The air in the private room was thick with tension. Bai Zheng's concession led Qin Ming to believe he had lost his fighting spirit, prompting him to demand an equal split of the liquor business.
Facing Qin Ming's aggressive stance, Bai Zheng's expression flickered slightly before he smiled again.
"Old Qin, don't get so worked up. We've been handling the liquor business on Phoenix Street. Now that my brother Yang Wu has come to Dongjiang, I want to support his development. I plan to give him the liquor business as a stepping stone for his ventures here. If you're also interested in this business, talk to him directly. If he agrees, I have no objections."
Bai Zheng effectively passed the buck to Yang Jian, testing his courage and adaptability, as more complex situations would arise in the casino later.
Yang Jian was caught off guard but quickly regained his composure.
"Mr. Zheng, I have a good relationship with Brother Cheng. He provided a lot of help when dealing with Fo Ye, so last night I promised him that after we move into Phoenix Street, I could help stabilize the situation. As for the liquor business, it's a great gift from Brother Zheng, and as a gift, I cannot share it with others. I've always been a benevolent person. You respect me, and I'll respect you. I don't provoke others, but if someone tries to make things difficult for me or infringes upon my interests, then I apologize, but I will fight them to the death, even if it's the King of Heaven. Just like Fo Ye, I had no business dealings with him. I warned him twice, but he wouldn't let me be, so I had to take action against him. Fo Ye's leg is now broken. If it weren't for the fact that he's the boyfriend of my classmate, Meng Mei Yun, I would have buried him alive. Therefore, there is no room for negotiation regarding the liquor business on Phoenix Street. I will crush any god who blocks my path and kill any demon who stands in my way. I will not show favor to anyone. Of course, I will not interfere with any other businesses on Phoenix Street, and I will not stand by if Brother Cheng needs help."
These words were quite arrogant, clearly directed at Qin Ming, and a blatant refusal to give him face. Bai Zheng silently praised Yang Jian, calling him impressive for showing no fear towards Dongjiang's top figures and issuing a strong warning without regard for anyone. Choosing him for the casino team was a wise decision; security could be entrusted to him.
Qin Ming's face darkened as if it could drip water. "Yang Wu, is it? You're very good. Then I wish you prosperous business and abundant wealth."
"Thank you, Mr. Qin."
Yang Jian knew he had been marked but didn't take it to heart. It was still the same principle: no interference with each other's affairs.
Bai Zheng quickly tried to smooth things over. "Old Qin, young people can be a bit impetuous. Don't take it to heart. We're old now. The current martial world isn't dictated by us. It's nice to get together for tea and chat, isn't it? You have more money than you can spend in several lifetimes, so why worry about so many trivial things?"
Qin Ming, a smiling tiger, immediately changed his tune. "Old Bai, you're right. My perspective was too narrow. You've already given up Phoenix Street, so what more can I say? Old Zheng, manage Phoenix Street well and don't let down Brother Bai's good intentions. That territory was built by him back in the day, and people died for it."
With veiled barbs and sarcasm, Bai Zheng understood Qin Ming was venting his dissatisfaction but didn't want to argue. His focus was elsewhere; the casino, which was about to launch, was the priority. Their conversation proving unproductive, Qin Ming left before they had even finished their morning tea.
"Brother Zheng, this Boss Qin isn't exactly open-minded. You've already conceded, and he's still pushing his luck."
With three fewer people in the private room, it was much quieter. Yang Jian began chatting with Bai Zheng as they ate.
"Qin Ming is an old fox. When it comes to schemes and tricks, I'm no match for him. My personality is similar to yours. When I was building my empire, I relied on brute force. I was outmaneuvered by him several times. His overall strength is a bit greater than mine, which is why he dares to speak so condescendingly to me. This man holds grudges and is dangerous. Be careful and try to avoid conflict with him. Our goal is to make money."
"Don't worry, I won't provoke him. If he tries to cause trouble for me, I'm not afraid of him."
"I like your assertive demeanor, it's much like my younger self. It's good that we've cleared the air today. From now on, don't get involved with the Xichuan Gang. Just focus on managing the liquor business."
"I understand. My earlier statement about helping the Xichuan Gang stabilize the situation was just politeness. How could I be their thug?"
"Exactly. You were already a big shot in your hometown. Being a thug would be beneath you. By the way, the car you're driving now belongs to Old Zheng, right? Return it to him when you get back today. I have several cars in my garage that are free; you can drive any of them. Also, regarding housing, I have several properties in the city center. One of them was renovated less than six months ago, a duplex of over two hundred square meters. If you think it's suitable, move in and completely sever ties with the Xichuan Gang."
"Brother Zheng, the house you just renovated, you plan to live in it yourself, right? I can just rent a place. I do need a car, though, as I can't afford one right now."
"It's fine. I have plenty of houses. I'll arrange both a car and a house for you. Ah Bao, later you can take Little Yang and handle these matters."
"Thank you, Brother Zheng. Then I won't be polite."
Since he was at odds with Qin Ming, Yang Jian felt it was unnecessary to remain entangled with the Xichuan Gang. He did need to return the car and house to them. Fang Zhicheng seemed like a good person, someone he could befriend. Ah Bao immediately went out to make a call, arranging for the car to be delivered. Yang Jian continued his conversation with Bai Zheng.
Around 9:30, Bai Zheng received a phone call.
"Little Yang, Ah Feng and the other two don't have any online wanted notices, so they can get visas to go abroad. Who do you want to arrange for the training?"
Bai Zheng had received the call from a friend in the police station.
"Is that so? That's great. Can they go home for the New Year?"
"That's not certain. It's best to find someone to inquire at their local police station, as some cases aren't posted online. If they're arrested upon returning, it would be problematic."
"Alright, I'll ask around. For the training in Hong Kong, arrange for Ah Feng. He managed my casino in Hancheng completely, has extensive experience, and is very decisive."
"Okay, then Ah Feng it is. Have him coordinate with Ah Bao and try to get the visas processed before the New Year. We'll all depart together on the eighth day of the first lunar month, as there are over twenty other people participating in dealer training."
"Brother Zheng, when will the casino open?"
"I'm planning for May 1st next year. Time is a bit tight, mainly because there isn't enough time for renovation. The workers on site have also decreased due to going home for the New Year, so they can't rest during the holidays either."
"Do you need my help? I used to be a carpenter and can read renovation blueprints."
"Really? That would be great. Hurry up and sort out the liquor business on Phoenix Street, then go to the construction site as a supervisor to speed up the progress and aim for an early opening."
Bai Zheng's admiration for Yang Jian grew, and he placed great expectations on him.