A moment later, a troupe of alluring women entered.
These women were more beautiful than Abule’s wife, all dressed in long gowns and headscarves, dancing gracefully to the music.
“This is the Alaba court dance,” Abule introduced.
“It’s a delight to the eyes, beautiful,” Guo Xuyang praised.
“Are the people beautiful or is the dance beautiful?” Xiao Yun asked, sounding like a jealous wife.
“Both are beautiful. Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness,” Guo Xuyang replied.
“I’m glad you like it,” Abule said, glancing at Xiao Yun as he spoke to Guo Xuyang.
Guo Xuyang said no more, focusing his attention on the performance.
As the dance continued on stage, chefs brought out a whole roasted lamb, its rich aroma instantly filling the air.
“This is our specialty, roasted whole lamb. Please try it,” Abule said.
The chefs carved the roasted lamb into small pieces, serving them onto plates for Guo Xuyang, Abule, and the others.
Surprisingly, there was rice inside the belly of the roasted lamb.
This was Guo Xuyang’s first time seeing such a roasted lamb.
However, the taste was truly exceptional.
He took a bite and couldn’t help but give a thumbs up, praising it repeatedly.
“This is the most delicious roasted lamb I’ve ever had, it’s exquisite.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Abule replied.
“After you finish eating, I’ll take you to see our fireworks display.”
“Fireworks display?”
“Yes. We are holding our annual fireworks display, which lasts for a week. Different sheikhdoms organize them separately.”
“That’s wonderful, I’ve come at just the right time.”
“Indeed, Mr. Guo.”
Upon hearing that they would be able to watch the fireworks display that evening, the group quickened their pace with their meal.
The dances were beautiful, with a total of four performances that left them wanting more.
The dances concluded, and they had also finished their meal.
“Then let’s go to the rooftop, where we can clearly see the fireworks display,” Abule invited.
Guo Xuyang and his four companions happily agreed.
“Yangzi, this fireworks display isn’t specially prepared for you, is it?”
Xiao Yun asked in Mandarin from the side.
“That’s impossible, isn’t it? I don’t have that much influence.”
“It’s hard to say. After all, you saved Abule’s life.”
“That was a coincidence. Please don’t mention this matter.
We are visiting as friends this time, and we shouldn’t be arrogant about this accomplishment.” Guo Xuyang cautioned.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t be so foolish as to mention it,”
Xiao Yun said, seeing Guo Xuyang’s earnest caution.
“That’s good. If this matter were brought up, we might not even be able to remain friends.”
“Mm. That won’t happen. So, when do you plan to discuss the crude oil procurement with Abule?” Xiao Yun asked.
“I’ll find an opportunity. It’s not appropriate to discuss this right after arriving today.”
“Are you planning to just play here for seven days? Didn’t you say you had to rush back for Wu Bing’s wedding?”
“This matter cannot be rushed. It requires mutual consent.
In business, buying and selling are based on principles of equality and mutual benefit; only such transactions can be sustained.
If I were to use the favor of saving a life to force a deal, this business would not last long.
Moreover, it would be very detrimental to our relationship.”
Guo Xuyang did not notice the faint smile on Abule’s lips. He had not used his abilities and thus could not sense Abule’s thoughts.
He didn’t know that Abule had studied in Shenzhou and could understand Mandarin.
However, Abule did not interject.
He pretended not to have heard and led everyone to an empty room on the rooftop.
From here, they could clearly see the night view of the city they were in.
The distant brilliant lights all showcased the country’s prosperity.
Alaba was wealthy because of oil.
Its oil reserves ranked sixth in the world, with over ninety percent of its oil exported.
“Your Highness, can we begin now?”
An official-like man, dressed in a white robe and wearing a white headscarf, asked.
“We can begin,” Abule replied.
“Mr. Guo, look this way. The fireworks will be launched from here shortly.”
Guo Xuyang followed the direction of Abule’s finger and gazed into the distance.
He spotted a tall building complex about three to four kilometers away from the palace, its lights brightly illuminated.
As the first firework ascended, the entire building instantly went dark.
Only the fireworks spiraled around the building, making it appear as if it were in a fairyland.
“Mr. Guo, to express my gratitude, I have arranged this fireworks display specifically for you.
Although I know that fireworks are particularly famous in your magical country, I hope this display will earn your approval,” Abule said from the side.
“Your Highness Abule, you are truly too kind.
How can I deserve such an extravagance?”
Guo Xuyang, surprised that the fireworks display was indeed prepared for him, said quickly.
“Compared to the kindness of saving my life, this is insignificant.
To be frank, Mr. Guo, I studied in your country and am very interested in your nation’s profound history and culture.
I know that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring, let alone the kindness of saving a life.
I understood the conversation between Ms. Xiao Yun and you just now. Please forgive me for eavesdropping unintentionally.”
Guo Xuyang felt a bit awkward upon hearing this, not expecting Abule to understand his conversation with Xiao Yun.
Fortunately, he had been careful with his words and there were no extreme remarks.
“Ms. Xiao Yun’s question about oil procurement, you can bring it up anytime.
I completely agree with your viewpoint that business should adhere to the principles of equality and mutual benefit for it to be sustainable.
May I ask how much oil you intend to procure?”
“I’m not very knowledgeable about this. Shall Tianye discuss it with you?”
Guo Xuyang introduced Tianye to Abule.
“Your Highness Abule, this is Tianye. He will be responsible for the procurement and customs clearance of crude oil from now on.”
“Hello, Mr. Tianye,” Abule said politely to Tianye.
“Hello, Your Highness Abule.
I would like to procure three million tons from you initially to be sent back to our country.
I wonder if you could accommodate this request?”
“That will not be a problem.
Tomorrow, I will arrange for a dedicated person to coordinate with you.
You can discuss the specific details in depth.
Today, let us enjoy this beautiful fireworks display together.”
Tianye glanced at Guo Xuyang. Seeing Guo Xuyang shake his head, he said, “Alright, Your Highness Abule.”
Alaba’s daily oil production reaches tens of millions of tons. Procuring merely three million tons is less than a day’s output.
As the Crown Prince of Alaba, he would naturally not concern himself with such minor matters.
Guo Xuyang knew that once Abule agreed, the matter would be more than half successful.
Therefore, when Tianye looked at him, he subtly shook his head.
He settled down to appreciate the beautiful and enchanting fireworks display.
If our country’s fireworks displays are unique, then the fireworks display being witnessed now is also commendable.
Each firework, some resembling giant mushrooms, others like silver waterfalls.
Diverse in form and ever-changing, like celestial maidens scattering flowers, they shimmered with brilliance, making the entire sky incredibly beautiful.
The fireworks display lasted for a full two hours.
Once again, Guo Xuyang was impressed by Abule’s magnanimity.