Riyadh, a city located in the central Arabian Peninsula, on the Hanifa Valley Plain.
Surrounded by desert, it was historically an oasis in the desert, although that touch of green has now long been buried by yellow sands.
Elgar Palace, located at the center of Riyadh, is a massive palace complex exceeding 300,000 square meters, with over a thousand rooms, representing the luxurious residence of the Oil Country's Crown Prince.
In this country where water is more precious than oil, the outdoor swimming pools of this super mansion number over ten, and the indoor decor is lavish to the extreme.
In an office, the large crystal chandelier refracts warm yellow light as Salaman plays with a ruby-studded lighter, listening to his subordinate report the latest progress of the future city project he personally pushed forward.
"According to the conclusions from the planning department, we need to add another two billion US dollars this month, or else the project timeline will be delayed again..." the subordinate spoke carefully, sneaking a glance at Salaman for fear of displeasing him, unable to remember how many times the project's budget had been increased.
However, Salaman showed no reaction, as if the subordinate mentioned twenty dollars instead of two billion.
Although the future city project is truly a gold-devouring beast, with daily construction costs exceeding hundreds of millions of US dollars, it doesn't pose much of a burden for a family with tens of trillions in wealth.
There are continuous rumors outside claiming that due to the international oil price decline, the Oil Country is facing financial strain, and Salaman will soon struggle to sustain the city's spending pace, with some reports directly stating that the future city is going to drag the Oil Country's economy down.
But only Salaman himself knows exactly how wealthy his family is, even if the national treasury runs dry, he could single-handedly fund the city.
Only after he completely takes over the family wealth, and the nation's authority...
"How is the progress on the Eye of God project?" After hearing the report, Salaman made no response, instead inquiring about the progress of another project.
The "Eye of God" is another aerospace project Salaman championed after entering the political scene, aiming to completely eliminate dependency on certain American technological fields.
For instance, missile launches require highly precise navigation satellite support, and this area of technology has always been the Oil Country's shortfall, unable to achieve autonomy.
The subordinate responded: "Currently, we're in contact with companies from Russia and China, but Russia is somewhat resistant due to domestic issues."
"Meanwhile, China's Beidou Company, although ostensibly a private enterprise, selling such sensitive technology requires national approval, making progress rather slow."
Salah frowned slightly: "Isn't there any other option?"
The subordinate shook his head, speaking helplessly: "Indian companies have indeed approached us for cooperation, but their technology lags far behind both China and Russia, so our best option is China."
"We have prepared a negotiation group, planning to accompany the diplomatic delegation to China next month, where we'll hold detailed negotiations with Beidou Company's executives and official representatives."
Salah nodded slightly: "Discuss this matter with the advisory team. I need to see progress soon. Tomorrow, I have to go to Spain to negotiate the acquisition of a football club."
Although his current official status is Prime Minister, many matters large and small do not require his personal handling, with a professional advisory team providing counsel.
This Crown Prince, obsessed with European culture, is more active in front of the cameras nowadays, conducting activities that highlight the Oil Country's influence.
At that moment, the assistant outside the office pushed the door open and walked in, holding a phone.
Salaman took a glance after receiving it, then waved to the two individuals in the room.
Once both the subordinate and assistant left, he pressed the answer button, switching to English.
"Hello, Mr. Qi."
On the other end of the phone, Qi Yun stood by the window, speaking with a tone of apology: "I'm sorry Mr. Salaman, for calling so late and disturbing your rest."
It was already midnight in the Middle East, making it quite impolite to call at this hour.
"No need to be polite, Mr. Qi, we are friends, so I'm happy to receive your call." Salaman laughed generously, "Mr. Qi, calling this late, is there something you need from me?"
This statement reveals Salaman's distinct approach from traditional politicians, if it were an old fox, they surely wouldn't take the lead to ask.
However, this doesn't mean Salaman is naive, it simply indicates that this person has his own style.
If he truly were without shrewdness, he wouldn't have traversed that tumultuous path to finally sit on the Crown Prince's throne.
In this world, nothing seems more complex or brutal than the struggle for a throne.
Seeing the other party taking the lead to inquire, Qi Yun didn't hold back, and immediately recounted the event briefly, adding: "The items on the freighter are extremely vital to me. I know Mr. Salaman has significant influence in Yemen, so I would like to request your help in protecting that freighter."
After listening, Salaman fell silent for a moment, his eyes shifting before suddenly chuckling lightly: "Mr. Qi, I know what you want me to do, but this matter is a bit tricky."
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