Nan Ge had connections with the military, a complicated matter. Ah Bao was temporarily unable to help Yang Jian and told him to wait for Yang Fan to return. Yang Fan also had connections with the military, and at a much higher level than the border camp commander.
After the incident with the stall owner, Yang Jian no longer intended to inquire about Nan Ge's whereabouts himself. The main reason was the numerous traps here; one wrong step could lead to kidnapping and being sold.
While waiting for Yang Fan, Zhang Hui contacted the Dalou police to assist in finding Nan Ge and Mao Ge.
A week later, Yang Fan returned from the Philippines. Yang Jian hosted a banquet for him at a nearby hotel. Zhang Hui and Qin Feiyang, harboring resentment over the coerced photography incident, did not attend.
"Brother Fan, I've brought some trouble with me this time. I'll toast you with this wine to apologize."
As the banquet began, Yang Jian stood up to toast Yang Fan, acknowledging that involving him in the police's radar was a significant hidden danger.
Yang Fan accepted his apology with composure. "Xiao Yang, you really should have given me a heads-up about this. But since it's already happened, and we have leverage over them, it's considered a form of damage control. Let's not dwell on it."
"Thank you, Brother Fan. How is Brother Zheng? Why didn't he come?"
"He can't make it. The Philippines has already obtained a gaming license, and he needs to prepare for the gaming company. He's very busy. I'm back to discuss this with you."
Yang Jian gave a wry smile. "Brother Fan, do I really have to be involved? Can I partner with you to invest in a legitimate business here? I truly don't want to be involved with casinos anymore."
"That won't do. You must be involved, otherwise, neither Brother Zheng nor I will feel secure. You can invest a smaller amount, say five million, and then invest in a paper mill here to launder money."
Yang Fan's tone left no room for negotiation. He wanted to tie Yang Jian firmly to his chariot.
"Invest in a paper mill?"
"Yes, raw materials are cheap here, labor costs are extremely low, and there are no environmental issues. Investing in a paper mill offers much larger profits than in China. The Fourth Special Administrative Region government will also provide strong support. The finished products will be sold domestically, and the profits can return to China. Most importantly, the casino's money can be laundered through the paper mill."
"How much will it cost to invest in a paper mill?"
"You invest ten million. I'll cover the rest. We brothers will run the paper mill together, and you'll own half the shares."
"So, I'll be investing a total of fifteen million here, right?"
"Yes. Tomorrow we'll sign the agreement, and you'll transfer the money. Then I'll take you to meet the leaders of the Special Administrative Region government. Once the terms are negotiated, you will sign the contract with the government. This way, you can freely enter and exit all ports, and the military will guarantee your safety."
"But I don't understand investment. Don't contracts need to be reviewed by professionals?"
Yang Fan smiled. "You're an entrepreneur in China; how can you not understand investment? After you meet with the leaders of the Special Administrative Region, have your family arrange for legal and financial personnel to come. Let them handle the contract. I'll be responsible for building the factory and production operations. You can be a hands-off owner."
"Alright, I'll discuss it with my family later and arrange for legal and financial staff to come. Brother Fan, have you made any plans to find San Pang?"
"Don't worry. Ah Bao has already told me about your situation these past few days. As long as you finalize these two matters, I will immediately ask high-level military officials to pressure that border camp commander to hand over Nan Ge or San Pang."
After all this talk, it still came down to getting Yang Jian to invest here before Yang Fan would offer his help.
There was no other choice. To rescue San Pang, Yang Jian had to compromise. As for the investment, he trusted that Yang Fan wouldn't cheat him; both the casino and the paper mill should be profitable.
After dinner, back at the hotel, Yang Jian discussed these matters with Zhang Hui. They had already changed hotels, so they didn't have to worry about their conversation being monitored.
Zhang Hui was somewhat indignant. "Xiao Yang, you didn't have to compromise. I received a call from Peng Yu today. Mao Ge is about to restock. This time, we can track the drugs closely and follow the lead to catch Mao Ge.
As for Nan Ge, I've already contacted the Dalou police. As long as Nan Ge appears in Dalou Town, they will assist us in apprehending him."
Yang Jian shook his head. "I've considered that. Following your method might allow us to catch Nan Ge and Mao Ge, but it might not necessarily save San Pang. After all, it involves military forces, and it's difficult for just a few of us to handle."
"But you don't have to invest tens of millions! That's not proportional to saving one or two people."
"I'm not worried about losing money on the investment. I just don't want to be involved in online gambling. Even if it's overseas, it's illegal, especially since most of the targets are domestic gamblers."
"How about this? After we rescue San Pang and dismantle Mao Ge's drug network, I'll take you to report to the municipal bureau. Once your investment is recovered, you can withdraw. The police won't pursue your responsibility."
"If it can be handled this way, it would be best. I'm just worried about being tied down by them indefinitely and ending up in prison."
"Don't worry. Including the coerced photography and you being forced to run a casino, I will report it to the bureau in writing. They won't be able to blackmail or coerce us."
Yang Jian was startled. "Captain Zhang, you can report it, but please, absolutely do not mention Yang Fan's presence here. Otherwise, I'll be caught between a rock and a hard place. Moreover, if they are angered, those photos of yours could be leaked online. Even if your unit doesn't punish you, public opinion will ruin your reputation."
"You have a point. I'll be careful."
The two reached an agreement and considered the potential future risks.
The next day, Yang Fan produced three casino investment agreements. Yang Jian invested five million, acquiring twenty percent of the shares in the Philippines' Dynasty Entertainment Company. Yang Fan held thirty-nine percent, and Bai Zheng held forty-one percent, making him the largest shareholder.
After carefully reviewing the agreement terms and finding no hidden traps aimed at him, Yang Jian signed without hesitation.
Yang Fan and Bai Zheng had already signed, so the agreement immediately took effect. Yang Jian's investment funds could be transferred later; what they wanted was Yang Jian's participation.
"Xiao Yang, from now on, the three of us brothers are cooperating again. Once we've settled things here, we'll all go to the Philippines together. By then, the company should be operational."
Yang Fan had prepared a bottle of red wine specifically for this signing to celebrate their renewed cooperation.
Although Yang Jian was not entirely pleased, he maintained a smile. "Brother Fan, I don't understand the operations there, so going to the Philippines doesn't matter much. Brother Zheng is handling things, and I trust him."
"You're a shareholder, so you definitely need to go and see. I'll arrange it for when we open."
"Brother Fan, please let Brother Zheng handle the casino matters. What I'm most worried about right now is San Pang's safety. Until he's found, I won't have peace of mind, and his danger will only increase. Can we please ask high-level military officials to resolve this as soon as possible?"
Yang Jian had no interest in casino matters. He just wanted to rescue San Pang quickly.