Lu Hao was suddenly at a loss for words. He had only just realized the extent of Yang Jian's vision today, and understood why so many brothers followed him with such loyalty.
"Little Yang, I genuinely don't have the ability to repay a hundred million right now. Thank you for helping me through this difficult time. I'll have to pay you back slowly."
"Brother Hao, there's no rush to repay the money. As long as you're okay, that's what matters. What got you so worked up to lose so much? Little Zhao advised you to stop, but you not only refused but also beat him."
Yang Jian had already learned from Lu Yue that Lu Hao's emotional breakdown was due to relationship issues, but he still wanted to hear the real situation from him.
Lu Hao's mood sank again. "I don't know why this happened. Ever since college, I've been supporting her, even when she went abroad to study, pursue her master's and doctorate, rent apartments, and buy cars. The annual expenses were over fifty thousand, and I even arranged for her younger brother to work in my company and paid her parents a living allowance each year.
She always said she'd return to China and marry me after graduating with her doctorate, but in the end, she threw herself into the arms of a local to get her American green card.
I just can't understand, are years of affection worth less than a green card? Isn't the reason she stayed there to live a life of wealth? My money could have satisfied her completely.
Little Yang, do you know that when I stood behind her and called her, she was arm-in-arm with someone else, and still lied to me about marrying me? If Little Zhao hadn't pulled me away, I would have immediately killed that ungrateful woman.
To curb this terrible thought, Little Zhao forcibly dragged me onto the plane. But with nowhere to vent my anger and despair, I came to the casino. I never expected to cause such a disaster. If you hadn't intervened, my future would have been ruined, and it might have even affected my father's career."
As he spoke, tears streamed down Lu Hao's face. It was evident that he had loved his girlfriend deeply, otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted this way. An annual expense of fifty thousand was merely the outcome of a single gambling session for him.
What he cared about wasn't the financial expenditure, but the years of affection being toyed with, defiled, and deceived.
"Brother Hao, forget it. There are plenty of fish in the sea. You're so outstanding and handsome; you don't have to worry about not finding a woman who truly cares for you."
Yang Jian didn't quite know how to comfort him.
"But I'm not willing to be deceived by her for so many years. I can see that she wasn't with that white man recently; she must have been hiding it from me for a long time. That's why I don't want to let her off."
"What are you planning to do? Don't do anything foolish. Such a woman isn't worth breaking the law for. With your status and position, it's her loss to give you up."
"Don't worry, I won't touch her. I want to make her entire family bankrupt. I, Lu Hao, am not a good person. In Hancheng, even Old Pan and Hua Zi have to give me face. Anyone who dares to play me will pay a heavy price. I want her to kneel before me and repent."
Love had turned into hatred, and Lu Hao's spoiled rich kid persona was fully revealed. Fortunately, he had a father who was a police officer to keep him in check, otherwise, he would have been a formidable figure in the underworld.
Yang Jian sighed and remained silent. He didn't truly understand Lu Hao's character yet. So far, he had seen his gentle demeanor, his capable and shrewd nature, and his generous hospitality towards friends.
But for him to hold the position of CEO of a listed company at this age, it couldn't solely be due to his father's influence; he must possess some cunning and iron-fisted methods.
"Brother Hao, let's not talk about this anymore. What are your plans now? Are you staying here for a couple more days or returning to Hancheng? Sister Yueyue is quite worried about you."
"I've requested half a month's leave from the group. It's only been five days, so I'll spend the remaining vacation time with you."
"Alright, we haven't seen each other in a long time. Let's have a good get-together this time, but no more gambling, okay?"
"No more gambling. I'll never gamble again in my life. This lesson was too profound. I've never been detained before in my life. If this gets out on social media, it would ruin my image."
A hundred million to buy a lesson wasn't expensive for someone like Lu Hao. If he didn't quit gambling, the money he would lose in the future would far exceed this amount.
In the following days, Yang Jian accompanied Lu Hao to savor Dongjiang's delicacies and visit nearby attractions, helping him gradually emerge from the shadow of heartbreak.
Bai Zheng learned that Lu Hao was staying in Dongjiang and returned from abroad in advance. He subtly asked Yang Jian to arrange a meeting with Lu Hao, wanting to see the "big shot" who lost over a hundred million in one night.
Yang Jian, naturally grateful for Bai Zheng's strong support, took the initiative to host a banquet for Bai Zheng.
"Brother Zheng, this is my brother, Lu Hao, the President of Hanhua Group."
In the hotel private room, Yang Jian introduced Lu Hao to Bai Zheng.
Before Bai Zheng could speak, Lu Hao extended his hand, "Brother Zheng, thank you. Thank you for taking care of Little Yang, and thank you for your righteous intervention to get me out."
"President Lu, since you call me Brother Zheng, then I'll call you Little Lu. You're too kind. Little Yang is my brother, and you're Little Yang's elder brother, so you are now my brother too. Brothers don't need to say thank you."
"Right, right, just call me Little Lu. Brother Zheng, then my gratitude is beyond words. I acknowledge you as my brother. If you ever need my help, just ask. Little Lu will never hesitate."
Knowing that he was released on Bai Zheng's guarantee, Lu Hao was truly grateful to Bai Zheng. Although this favor belonged to Yang Jian, Bai Zheng had genuinely helped. Otherwise, Yang Jian wouldn't even have a way to seek help.
"Good, I've gained another good brother today. We'll have to drink a few more glasses later. Let's keep in touch more often. I might visit Hancheng occasionally."
"Alright, Brother Zheng, if you have time to visit Hancheng, be sure to call me. The entertainment options there might not compare to your Xintai Entertainment, but Hancheng's scenic spots are much better than Dongjiang, and there's plenty of good food. I guarantee you won't want to leave."
"Haha, hearing you say that, I'm definitely going to Hancheng. Come, let's three brothers toast!"
This was exactly the effect Bai Zheng wanted – to establish a close relationship with Lu Hao and pave the way to meet his father in the future.
He had initially considered waiving the hundred million and letting Yang Jian off the hook, thus making Lu Hao indebted to him. However, doing so would be too obvious. A hundred million was not a small sum, and waiving it just for a word of brotherhood could easily raise suspicions about his motives.
Therefore, this matter had to be handled gradually, starting with building a good relationship with Lu Hao.
Lu Hao didn't think that much about it. It was merely a matter of Bai Zheng visiting Hancheng in the future and him fulfilling his duties as a host. It wasn't a big deal.
As for getting deeply acquainted with Bai Zheng, he hadn't considered it. What he said earlier was just polite talk. He had always been cautious around figures like Bai Zheng, who were involved in the underworld. After all, his grandfather held a high position, and one wrong step could lead to irreversible consequences.
That hundred million was for Yang Jian to repay him. He owed Yang Jian a favor, and Yang Jian was someone his grandfather didn't reject. Although Yang Jian was also involved in shady dealings, his character was trustworthy, and he wasn't worried about Yang Jian implicating his family. The two families were now essentially related.