the phone, followed by a steady female voice with a slightly tired but still strong Chinese accent:

"Returning to my roots? I'm your aunt, Ye Rou. What happened?"

“Aunt, I’m in trouble in North Africa.” Ye Guigen explained the situation as concisely as possible—solar energy project, tribal agreement, attack on office, and threats.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Ye Rou said:
"Send me the coordinates. Also, the attacker's characteristics, don't miss any details."

Ye Guigen quickly transmitted the information through an encrypted channel. Five minutes later, Ye Rou's voice rang out again:
“I know Hassan’s tribe. We mediated a conflict between them and a neighboring tribe three years ago. The old man has a good reputation, so the attack shouldn’t have been instigated by him.”

"Who could it be?"

“There are two possibilities,” Ye Rou analyzed. “One is that other local tribes don’t want to see the Hassan tribe develop.”

"Another possibility... is certain international energy companies. If your solar project succeeds, it will cut off some people's source of income."

She paused for a moment, then said, "Don't move yet, just stay at the hotel. I'll have your uncle arrange for someone to go over there."

"Little uncle, he..."

"Yang San is in East Africa, not far from you."

Ye Rou said calmly, "Bayonet Security has a branch in East Africa. Although your grandfather Yang Geyong has retired, the people he trained are still there. Someone will be there in two or three hours at most."

After the call ended, Elizabeth came over and asked, "What did your aunt say?"

“She told us to wait.” Ye Guigen looked out the window at the pitch-black night. “She said that if something happened to someone from the Ye family in North Africa, the whole of Africa would know.”

This statement might sound exaggerated, but Ye Guigen knew his aunt never boasted. His twin aunts, Ye Rou and Ye Mei, had been operating in East Africa for ten years.

From pirate to de facto ruler of three countries, she is known locally as the "Double Queen." Her uncle, Yang San, is the silent commander-in-chief of the three armed forces of the East African nation, nicknamed the "God of War" in East Africa.

At three in the morning, a rhythmic knocking sound came from the hotel corridor—three long knocks followed by two short ones. Ye Guigen opened the door, and three people were standing outside.

The leader was an African-Asian man in his forties, with a short, wiry physique and sharp, eagle-like eyes. Behind him were two burly black men, both dressed in civilian clothes, but standing ramrod straight, clearly former soldiers.

"Xiao Gen, I'm Uncle Iron Hammer. Leave the rest to me."

The Asian man said in fluent Mandarin, “Queen Ye Rou has assigned me to take over your security. From now on, I will be responsible for your and Miss Cavendish’s safety.”

"Uncle Hammer..."

Ye Guigen was pleasantly surprised. He had seen Zhou Guihua's grandma's son, the boxing champion, when he was a child, but he hadn't seen him for so many years and didn't recognize him.

Hammer spoke calmly, “Of the three injured employees, two have minor injuries and have returned to their accommodations after being bandaged, while the other is seriously injured and has been airlifted to a hospital in Tunisia overnight. His condition is stable. The attackers left some traces, and our people are tracking them down.”

Ye Guigen noticed that when Tiechui said "our people," the two burly black men straightened their backs slightly.

"Is it possible to find out who did it?"

“It will take time, but we’ll likely find out.” Hammer’s gaze was contemptuous. “In North Africa, not many people dare to touch the Warrior Group’s office. Xiao Gen, you should rest first, and we’ll make plans after dawn.”

"I can't sleep."

Iron Hammer nodded and gestured to the two men behind him. The two burly men left the room and stood guard outside the door.

"Then I'll chat with you for a while." Iron Hammer sat down on the sofa. "So many years have passed since we last met. You've grown up too. Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."

Ye Guigen felt reassured, as the young master of Bayonet Security was personally guarding him, and Tiechui had always regarded Ye Yuze as his father.

"Uncle Ye said that when doing things overseas, the most important thing is to figure out who your friends are and who your enemies are."

Iron Hammer said, "Friends should be trusted, and enemies should be clearly seen. If you can't see them clearly, it's better to treat them as enemies and be on guard than to mistake an enemy for a friend."

