When Roger returned to the "Mermaid's Song" tavern, the revelry inside had already reached its climax.
Barbossa was surrounded by a group of pirates, one arm around a plump tavern girl, the other holding a wine glass, his face flushed as he boasted about his recent haul.
"...I tell you, the waves in the Devil's Triangle were higher than the mast!"
"Everyone was scared witless then, but only I, remained calm in the face of danger..."
He was in the middle of an enthusiastic boast when the corner of his eye caught sight of Roger walking in. He immediately stopped talking, pushed away the woman beside him, and waved to Roger.
"Brother Lin Ye! Where did you run off to? Come over here! Drink!"
The surrounding pirates also made way for Roger, their eyes filled with respect.
Roger picked up a glass of wine and walked over to Barbossa, saying directly:
"Captain, I need to discuss something with you."
Barbossa saw his serious expression, which didn't seem like a joke, so he led him to a slightly quieter corner.
"What's wrong? Did someone offend you?" Barbossa asked.
"No." Roger shook his head, lowering his voice.
"Captain, I want to buy a ship."
"Buy a ship?" Barbossa was stunned. He looked Roger up and down, then burst out laughing.
"Brother, are you drunk? With that little money you have, you want to buy a ship?"
"I know you got a lot this time, but that money isn't even enough to buy a good anchor!"
Although his words were direct, there was no malice, more like an elder teasing a junior about an unrealistic idea.
Roger didn't argue but said calmly:
"I've looked. The port authority has a broken ship for auction called the 'sea nymph.'"
"The hull is severely damaged, but the keel is intact."
"They're asking fifty gold coins."
"Fifty gold coins? For a pile of rotten wood?" Barbossa's laughter stopped.
He frowned.
"Roger, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"That kind of ship is useless to buy; the repair costs would be enough to buy a new one."
"I have a way to fix it."
Roger looked into Barbossa's eyes, saying each word clearly.
His tone was calm, but the content sent a shock through Barbossa's heart.
You have a way to fix it?
Barbossa stared at Roger, trying to find any trace of a joke on his face, but he only saw seriousness and confidence.
He remembered Roger's performance in the storm, how he led everyone through the Devil's Triangle.
This young man always seemed to be able to do things others thought impossible.
Could he really repair ships?
And repair a ship that was almost scrapped?
If this was true... then this young man's value was even greater than he imagined!
A top-tier navigator was already a huge asset.
If he was also a top-tier shipwright... Barbossa's breathing quickened involuntarily.
A glint of shrewdness and greed flashed in his alcohol-reddened eyes.
He didn't agree immediately but stroked his beard, pondering.
He was calculating.
"How much money do you have now?" Barbossa asked.
"Twenty gold coins."
Roger didn't hide it.
"I still need thirty."
"Thirty gold coins..."
Barbossa tapped his fingers on the table, his mind racing.
"I can lend it to you."
"And I can lend you 50 gold coins!"
"However, it's not a free loan."
Here it comes.
Roger's heart sank; he knew this old fox was about to start negotiating terms.
"Captain, please state them."
"I can advance you the money first so you can buy that broken ship."
Barbossa looked at Roger, speaking slowly.
"But, in return, you need to go out to sea with me one more time."
"We'll go find a bigger score."
"Of the money earned this time, I get seventy percent, and you crew get thirty percent."
"And the gold coins you owe me will also be deducted from your share."
Roger's pupils suddenly contracted.
For the previous division, Barbossa had given him twenty percent to win him over.
That was already a very high treatment.
This time, although it seemed like thirty percent was given, the premise was that Barbossa took seventy percent, and the remaining he had to share with the crew.
This old man's appetite was even greater than he imagined!
Typically, twenty percent went to the captain.
Another twenty percent was for future operational expenses, including buying firearms and other necessities.
Thirty percent went to the armed pirates who boarded the ship.
The final thirty percent had to be offered to government officials.
"Captain, these terms..."
Roger frowned.
"What? You think it's unfair?"
Barbossa smiled.
He picked up his wine glass and took a sip.
"Brother Lin Ye, you need to think carefully."
"First, I provide the ship, I provide the manpower, and I bear all the risks."
"Second, I'm lending you money so you can buy the ship you want."
"Without me, you wouldn't even get that pile of rotten wood."
"This is already very fair."
Barbossa's words were watertight, calculating everything clearly.
He gave Roger what he wanted, placed himself in the position of a benefactor, and at the same time could use Roger's abilities to earn greater profits for himself.
His previous righteousness and generosity were merely an investment.
Now, it was time for him to demand a return.
Roger fell silent.
He knew he had no room to bargain now.
Either accept this unequal treaty, get the money immediately to buy the ship, and activate the system.
Or refuse, and then slowly figure out how to gather those thirty gold coins, and who knew how long that would take.
He needed to make a choice.
Looking at Barbossa's smiling face, whose eyes were full of calculations, Roger felt annoyed, but he knew even more clearly what was most important right now.
It was activating the system!
Once the system was activated, he would have all the capital he needed.
By then, let alone one Barbossa, even ten Barbossas wouldn't be able to manipulate him.
Temporary forbearance was for greater future benefits.
Having figured this out, Roger looked up, his gloomy expression vanishing, even revealing a slight smile.
"Alright, you're the captain, you set the rules, and I'll agree."
Seeing Roger agree so quickly, Barbossa was somewhat surprised.
He had expected to have to use more persuasion.
"However," Roger's tone shifted.
"I also have a condition."
"Oh?" Barbossa raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of target to look for, and where to find it, must be decided by me," Roger said.
"Only then can I guarantee that we will return with a full load this time."
He emphasized the word "guarantee."
Barbossa stared at Roger, and after a few seconds, he burst into laughter.
"Good! Good! I like your confidence!"
He pulled a heavy money bag from his Huai and tossed it to Roger.
"Here are 50 gold coins, take them."
"Buy the ship tomorrow."
"Then, tell me, where is our next target!"
Roger took the money bag and weighed its contents.
He looked at Barbossa's "kind" face.
You want wealth?
Good, I will give you a huge fortune you never dreamed of, and that will be me keeping my promise.
I hope you don't throw me into the sea to feed the sharks once you see the gold coins.