Li Xiang was quite frank, wanting to pull Yang Jian in to back him up, but seeing Yang Jian remain noncommittal for so long, he grew anxious.
"Er Jian, I heard from Wu Zhi that you're running a casino in Hancheng. You don't care about this small amount of money for road construction, but it concerns the reputation of our Yang Li Village."
Yang Jian was a bit curious, "What reputation?"
"Of course, it's your reputation. Think about it, everyone in Xinqiao knows you're a big shot in the underworld. But if an outsider like Xu Zheng interferes with your hometown's project, isn't that slapping you in the face? What will people in the underworld think of you?"
"Geez, I'm not some underworld big shot."
"Whether you admit it or not, others recognize you. Everyone in the Xinhe District who's in the underworld knows you're from Xinqiao, so they naturally consider Xinqiao your territory. Especially those from the Xinqiao area who are out there, they all see you as the most influential boss."
Li Xiang's words left Yang Jian speechless. Perhaps it was the truth. If you're involved in gambling, you're considered part of the underworld; the label sticks, and it's hard to wash it off.
Since others recognized him as the boss of this area, having an outsider interfere with the infrastructure project right at his doorstep was indeed an act of defiance in the underworld. Unless the other party's influence far surpassed his own, most people wouldn't tolerate it.
"Brother Xiang, I don't care about being slapped in the face, but I really don't have a good impression of Xu Zheng. How about this, I'll consider it and give you an answer tomorrow."
After seeing Li Xiang off, Yang Jian immediately called the village chief, Yang Huailin, and explained what Li Xiang had said.
"Er Jian, don't get involved in their affairs. I told you last time, you're a man destined for great things. Your vision needs to be long-term. Don't bicker with these petty thugs. If the road construction isn't shoddy, there's no profit to be made. They're making money with a guilty conscience, while what you need to do is contribute to repairing bridges and roads when you develop in the future. That's true merit and good deeds, benefiting the villagers."
Yang Huailin on the other end of the phone spoke earnestly.
Yang Jian immediately dismissed the idea of interfering with the road construction, "Uncle, I'll listen to you and stay out of their business."
"That's right. I heard about your factory's situation. Don't be discouraged. Entrepreneurship always comes with bumps in the road. I believe you can overcome this difficulty quickly. I'm counting on you to be the first entrepreneur in our Yang Li Village to lead the villagers to common prosperity. You can't disappoint me." kanshuwu.net
"Uncle, no problem. My funds are just temporarily tight. The factory will resume operations by September."
"That's good. By the way, do you still need to secure that loan?"
"No need. From now on, even if the bank approaches me for a loan, I won't take it. Even without a loan, I'll still make this factory big and strong."
Recalling Chen Xiaoli's parting words, Yang Jian felt extremely resistant to the idea of a bank loan and, at the same time, extremely disgusted with Chen Xiaoli.
From Chen Xiaoli's words and actions, Yang Jian ultimately felt that she subconsciously harbored a natural sense of superiority towards him, a country boy.
Seeing him down on his luck, she discarded him like worn-out shoes. When she saw he had the capability to start a factory, she tried to force a reconciliation using her privilege. Her so-called love was merely a guise for her extreme need for money and status.
Since he wasn't going to get involved in the road construction, Yang Jian immediately called Li Xiang and clearly stated his position.
He had indeed intended to annoy Xu Zheng, but Yang Huailin's words had broadened Yang Jian's perspective. Arguing with these petty thugs was truly meaningless.
Even if he managed to secure the road construction project and have Li Xiang execute it, Li Xiang would surely cut corners. Such a road would deteriorate within two years, and then the villagers would point fingers at Yang Jian. It wasn't worth bearing the blame for tens of thousands of yuan.
At the same time, Li Xiang's words served as a reminder to Yang Jian. He already had the image of a mob boss in the eyes of the villagers. Changing this reputation wouldn't be easy, especially in his hometown. He had to do good deeds, not bad ones, and certainly not get entangled with people like Li Xiang.
The next morning, Yang Jian drove to Chengguan and withdrew 150,000 yuan from the bank.
Upon returning to the template factory, all the workers had arrived and were gathered at the office entrance.
Yang Jian asked Liu Chao and Jing Yongli to move a table to the entrance and then placed the 150,000 yuan in cash on it.
The workers immediately started discussing.
"My goodness, why did Er Jian bring out so much cash? This money is enough to pay everyone's wages."
"That's right, didn't he say he had no money yesterday?"
"Er Jian is a capable man. I heard from Li Xiang that he runs a big casino in Hancheng, earning over a hundred thousand a day. Otherwise, where would he get the money to open such a large template factory?"
"Yeah, this factory has invested over a million yuan. The loan wasn't approved, so the money must have come from the casino."
"If it's that profitable, why did he ask us to register yesterday? Does it mean those who registered won't be allowed to work anymore?"
"That's possible. He was probably testing us yesterday."
"Then what should we do? Earning over two thousand a month at home is better than in the city. Where else can we find such a good job?"
"Hmph, who told you to be so short-sighted? Seeing the factory in difficulty, you were afraid of losing that little salary. Er Jian even took on his cousin's debt of 1.5 million yuan, would he be short of your two or three thousand yuan?"
"You're his uncle, can you put in a good word for me? I want to continue working at the factory."
Yang Jian stood on the steps, observing the workers' varied expressions. Human nature was revealed at this moment.
"Everyone, please quiet down. I have a few words to say. I know everyone has been working overtime diligently during this period, and it hasn't been easy. So, I borrowed over a hundred thousand yuan from friends overnight and will pay everyone's wages today. Please form a line and collect your wages from Yongli later."
Before Yang Jian could finish speaking, someone immediately interjected, "Er Jian, the factory is in difficulty now. Please keep this money to improve the glue-making technology. We won't get rich by receiving two or three thousand yuan, and we won't starve if we don't take it."
"That's right, we don't need wages. The urgent task is to upgrade the glue-making technology. As long as the factory doesn't collapse, we'll always have work."
"Er Jian, if you have nothing else to tell us, we'll be leaving. Notify us when the factory resumes operations, and we'll be there whenever called."
As they spoke, the workers began to leave in twos and threes, including those who had registered for their wages yesterday. Soon, there was no one left in the yard.
This surprised Yang Jian greatly, and he felt ashamed of his petty-mindedness. The villagers were still simple and kind. Even if a small portion were worried about not receiving their wages, it was normal. It was only right for them to ask for their wages after working, and he had harbored resentment towards them.
His perspective was too narrow; it wasn't the magnanimity expected of someone destined for great things. The villagers' actions had taught Yang Jian a harsh lesson, serving as a strong warning for his future conduct.