How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 673

Although talking about money can be awkward, it was, after all, a matter of 10 billion USD. Yang Chen couldn’t simply refuse. Salam needed to find a solution.

Salam knew his financial limitations; he certainly couldn’t produce 10 billion USD in cash or transfer it to Yang Chen.

While other resources might be scarce, oil was definitely abundant.

Salam naturally considered using oil to settle the debt, but he hadn’t decided whether to give Yang Chen the oil directly or use equity or a partnership to repay the 10 billion USD.

Salam smiled and asked, “So, Mr. Yang, what are your preferences?”

Yang Chen replied, “Actually, I’m flexible. I can accept cash, transfers, equity of equal value, goods, anything really. Whatever works best for you.”

Salam suggested, “How about I give you shares in the Saudi Aramco Group?”

The Saudi Aramco Group has a market value of 2.4 trillion USD. At that valuation, Salam would only need to give Yang Chen 0.42% of his shares.

This small percentage wouldn’t significantly impact the group or Salam himself. It was a cost-effective way for Salam to settle the debt.

Yang Chen could hold the shares for dividends or sell them for cash, making it a beneficial arrangement for him.

“Okay, I accept your repayment method,” Yang Chen said with a smile, raising his glass. Salam quickly reciprocated the toast, and they both drank.

Havide chimed in, smiling, “That matter is settled. What about the three islands? Salam, what are your thoughts?”

Adubi had spent 3.5 billion USD to acquire those three islands, so losing them to Yang Chen was a substantial loss.

However, Salam himself had lost 10 billion USD to Yang Chen, so he couldn’t fault Adubi, nor did he want to retract his promise.

He conceded, “Of course, we’re willing to accept the loss. Since Adubi lost those three islands to Mr. Yang, they now rightfully belong to him.”

Havide affirmed, “Excellent. All the issues are resolved. Let’s set aside official matters and focus on enjoying our meal and drinks.”

The three concluded their meal in high spirits, and Havide arranged for the property transfer from Adubi to Yang Chen to be processed. Once completed, the three islands were officially Yang Chen’s.

Salam glared at Adubi, clearly intending to reprimand him upon their return home.

Yang Chen proposed with a smile, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, I’d like to invite you to visit the islands. Would you be interested?”

Salam responded, “Yes, I’m eager to see what makes these islands worth 3.5 billion USD.”

Havide agreed, “Let’s go and take a look together. It’s true that 3.5 billion USD is a bargain for these islands, practically half-price. If the area between the islands is filled in, connecting them into one, it would create an island of at least 1.5 square kilometers. With proper development, it could become a major tourist destination.”

Havide’s mention of land reclamation indicated that he would likely approve such a project if Yang Chen pursued it in the future.

The three boarded Havide’s private yacht to Island No. 1. Islands No. 2 and No. 3 were each a few hundred meters away.

Only the coastal area of Island No. 1 had been partially developed; the forest in the island’s center remained untouched.

Tourists were enjoying the beach, confirming the island’s potential for further development.

Building a cross-sea bridge to allow direct access from the mainland, and then connecting the three islands with bridges, could attract many tourists to the Middle East.

Salam lamented, “It’s a shame Adubi lost such valuable islands to Mr. Yang. If we had these islands for development, we would transform them into a world-class tourist destination.”

Yang Chen suggested with a smile, “Here’s an idea: I retain ownership of the islands, but we cooperate on their development. We can all profit together. How does that sound?”

Havide, always seeking closer ties with Yang Chen, saw an opportunity.

Havide exclaimed, “That’s fantastic! I couldn’t ask for anything better! Thank you, Mr. Yang, for including us! Salam, what do you think?”

Salam responded, “With such a promising opportunity, I must seize it. How would the equity be divided?”

Yang Chen proposed, “I retain ownership and take 34% of the development rights. You two each contribute half of the development funds and receive 33% of the shares. In essence, you invest the capital, and I invest the development rights. What are your thoughts?”

