"Has the Chinese project started mobilizing recently?"
At dinner, Cao Tailin asked Cao Hua.
"Yes, the workers have gradually arrived on site. They are inspecting the existing drilling platforms—some need repairs, some can be used as-is."
Cao Tailin nodded. "There's a typhoon approaching offshore. Call them back. Safety comes first."
Cao Hua paused. "Cao Yang called?"
"Mm. Those people were toying with him—they never released anyone."
Cao Hua opened his mouth to speak, but Cao Tailin stopped him.
"They're disrespecting Cao Yang; indirectly, they're disrespecting me."
Cao Hua sighed. "How long will the typhoon last?"
"Let's say a month for now."
Cao Hua hesitated, but when his father spoke, he had no choice but to comply.
"The day after tomorrow, Chu Zhenan from the Chinese side will visit Nanluo. The king asked me to accompany him."
"Then go."
…
All the offshore workers—hundreds of them—were called back to land to wait. They were stunned. A typhoon in this season? And for a whole month?
Are you wind gods? Seasonal or not, a typhoon appears when you want it. A month-long typhoon? Fine, let it be a month-long typhoon!
Chu Zhenbei knew immediately it was Cao Yang complaining. When bullied, he only knew to go to his grandfather—useless.
He called Chu Zhenan, who told him not to worry; everything would be handled when he returned.
Two days later, the Chinese delegation's private plane landed in Luotai City.
Led by Chu Zhenan, the delegation was greeted by enthusiastic locals and boarded the welcoming convoy.
Chu Zhenan's rank was high enough that King Nan En personally received him.
Both sides discussed energy cooperation in depth. Oil collaboration had just begun; later, rare earth development was also on the agenda.
The delegation visited oil fields and rare earth mining areas. Both sides were full of anticipation for future cooperation.
On the third day, Chu Zhenan held a private meeting with Mayor Cao Hua at the royal palace.
The details of the meeting were unclear, but it lasted five hours.
Afterward, the delegation returned home by plane.
Cao Hua and the king personally saw the delegation to the aircraft. Only when the plane soared into the sky did they withdraw their gaze.
King Nan En patted Cao Hua on the shoulder. "The Chinese side is very sincere. The typhoon should end now."
Cao Hua nodded, saluted the king, and returned to Kansang City.
Walking into the backyard, he saw Cao Tailin watering the plants. He carefully spoke: "Father, the king says the typhoon should end."
Cao Tailin slowly stood and set the watering can aside. "Safety first. Let it continue until there is truly no risk."
"Dad, is it really worth it… for Cao Yang?"
"Worth or not… he's the only heir in that branch on the mainland. If I don't protect him, who will?"
"They promised Cao Yang, then broke their word and bullied him. As his great-grandfather, shouldn't I help him within my capacity?"
"They're just a few insignificant people. Cao Yang can't think clearly. With all the money he has, has he ever lived comfortably?"
"Heh… that's exactly what I admire about him. Loyalty, righteousness. Young men like him are rare these days."
"Admire all you want, but someone who can't be ruthless and can't leave people behind won't accomplish great things!"
"I never expected him to accomplish great things. He has no grand ambition. He just wants to get his imprisoned wife and brothers out and live a peaceful life. Even such small demands they can't fulfill?"
"Chu Zhenan told me that the Chu family did everything they could, but the Han family refused to relent. There was nothing they could do."
"Trying? Hah! I don't believe Chu Yizhong couldn't handle such a trivial matter."
"Chu Yizhong has collapsed. Now he's in the hospital, as good as a living corpse."
"Oh? What happened exactly?"
"He's old. Stroke."
Cao Tailin sighed. "He indirectly caused your grandfather's death. I always wanted to take revenge… but now, that's impossible."
"Dad, after all these years, hatred can be let go."
"Heh… it's easy for you to say since it wasn't your father!"
"So… if I had had him killed that day, you wouldn't have avenged it for a little profit?"
Cao Hua rolled his eyes. He wasn't unfilial, but he, like Cao Yang, never even met Cao Ying. Any supposed feelings were purely superficial.
"This time, the Chinese side is sincere. The king is pleased. Our Cao family is already under suspicion. Are you sure you want to offend the king or the Chinese side over Cao Yang's trivial matter?"
"Oil extraction benefits all four parties. Cao Yang will gain massive wealth. What is there to be dissatisfied about?"
"Besides, those few people were only sentenced to seven years. Five more years and they're out. Why make things so unpleasant?"
"Even if you don't care for yourself, consider me. For your grandchildren's sake."
"If we anger the king, we could be wiped out!"
"Hmph! Dare he? I can put him up, I can pull him down!"
"Dad! You're getting more foolish with age!"
"Now that the king has allied with the Chinese, if things go south, the Chinese can quietly help him settle matters. We're no match!"
"Do I fear them?"
"If you didn't, why did we run to Nanluo with the family back then?"
Cao Tailin was momentarily stunned, then snatched the watering can and swung it at Cao Hua!
"You brat! Now you've grown wings, daring to let your father lose face!"
"Haha… wrong, wrong!"
Cao Hua begged, but smiled. He knew this meant his father was about to relent.
"I know you're not afraid, but what benefit is there in fighting?"
"To save a few people five years' trouble, prevent a war, and protect my Cao family's men… know what's more important?"
"Ah…" Cao Tailin sighed and put down the watering can.
"I promised Cao Yang. How do I explain it to him?"
"Explain what? Haven't we helped enough?"
"You're too sentimental. If Cao Yang calls again, just tell him."
…
Another half-month passed. Cao Yang still had no news. After asking around, he discovered the offshore typhoon had ended; the Libao Group's workers were back to full-scale operations.
His face darkened as he reached for his phone.
A delicate hand stopped him. Hu Qing shook her head.
"Don't call. Your great-grandfather's stance is clear."
"If you call, it'll only make both sides awkward. Better to act like nothing happened. You'll still be good grandfather and grandson."
"See? Even if he doesn't help, we're still good. He owes me nothing. I won't resent him for not helping."
"That's how you think, but others may see it differently. They only see that what they promised wasn't done, and you going to question them brings them shame."
"Great-grandfather isn't that kind of man."
"He isn't. But his son? His grandson?"
"Ah Yang, take my advice. Let it go. Five years will pass quickly."