Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Yang Family Boss
I carefully examined the man in front of me. He was Yang Wei's uncle, the head of the Yang family, and the patriarch of the so-called "Clover" family.
I remember checking his age before I came; he should be forty-six. But he looked much younger than his actual age. His skin was fair, even somewhat delicate, and his voice was calm and even. He was handsome, and you could vaguely see a resemblance to Yang Wei, after all, they were close relatives. But clearly, his appearance wasn't outstanding; it was only average.
What's strange is that he just sat on the sofa, his body even a little languid, yet he exuded an indescribable, calm, and gentle aura! And this aura was so calm and natural, yet it had not a trace of aggression.
Hmm...right, the ocean!
He is like the ocean when it is calm, seemingly gentle and peaceful, but that is because his aura is as vast and unfathomable as the ocean!
He was smiling at me. When he smiled, it felt like a gentle breeze, completely lacking the imposing aura of a powerful family head, and even making people feel close to him. But if you looked closely, you would find that his eyes were very special! Because although his face was smiling, there was not a trace of smile in his eyes.
No, not just when he smiled, but just now. At the banquet outside, when he gave his speech, when he spoke on stage, I have to admit he was indeed very dignified. But whether he smiled, sighed, or used those spirited words to inspire people… there was always something strange about him when he expressed all those emotions…
Well, now that I'm close to him, I've realized exactly where my feelings went wrong.
His eyes!
Whether he was laughing, sighing, or excited... his eyes, the look in them, remained forever calm. Completely devoid of any emotional fluctuation!
I've met many, many powerful and influential people. When I first met Huan Ge… Ye Huan, he gave me the impression of a kind and approachable elder, a father or brother who appreciated and cared for you. Ye Huan's eyes were so peaceful, yet occasionally a sharp glint would appear. But Eighth Master… Eighth Master's eyes were like an ancient well, very deep, so deep that you could hardly fathom his thoughts. Many times, you tried your best to understand him, but in the end, you always found that Eighth Master's intentions were far deeper than you imagined.
As for Thorin, he was a typical Western leader: energetic, dignified, yet cunning, worldly-wise, and somewhat hypocritical. He also possessed a certain rigidity typical of Western gentlemen.
As for Mr. Yang's eyes... I can only describe them as "the ocean".
It's not that you can't figure him out, but... you don't even need to try. Because he'll show you his emotions... but what's hidden beneath those surface emotions is something only he knows.
Faced with such a person, the helmsman of a family that is well-known throughout the United States, and a person whose subordinates control hundreds of millions of assets and countless invisible and intangible powers... Frankly speaking, I suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity for the first time since I started my career!
In front of such a person, I actually felt...so insignificant!
This feeling undoubtedly made me very depressed, and at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed.
"Sit down, young man." He looked at me in a very approachable manner and gestured to the sofa in front of him.
I took a deep breath, walked over, nodded to him, and then sat down.
"Do you like this place?" He didn't seem to be in a hurry to get down to business, but spoke in a casual, conversational tone... This conversational technique wasn't particularly sophisticated, but in the past, when people talked to me like this, I always felt that they were putting on airs, that they were beating around the bush, and I would sneer inwardly because I knew that they would eventually be unable to resist getting to the point.
But when I was with Mr. Yang, I had a strange feeling... as if we were just casually smoking cigars and chatting in this little lounge.
"Hmm...this place is nice," I replied cautiously.
“Relax, young man.” Yang Wei’s uncle casually flicked the ash off his cigar. “This is my private lounge. Every piece of furniture in this room was personally selected by me… Well, I have this habit. In every hotel I own, I leave behind a private lounge of my own, and I personally select every single item in it, without letting anyone else handle it. This feeling is actually quite beneficial, you understand?”
"Understood." I tilted my head and thought for a moment before replying.
"Do you really understand?" He smiled, but still, there was no smile in his eyes, even though his smile was so easy and natural.