Havide immediately agreed. Anything that strengthened his relationship with Yang Chen was worthwhile.

Salam hesitated briefly, then reasoned that since Yang Chen owned the islands, many others would be eager to invest if he declined. He had little room to negotiate.

So, Salam agreed with a smile, “Okay, we’ll proceed as Mr. Yang suggests.”

The three acted swiftly. Upon returning to shore, they contacted their respective companies to dispatch representatives to sign the cooperation agreement.

Yang Chen planned to entrust the development, management, and operation of the islands to Xingchen Tourism Holding Group, so he called Wu Kangming, the chairman of the group.

Yang Chen said, “Hello, Chairman Wu, I’ve acquired three islands for the company. Please send someone to Jinbai immediately to sign a cooperation agreement.”

Wu Kangming asked, “Really? The islands are in Jinbai?”

Yang Chen confirmed, “Yes! Valued at 3 billion USD. Handle the details as you see fit.”

Wu Kangming exclaimed, “That’s a significant amount! The company doesn’t have that much cash on hand.”

Yang Chen suggested, “Have the company borrow the funds from me, using the company’s assets as collateral.”

Wu Kangming replied, “Understood. I’ll send someone to meet you right away. With these three islands, our company’s IPO [Initial Public Offering] will be a success.”

Yang Chen chuckled, “Whether it’s a success or not isn’t the main concern. I simply want to make every company I manage the biggest and strongest.”

Wu Kangming responded, “Understood. I’ll dispatch a special team immediately.”

Havide hosted Yang Chen and Salam in the UAE for two days. Salam enjoyed himself immensely and invited Yang Chen to visit Saudi Arabia.

Salam’s team, Al-Nassr, was scheduled to play a derby match against Al-Hilal in the same city in a few days. Salam wanted to invite Yang Chen and Havide to watch the game and meet stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Despite being the wealthiest person globally, Yang Chen had never seen these stars play live.

Salam’s invitation was appealing to Yang Chen.

As the King, Havide couldn’t easily leave the country, but he indicated that he would try to accompany Yang Chen if he decided to go.

Yang Chen was tempted to watch the game, but he also had to consider his safety.

While Havide in the UAE was undoubtedly friendly, Saudi Arabia might not be as welcoming. Yang Chen needed to prioritize his personal security.

So Yang Chen said, “I’ll decide in a couple of days. If I’m free, I’ll go.”

Salam replied, “Okay! Let me know in advance so I can prepare to welcome you. I’ll head back now. Your Majesty, Mr. Yang, goodbye!”

Yang Chen and Havide saw Salam into his car and watched his motorcade depart.

Yang Chen asked with a smile, “Havide, do you think it’s safe for me to go?”

Havide inquired, “Is Mr. Yang concerned about security?”

Yang Chen nodded.

Havide responded, “No one can guarantee 100% safety, so I can’t say definitively. However, you can have Xingchen Defense Company prepare security measures in advance. I’ll accompany you as well. My position offers some protection.”

That was true. Havide, as the King of the UAE, would receive the highest level of security in Saudi Arabia. Being with him would afford Yang Chen a similar level of protection.

Of course, Yang Chen’s caution didn’t necessarily mean he would face danger in Saudi Arabia. It was simply prudent to be prepared.

In the evening, Yang Chen returned to the room prepared for him by the Jinbai branch of Xingchen Defense Group with Maya.

Yang Chen said, “I’m going to Saudi Arabia tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?”

Maya replied, “If it’s convenient, I’d love to go.”

Yang Chen said, “It’s just a trip, so it’s certainly convenient. Let’s get some sleep and leave early tomorrow.”

Maya nodded and helped Yang Chen prepare for bed.

The flight from Jinbai to Riyadh was only one hour and ten minutes, just enough time to listen to a few songs.

Upon arrival, Salam personally greeted Yang Chen and Havide.

Salam arranged for them to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where all security personnel had been replaced with royal bodyguards and special agents.