"Are the people who attacked us friends or enemies?" Ye Guigen asked.

“Right now, they are the enemy,” Iron Hammer said. “But there are different kinds of enemies. Some can be subdued by fighting, some can be bribed, and some… must be eliminated. Once we find out the truth, we’ll know how to deal with them.”

The sound of a car engine came from outside the window. Hammer walked to the window, glanced out, and turned back to say, "Hassan's here."

Hassan, who arrived late at night, had a grave expression, followed by four armed tribal youths. Upon seeing Ye Guigen, the old man got straight to the point:
“The attack was not carried out by our people. I swear in the name of my ancestors.”

“I know,” Ye Guigen said. “I believe you.”

Hassan breathed a sigh of relief, but then became more worried: "It's the 'Sand Scorpion'. Desert bandits, they'll do anything for whoever pays them. They left a message saying that if the project continues, next time it won't just be about hurting people."

Who hired them?

“I don’t know,” Hassan shook his head. “But there’s a saying in the desert: whoever blocks your path to wealth is your enemy. If your solar farm is built, those who sell diesel generators and those who transport coal to generate electricity will earn a lot less money.”

Hammer chimed in, "We've already started investigating. Although 'Sand Scorpions' are cunning, there's nothing in North Africa that Bayonet Security can't find."

Hassan looked at Hammer with respect in his eyes: "Bayonet Security... I've heard of you. Three years ago, during the East African border conflict, you were the ones who protected the refugee camp."

“That’s our job,” Hammer said.

“It is our honor.” Hassan performed a tribal salute. “If you need help, my people can lead the way. We know the roads in the desert well.”

At daybreak, the preliminary investigation results were in. Iron Hammer presented Ye Guigen with the satellite images and intelligence summary.

“The employer is a local energy company, ‘North African Power’,” Hammer said, pointing to a mark on the map.

“They monopolize the diesel supply in this area, making hundreds of millions of dollars in profits every year. Once your solar project is completed, their business will lose at least 30%.”

Elizabeth frowned: "They would kill someone just for this?"

“Here, money is more valuable than life,” Hammer said calmly. “Moreover, the owner of ‘North African Power’ is named Kader, who has French connections and people in the government. He probably thinks it’s easy to scare away a few foreign investors.”

“Then he’s wrong,” Ye Guigen said.

Hammer nodded: "So what's next? We have a few options: First, negotiate directly with Kader and get him to stop. Second, put pressure on him through the government. Third..." He paused, "...ensure he can never threaten anyone again."

Ye Guigen understood the meaning of the third option. He recalled his great-grandfather Ye Wancheng's words: "The soldiers of the Production and Construction Corps do not point their guns at the common people, but they must never be soft on the enemy."

“Let’s negotiate first,” Ye Guigen said, “but if the negotiations fail…”

"Understood." Iron Hammer stood up. "I'll make the arrangements."

The negotiation took place in an oasis on the edge of the desert. Ye Guigen arrived with a hammer and two bodyguards. The other side consisted of five people, led by a fat, middle-aged man dressed in a Western-style suit, completely out of place in the desert environment. This was Kader.

“Mr. Ye, I’ve heard so much about you.” Kader smiled insincerely. “I never expected the Ye family to do business in a small place like North Africa.”

"Business knows no size," Ye Guigen said calmly.

“Mr. Kader, let’s be frank. The solar farm must continue. I can overlook the fact that your men attacked our office, but that must stop.”

Kader's smile vanished: "Young man, you probably don't know the rules of doing business in North Africa. There are... ways of doing things here."

"What kind of gameplay?"

“Newcomers, give way to the veterans.” Kader lit a cigar. “Or, pay a toll. I want 30% of your project. No, it’s off.” Hammer sneered, “Kadell, do you know who you’re talking to?”

“I know, he’s the young master of the Ye family.” Kader exhaled a puff of smoke. “But in North Africa, even a powerful dragon can’t suppress a local snake. No matter how much influence you have in East Africa, you can’t reach here.”

