Boarding from Singapore Changi Airport to Kuwait International Airport, the whole flight took about five and a half hours, Tang Bao slept soundly on the plane, so when he arrived in Kuwait in the afternoon, he was no longer drowsy, but full of energy. Pen, fun, and www.biquge.info

Following the crowd, we passed through airport security and then followed the signs and quickly walked out of the terminal building through Exit 6.

"Don, welcome to Kuwait!" As soon as Tang Bao and Kate and the others walked out of the terminal building, they saw a middle-aged man wearing sunglasses coming to greet him.

"Thank you, Taraka, I didn't expect to alarm you to come and pick you up in person." Tang Bao smiled and expressed his gratitude. Before leaving for Kuwait, Tang Bao communicated with Taraka in advance, informing him of the decision to return the funds of the Kuwait Investment Authority, and expressing his willingness to come to Kuwait for investment investigation.

"Thank you, it is proper etiquette for the host to greet guests." Taraka smiled, and then explained, "Originally, my uncle was going to come to the airport with me to meet you, but there was a temporary accident and he couldn't come, so I apologize on his behalf." ”

Uncle?

Taraka is a member of the Kuwaiti royal family, so his uncle must also be a member of the royal family, and it is difficult for Tang Bao to get other information.

He and Taraka got acquainted with BP Petroleum since they invested, and since then they have often interacted frequently at various business banquets, but they are all superficial. Last year, Tang Bao invited Taraka to a banquet and pulled him to pay money to short the Japanese stock market, which was the first time that the two sides cooperated in business.

Seeing the confusion in Tang Bao's eyes, Taraka explained simply: "My uncle is the Deputy Minister of Finance and a director of the Kuwait Investment Authority. He's heard a lot about you a long time ago and is looking forward to meeting you. ”

"I'm looking forward to it too." After learning that Taraka's uncle was a director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Tang Bao replied with a smile.

The goal of Tang Baolai Kuwait is very clear, that is, oil!

But.

The Kuwaiti state controls oil, and it is difficult for foreign capital to get involved in upstream oil exploration. If Tang Bao wants to break this iron law, his biggest hope is the Kuwait Investment Authority. Only by establishing a good relationship with the Kuwait Investment Authority and letting the other party see that more benefits can be obtained by cooperating with him, can Tang Bao hope to obtain Kuwaiti oil.

"Don, Miss Kate, please!" Taraka walked up to a Rolls-Royce, opened the door himself, smiled and made a gesture of invitation.

Tang Bao was not polite, and sat in directly with his head bowed, and Kate followed. Then, Taraka closed the door and sat in the passenger seat.

Through the car window, Tang Bao looked at the row of vehicles parked outside, all of them were Rolls-Royce, obviously, they were all sent by Taraka.

"He is worthy of being a tyrant in the Middle East!" Tang Bao secretly sighed. Think about it in your garage, there are only three cars in total, and a decent luxury car is only a Cadillac bulletproof sedan, which is simply weak compared to Taraka, a local tyrant in the Middle East. "Maybe I should buy a few luxury cars for my garage......"

……

About twenty minutes later.

Taraka led Tang Bao to a villa with a sea view, and said with a smile: "Tang, this is a villa under my name, it has been idle, and in the future, it will be yours." ”

Forehead.

Tang Bao was slightly stunned, and then sighed secretly, he is worthy of being a local tyrant in the Middle East, and if he doesn't agree with him, he will send a seaview villa! The sea-view villa in front of him, Tang Bao hasn't had time to look at it in detail, but it is definitely the top sea-view villa, and its value will not be less than 10 million US dollars. Taraka gave it to Tang Bao casually without blinking, and it was not ungenerous to make a move.

"Don, you also need a place to stay in Kuwait, you can't stay in a hotel every time you come to Kuwait, right? It's just a small gift from friends, don't say no. "Taraka Road.

"Okay, I'll take the gift." Tang Bao smiled and nodded.

When it comes to this, it is naturally difficult to refuse, not to mention that he helped the Kuwait Investment Authority earn more than 10 billion US dollars, and it is not too much to receive a villa with a sea view!

"The villa has been vacant for a long time, but it has always been equipped with housekeepers, cooks, maids, etc., if you like it, you can stay, and if you are not satisfied, you can change it, whatever you want." Taraka continued.

