The young man in the denim suit spoke such arrogant words that Afeng couldn't help but laugh. "Brother, if you're so formidable, how come I've never heard of your great name? I only know of Yang Jian, Xu Zheng, and Wu Wangchun in Xinqiao. Which one of them are you?"
"Hmph, Yang Jian used to be very formidable, but now he's a stray dog, wanted by the authorities. He can't even go home, and he's been struck off the list in Xinqiao. Wu Wangchun only deals with casinos and has a bit of money. As for Xu Zheng, he's the real boss of Xinqiao. Judging by your accent, you're from out of town. Are you here to work for Yang Jian's trading company? Go ask around; in Xinqiao, who dares to disrespect Boss Xu? So, I advise you, as a worker, just do your job and don't try to be a hero. There are many outsiders in Xinqiao, all honest and obedient. Go back and tell Yang Huailin that, for Yang Jian's sake, we'll only buy fish from Yang Li Village for fifty cents a jin. If he's still disobedient, we might charge a dollar next time. Today is just a lesson for you. If you cause any more trouble, not only will your trading company be shut down, but your template factory will also be closed."
Afeng still smiled. "So, you're Xu Zheng's brother? May I ask your esteemed name? Would you do me the honor of joining me for a meal?"
"That's more like it, knowing when to bend is a sign of wisdom. My name is San Mao. You look quite strong; do you want to join me? I guarantee it's better than working for someone else." San Mao had taken a liking to Afeng's physique and wanted to recruit him as a subordinate.
Afeng took out cigarettes and offered them to San Mao and his brothers. "Brother San Mao, how about I treat you to lunch? It would be best if you could invite Boss Xu as well. You can choose any hotel, whether it's in Xinqiao or Chengguan. Our boss Jing is also here, so we can finalize the cooperation matters once and for all to avoid future misunderstandings."
San Mao patted Afeng's shoulder. "Brother, you're quite savvy, knowing how to read the situation. Since you're so sincere, I'll help you invite Boss Xu. He's not someone you can just meet whenever you please."
"Indeed, indeed. And please invite all your brothers too, so we can get acquainted. Our company will rely on you for protection from now on."
"That's generous. I'll call the boss right away. Hey, Yutou, notify the other brothers. We're having a lunch gathering at Xinqiao Grand Hotel." San Mao instructed and walked aside to make a call.
Jing Yongli, however, didn't understand. "Afeng, are you really going to treat them to a meal? They have quite a few people; you won't be able to seat them with less than four or five tables."
"It's fine, the more the merrier. Go book a whole floor at Xinqiao Grand Hotel, the best one, either the second or third floor." When Afeng and the others had just returned, Jing Yongli had treated them to a meal at the recently opened Xinqiao Grand Hotel, so Afeng knew the layout of the place.
"Alright, I'll call to make a reservation." Jing Yongli didn't know Afeng's plan, but he chose to trust him. After all, Jian Ge had entrusted him with the operation of the casino in Hancheng. If Jian Ge trusted him, then there was nothing to doubt. Moreover, he was also a shareholder of the company and would not betray his own interests.
Less than two minutes later, San Mao returned. "Brother, Boss Xu has agreed. We'll meet you at Xinqiao Grand Hotel for lunch to finalize the cooperation."
"That's great. How many brothers do you think will be coming today? We can pre-order the drinks. You know Boss Jing's family runs a supermarket, so we'll definitely use our own family's supply of drinks."
"We have about sixty to seventy brothers. This time, you'll have to spend quite a bit."
"No problem, no problem. Since we're cooperating, we're all family from now on." Afeng knew that his so-called sixty to seventy brothers were an exaggeration, likely including all his friends. Xu Zheng wouldn't be so foolish as to support so many brothers; it would be too expensive and attract too much attention, making them a target for police crackdowns on organized crime. For such local gangs, having twenty to thirty henchmen was already a lot, and having four or five core members was sufficient. When they really needed people, they could hire as many as they wanted for two hundred yuan a day. San Mao was clearly trying to take advantage of the situation, using Jing Yongli's money to boost his own prestige. Since Li Jian Company had money, they might as well accept it.
Seeing that it was almost lunchtime, the two groups headed to the hotel as if they were good friends. Jing Yongli had booked the entire second floor of the hotel and did not take any alcohol from his family's supermarket, as Afeng had subtly hinted. Xinqiao Grand Hotel, opened less than two months ago, was a luxurious hotel combining dining and accommodation. It occupied over six hundred square meters and had five floors, with the lower three floors dedicated to dining and the upper two to accommodation. It was currently the best hotel in Xinqiao Town. The first and second floors were suitable for large banquets like weddings, while the third floor primarily consisted of private rooms. Therefore, Jing Yongli had booked the second floor. The hotel was also willing, as without wedding or funeral banquets, the first and second floors were often not fully occupied. Under San Mao and others' calls, his so-called brothers began to arrive one after another. They were all young men and women, and some had even brought their girlfriends or wives. In the end, counting the tables, nine tables were fully occupied, with ten people per table, totaling ninety people. Additionally, Afeng, Anan, and Jun Jun sat at a separate table with Xu Zheng. This meal involved ten tables, with each table costing no less than a thousand yuan for food and drinks. Jing Yongli felt a pang of regret, thinking it was not worth spending over ten thousand yuan to treat these thugs. At precisely noon, Xu Zheng arrived with two tall and robust young men, both around 1.9 meters tall. As soon as they entered, the men and women already seated at the tables stood up to greet him. Xu Zheng seemed to relish this feeling of being admired, waving and nodding to everyone, projecting an air of importance as if a government leader were inspecting a subordinate unit. Afeng, Anan, and Jun Jun sat at the dining table and observed coldly. Only Jing Yongli stood up to greet him, as he was the one hosting this gathering. "Brother Zheng, please sit here." Jing Yongli invited Xu Zheng to the head of the table, showing extreme deference, and had his two bodyguards sit on either side of him, while he himself sat in the third position. Xu Zheng patted his shoulder. "Haha, Yongli, we're neighbors on the same street, why be so formal? You've spent a lot to invite so many of my brothers here today."
"Brother Zheng, you're being too polite. With Brother Jian away, my trading company and template factory still need your protection. It's good to have the brothers get acquainted so that there are no misunderstandings in the future."
"Haha, of course, of course. Your sincerity today is evident, and these brothers naturally understand the rules. Don't worry, once we sign the cooperation agreement today, no one will dare to interfere with your company's affairs."
"Thank you, Brother Zheng. Have you brought the agreement?"
"I have it. Take a look. If there are no issues, we'll sign it today and begin our formal cooperation." Xu Zheng handed over two copies of the agreement. Jing Yongli took them without looking and passed them to Afeng. "Brother Zheng, signing the agreement is fine. I'll arrange the drinks first so the brothers don't have to wait."
"Alright, you go ahead. We'll have a good chat later." Jing Yongli glanced at Afeng and then got up to leave, closing the door to the second floor behind him.