The next day, the Nanluo Petroleum Group was officially established at the Kansang City Government Plaza.
Prince Nanda, Chu Zhenbei, and Situ Xinghe attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Countless reporters gathered at the scene, shutters clicking nonstop as they captured this historic moment.
The three clasped hands—six palms together.Thunderous applause erupted from the audience below.
Cao Yang stood among the crowd, quietly watching them, feeling strangely like an outsider.
He shook his head.Why am I overthinking this?Bai Xue and the others will be released soon, and I'll finally be able to go home.That alone is already the greatest blessing.As for whether the oil field makes money… he honestly didn't care.
"You're leaving for China soon… what about me?"Beside him, Chu Baiwei asked softly, a trace of reluctance in her eyes."Are you staying here? Or going back to the States?"
Cao Yang grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the hotel.
"What are you doing? Let go—don't fool around!"
Then—Bang bang bang bang bang bang—
One intense "exercise session" later, Chu Baiwei glared at him with watery, resentful eyes.
"You're already going home soon! Why are you still this desperate? You'll have plenty of chances after you're back!"
"Sigh…"Cao Yang let out a long breath."Your grandpa said he'll help negotiate. Even if things go well, he'll probably add a condition—making me promise not to see you again. So we should cherish the opportunity… and go another round."
Bang bang bang bang—
Another full hour passed before Chu Zhenbei called.Only then did Chu Baiwei leave, legs trembling.
Watching her walk away, Cao Yang suddenly fell deep into thought.
Everything was going smoothly… yet he had a faint, uneasy feeling.
Would something go wrong?
Impossible.Old Master Chu was reliable—if he gave his word, then the matter would be settled.
And even if something happened on the Chu family's side, he still had his Fourth Grandpa behind him. If Chu Zhenbei wanted to develop the oil field, he'd have to go through the Han family anyway.
Thinking of Fourth Grandpa, Cao Yang headed to the Cao family manor to say goodbye to Cao Tailin.
Now that the contract was signed, the remaining extraction work would be handled by professionals.There was no point in them staying any longer.
"Fourth Grandpa… thank you."Cao Yang bowed deeply.
Without Cao Tailin's connections, he would've never been able to mediate between the parties, save his people, and gain benefits.Everything hinged on the fact that he was Cao Tailin's grandnephew.
Cao Tailin quickly helped him up."None of that nonsense. Developing the oil field benefits everyone. I wasn't helping you specifically."
"Even so… I'm the one who gained extra benefits. All because of you, Fourth Grandpa."
Cao Yang said, then took out a folder.
"This is thirty percent of my shares in Nanyang Petroleum. Please accept it, Fourth Grandpa."
"You trying to slap my face?"Cao Tailin scolded, though he was secretly satisfied.
Cao Yang was his grandnephew, but they barely knew each other. He didn't know the kid's character—whether he'd turn out ungrateful or decent.
He already knew Cao Yang had profited from the oil field deal, but he didn't care—he considered it a parting gift to a junior.
Now Cao Yang wanted to give those shares back to him…Of course he wouldn't take them, but the gesture alone pleased him greatly.
"I'm serious. Saving my family was enough. This extra—"
"Enough. Put it away!"Cao Tailin pretended to be angry.
"Grandpa, Brother Cao Yang, Miss Situ is urging us."Cao Yiyue pulled her suitcase over, signaling that everyone was waiting.
Cao Yang bowed again."Fourth Grandpa, I'm leaving."
Cao Tailin nodded."Come back to Nanluo once you're done with your matters. Bring your two kids—I want to meet those little troublemakers."
"Definitely!"
Cao Yang then went to say goodbye to Uncle Four, Cao Hua, and Uncle Seven, Cao Rong, followed by the other family members.After a long round of farewells, he finally boarded the plane with Cao Yiyue.
The aircraft was Situ Meixin's private jet.Prince Nanda and Princess Nancy were onboard as well.It wasn't that they lacked private jets—they simply preferred avoiding the trouble of flying to the U.S., so they just hitched a ride.
After the plane rose into the stratosphere, the four—Nanda, Nancy, Cao Yiyue, and Situ Meixin—began playing cards, while Cao Yang quietly stared out the window.
This trip to Nanluo had brought him unimaginable gains.What was supposed to be a casual family visit ended up solving the biggest burden in his heart—and even earning him extra profit.
He only wondered how many more days until Bai Xue and Lei Dian would be released.And how long until he could finally return home?
Chu Zhenbei told him to wait for news.After returning to China, he would talk with the Han family; once negotiations succeeded, he would notify Cao Yang.
He also promised—it wouldn't be long.Half a month at most.
The plane touched down at New York Airport, and everyone went their separate ways.
Situ Meixin originally planned to treat them as the host, but Cao Yang refused, leaving the others no choice but to return to school first.
Cao Yang immediately rushed to visit his sister-in-law.He wanted to share the good news with her—especially since he had added Hu Qing's name to the list.She was now a wanted person too; once the negotiation succeeded, she could return home as well.
Arriving at the villa entrance, he saw several suited bodyguards.
They recognized him and bowed politely.
They were the bodyguards Cao Yang hired for Hu Qing.Although Hu Qing paid their salaries, their actual boss was him.
Inside the house, little Cao Yinuo dashed toward him.
"Daddy!"The two-year-old could now run, jump, and cause trouble nonstop.
"My little Yinuo, did you miss Daddy?"Cao Yang bent down and lifted her.
"I did!"She kissed his cheek, then instantly wriggled out of his arms to be held by Hu Qing instead.
Cao Yang muttered that she had no conscience.He'd taken care of her from birth to weaning, yet she now only clung to Hu Qing.
But he couldn't blame her—she was too young to remember anything.Naturally, she clung to the person who cared for her daily.
"Well well, look who decided to show up."Hu Qing carried Yinuo, her tone dripping with sarcasm, blaming him for being gone so long.
"Sis-in-law, I've got good news."
"I told you—don't call me that. Call me Qing-jie."
"Fine, fine. Qing-jie, I've got good news."
Cao Yang explained everything, expecting her to be thrilled.But she didn't look happy at all.
"Why aren't you excited? Don't you want to go back?"
"What for? I'm doing just fine here."
"Oh…"
"I should be asking you instead." Hu Qing narrowed her eyes."Once Bai Xue comes out… what about Yinuo?"
"Don't forget what you promised me. Don't even think about taking her away!"
Hu Qing had already lost her love.All her affection was now poured into Yinuo.She spoiled the child beyond measure—best food, best clothes—Yinuo was her entire world.
If Cao Yang took Yinuo away, leaving her alone again…she would break.
Cao Yang's scalp tingled.In the past, he had no choice—he couldn't take a baby everywhere, so he entrusted her to Hu Qing.He didn't trust anyone else.
Now… he didn't want to hurt either of them.
If only Sis-in-law could have a child of her own.But her health made that impossible.
But maybe other men can't… but I might be able to.My "fertility power" is insane. What if I can help Qing-jie fulfill her dream…?