As soon as Meng Meiyun's matter was concluded, Bai Zheng's phone rang. It was A Bao, reporting that he had successfully rescued Fo Ye and was preparing to send him to the hospital.
"Godfather, Chen Kai has been rescued. Do we still need to negotiate?"
Meng Meiyun looked somewhat dejected. Bai Zheng was no longer concerned with Fo Ye's affairs. Phoenix Street was likely to be controlled by the Xichuan Gang, which would make it difficult for her nightclub to operate.
Bai Zheng shook his head. "Since Chen Kai has been rescued, what's the point of negotiating? Call them and tell them the talks are canceled."
Meng Meiyun had no choice but to get up and go into the courtyard.
"Since you're not leaving at noon, I'll go help Auntie cook."
Li Li also got up and left.
"Xiao Yang, let's continue our chat. You arrived at the perfect time today and helped me solve a big problem. Otherwise, I would have had to grovel."
Bai Zheng sat down at the tea-brewing station and refilled the tea for Yang Jian and the others.
Yang Jian, however, felt embarrassed. "Brother Zheng, this trouble was caused by me. I've caused you trouble."
"That's a separate matter. Chen Kai's current predicament is his own doing. He's always been arrogant, and this time he's run into a hard nut like you. You single-handedly crippled his elite fighting force and severely injured him. The Yanan Gang is now severely weakened, and it's uncertain if they can recover."
"As long as Brother Zheng doesn't blame me, I'm fine."
"I don't blame you. Didn't I tell you earlier? I took him under my wing out of consideration for Meiyun. Over the years, he's developed by using my name. Now that I want to transition, he can only go his own way."
Yang Jian suddenly recalled Fang Zhicheng's recruitment offer. "Brother Zheng, there's something I need to tell you. I'm currently living in a house rented by Fang Zhicheng, and the car was provided by Zheng Jingfa. They also let me take over the gambling operations. They want to drive Fo Ye out of Phoenix Street and have me take charge there."
"Did you agree?"
"No. I've clearly told him that in terms of underworld business, I only deal with casinos, like running gambling dens. I won't be anyone's thug, nor will I bully businesses, engage in forced sales, or get involved with drugs."
By saying this, Yang Jian was indirectly telling Bai Zheng that if they were to cooperate, he shouldn't expect Yang Jian to engage in such activities, as this was his bottom line.
Bai Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "Xiao Yang, I actually suggest you accept their offer and take over the alcohol business on Phoenix Street. When I went to negotiate today, I intended to concede the drug business on Phoenix Street to them in exchange for Chen Kai, but I didn't plan to give up the alcohol business. Since they want you to take over Phoenix Street, it's a perfect opportunity. Chen Kai is no match for them now and cannot hold onto Phoenix Street. If he loses it, it would be a slap in my face, as Chen Kai is nominally still my brother, and Phoenix Street is territory I established. If you take over Phoenix Street, it will save my face and provide you with a quick source of income. Monopolizing the alcohol business doesn't violate criminal law; it's a common practice nationwide and falls under industrial and commercial management. At worst, it would result in a fine. Furthermore, if you are stationed in Phoenix Street, Meiyun's nightclub can continue to operate. Otherwise, if the Xichuan Gang moves into Phoenix Street, the first target will be the Blueberry Nightclub, as everyone knows it's Chen Kai's stronghold."
As he spoke, Meng Meiyun happened to walk in and heard this, her face lighting up with excitement.
"Godfather, are you saying you want Yang Jian to take over Phoenix Street?"
"It's not that I want him to take over. Chen Kai has suffered a severe blow and will likely not recover anytime soon. If I don't support him, his withdrawal from Phoenix Street is almost a certainty. The Xichuan Gang wants to take over Phoenix Street and have Yang Jian stationed there."
Meng Meiyun was disappointed to hear it was the Xichuan Gang taking over. "Godfather, Phoenix Street was originally your territory. Even if Chen Kai can't hold onto it, you shouldn't let the Xichuan Gang in."
"If the negotiation had proceeded today, I would have conceded the drug business on Phoenix Street to the Xichuan Gang, allowing Chen Kai to continue holding the territory. I wouldn't concern myself with it afterward. Now, it seems Yang Jian is the most suitable person to control Phoenix Street. He has gained fame and prestige fighting for the Xichuan Gang, and he is also my brother. Qin Ming, the boss of Zheng Jingfa, and I are on outwardly good terms. No matter how much our subordinates quarrel or fight, we can maintain appearances because Qin Ming and I are high school classmates. That's why the negotiation was arranged for today. Therefore, resolving the issue of Phoenix Street without major conflict is the best option."
This was Bai Zheng's way of formally abandoning Fo Ye while trying to save face, as he was still reluctant to hand over Phoenix Street, a territory he had built himself.
Meng Meiyun became excited again. "This is acceptable! Yang Jian, if you take over Phoenix Street, my nightclub can continue to operate. I'll give you thirty percent of the shares."
Yang Jian, however, shook his head. "I've already refused the Xichuan Gang's recruitment and won't get involved in Phoenix Street matters."
Meng Meiyun grew anxious. "Yang Jian, are you foolish? Do you know how many people want a piece of Phoenix Street? It's a goldmine for the wealthy, and earning tens of thousands daily is not an exaggeration. It's no less profitable than your casino operations. How can you refuse?"
"Everyone has their own aspirations. I'm only interested in casinos; I can't do anything else."
Seeing Yang Jian's firm stance, Bai Zheng frowned and said, "Xiao Yang, how about this: you stay in Phoenix Street for three months, as our casino renovation will take at least three months. After three months, you can return to the casino. Otherwise, if Phoenix Street is ceded so easily, I'll lose all face in the underworld."
"Brother Zheng, I've already rejected Fang Zhicheng. I can't go back to him with my tail between my legs."
"You don't need to worry about that. I'll speak with Qin Ming. If I truly don't concede, the Xichuan Gang won't be able to enter Phoenix Street either. However, I'm tired of this life of fighting. If you control Phoenix Street, there will be no conflict or trouble."
"I'll consider it."
Yang Jian found it difficult to refuse Bai Zheng outright, as Bai Zheng was offering him a significant opportunity to be involved in the casino business. Since Bai Zheng had already planned to focus on casinos, he might not need an outsider's involvement. The offer of a share in the casino was entirely out of consideration for Yang Fan, and this request was not unreasonable; in fact, it was a tremendous opportunity. To refuse it would be incredibly foolish.
"Don't consider it; it's settled. I've arranged to meet Qin Ming tomorrow, and you will attend. Also, have Zheng Jingfa and that Fang Zhicheng present."
"Alright, then I'll represent you in Phoenix Street for three months. I won't take any profit from the alcohol business, as I don't understand the intricacies of it, and you'll need to arrange for someone to manage it."
"The alcohol business is very profitable, generating millions in revenue per month. Originally, Chen Kai gave me thirty percent, and you'll give me twenty percent. I need to handle relationships with higher-ups and give Chen Kai twenty percent, as he has dozens of brothers who were injured and need appeasing."
"How about I take thirty percent, and you arrange the rest, Brother Zheng?"
Yang Jian did not want any further dealings with Fo Ye.
"That's fine too. The remaining shares will be allocated to the casino's renovation and operations, so you won't have to contribute further capital."
Ultimately, Bai Zheng was still somewhat reluctant to let the alcohol business on Phoenix Street fall into others' hands.
"Alright, I'll follow Brother Zheng's arrangements."
Yang Jian knew he couldn't be too greedy; cooperation required sincerity.