If you cheat, money will follow

On April 4, another blockbuster news shocked the global energy community.

Aramco spent more than 1000 billion yuan and announced two major investment plans in China.

First, they acquired 10% of the shares of a subsidiary of a well-known domestic petrochemical listed company and signed a 20-year long-term agreement to supply 50 barrels of crude oil per day.

Second, Aramco has also joined forces with another domestic petrochemical giant to build a large-scale integrated refining and chemical project in Northeast China with an annual production capacity of 1500 million tons. It is expected to be completed within five years, with a total investment of US$5 billion.

The CEO of Aramco told reporters at the signing ceremony that these two cooperations are not only to ensure that Aramco becomes a sustainable energy and chemical supplier with high-quality development and provide a solid guarantee for the long-term energy security of the country, but also to promote the two China's strategic cooperation in the energy field continues to deepen.

As soon as this news came out, the domestic energy sector surged, with 90% of energy stocks hitting their daily limit.

However, in stark contrast, U.S. energy stocks fell sharply across the board, and the market reaction was mixed.

North America was also shaken.

In the White House, an emergency meeting on energy strategy is being held.

"Mr. President, whether it is Leda's investment in Aramco or Saudi Arabia's investment on the other side, these have sent a very negative signal to us." Jack analyzed seriously to the Sleeping King, "This is not just a business behavior. It’s simple and reflects a deep strategic layout.”

"We must adopt a more core strategy to deal with it, and we must not let the other side's efforts in these areas succeed." Jack's tone was full of determination.

However, the Sleeping King has concerns: "But you have to know that we have another conflict to deal with now, and the situation is escalating. Our resources and energy are limited and must be allocated carefully."

He paused and continued: "You should know that many problems cannot be solved yet, at least not now."

"Mr. President, I understand your concerns. But I think it is necessary for us to personally come forward and guide the other party back to the right track of cooperation. They can do some restricted commercial trade, but they must not allow uncontrolled comprehensive cooperation. ." Jack suggested eagerly.

"Moreover, according to our intelligence, they may be discussing the settlement method of crude oil trade." At this point, Jack's expression became solemn.

Sleeping King looked stern when he heard this: "Are you sure this news is reliable?"

"It shouldn't be wrong. Both sides have motives and tendencies in this regard." Jack replied affirmatively.

The Sleeping King was silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke: "In order to change this unfavorable situation, I can authorize you to travel on my behalf. But you have to remember that the other party is not an easy character to deal with, and we may have to pay some price. "He reminded.

After hearing this, Jack was confident: "We can consider giving them some help in the civilian nuclear program, and even expand the scope of arms sales appropriately. Of course, the premise of all this is that they must make the right choice to compete with the other side economically and militarily. "Keep a certain distance."

He spoke categorically, clearly having a comprehensive plan in mind.

However, Sleeping King is still a little worried: "What if the other party refuses? After all, the relationship between us is not so harmonious now."

In Jiangzhou, a friendly primary school girls basketball match between the Second Affiliated Primary School and the First Affiliated Primary School of Jiangda University is in full swing.

On the court, Chang Jiang controls the rhythm.

She stood at the top of the arc and cleverly held the ball to break through from the left, like a bolt of lightning that passed through the defense line of the defenders and penetrated into the heart of the penalty area.

Her movements are quick and decisive, attracting the attention of almost every defender in the penalty area.

Immediately afterwards, Chang Jiang cleverly sent the ball inside with an exquisite behind-the-back pass.

The ball refracted from the ground and accurately landed in the hands of his 1-meter-tall teammate.

The tall teammate easily caught the ball and then hit the board with a dash, sending the ball into the net.

"Chang Jiang, that's a beautiful pass, keep it up!" The coach's praise and applause sounded in time.

Chang Jiang made an OK gesture to the coach, his face filled with confidence and vitality.

"Holy shit... your daughter is such a genius. This pass is so creative. She can actually pass the ball accurately in the crowd." Zheng Peng was amazed.

"It's still early to say she has talent. She just loves basketball and is willing to work hard to practice." Although Chang Le was happy in her heart, she was still modest.

At the hobby level, hard work is more important than talent.

But to reach the professional level, talent is particularly important.

"It's good for children to have sports hobbies. My kid knows that holding a tablet or mobile phone is really a headache." Zheng Peng shook his head helplessly.

"Hey, where were we talking about just now?" Zheng Peng asked suddenly.

"You mentioned that the White House security adviser will visit the Middle East as a special envoy." Chang Le reminded.

"Oh, yes. If you choose to go at this time, you must want to disrupt the situation and make the situation more complicated." Zheng Peng analyzed.

"Hmph, let's disrupt the situation. If they can disrupt it for a while, they can disrupt it for the rest of their lives?" Chang Le disagreed, "Besides, don't think of Xiao Sa too simply. He has his own position, ideas and goals. The relationship between them is very delicate now.”

So, where does this subtlety manifest itself?

The Great Reconciliation made North America deeply disappointed and angry. They could only use an old incident a few years ago to impose economic sanctions.

Furthermore, the shale gas revolution has transformed North America from a major crude oil importer to an exporter.

This change has put the two sides on opposite sides of competition on the economic and trade chessboard, and the relationship has gradually drifted apart.

The Sleeping King's gaffes on many occasions reveal his gentle appearance but his inner arrogance.

He rashly referred to the other party as a citizen, which undoubtedly deepened the rift between the two parties.

Chang Le took over the conversation calmly: "Xiao Sa has now given up his past unilateral betting strategy and turned to multi-lateral betting. Therefore, we don't have to place high expectations on him, just treat it as a normal trade transaction. "

"Are you really not worried about your $1000 billion investment?" Zheng Peng asked doubtfully.

Chang Le responded with a smile: "Why worry? After all, not all countries have the strength and influence of Eagle Sauce..."

……

Night falls.

Jack, the Sleeping King's envoy, finally arrives in Riad.

However, the reception from Saudi Arabia was not as grand as he expected.

Only one prince greeted him at the airport, and the reception was no different from Chang Le, even more cold in some details.

This made Jack feel unhappy, and his original confidence was gradually shrouded in a layer of gloom.

On the way to the hotel, Jack eagerly proposed to meet Xiao Sa immediately, but was declined by the prince.

"Mr. Jack, His Highness has fallen asleep. He will take time to meet with you tomorrow morning." The prince explained.

"Already rested?" Jack glanced at his watch. It was only 9pm.

At this time, the nightlife in Saudi Arabia has just begun.

"Take time?" Jack was secretly dissatisfied. He represented President Eagle!

Although he was angry inside, Jack still maintained his proper "demeanor".

He made a reasonable excuse for himself: "No problem, I also need some time to get over the jet lag."