"No… I have to try my best."
Cao Yang decided to call and check the situation.
Hu Qing sighed, placing a hand over his phone.
"The last time I saw you, I thought you had matured. Now, it seems you're still rather immature."
"If you insist on knowing the truth, go see it in person. Many things spoken over the phone are very different when said face-to-face."
Combining the information Cao Yang had given her, Hu Qing analyzed the Cao family's mindset. She knew that with Chu Zhenan visiting Nanluo, some agreement had likely been reached, and such major matters wouldn't change just because of a small figure like Cao Yang.
Even Cao Yang realized it himself: the reason they could secure the Nanluo oil field project was entirely because he had decided to hand it over to the Libao Group. Without that, the king would never have granted them the project.
Everyone now understood: the king simply wanted the Libao Group to manage the oil field. Due to prior issues, he hesitated to propose it openly. Cao Yang had unwittingly provided a stepping stone, a sort of lubricant for the agreement. Now that the deal was complete, he felt discarded, like an empty shell.
After thinking it through all night, Cao Yang resolved to go to Nanluo personally. He felt conflicted—he wasn't someone who liked to beg, especially not for unilateral favors.
He was willing to ask Cao Tailin for a small favor, being relatives. But if someone didn't want to help, showing up and pressing them was impolite.
Cao Yang's actions were entirely for Bai Xue, Lei Dian, and the others. Out of guilt for them, he forced himself to do it. Otherwise, even if his life were at stake, he would never humiliate himself to plead!
Before leaving, he arranged to meet the Nan Da and Nan Xi siblings. He hoped they could assist, perhaps speak to the king on his behalf.
But he was disappointed. Nan Da said it was a matter of state, and he had no influence. Speaking out would only draw reprimand from his father.
If Nan Da had no say, Nan Xi had even less.
Nan Xi watched Cao Yang walk away, disappointment shadowing her eyes.
"Brother, he saved your life. What's wrong with helping him a little?"
"I already repaid him for saving me. Besides, I truly can't interfere in this matter."
"He's gone. Why are you still watching?"
"Hmph! It's not about that… I'm just appreciating his looks!"
…
Cao Yang had no private jet this time. He flew commercial to Thailand, entered Nanluo from there, and finally traveled by car to Kansang.
Standing outside the Cao family estate for a long while, he didn't enter immediately. He was adjusting his emotions, planning how to approach the matter.
After a while, he finally strode inside.
"Sir, Young Master Cao Yang has arrived."
Upon hearing the servant's report, Cao Hua put down his newspaper.
"Show him in."
"Fourth Uncle," Cao Yang greeted, his eyes scanning the room for Cao Tailin.
"Sit," Cao Hua smiled warmly.
"Where's Fourth Grandfather?"
"Your great-grandfather hasn't been well lately. He's resting in a sanatorium. Best not disturb him unless it's urgent."
Cao Yang felt a chill in his heart.
"I understand why you came. It's not that your great-grandfather refuses to help—you must realize he's also in a difficult position."
"We can't offend the king; otherwise, we'd truly become rebels."
"We can't offend the Chinese side either; if they unite, even our Cao family might not survive."
"Please understand our predicament. Five years will pass quickly. As long as the oil field is successfully developed, your shares will grow in value. In five years, you can earn a substantial sum and use it to make up for them."
Cao Yang smiled wryly. "Fourth Uncle, you're right. But I still want to see Fourth Grandfather."
"Don't worry. You're not asking him for anything—just to see him briefly."
"Next time. Your great-grandfather couldn't help you this time. He'd feel embarrassed to meet you."
"That's nothing to feel embarrassed about. My great-grandfather owes me nothing. If anyone should feel guilt, it's me."
"Ah, I'm glad you say that. But he's proud. Let's leave it for next time."
Cao Yang nodded, no longer insisting.
Night fell, and under the servants' guidance, Cao Yang entered his guest room.
It was the same room as last time, but the atmosphere was entirely different.
Last time, Cao Tailin, Cao Yiyue, and a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins were present. Now, those attending school or work were gone, leaving the massive Cao estate unusually quiet.
Cao Yang's mood mirrored the cold emptiness. He had expected this outcome. Though Cao Hua's words were exaggerated, saying the Cao family would collapse without helping him, he understood. They were under no obligation to assist.
Understanding or not, the disappointment remained.
Cao Yang slapped his own face. He didn't blame Hu Qing for calling him immature, nor Sitou Meixin for calling him foolish. They were right.
After this lifetime, he had understood one principle: relying on others is nothing compared to relying on oneself. Only skill and strength are real.
Another realization struck him: never act before seeing results. As a buyer, see the goods before paying. As a seller, see the money before releasing the goods.
Had he insisted on Chu Laoye's help first, before releasing anyone, the Chu family would have surely tried to accommodate him. Not guaranteed success, but far better than now!
As Sitou Meixin had said, it was foolish to negotiate shares after everything was done instead of securing terms at the critical moment.
Eyes fixed on the ceiling, he stayed awake all night.
The next morning, after breakfast, he bid Cao Hua farewell.
"Wait," Cao Hua called him back, bringing five ten-kilogram gold bars from inside.
"You forgot the king's reward."
Cao Yang waved his hand. "Too heavy. I can't take it on the plane."
Cao Hua considered: "Alright, I'll handle it for you. Give me a card number, and I'll transfer the money."
At the time, gold was under 110 per gram. One hundred kilograms were worth over four million—neither Cao Yang nor Cao Hua considered it a large sum.
"No need. Let it be my gift to Fourth Uncle."
"Haha, Fourth Uncle doesn't mind."
"I know, but it's my intention as a nephew. Don't refuse."
"Very well. I won't refuse then."
Cao Hua patted Cao Yang on the shoulder. "You heading back to the U.S.? My plane can't go there, but I can send you to Thailand."
Cao Yang shook his head. "No. I want to walk alone."
"Alright. If anything happens, call Fourth Uncle. We are always family."
Cao Yang waved and wandered off aimlessly.
His mood was low. He didn't want to return to the U.S., nor did he know where to go—so he just walked.
Two days later, he reached the South Vietnam border and quietly crossed into Vietnam…