Chapter 21: Escape

U21's malfunction remained unresolved for the time being, which meant that Zhang Hainuo and his crew could only rely on U148 and the small freighter they purchased from Antalya Harbor to continue implementing their plan!

Facing this situation, after discussing with Hesen, Zhang Hainuo adjusted the plan: Hesen commanded U148 and all crew members to search the designated area near the island of Crete, while his most trusted assistant, Wolf, was responsible for U21 and the crew left on Hesen Island. Although this submarine had lost its long-range capability, its ballast tanks were still functional, meaning it could submerge to evade detection when ships approached.

Once everything was arranged, U148 set off for the designated area, while Zhang Hainuo, along with Otto, Elga, and Alsan, embarked on the journey back to Antalya Harbor.

A day later, in a renowned jewelry store in Antalya Harbor, the stout Turkish jeweler marveled once again at the small stones before him.

"Exquisite! Exquisite! Taking one of these to Istanbul could fetch at least £100,000!" Solak exclaimed as he carefully stowed away the diamonds, then turned to Zhang Hainuo and said:

"Sir, I will still purchase these diamonds according to our previous agreement, but I also have some valuable information to offer. If I were to price it at £100,000, would you be interested in hearing it?"

After Alsan translated these words, Zhang Hainuo, though surprised, kept his composure. After a brief moment of consideration, he smiled and replied to the Turkish shopkeeper, "Since Mr. Solak considers it highly valuable, I certainly won't balk at the price!"

Upon hearing the response, Solak maintained his calm demeanor, extending his right hand. "Shall we discuss it inside?"

After passing through several doors and entering an elegantly furnished study, Solak dismissed his subordinates and invited Zhang Hainuo to sit down. He then lit a water pipe from a silver container on the table and took a puff.

"Sir, you recently purchased a considerable amount of diesel and foodstuffs from Antalya Harbor, claiming your freighter anchored near the island of Sulu, correct?"

"Yes, indeed. How may I help you with that, Mr. Solak?" Zhang Hainuo saw no reason to conceal this detail, but he was intrigued by the jeweler's words.

Solak, puffing on his water pipe, spoke with deliberate but pointed language, "While that excuse may pass, it strikes me as rather unsophisticated."

"Oh?" Though his lie had been exposed, Zhang Hainuo refrained from immediate defense, sensing that Solak's offer of £100,000 held more significance.

"While I'm merely a merchant and not well-versed in politics, it seems to me, sir, that those Englishmen are taking quite an interest in you and your crew!"

"Englishmen?"

This term was even worse than Zhang Hainuo's initial speculation. If English spies discovered Germans operating nearby, they would likely report it to the Royal Navy.

"Yes, several English businessmen!" Solak said, puffing his water pipe. "They've visited my jewelry store as well. However, considering our amiable cooperation, I've decided to sell the information to you rather than to those Englishmen!"

"Oh?" Quickly processing the situation, Zhang Hainuo realized Solak's shrewdness went beyond mere cunning. Fortunately, the jeweler had chosen to assist him out of self-interest. If he had helped the Englishmen, the situation would be much more complicated!

"Those Englishmen are still in Antalya Harbor, and they've likely taken notice of you and your freighter! Sir, since you've paid £100,000 for this information, allow me to offer you a gift! A carriage, ready to depart at any moment, awaits at the rear entrance. You and your people can leave Antalya Harbor without anyone noticing. If you accept this suggestion, I will notify your crew to leave the harbor as soon as possible and rendezvous with you at the designated location!"

With these words, Solak opened a cupboard beneath the desk and retrieved a velvet pouch about the size of a water jug.

"Here are £300,000 worth of gold coins. If you have any more diamonds in the future, feel free to come to me. But it's best to come quietly and avoid traveling by sea!"

With matters brought to this point, Zhang Hainuo had gained a clearer understanding of the situation. He accepted the pouch of gold coins from Solak, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Solak. Until we meet again!"

Solak nodded, watching as Zhang Hainuo and Alsan departed. He continued to sit and smoke his water pipe.

Following Solak's subordinates through the long alley for about five minutes, Zhang Hainuo and his companions finally laid eyes on the carriage Solak had mentioned. It was a covered wagon pulled by two horses, resembling those used by Turks for transporting goods. However, they had no time to dwell on appearances—if those Englishmen were indeed spies, they were in grave danger!

Later, Zhang Hainuo learned that less than half an hour after they left Solak's residence, several Englishmen accompanied by a squad of Turkish police arrived at Solak's jewelry store, claiming to be searching for fugitives, clearly targeting the suspicious Germans. After thoroughly searching the premises, they found nothing and had to leave empty-handed. Meanwhile, at the docks, Elga and the others swiftly steered the Fastnet out of the harbor, narrowly evading detection by British warships with their speed and Elga's knowledge of the nearby waters.

After enduring a bumpy journey of over ten hours, Zhang Hainuo, Otto, and Alsan safely arrived at the port of Molla near Antalya. Although it was referred to as a harbor, it was essentially a small seaside town with a modest dock for fishing boats and small freighters. There were no jewelry stores, oil depots, or anything of interest to the Englishmen.

Solak's men arranged for them to hire a fishing boat, informing them that the Fastnet was waiting for them in a cove north of the island of Sulu.

Thirty-six hours later, Zhang Hainuo and his party successfully reunited with the Fastnet. Though they hadn't procured any diesel fuel on this trip, they had at least evaded pursuit by the English. The sudden change in circumstances forced Zhang Hainuo to reassess his plans—what looked flawless on paper could encounter unforeseen complications in reality. With U21 incapacitated due to a malfunction, the plan had encountered a significant setback: while the Turks might not sincerely assist the English in apprehending them, as defeated belligerents, their fate largely lay in the hands of the Allied powers. If the British government exerted diplomatic pressure, they would likely do their utmost to aid in the search for any "stray fish"!