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Chapter 1104: Chapter 964: A Perilous World
Afternoon.
Five fifteen.
Ayman’s convoy arrived at Tang Qing’s villa.
This was his second visit to Tang Qing’s place.
Last time, when he came to the Shanghai Stock Market with his father, considering the large number of bodyguards Ayman had, it was inconvenient to stay at his own house, so Tang Qing did not let him stay there, and he stayed at the Hilton Hotel instead.
Today was the same.
Ayman was a person of special status.
He usually wouldn’t stay at a friend’s house, and would return after dinner.
Three cars drove into the villa, with Ayman’s bodyguards getting out first to secure the area. Because of Ayman’s instructions, and since Huaxia was really safe, the bodyguards did not request to check around.
"Tang Qing, I’m so happy to see you." As soon as he got out of the car, Ayman gave Tang Qing a big hug, then nodded to Lin Jiaxue, "Miss Lin, you’ve become even more beautiful."
Both sentences were in Chinese, and rather standard at that.
However.
Tang Qing knew that this guy could only say a few phrases, specially for greetings.
"Who is this?" Ayman’s gaze shifted to Zeng Rou.
"This is Jiaxue’s classmate, Zeng Rou. Didn’t you meet her the last time you came?" Tang Qing said, and it seemed Ayman indeed had the rich man’s forgetfulness, only remembering the faces of important people.
Ayman quickly extended his hand, and with Western etiquette, kissed the back of her hand, saying, "Miss Zeng, I’m sorry, that was rude of me. I’m delighted to meet you again, beautiful lady."
"Hello, welcome to Huaxia." Zeng Rou covered her mouth, giggling uncontrollably.
"Thank you."
Tang Qing turned around.
"Let’s go inside, this rain, I don’t know when it will stop." As the evening approached, the sky was covered with dark clouds, and a light rain fell, accompanied by a cold wind. Tang Qing always felt an inexplicable melancholy at such times.
"Really, it’s so cold. I was just sunbathing in Hawaii where the temperature is high. Right after getting off the plane, I had to put on extra clothes. Tang Qing, your house is indeed warm."
Ayman felt the temperature inside the house.
He immediately took off his outer robe as his bodyguards also walked in, standing guard by the door inside and out.
"Have a seat, how long will you be staying this time?" Tang Qing led Ayman to the living room.
Ayman sat next to Tang Qing on a slightly firm sofa, just the way he liked it, "I’ll leave the day after tomorrow evening. I need to attend the opening ceremony in Algeria. Do you want to come with me?"
"I have to go to school, no time," Tang Qing shook his head.
"That’s really a pity. My father will also be there. I had wanted to introduce you two, after hearing about your achievements, my father also looks forward to meeting you," Ayman said, looking at Tang Qing, filled with emotion.
You wouldn’t know if you didn’t look it up.
But once you did, it was startling.
Unnoticed.
Tang Qing’s other businesses were all thriving, not less than the partnered oil company. In Congo Gold, his mining investments exceeded one billion United States dollars, and Comet Group’s movies were a hit worldwide.
The rest of his industries also had tremendous potential.
Richer than himself.
Just one oilfield.
For Tang Qing, it really wasn’t much of a big asset.
He probably seldom remembered he even had this investment. Thinking of this, Ayman couldn’t help but recall his father’s advice, "Do your utmost to befriend him, this man’s achievements may astonish the world."
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Tang Qing shook his head regretfully, his heart undisturbed. Even if Ayman’s father was the Saudi prince, so what? He had no interest in eagerly rushing over to make his acquaintance.
Ayman then said, "This time I’ve come for another matter, a new oilfield project in Algeria, just ninety kilometers from our current field. The reserves are substantial."
"Can you ensure that we can secure it?" Tang Qing looked at Ayman.
"I can’t."
Ayman replied.
"But we have a great chance because we have the advantage of roads. Our road is the vital path for the oilfield. Unfortunately, Bannon has stepped down, and our upper-class resources are insufficient, so my father personally made the trip."
"Why not mine it yourself? With your father’s support, you couldn’t possibly be short of money," Tang Qing asked another question.
Ayman spoke frankly.
"Sharing profits and risks are equal. In many businesses, even when there is absolute certainty, it’s necessary to share some benefits. If you earn all the money yourself, you’ll lose many friends."
"That makes sense. How much money is needed?" Tang Qing nodded slightly.
"What I mean is, this business should be done by the two of us," Ayman emphasized.
"What about Alison?" Tang Qing looked at Ayman. Alison, a shareholder of the oil company, was also the one he initially connected to establish ties with the higher echelons of Algeria and might even become his brother-in-law in the future.
"He’s used up all his funds buying that oilfield and temporarily cannot contribute financially," Ayman explained.
"Can’t he get a loan?"
"Loans are not easy to come by. His previous investments also took a long time to prepare. Like the last time, The Government of Algeria only wants dollars, and due to the agreement, it’s impossible to use the oil company’s stocks for a loan."
Ayman said with a bitter smile.
Getting a loan, even for a Saudi prince like him, banks were not very accommodating. Small amounts were negotiable, but when it came to large sums, into the billions, banks were extremely cautious.
Moreover, there was a previous contract that prohibited casually using the oil company’s stocks as collateral for loans.
"That’s truly regrettable."
"How about it? Are you interested?" Ayman looked expectantly at Tang Qing.
"How much money?"
Ayman hurriedly said, "This project needs at least two billion dollars."
"Two billion dollars?"
"Yes, there is a number of competing companies, including some international big-name oil firms. This time we are also hoping to capitalize on my father’s influence, to see if we can win it. If we can, we stand to make a fortune," Ayman said excitedly.
At this moment,
A strange expression crossed Tang Qing’s face.
"Making a fortune? I’m not so sure." Tang Qing suddenly blurted out.
"What do you mean?" Ayman was taken aback.
"I suggest you be more cautious about this project. Furthermore, can you really be sure that the reserves of this oil field are as high as you claim?" Tang Qing countered. As soon as Ayman had brought up the proposal, the Command Room had already begun their investigation.
He just hadn’t expected that they would uncover quite a few interesting details so quickly.
Tang Qing could only sigh.
—The world is full of perils.
This was a scheme, not aimed at trapping Ayman and him, nor was it to entrap other buyers, but rather part of the power struggle within the upper echelons of Algeria that had implicated the oilfield.
"It should be correct. The national exploration company of Algeria and a rather significant American exploration firm have conducted joint work, so the reserves are not a problem. There are no policy issues either. Who would dare to swindle a member of the Saudi royal family?"
Ayman looked at Tang Qing doubtfully.
Tang Qing: "..."
You’re way too confident!
Even the United States government gets swindled; who do you think you are in Saudi...