“I understand completely.” I nodded and added, “Every single item here was personally selected and arranged by you. So you know every detail of this room like the back of your hand, as if you were in your own territory. In such a familiar place, when you invite guests in for negotiations, you will naturally be completely relaxed, fully taking advantage of the ‘location,’ and becoming more and more at ease… Although this advantage is not obvious, in some important negotiations, even the slightest, invisible advantage can play an unexpected role.”
I finished speaking in one breath, while carefully observing his eyes, trying to discern his emotional fluctuations. Because I was confident my guess was correct!
But I was disappointed; his eyes remained completely unmoved. He smiled slightly, "Hmm, well said. You're very shrewd." However, he then shook his head, "While what you said is true, it didn't reveal your true feelings for me."
Did I say something wrong?
I was stunned. I was so confident that I was right!
Yang Wei's uncle sighed softly, "Actually, I decorated each room simply because I wanted to make myself as comfortable as possible. Since it's my own place, I should decorate it myself to make it more comfortable for others. You see, my reason is very simple, just to make myself comfortable, but in your eyes... well, and in the eyes of many outsiders, they think far too much." He slowly took a puff of his cigar, "Many things in the world are like this. Often, the person involved has very simple motives, but others always tend to complicate what is clearly a simple matter."
Seeing my somewhat awkward expression, he laughed: "Oh, I'm sorry, I may have talked too much. But now I at least understand why Weiwei admires you so much. You and she are the same kind of people, you are both smart and young... but you and young people like Weiwei have the same problem, which is that you think too much."
I took a deep breath, smiled, and said sincerely, "Mr. Yang, you are absolutely right."
Yang Wei's uncle shrugged, then suddenly said, "Oh, look at me, I almost forgot, this is so rude." He laughed, "Look, I already know your name is Chen Yang, you're twenty-five years old, and you currently control a medium-sized company called 'Huaxing,' and you actually control the entire Vancouver underworld. I know quite a bit about you, but I forgot to introduce myself... Um, I'm Yang Wei's uncle. Yang Wei is my brother's daughter, but unfortunately, her father passed away many years ago. You're Weiwei's friend, so perhaps you can call me Uncle like she does. Of course, I think you shouldn't call me that, because your current status doesn't just represent you personally. I don't think I have that kind of status to make the top figure in North America call me Uncle. So, you can call me Mr. Yang the Second, remember, not Mr. Yang, because I'm the second oldest in my family, and friends who are also Chinese usually call me Mr. Yang the Second."
"Yes, Mr. Yang Er," I said politely.
“Alright, young man, you’re too nervous and too uneasy.” He waved his hand lightly, then gestured with his chin to a wooden box on the table containing cigars: “Would you like one?”
"Um...no need." A strange feeling suddenly arose in my heart: in front of this person, if it's not necessary, it's best not to pretend, say what you mean, and be as honest as possible; perhaps that will have the best effect. So I declined his invitation: "I don't like cigars. I prefer regular cigarettes, and I only smoke domestic flue-cured tobacco."
I took out a cigarette myself: "Is this okay?"
He gestured for him to proceed.
I had just lit a cigarette when Mr. Yang asked a question that almost made me lose my composure: "Oh, may I ask, is the lady who came to the banquet with you tonight a good friend of yours?"
My expression immediately turned sour, and I quickly said, "Um... I know some of her actions just now were a bit..."
“No, no, no, no…” Mr. Yang shook his head, interrupting me with a smile: “No, no, I’m not asking about that, and I won’t pursue that kiss. I’m a very strange father; I try my best not to interfere in anything concerning my children. Besides, this is America, this is Las Vegas. Let alone two girls kissing, even if a bear and an owl kissed, no one would be surprised. I just want to know, is that young and beautiful girl your good friend?”
"Yes." I felt relieved, but more surprised. "Is there a problem?"
“If I remember correctly, she should be Mr. Qiao’s daughter from China, right?” Mr. Yang smiled. “I think I’ve met her once before, but she probably doesn’t remember me.”
