The next evening, Biao Biao and Liang Liang followed Yang Jian into Li Jin’s house to work, replacing Yang Jian and Li Jin in serving tea and water to the bosses playing cards.
Two of the bosses were also using methamphetamine pills. Biao Biao provided them with full service. While taking the pills could be done alone, it was inconvenient, and having an assistant offered the best experience.
Biao Biao also managed to sneak a few pills to satisfy his cravings. Moreover, he was sweet-mouthed and skilled in his actions. When the two bosses won money, they would give him two to three hundred yuan as a red envelope. However, he was good at handling relationships and would share half of the red envelopes with Liang Liang. By the end of the night, both of them had earned seven to eight hundred yuan.
With free methamphetamine pills and high wages, the two young men were enthusiastic and full of drive, wishing the operation would continue indefinitely.
However, their good fortune was short-lived. Eight days after they started working at the operation, Xiao Wu finally learned of its existence.
He called Yang Jian into his office alone.
“Xiao Yang, I heard from a lumber boss we’re collaborating with that you’re partnering with Li Jin to run a gambling operation?”
Xiao Wu’s expression was grim as he asked.
Yang Jian replied calmly, “Yes, I’m running this operation myself, using Li Jin’s house.”
“Do you know that your actions are affecting our lumber sales? Boss Luo lost over 400,000 yuan, and Boss Chen lost over 300,000 yuan. They no longer have money to purchase lumber. Additionally, two other bosses lost over 100,000 yuan each. They’ve all requested to buy lumber on credit, paying after delivery. This puts me in a very difficult position.”
“Wu Ge, this operation was requested by them. They used to gamble at hotels, but later felt it was unsafe. They approached me themselves, asking me to provide a secure venue and were willing to let me take a cut of the house rake. That’s when I asked Li Jin to help me find a place. For the past ten days, I have never forced any boss to gamble. During the games, everything was fair and just, with freedom to come and go. You can ask Boss Luo if he has any complaints about me, despite losing over 400,000 yuan.”
Yang Jian’s words left Xiao Wu speechless, but he absolutely refused to allow the operation to continue.
“Xiao Yang, the operation cannot continue. I still have half of the lumber left to sell, and I’m counting on these bosses to take it. If they all buy on credit, I cannot afford it, as our company only earns the price difference. I have to pay Xu Tao and Zhou Bing in cash, and the profit margin is very thin. You must have earned quite a bit of money during this time, so I won’t pursue it further.”
Pursue it? Yang Jian found it somewhat amusing. What right did Xiao Wu have to pursue him? He had saved Xiao Wu’s life twice at great risk and helped him seize territory and open up the situation, yet he hadn’t seen any acknowledgement. Now, he had the nerve to criticize him.
Perhaps feeling he had spoken too harshly, Xiao Wu poured him a cup of tea.
“Xiao Yang, you are my most capable brother. I remember everything you’ve done for me. After the forest farm matters are settled, I’ll buy you a car. Also, I’ve arranged for you to connect with Xiao Yue, hoping to create an opportunity for you. Xiao Yue is a good girl. Seize this chance, and perhaps you’ll be my brother-in-law in the future.”
“Forget it, Wu Ge. I’ll wait for you to buy me a car, but I might not even have my life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t you understand what I mean? I embarrassed Brother Xiong, and he could make a move against me at any time. I tricked Guang Tou into negotiating at the village committee, which ultimately led to his entire group being arrested. Will his brothers let me off?”
Xiao Wu was slightly taken aback. “Xiao Yang, your worries are unnecessary. Brother Xiong hasn’t recovered his strength yet and doesn’t dare to act against you for now. By the time he recovers, our forces will be able to contend with him. As for Guang Tou, there’s even less to worry about. His core members are all in jail, and the remaining ones are not a threat and are no match for us.”
Yang Jian shook his head. “Open threats are easy to avoid, but hidden daggers are hard to guard against. To prevent ambushes, I bought the best helmet. Besides the driving school, my rental apartment, the gambling den, and the forest farm, I dare not linger anywhere else. Even when riding my bike, I have to constantly guard against bricks from others. Living like this, in constant fear, is unpleasant and meaningless. I can’t wait. I have huge debts to repay, a sick mother at home who needs medical expenses, and a sister in college who needs living expenses. My efforts and returns are not proportional. As for Xiao Yue, I can’t reach her level. She once said that to marry a city girl, one must first buy a house and settle down in the city, and have a certain career. No girl is willing to marry into the countryside. With my current conditions, I won’t meet the requirements even in ten years, so I’ve never harbored any foolish hopes. Wu Ge, I, Yang Jian, have done nothing to betray you. We’ve been brothers, let’s part on good terms.”
After saying this, Yang Jian got up and left.
When paths diverge, one cannot plan together. Relying on empty promises and the temptation of beautiful women cannot win genuine loyalty. Yang Jian now leaves with confidence. The income from running the operation for these ten days, plus his wages, amounts to nearly 140,000 yuan. This money is enough to either repay his sister or to take on carpentry projects. If his sister doesn’t need the money urgently, and the project cannot be undertaken, joining Wu Wangchun’s team with this money would be a good option.
Watching Yang Jian’s resolute departing back, Xiao Wu was completely bewildered. He hadn’t said anything too harsh, so why such a strong reaction, leaving so abruptly?
No, this is a time when he needs people, and Yang Jian is the core figure of this team. His reputation even surpasses his own. With him around, Brother Xiong wouldn’t dare to act rashly.
After dealing with Guang Tou, the forest farm was straightened out, but the demolition of over two thousand households in the five, six, and seven brigades’ residential areas was a piece of fat that many coveted. However, this fat was frozen in the refrigerator, and with the people under his command, it would be difficult to chew. Furthermore, the subsequent earthwork and the delivery of sand and gravel would be highly profitable industries where fierce competition would ensue. A ruthless individual like Yang Jian, who could handle ten men, was indispensable.
Xiao Wu sat alone in his office, pondering for a long time. He felt that to keep Yang Jian, he had to offer some substantial benefits. He had indeed neglected Yang Jian in this regard.
This task could only be handed over to Song Jianhao. Xiao Wu dialed his number, informed him of the conversation and his decision, and instructed him to do everything possible to retain Yang Jian.
Song Jianhao could not find Yang Jian at his rental apartment.
Meanwhile, Yang Jian and Song Jianmin had already arrived at Li Jin’s house. Since the operation couldn’t proceed, it was time to settle the accounts.
Song Jianmin had 160,000 yuan in principal. Of this, 100,000 yuan was the house rake from Yang Jian and Li Jin’s operation. This was not the entire income; they had already divided the excess money. They had only kept 100,000 yuan for betting.
In the end, Li Jin and Yang Jian each received 100,000 yuan in house rake, and the betting money was divided into over 20,000 yuan. Song Jianmin also earned a considerable amount, making over 20,000 yuan in ten days, which he was very satisfied with.