However, Li Yifeng is different. He is just a low-level police officer. If he really gets involved in this matter, it will probably have some impact on him.
He knew Li Yifeng's temper, but since Li Yifeng had already regarded him as his brother, he would definitely not ignore this matter, and even if he wanted to persuade him, it would be useless.
The only way is to find a way to completely resolve the issue before things take a turn for the worse.
So... Yang Hongtao decisively took out his phone and called Director Liu, truthfully describing what had just happened to Director Liu, and then hung up the phone.
As for what specific things Yang Hongtao wanted Director Liu to do, he didn't say anything, but he believed that Director Liu would naturally know what to do.
As Yang Hongtao had predicted, Huang Lianshu did indeed try to sabotage him behind his back, attempting to frame him for intentional assault using his connections. However, with Director Liu having made prior arrangements through internal channels, Yang Hongtao was naturally unharmed. He simply went to the branch office to give a token statement, and was then warmly invited to sit in the office by the branch leader. After making some roundabout inquiries about Yang Hongtao's background without finding anything, the leader specially arranged a car for Yang Hongtao to return to his hotel.
As for Huang Lianshu's thugs, they were classified as disturbing public order and illegally using prohibited weapons, and are estimated to be detained for at least half a month.
However, apart from the last coward who only lost a few teeth, the other three of the four were seriously injured, and some even had the possibility of lifelong disability. Even if they were to be detained or sentenced, it would only be suspended.
The car that took Yang Hongtao did not return immediately after arriving at the hotel. Instead, it remained in the hotel parking lot with a driver on standby 24 hours a day, ready for Yang Hongtao's use at any time.
Although this car was just an ordinary Audi sedan, far less luxurious than the Cadillac owned by the Bairui Group, it was fortunate that it had police license plates. Having such a car following him would save Yang Hongtao a lot of trouble.
Besides, that Cadillac belongs to the Bairui Group. Although Yang Hongtao has a diamond card from the Bairui Group, he doesn't really think he's a director of the Bairui Group. It's not right for him to always use someone else's car.
Besides... he was planning to go to Tengchong to gamble on jade in a couple of days, and he originally intended to rent a car. Now that the police have provided this car, he doesn't have to look for another one.
Anyway, after he arrived in Tengchong this time, although he still wanted to gamble on stones, even if he found the best rough stones, he would not easily cut them on the spot, so as not to attract too much attention.
Therefore, Yang Hongtao wouldn't care even if there were one or two police officers around him.
However, Yang Hongtao was not satisfied with the driver assigned to him by the police. It is likely that the branch leaders found that Li Yifeng and Yang Hongtao were quite familiar with each other, so they arranged for Li Yifeng to be Yang Hongtao's driver.
Although Li Yifeng himself was very satisfied with the job, Yang Hongtao was not entirely happy about it.
In his heart, Li Yifeng was always his friend, his classmate, and his brother who could share hardships with him.
Now, Li Yifeng has been placed next to Yang Hongtao as a driver assigned by the police, which has created an invisible barrier between the two due to their different identities.
Yang Hongtao didn't want the two to become increasingly estranged because of this human factor, so he solemnly proposed to the branch office leaders to change the driver.
For some reason, the branch office leaders sent a young and beautiful policewoman to be Yang Hongtao's personal driver.
Volume 1: The Rebirth of a Prodigy, Chapter 90: The Policewoman
The policewoman, named Liu Xiaofei, was just over twenty years old. She had just graduated from police academy this year and had been working at the branch office for a few months, doing odd jobs in the logistics department. This made Liu Xiaofei, who had always longed to become an outstanding criminal police officer who would strike fear into the hearts of all criminals, extremely depressed.
Now, she has finally been given another job: to be a driver for a young man from out of town, with the added task of providing him with 24-hour personal protection.
At first, she thought she was protecting a witness involved in a major case, and she was quite excited about it for a while.
However, after inquiring, it was discovered that the person was not a witness in any criminal case, but just a seemingly powerful young master.
It seems that because this person was harassed by some thugs while wandering the streets of the area, a high-ranking official took notice and inquired about it, which immediately made several leaders of the branch office extremely nervous, so they specially arranged for a police officer to protect him.
Upon hearing this news, Liu Xiaofei immediately felt extremely uneasy.
Obviously, if the other party was truly a very important person who needed close protection, then there would be no way that it would be her turn to take on this responsibility, as a newcomer who had just graduated from school and had no practical work experience.
Although Liu Xiaofei always believed that her fighting and marksmanship were quite good, she was not so arrogant as to think that she was better than the experts in the special police squadron.
