Cao Cao spoke with a friendly smile, but the sultan knew better. It was a political smile, the kind used at negotiation tables. Nevertheless, the sultan returned it with a warm smile of his own, though he didn't believe a word of what Cao Cao was saying.
He knew this was just a power play by New Atlantis, cutting off the phone call the moment they sensed the other party was trying to gauge their position. They made it clear that, in their view, the Sultanate of Aqaba wasn't of great importance, a stark contrast to other powers vying for influence due to Aqaba's rich oil resources and rare earth minerals.
The sultan couldn't be sure if this was New Atlantis' true stance or simply an act. Even if it was just a show, it had been incredibly effective. He was aware that the Sultanate of Aqaba had little choice in the matter, even if it was all part of New Atlantis' strategy.
