Dragon Kingdom.
Yanjing.
Cabinet General Office.
"The New Han Kingdom is asking us for a loan?"
An elderly man with a dignified demeanor and an imposing aura furrowed his brows upon hearing the report from the middle-aged man in front of him.
"Didn't they just discover oil? They should have plenty of money. Why are they asking us for a loan?"
If it were the New Han royal family asking for a loan, he wouldn't hesitate for a second and would immediately agree.
However, after learning about the New Han legal system and social structure, he realized that the New Han government was merely a facade. Its revenue stream solely relied on taxes, and it didn't even own any land. Even for building a road, they had to purchase land from the royal family or private individuals. Such a system was simply unimaginable in his eyes.
It was even more exploitative than feudal dynasties.
No, "exploitative" wouldn't even be an accurate description.
Their protection of private property was excellent. As long as you didn't violate any laws or commit major crimes, your private property would be safe from confiscation. This must be the reason why the people of New Han haven't risen up in rebellion.
"Yes!"
The middle-aged man nodded. "According to reports, New Han intends to comprehensively upgrade its infrastructure and is requesting a 20 billion USD loan from us to build roads, airports, docks, and other infrastructure projects."
"Also, it's rumored that the royal family sold 20% of the New Han Royal Petroleum Company's shares to their government for 1 dollar."
"Oh?"
A look of surprise appeared on the old man's face.
Then he smiled and nodded. "This New Han royal family is indeed bold and has capable individuals. They are willing to relinquish such significant profits, which is worthy of further engagement."
The middle-aged man smiled and agreed. "Lin Lao, you're right. New Han has been making major moves these past few months. It seems they are determined to develop their national economy. According to sources, their crown prince highly values the tourism industry and is determined to promote its development, seemingly with the intention of competing with Siam and Java for tourists."
"Is their crown prince the young fellow who studied at Yan University?"
"Yes, Lin Lao."
Lin Lao nodded. "It seems the changes in New Han these past few months are likely related to this crown prince."
"I also suspect so."
The middle-aged man agreed.
Lin Lao chuckled. "Young people, they all want to achieve something great. They have a strong drive, just like the crown prince of the Sha-Luo camel kingdom in the Middle East."
"Alright, since they've come knocking, we need to make a gesture."
"Alright, you departments should come up with a plan. We'll waive the interest and provide them with an interest-free loan for five years. Consider it a way to make friends with this future king."
20 billion USD wasn't a significant sum for Dragon Kingdom, which held over 1 trillion USD in foreign exchange reserves.
As for the interest-free part, that was even less of an issue.
Their annual foreign aid to Africa amounted to hundreds of billions of USD.
Most of which was free assistance in construction projects.
"Yes~~."
The middle-aged man nodded in agreement.
...
Two days later.
"Your Highness, Dragon Kingdom has approved our loan request, and it will be interest-free."
The Minister of Finance rushed into Xiao Yun Hai's office, excitedly reporting the news.
"Oh, really? That's great!"
Upon hearing that it was interest-free, Xiao Yun Hai was also overjoyed.
The interest on a 20 billion USD loan wasn't a small amount.
And it was for a five-year term.
This essentially meant they were saving at least 2-3 billion USD in interest.
"Once the money arrives, follow the previous plan and allocate 10 billion USD to upgrading infrastructure, improving the transportation network, and constructing airports in Banggi and Xunyang."
"Yes!"
The Minister of Finance nodded in agreement.
They chatted for a while longer before the Minister of Finance left.
After a while, Xiao Yun Hai picked up the phone on his desk and called Lin Na, instructing her to publicly announce the bidding for Banggi Island.
The Ministry of Transportation also announced the next day that they would be investing in the construction of an airport and a circular island highway on Banggi Island.
With the royal family and the Ministry of Transportation both announcing significant investments in Banggi Island, people immediately realized that Banggi Island was poised for significant development and had immense potential. Many began planning to open restaurants on the island.
