Biao Biao’s words plunged Yang Jian into thought. It was true; if his status didn’t change, no matter how much money he made or how beautiful he made the Yaochi Garden, the Lu family would never agree to Lu Yao marrying him.
There was also the matter of time. The longer he drifted outside, the greater the chance of Lu Yao marrying someone else. She was so beautiful and talented, there were bound to be many suitors. If he didn’t hurry, she would truly become someone else’s wife.
It seemed he needed to find time to have a good chat with Lu Hao and urge him to speed up the process of clearing his case, no matter the cost.
If all else failed, he could turn himself in, get the wanted order rescinded, and then bribe his way out. He shouldn’t be locked up for too long. It would be better than living in constant fear and seeing no hope.
“Brother Jian, I heard from a guy in Luogang that Hong Xing seems to be planning to decouple from Baoguo, to stop interfering with matters on the new river channel.”
Biao Biao, not noticing Yang Jian’s change in expression, shifted the topic to Hong Xing.
Yang Jian snapped back to attention. “Oh, has he been in Chengguan?”
“I’ve arranged for brothers to monitor near his house. We can confirm he’s at home, but it seems he’s hardly gone out for over a month.
Baoguo visited his house once after Shen Hua’s funeral and hasn’t appeared there since.
A few core members of Hong Xing in Chengguan visited twice, also a few days after the funeral. After that, no one came to his place.
The biggest change is that Baoguo’s casino no longer has any Luogang people. Hong Xing used to have people there to share the profits, but now the casino is run by Baoguo’s original crew and a few of Brother Mao’s disciples.
And the sandpit. After Shen Hua died, his brothers also withdrew. They are now Baoguo and Brother Mao’s men.
There’s a rumor that Shen Hua’s death had a significant impact on Hong Xing’s father. For his father’s political career, Hong Xing is said to be retiring from the criminal underworld and no longer interfering with the black market affairs on the new river.”
Biao Biao had done a lot of homework on the new river during this time, getting a near-complete picture of Hong Xing’s background.
“Retiring from the criminal underworld? I suspect it’s just for show. Can he really give up the immense profits from the sandpit and his businesses in Nanhai?”
“From my judgment, he will definitely continue to operate his businesses in Nanhai. Lu Peng mentioned that the Nanhai Chamber of Commerce has been renovated again, and the casino has never stopped operating, just relocated.”
“Whether he retires or not, as long as he comes to Nanhai, I won’t let him go back.”
“Brother Jian, do you have to kill him? Shen Hua is already dead. Surely he won’t dare to trouble us again?”
“He must die. From the moment the fire broke out, he was already a dead man in my heart. Even if I don’t kill him, there are plenty of people in Chengguan and Nanhai who want him dead.”
Biao Biao nodded. “That’s true. He preyed specifically on fellow villagers from the new river in Nanhai, causing many kiln owners to go bankrupt. My uncle and the other drivers, who worked hard to earn their living through transportation, had to send half of their blood and sweat money into his casino.
On the surface, he’s thriving in Nanhai, acting as a protector for bosses and drivers from the new river. But in reality, everyone curses and hates him.
If we take him out, it would be like eliminating a scourge for the people. At least the kiln owners and drivers in Nanhai will be grateful to us.”
As they spoke, they arrived at the Xintai Entertainment City. Yang Jian first took Biao Biao on a tour of the entire establishment. This place was not for ordinary people.
“Biao Biao, Xintai is one of the most luxurious and expensive entertainment venues in Dongjiang. Apart from the Prince Hotel, you won’t find another place that can compare.
All the waitresses here are university students. The lowest-tier private room companions cost five hundred and eighty yuan per person.
Besides accompanying guests for drinks and singing, they can also discuss any topic with guests, be it astronomy, geography, finance, or military affairs. They are proficient in everything from music and chess to calligraphy and painting.”
Yang Jian explained as they toured. Biao Biao was like Liu姥姥 entering the Grand View Garden, utterly shocked. He had frequented high-end entertainment venues with Song Jianhao in Hancheng, but compared to this place, it was several levels below.
“Brother Jian, why would an entertainment venue, which is just for singing, dancing, and drinking for excitement, need talented university students?”
“Wealthy tycoons like to pretend to be refined. Many of them lack cultural sophistication. They find cultural confidence in conquering these university girls.”
Biao Biao chuckled. “Brother Jian, the nearest water source is the first to get the moon. You must have some confidantes here, right?”
Yang Jian quickly waved his hands. “I don’t. My heart belongs only to Yao Yao. Until she personally tells me we’ve broken up, I won’t betray her.
I also advise you not to have such thoughts. You can’t afford the girls here. You spend tens of thousands of yuan to book a private room, and you can only sing, drink, and dance with them. At most, you can hold hands. You can’t do anything else.
If you want to do anything more, you have to pay extra, starting from five thousand yuan. Are you willing to spend that?”
Biao Biao was shocked again. “Good heavens, five thousand? Are they encrusted with diamonds or plated with gold to be so expensive?”
“That’s still the minimum price. I heard there’s a courtesan here whose appearance fee starts at a million. I don’t know what she looks like; I’ve never seen her since I’ve been here.”
“Holy cow, this completely subverts my understanding. I need to make money like crazy. I must try what it’s like to be with the courtesan then.”
“Haha, you have ambition. Then work hard, and I wish you success in achieving this dream soon.”
Yang Jian smiled, patted his shoulder, and was about to lead him to the casino on the third floor when his phone suddenly rang. He saw it was Lu Peng calling.
“Lu Peng, you haven’t called me in a long time. Any news about Hong Xing?”
“Brother Jian, Hong Xing is coming to Nanhai. He’ll arrive tomorrow.”
Yang Jian’s spirits lifted. “Are you sure?”
“Sure. Shen Bing called and told me. He’s flying in with Hong Xing tomorrow, and they want us to pick them up at the airport.”
“Okay, I’ll be there tomorrow.”
“Brother Jian, are you planning to make your move tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’ve waited long enough. The longer he lives, the more uncomfortable I feel. Be careful tomorrow and pay attention to his whereabouts. Be safe when you send me messages.”
“Don’t worry, no one suspects me. Shen Bing has already arranged for me to drive for Hong Xing, which means I’ve gained his trust.”
“That’s good. After this is done, you’ll get a million yuan bonus.”
The King of Hell doesn’t mistreat hungry ghosts. Lu Peng infiltrating Hong Xing’s circle was a dangerous task, and he deserved generous compensation. Yang Jian was never stingy with his brothers.
After hanging up, Yang Jian took a deep breath, then led Biao Biao upstairs, telling Li Chunlin to familiarize him with the casino. He himself called Ah Bao over to plan tomorrow’s assassination of Hong Xing.
Although he had offered a huge reward for Ah Bao to do this job, Yang Jian still wanted to be personally involved. He wanted to witness firsthand how this boss, who was arrogant and overbearing in both Xinhe and Nanhai, would meet the tragic ultimate fate of all people in the martial world.