Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2353 - 1779: Visiting Naliya (2)

Lu Yun and his associates have formed a covert business alliance, positioning him as its nominal leader, though he senses he's the only one reaping the exclusive benefits.

Yet, given it's the collective goodwill, Bai Xiaosheng graciously accepts.

The team departing alongside Bai Xiaosheng forms the tiniest group among all squads; counting him, it's just five members, each with two aides, plus one Huaxia staffer, totaling sixteen in all.

In contrast, Naliya dispatched more than thirty personnel for their protection, nearly a full infantry platoon.

Bai Xiaosheng's party heads to a commercial zone in a city seven hundred kilometers from Banjiao City, hosting four key firms in energy extraction, infrastructure building, and high-tech innovation.

Upon hearing their names, Bai Xiaosheng accessed every detail via Red Lotus, from current standings to future prospects.

This prompted him to skip probing other companies and target this spot directly.

Absent Lu Yun and his crew as rivals for the moment, Bai Xiaosheng anticipates seamless negotiations with these enterprises.

Their compact survey team travels by vehicle; Bai Xiaosheng and the rest hopped onto a minibus, joined by security staff and a captain.

This captain, a bald black man with a sturdy build and gleaming skin, exudes soldierly vigor.

Still, he treats Bai Xiaosheng and companions with utmost friendliness, respect, and warmth.

Thanks to Red Lotus's language support, Bai Xiaosheng chats effortlessly with the captain in the native tongue.

Their conversation delights the captain, who marvels at Bai Xiaosheng's fluency, flashing thumbs-ups and heaping praise nonstop.

"Huaxia people, incredible! So friendly too—we've gotten tons of aid from you. I truly admire Huaxia folks!" The captain shares his honest admiration openly.

Bai Xiaosheng grins, offers thanks, and relays the captain's words to his Huaxia teammates aboard.

All marvel at Bai Xiaosheng's command of the local dialect, urging him to translate as they banter with the captain, filling the trip with lively camaraderie.

Hours into the journey, the convoy abruptly stops.

The captain swiftly checks via his earpiece; his face shifts upon hearing the report, then he instructs Bai Xiaosheng and others to stay put while he exits hastily.

Through the windows, bus passengers spot a massive jam of crowds and cars ahead, hinting at an incident, igniting buzz and guesses inside.

An hour drags by with zero updates.

Tension builds among the bus occupants.

One Huaxia entrepreneur turns to Bai Xiaosheng, "Mr. Bai, any idea what's blocking the road ahead? You're our sole local speaker—English barely works here. Could you check it out? Sitting idle isn't productive."

The rest voice similar pleas.

Bai Xiaosheng pauses briefly, nods, and replies, "Sure, I'll inquire."

Lei Ying chimes in, "I'll accompany you."

As Bai Xiaosheng's aide and guard, particularly overseas, Lei Ying sticks by his side naturally.

Lin Weiwei itches to join but knows she'd add little value and might hinder, so she restrains herself.

Amid watchful eyes, Bai Xiaosheng alerts the onboard security, then descends with Lei Ying.

Spotting the captain in rapid talk with soldiers, Bai Xiaosheng strides over promptly.

Hearing steps, the captain pivots, registers mild surprise at Bai Xiaosheng, then beams warmly.

"Mr. Bai, what brings you out here?" the captain inquires courteously.

Bai Xiaosheng returns the smile, "Speaking for the bus group, I'm here to learn what occurred."

The captain shoos away his men, glances at the stalled convoy, and informs Bai Xiaosheng, "The bridge up front got swept away by floodwaters."

"A bridge? Swept by water?" Bai Xiaosheng voices astonishment.

Unlike Huaxia's varied seasons, this land knows only wet and dry spells; the rains weren't due, so how did floods demolish a bridge so fiercely?

Bai Xiaosheng frowns in bewilderment.

Noting the puzzlement, the captain shrugs wryly, "See our spot—midway between cities but utterly isolated. Locals split into two tribes, clashing yearly over water at this season. Government erected a reservoir, yet recent irrigation disputes escalated. Each side hoarded water, bursting the dam; the neglected bridge then crumbled. Detour seems inevitable. The villages handle relief but lack hands. Leaders hoped we'd aid, but no dice—escorting you comes first."

Despite his words, the captain eyes the scene with evident concern.

Grasping his urge to aid, Bai Xiaosheng nods firmly, "Got the picture now. I'll head back and brief our team."

The captain nods back, mustering a strained smile for Bai Xiaosheng.

Bai Xiaosheng reboards and relays everything to the group.

The merchants sigh deeply, voicing regrets.

"Everyone!" Bai Xiaosheng calls out sharply, silencing chatter as all turn to him.

He presses on, "Reasons aside, disaster strikes people now. We're no laborers and carry a mission, barring direct aid, yet we can't charge ahead—but concern we can show. Let's urge the captain to send folks for relief. Thoughts?"

Merchants trade looks at his proposal.

Bai Xiaosheng elaborates, "Naliya stays peaceful, so road risks are low. This heavy guard honors us as guests. Time to act for Huaxia with a kind gesture."

"We're standing for far more than ourselves right now!"

His tone earnest, not fiery, Bai Xiaosheng's words ring true, eyes meeting each gaze steadily.

Impressed by his youthful sense of duty, the businessmen swiftly consent.

"Agreed!"

"No issues!"

Calls of support ring out.

Bai Xiaosheng beams at them, then exits once more.

Locating the captain, he conveys the team's resolve.

"No way, friend—I'm military, orders bind me. You're valued guests; safety first!" the captain protests swiftly.

Still, his sympathy for victims shines through.

"Route's rerouted, awaiting HQ go-ahead. We'll roll soon—some mud ahead, but main highway quick. Delay minimal..." he outlines to Bai Xiaosheng.

Bai Xiaosheng halts him with a raised hand, locks eyes intently, and states gravely, "I see you and your team itch for rescue duty. We back you fully! Naliya's secure; excess guards unnecessary. Please dive into relief now!"

Moved by Bai Xiaosheng's earnest gravity, the captain hesitates, lips tight, then admits, "Can't decide solo—need clearance!"

He steps off to phone, but halts, returns, extends his hand to Bai Xiaosheng with deep, thankful eyes.

Bai Xiaosheng clasps it firmly.

"Just like the Huaxia folk I know—righteous, loyal, real friends!"

With that, the captain strides away purposefully.

As the captain dials, Bai Xiaosheng reaches out to Hou Yuncheng, sharing the group's position.

Hou Yuncheng backs Bai Xiaosheng wholeheartedly.

Ultimately, Hou Yuncheng's high-level pull succeeds; orders arrive for the captain to join rescue ops.

Five guards stay with Bai Xiaosheng's minibus; others remain for relief work.

Pre-departure, the captain rushes to the bus, bows profoundly to Bai Xiaosheng and Huaxia passengers, thumps his chest, thumbs up, and in halting Chinese, declares earnestly.

"Thank you, my friends!"