"Don't bother, just keep it." Tang Bao said, don't look at Taraka's casual words, but if he agrees to replace the original housekeeper servant, it is tantamount to showing that he does not trust the other party in disguise, even if Taraka doesn't say anything, there will definitely be a thorn in his heart.

So.

Tang Bao simply didn't make changes, which was really troublesome; secondly, there are Ray, Natalia and others who are responsible for guarding and are not afraid of being stolen; Finally, his stay in Kuwait was short and he would not live indefinitely, so there was no need to waste too much thought. And Kuwait is about to usher in the baptism of war, and it is uncertain whether this sea view villa can be preserved.

"It's up to you." Taraka continued. However, the smile on his face clearly showed that he was very satisfied with Tang Bao's attitude.

After all.

Everyone wants more trust.

……

Taraka led Tang Bao and Kate to introduce the general situation of the entire villa.

"Don, Miss Kate, I have prepared a simple reception at home...... Let's go over together. Taraka laughed.

"Home?"

Tang Bao was surprised.

"This is already Tang's property, I can't put it in the guest's house if I set up a banquet to entertain the guests, right? Five or six hundred meters away from here, I also have a villa, where I usually live. So, Don, we'll be neighbors from now on...... Ha ha! Taraka laughed heartily.

Well.

Tang Bao nodded understandingly.

……

The reception feast has typical Arabic characteristics, roast lamb, roast beef, roast whole camel, and some desserts, fruits and other foods.

There are no alcoholic beverages, only juices and other beverages.

on this.

Tang Bao was not surprised, in his previous life, he was often active in the Middle East, and he knew some dietary taboos, and Kuwait happened to be a country where alcohol was banned nationwide.

……

The reception feast is a private feast set up by Taraka, and there is no one else but Taraka. Therefore, the atmosphere of the banquet is relatively relaxed and casual.

Tang Bao and Taraka chatted while eating, chatting, and then moved on to the topic of financial investment. This is also normal, after all, both of them are engaged in investment.

"I have met many top investors, some of them are famous, some are unknown, but all of them are brilliant, but there is only one thing I really admire from the bottom of my heart, and that is you, Tang!"

"It's my pleasure." Tang Bao responded modestly. He also knows that his performance of almost winning every battle, and his strokes are getting bigger and bigger every time, which is indeed a bit against the sky.

"When I am at the helm of the Kuwait Investment Authority, it seems that I am very prosperous, but in fact I am under a lot of pressure, especially in the last two years, when the investment projects have been losing money one after another. Internal criticism and doubts are increasing, and if I can't change the situation, I'm afraid it's not far from being forced to leave class. So, Don, I'll have to be cheeky to ask you for advice today, and I'll have to give me some pointers anyway. Taraka said with a bitter face.

It turned out to be waiting here, no wonder they just met and sent a seaview villa.

Tang Bao didn't know if Taraka was really bitter or pretended, but he just wanted to improve his relationship with the Kuwait Investment Authority, so he didn't refuse.

Taraka, director and CEO of the Kuwait Investment Authority, is the de facto principal. It has to be wooed!

"Don't dare to point, we communicate with each other. Well...... Also, this time I bring you good news that will change your predicament. ”

"What's the news?"

Taraka asked eagerly.

"Have you forgotten that you invested two billion dollars in me last year? Maybe you've already guessed what I'm going to do with the money, yes, it's shorting the Japanese stock market. Not long ago, the shorting of the Japanese stock market came to an end, and the principal and profits belonging to the Kuwait Investment Authority will be returned, which is one of the main purposes of my visit to Kuwait. Tang Bao looked at the eager Taraka and smiled lightly.

"Ha, that's good news." Taraka smiled excitedly, but then the smile gradually subsided, "Unfortunately, this is still difficult to change the overall loss of the Kuwait Investment Authority." ”

"I don't know exactly how big the Kuwait Investment Authority's losses were, but I can assure you that the gains will be a huge surprise. Well, I have long said that I will not disclose the details of the investment project, but only the results. The Kuwait Investment Authority invested $2 billion, deducting the 20% commission share, and made a total profit of $10,097.6 million. The total amount of funds returned is $12,097.6 million! ”

"How much?" Taraka was stunned and subconsciously asked.

"The profit is 10,097.6 million US dollars, which is a total of 12,097.6 million US dollars." Tang Bao repeated.

