The banquet hall was lively!
There were thirty to forty affluent individuals from the Yangzhou Chamber of Commerce, along with members of the Saudi royal family, and the busy hotel staff, making the entire banquet exceptionally vibrant.
Sibiya did not appear, as befitting her status as a princess. It was highly likely she would not show herself at this banquet.
Representing the Saudi royal family this time was a middle-aged man, likely an official. Although he knew some Chinese, his pronunciation was rather stiff.
Besides him, there were also some Saudi royal nobles present.
As the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Tang Xinwan was also quite busy, going around to greet everyone!
Compared to the gentlemenly and reserved demeanor of the other wealthy individuals, Ye Cangtian and his group were much more casual.
Especially Xu Shi'an and Saqi, their conversations were rather loud, drawing curious glances from many of the wealthy attendees.
However, the wealthy guests didn't think much of it, assuming Saqi was merely a noble scion of the Saudi royal family.
Otherwise, if they knew Saqi's true identity, they would have flocked to curry favor with him.
...
"Brother, why don't the four of us pledge brotherhood through blood? We'll be brothers for life from now on!"
Suddenly, Saqi said this out of the blue.
Seeing the three of them stunned, he said enthusiastically, "I've seen those old Huázi forming brotherhoods, let's do the same!"
Saqi had been bored in the royal palace and had watched many Chinese movies, both Hong Kong films and historical dramas. He had also yearned for those passionate eras of fighting and killing.
However, he wasn't capable of fighting, nor had he experienced such passionate times. But he had stayed in China for some time.
Ye Cangtian raised an eyebrow, somewhat speechless.
Shangguan Yun chuckled, not minding.
Xu Shi'an's eyes, however, lit up. "Sure! From now on, your brother-in-law is your eldest brother, I'm your second brother, Shangguan Yun is your third brother, and you're our fourth brother!"
"Hold on!"
Shangguan Yun's smile abruptly stopped. He corrected, "Even if we're ranking, I should be second, and you third. I'm clearly older than you!"
"What's the use of being older? Might makes right!"
"Come on, let's fight and find out!"
"Whoever backs down is a coward!"
Seeing the two guys about to act, the surrounding wealthy guests frowned and moved away. Even the two female guards in the distance couldn't help but move closer.
Ye Cangtian had to intervene, "You two, that's enough! What are you causing a scene for here? Don't you find it embarrassing?"
Shangguan Yun pouted, and Xu Shi'an also snorted dismissively.
"Alright, if we're really ranking, Shangguan Yun being second is fine," Ye Cangtian said.
Furthermore, Shangguan Yun was not only older than Xu Shi'an but also likely stronger, something Ye Cangtian could discern.
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yun looked at Xu Shi'an provocatively. If it were a matter of age, he could even be the eldest brother. He felt Ye Cangtian might not be younger than him!
"Big Brother is right. Second Brother Shangguan Yun, you'll be third, and I'll be fourth," Saqi quickly agreed.
Xu Shi'an rolled his eyes, feeling a bit dejected.
But he could accept it. At least there was a younger brother below him, as long as he wasn't at the bottom.
Soon, the four of them prepared their wine glasses, filled with fine brandy.
Xu Shi'an, from somewhere, produced a small dagger and placed it on the table. "Who goes first? Fourth Brother, you first?"
Since it was a blood oath, this ritual was necessary!
Saqi's face instantly turned pale. He picked up the dagger.
The two female guards in the distance had been watching them. Seeing their prince pick up the dagger, they became somewhat flustered.
Fortunately, after hesitating for a long time, Saqi dared not go through with it and finally tossed the dagger aside.
"There's no need for bloodletting or anything. Let's drink this glass of wine, and we'll be brothers from now on!"
"To all my brothers, your little brother will drink first!"
Saqi gave a sheepish smile and downed the glass of wine in one go, coughing from the burn.
"Coward!"
Xu Shi'an rolled his eyes, not even daring to prick his finger.
Ye Cangtian was caught between amusement and speechlessness. "Alright, let's just do it like this!"
