The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Looking at the gifts presented to him, Zhang Chi felt a little emotional.

As expected, the Persian royal family is super wealthy. Before the oil was discovered in the Gulf region, the real rich people were the Persian royal family at that time, and the Princess Ashraf in front of him is a real rich woman.

These four gifts are heavy, luxurious, full of historical heritage and exotic style, fully demonstrating the royal family's style and the importance they attach to this visit.

It was Zhang Chi's turn to return the gift.

His gift is full of Nanyang characteristics and an impressive sense of technology:

The first piece is a "Nanyang Soaring Dragon" ornament carved from a whole piece of top-grade jadeite from northern Myanmar. The dragon has a nimble body, flying scales and claws, and is lifelike, symbolizing the rise and power of Nanyang.

The second item was a set of Nanyang's latest high-precision nautical sextants and telescopes. "May these guide Persian ships and help them carve out their own path on the oceans of the future."

The third item is a small but extremely sophisticated machine with a metallic luster - Nanyang's latest generation of transistor radio.

"Your Highness, this is a tiny breakthrough for our country in the field of electronics." Zhang Chi demonstrated it himself. He gently turned the knob, and clear music immediately flowed out of the machine without any noise.

"It doesn't require bulky tubes, is more stable, uses less power, and produces clearer sound quality. In the future, it will connect the world's voices and deliver knowledge and information."

There is no doubt that this gift directly demonstrated Nanyang's strength in cutting-edge technology. The meaning it contained far exceeded its own value, making the Sassanid princess and her accompanying officials dazzled and feel that Nanyang's promised "path to modernization" was not empty talk.

After the exchange of state gifts, the atmosphere reached a climax.

The two sides subsequently held closed-door talks, engaging in in-depth discussions on oil cooperation, technical assistance, and joint responses to regional security. Zhang Chi's accurate assessment of the international situation, his clear vision for modernization, and his profound understanding of the difficulties facing Persia deeply impressed the Sassanid princess.

His words were sharp and logical, yet he spoke with a convincing frankness and pragmatism. During the meeting, the princess was even struck several times by the prospects for cooperation and the speed of Nanyang's development that Zhang Chi described, and the idea in her heart became stronger and stronger.

A short break between talks in the terrace garden.

The Sassanid princess dismissed her attendants, leaving behind only a trusted maid. She gazed at the modern urban core of Yangon, which was beginning to take shape in the distance. She took a deep breath and turned to Zhang Chi beside her, a hint of determination and a subtle shyness on her beautiful face.

"Sir Zhang Chi—" Her voice was lower than usual, carrying a strange magnetism. "I deeply admire your foresight and courage. For my brother, and for the future of Persia, I am willing to pay any price."

She paused slightly, her beautiful eyes looking directly at Zhang Chi: "Including... myself. The Persian royal family is willing to establish the strongest bond with you and the future Nanyang Republic."

Her meaning was clear - a political marriage.

She is willing to become the link to maintain the interests of the two countries and become a woman of Zhang Chi.

Zhang Chi was slightly startled, then regained his composure.

He looked at the beautiful and brave princess and was greatly surprised.

As expected of Persia, which had a great empire spanning Europe, Asia and Africa and dared to confront the peak Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions, it had no psychological burden at all about marrying with pagans.

"Your Highness's kindness and loyalty to the country are deeply moving." Zhang Chi took a step back and said solemnly, "However, I'm deeply sorry, I'm already engaged."

A hint of disappointment flashed across the Sassanid princess's eyes, but she did not lose her composure.

She nodded slightly and puffed out her chest:

"I'm sorry for being so abrupt. Your devotion is equally admirable."

She hesitated for a moment, and with a hint of shyness, she asked tentatively in Ansa language:

"Then... I wonder if you understand that in Persia, and even in many caliphates, mistresses are also an accepted form of intimate relationship? Perhaps, we can find another way to establish a more personal... connection?"

Zhang Chi: ???

Are Aryans so straightforward?