If the leader had assigned her, a newcomer, to work with several experienced colleagues to complete this task, it would have been understandable. But now, this young and beautiful new policewoman has been assigned alone to that playboy's side... It's hard not to have bad thoughts.
The more Liu Xiaofei thought about it, the more convinced she became that this was the truth, and naturally she felt very indignant.
However, as a police officer, just like a soldier, the most important thing is to obey orders, so she naturally didn't have the courage to argue with her superiors.
She could only secretly resolve that she would not let that "playboy" take advantage of her in any way, even if it meant losing her police uniform!
From the moment Liu Xiaofei received her orders and reported to Yang Hongtao's side, she completely hid her originally fiery and unrestrained personality, putting on a cold and aloof face. She refused to say a single word to Yang Hongtao and remained extremely vigilant towards him at all times.
She refused to stay in the hotel room that Yang Hongtao had specially arranged for her, spending all her time holed up in that Audi. Anyway, the security at this five-star hotel was very good, so as long as Yang Hongtao didn't leave the hotel, there shouldn't be any danger, and there was no need for her to be "closely" protected.
In fact, Liu Xiaofei really misunderstood her superior. The branch bureau leaders did want to get along well with Yang Hongtao because of Director Liu, but they wouldn't go so far as to send a pretty policewoman to act as a "female public relations officer" in such a disgusting way.
They had originally planned to send two top-notch special operations team members to protect Yang Hongtao, but when they later watched the surveillance footage that Li Yifeng had obtained from the community security guards, they were immediately taken aback by Yang Hongtao's astonishing behavior.
They had already found out Yang Hongtao's apparent identity afterward. They had been wondering how a seemingly unremarkable and incompetent rich kid from a medium-sized city could have gotten involved with Director Liu of the National Security Bureau (due to Yang Hongtao's strong request, all information related to him in the hijacking case was kept strictly confidential, so a local public security bureau leader naturally had no way of knowing). But now they finally "understood".
This guy is no ordinary good-for-nothing! He's clearly a hidden master, a master, a master among masters! In their eyes, Yang Hongtao's skill level is far superior to the martial arts masters described in martial arts novels.
And since such a talented person is connected with Director Liu, it goes without saying that this seemingly incompetent young master is probably a top agent in the National Security Bureau, much like "007"!
Given Yang Hongtao's skills, he clearly doesn't need any police protection. Even the most skilled member of the special operations team would probably not get the slightest advantage against him.
However, if we don't send someone over, it would seem like the branch office isn't taking it seriously enough.
It was obvious that Yang Hongtao did not initially refuse the police's arrangement, but was dissatisfied with the choice of driver. So the branch leaders discussed it and simply sent Liu Xiaofei, a newcomer, to the job.
Anyway, they didn't expect the police to be of much help to Yang Hongtao. At most, they would just drive him around or act as his guide. Liu Xiaofei was a local and was quite familiar with the scenic spots around Yunnan. She was also usually cheerful and talkative, making her the best candidate to be a guide. That's why Liu Xiaofei was ultimately chosen.
As for having Liu Xiaofei as Yang Hongtao's personal bodyguard, it was simply to have Liu Xiaofei act as a police officer in some unexpected situations to help Yang Hongtao avoid minor troubles that didn't require Yang Hongtao's intervention.
They never imagined Liu Xiaofei would think of that, otherwise they would have been truly dumbfounded.
Yang Hongtao didn't feel anything about Liu Xiaofei's cold attitude. Everyone in this world has their own personality, and besides, she's a beautiful woman, so it's not surprising that she's a bit aloof and arrogant.
Moreover, the body that Yang Hongtao has inherited, Zhou Ziwei's, is that of a complete lecher. He can't stand mature and seductive beauties like Xin Yue. Seeing Liu Xiaofei's icy expression, he actually feels very relaxed.
As for Li Yifeng, Yang Hongtao certainly wouldn't just kick him back and be done with it. Instead, after Li Yifeng and Liu Xiaofei had a brief exchange, he immediately asked Li Yifeng to take a few days off so he could accompany him on a trip to Tengchong.
Upon hearing this, Li Yifeng immediately said with great frustration, "Have you lost your mind?! The branch office originally arranged for me to drive you, so wherever we went, it would be fully reimbursed by the company! And it would even be considered paid travel. But now... because I took leave, not only is my bonus for this month gone, but I also have to pay for all my expenses out there... Uh... I'm telling you, kid..."
As Li Yifeng spoke, he secretly glanced back at Liu Xiaofei sitting in the car, then whispered suggestively in Yang Hongtao's ear, "Hey kid, you've gone through all this trouble, haven't you? You're just plotting to seduce our branch's famous policewoman, aren't you? Hehe... Life is lonely as snow, it's only natural for you to have these kinds of thoughts, but... it seems like Policewoman Liu doesn't feel anything for you! Brother... you have a long way to go!"