The words had barely left his lips when the roar of car engines echoed from outside the oasis. A dozen or so off-road vehicles, kicking up dust, sped in and surrounded the entire oasis. The people who emerged were all dressed in desert camouflage, armed with automatic weapons, their movements perfectly synchronized.

Kader's men immediately drew their guns, but were overwhelmed by the enemy's numbers and momentum.

A tall figure stepped out of the off-road vehicle, dressed in a simple military green T-shirt and desert combat pants, with a prominent scar on his face. He walked up to Kader and looked down at the obese businessman.

"You just said, whose hand can't reach here?" The man's voice was low and hoarse.

Kader's face turned deathly pale: "General Yang... General Yang the Third..."

Yang San, Ye Guigen's uncle-in-law, is a "war god" known to everyone in East Africa. Behind him stands the most elite desert combat squad of Bayonet Security.

"Kader was wanted in France for fraud in 1998 and fled to North Africa, changing his name and identity."

Yang San said expressionlessly, "In 2005, he was suspected of smuggling arms; in 2008, he was involved in a government corruption case; in 2012..." He listed Kader's crimes one by one, "Do you need me to continue?"

Kader trembled all over: "General Yang, this...this is all a misunderstanding..."

"The attack on the Ye family office was also a misunderstanding?" Yang San's eyes were icy. "Do you know what the Ye family means to me?"

He turned to look at Ye Guigen, his eyes softening slightly: "Guigen, are you alright?"

“Uncle, I’m fine,” Ye Guigen said, “but someone at the office is seriously injured.”

Yang San nodded and looked at Kader again: "Two paths. First, hand over 51% of 'North African Power' to the tribal fund, get out of North Africa, and never come back. Second, I'll hand you over to the French police. Guess how they'll treat a fugitive who's been on the run for twenty years?"

Kader collapsed to the ground.

Yang San stopped looking at him and said to Ye Guigen, "Your aunt is on her way and will arrive tomorrow. She heard about your accident and insisted on coming in person."

"My aunt..."

She said that the Ye family's children were being bullied outside, and as their aunt, she couldn't just ignore it.

Yang San rarely showed a smile. "Your eldest aunt, Ye Mei, is also on her way from West Africa. The two sisters are going to re-establish the 'rules' of North Africa."

That afternoon, the equity transfer agreement for "North African Power" was signed. Kader relinquished control of the company and left North Africa overnight.

The Hassan tribe acquired 51% of the shares, with the remainder managed by Bayonet Security, and the proceeds used for local development and the advancement of solar energy projects.

That evening, Yang San and Ye Guigen sat under the stars in the courtyard of the office.

"You did a good job," Yang San said. "You know to negotiate first when problems arise, and you have the confidence to do so. That's how a man from the Ye family should be."

"It's thanks to your timely arrival, Uncle."

“Even if we don’t come, Iron Hammer can handle it.” Yang San looked at the night sky. “But your aunt is worried. She said that this is the first time the fourth generation of the Ye family is working alone outside, and we can’t let anyone bully them.”

He paused for a moment, then said, "Ultimately, do you know why the Ye family was able to establish itself in Africa?"

Ye Guigen shook his head.

"Because your eldest aunt and youngest aunt never came to plunder."

Yang San said, "They built hospitals and schools here, taught the locals how to farm, and set up factories. The bayonet security team protects not only the Chinese people, but all those who need protection. That's why the locals call them 'Queens,' not because they rule anyone, but because they deserve respect."

He turned to his nephew: "Your foundation wants to connect the East and the West, which is excellent. But remember, connection is not a one-sided giving; it's about mutual respect and shared benefits. The fact that you gave tribal shares today, allowing them to participate in the project, shows that you understand this principle."

Ye Guigen listened attentively. This uncle-in-law was usually a man of few words, but every word he spoke carried great weight.

"Also," Yang San smiled, a rare occurrence, "your aunt asked me to ask you how things are going with that British girl. She looked at the photo and said she's pretty, but worried that her background is too complicated."

