King Nan'en actually wanted to cooperate with the Chinese side. Chinese enterprises were disciplined and held a strong international reputation.
However, last time the King had unilaterally broken the contract, offending the Chinese side. Now, if he approached them again, it would be a matter of pride.
The Chinese side, already dissatisfied with Nanluo over the previous incident, wouldn't take the initiative either—but they still needed oil. Both sides were stuck in an awkward position, neither advancing nor retreating. Cao Yang, as a third party, perfectly bridged the gap.
Prince Nanda confirmed that his intuition was correct and secretly felt a surge of pride.
This was a major oil project. The King appointing him to negotiate and sign the contract was both a reward for his honesty and a subtle elevation of his status.
At the hotel, they finally met Cao Yang.
Eagerly, Cao Yang asked about the outcome.
Nanda's face was grim and serious.
"I brought it up with my father, but he said I was fooling around. Such matters cannot be treated lightly!"
"I begged him—considering you saved my life—to give you a chance, and I conveyed your intentions. He still told me to get lost!"
"In the end, after much pleading, he agreed to give you and the Chinese side a chance—but it depends on your sincerity."
Cao Yang tightly grasped Nanda's hand, visibly moved.
"Don't be like that. Without you, I might've died in Thailand. Consider this repaying your favor. No debts remain."
"By the way, when will the Chinese team arrive?"
"Soon. They're already in the air."
At Luotai Airport, a Libao Group Airbus touched down smoothly.
Chu Baiwei led a team of 34 professionals, finally forming a delegation that looked like a legitimate inspection and negotiation group.
Prince Nanda arranged a motorcade to escort them to the city's only five-star state-owned hotel.
Nanda, Cao Yang, and Situ Meixin were already waiting at the entrance.
Seeing Chu Baiwei again, she seemed slightly different—matured in a day. The sparkle in her eyes was dimmer, less lively than before.
"Hello, Prince Nanda," she greeted warmly, shaking his hand. Then she greeted Situ Meixin, and finally Cao Yang.
With so many eyes around, she displayed no unusual behavior toward Cao Yang—just a polite handshake.
But Cao Yang held her hand a little too long, even squeezing it, causing her slight pain.
"Mr. Cao, you're hurting me."
Cao Yang smirked and finally released her hand.
Situ Meixin looked surprised, whispering, "This Chu Baiwei—do you know her?"
Cao Yang nodded slightly.
"Is it… anything inappropriate?"
"No. She's more of an enemy. Most of the trouble I've faced to get here is because of her!"
Situ Meixin cautioned softly: "Don't be rash. She's part of the Chinese delegation—you can't hurt her."
Cao Yang sneered: "There'll be a time when she begs for mercy!"
The group moved to the hotel conference room to begin negotiations. Neither Situ Meixin nor Cao Yang understood oil, and Chu Baiwei didn't either. Prince Nanda didn't either—but it didn't matter. They were representatives; their experts knew what to do.
The three sides negotiated amicably, all expressing willingness to cooperate. Specific details and shares still required discussion, but the start was promising.
After the meeting, Nanda invited them to dinner, which Chu Baiwei politely declined, citing travel fatigue.
At night, while Chu Baiwei rested in her room, there was a knock at the door.
Her heart skipped a beat—she knew it was Cao Yang.
She felt both anticipation and fear.
Cao Yang had been reckless before, leaving a deep impression after seven days. Would he go too far this time?
Before she could decide whether to open the door, Cao Yang already had the room key and entered.
This shabby hotel offered zero privacy.
The management, aware that Cao Yang was a distinguished guest of Prince Nanda, granted him privileges.
"What are you doing, Cao Yang?"
Cao Yang smirked, stepping closer to her, hair still damp from a shower.
"Miss Chu, you've caused me so much trouble—what do you think I want?"
"I didn't harm you! Even if it weren't for me, Xia Zhengming would've handled you!"
"Heh… Didn't you brag about being able to deal with Xia Zhengming?"
Chu Baiwei fell silent.
Mentioning Xia Zhengming reminded Cao Yang of Xia Dongdong, whom he still worried about.
He asked carefully: "How's Xia Dongdong?"
Chu Baiwei felt conflicted. Xia Dongdong, unmarried, had secretly given birth to a son. The father? Some didn't know, but she did—it was Cao Yang's child.
She had assumed he knew, but apparently not. Should she tell him?
Better not. If he rushed home to see the child, he might risk his life. This was for his safety, not deceit.
"She's doing alright. I hear she's recovered from her past heartbreak."
"What heartbreak?"
"You know who's the jerk!"
Cao Yang stepped forward, grabbing her arm and pulling her into his embrace. Chu Baiwei stumbled into him.
"One year! Do you know what this year of running and hiding has been like for me?!"
"I don't know!"
"You don't? Then today, you'll know!"
He pressed on, hands roaming boldly.
Chu Baiwei resisted a few times symbolically, then let him have his way.
"Don't… not here!" she warned, keeping some consciousness. There were many in the delegation—they could gossip.
"Keep your voice down—they can't hear," Cao Yang dismissed.
She shook her head. She knew Cao Yang's strength—resisting him was futile.
Initially, he didn't care; he even considered letting the sounds carry, to irritate Hanjiang. But thinking of her, he restrained himself.
He draped a coat over her and carried her to his room.
Situ Meixin arrived, intending to discuss project details. Before reaching the door, she felt the building shake.
"An earthquake?!"
Panicked, she knocked, warning Cao Yang to flee.
At the door, she realized—the tremor was caused by Cao Yang!
"Aaahhhh!" Chu Baiwei's screams echoed. Situ Meixin was both furious and envious.
This bastard! Truly incorrigible!
"She's a lucky woman!" Diana appeared behind, sighing.
"Lucky? She's screaming like she's dying!"
Diana shook her head, patting Situ Meixin's shoulder: "You need a man, or you'll never understand a woman's pleasure."
Situ Meixin blushed. "Anna, that's clearly pain!"
"Pain, yet pleasure—understand?"