Song Jianhao returned from getting an injection at the clinic around 5:30 PM. Sixi and the others had also just finished their shifts at the nearby casinos.
Surprisingly, Sixi and his crew had won over twenty thousand yuan at that small venue that afternoon. However, the earnings couldn't be distributed yet; settlement would only occur after the casino in the urban village finished its operations for the night.
After his injection, Song Jianhao's spirits were visibly improved. He gathered everyone to make arrangements.
"Sixi, we got into a fight in Qingjiang District this afternoon, and we all took some hits to varying degrees. I need the three of you to handle the evening venue."
Song Jianhao briefly updated Sixi and the others on the afternoon's events, without exaggeration. Apart from Old Wu, several people, including Yang Jian, had been hit with stools. Only Liangliang had drawn blood, and Biao Biao likely sustained minor internal injuries, evident from bruises. Yang Jian, with his strong resilience, was unharmed.
Before Sixi could respond, Yang Jian chimed in, "I'll go tonight too. It'll save them from taking a taxi, and the evening venue is usually livelier. Three people definitely won't be enough."
Song Jianhao hesitated, "Xiao Yang, it's like this, Old Cao is treating us to dinner shortly, and I want you to stay and chat for a while."
"Who is Old Cao?"
"Old Cao is the middleman who introduced us to the Qingjiang casino. He wants to apologize for what happened this afternoon, so he's specifically inviting us to dinner. Sixi and the others have to rush to their shifts, so they'll just grab a quick meal before heading out. Since you were directly involved this afternoon, you need to meet Old Cao."
"What's the point of me meeting him? Apologizing to you should be enough?"
"You're mistaken. Meeting you is extremely significant. We emerged victorious from the fight this afternoon, which has showcased our company's strength and reputation. Old Cao has extensive connections in Hancheng's underworld. With his endorsement, our company will be taken more seriously in similar situations, and people will be less inclined to cause trouble."
"You mean Old Cao wants to meet me?"
"Yes, Old Cao has learned about the entire incident. He specifically asked to meet you on the phone just now."
"I'll go. Jian Ge can stay to meet Old Cao. I also think this meeting is very necessary. Our Emperor Company can't always be treated like a pushover. We need to stand tall when we go out."
Biao Biao picked up the conversation. Among these individuals, besides Song Jianhao and Yang Jian, only Biao Biao could drive. Liangliang planned to enroll in driving lessons.
"Alright, I'll stay then."
Yang Jian tossed his car keys to Biao Biao.
Sixi then took Biao Biao, Si Gou, and San Pang for a quick meal before heading to the evening casino.
Song Jianhao, accompanied by Yang Jian, Old Wu, and Liangliang, went to a high-end restaurant called Red House, where Old Cao had already booked a private room.
"Xiao Yang, this is CEO Cao. He's been a good friend of mine for many years."
As soon as they entered the private room, Song Jianhao made the introductions.
Old Wu and Liangliang clearly knew Old Cao already and greeted him proactively.
"Hello, Mr. Yang. I've heard a lot about you. Xiao Song never arranged for us to meet, but seeing you today, you truly are a distinguished and handsome gentleman. Not only are you good-looking, but you can also fight. Remarkable."
Before Yang Jian could speak, Old Cao stepped forward and shook his right hand.
Old Cao appeared to be in his early forties, standing at about 1.8 meters tall, though quite thin, like a stick. He had a kind face.
"Hello, Mr. Cao. Thank you for the compliment. I admit I'm good-looking, but calling me a fighter is flattering. It was unavoidable this afternoon; they pushed us too far, and we had to fight back."
Yang Jian lightened the mood with a joke.
"Haha, Xiao Yang is quite humorous. When I say you can fight, I'm not just referring to this afternoon's events. I heard about how you made Brother Xiong back down last year, and Xiao Song also told me about your glorious achievements in Xinhe. You're truly talented. With you here, this Emperor Company will surely develop."
"Mr. Cao, you flatter me. Do you know the boss of that venue this afternoon?"
While joking, Yang Jian still harbored some doubts about this man. The boss, Brother Kun, clearly wasn't someone who ran a legitimate casino, and the introducer couldn't possibly be unaware of this.
This was an inquiry, but Old Cao remained unfazed. "Xiao Yang, I apologize. I'm not familiar with that Brother Kun. That venue was introduced to me by another friend. I introduced you without proper vetting, and I take responsibility for that. That's why I've specifically arranged this banquet to apologize."
"Are there any repercussions for this? I broke the arms of a few of them."
"No repercussions, rest assured. After the incident, the intermediary who introduced me to the venue called me to inquire about your situation. I brushed him off, saying I wasn't familiar with you either and didn't know your background. It's fine. As long as no one died and you weren't caught on the spot, they won't find you. Such things are common in the underworld; this isn't a major issue."
"Thank you, Mr. Cao."
"Don't thank me; this is my responsibility to apologize to you. Fortunately, you all got out unscathed, without serious injuries or financial losses. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to face you."
"Then introduce us to some good venues. Don't introduce these small places where only a few people play anymore. They look suspicious."
Yang Jian knew that Old Cao likely received a commission for introducing casinos and was probably a professional casino broker. Therefore, he spoke without much deference.
Old Cao awkwardly scratched his head. "It's my fault. But don't worry, I'm already in contact with people in the Jiangbei area. The economy there is more active, and developing there should be much better than here."
Hancheng is divided into Jiangnan and Jiangbei by the Han River. Of the four districts in Jiangnan, apart from Qingjiang District, which is dominated by heavy industries like steel smelting and shipbuilding, the other districts are primarily composed of universities, provincial and municipal government bodies, and research institutions.
The four districts in Jiangbei, on the other hand, focus on commerce and light industry, with a more developed economy and a larger population of wealthy individuals. Consequently, there are more people who gamble there.
Old Wu agreed, "Mr. Cao is right. We should go to Jiangbei. Judging by the venues where we've recently been the house, the common people here are not very generous with their money. They are mostly working-class individuals and small business owners. With such venues, it's difficult for us to win money. We need to make a change."
As a shareholder of the company, Old Wu frequently accompanied Song Jianhao in inspecting various casinos and was always considering how to break through their current predicament.
Song Jianhao nodded, "I've had this idea for a while too. We've been drifting along in this area for the past year, and things are getting worse. Superstitiously speaking, this place is truly not suitable for us to stay. Not only is Mr. Cao helping us find solutions, but I'm also seeking coordination from others. We should have news soon."
Seeing that they recognized the current situation and were actively seeking solutions, Yang Jian felt a glimmer of hope for the Emperor Company and decided to stay and observe for a while longer.