He didn't care about any of this brotherhood stuff. He was just indulging Saqi's antics and didn't think the kid would remember any of this after returning.
After all, he was destined to inherit the royal family. They four were not from the same path.
Soon, everyone finished their wine.
As Saqi was excitedly chattering, a female guard suddenly approached and said softly to Ye Cangtian, "Mr. Ye, Her Highness the Princess wishes to see you!"
"See me? For what?"
"This subordinate does not know. You will find out when you go!"
Ye Cangtian rubbed his nose and subconsciously glanced towards Tang Xinwan. Luckily, she wasn't there. Otherwise, if she knew Sibiya wanted to see him alone, wouldn't that jealous streak erupt?
Feeling a bit helpless, he quietly followed.
Leaving the banquet hall, they took the elevator directly to the 36th floor. The security here had become even more stringent.
Perhaps it was due to the assassination attempt on Sibiya during their previous trip to the capital, which had forced the Saudi royal delegation to strengthen their security.
Sibiya resided in the most luxurious presidential suite in the entire hotel. Almost the entire 36th floor was part of the suite.
"Greetings, King Noah!"
As Ye Cangtian approached, the surrounding female guards all knelt on one knee.
This startled Ye Cangtian. He quickly waved his hands, "No, don't call me that, please get up! Where is your princess?"
"Reporting to King Noah, the Princess is currently bathing!"
Bathing?
What kind of bathing was happening in the middle of the day?
Ye Cangtian's nerves tensed, feeling like he was facing a formidable enemy. Could Sibiya be coveting him and planning to force herself on him?
"You all may withdraw," a voice came from nearby.
The female guards present immediately retreated, leaving Ye Cangtian alone in the living room.
Soon, Sibiya parted the curtains and walked out. Indeed, she had just bathed and was wearing only a light, sheer robe, exuding a pleasant fragrance.
It had to be said, Sibiya was truly a breathtaking beauty. Coupled with her noble status, any man would find it difficult to resist.
But Ye Cangtian was in distress.
He and Tang Xinwan had just reached a new stage in their relationship. If anything were to happen with Sibiya at this time, it would be a huge problem!
Although he was a man and his mind entertained the thought of having both, his reason told him that neither Sibiya nor Tang Xinwan would tolerate the other.
Therefore, Ye Cangtian had to restrain his emotions and act like a gentleman.
"Ahem, well, is there something you needed me for?"
"Can't I see you if there's nothing? Or are you afraid that Tang Xinwan will be jealous?" Sibiya asked softly.
Ye Cangtian chuckled dryly, neither denying nor admitting.
This made Sibiya's expression turn slightly displeased. She gnashed her teeth, and a hint of mist appeared in her eyes.
"What am I lacking compared to her?"
In terms of beauty, she was confident her looks surpassed many so-called peerless beauties.
In terms of status, she was also undoubtedly one of the noblest princesses in the world!
Sibiya had been unable to comprehend for days how the man she loved could be with an ordinary woman, yet repeatedly avoided her.
That's right, although Tang Xinwan was a strong businesswoman, in Sibiya's eyes, she was no different from an ordinary woman.
Ye Cangtian sighed and then looked at her. "Sibiya, you are actually very outstanding and beautiful. There are very few people in this world who are worthy of you!"
"You are worthy, because you are King Noah!" Sibiya said earnestly.
"..."
Ye Cangtian almost choked. This so-called King Noah, wasn't it a title given by their royal family?
"Then do you like me?"
"..."
This question put Ye Cangtian in a difficult position. If he said no, this girl might do anything out of anger.
But if he said yes, the consequences would be even more unthinkable!
Across from him, Sibiya stared at him. Seeing his awkwardness, after a long pause, she let out a chuckle.
"Alright, I was just teasing you. I know you prefer your Tang Xinwan, so you don't need to answer me!"
She retracted the trace of helplessness deep in her pupils, and then her expression turned solemn. "The reason I asked to see you is that there is a very important matter I need to tell you."