The women were dressed a bit provocatively, their perfume heavy, making Yang Jian uncomfortable.
"This is my brother, Yang Jian, whom I told you about," Yu Feng introduced her companions with a touch of pride.
"Wow, he's Yang Jian? He's so handsome."
One of the women, intending to make a joke, immediately dropped her playful expression upon hearing Yang Jian's name. This young man was known to be formidable, and some things were best not said to his face.
These women were potential clients, and Yang Jian couldn't afford to be rude. He smiled at them before saying, "Sister Feng, I'm here setting up a credit line. If you're here often, please keep an eye on those young men for me."
"Setting up a credit line? Why didn't you tell me about something so important? Come here."
Yu Feng pulled him aside. "How did you find this place? Who told you to set up a credit line here?"
"Brother Mao introduced me. Boss Hu here is his disciple."
"Brother Mao? Didn't you have a falling out with him?"
"He apologized to me yesterday and gave me fifty thousand yuan, then introduced me to set up a credit line here."
"Didn't he cheat you out of two hundred thousand? How could you let him off with just fifty thousand?"
Yang Jian sighed. "Forget it. Brother Mao's attitude was very sincere. His brother needed a kidney transplant, and his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. I didn't want to pressure him further. Consider the money a donation to his daughter. Besides, the place he introduced is good; earning two hundred thousand shouldn't be difficult."
Yu Feng nodded approvingly. "Yang Jian, you're truly a good person. You were cheated out of so much money, yet you still sympathize with others. How much did you invest in the credit line?"
"Around a hundred thousand. Song Jianmin and I pooled our money."
"A hundred thousand isn't enough to set up a credit line here. Don't you know that a single hand of cards here can involve tens or even hundreds of thousands in winnings and losses? If it's Pai Gow or dice games, the stakes are even higher."
"But that's all we could come up with. I only managed to scrape together seventy thousand with the fifty thousand Brother Mao gave me. Jianmin gave eighty thousand. Let's start with this one hundred and fifty thousand and see how it goes."
Yu Feng thought for a moment. "How about this: I'll put in three hundred thousand for you. We'll split the profits three ways, how does that sound?"
"You want to participate in the credit line? Are you short of money?"
"Of course! What's more profitable than setting up a credit line? I have to be involved. Besides, I'm here often and know most of the guests. I have a good understanding of their financial situations, so I can advise you on who to extend credit to and who not to, to prevent capital loss and avoid unnecessary trouble."
Yu Feng's words enlightened Yang Jian. It made sense; such a good resource should be utilized.
"Sister, Jianmin and the others are upstairs. Let's go discuss it with them."
Yang Jian took Yu Feng to the third-floor lounge and explained Yu Feng's idea to Song Jianmin and the other two.
Song Jianmin was very supportive. "Sister Feng, it would be wonderful if you could join us. How about this: you contribute three hundred thousand, and we contribute one hundred thousand. Yang Jian and I have invested all our assets, and we have no operating capital left. In a while, we'll be going to Hancheng to establish the Emperor Company."
"No problem. Then we'll use four hundred thousand as capital. If it's not enough, I can arrange for more on short notice. This place is very safe, and it's a gathering place for wealthy individuals. Many people want to get in on setting up credit lines here, but you beat them to it. I'm just tagging along for the ride."
"Sister, there's something I need to clarify beforehand. Biao Biao and Liang Liang have been like my own brothers since they helped me deal with Liu Ming. I'll bring them along for any profitable venture. Before you came in, we planned to split the shares equally among the four of us, and they will be primarily responsible for this place going forward."
Yang Jian felt it was necessary to bring this up now to avoid any potential issues with Yu Feng.
"That's fine too. You three taking down Pan Wenbin was equivalent to saving our Yu family. You are all my brothers from now on. We'll split the profits from this credit line equally among five people. I'll make an appointment with the bank shortly and bring three hundred thousand in cash tomorrow."
Yu Feng was very generous. She was a regular here and didn't care much about the exact amount of money she would receive. What was most important was being connected with Yang Jian. The Yu family needed someone like him.
"Thank you, Sister Feng."
"Thank you, Sister Feng."
Biao Biao and Liang Liang bowed to her simultaneously. Connecting with someone like Sister Feng meant they wouldn't suffer poverty in the future, as long as they didn't mess things up.
"Yang Jian, come out with me for a moment."
Seeing that everything had been clarified, Yu Feng pulled Yang Jian outside the door.
"Sister, what is it?"
"Have you considered the offer to become the vice president of our company?"
"Sister, not only can I not do this vice president job, but I also can't help with my brother-in-law's land?"
Yu Feng stared at him with wide eyes. "Why? These two things have nothing to do with each other."
Yang Jian looked a bit embarrassed. "Sister, there are rumors going around outside that there's something improper between you and me. My sister and father have heard about it. They've firmly demanded that I cease all contact with you and are not allowing me to stay in Chengguan. So, after my brother-in-law's repair shop is built, I plan to go to Hancheng."
"What the hell! Who's spreading such gossip? If there really was something between us, then let them talk. But why would they spread something out of thin air? Yang Jian, you're not going to stop associating with me because of this rumor, are you?"
"How could I? I'm still cooperating with you. I just don't want to upset my father. He values reputation above all else. I'm the only son, and he's worried this rumor will prevent me from finding a wife. So, as long as I leave Chengguan, he'll be relieved."
"Oh, then I'm sorry, Yang Jian. I've caused you trouble. How about I introduce you to a girlfriend?"
"I'm not planning to date anyone right now. I'm penniless and need to earn some money to do something serious. My brother-in-law left me a plot of land for a house. Once the house is built, I'll consider it."
"Alright then, I'll help you find a suitable girl."
Yu Feng felt guilty and intended to put some effort into this aspect to dispel the rumors.
After leaving the farm, Yang Jian immediately drove to Xinqiao Town and called his cousin Liu Chao from his uncle's side to wait at his aunt's house.
By the time Yang Jian arrived at Jixiang Supermarket, Liu Chao was already there.
After greeting his aunt and uncle, Yang Jian called Jing Yongli and Liu Chao into the car.
"Yongli, Xiao Chao, I need your help with something. Two hundred yuan a day, with food and accommodation provided. Are you willing?"
"Willing."
The cousins replied in unison.
Liu Chao then asked, "Brother Jian, what is it, and where is it?"
"It's in Chengguan, helping me set up a credit line at Nanhu Farm. This must not be known by our family. Can you do it?"
"Setting up a credit line? In a casino?"
"It's in a clubhouse. It's mainly for playing mahjong. Don't worry, it's very safe. Otherwise, I wouldn't ask you to take the risk."
"Then no problem, I'll go."
"I'll go too. Brother Jian can walk sideways in Chengguan now. With your name on the credit line, who would dare not pay? So, this task is not difficult."
Jing Yongli knew his cousin's reputation was immense. Even Xu Zheng from across the street had obediently come to settle their family's accounts.
"Good. You two pack a few clothes and come with me now. Tell your parents you're going to work at the farm. Even if you meet my sister there, you must stick to the same story: you're working at the farm. Never let it slip, or all three of us will be in trouble."
Yang Jian repeatedly emphasized the need for absolute secrecy, otherwise, the entire family would be shaken.