In the following days, the three parties engaged in detailed negotiations. Though it was called a "three-party negotiation," in reality it was mostly between the Chinese side and the Southern side. Situ Meixin and Cao Yang were just tagging along.
The talks went smoothly, with many details settled. As for how much profit would remain for Nanluo, that was for Situ Meixin and Cao Yang's side to decide.
Nanluo was giving the oilfield to their company, which would then subcontract it to the Chinese side.
Why not give it directly to China? There were many reasons. Nan Da offered advice, Cao Yang received favors—these were just the surface story.
The real reason was tied to the king's previous breach of trust with the Chinese side. The scheming Americans didn't want China to gain access to this massive oilfield and pressured the Nanluo king into breaking the agreement.
The king believed them, angering China by unilaterally canceling the contract and expelling Chinese workers.
In the end, the Americans didn't fulfill their promises and even sought to exploit the oilfield at a low price. The king was furious, but what could a small country do?
Having offended China, the civilized power, and unable to antagonize the unruly Americans, yet unwilling to sell cheaply, the king was at a loss. Just then, Cao Yang and Situ Meixin appeared. Their proposal perfectly suited the king's needs: giving the oilfield to a third party, still foreign, which could keep the Americans at bay.
Everyone knew the story, but the pretense had to be maintained. Whether it was coincidence or Situ Meixin had studied the three-party relations in advance, no one could tell.
The negotiators left the conference room with smiles; all three sides were satisfied.
Essentially, the oilfield project would go to Situ Meixin's newly established Nanyang Petroleum Company. Once the money was in place, the contract could take effect.
However, it was a huge sum. Situ Meixin could not pay it herself, and even if she could, she wouldn't—she was relying on the Chinese side to cover most of it.
Other foreign delegations regrettably withdrew.
They were just disappointed; Diana, on the other hand, was furious. She had assumed Situ and Cao Yang were her allies, only to be cut out. She felt betrayed and humiliated.
At the airport, saying goodbye to Diana, the two were slightly embarrassed.
"Situ, Cao Yang, you really shouldn't have meddled. These waters are too deep. You can't handle them."
"ExxonMobil can accept failure, but the U.S. government will never allow China to take this oilfield. This isn't just business; it's a silent war. The Americans will act, and it could escalate. Your dream of sudden wealth is a bubble waiting to burst."
"Thanks for the warning, Diana," Situ Meixin said, hugging her.
"Thank you too, Diana," Cao Yang added with a hug.
"You think I'm scaring you? That I'm exaggerating?" Diana asked, seeing them unmoved.
"Don't worry, Diana. We'll keep your warning in mind. Time to board. Safe travels."
Once Diana left, the two exchanged a glance.
It wasn't that they didn't believe Diana, but even if the Americans tried something, it wouldn't be immediate. Meanwhile, they would soon get what they wanted.
Cao Yang wanted to save people, Situ Meixin wanted money. Once the Chinese contract was signed, with money in place and people released, they could leave the two superpowers to settle their scores.
It sounded idyllic, but the Chinese side was in no hurry to sign.
They were cautious, not trusting the Nanluo king. Having seen him break a contract before, who could guarantee he wouldn't do it again? Experience had taught them well. This time, they wanted a solid guarantee: Cao Tailin.
Last time, they had been too honest and missed the chance to connect with Cao Tailin.
With Cao Tailin involved, even if the king tried to renege, the Chinese side could continue operations—the king would be powerless.
Kansang City was tightly controlled by Cao Tailin; even the king couldn't interfere. The offshore oilfield was close to China and could be connected directly, bypassing Luotai City.
Two private jets landed at Kansang Airport. Chu Baiwei, Cao Yang, and Situ Meixin immediately headed to Cao Tailin's massive villa.
Chu Baiwei wanted to visit Cao Tailin to gauge his stance and terms; if they could settle it here, everything would be secure.
Unfortunately, she was disappointed. Cao Tailin was unwell and politely declined to meet.
She then tried to visit Mayor Cao Hua, but he was busy with official duties and couldn't meet her either.
Two failed attempts didn't frustrate Chu Baiwei. She knew her status wasn't high enough—she couldn't be the master of Libao Group negotiations alone.
She had already informed her father, Chu Zhenbei, of the situation.
He was delighted and planned to come personally in a couple of days.
"The sea here is beautiful, so clean."
Situ Meixin and Chu Baiwei both marvelled.
Cao Yang shook his head: "There's nothing to pollute with! No soda bottles, no instant noodle cups—the locals can't afford such things anyway."
"The palace's luxury compared to the citizens' simplicity—it's hard to believe it's the same country."
"Enough chit-chat. Did you see the platform we built?"
"No," Chu Baiwei shook her head; it was barely visible.
Cao Yang handed her binoculars, giving her a faint view.
"I want to go up there and see it."
"Sure," Cao Yang agreed and soon arranged a luxury yacht.
"I'm coming too," Situ Meixin tagged along, thick-skinned, much to Cao Yang's annoyance.
From afar, the offshore platform looked like a few iron structures. Up close, its scale was astonishing—more a sea village than a platform.
One platform could house dozens, even hundreds, with full amenities: bedrooms, kitchens, freshwater. Though now abandoned, the facilities were impressive.
"It's beautiful!" Chu Baiwei spread her arms, closing her eyes to feel the sea breeze.
Cao Yang saw her and thought of Rose from Titanic. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist from behind.
"Want to try the feeling of being at sea?"
"Stop! It still hurts!" she protested.
"This time, I'll be gentle."
"No! Situ is here!"
"Treat her as air!" Cao Yang ignored her protests and pulled Chu Baiwei into the rusty, dilapidated bedroom. No bedding—just cold iron, wind whistling through gaps.
But it didn't matter. Standing was fine; it was the feeling that counted.
Blue sky, white clouds, sea breeze, seagulls—immersed in nature.
Situ Meixin's face went from red to pale to flushed again, cursing the shameless pair for being more open than most Americans.
She shouted in rage but didn't dare approach—the platform swayed violently, and letting go of her hold would mean plunging into the sea.