Cao Yang was the kind of man who loved to show off. Not with wealth—Sitou Meixin knew better than anyone that flaunting his modest fortune would only make him look ridiculous—but with his looks, perfect body, and… other extraordinary assets.
He had no shame. Any woman who laid eyes on him would blush and lose sleep.
Sitou Meixin was no exception. Her cheeks burned crimson, her hands covering her face, swearing loudly.
"You pervert! Put your clothes on immediately!"
Her hands shielded everything except her eyes.
"Hmph." Cao Yang snorted, calmly dressing right in front of her, unbothered.
Once he was fully dressed, Sitou Meixin finally lowered her hands.
"Miss Sitou, is there really any need to be so shy? Haven't you seen this before?"
Faced with such a shameless man, Sitou Meixin knew better than to argue. The more she spoke, the more vulnerable she'd be.
Quickly, she changed the topic: "Cao Tailin really is your great-grandfather? Tell me the story in detail."
Cao Yang squinted at her. "What's there to tell? Why did you come all the way to Nanluo?"
Sitou Meixin glanced around, ensured no one was nearby, and whispered her purpose.
Cao Yang was shocked. He couldn't believe it.
"You're serious?" He reached out, touching her forehead to make sure she wasn't feverish or delusional.
At first, she forbade him from helping Diana. Now she had personally come—he assumed it was to help Diana—but her true aim was even more audacious: her Sitou family wanted control of the oil fields in Nanluo.
"Don't touch me. I'm serious."
"How serious? These oil fields require billions in investment. Can your family afford that?"
"You doubt my family's wealth?"
"Not doubting… just saying it's impossible."
"Even if you could fund it, it would cost a fortune—and you're outsiders. Do you have the know-how? The rigs, refining tech, transport routes, sales channels?"
"And even if you could handle all that, Nanluo wouldn't hand the project to you!"
"Oil is a strategic resource. Many countries are vying for it. Why would Nanluo risk offending others just to help a private company?"
Cao Yang finished, glancing meaningfully at Sitou Meixin. Even a novice could see the truth—she had no excuse not to understand.
Sitou Meixin smiled faintly. "You're right, but we can still find a way. Take the oil field, then negotiate with other countries as intermediaries, earning benefits from the deal."
Cao Yang scoffed. "That's not so simple. Nanluo wouldn't give the profit to outsiders if they could do it themselves. Why would they?"
"That's where you come in. Cao Tailin is your great-grandfather. You saved Prince Nanda. Princess Nancy is reportedly fond of you. With your influence, it's not impossible."
Cao Yang shook his head. "You're oversimplifying. This involves massive interests. Even my real grandfather might not help."
"And Nanda? You don't understand him. He doesn't like me. He's only polite because I saved him. In matters of business, involving him could backfire."
"Nancy? Forget it. Any rumors about her liking me are just that—rumors. Even if they wanted to help, the king decides who gets the oil. Those two have no say."
Sitou Meixin chuckled. "The king decides, yes, but the oil is on your great-grandfather's land. He can't control who owns it, but whether it can be mined successfully is entirely in his hands."
"Even if Nanda and Nancy can't decide, surely you can gather some intel from them?"
Seeing Cao Yang still hesitant, she added, "If we secure the oil, we can partner with China. They're a major oil importer and value these resources highly. If cooperation works out, we might even secure the freedom of a few people in your country."
Cao Yang's eyes lit up. How had he not thought of this?
She was right—China valued oil. Using it as leverage to free Bai Xue and others would be easy.
In an instant, Cao Yang made up his mind. No clear plan yet, but if he could win over his great-grandfather, half the battle was done.
"Decided?" Sitou Meixin asked, reading his expression.
Cao Yang nodded with a sly smile, then eyed her suspiciously. "Miss Sitou, even if I succeed, what's in it for you?"
"We're partners. I'll fund part of it. There are many complexities you might not handle alone—I'll guide you."
…
"Knock, knock, knock…" Diana rapped on the door.
Cao Yang glared at Sitou Meixin. "She treats you like a sister. If you don't help, at least don't cut her off!"
"In business, business comes first. It doesn't affect my personal relationship with her."
"You're risking her job."
"You underestimate Diana. Her boss isn't Goldman Sachs or ExxonMobil. No one can make her unemployed."
"Then who is her boss?"
"The people behind those companies. She's basically a special envoy."
As they chatted, Diana opened the door.
"Miss Sitou…" Diana hugged her warmly.
The two whispered, occasionally glancing at Cao Yang.
Cao Yang frowned. "Go chat in your room. I want to sleep."
The king's birthday ended. Family members returned to their estates, and foreign delegations resumed inspections in Kansang City.
Cao Tailin was surprised to see Cao Yang return. He had refused to stay in Nanluo earlier, now he was back unexpectedly.
"Great-grandfather," Cao Yang greeted warmly, giving him a shoulder rub.
Seeing Cao Yang's enthusiasm, Cao Tailin knew he had a favor to ask.
"Heh… back again? Speak up, and I'll help if I can."
Cao Yang knew his great-grandfather would help, motivated by family loyalty. It wasn't deep affection; Cao Tailin merely entrusted him with the family's legacy.
Cao Yang understood: as long as the request wasn't excessive, Cao Tailin wouldn't refuse—but only once.
He decided to use this opportunity to secure Bai Xue's release.
"Great-grandfather, about that matter last time…"
"I told you, domestic affairs are beyond my control."
Cao Yang grinned. "This time, the oil field is open for investment. If the king allows China to mine it, please don't make things difficult for them."
"The king give it to China? Who said?"
"I'm just thinking ahead. I'll work on it."
Cao Tailin chuckled. "Go ahead. I won't obstruct them. Mining the oil benefits everyone; I won't be the spoiler."
Cao Yang, emphasizing his point, said, "Don't make things hard for them—on the condition they release my wife and brothers."
Cao Tailin laughed heartily, understanding immediately.
He neither promised nor refused, keeping his stance flexible. Cao Yang could sense his cooperation was likely.
Confident, Cao Yang pulled out his phone to dial a number he hadn't called in a long time.