"Well, the oil business has been quite lucrative these past few years.
The fact that Old Qi and his associates are willing to give you a five percent cut indicates they value you highly.
How much are you short on your end?"
"I currently have less than ten billion. I need to borrow twenty billion from you.
Additionally, I'd like to invite you to invest one hundred billion. Would you agree to that?"
"No problem. How about this: I'll transfer the full thirty billion to you, and you can just pay me back twenty billion later."
"That's fantastic, President Jiang. I'll repay the twenty billion to you as soon as possible."
"It's a deal. As long as you can get the crude oil back, this twenty billion will be enough for one trip."
"I will definitely make this happen."
"Send me your account details, and I'll have someone transfer the funds."
"Okay, President Jiang, goodbye."
After hanging up, Guo Xuyang sent his account details to Jiang Qixin and waited for the transfer to be arranged.
"Our funds are secured. Once the money arrives, I want to go sign the contract with President Qi.
President Wu, please call Xiao Yun, President Cheng, and Xia Li, and ask them if they're interested in investing.
Fatty, contact Li Minxi and see if anyone else wants to invest.
The capital needed this time is substantial, so it's better to spread the risk if possible."
Guo Xuyang said to the two of them.
"Brother Liang, could you help me book flights? Are there any flights to Alabama in the next couple of days?
I want to go as soon as possible and be back before New Year's Day."
"Xiao Yun mentioned wanting to go with you last time. Should you call and let her know?" Lü Liang reminded him.
"Alright, let's wait until the funds are in.
If Xiao Yun goes, have Li Minxi stay in Kyoto for a while. Neither of them is easy to handle. It's a headache."
"You're both pained and pleased."
"Brother Liang, please don't tease me.
One is enough to deal with, and now there are two of them, almost at each other's throats. It's hard to side with anyone."
"Then don't side with anyone."
"But I promised Xiao Yun I'd take her to Alabama. If I don't let her go this time, I don't know how she'll react."
"Hmm. Having too many women is indeed troublesome. But why doesn't President Wu have these issues?"
"Lü Liang, don't drag me into this," Wu Youzhi quickly waved his hand.
"No, I just find that you don't have the same problems as Yang Zi."
"That's because I never let these women meet each other."
"See, Yang Zi? You should learn from President Wu in this regard. Be a meticulous time manager."
"Forget it. Isn't it better than me? At least I'm open and honest.
Even though they call me a playboy, they're still quite good to me.
Despite some jealousy, we get along quite harmoniously.
I believe I still have a bit of charm."
"Then stop having a headache! It's not just bad for your kidneys but also for your brain."
"No choice, given our immense charm." Guo Xuyang said smugly.
"Brother, aren't you going to see that Ilena?" Pi Xiaoqian asked.
"I heard she visits the Treasure Pavilion frequently. Be careful she doesn't cheat on you."
"Get lost. I knew you wouldn't say anything good." Guo Xuyang said with a smile and a curse.
"Alright, then we'll leave it at that for today. I need to go see Ilena.
Tomorrow morning, let's meet at the same place to sign the contract with President Qi.
Why haven't President Jiang's funds arrived yet?"
As Guo Xuyang spoke, he opened his phone to check. The funds had arrived ten minutes ago.
The group had been too busy joking around and had not noticed.
"President Jiang's funds have arrived."
Guo Xuyang announced and then called Qi Fanlin.
"President Qi, the funds are ready. Shall we meet at the same hotel tomorrow at nine AM?"
"That fast. Alright. I'll be there promptly tomorrow at nine AM."
After Guo Xuyang hung up, he informed the others.
"It's settled. Tomorrow at nine AM, we'll meet here again.
Brother Liang, please check for flights in the next couple of days. We'll try to book them as soon as possible."
"Okay. I'll check when I get back tonight. Is it okay if I bring Xiao Yu along?"
"You're progressing quickly, Brother Liang. It's fine, the more, the merrier."
"Alright, I'll call her later."
The group then dispersed.
Guo Yiyang didn't come with them tonight; she went home with Li Minxi.
Li Minxi hadn't asked for leave from her family for her recent travels.
"Mom, I'm back. This is my friend, Guo Yiyang."
Li Minxi opened the door and saw her mother home alone, calling out.
"Dad isn't back, is he?"
"He hasn't been home for several days. Work matters." Xu Yifan said.
"Quick, come in, little Guo. Welcome to my home."
"Thank you, Auntie. Sorry to disturb you." Guo Xuyang said.
"It's nothing. My dear, how did you get so beautiful?" Xu Yifan exclaimed in surprise.
"Hey, Xiao Xi, where have you been these past few days? Did you get plastic surgery? You look like a completely different person?"
"No, Mom. I've been learning aerobics with Yang Yang during this time. Don't I look beautiful now?" Li Minxi said vaguely.
"No, you're not just beautiful, you're exceptionally beautiful. My child, how has the change been so drastic in such a short time?"
Xu Yifan's eyes lit up.
"Yang Yang, can I learn aerobics from you?"
"Auntie, this..." Guo Xuyang was caught off guard by Li Minxi passing the buck and didn't know how to respond.
"Mom, this can't be achieved in just a day or two.
Yang Yang has other things to do and can only stay at our place for one night.
When she returns and has time, she'll teach you. I'm hungry, do we have anything to eat?"
"Look, I got so carried away talking. I'll go make you something to eat. How about egg noodles?"
"Sure. Egg noodles would be great. Hehehe."
"My child, what are you saying? Wait a moment, it will be ready soon."
"Thank you, Auntie. You've worked hard."
"It's nothing. You and Xiao Xi go wash up first."
After her mother left, Li Minxi said to Guo Yiyang, "My mom only knows how to make noodles; she can't cook anything else.
So we usually don't eat her cooking. She's also happy to have leisure. Come, I'll take you upstairs to wash your face before coming down."
When Guo Xuyang arrived at Baihuan Jiayuan, Ilena was not home.
"Where is she? Ilena?" Guo Xuyang called her.
"I'm at the Treasure Pavilion, Yang Zi. What made you think of calling me today?"
"I'm at the entrance to my place in Baihuan Jiayuan?"
"Really? Wait for me. I'm heading back right away."
Ilena's surprised voice came through the phone.
"Wu Bing told me tonight that President Wu and the others were back, and I didn't believe him. You didn't call me in advance either."
"I had something urgent tonight, so I didn't call. What do you want to eat tonight? I haven't eaten yet."
"Didn't you eat with President Wu and the others?"
"No. I was anxious to see you and eat together, so I rushed over first. Has President Wu arrived at the shop yet?"
"Not yet."
"Then come back. Take your time on the road."
"What do you want to eat? I'll buy some on the way so we can cook it ourselves."
"You decide what to buy, anything is fine."
"Okay. We still have some fish and shrimp in the fridge. Should I buy some vegetables too?"
"Okay. I'll wait for you."
[Author's Aside]: A new year, a new beginning. Wishing all my friends a happy new year, good health, and family happiness! May your careers be smooth sailing, your love last a lifetime, and your health be worry-free! This book is updated three times a day. Please continue to follow along. Cast your free silver tickets and let's all have fun together.