Three hours passed quickly in the intense gambling games. At precisely six o'clock, Old Wu stepped down from the dealer's position.
Yang Jian handed over the remaining five hundred thousand to Mr. Mao of the gambling company. He would take the rest of the money with him, having won two hundred and ninety-three thousand yuan on his first day back.
Song Jianhao took five thousand yuan and slipped it to Brother Xi. The latter accepted it without any pleasantries.
They exited the casino through a different passage. Descending to the first floor required a circuitous route to reach the parking lot.
"Xiao Yang, you've been hospitalized for so long. You won money on your first day back at the company. We're celebrating your return. Follow my car."
In the parking lot, as Song Jianhao got into his car, he called out to Yang Jian. Without waiting for a refusal, he drove off.
Yang Jian had no choice but to follow him. As they entered the main road, they weren't heading towards Jiangbei.
After driving for more than ten minutes on Hongchang Avenue, Song Jianhao's car pulled into the parking lot of the Prince Hotel, a well-known and expensive chain restaurant.
Yang Jian and the others followed Song Jianhao into the hotel. They requested a large private room and ordered a lavish spread of food and drinks.
Before the dishes arrived, Yang Jian handed the money he had won to Song Jianhao.
Song Jianhao set aside the miscellaneous eight thousand yuan. "Old Wu, Director Zhong, we had a great start in this big venue today. We should celebrate and welcome Yang Jian. How about we split the winnings of two hundred and eighty thousand yuan today?"
"No objections. I've been here for a week, and the company has been losing money in the smaller venues. Yang Jian winning money as soon as he arrives calls for a celebration and welcome."
Director Zhong was adept at navigating social dynamics. He knew that Yang Jian's influence in the team was even greater than Song Jianhao's, making it crucial to maintain a good relationship with him.
Old Wu naturally had no objections. Song Jianhao then distributed the two hundred and eighty thousand yuan according to shares on the spot. Each share was worth twenty-eight thousand yuan.
Yang Jian, with his one-and-a-half shares, received forty-two thousand yuan.
Biao Biao received fourteen thousand yuan and was overjoyed. He immediately called Liang Liang and San Pang, as the earnings were a joint venture between the three of them.
Afterward, Song Jianhao used the eight thousand yuan to pay Biao Biao, Sixi, and others their wages, which were still two hundred yuan each. There were no bonuses for winning, as wages were paid regardless of losses.
"Everyone, I have established a good relationship with Brother Xi. If nothing unexpected happens, we can be the dealers in Old Pan's venue long-term. Our company will prosper starting from this venue. My goal is for all the brothers present to become shareholders and drive good cars."
After distributing the money, Song Jianhao began to excitedly envision the future.
Sixi was the first to applaud, clearly moved by his enthusiasm.
Seeing Director Zhong and Old Wu also clapping, Yang Jian could only clap twice. In reality, he wasn't optimistic. The stakes in this casino were too high, unlike Chen Song's venue where cheating could guarantee profits. Winning money today didn't guarantee winning tomorrow.
Among the shareholders present, apart from Director Zhong and Old Biao, the others lacked substantial strength. In local parlance, they could only afford tonics, not laxatives. With their current capital reserves, they would need to win several more games before they could confidently claim to be long-term dealers at this casino.
The meal cost nearly two thousand yuan. Although a bit extravagant, everyone was happy.
After leaving the hotel, Song Jianhao, still feeling invigorated, suggested going for karaoke to spend the remaining eight thousand yuan.
Yang Jian initially didn't want to go. His sister was still in the hospital, and he couldn't bring himself to be happy. However, he was driving and needed to drop everyone off.
To Yang Jian's surprise, Song Jianhao led everyone back to the 358 Music Club, the same place where they had a fight before.
"Brother Jian, will the security guards here recognize us?" Biao Biao asked with some concern as they entered the club, having been involved in the previous fight.
Yang Jian glanced at the security guards at the entrance. "Probably not. It's been so long, and the fight was brief. Who would remember? These guards might have even been replaced. I'm more worried about you. They'll definitely be pushing drugs tonight. Can you resist the temptation of 'ma gu'?"
"No problem. I actually want to test my resistance to drugs. If I really can't take it, I'll leave. Keep an eye on me."
"Good. Having this mindset already means you've conquered yourself. I believe in you."
As they spoke, they followed Song Jianhao into a private room marked with three fives. The same plump yet somewhat charming female manager came to greet Song Jianhao and soon led in ten scantily clad young women.
Following the usual routine, the women first introduced themselves, all claiming to be university students, and then the guests made their selections.
Song Jianhao was the first to pick a slightly plump girl. Then, Sixi, Song Ge, and the others didn't hesitate to choose one each.
Old Wu seemed a bit hesitant, saying he was too old and it wasn't appropriate for him to be in such a place. However, Song Jianhao pulled a girl and sat her next to him.
"Xiao Yang, pick one. You're the guest of honor today," Song Jianhao called out loudly when he saw Yang Jian making no move.
Yang Jian shook his head. "Brother Hao, you guys have fun. I haven't fully recovered yet. I can't drink or engage in strenuous activity. Don't mind me."
"It must be that these girls aren't suitable. Let's get another batch." Song Jianhao waved his hand, and the manager took the remaining girls out.
Within a few minutes, another group was brought in. This annoyed Yang Jian a bit. He had no intention of joining in the fun, and furthermore, he was now with Lu Yao and had no interest in any other woman.
"Xiao Yang, pick one. Or should I pick for you?" Song Jianhao, unaware of Yang Jian's thoughts, assumed he was being shy.
"Brother Hao, I really don't need one. Just have fun. I'm going out to make a phone call."
As Yang Jian stood up, a girl walked towards him. "Brother Jian, long time no see."
Everyone was stunned. Xiao Yang knew someone here. Was he a regular?
Yang Jian was also a bit bewildered. Upon closer inspection, he recognized her. "Su Ya, why are you working here again?"
"Brother Jian, how about I keep you company for a chat, so you don't feel awkward with your friends?"
"Alright then, come sit over here." Yang Jian hesitated for a moment before agreeing to Su Ya's suggestion. He wanted to inquire about his sister's recent situation. Although that girl had promised not to come to nightclubs anymore, he was still worried. After all, the temptations of this society were too great.
The two of them walked to a sofa in the corner of the private room and sat down. Su Ya opened a bottle of soft drink for him.
"Su Ya, Yang Rui isn't working here, is she?" Yang Jian's primary concern was his sister's whereabouts.
"No, after you guys had that fight last time, she hasn't been here. She's been working as a tutor part-time and preparing for her postgraduate entrance exams. She's very diligent and works very hard."
"That girl. I told her she didn't need to work as a tutor and should focus on her postgraduate exams. She's not listening. I'll have to talk to her later."
"Brother Jian, I really envy Rui Rui. She has such a good brother like you. She's so fortunate, with no worries. After she gets into graduate school, the gap between us will only widen."
"Su Ya, I heard from Rui Rui that your younger brother is sick or something, which is why you've returned to your old profession. But has your family's situation been resolved after all this time?"
At this question, Su Ya's eyes welled up, and soon she began to sob.