A long time later, after suffering another severe beating, Qin Er Ge finally whimpered and recounted the full story of his recent misfortune.
From Qin Er Ge's account, it was learned that after returning home with a million yuan last time, he had learned his lesson from being deceived. This time, he was wiser and no longer trusted anyone. He personally drove to inspect any source of goods.
Even for journeys spanning thousands of miles, he meticulously checked every step, determined not to make similar mistakes again.
In that era, the automotive industry was in its golden age of development, with substantial profits for both new and used cars.
Imported cars, in particular, offered eye-watering profits. A 500,000 yuan imported car could be resold for around 700,000 yuan upon arrival in China, or at least 600,000-plus yuan.
Such tempting profits made many car dealers and middlemen eager to participate.
Through careful and cautious efforts, Qin Gang achieved some success. His initial capital of one million yuan grew to 1.5 million within just two months.
This was primarily due to his insufficient capital, leading him to focus mostly on used cars rather than imported ones.
Earning 500,000 yuan in two months was no small feat.
Even in later times, over twenty years hence, such an achievement would be remarkable, surpassing ninety-nine percent of people.
As his earnings steadily increased, Qin Gang's heart grew increasingly fervent. He saw a landscape of gold in this industry.
He resolutely decided to use his hard-earned car dealership as collateral and borrowed over a million yuan from the bank.
He then raised a substantial sum from many friends and neighbors, totaling around three million yuan. His plan was to make a big splash and achieve sudden wealth.
Little did he know, this greed would once again cast him from paradise into hell.
The confidant who received the remittance vanished without a trace, along with his deeply beloved girlfriend.
After repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact his partner, Qin Gang finally realized he had likely been scammed again and immediately reported it to the police.
However, the police could not apprehend the fraudsters so quickly. They informed him that such cases were too numerous, and catching one or two out of a hundred would be fortunate. Furthermore, the embezzled funds were almost impossible to recover, having already been squandered.
Qin Gang was utterly devastated, feeling lost and dejected. He drank himself into a stupor and wept uncontrollably.
Eventually, someone revealed that he had been defrauded again and lost everything. The bank consequently froze his car dealership, and those who had lent him money swarmed his premises demanding repayment. This led to the scene that Qin Chuan and others stumbled upon.
After roughly hearing Qin Gang's entire ordeal, both Qin Yang and Qin Chuan were enraged and almost resorted to violence again.
"You earned 500,000 yuan in two months, and you're still not satisfied, hoping for overnight riches? Why don't you just rob a bank?"
Qin Gang hung his head in shame, remaining silent.
"I'm going to ask you a few questions now. You must answer truthfully. Do you understand?"
Qin Chuan spat out the cigarette butt and spoke.
Qin Gang nodded eagerly, like a pecking chicken.
"I heard that last time you were defrauded, it was through your girlfriend Cao Yuqing's connections. Was it the same this time?"
Qin Gang hesitated, remaining silent. He still couldn't quite believe that the mastermind behind both scams was the woman he deeply loved.
It was too ironic and, at the same time, a profound insult.
"Damn it, speak up! Have you gone mute?"
His elder brother, Qin Yang, seemed to transform, becoming incredibly irate. Seeing Qin Gang's hesitation, he slapped the back of his head again.
"This time, I proposed it myself. I wanted to make a big move."
Finally, Qin Gang said with hesitation.
This answer was clearly unsatisfactory. Qin Chuan furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Did Cao Yuqing know when you had this idea?"
"Yes, I told her."
"Was Cao Yuqing involved in your business dealings this time?"
"...Yes, she attended several dinners with me. But those people were all acquaintances, in the same line of business, and we all knew each other."
"We've dealt with them more than once or twice!"
Qin Gang was still making excuses for Cao Yuqing.
"Who was your business partner this time?"
Qin Chuan continued to press.
"His name is Hai Kui Sheng, known as 'Master Hai.' He's the biggest used car dealer in the Beicheng area, with extensive connections and considerable influence."
At this moment, Hong Jin Long interjected, "I've heard of this Master Hai too. He's a very formidable figure. Rumor has it he has connections in both the underworld and the legal system, and his net worth is tens of millions!"
Qin Chuan's expression remained calm. "Can you find this Hai Kui Sheng now?"
Upon mentioning this, Qin Gang's emotions fluctuated violently, as if recalling unpleasant memories. His breathing became rapid, and a deep hatred flickered in his eyes.
Qin Chuan noticed this, his own eyes gleaming with sharp insight.
"I... I already tried to find Hai Kui Sheng, but I was thrown out by his subordinates. I didn't even get to see him."
Qin Gang's voice was hoarse, bordering on tears, filled with immense grievance.
"They claimed the matter had nothing to do with him, as I was dealing with one of his subordinates who had already fled. They insisted it was none of his business."
"But I clearly discussed this deal face-to-face with him..."
Chen Jin Yu interjected, "Since you discussed it face-to-face with Hai Kui Sheng, his name should be on the contract, right? Where is the contract? Don't tell me there isn't even a contract?"
Qin Gang quickly replied, "Yes! Of course, there's a contract, but..."
"But what?"
Qin Yang pressed.
"But the name signed on it wasn't Hai Kui Sheng, but the name of a car dealership. I know that dealership; it's one of Hai Kui Sheng's properties."
"However, since the incident, that dealership has closed down. The actual registered owner isn't Hai Kui Sheng himself."
Hearing this, Qin Chuan finally understood. His second brother had been targeted and trapped.
The so-called car dealership was just a shell company, created to take the fall and distance the actual perpetrator after the incident.
Such tactics were commonplace in the business world. However, Qin Gang was too young and inexperienced. A slight oversight allowed others to exploit him, ultimately leading to the loss of both his money and his reputation.
In the private room, everyone listened with sighs of disbelief. The business world was treacherous, and people's hearts were hidden beneath their faces, filled with deception and cunning. Often, it was more brutal than actual martial combat.
This was precisely why many people were not suited for business. No matter how careful and cautious you were, there were always people in this world smarter and more cunning than you. A moment's lapse could lead you into a trap and send you tumbling from the clouds into hell.
"Qin Gang, was Cao Yuqing with you when you signed the contract?"
Suddenly, Bai Xiao Guang posed a razor-sharp question that captured everyone's attention.
Under the gaze of many eyes, Qin Gang's expression shifted uncertainly. A look of ferocity gradually appeared in his eyes, then contorted into pain. After several fluctuations, he finally nodded slowly, "Yes!"
"At the time, I hesitated and was uncertain about signing the contract. It was Yuqing who spoke up, assuring me a hundred percent that Master Hai was extremely reliable..."
"That bitch!!"
Before Qin Gang could finish speaking, Qin Chuan abruptly stood up, his dark eyes blazing with fire. This time, he was truly furious!