Two days later, Tang Mi and Arthur arrived at Emir’s place.

This time, Emir chose to receive them in his private living quarters, his “inner palace.” The banquet was a private family meal without additional guests; only his second wife and an attendant joined them.

This was a good sign, Tang Mi thought, a testament to the success of Arthur’s previous “using the enemy’s tactics” strategy. Emir had begun to believe that Arthur was indeed a member of the renowned Solomon family in Europe after secretly observing the documents Arthur had intentionally left at the hotel and eavesdropping on their conversations. The Solomon family had long controlled Western Europe’s shipping industry and was rumored to be a significant force behind the Freemasons, who discreetly influenced the economic and political pulse of the West, holding much of the world’s power in their hands.

If Arthur truly was part of the Solomon family, Emir would be keen to grow closer to him. Arms trading was secondary; what mattered most was finding a more reliable ally than Country A. But all of this hinged on the credibility of Arthur’s identity.

“Mr. Arthur, our previous collaborations have been quite enjoyable. Your generosity and kindness have made me deeply appreciate the value of friendship. For that, I extend my sincerest thanks,” Emir said, raising his glass and nodding at Arthur. He was dressed in formal attire tonight—a refined but subdued silk suit. His hair was slicked back, revealing a forehead and a sharp chin. His pale skin, like snow untouched by sunlight, looked cold and smooth without needing to be touched.

His quiet eyes matched his voice, calm yet undeniably carrying an undercurrent of suppressed authority and gravity.

Of course, Emir’s authority and gravitas weren’t merely due to his impressive gaze. A man capable of simultaneously influencing and controlling a government and powerful forces would need not only an astute mind and strategic insight but also a keen ability to understand human nature. At that moment, he was subtly observing Arthur’s expression.

“It is my honor to earn your friendship, and I sincerely hope that this bond will not only be maintained but will deepen,” Arthur smiled, clinking his glass with Emir’s, though he didn’t drink. Instead, he glanced outside at the lush greenery, his eyes carrying an unreadable gleam. “Both Ann and I really like it here. Africa’s economy is growing steadily, with import and export trade increasing rapidly. Demand for international shipping has reached unprecedented levels. My family hopes to contribute to this, for Africa’s further prosperity.”

After speaking, he raised his glass toward Emir and then took a slow sip.

“Between friends, there’s no need for cryptic language. Can you tell me directly what you need—or rather, what your family needs?” Emir put down his glass and looked at Arthur, hands clasped under his chin, with an expression so sincere it seemed he would agree to any request Arthur might make without hesitation.

“Thirty-five percent of Z Country’s airline shares,” Arthur said bluntly, revealing his purpose. His smile was polished and appropriate, but his tone carried an undeniable firmness and a faint but unmistakable hint of authority, projecting the image of an ambitious young man born to succeed—a portrayal not lost on Emir.

“My friend, everything must be reasonable. Z Country’s airline is a state-owned enterprise, and no one but the president has any sway over it.

I am merely a local chieftain; your request is beyond my reach.” In contrast to Arthur’s forceful demeanor, Emir’s voice was surprisingly restrained and calm, each syllable exuding a worldliness and understanding that was hard to refuse.

“To my knowledge, the president is currently troubled about expanding the airline’s business, and his greatest concern is finding a reliable and loyal investor. But you are his most trusted brother-in-law. A few thousand words in a financial risk assessment report pale in comparison to a single word from a close relative. Family, after all, is a man’s most valuable asset, isn’t it? Chief, I am not a stingy person. I would be very willing to give you and your family a small but exceptionally satisfying gift.”

Arthur looked at Emir meaningfully, with a sharpness in his gaze that couldn’t be concealed. Emir’s primary wife was the daughter of the president’s brother in Z Country and a princess from one of the most powerful tribes in the country. According to intelligence from MI6, Emir not only enjoyed the trust of his father-in-law but was also highly regarded by the president himself.

Arthur understood that Emir’s hesitation wasn’t due to an inability to fulfill the request but because he wanted compensation—and substantial compensation at that. He wasn’t yet sure whether Arthur had the means to pay it.

