Yang Jian understood perfectly that Song Jianhao was trying to pull a fast one, setting up a code company to get the casino running with virtually no upfront investment.
However, this was standard practice for casinos, and nothing to complain about. Moreover, Song Jianhao still owed him two hundred thousand yuan. If he helped get this casino off the ground, that debt would be repaid quickly, and he'd also earn a profit.
Therefore, Yang Jian immediately went outside the ward to contact Yang Fan, explaining Chen Song's situation and the plan to open a casino with Song Jianhao, but he omitted the details about code companies and "cotton padding."
"Little Yang, I know Chen Song. I know him well enough. He's always managed business for Hua Zi. He's a decent person, not cunning, and certainly capable of gathering some bosses to gamble. Hua Zi is indeed transitioning and doesn't allow his subordinates to get involved in businesses like prostitution, gambling, or drugs. As for whether he's keeping a mistress outside, I'm not aware of that."
After hearing Yang Jian's account, Yang Fan confirmed that Chen Song's statements were largely accurate.
"Brother Fan, do you think this operation can succeed?"
"It can definitely get started, but it won't last long. Once it reaches Hua Zi's ears, Chen Song might face punishment."
"Brother Fan, regardless of how long it lasts, if the profits are substantial, would you be willing to participate?"
"I participate? What do you mean?"
"Chen Song said he plans to organize a group of bosses worth over ten million yuan to gamble. But for safety, these bosses generally don't bring much cash with them, which is why a code company is needed. Even Emperor Company needs to borrow codes to act as the banker. Chen Song guarantees the safety of the funds, and any money lent out will be returned by the next day at the latest."
"You mean you want me to bring money in to provide codes?"
"Yes. On one hand, you know Chen Song relatively well and are a native of Hancheng, so it's safer for you to arrange for people to come and provide codes. On the other hand, the profit from providing codes is indeed very high, and you can increase your income in a short period. Of course, the main reason is that we couldn't find a capable code company."
"How much money would be needed to bring in?"
"Chen Song said that the gamblers are all big bosses, and the stakes will be high. At least two million yuan is needed for it to operate smoothly."
Yang Fan pondered for a moment before replying, "Little Yang, I can ask Luo Tong to lend me three million yuan for Ah Feng to bring into the operation to provide codes. You can take one-third of the profits."
Before Yang Fan could finish, Yang Jian immediately refused, "Brother Fan, your bringing money into this operation is already a great help to me. How can I take a share of your profits?"
"Little Yang, listen to me. Because the Hongqi Industrial Park project is about to start, we might have a fierce conflict with Wang Zi. Therefore, the Hongqi Street casino won't be able to operate for long. Chen Song partnering with you to open a casino is an opportunity. I'll help you one last time. If it can last a few more days, the money earned might even pay off your external debt."
"Brother Fan, this won't do."
"Stop talking nonsense. Perhaps this is the last time I can help you, because no one can predict the outcome of our conflict with Wang Zi. I've already sent my wife and children abroad, so I don't have much money on hand. Otherwise, I would have already paid off your external debt."
Yang Jian was shocked, "Brother Fan, if it's so dangerous, you should back out. It's not too late now."
"Brother, once you're in the Jianghu, you can't control yourself. Setting aside my obligations to Luo Tong, Wang Zi sent assassins to kill me, which means it's a fight to the death between us. He won't let me go, and I won't let him go. Dying on the street might be my fate."
"Brother Fan, taking a step back opens up a wider view. You can completely move abroad with your wife and children to settle down, and then nothing will matter. Even if you don't go abroad, this country is so vast, where can't you find a place to stay?"
Yang Fan chuckled on the phone that day, "Brother, don't try to persuade me. Perhaps it's not that bad. Once we secure the Hongqi Industrial Park and the casino continues to operate, I can also support you if you want to get into engineering. With such a large project, it's hard not to get rich."
"Brother Fan, you treat me like a brother, and I naturally wish you a long life. Even if I have to beg for food, I don't want you to risk your life for that chance to get rich."
"Alright, brother, don't be overly sentimental. You don't understand our situation. Tomorrow, have Biao Biao contact Ah Feng. You can enter the operation at any time."
After saying that, Yang Fan hung up the phone.
Yang Jian, however, felt uneasy, as if Yang Fan was making his final arrangements.
Upon entering the ward, he found that Song Jianmin had also arrived. The brothers seemed to be arguing heatedly, their faces flushed, and Lu Yao was nowhere to be seen.
"Brother Hao, Yang Fan has agreed to bring three million yuan to provide codes. The cash will be available tomorrow. When do you want the gambling to start?"
To ease the tension between the brothers, Yang Jian deliberately pretended not to see their argument.
Song Jianhao was overjoyed to hear this, "Excellent, Little Yang! Let's seize this opportunity properly this time. Your external debt might be cleared. I'll confirm with Chen Song right away and have him prepare the venue and personnel."
"Alright, and also confirm with him that the safety of the funds must be guaranteed, because that three million yuan was borrowed by Yang Fan, and not a single mishap can occur."
"No problem, I'll put it on speaker."
Song Jianhao dialed Chen Song's number in front of both of them and informed him about Yang Fan bringing money into the operation.
Chen Song was a little surprised but very pleased. He knew Yang Fan and felt that having him provide codes was more reliable. However, he requested that the people Yang Fan sent should maintain secrecy and not reveal the casino operation to the outside world, as they were all within the same circle, and word could easily reach Hua Zi.
Next, he clarified the casino's share distribution: Chen Song would hold fifty percent, and Song Jianhao's Emperor Company would hold fifty percent.
The gambling would officially begin tomorrow night at eight o'clock, and the location would be announced separately tomorrow.
"Little Yang, you heard that. We only have a fifty percent stake. That means each of you three gets ten percent, and I get twenty percent. Is this distribution acceptable?"
After hanging up, Song Jianhao began to discuss the casino's related matters with the two of them.
Before Yang Jian could respond, Song Jianmin raised an objection, "Brother, the success of this casino completely depends on Yang Jian. He first asked Yang Fan and Luo Tong to find Hua Zi to mediate for you, then he used two hundred thousand yuan to save you, and now he's persuaded Yang Fan to bring in three million yuan. I have no problem with Old Wu and me each getting ten percent. Yang Jian should split the remaining shares equally with you; that would be fair."
It was somewhat awkward. Song Jianhao hadn't expected his own brother to put him on the spot.
Yang Jian quickly tried to smooth things over, "No, no. Brother Hao suffered the biggest loss when he was extorted by Fugui. He deserves an extra ten percent share. I have no objections. There's no need for you two brothers to have any friction over this matter."
Song Jianmin, however, was insistent, "Brother, you know very well what role Yang Jian plays in our team. Without his involvement, we would have been completely devoured long ago. You are the leader, and you cannot let your brothers feel disheartened in your dealings."
Song Jianhao's face turned red from his brother's words, but he couldn't get angry. "Alright, Little Yang, you and I will each hold fifteen percent of the shares."