Ma Ming inwardly dismissed Yang Jian's words, considering him overly worried. Many people were in this industry, and he wasn't the only one. So far, no operating company had been penalized or imprisoned; it usually just involved some civil lawsuits.
However, Yang Jian was his elder brother-in-law, an established entrepreneur, and a well-known figure in the underworld. Ma Ming dared not talk back to him and could only obediently listen to his lecture.
Seeing Ma Ming's submissive demeanor, Yang Jian knew that further words would be useless. He was a stubborn person who wouldn't turn back until he hit a wall.
Sensing his brother-in-law's slight displeasure, Ma Ming returned to Hancheng the next day. He intended to prove to Yang Jian that his choice was not wrong through his achievements.
Yang Jian didn't care about his attitude, as he was preparing for a honeymoon trip to Europe with his wife and children.
On the Qixi Festival, Song Jianmin redeemed Song Jianhao.
The next day, the brothers went to Chunfeng Tower, where Yang Jian met them at a tea restaurant on the third floor.
"Xiao Yang, you saved my life again this time. Thank you so much."
From the start, Song Jianhao continuously expressed his gratitude. In his social circle, there was no one who could lend him a hundred thousand to save his life. Yang Jian's immediate offer of 1.5 million in cash was something he had never expected.
"Brother Hao, you were the one who introduced me to this business. I couldn't just stand by and watch you in trouble."
Although he didn't particularly like Song Jianhao, Yang Jian treated him politely out of respect.
"Xiao Yang, it's no wonder you've become so successful. With your magnanimity and vision, few people in the underworld can match you."
"Brother Hao, let's dispense with the pleasantries. We'll be clear about our dealings. This 1.5 million loan comes with conditions. Two percent interest shouldn't be too much, right?"
"Not at all, not at all. The lowest interest I usually pay others is three percent, and sometimes in emergencies, I've even borrowed at five percent. Your two percent is a great favor. I'll leave the property deeds with you, and I guarantee the monthly interest will be paid on time."
Song Jianhao placed his property deed for his New Port property in front of Yang Jian.
Yang Jian waved his hand and said to Song Jianmin, "The transfer was made by Yongli. Take Brother Hao to handle the procedures with him, and the interest will also be transferred to him."
1.5 million was not a small sum. Borrowing money required not only an IOU and collateral but also transfer receipts to avoid future disputes. This was specifically advised by their legal counsel, Ma Lan, to both Jing Yongli and Yang Jian. Therefore, Ma Lan had to be involved in handling this transaction.
Song Jianmin nodded. "Alright. We'll go to Xinqiao later. Yang Jian, you asked me to work at your company. What can I do?"
"First, you'll collect debts with Biao Biao. There are over a dozen Xinhe bosses who owe money at the Dongjiang Casino that haven't been collected yet, totaling several million. It's mostly converted into monthly interest. You can start by collecting the money with him. There's no risk involved. Room and board are provided by the company. Five thousand a month should be decent, right?"
"That's plenty. I'll start working tomorrow."
A salary of five thousand a month was indeed not much for working in a casino, as it involved risks of arrest or altercations. However, working in a company, five thousand yuan a month was already the treatment for mid-to-high-level management in coastal areas, let alone inland regions.
"You work there for now. After a while, I plan to cooperate with the Xinqiao Town government to build a water plant. You can then work in that project department to learn management. You'll be stationed at the water plant from then on."
Yesterday, while toasting Peng Zhaoyang, the latter had brought up the water plant again. Yang Jian had agreed. Before that, he had discussed it with Jiang Bin. The water plant could be built, but the initial investment was substantial, and the period for cost recovery and profit was long. However, it was ultimately a project that could generate long-term profits.
Li Jian Company now had funds, so investing in the water plant posed no financial pressure. This was also a beneficial undertaking for both the public and themselves. Yang Jian had already asked Jing Yongli to find people to do the budget and design. The land and project approvals would be handled by the town government.
"Xiao Yang, can I take on the water plant project?"
Song Jianhao suddenly made a request from the side.
Yang Jian was slightly taken aback. "You? You have neither the qualifications nor the funds. What will you use to do it?"
"I have a cousin who is in construction. He has the qualifications and all the necessary tradesmen."
Before he could finish, Yang Jian interrupted him. "Brother Hao, I come from a construction background. I understand your idea perfectly. You want to take the project and subcontract it, earning a referral fee. That won't work here. I plan to do it myself and not subcontract it out."
"Xiao Yang, I don't intend to subcontract it. I just want to partner with my cousin. As you know, I'm under immense pressure borrowing so much money from you. I can manage the thirty thousand monthly interest through gambling, but I don't know when I'll be able to repay the principal. If you let me do something legitimate, I can pay off your debt sooner."
What Song Jianhao said was also true. Relying on his gambling to earn 1.5 million to repay the debt was indeed difficult. It was possible he might get arrested again one day, and then even the principal would be hard to recover.
Yang Jian pondered for a moment and said, "I do plan to handle the main structure of the water plant myself because I have my own team. However, the subsequent pipeline installation and connection to households can be subcontracted to you. This doesn't require very high technical skill, and you should be able to earn one to two million."
To recover the 1.5 million, Yang Jian had to accommodate him; otherwise, this money might ultimately be lost.
As for the main construction of the water plant, Yang Jian intended to contract the work to Liu Yong and his uncle Yang Dalin.
Liu Yong had performed well in recent years, having completely quit his bad habits, so he could be given some projects.
Song Jianhao was overjoyed. "Alright, Xiao Yang, it's settled then. The pipeline installation project will be contracted to me. It won't change."
"It won't change. But let's be clear upfront. If you delay the construction period or cut corners, don't blame me for turning hostile. Also, that 1.5 million will be deducted from the project payment."
"No problem. You've helped me so many times. If I still don't do a good job, then I'm not human."
"Alright. The installation is still some time away. You can talk to Yongli about it. I'll mention it to him."
"Xiao Yang, let me treat you to a meal."
"No, I'm going abroad for travel. My flight is tonight, and I don't have time today. You two go to Xinqiao."
After speaking, Yang Jian went upstairs.
The Song brothers did not leave. They needed to discuss their future path.
"Brother, Yang Jian has been incredibly kind to us. You absolutely cannot cheat him anymore. You must pay the interest on time, otherwise, I won't be able to stay at his company. What are your plans now?"
Song Jianmin knew his elder brother too well. His biggest bad habit was defaulting on debts. He had cleaned up messes for him so many times, or else he would have been chopped up long ago.
Song Jianhao sighed. "After this incident, my reputation for cheating must have spread, and my name is ruined. I can't operate in the casinos in Hancheng anymore. I plan to talk to Wu Wangchun and work at his establishment for a few months to earn the interest for Xiao Yang. When the installation project for his water plant begins, I'll focus entirely on legitimate work and completely turn over a new leaf, clinging tightly to Yang Jian's support."
Having lived for over forty years and spent half his life in shady dealings, Song Jianhao finally realized that there was no future in the gambling world.