As expected, Emir remained silent, simply locking eyes with Arthur, his face expressionless, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of calculation and deliberation. A moment later, he curved his lips and said slowly, “Mr. Arthur, thank you for your generosity. We Sicilians have a saying: ‘A friend is the best remedy when away from home.’ However, I recently had a shipment of valuable goods seized for no apparent reason, which has been quite troublesome for me.”

Arthur knew that the valuable goods Emir mentioned were precisely the weapons purchased from Country A. The contract was to be executed in three stages, but the first batch of weapons had been blocked by customs when it was about to enter Z Country, which had indeed been a headache for Emir. Now, bringing this up was his way of suggesting he wanted to use the Solomon family’s shipping company to smuggle the weapons.

It seemed that the cunning fish had already taken the bait, and all Arthur needed to do was reel it in swiftly and precisely.

“It just so happens that our shipping company has received an order from a United Nations relief organization. We need to transport a shipment of medical equipment to your country. Hand your goods over to me, and if we mix them in with my shipment, I’m confident that no customs official would dare to deny entry to UN relief supplies,” Arthur explained calmly, a determined smile spreading across his face. His raised brows and slight smirk made him look like a powerful lion, proud and razor-sharp.

Emir nodded, then turned to his wife, instructing, “Elisa, didn’t you mention wanting to ask Miss Ann for some photography tips? Why don’t you take a walk in the garden with her?”

He then looked at Tang Mi and added, “Elisa has not been in good spirits lately and would appreciate having a well-traveled friend to talk with and lift her mood. I’m sure, Miss Ann, you would be her perfect confidante.”

“Of course, conversations between men can be dry and dull. I’m really looking forward to the company of a refined lady like Madame Elisa, so we can chat about topics women enjoy.”

“Of course, conversations between men can be dry and dull. I’m looking forward to the company of a refined lady like Madame Elisa, so we can chat about topics women enjoy. Dear, would you mind if I step away for a bit?” Tang Mi turned to look at Arthur with a smile.

“Of course not. Have a nice chat with the chieftain’s wife, and be careful—there may be a lot of bugs in the garden.” Arthur lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her cool lips, his voice tender enough to melt, yet his gaze, concealed beneath his lashes, held a subtle meaning, especially when he mentioned the word “bugs.”

Tang Mi looked at him in silence, their gazes meeting like two sets of invisible codes, transmitting a tacit message in that brief instant.

Suddenly, Tang Mi gave him a charming smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

So far, everything was progressing smoothly, Tang Mi thought as she stood in the courtyard, beside a large flame tree, gently stroking the thick, crimson petals.

Emir had deliberately sent her away with his wife to discuss further trade details with Arthur. It was a sign of complete trust, and whatever they discussed was inconsequential. What mattered most was that Tang Mi was now at the heart of Emir’s palace.

“I heard your first meeting with Mr. Arthur was quite interesting,” came the lively voice of Madame Elisa, Elisa, from behind, not at all reflecting the frail demeanor Emir had described.

Tang Mi turned, slightly lowering her gaze, her eyes seeming to search for something as they glimmered. “Yes, I was taking photos at the time, of the elephants in the jungle.”

“Oh? And how did you happen to meet Mr. Arthur?” Elisa’s pretty face showed a curious expression.

“He was hunting at that time,” Tang Mi replied, the corners of her mouth curving slightly as if recalling a sweet memory, while her fingers discreetly opened the small bag hanging from her wrist behind her back.

“And then?” Elisa’s slender, willow-like brows arched. She was of mixed heritage, inheriting the slender figure of her African lineage and the striking features of her European ancestry. Her dusky golden skin and coffee-colored curls gleamed with an enchanting radiance under the night sky.

“Then, he stepped right into my shot and imprinted himself on my heart, never to be erased,” Tang Mi said, taking a spherical object from her bag. In the shadows of her back, the metal sphere rested obediently like a well-behaved little creature.

Author’s Note: Can anyone guess what the metal sphere in Tang Mi’s hand is for?

To those clamoring for more intense scenes, patience—while the main story focuses on the mission. When it’s time, you’ll get what you’re waiting for.