I paused for a moment, then understood. Since Qiaoqiao's father knew Li Wenjing's parents, it wasn't surprising that he also knew Mr. Yang, considering his status, wealth, and power.
We chatted casually for a while longer. He asked how Yang Wei and I met, and then jokingly invited me to try my luck at the newly opened casino. He even talked about our shared interests in tobacco and tea. But he didn't mention a single word about our business.
What struck me as even stranger was that I clearly sensed he wasn't beating around the bush... He was so natural, so composed, it was as if he were born with it, without the slightest trace of acting!
"Mr. Yang Er." Finally, I couldn't help but speak first: "As you probably already know, I've come to Las Vegas for a business deal, and I wonder if there's any opportunity for cooperation with your family."
"Oh. You mean the issue of your funds needing to circulate in my casino?" Mr. Yang smiled. "Then, Chen Yang, tell me, approximately how much capital do you need to circulate each year?"
"Right now, it seems to be around one hundred million US dollars per year." I thought for a moment, "Of course, this number may gradually increase."
“One hundred million dollars.” Mr. Yang smiled, casually placing his cigar on the ashtray. He then sat up, picked up the red wine on the table, poured himself a little, and looked at me: “Want a drink?”
"Okay," I nodded.
He finished pouring the wine, picked up the glass, took a sip, and then smiled, saying, "I didn't want to hide anything from you; you've put me in a difficult position. That's why, after considering it today, I didn't immediately meet you at the banquet."
I didn't say anything, and waited quietly for him to continue.
"Money laundering isn't a secret," Mr. Yang said, seemingly deep in thought. "But this business carries some potential risks... The key to this business is just two words: trust." He seemed to smile slightly. "By habit, I won't let funds from sources I can't trust enter my casinos. This is to ensure security and avoid risks."
"I understand." I sighed. I picked up my wine glass and took a big gulp.
"At the same time, the commission I take is not cheap," he said calmly. "I believe your money didn't come easily either. So, since your funds are just circulating in my casino, the commission I take might make you feel the pinch. But I don't intend to lower my prices. Although you are Yang Wei's friend, personal relationships and business are completely different things."
Seeing my slightly furrowed brows, Mr. Yang smiled again: "However, I talked with you for a while today, and I like you very much. You are a good young man. I think if we have more contact in the future, perhaps we can become friends... But I also have to tell you that even if they are my friends, I will not rashly do business with them. In my mind, everything is clearly distinguished. I like simple things... the simpler the better, but if you confuse the two, then simple things will become complicated... I don't like that."
"So, you're refusing, is that right?" I said slowly, already having given up in my mind, and even preparing to get up and leave.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Mr. Yang smiled again. “You see, I just wanted to tell you that I won’t give you preferential treatment because of our personal relationship. So, when we’re talking business, it’s best to stick to the business. Do you understand?” He looked at me. “If I had refused you, I wouldn’t have invited you here today. I think both of our time is equally valuable, isn’t it?”
"So what do you mean?" I leaned back on the sofa.
“It’s very simple, it’s all about the terms of the exchange.” Mr. Yang smiled. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t care about the commission I can earn by helping you launder this money… I’m sorry, my words may not be pleasant, but a business worth a hundred million dollars a year, with such a low rate of return, I don’t need to waste too many resources on this, do I? Whatever, I mean, unless I can get some other benefits from this business… well, some other.”
He casually sipped his drink: "I heard that you own a small portion of Mr. Thorin's Group?"
A thought suddenly struck me... Could it be that he's also interested in this?
But I immediately shook my head: "I'm sorry, if you are interested in this, I regret to inform you that this equity stake is something I cannot give up!"
If I give up my shares, it's the same as losing Thorin as an ally. Without Thorin, I can't fully control the Vancouver underworld. Without control of the Vancouver underworld, I lose the right to negotiate with those smugglers... What's the point of me then?!
I refused directly. Mr. Yang didn't seem too surprised. He just said "Oh" and then thought for a moment before saying, "Okay, then I'll make another condition. This is my lowest price. If you can't accept my offer, then our cooperation will have to be canceled."