……

"This, Don...... You ......" Taraka was a little speechless with excitement. However, he had seen the storm after all, and he quickly regained his composure. "Don, there's nothing wrong with Wall Street calling you 'Legend Don'! It is a miracle that in nine months, more than five times the investment profit has been achieved. Hey, I really regret investing too little money, if I invest 10 billion dollars, 20 billion dollars......"

"Hehe, you can't calculate it like that, too much money will be invested, but it will lower the return on investment." Tang Bao shook his head and said.

Well.

Taraka nodded in agreement, but it doesn't matter if the rate of return is reduced, if you invest a lot of money, the benefits will definitely be far more than $10 billion.

"You sign a confirmation document, provide a bank account, and I'll transfer the money as soon as possible. Well, the amount of money involved is large and may take some time. Tang Bao said.

"Well, there's no hurry. Don, do you have no other investment projects, I intend to continue to hand over the funds to you to manage. Tara asked.

Seeing Tang Bao's terrifying investment talent, it would be a fool to be indifferent. Apparently, Taraka is a very shrewd person.

"This."

Tang Bao pretended to hesitate.

"Uh, Don, I don't want the investment returns to be as high as this one, don't worry. And the commission share ratio can also be increased. Taraka said anxiously.

"These are not the main problems, the point is that there are no good investment opportunities. Plus, I have to take care of my own money. Tang Bao was embarrassed.

Scold.

He intends to get closer to the Kuwait Investment Authority, but he must be in charge of what he should do, and responding to requests will only lower his level. Pure commission sharing, today's Tang Bao can't look down on it at all, and wants him to help Kuwait take care of assets, you can talk about it, Kuwait only needs to come up with something that impresses him, everything is easy to say.

"Okay, let's leave that at that." Tang Bao looked embarrassed, but he didn't refuse directly, his attitude was quite ambiguous, and the shrewd Taraka suddenly understood that Tang Bao was asking for something. Since he can negotiate, there is no need to be in a hurry, he also needs to go back and discuss with his uncle and others.

……

"Well, Don, let's move on to the Kuwait Investment Authority, how do you think I should change the situation?" Taraka asked.

"My knowledge of the Kuwait Investment Authority is very limited, and I don't know the basic distribution of assets, so I am afraid it is difficult to make feasible recommendations. However, as a government investment agency, the Kuwait Investment Authority focuses on long-term stable returns...... I think consumer industries such as retail, food, beverages, and daily chemical products are good choices. The oil sector is also acceptable, but given Kuwait's already a large oil producer, the objective of diversification would be severely weakened if it continued to invest heavily in the oil sector. Tang Bao analyzed.

"Well, now that the U.S. economy is in a downturn, it's just the right time to buy the bottom, and the U.S. dollar should appreciate for a long time in the future. The Japanese stock market is doing poorly, but the impact on the real economy is very limited, and I think the yen will continue to appreciate. The performance of the European economy is likely to be relatively worse, with the exception of the relatively stable and strong mark, other currencies such as the pound, franc, and lira may depreciate one after another......"

"Hmm."

Taraka kept nodding his head, and he remembered every word Tang Bao said.

More than two hours later, the reception banquet ended. Taraka sent Tang Bao, Kate and the others back to the seaview villa, and hurriedly said goodbye and left.

Regarding Tang Bao's situation, he must report to the board of directors.

"Nine months, 500% ROI! Taraka, are you sure you're not mistaken? The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Chairman of the Kuwait Investment Authority asked.

The eyes of the other five directors also fell on Taraka.

"I'm pretty sure. Ladies and gentlemen, here is a confirmation document for the return of funds, which can be recovered as long as I sign it. Taraka pulled out the papers.

The six directors circulated it one by one, and finally nodded their heads.

"Whew...... He must be wooed in every way, and if he helps us manage the funds, the assets of the Kuwait Investment Authority will be doubled in less than five years. One of the directors yelled with some excitement.

"Yes, hiring Don as an investment advisor to the Kuwait Investment Authority can give him the best treatment in the world." Another director suggested.

"Hire? Hmph, you dare to say it. How much do you know about Tang Bao? As you know, last year, his assets reached more than $12 billion, and although he was not on the Forbes rich list, the American media later ranked him third in the world, and this year he is sure to enter the top three on the Forbes rich list. His Phoenix Investment Group is one of Wall Street's best investment firms, and his East West Bank is ranked in the top 10 in the United States...... Just ask, how much money are you going to pay to hire such a top rich man? One of the directors asked rhetorically with a sneer.

"That's right, it's impossible for Don to accept the hire, and even, he's not willing to continue to help us manage our assets!" Taraka spoke.