Or has it been that the suppression of the Persian royal family by Big Mao and John has reached an imminent point?

This made the princess feel like she had found a life-saving straw and couldn't wait to throw herself into his arms?

He had to admit that the girl in front of him, the rich little Persian woman, was exotic and extremely beautiful, not to mention that she was a princess.

However, the entire country he ruled consisted of tens of millions of ordinary people, which did not allow him to think with his lower body.

Unless, this mistress... comes with a dowry...

In short, there is no rush about this matter. Otherwise, the King of Persia would become his brother-in-law, and how could he feel at ease to cheat the Persians of their oil?

Thinking of this, Zhang Chi shook his head slightly:

“Your Highness, the future of Nanyang requires open cooperation and mutual trust, not ties based on personal sentiments.

I believe that the friendship and cooperation between our two countries can be unbreakable and mutually beneficial without relying on this form. Please let us take our time and not be impatient..."

The Sassanid princess stared at Zhang Chi in silence for a moment, the disappointment in her eyes gradually replaced by a deeper admiration.

The man before him not only possessed great strength and foresight, but also firm principles and a mind that was unwavering from temptation.

Such an ally seems more trustworthy?

The princess gracefully performed a Persian court salute, and her full breasts trembled:

"I am sorry for the impoliteness. Your character is as bright as a diamond. Persia looks forward to the most candid and in-depth cooperation with Nanyang under your leadership."

Looking at the Persian princess's swaying back as she left, Zhang Chi smiled.

Just like he said, take your time and don't rush...

After seeing off the princess and her entourage, Zhang Chi returned to the office.

Secretary Liu, wearing a white sleeveless dress with floral patterns, was squatting in the corner. Her long, beautiful legs wrapped in black nylon stockings were tightly pressed together, outlining a breathtaking curve.

She stretched out her slender white fingers and gently teased the golden hamsters through the thin wire mesh of the cage.

The little ones seemed a little bolder, coming closer to her fingertips to sniff, their furry bodies chubby and adorable. In a cage nearby, two snow-white Persian cats lay lazily, their heterochromatic pupils like gemstones in the sunlight.

Seeing that it was Zhang Chi who came in, she couldn't help but laugh:

"You said this Persian state gift... is truly unique. What should we do with these little guys? Send them to the zoo or should I raise them for you?"

Seeing Secretary Liu smiling like a flower in the sunshine, Zhang Chi, who had just rejected the Persian princess, now returned to this private and familiar space. Facing his already successful, charming and loyal lover, Zhang Chi felt a heat rising from his lower abdomen.

He couldn't help but subconsciously support his waist, and laughed at himself in his heart: It seems that my old waist will suffer again tonight.

He walked over and did not answer her question directly. Instead, he reached out and held Secretary Liu's soft and slightly cool wrist. With a little force, he pulled her up lightly, and Secretary Liu leaned into his arms.

"Hmm..." She made a soft nasal sound, but did not resist. Instead, she put her body weight closer to him, tilted her head back, and her watery eyes were full of questions.

Zhang Chi put one hand around her slender yet elastic waist, and the other hand naturally climbed up.

Secretary Liu's pretty face flushed instantly, but she didn't dodge. She just buried her head in his chest and whispered, "Don't make trouble... The door is not locked..."

Zhang Chi chuckled softly, but his hands did not stop moving. He enjoyed the wonderful touch of his palms, but his eyes passed over the top of her head and fell on the golden hamsters that were still trying hard to gnaw on the melon seeds.

His eyes were thoughtful, not looking at the pet, but at a huge business opportunity.

"What do people need most after the war?"

Secretary Liu was stunned. "Need... peace? Rebuilding homes? Having enough food and clothing?"

"These are the basics." Zhang Chi walked over to the hamster cage and looked at them with interest. "But what happens after basic survival is met? After a long and brutal war, people's hearts are filled with trauma and loneliness. They need comfort, companionship, and a little warmth and softness in their lives. Pets are one of the best options."