Yang Hongtao said with a wry smile, "Brother Li, what you're saying... I just wanted your boss to change my driver, I didn't specifically ask for a beautiful woman, so what premeditation did I have? Okay... don't look at me like that! As for your bonus... don't worry about it, once we get to Tengchong, I'll definitely give you a chance to earn it back double. Also... since I'm the one treating you to this trip, of course I'll cover all the expenses along the way..."
As Yang Hongtao finished speaking, he noticed a slight change in Li Yifeng's expression and immediately realized that his words had unintentionally hurt Li Yifeng's pride. Li Yifeng had always liked to act like the boss. Back in school, when his buddies went out to have fun, if Li Yifeng had money, he would never allow anyone else to pay the bill. Otherwise, he would consider it a challenge to his authority as the boss.
Seeing Li Yifeng's displeasure, Yang Hongtao quickly said, "Brother Li, if you really consider me a brother, then don't hold back on how much money you spend this time, okay? Hehe... Let me tell you a secret, I just made a fortune gambling on stones here, and now I have so much money I'm burning my hands. Brother Li, just let me indulge in the nouveau riche lifestyle!"
Volume 1: The Rebirth of a Prodigy, Chapter 91: Maximizing Profits
"You've struck gold on jade gambling!"
As a native of Yunnan, Li Yifeng had never witnessed jade gambling firsthand, but he had heard many tales of overnight riches. His eyes lit up immediately when he heard Yang Hongtao's words.
"So how much did you actually earn? Did you make five million?"
Li Yifeng was, after all, just someone who lived on a fixed monthly salary of a few thousand yuan. In his mind, five million was already an astronomical figure that he could never earn in his lifetime. So, although he had heard that gambling on stones could make him rich, that was all he could imagine.
Yang Hongtao smiled and shook his head, saying, "Five million... is just a small fraction of it."
Li Yifeng's eyes widened as he exclaimed, "What! Then... then does that mean you'll earn at least ten million?!"
Yang Hongtao was speechless at Li Yifeng's lack of imagination, so he could only continue to prompt him: "More than ten million... if you add another zero after that, it will be about right."
"Uh...no way!"
Li Yifeng swallowed hard, his eyes wide like steamed buns as he stared intently at Yang Hongtao. After a long while, he finally caught his breath and stammered, "You don't mean... you made over a hundred million in jade gambling all at once? My God... how is that possible! If jade gambling were really that easy to make money, then... wouldn't everyone in Yunnan be rich by now?"
Yang Hongtao gave a wry smile and said, "Gambling on jade stones isn't easy money, of course. Nine out of ten gamblers lose, it's always been that way. I did make over a hundred million, but at this jadeite rough auction, someone lost over sixty million on the spot! Hehe... But whether others make or lose is none of our business. Anyway, your brother here has made a fortune this time, and I'm just wondering how to spend it. Right now, I'm just inviting you out for some fun, Brother Li. How much will that cost? You wouldn't refuse such a small favor, would you?"
"Yes! Of course we have to give them that face!"
Li Yifeng rubbed his hands excitedly, glancing maliciously at Yang Hongtao's wallet, and said, "Striking down the rich and distributing the land, that's our long-standing tradition. This time, not only will you treat us, but we'll also rip you off! Uh... let me think about it, how can I make you feel good about yourself... Wow... over a hundred million! Making you feel good about yourself is really not easy... it's really quite a headache... Hmm... bath, massage, herbal foot bath, cupping, scraping... this whole set doesn't seem to cost more than a few hundred yuan! No... we can't let you off so easily! I heard a new authentic French restaurant opened in the south of the city... that guy... he dares to sell a few snails for over a thousand yuan, it's the perfect place to rip off a nouveau riche like you, we absolutely have to go there and try the foreign devils' cooking..."
Upon hearing this, Yang Hongtao simply smiled and nodded repeatedly. He naturally understood Li Yifeng's personality. He knew that although this guy usually liked to act like a boss, he would inevitably get envious if he saw his brother make a windfall. He would absolutely not give up until the other party paid a price.
Back then, Yang Hongtao won a tie worth less than 100 yuan in a raffle at the school's party. This delinquent gang leader forced him to treat his buddies to a barbecue at a street stall, which cost him a full 180 yuan!
Knowing Li Yifeng's personality, Yang Hongtao knew that as long as he told him that he had just made a lot of money gambling on stones, Li Yifeng would never be polite to him again. That's why he deliberately showed off in front of him.
"Hey... bro, what you just said about finding a way for me to double my bonus this month... you don't mean you want me to go gambling on jade with you, do you?"
