Hearing that Yang Jian was willing to lend twenty thousand yuan, Song Jianmin hurried out to call his eldest sister.
Yang Jian, meanwhile, dialed Biao Biao's number.
"Biao Biao, I've agreed to lend Jianmin twenty thousand yuan for Brother Hao. You'll coordinate with Zhou Qiong later."
"Brother Jian, are you really going to lend it? Brother Hao has money. They say he won a million at the casino on Toudao Street, and it's not an exaggeration. Otherwise, they wouldn't extort him. Whether he wins or loses there is all up to him; we have no idea."
"Biao Biao, don't spout nonsense without evidence. Whether it's true or not, let's get Brother Hao back first."
"Brother Jian, you're too kind. You're getting ripped off and still counting the money for them. You treat Brother Hao like a brother, but he's been scheming against you all along."
"Biao Biao, I don't consider him a brother. The only people I consider brothers are you, Liangliang, and Jianmin. I don't care about others. If we can get along, we work together; if not, we go our separate ways. There's no need to take it so seriously. We have the Hongqi Street casino now, so don't worry too much about what others do."
"Alright, I'll transfer the money to her later. Brother Jian, I need to remind you of something. Yang Fan and his crew might be going to war, and the Hongqi Street operation could be shut down at any moment."
Yang Jian was a little surprised. "Going to war? How do you know?"
"The atmosphere in the operation has been a bit tense lately. Yang Fan has increased security at the casino to prevent attacks. I chatted with some of his subordinates, and the Hongqi Industrial Park project is about to start. Luo Tong and his opponents are bound to have a fierce conflict, possibly even resulting in deaths. If Luo Tong loses, this casino probably won't be able to stay open."
"Mm, I've heard Yang Fan mention the Hongqi Industrial Park project. The competition is indeed fierce. You guys need to be careful. If you feel any danger, withdraw immediately. Don't get involved in their affairs; their level of conflict is not something we can participate in."
"Don't worry, we'll be careful. Brother Jian, you need to get better quickly. Without you around, we have no backbone and no sense of security."
Seeing Song Jianmin come in, Yang Jian hung up the phone.
"Yang Jian, I just spoke directly with Zhou Qiong and told her you're lending twenty thousand yuan. She'll have to find the remaining ten thousand herself. She said she can only borrow from her relatives. It seems she doesn't have more than ten thousand on hand."
Song Jianmin wore a wry smile. His own brother was playing games with him.
Yang Jian was slightly stunned. It seemed Biao Biao was right; Song Jianhao was a deep thinker and didn't act fairly. He was even scheming against his own brother, let alone an outsider like himself. This person couldn't be befriended, nor could they cooperate long-term.
As the lanterns lit up, a magnificent, sumptuously decorated large ship was docked by the Han River. It was a fixed pontoon, converted into a ship hotel that integrated dining, accommodation, and leisure. Its name was imposing: Dragon Palace. The decoration was luxurious, with all facilities complete, and the prices were very high. Ordinary working-class people wouldn't come here to spend.
Song Jianhao, just released from Fu Gui's custody, hosted a banquet here to entertain Hua Zi's cousin, Chen Song, thanking him for mediating his release. Old Cao and Zhou Qiong accompanied them.
The private room was on the side facing the river. Outside the window was the rolling Han River, and from the room, one could admire the river view at night. The city lights of Jiangnan across the river were even more dazzling and beautiful.
This was Song Jianhao's first time here. He was deeply impressed by the beautiful scenery and the luxurious Dragon Palace, and he felt honored to have dinner with someone like Chen Song.
After all, Hua Zi was one of the three giants of Hancheng, a presence Song Jianhao couldn't reach. As Hua Zi's cousin, Chen Song's strength and status were not to be underestimated. Building a good relationship with him was equivalent to hitching a ride on Hua Zi's grand ship, and he wouldn't always be bullied in Hancheng.
"Brother Song, come, I'll toast you. Thank you for your help this time."
As the banquet began, Song Jianhao stood up, bowed to Chen Song, and then clinked glasses with him before draining his.
Chen Song was nearly fifty, with a plump figure and a round face. He was well-maintained, looking only in his early forties. He greatly enjoyed Song Jianhao's respect.
"Little Song, this was a trivial matter. Since our Hua Zi put in a word, no one in Hancheng would refuse him. Even Fu Ping and Old Pan have to show him some respect."
"Brother Song, for you, it's a small matter, but for us low-level folks trying to make a living, it's a life-or-death matter. You are my savior. I, Song Jianhao, will forever owe you this favor. It's just that as a small figure like me, I can't help you much. I hope you'll give me opportunities to meet you often so I can express my gratitude during festivals and holidays."
"Little Song, you're too polite. Let's keep in touch. Speaking of help, I actually have something that needs your assistance."
Song Jianhao became excited. "Brother Song, tell me. As long as I can do it, I won't hesitate."
Chen Song glanced at Zhou Qiong and seemed a bit embarrassed. "It's like this, I have a mistress outside, and we have a child. Recently, she's been pestering me to buy a house and a car for her and our son. But my wife controls my finances very tightly. I have small amounts of money, but large expenditures like buying a house or car can't be hidden from her."
Song Jianhao thought he was asking him for money. "Brother Song, how much money do you need? Give me some time, and I can raise some."
Chen Song smiled. "Little Song, don't be nervous. I'm not asking you for money. I can see you don't have much. You're in the gambling business. I want to cooperate with you to run a casino. In a short period, get me one or two million yuan to appease my mistress, otherwise, she'll cause trouble, and I won't be able to handle it."
Song Jianhao's eyes lit up, but he was also puzzled. "Brother Song, I'm an expert in running casinos. However, with your status, you could have run a casino long ago. This way, money comes in much faster."
Chen Song sighed. "You don't know, our Hua Zi is gradually transitioning to legitimate businesses and wants to completely clean up his image. Therefore, he doesn't allow his subordinates to engage in illegal activities like gambling or drugs. If anyone violates this rule, they will be severely punished."
"Then why do you still want to cooperate with me to run a casino? If he finds out, you'll be in trouble."
"That's why I need you to organize the gambling games. I'll organize the participants; they are all bosses with millions in assets and physical businesses. I don't care how you do it, but get me a million yuan in the shortest possible time. Because this casino can't operate for too long, perhaps only three to five sessions before it has to stop. And we can't let our Hua Zi know?"
Song Jianhao's heart pounded. "Can we do 'picking cotton' too?"
"Cheating, right? As long as your technique is skillful and you're not caught on the spot, go ahead. Anyway, those people have money; losing a few million won't break their bones. However, if you're caught cheating, there will be big trouble. These people are not to be trifled with. Even if they give me face and don't act against you on the spot, they will definitely report it to Hua Zi. Not only will I be in a difficult situation, but your fate will be very miserable. You should think carefully."
Chen Song was well aware of the ins and outs of the casino business and informed him of the pros and cons in advance.