Ye Guigen smiled wryly: "My aunt even cares about this?"

"She said that men from the Ye family shouldn't only look at appearances when choosing a partner," Yang San said. "Of course, this is a matter for you young people, and we won't interfere too much. We're just reminding you to keep your relationships and career separate."

Just then, the roar of a helicopter came from the sky. A military transport helicopter landed on a nearby open space. The cabin door opened, and Ye Rou stepped out.

Ye Rou, in her thirties, still maintained a graceful posture, with long hair flowing over her shoulders, and wore simple khaki overalls. Upon seeing Ye Guigen, she quickly walked over and hugged him tightly.

"It's good that you're alright." Ye Rou's voice was a little choked up. "I didn't sleep all night after I received your call."

"Auntie, I'm fine."

Ye Rou released him and looked him over carefully: "You've lost weight and gotten darker. Didn't you eat well in London?"

"It's alright." Ye Guigen's nose tingled with emotion. This aunt had always doted on him since he was little. He remembered that when he was a child in Boston, whenever he made a mistake and was scolded by his father, it was always his aunt who protected him.

Ye Rou then looked at Yang San: "Is everything taken care of?"

“It’s all settled.” Yang San nodded. “Kadeer is gone, and his shares have been transferred to the tribe. The solar energy project can continue.”

"That's good." Ye Rou pulled Ye Guigen into the house. "Tell me about your fund. Your grandfather praised you for a long time on the phone, saying that you have more ideas than him."

That night, Ye Guigen and his aunt talked until late. Ye Rou asked detailed questions about each project of the foundation and offered a lot of practical advice. Having spent ten years in Africa, she had witnessed too many failed aid and investment projects and knew which pitfalls to avoid.

"Remember, when investing in developing countries, technology is not the most important thing; adaptability is."

Ye Rou said, "Your AI diagnostic project is a great idea, but you have to consider the local medical conditions and the skill level of the personnel. No matter how advanced the technology is, it's just scrap metal if no one knows how to use it."

Ye Guigen carefully wrote it down. His aunt's experience was something that couldn't be learned from textbooks.

The next day, Ye Mei, the younger sister, also arrived. The two sisters met, first sizing each other up, then embracing tightly. Ye Mei appeared more capable than Ye Rou.

"Little sister, what brings you all the way from West Africa?" Ye Rou asked.

"How could I not come when my nephew was in trouble?" Ye Mei patted Ye Guigen's shoulder. "You've grown so much. The last time I saw you, you were just a little kid."

The twins Ye Rou and Ye Mei, despite their contrasting personalities, worked together seamlessly. In just one morning, they reviewed the entire solar energy project plan and proposed more than a dozen improvements.

“The people in the tribe not only need employment, but also training,” Ye Mei said. “They need to learn how to maintain the solar panels and learn basic electricity management. That way, even if we leave one day, they can still operate on their own.”

“We also need to build vocational schools,” Ye Rou added. “It’s not just about this project; we need to train talent for the entire region. That’s what we did in East Africa back then, and now we have the best vocational schools in Africa.”

Ye Guigen was deeply impressed by his two aunts' decisive and efficient work style. They weren't there to solve his problems, but to teach him how to solve them.

Three days later, construction officially began on the solar farm. Young men from the Hassan tribe became the first workers, with Bayonet Security responsible for safety and training. Local government representatives attended the groundbreaking ceremony, their attitude much more respectful than before.

After the ceremony, Ye Rou called Ye Guigen aside.

“After all, the aunts are going back,” she said. “There are still things to do in East Africa. But remember, no matter where you are in the world, if you encounter something you can’t solve, just make a phone call. The Ye family is never fighting alone.”

Ye Mei also said, "Your grandfather, your father, your two aunts, and the entire network of relationships built up by the Ye family are all your support. This is not a privilege, but a responsibility—you must use these resources to do the right thing."

Ye Guigen nodded vigorously: "I understand." (End of Chapter)