Li Yifeng suddenly remembered what Yang Hongtao had just said, and immediately said solemnly, "You said it yourself, no matter what you gamble on, nine out of ten times you lose. Although you were lucky this time and made a lot of money, if you continue to gamble... who knows who will get that money! Only when you leave this business will you truly have earned the money. So... I advise you, know when to quit while you're ahead! If you just want to go to Tengchong for fun, that's fine, but if you're still going to gamble on stones, then... you'd better forget it! As for me... I'm even less likely to do it. I don't have the luck or the capital to gamble, so I will absolutely not get involved in this kind of thing. If you're planning to give me money to gamble, then you'd better give up on that idea! I can eat and drink your food, but I will never use my brother's money to gamble. If I did, would I still be a human being? Hmph... If you dare to bring up this kind of thing with me later... then don't blame me for being impolite as your older brother!"
Yang Hongtao knew that this guy meant what he said, and once he said it, he would never allow Yang Hongtao to do it again. He could only sigh inwardly and nod helplessly.
From the moment Yang Hongtao saw Li Yifeng, he had been thinking about helping him out.
Without even asking, he knew that Li Yifeng was clearly not doing well. Rather than letting him continue as a lowly policeman, it would be better to have him work with him on a big project! If Li Yifeng was unwilling to work with him as his "little brother," Yang Hongtao would find a way to make Li Yifeng a fortune. Once he had money, Li Yifeng would probably no longer be willing to stay in his current position.
The way Li Yifeng made a fortune was through gambling on stones. With Yang Hongtao, a super cheat code, running around like a cheat code, it would be hard for Li Yifeng to lose if he was willing to gamble.
But if Li Yifeng is truly determined not to gamble, then Yang Hongtao really has no way to stop him...
It seems we'll have to deal with this later! Hmm... let's lure this guy to Tengchong first, let him experience the atmosphere of jade gambling, and I don't believe he won't be tempted at all!
So Yang Hongtao told Li Yifeng that his main purpose in coming to Tengchong was to purchase some jadeite raw materials in order to open a jewelry company after returning home. Therefore, even if he was gambling on jadeite in Tengchong, it would be considered a business investment and would not have much to do with gambling.
If you can buy some high-quality, low-priced jadeite pieces that have already been completely cut open in Tengchong, then it doesn't matter if you stop gambling on stones.
Because if he had actually bought a large amount of jadeite rough or jadeite in Tengchong, he would have been targeted by thieves or even bandits. With an experienced policeman like Li Yifeng by his side, he would have felt much more at ease.
After hearing what Yang Hongtao said, Li Yifeng naturally had no reason to refuse and had to agree.
In fact, Yang Hongtao was not just talking nonsense. He had thought about it and was sure that he could find a lot of high-quality jadeite rough stones in Tengchong this time.
After all, the total value of the raw jadeite auction in Kunming, including both fully rough and semi-rough stones, was less than a thousand yuan. Tengchong, located on the China-Myanmar border, has been a distribution center for raw jadeite since ancient times. The trading of raw jadeite there has long been established. The raw jadeite you can see there is naturally incomparable to a small raw jadeite auction held in Kunming.
Moreover, Yang Hongtao now has more than 140 million yuan in funds, so he can buy more jadeite rough stones. He can buy as many jadeite rough stones as he can.
If Yang Hongtao were to buy a dozen or even dozens of rough stones containing high-quality jadeite, even if he were to bring them home and slowly cut them open, it would be difficult to sell them immediately, especially since he couldn't frequently sell large quantities of jadeite in public.
In this way, even if the raw stones he bought were very valuable, it would be difficult for him to recoup his investment in a short period of time.
If you try to sell it through secret channels, you'll definitely suffer a loss.
Therefore, the best way is to open your own jewelry company that mainly deals in jadeite ornaments, and then hire some jade carvers to process all the raw stones you buy into finished jadeite jewelry. This way, you can maximize the profit from those raw jadeite stones.
Of course... this is just the first step in Yang Hongtao's entrepreneurial journey. He has other entrepreneurial plans to follow.
Although Yang Hongtao inherited the memories of a jade carver, he was not actually very interested in the industry. The reason he gambled on stones and opened a jewelry company was simply because it was the only way to quickly make his first fortune.
This method of accumulating initial capital is both legal and rapid. Since Yang Hongtao has this ability, why wouldn't he take advantage of it?
Volume 1 The Rebirth of a Prodigy Chapter 92 Casual Meal
Three days later, Yang Hongtao, Li Yifeng, Liu Xiaofei, and their companions drove into the city of Baoshan in that Audi sedan.