After staying in Dongjiang for a few days, Lu Hao felt much better. He knew he couldn't dwell on the past and needed to pull himself together, as he still owed a huge debt of one hundred million yuan to Yang Jian.
So, he cut his vacation short and booked a flight for the eighth day of the Lunar New Year.
Yang Jian personally drove him to the airport. Knowing Lu Hao was tight on cash, he transferred him one million yuan.
"Xiao Yang, we're brothers, so no need for formalities. I understand. You need to be careful here and make sure nothing goes wrong. Xin Tai Entertainment City has too big a reputation; trouble is bound to happen sooner or later. You can't stay there long. Get out as soon as you can," Lu Hao instructed Yang Jian privately, after dismissing Xiao Zhao, in the airport waiting lounge.
"Brother Hao, I understand what you're saying. Xin Tai Casino is so big, it's impossible for the police not to notice. I plan to leave in another year at most," Yang Jian replied.
Yang Jian had originally planned with A Feng and others to leave the casino within six months. They had agreed to find an excuse to all withdraw, which would be enough to cover the subsequent expenses for Yaochi Garden.
However, Lu Hao's situation had changed things. He had to repay the hundred million yuan debt before he could leave. Even if he paid ten million yuan a month, it would take ten months. Thus, they postponed their plan by a year.
Lu Hao patted his shoulder, "Xiao Yang, I've dragged you down. Don't worry, I'll raise funds as quickly as possible to cover the shortfall, so you can get out sooner."
"It's alright, Brother Hao. You don't need to worry about the repayment. I'm earning over ten million yuan a month now, so repaying this debt won't be difficult. Don't feel pressured," Yang Jian reassured him.
"I know your dividends are high, but the construction in your hometown can't stop," Lu Hao said.
"It's fine. The template factory officially started production today and will be profitable soon. Even if I don't send money back, the two companies at home can cover the expenses for Yaochi Garden," Yang Jian replied.
"Alright then, I'll discuss your case with the old man when I get back and see what avenues we can take to resolve it faster," Lu Hao said.
Yang Jian pondered for a moment and then said, "Brother Hao, I've actually thought about it. After I repay Brother Zheng's money, I'll turn myself in and serve some time. You can get me out early then, and it'll give me an excuse to leave Brother Zheng."
"I've also considered the idea of you surrendering. I was just worried it might be unfair to you and wanted to handle things more perfectly," Lu Hao admitted.
"It's okay, Brother. I've been in before twice, so one more time doesn't matter, as long as I'm not sentenced heavily. I can accept a year or two," Yang Jian said.
Lu Hao nodded, "Good. Since you're mentally prepared, it'll be easier. I'll do some more networking when I get back. You should also prepare yourself, consult a lawyer, and study the relevant laws so you can handle inquiries from the police and judges. The fact that Li Jin didn't implicate you is your biggest advantage. You must seize this opportunity."
"Okay, I'll be prepared," Yang Jian affirmed.
"Alright, my boarding time is approaching. I'll head in now. Goodbye." Lu Hao hugged Yang Jian and turned towards the security check.
Yang Jian watched his back disappear before leaving the airport and returning to Xin Tai Company. As he walked to the second floor, he remembered Lu Hao's words and decided to visit the legal department.
"Brother Yang, why are you here? Are you here to see me?" Ma Lan appeared as soon as he entered the legal department office. She had joined the company before the Lunar New Year at Ma Yuan's request. Yang Jian had spoken to A Bao, and the legal department hired Ma Lan.
"Xiao Ma, are you getting used to it here?" Yang Jian asked.
"Yes, Brother. The conditions and benefits here are excellent. My salary is more than double what I earned at the law firm. Even though I didn't work a full month before the Lunar New Year, the company still gave me a half-year year-end bonus," Ma Lan replied.
"It's good that you're used to it. Entertainment cities are quite complex, and there are many lawsuits. Your legal department is there to solve problems for the company, so good benefits are normal," Yang Jian explained.
Yang Jian followed her into a private office. Ma Lan poured him a glass of plain water. "Brother, I have to thank you for helping me join such a good company. Can I treat you to dinner tonight?"
"No need. I'm here today to borrow some law books," Yang Jian said.
"Borrow books? What kind? What do you want to know? I can help you. I'm a licensed professional lawyer, although my lack of experience means I don't get many cases. In terms of legal knowledge, I'm no worse than those senior lawyers; I just lack experience and connections," Ma Lan offered.
"Criminal law," Yang Jian stated.
"Then you've come to the right person. I specialize in criminal cases. This company faces more criminal lawsuits than economic ones. Otherwise, do you think the head of the legal department would have hired me so readily? Even with your recommendation, I had to go through a rigorous interview and assessment. Just tell me about the case, and I'll analyze it for you," Ma Lan said.
Ma Lan had initially thought that a typical company's legal department handled economic cases. However, after joining this company, she discovered that the entertainment company had far more criminal disputes than economic ones, making her specialization truly useful.
Yang Jian thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright, then help me analyze this. A brother of mine is wanted by the police for organizing gambling. The police believe he's a partner. However, in that case, the main members of the gambling company who were apprehended did not admit that my brother was a partner, nor did they identify him as having participated in gambling or organizing it. The situation now is that the members of the gambling company have all been sentenced, with the main organizers even receiving life sentences, yet the wanted notice for my brother has not been withdrawn. How do you think this situation can be handled to restore my brother's legal status? Can he clear his name without surrendering?"
Ma Lan looked at Yang Jian for a moment, realizing he was likely talking about himself. "Brother Yang, first, let me explain. A wanted notice is an urgent investigative measure by the police department to apprehend fugitives. Issuing such an order is done very cautiously, as they usually have evidence of the person's crime. Therefore, those who are wanted are generally sentenced. Of course, being issued a wanted notice doesn't necessarily mean imprisonment, because whether a person has committed a crime is determined after a trial by the People's Court and the judgment takes effect. If the trial proves that the suspect has not committed any crime, they will not be sentenced."
Yang Jian nodded. "So, you mean my brother must go through the court process to have a chance to clear his name?"
"Yes, that's the only way. Since no accomplices identified him, he should actively face the situation, communicate with the police department, or surrender, and then hire a lawyer to handle the case."
"If someone has strong connections within the police, can this matter be resolved without going through the courts?" Yang Jian asked.
"It's likely very difficult. The current police departments have specialized supervisory agencies. Withdrawing a wanted notice is not something one department can do. The more people involved, the less room there is for manipulation. If it's discovered, it's a serious offense, and no one would want to take that risk," Ma Lan explained.
It had to be said that although Ma Lan was a rookie lawyer fresh out of school, her professional knowledge and eloquence were quite impressive, and she clarified the matter in just a few sentences.