Yang Jian understood Bai Zheng's attitude. Lending out such a large sum of money carried risks, but more importantly, investing it would yield significant profits. Besides, it wasn't like a close brother was in trouble.
"Brother Zheng, this person is extremely important to me. Without him, I'd still be in jail. Whether my case can be cleared depends on his help. So, even if I have to bear it myself, I need to get him out. Look, I'll borrow a hundred million from you, with three percent monthly interest. No, even five percent is fine. I'll repay you within a month. I've already spoken to two bosses from my hometown. After the Spring Festival, they can help me secure tens of millions, and with a bit more from us, it will be enough."
From Zhou Tao's tone earlier, Yang Jian could tell that if it were any other time, he would help borrow tens of millions. Yu Dongqiang could also likely secure tens of millions. Thus, Yang Jian was confident he could repay the hundred million within a month.
"He can clear your case? Isn't that just bragging? You're a wanted criminal nationwide. Even a provincial department head wouldn't dare to make such a guarantee."
"Brother Zheng, I believe he can handle my case. Let's put it this way, his connections are at the Kyoto Police Headquarters. My case can definitely be resolved, it's just a matter of time."
"Really? He has connections at the Kyoto Headquarters? What kind of connections, can you tell me?"
"Father and son. I can't say more than that."
Bai Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "What's your friend's name? I'll call the casino and ask to guarantee his release first. I'll arrange for someone from Hong Kong to send the money over tomorrow."
"Thank you, Brother Zheng. My friend's name is Lu Hao. I will definitely repay this money to you as soon as possible, with interest."
"Don't rush about the repayment. We'll talk about it when I get back. Wait for my call, I'll call you back later."
After hanging up the phone, Bai Zheng, who was in America, didn't immediately call the Venetian Casino. Instead, he dialed the mobile number of a certain leader.
"Director Luo, Happy New Year. Hope I'm not disturbing your rest. I'm wishing you a Happy New Year."
"Xiao Bai, Happy New Year. I'm not resting, I'm on duty."
"Don't joke. A big shot like you has to be on duty during the New Year?"
"No joke. Our profession is like this. The busier it gets during holidays, the more we leaders have to be on post. I won't talk further, I'm busy here. We'll have a drink together when I'm back."
Director Luo seemed about to hang up, and Bai Zheng quickly sped up his words, "Wait, wait, Director Luo, I need to inquire about something."
"Oh, what is it? Hurry up and say it, I'm really busy here."
"I'm inquiring about someone. Do you have a leader surnamed Lu at your Kyoto Headquarters?"
"A leader surnamed Lu? Let me think. The minister and several deputy ministers are not surnamed Lu. A director surnamed Lu? Yes, there is indeed a director surnamed Lu. I can't recall which department it is for the moment. There are too many officials at headquarters, and I don't know them all. Why are you asking about this?"
"It's nothing, nothing at all. I was just drinking with a friend earlier, and he was bragging that he's neighbors with a leader surnamed Lu at Headquarters. When this leader was in the province, he used to visit his dad for drinks during festivals. After being transferred to Headquarters, their interactions have lessened. I was just asking if it's true, nothing else."
"A department director manages national work in a certain aspect of Headquarters. They must be very busy. How could they have time to run back to their hometown in the countryside? Alright, I'm busy, I'll hang up now."
After hanging up the phone, Bai Zheng remained silent for ten minutes before dialing the casino's number.
Meanwhile, at the Gongbei Port, Yang Jian and Jun Jun kept checking the time. The border would close in forty minutes. If Afeng and Lu Hao couldn't get through before then, the two of them would have to spend the night in the car. Yang Jian dared not stay in a hotel, fearing police checks. Fugitive apprehension operations were even more stringent during the New Year.
"Beep beep."
Bai Zheng's call came through. Yang Jian pressed the answer button without any delay.
"Brother Zheng, how is it? Can they enter the country tonight?"
"Xiao Yang, I've already guaranteed with the casino. Afeng and your friend will be out soon. I'll arrange for friends in Hong Kong to send the money over tomorrow."
"That's great, thank you, Brother Zheng. Don't worry, I'll repay this money to you very quickly."
"Xiao Yang, listen to me first. There's no rush to repay this money. We can deduct it from your monthly dividends, and I won't even charge you interest."
"Brother Zheng, that won't do. The hundred million you have in the bank would earn quite a bit in interest. I can't take advantage of you."
"We're brothers, it's too formal to say such things. You've never asked me for help before. Could I just stand by and watch you face difficulties helplessly? Besides, if I lend you money and charge interest, are we still brothers? Perhaps I'll need your help in the future."
"Alright, Brother Zheng, I won't be pretentious. I appreciate this favor. In the future, if there's anything you need me for, I won't hesitate."
Deducting the loan from his monthly dividends, Yang Jian felt this was indeed the best plan. Otherwise, borrowing from Zhou Tao and the others would also be troublesome. Short-term loans were fine; they would show respect.
However, for long-term use of tens of millions, no one would be happy. In this era of rapid economic development, tens of millions could be invested in many significant ventures, with immeasurable returns.
And he himself would definitely not be able to fill this huge hole in the short term. He figured relying on Lu Hao to repay the money might also be uncertain.
"Xiao Yang, remember, we're in a dark industry. We are brothers on the same boat, weathering storms together. No matter who among us faces difficulties, we must face them together. We earn money together, and we endure hardships together."
"Brother Zheng is right. We share fortune and face adversity together. I've noted your words."
"Yes, it's good that you understand. By the way, why did your friend go to the casino to gamble instead of playing at our casino? Coming to Dongjiang is much more convenient than going to a casino. Moreover, with you there, he wouldn't have lost so badly, nor would he have had financial problems."
"I didn't tell him I was running a casino here before. Also, his identity is sensitive, and he can't play in mainland China. If he were caught, the trouble would be immense."
"Oh, I understand. Call Afeng. They should still make it through the border."
After hanging up the phone, Bai Zheng smiled. The conversation just now had basically confirmed that Yang Jian's friend's father was a director at the Kyoto Police Headquarters.
He never expected this kid to be so well-connected and not tell him. No wonder he managed to escape the arrest scene of the major gambling case in Hancheng. It turned out it wasn't luck, but someone tipping him off in advance.
If that was the case, he had to get close to Lu Hao. It was only a matter of time before his casino attracted the attention of the police, especially since his casino was so large. Once targeted by the police, it would be a direct command and supervision from the Police Headquarters. Even the provincial director wouldn't be able to protect him.
He was already worried about how to establish connections with Headquarters. Now, the problem was solved. By keeping Yang Jian tied to him, he would be even safer. Yang Jian had done Lu Hao such a huge favor this time. If the casino ever had trouble, Lu Hao would definitely help Yang Jian, and Yang Jian wouldn't abandon his big brother.