HLM – Chapter 967 Honey Diplomacy

Ahmed’s offer made it impossible for Wang Bo to stay calm any longer. To hell with being a politician, to hell with maintaining the composed demeanor of a mature statesman—Wang Bo was about to lose it.

Still, he held on to the last shred of rationality and said with difficulty, “Your Highness, please give me some time. I need to think about this tonight and give you an answer tomorrow, is that alright?”

A meaningful smile appeared on Ahmed’s face. “Of course. This is a big business deal—you should take your time.”

Dinner was held inside Sunset Castle. After entering the castle, Ahmed showed noticeably more respect toward Wang Bo. It seemed the castle indeed provided quite a bit of prestige.

Wang Bo had specially summoned Kobe to prepare the meal, using formal dining etiquette to host the guests. Joining them was the domineering CEO-level tycoon, Bartier.

Bartier was also very interested in Ahmed and his group. After learning that both sides might collaborate, he wanted to persuade them to accept the West Pacific Bank—have the bank open an account and route all transactions through it.

The beef and mutton served at dinner all came from Sunset Ranch, and every piece was premium—particularly tender beef and lamb. The group couldn’t stop giving thumbs-up as they ate.

But what became the highlight wasn’t the meat—it was the sparkling drink and the honey.

Arab Muslims strictly abstain from alcohol, but nearly every country in international trade has some form of alcohol culture: wine culture in Europe and America, vodka culture in Northern Europe and Russia, sake in Japan, and baijiu in China.

Thus, in trade meetings, in order to express appreciation to their partners, they sometimes drink a little.

Wang Bo had specially prepared a low-alcohol sparkling drink and even invited beverage specialist Bill Dengtai to make the almost non-alcoholic beverage in person.

Ahmed and the others accepted it reluctantly at first, but after one sip, they began drinking glass after glass, praising it lavishly.

The other crowd favorite was the honey—deeply connected to their dietary habits.

Saudis are accustomed to two meals a day. Breakfast is typically fawaleh dipped in cream and honey. Dinner—the main meal—usually involves flatbread spread with cream and honey. This is their most beloved staple.

There is also a staple called balaleet, where pieces of sorghum flatbread are broken up and soaked in fresh milk, sometimes with cream, sugar, and honey added.

No matter the preparation, honey is the favored addition—especially when entertaining guests.

Kobe had undergone rigorous global cuisine training and understood Islamic dietary preferences and prohibitions well. He had specifically reminded Wang Bo to prepare high-quality honey.

Naturally, he prepared Sunset Town’s Rainbow Honey.

Each person was served a small bottle, to be used according to preference. When they first received the honey, the guests didn’t pay much attention. But as soon as they added it to their food, they were stunned.

“This honey is incredible! By Allah, my taste buds are numb with bliss!”

“Is this the finest Maqalu rare honey? I’ve heard of it—only about 200 kilograms produced per year, and usually the owners keep it for themselves!”

Ahmed shook his head. “No, this isn’t Maqalu. I had Maqalu during Eid—I guarantee it isn’t as good as this!”

Wang Bo smiled. “This is a multi-floral honey produced by my Fijian queen bees after two years of cultivation in Sunset Town. It’s made from nectar of over a hundred flowers. We like to call it Rainbow Honey.”

As he spoke, he held up the glass bottle under the white lights—revealing a faint seven-colored glow.

“This is a gift from Allah! This honey is divine!” Ahmed exclaimed.

Wang Bo replied, “Thank you for the compliment. It’s our honor. Since Your Highness likes it, please take some home to Saudi Arabia. Everyone should take a portion.”

Ahmed placed his right hand over his chest and nodded. “Praise be to Allah, and thank you for your generosity, Brother Wang!”

Leonard chimed in, “Give me some too, Wang. I love honey.”

“Of course, everyone gets some. I think we still have about sixty pounds left—just enough for everyone to take ten pounds each.”

“Allah is generous!” A wave of delight spread across the table.

“No matter what, we must build an airport in Sunset Town. Even if it’s just to send private jets to collect this honey—it would still be worth it,” Ahmed joked.

Because of the sparkling drink and the Rainbow Honey, the dinner became an overwhelming success. After the meal, Wang Bo arranged rooms for the guests. Ahmed patted his shoulder and said, “I never imagined I would taste such delicacies here!”

Wang Bo smiled. “If you’re willing, you’re welcome anytime.”

“That’s wonderful,” Ahmed said. “When I return, I must tell my friends about Sunset Town. Who knew there was a hidden gourmet paradise in this world? Beef, lamb, honey, sparkling drinks—it’s practically heaven!”

Then, he shook his head regretfully. “It’s just a shame there wasn’t any lamb eyes. It seems Mayor Wang doesn’t understand this delicacy—it’s a rare treat!”

“Lamb… eyes?” Wang Bo froze. “That… that’s edible?”

“Of course! A rare delicacy—just like how you Chinese love bear paws or monkey brains,” Ahmed said.

Wang Bo forced a smile. “Alright. I promise you—tomorrow you will have this delicacy.”

Ahmed nodded in satisfaction and, leaving behind a “I look forward to it,” entered his room.

Wang Bo then found Kobe. “Can lamb eyes really be cooked?”

Kobe sighed. “Looks like these Arabs are real food lovers. They finally couldn’t resist asking for it? Yes, Saudis like lamb eyes.”

“Then why didn’t you make it? There should be plenty on the slaughter line, right?”

“Sorry—I never learned how to prepare lamb eyes. Honestly, they scare me.”

Later, Bartier approached him. “Wang, what do you think about Prince Ahmed’s business proposal?”

Wang Bo said firmly, “We must do this deal! It’s a project worth over a billion New Zealand dollars!”

The reason he previously said he needed to think about it, or that he wouldn’t sell breeding stock, was all an act—he just didn’t want to let Ahmed obtain the cattle and sheep too easily.

Understanding this, Bartier sighed. “I knew it. Damn it—you nearly made a huge mistake!”

“What do you mean?”

Bartier said, “Doing business with Saudis is different. Don’t play too many mind games with them. Be straightforward—especially with members of the Saudi royal family. Of course, this Ahmed isn’t exactly a royal member.”

Wang Bo blinked. “He’s not a prince?”

Bartier burst out laughing. “Saudi princes are more common than camels—you didn’t know?”