Chapter 1379: Chapter 476: Portugal’s Highest-Level Reception for Donnie
On another timeline, the civil war in Mexico led by Aguirre and Escovar was swiftly quelled.
But this time, it’s evidently not that easy. Two months after the outbreak, the civil war has already swept across the entire nation.
Because Aguirre and Escovar did not agree to Donnie’s terms of the deal, Ares Military Industry’s new tanks have yet to enter the battlefield. As a result, despite the expansion of the war, Aguirre and Escovar’s troops are suffering continuous setbacks.
As the world turns its attention to the situation, the port of Cascaes in Portugal exhibits unusual activity.
At this moment at the port of Cascaes, heavily guarded and positioned at the dock, stand four influential figures in Portugal.
Top of the rank is Antonio Salazar, who has resumed his position as Portugal’s Minister of Finance this year.
Second is Caldwell Ingram, the United States ambassador to Portugal.
Third is Bobby Mozelle, the president of the Portuguese Bank.
Fourth is Westglenn, the vice president of the Portuguese Bank.
Workers at the port are amazed by the sight.
"What’s going on here? Why is there such tight security at the port today?"
"Surely someone important is coming, didn’t you see those four? Normally, seeing just one of them suggests something significant, but now all four of them are here together. Frankly speaking, I’m even suspecting our Mr. President secretly went on vacation and is returning to Portugal today!"
"Perhaps it really is Mr. President!"
As several workers chatted, a heavy steam whistle sounded from the sea, and a luxurious liner docked at the port of Cascaes.
The workers saw a man in a suit, around 30 years old, with exceptional demeanor, disembark from the ship, followed by bodyguards dressed in black.
When the man came ashore, they saw Antonio Salazar personally approach him for an embrace.
Then followed Caldwell Ingram, Bobby Mozelle, and Westglenn.
Under their escort, the mysterious man and Antonio Salazar left in the same vehicle, and afterwards, the military presence gradually retreated.
"Mr. Salazar, this is a gift my wife selected especially for your lady!"
Donnie handed over the pre-prepared gift to Antonio Salazar.
Antonio Salazar responded with a smile: "If Catherine knows, she will definitely be very happy!"
"I believe Helen would be thrilled if she knew Mrs. Salazar liked the gift she sent!"
As they made small talk, the convoy left Cascaes and arrived in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
Finally, the convoy entered Belém Palace in Lisbon.
Belém Palace is an architectural complex consisting of courtyards and gardens, oriented north to south, built against the hill, with broad vistas to gaze at the blue skies and white clouds under the firmament, and a view overlooking the lush landscapes of the Tagus River estuary.
The front yard of the Presidential Office is adorned with pines and cypresses, with trimmed plants. Garden patterns, geometric shapes, novel and unique, embellish the Presidential Office with vitality.
Interestingly, this garden complex was initially a private residence, bought in the 18th century by the Portuguese King John V. Later, after the Portuguese monarchy was overthrown, the First Portuguese Republic was established.
Thus, Belém Palace became the Presidential Office of Portugal.
The current President of Portugal, Antonio Carmona, resides here.
Today, Belém Palace is newly decorated, with all servants wearing fresh clothes, lined up alongside the Presidential Office’s guard.
Portugal’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonio Carmona, stood at the door, and when he saw Tang Fei approach under Salazar’s guidance, Carmona stepped forward to greet them.
"Dear Donnie, I should have welcomed you personally!"
Upon meeting Donnie, Carmona grasped Donnie’s hand with one hand, placed the other on Donnie’s shoulder, his face beaming with a radiant smile.
"Mr. President, you are too kind. To be able to see me at the earliest opportunity is already my greatest honor!" Donnie showed Carmona utmost respect in front of everyone.
"Seeing you is essential, who knows how foolishly Calles might have offended you, and now the war in Mexico continues!"
Silently thinking to himself, yet maintaining a smile: "I always say, Mr. Block is our most esteemed guest in Portugal, and my closest friend. With your visit to Portugal, naturally, I had to see you immediately!"
The two exchanged pleasantries and entered the banquet hall of Belém Palace, followed by Salazar, Caldwell Ingram, Bobby Mozelle, and Westglenn.
The banquet hall was already filled with various delicacies and wines, as the six sat down.
Carmona smiled and said: "Donnie, I hope you do not feel discouraged by our hospitality!"
"Of course not!" Donnie replied with a smile.
As they sat, they began to eat and chat.
"I wonder what your specific itinerary is for this visit to Portugal, Donnie?"
Carmona inquired of Donnie.
A week ago, Carmona learned from Bobby Mozelle that Donnie would arrive in Portugal today, but the specifics of Donnie’s itinerary were not communicated. It wasn’t that Bobby Mozelle did not want to share, but even he did not know!