There was silence in the room.

Long.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Chairman of the Kuwait Investment Authority broke the silence and said, "Taraka, do you have any good advice?" ”

"Tang's previous deeds, as well as the return on investment in front of him, clearly show that Tang's investment ability is terrifying. Befriend him, and we will benefit immensely. Well...... My suggestion is to set aside a part of the funds and ask Tang to manage it, so that you can pay a little more and show sincerity. Through cooperation, we will enhance our relationship and trust, and finally get the opportunity to take a stake in Tang's company. For example, Phoenix Investment Group, East West Bank, and so on. ”

"Of course, this is the ideal situation. If Tang ultimately refuses to help us manage our funds, then we can settle for the next best thing and hand over the funds to Phoenix Investment Group's asset management department. The performance of Phoenix Asset Management may not be comparable to that of Tang Bao, but its performance far exceeds that of its peers. Although it is now closed and no longer accepts investment, we should be satisfied if we put it forward after Tang Bao refused. ”

"Hmm."

"Agreed."

"Agreed!"

"I think it's okay......"

The six directors expressed their stance one after another. The Kuwait Investment Authority has nine directors, two of whom are not based in Kuwait. However, a total of seven people, including Taraka, agreed, and the remaining two could not influence the outcome.

"When I offered to hand over the funds to Tang for management, his attitude was very ambiguous at that time. I could see that he was not afraid of offending me and did not dare to refuse forcefully, but should have asked for something. In other words, as long as we understand Don's demands and agree, then our goal can be achieved! "Taraka Road.

Demands?

The crowd pondered.

"Kuwait has nothing but oil. I think if Tang Bao has a plan, the biggest possibility is that he has taken a fancy to oil resources. One of the directors spoke up and said that his other identity was Kuwait's Minister of Oil.

"Now that the oil market is sluggish and there are many losses, Tang Bao will take a fancy to oil? I think he might be looking to set up a branch of East West Bank in Kuwait. ”

……

"Whether it's oil or banks, it's all controlled by the state." A director said.

"Huh. It's futile to think about anything now, the key is to figure out Tang Bao's appeal. Taraka, I'll go with you in the evening to probe the wind. ”

"Yes, uncle."

At night.

Taraka invited Tang Bao to a banquet, and one of the people present was a man of small stature, that is, Taraka's uncle Saad Qasim Hashir.

"Don, this is my uncle, Saad Qasim Hashir." Taraka was the first to introduce.

"Hello, Don, welcome to Kuwait." Hash smiled.

"Hello, Mr. Hash." Tang Bao responded with a smile.

After a brief pleasantries, the feast began. Most of the time is still casual chit-chat, eating and drinking. It wasn't until near the end that Hash asked Tang Bao if he had any investment plans in Kuwait. Tang Bao just replied flatly, Kuwait is a big oil producer, if there is an opportunity, it naturally wants to invest in oil.

Well.

Hash nodded quietly, and didn't say much.

……

After the banquet.

Taraka and Hash hurriedly informed the other directors and gathered again for urgent consultations.

"Sure enough, I guessed correctly, Tang Bao's goal is to invest in oil."

"Kuwait's oil is controlled by the state, and no foreign-funded company can touch it, nor can it break this iron law."

"Can't promise ......"

"Tang Bao is not an ordinary person, and he is worthy of our wooing. There are so many oil fields in Kuwait that they will give him one, and it will have no effect. ”

"I'm against it."

The directors were arguing and divided. For a time, it fell into a chaotic quarrel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's no use arguing here, we manage the country's wealth, but when it comes to oil policy, we don't have the right to call the shots. I think this question must be left to the emir to decide! Taraka stepped up to stop the pointless argument and proposed.

Subsequently.

And they hurried together to the palace and met the emir.

……

Two days have passed in the blink of an eye, and some members of the royal family and high-ranking government officials have come to visit from time to time, and various banquet invitations have continued. Whenever Tang Bao went, he was accompanied by personnel, and sometimes even the prince himself, which could be described as full of enthusiasm. However, Tang Bao's most concerned question has not been answered for a long time.

The only thing that is certain is that the Kuwaiti royal family and the cabinet are urgently discussing, but there are significant differences and no agreement has been reached.

Just when Tang Bao was waiting a little impatiently, there was finally progress. Word came from Talaka that the emir of Kuwait was going to receive him personally. (To be continued.) )