Chapter Twenty-Three: Prince Awahid

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The days of becoming Monkey's junior brother

Liu Yunfei calculated carefully and arrived at the residence of the old prince in Riyadh just after the Arabs had finished lunch, for fear of being dragged into another lavish Arabian feast. To avoid drawing attention, Liu Yunfei didn’t have anyone announce his arrival at the door; instead, he flew straight into the old prince’s study.

“Ah, my dear brother Yunfei, you’ve finally come. I was afraid you wouldn’t show up,” the old prince greeted him warmly, grasping Liu Yunfei’s hand. He had spent two hundred million dollars and was genuinely worried that Yunfei might take the money and disappear. If Yunfei really did leave them high and dry, they’d have nowhere to find him—and even if they did, they wouldn’t dare offend him.

“We people from Shandong prize sincerity; when we give gifts, we do so earnestly.” Liu Yunfei recited a familiar slogan, but unfortunately, the old prince had never watched Chinese local television and looked at him, puzzled. “Gift-giving? What’s that?”

“Haha, just some polite phrases from Chinese TV commercials. Let’s skip the pleasantries—what identity have you arranged for me?” Liu Yunfei was very curious about his new persona.

“This isn’t the right place to talk. Come with me to the Four Seasons Hotel. Follow me stealthily so no one sees you.” The old prince knew Liu Yunfei wouldn’t transform in front of him, so he strode out of the room. Liu Yunfei quickly became a tiny flying insect, perched atop the old prince’s head, and followed him out to the car.

The Four Seasons Hotel, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is one of the world’s leading hotel groups. The brand manages hundreds of luxury hotels in over a hundred countries and cities. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is a major shareholder, and so is the old prince. Thus, in Riyadh’s city center, at the Saudi Four Seasons Hotel, the old prince has a long-term, luxury suite with standards surpassing even presidential suites.

The old prince entered the hotel, took the elevator straight up to the 38th floor, which was divided into three enormous suites reserved exclusively for him. He instructed his staff to remain outside and entered a room alone. “No one’s here, brother Yunfei. Come out.”

Liu Yunfei, not wanting to appear as if he’d accompanied the prince, kept up a mysterious air and waited a while before entering another room and returning to his human form.

“So, tell me—what identity have you arranged?” Liu Yunfei sat opposite the old prince and picked up the coffee on the table.

“The late king’s illegitimate son, Prince Awahid. He lived in Britain for many years, and his height matches yours now.” The old prince handed Liu Yunfei a photo.

Looking at the photo, Liu Yunfei guessed the man was quite young, though it was hard to tell. He was a standard Arab male—heavy beard, rough skin, and though only in his twenties, he looked forty.

“Oh, how old is he? Is this person real?” Liu Yunfei carefully memorized every detail of the man’s face.

“Yes, he’s twenty-two this year. He’s real. Many in the Saudi royal family know, but only I know where he lives. You’ll use his identity.” The old prince produced a stack of passports and documents. “This room is registered in your name. Remember, you’re Prince Awahid now—my little brother, and you call the current King Abdullah ‘uncle’.”

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“Wait—so the late king is your father? How old was he when he died? He passed away two years ago. This prince is twenty-two, so your father was over sixty when he had him? Is that even possible? And where’s his mother now?” Liu Yunfei was a little incredulous.

“Whether he could have children at that age is none of your concern. We’ve done DNA tests. As for his mother, it’s not your business either—she won’t interfere.” The old prince was a bit embarrassed by his father’s romantic history.

“I couldn’t tell you Arabs have such strong reproductive abilities. Hahaha!” Liu Yunfei joked, and the old prince joined in.

“What—don’t like this identity? If you find it unsuitable, you can play my second son instead. How about it? Hahaha!” The old prince was slightly annoyed.

“All right, all right, enough joking. I’ll head to the bathroom.” Liu Yunfei went to the bathroom and transformed himself to look exactly like Prince Awahid.

“My almighty Lord, you really are identical! Just don’t go back to my house looking like me—my four wives wouldn’t be able to tell the difference,” the old prince said, a little concerned.

“You’ve reminded me—I’ll turn into you right now! Haha!” Liu Yunfei joked, not caring about protocol. “But I won’t go find your four wives; I’ll go look for Shalena.”

“Are you interested in my Shalena? She’s my darling, my precious!” The old prince considered whether exchanging his daughter for such a powerful ally would be worthwhile. “If you’re sincere, I can think about it. Really, I can consider it.”

“Oh, we’ll discuss it later. I’m not in a position to meet Shalena now; please talk to her for me when you return.”

“I’ll do that. Here’s a bank card—use it when appearing as Prince Awahid. Since he’s lived in Britain for years, he doesn’t need to wear a robe except for important occasions,” the old prince continued. “Here’s a phone. And, oh, you prefer to wear old British brands—Jaeger and the French brand Versace.”

“No, I won’t wear anything French,” Liu Yunfei replied, passionate as ever.

“Well, we’ve already prepared a few pieces. You can wear them as you like—they’re yours from now on. Whenever you change shape, wear these clothes.”

Although Liu Yunfei could conjure all sorts of clothing, he wasn’t a fashion designer, nor did he know much about style, so his transformations always stuck to a few similar styles.

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After the old prince explained every detail, Liu Yunfei, who had a good memory, remembered most of it after hearing it once. The old prince made another call, and soon a group of white men entered. These were Liu Yunfei’s—or rather, Prince Awahid’s—bodyguards and attendants.

Everything was ready. The old prince and Prince Awahid proceeded to the Saudi royal palace to pay respects to King Abdullah. Both hosts and guests engaged in lively and cordial conversation, reaching several agreements to establish a new strategic partnership. Of course, those were just formalities; the most important event was when the old king brought Liu Yunfei to the back garden and summoned young Prince Owari.

“Oh, so this is the old king’s illegitimate son? Ridiculous! You’re back to claim the throne, aren’t you?” Liu Yunfei looked up at the spoiled Prince Owari, only seventeen, with a youthful face and a faint mustache—actually a year younger than Liu Yunfei’s real age. But years of indulgence had made him completely unaware of his own arrogance, and he lacked even the most basic manners.

“No manners! Call him Uncle Awahid!” King Abdullah rebuked him.

“Uncle? How old are you? I wouldn’t even call you brother. Do you have the blood of our great ancestor, Muhammad ibn Saud, in your veins?” Owari continued to mock.

The old king, now furious, ignored him and said, “Whether you like it or not, from today onward Awahid is your teacher. Your life must follow his arrangements completely.”

“I refuse! This isn’t fair! Who is he, anyway? Is this what your revered Lord teaches you—to let an illegitimate son be the teacher of a noble prince?”

“Enough!” The old king finally erupted. “If you weren’t my grandson, saying such things would have the religious police dragging you to the gallows.”

“All right, all right, my esteemed brother King Abdullah, don’t be angry. Let the young prince take his uncle to see the room prepared for him,” the old prince stepped in to mediate.

“Let’s go, then,” Owari said, secretly plotting to give this mysterious uncle a hard time—though he couldn’t do it in front of his grandfather.