The gambling game was handed over on time that night.
When Yang Jian met up with Song Jianhao and the others, he learned that they had won thirty thousand yuan that day. However, seeing that he was with Yang Fan, they hadn't delivered the winnings.
This was understandable. Companies generally didn't want gambling companies to know how much they had won. Even if they won, they would try to report a lower amount because many gambling companies, upon seeing a company win too much, would find ways to cheat and take them down.
"Little Yang, this is our first time operating in Jiangbei, and we've won money right away. I plan to take everyone to watch a show to celebrate."
Song Jianhao was in a good mood. This venue was indeed very good. The gamblers were well-behaved, the gambling company's on-site staff were all very friendly, and most importantly, it was easy to win money at this venue.
Yang Jian didn't quite understand, "Watch what show?"
"It's similar to watching a gala. It's a leisure and entertainment venue that city people love to visit. The shows are diverse, including singing and dancing, acrobatics, magic, Errenzhuan, and other performances. Sometimes, you can even see celebrities perform. It's quite fun. It's on every night, starting at eight o'clock. It's just the right time to go now."
"But I promised Yang Fan I'd go to his gym. Why don't you guys go?"
"Is that so? Then go invite Yang Fan to watch the show with us. Build a good relationship with him. We need to secure this venue."
"I'll go ask."
Yang Jian immediately ran over to find Yang Fan. To his surprise, Yang Fan agreed right away, saying they could go to the gym tomorrow morning.
Yang Fan brought two brothers, and the group headed directly to the most famous Blue Sky Opera House in the city.
Song Jianhao was clearly a regular here. As soon as they arrived at the opera house entrance, a beautiful female manager came to greet them.
This opera house required tickets, thirty yuan per person. However, they distributed tickets at major hotels and inns, and holding these tickets allowed free entry.
But Song Jianhao clearly didn't have tickets, yet he was still led inside.
Once inside, Yang Jian realized the theater was exceptionally large, with two floors. The seats on the first floor near the T-shaped stage were arranged around tables, where snacks, cigarettes, and drinks could be placed.
According to Song Jianhao, such seats required advance reservations. He was very familiar with Manager Ma inside, so he only needed to make a phone call to book the seats.
The minimum consumption here was eighty yuan per person, which included various fruits, dried snacks, and alcoholic beverages. If it wasn't enough, additional purchases would be necessary.
They could also order songs for friends' birthdays, and the lyrics would be displayed on the big screen on stage, giving it a touch of class.
Yang Jian felt the consumption here was a bit high. For their group, it would cost at least over a thousand yuan, a cost that would be shared among them as shareholders, which seemed a bit extravagant.
However, as the gala began, the bald host's humorous and engaging opening, the stunning stage design, the dazzling lights, the beautiful singing and dancing, and the various exciting performances made Yang Jian feel that the money was well spent.
At least it was healthier and more enjoyable than inhaling ketamine, drinking "immortal water," and headbanging at nightclubs. Those activities harmed the body, while this was a visual feast, and the cost was far lower than the five or six thousand, or even tens of thousands, that those activities could easily cost.
After the show, it was already eleven o'clock at night. Song Jianhao took everyone for a barbecue. Through this interaction, his relationship with Yang Fan had progressed further.
Upon returning to the inn for the accounts, after deducting accommodation, food, wages, transportation, expenses, and the referral fee for Old Cao, Yang Jian's two-tenths share amounted to five thousand yuan, which was quite good.
Jiefang West Road, Han City.
After breakfast, Yang Jian arrived at the "Fan Ren Liu" Fitness Center, located on the street level. Yang Fan was already waiting for him there.
This fitness center had two floors and covered an area of over three hundred square meters. In addition to various fitness equipment, there was a combat training area of nearly a hundred square meters on the second floor.
When Yang Jian followed Yang Fan to the training area, seven or eight young men were already training. Some were hitting sandbags, some were practicing footwork, and some were sparring.
"Little Yang, what do you think of this training area?"
Yang Fan asked with a smile.
Yang Jian looked at the slightly soft floor with excitement, "This place is great, and the training equipment is complete. Brother Fan, are there sparring partners?"
"Yes, from eight in the morning to ten at night, there are sparring partners. You can come anytime during this period."
"Then I'll go down and get a membership card. How much is it?"
"It's free, you just come."
"That won't do. Our friendship is one thing, and business is another. If I don't get a card, how can I come here every day?"
"Alright then, go down and get an annual card for twelve thousand yuan. After the discount, it's seven thousand."
It was a bit expensive, but since he could learn something real, Yang Jian didn't mind.
He went downstairs to the cashier, paid the money, and got a membership card, then immediately went up to the second floor.
"Little Yang, let's spar first and see how your Sanda skills are."
Yang Fan had already changed his clothes and put on gloves and protective gear.
An assistant came over to equip Yang Jian as well.
Without much further conversation, the two of them started fighting.
Although Yang Jian had not undergone formal systematic Sanda training, his fundamentals were solid. Both his punching speed and his on-the-spot reactions were no less than Yang Fan's, and his leg techniques were also quite powerful.
However, Yang Fan's grappling techniques were very skillful. After two minutes, he seized an opportunity and threw Yang Jian to the ground.
Yang Jian got up and was about to continue attacking when Yang Fan stopped him.
"Little Yang, your fundamentals are good, and your combat experience is also rich, but your grappling skills still need a lot of improvement."
Yang Fan gave an objective evaluation.
Yang Jian nodded repeatedly, "Exactly, exactly. My physical education teacher back then wasn't good at grappling either. Brother Fan, you have to teach me this."
"Of course, I can teach you. However, I specialize in mixed martial arts, which is much more practical than Sanda. Do you want to learn?"
"Of course, I want to learn. Do I need to pay extra?"
"No need. I see that your physical condition is very strong, and you have great strength, making you suitable for practicing mixed martial arts. As long as you master the techniques and methods, I believe it won't be long before my disciples are no match for you."
Yang Fan pointed to the young men training, revealing that they were all his disciples.
"That's great! When do we start?"
"Let's rest for a while first. We'll start today. I'm here every morning. As long as you have time, you can come every day. Your stamina is already up to par. We'll mainly focus on techniques, and I'll arrange dedicated sparring partners for you."
As Yang Fan spoke, he took off his protective gear, drank some water, and after resting for about ten minutes, he began teaching Yang Jian.
First, there was an introduction to theoretical knowledge, mainly explaining human anatomy, important joints, and vital points.
This was too simple for Yang Jian, who had studied traditional martial arts for over ten years. He knew the vital points just as well as Yang Fan, so this segment ended in ten minutes.
Afterward, he was taught the basic techniques of mixed martial arts hands-on, such as the cross-face lock, rear-naked choke, and over ten other techniques. Yang Jian's eyes were opened, and he suffered greatly from Yang Fan's practical demonstrations.