From the moment Yang Chen and Havide checked in, the hotel was closed to the public. Existing reservations were relocated to other hotels.

At noon, Salam hosted a state banquet for Yang Chen and Havide. Afterward, he took them sightseeing until evening.

At 9:30 PM, Yang Chen returned to his hotel room.

Mohammed Hammers, the president of Xingchen Defense Saudi Arabia Branch, arrived to greet Yang Chen.

Hammers said, “Mr. Yang, welcome to Riyadh. On behalf of myself and the branch members, I extend our greetings. I hope you enjoy your trip.”

Yang Chen nodded with a smile and asked, “Thank you. How is business here?”

Hammers replied, “Business is thriving, Mr. Yang. There are many wealthy individuals, and our reputation is strong. We have numerous clients seeking security services.”

Yang Chen said, “Good to hear. I plan to go out after 9:00 AM tomorrow. Please make the necessary preparations.”

Hammers responded, “Understood. I will arrange a safe route for you immediately and deliver it to you in the morning.”

Yang Chen said, “Okay! Get some rest.”

Hammers said, “I won’t disturb your rest any further. See you tomorrow.”

Yang Chen nodded and saw Hammers out.

After a day of sightseeing, Maya was exhausted. She fell asleep in bed without even showering.

Yang Chen smiled and removed her shoes and socks. As he was about to cover her with the quilt, she hugged his neck and said with a smile, “You haven’t shown me affection in days. You’re neglecting me.”

Yang Chen asked, “Weren’t you asleep?”

Maya giggled, “I’ll sleep, you do your thing, we don’t interfere with each other.”

Yang Chen joked, “That’s not something an innocent person like me should say! What do you mean by that? I don’t understand at all.”

Maya teased, “Then you’ll have to figure it out. If you don’t satisfy me, I won’t let you sleep.”

Only Yang Chen’s rapid recovery allowed him to keep up with her desires.

…

After breakfast, Yang Chen and Maya went out.

They had intended to invite Havide, but his position required him to pay a formal visit to Saudi Arabia.

It was customary for him to visit important friendly nations after becoming king.

Yang Chen followed the route map provided by Hammers. The entire route was secured by Xingchen Defense Saudi Arabia Branch personnel, ensuring a swift response to any unexpected events.

The two enjoyed themselves until lunchtime and found a nearby restaurant.

Shortly after they sat down, a waiter approached and said, “Sir, Madam, I apologize, but a very important guest wishes to reserve the entire venue. Would you mind moving to another restaurant?”

Although Yang Chen and Maya were annoyed, they decided to cooperate to avoid causing trouble for the restaurant.

However, as they were about to leave, the guest who wanted to book the venue said to Maya, “Beautiful lady, you can stay and continue eating. But this person is either Japanese or Korean. He has to leave.”

Yang Chen retorted, “Your dad is Chinese. What kind of eyes do you have? How can you tell I’m Japanese or Korean?”

Yang Chen had initially intended to cooperate, but the guest was clearly trying to provoke him, so he decided to stay.

Yang Chen stated, “We arrived first and have been waiting for nearly ten minutes. He wants to book the venue now, so we refuse to give up our seats. Waiter, please continue serving our food. We’re not leaving. We’re eating here.”

The waiter looked embarrassed and explained, “Sir, Madam, I apologize for the inconvenience. It will be difficult for us if you don’t leave.”

Yang Chen replied, “Difficult? Then don’t do it. We’re not leaving. He can book the venue somewhere else.”

The man who wanted to book the venue scoffed, “Are you kidding me? Why are you preventing people from doing business? Is it more profitable to do business with you two, or with me booking the entire venue? Can’t you figure that out?”

Yang Chen countered, “Oh, it’s just booking the venue? Waiter, I’ll cover all the expenses for your restaurant from now until closing time today. Now serve us our food and kick them out. Don’t let them ruin our appetite. Understand?”