The increase in big gamblers not only livened up the casino but also significantly boosted Yang Jian's income. On the fifth day alone, his share of the profits reached nine thousand. At this rate, more and more people would come to gamble, and his income would continue to rise. By the time the casino closed, he might earn over a hundred thousand.
On the sixth day, Song Jianhao indeed divided the casino into two. One was set up outside the ancestral hall, designated as the "black money" venue. It wasn't entirely for black money, though; bets below five hundred were accepted outside. Inside the ancestral hall, the "red money" casino required a minimum bet of five hundred.
Gamblers could move freely between the two casinos as long as they met the betting requirements.
At one in the afternoon, both casinos simultaneously commenced operations. Despite the division of crowds, the number of people gambling outside only increased, just like the previous days, with the casino surrounded three layers deep.
The "Emperor Company" operating outside was hired by Song Jianhao. Yang Jian had never met them before, only knowing that their leader was Cao Feng, a burly man in his thirties, who clearly looked like he belonged to the underworld.
The "red money" casino inside the ancestral hall also had a considerable crowd. However, only about twenty to thirty gamblers were seated at the tables, while the rest were spectators. This group included the brothers and women accompanying the gamblers, the money lenders' assistants, members of the Emperor Company and the gambling company, as well as those who were simply there to watch.
The Emperor Company, led by Wu Wangchun, was still the house. The dice roller was replaced by Wu Zhi's elder cousin, Wu Xian, a sharp-looking man in his mid-twenties.
Over the past few days, Yang Jian and Wu Wangchun's team members had become familiar with each other. Being from the same hometown, they cooperated seamlessly at the casino.
The Emperor Company had broken even for the first three days. They won over two hundred thousand on the third day but lost on the fourth and fifth, with a loss of one hundred and eighty thousand on the fifth day alone.
This made Yang Jian secretly relieved, realizing the risks of the Emperor's company operating the house. He knew he couldn't afford to play without sufficient capital.
"Everyone, play to your heart's content today. The table limit is one hundred thousand."
Wu Xian announced this with authority as soon as the game began. This high limit indicated the Emperor's strong financial backing, as no one would dare to host without at least a million in reserve capital.
The people playing today, apart from Yu Feng's group of girlfriends and bosses, were all kiln owners and transportation bosses returning from the south. They were all wealthy and had stacks of fifty to one hundred thousand cash in front of them.
Additionally, four money lending companies were operating within the venue, each with their regular clients. Yu Feng's circle was financed by her own money, and she had hired two young men to manage it for her. The income from money lending was even higher than her share in the casino.
"Er Jian, I just received news that Baoping and Hong Xing are also opening casinos in Luogang today. I'm worried they'll send people to cause trouble, so you need to be prepared."
Yu Feng sat down beside Yang Jian as soon as she entered the venue and whispered the warning.
Yang Jian frowned, "They're starting today? I heard from San Pang that they weren't supposed to begin until the eighth."
"They must have moved up their schedule because our venue has attracted all the nearby kiln owners. They must be anxious and unhappy. To compete for customers, they'll likely try to disrupt our operations."
"That shouldn't be the case. These kiln owners are all familiar with Hong Xing. Logically, they should all go to support his establishment when he opens, not worry about us competing with him."
Yu Feng gently shook her head, "It's not what you think. Hong Xing has swindled many bosses over the years by opening chambers of commerce in Nanhai. Everyone gives him face on the surface because he's too overbearing, and they don't dare to offend him openly. In reality, they don't want to gamble at his place, so they have no advantage in fair competition."
"Is that so? Then I'll make arrangements."
Yang Jian got up and left the casino, calling Liangliang and BiaoBiao together to brief them.
The information provided by Yu Feng was crucial and had to be taken seriously. Such a great opportunity couldn't be ruined by anyone. Those who dared to disrupt their source of wealth would have to pay the price.
Returning to his seat, Yang Jian quietly said to Yu Feng, "Sister Feng, I'm not afraid of trouble from the underworld, but what if they call the police?"
Yu Feng smiled faintly, "Only you can handle these troublesome characters. You don't need to worry about the rest. I have people in the police force, so I'll know immediately if anyone reports us. We'll be fine."
"That's good then. Tell your people to play with peace of mind."
Yang Jian knew that Yu Feng had extensive connections in official circles; otherwise, her company would have been shut down long ago.
About ten minutes later, Liangliang entered and gave him an "okay" gesture.
The gambling was proceeding normally, with eager gamblers placing bets and enjoying themselves with laughter. These people were wealthy, and losing tens of thousands wouldn't cripple them.
The casino was located in the main hall of the ancestral hall. People were constantly coming and going. Song Jianhao also checked in from time to time, his eyes creasing with smiles at the bustling scene.
Around two in the afternoon, five or six young men entered from outside. They stood at the periphery and watched a few rounds. No one was betting, and no one paid them any attention.
"Emperor, what's the table limit?"
After observing for ten minutes, a burly, handsome young man with a crew cut sat down opposite Wu Xian.
Wu Xian offered him a cigarette, "The table limit is one hundred thousand."
The young man took out his lighter, lit the cigarette, and then tossed the lighter onto the table, saying, "Double or nothing, one hundred thousand."
Wu Xian was taken aback, "Sir, we play with cash here and don't accept verbal bets."
The young man slammed his hand on the table, "What do you mean? Are you afraid I don't have money? This lighter is worth one hundred thousand. If you don't dare to accept it, then get lost!"
Wu Xian, not one to back down, was about to retort when Wu Wangchun, standing behind him, held him back. He then looked at Song Jianmin, who was acting as the dealer, and said, "Mr. Song, we only play with cash. How do you want to handle this?"
Everyone's eyes were on Song Jianmin. This group was clearly looking for trouble, and if the gambling company couldn't handle it, the casino might not be able to continue operating.
Song Jianmin’s gaze shifted to Yang Jian, as he clearly had no idea what to do.
Yang Jian, however, remained calm and composed. "Brother Xian, open the box. Don't worry, if anyone tries to renege on their payment here, I guarantee they won't be able to leave this ancestral hall. Liangliang, guard the door. Anyone who tries to act tough here, deal with them ruthlessly."
Liangliang didn't say a word. With a wave of his hand, over a dozen young men emerged from the side rooms, all carrying machetes and wooden clubs, completely blocking the entrance to the ancestral hall.
The young man with the crew cut showed no signs of nervousness. He glanced at Yang Jian and then said to Wu Xian, "Open it. The gambling company has agreed to this way of playing. What are you hesitating for?"
Wu Xian still seemed hesitant, while Song Jianmin opposite him had already been replaced by BiaoBiao.
Yang Jian smiled, "Brother Xian, I told you to open it. What are you waiting for? This bet doesn't exceed the table limit. This gentleman is betting one hundred thousand, and the difference between double or nothing is only seventy to eighty thousand. Can you not afford it?"