Overseas companies, such as tourism companies and real estate companies, also began paying attention to New Han.
They began researching the advantages of New Han's tourism industry development.
Before, they wouldn't have cared.
But now, with New Han's announcement of the discovery of oil, and preliminary estimates of 1 billion tons, it's safe to say that the New Han economy will experience significant growth in the next few years.
Coupled with the wealthy royal family, this sparked increased interest from foreign investors in New Han.
Major architectural design firms, upon receiving the news, quickly dispatched personnel to contact the newly established "Banggi Island Development Company." This company was a subsidiary of Oasis Investment Company, which was Xiao Yun Hai's personal company.
They understood the needs and began designing plans.
While the outside world was abuzz with rumors, Xiao Yun Hai received a call.
It was from Liu Tian Xian.
"You've arrived in Chang'an?"
Xiao Yun Hai was a little surprised. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand? I could have made arrangements."
"I wanted to surprise you~~." Liu Tian Xian's voice came through the phone, playful and teasing. Their relationship had warmed up rapidly since their last encounter.
Although they hadn't met in person, they had been on the phone a lot.
So was Liu Shi Shi.
However, this girl still didn't know his true identity.
"Where are you now? Are you at the airport?"
"Yes, I'm at the airport with my mom."
"Your mom's... Okay, wait there, I'll send someone to pick you up."
He wanted to ask if her mom was also coming, but he thought back to the time he told Liu Xiao Li to come together. It was normal for them to come together.
"Okay~~."
After hanging up the phone, Xiao Yun Hai immediately called Lin Na and instructed her, "Go to the airport to pick up two people. One of them is named Liu Tian Xian. After picking them up, arrange for them to stay at a hotel and then report back to me."
Lin Na on the other end of the line was taken aback for a moment, but she quickly nodded in agreement and didn't ask any further questions.
"Go ahead!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
After hanging up the phone, Lin Na immediately got up and left her office. She then summoned three cars and headed towards the airport.
...
The airport.
Liu Tian Xian and her mother were currently standing at the airport exit, waiting.
Both women were visiting for the first time and were curious about this unfamiliar country.
"Mom, the people in New Han speak the same language as mainland China, Mandarin."
Hearing this, Liu Xiao Li chuckled. "Didn't I tell you before? This country was also founded by Chinese people, so they naturally speak Mandarin."
"Oh~~."
"It's good, there's no language barrier."
"Hello, are you Miss Liu Yi Fei?"
As the two were standing on the side of the road, waiting for Xiao Yun Hai's people to pick them up, three sweet-looking girls approached them with excited and eager expressions.
"You are?"
"We're your fans. You played Zhao Ling Er, Wang Yu Yan, and Xiao Long Nu so well."
"Can you sign us?"
They said, taking out a pen and paper from their bags, looking at Liu Tian Xian with hope.
Liu Tian Xian was also surprised. She didn't expect to have fans in this country. After a brief moment of shock, she gently removed her sunglasses and took the pen from the girl. "Where do you want me to sign?"
"Here will do."
The girl excitedly pointed to a spot in her notebook.
Liu Tian Xian quickly signed her name.
"Done."
"Ah, thank you!"
The girl excitedly expressed her gratitude, and the other two girls beside her screamed excitedly.
However, they didn't have a notebook, so Liu Tian Xian ended up signing on their arms.
Perhaps because of their excitement and screams.
It attracted the attention of many people.
Many people recognized Liu Tian Xian.
After all, many TV series and movies from Dragon Kingdom had been shown in New Han.
"Look, it's Liu Yi Fei."
"Where?"
"Over there!"
"Wow, it's really her. Go ask for her autograph."
"Oh my god, she's even prettier in person than on TV."
...
In an instant, hundreds of people rushed over.
The two bodyguards who were secretly protecting Liu Tian Xian and her mother saw this situation and quickly stepped forward to protect them.