"Please speak."
“Your Huaxing Company.” He smiled. “See this new casino I just opened? I’ll give you one percent of the shares in exchange for fifteen percent of your Huaxing Company. If we can reach a deal, then your cash flow problem will no longer be an issue. Your funds can flow through the casino, and… you can also save on money laundering commissions.”
Looking at his amiable smile, I suddenly felt a sense of profound mystery about him!
Black! Absolutely black!
My Huaxing Company's annual net profit is now one hundred million US dollars! He took 15% of the shares, which means I have to give him 15 million US dollars every year!
To be honest, if he were just laundering money for me, the commission I would have to pay him would be around 15 million, because the rules of the underworld dictate that the commission for money laundering is about 15%.
So, even though he claims he's no longer taking the money laundering commission... he can still earn 15 million a year! It's just that this money has been nominally exchanged from commission for stock dividends!
This is tantamount to taking away 15% of my company's shares!
In the end, he not only didn't lose a single penny, but he also stole a portion of my company's ownership!
Of course, Huaxing Company isn't worth much money right now; it's just an empty shell with little market value. The 15% stake he took seems insignificant... but...
I've long considered Huaxing as the starting point of my career! Although it's not worth much money now, I'm confident that with my development, it will become a very, very profitable company!
Isn't that right? Owning the entire city of Vancouver is equivalent to owning the largest port on Canada's west coast! It's equivalent to controlling most of the smuggling business on Canada's west coast!! Huaxing Company is currently only making money by "collecting protection money," but in the near future, it will grow and expand!
Fifteen percent may not seem like much money now, but in the future... who knows!
A company that secretly controls the entire smuggling business along Canada's west coast... will it become worthless in the future? Even an idiot would understand that!
Mr. Yang must have seen this point, which is why he proposed the exchange on this condition!
I sighed, "Your appetite is far too great..."
I shook my head repeatedly, looked at him, and said sincerely, "This company is not entirely mine; I only own 70%! The remaining 30% belongs to various... well, shareholders in Vancouver. If I were to give up 15% all at once, that's a figure I cannot accept."
Mr. Yang interrupted me: "Don't forget, young man, you can get one percent of the shares in my casino! And that one percent is entirely yours." He smiled happily: "Although the casino downstairs has just opened, you know that it will reach a certain scale in a short period of time, and... it will be very profitable. Although you only have one percent of the shares, the annual profit dividends you receive are not a small amount. This amount is enough to make up for the loss of your shares."
That makes some sense. Las Vegas casinos are definitely profitable! And countless wealthy people have tried every possible way to enter this market, while I, in effect, have entered it instantly... although I only own one percent of a casino... It seems pitiful, but it's not without its opportunities.
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Seventy-Eight: Crashing the Scene
However, I quickly dismissed any wishful thinking in my mind.
Are you kidding me? Running a casino requires an enormous amount of capital! Do I have that kind of capital right now? Do I have that kind of influence? Open a casino? Without ridiculously strong power, can you even afford to open a casino?
I'm afraid even in fifty years, I might not have the power to run a casino business in Las Vegas!
This isn't a circle you can get into just because you have money! Do I have influence in American politics? Do I have influence in the American underworld? Don't dream... those are too far away, beautiful but unattainable!
On the contrary, I gave Mr. Yang Er 15% of my Huaxing Company's shares... Will he use this as an opportunity to interfere in the smuggling business I control? His family, in my eyes, is still a behemoth! Putting aside everything else, I only control a gang in one city; my annual revenue is only tens of millions, at most a hundred million... How much money does that large family have? They could crush me with money! I'm not even in their league!
It's easy to let him in now, but if things fall out in the future, it will be difficult to kick him out!
After careful consideration, I looked at Mr. Yang very seriously and said slowly, "I'm sorry, your offer is too high... I've calculated that I can only give up a maximum of 10% of the shares, that's my bottom line. And..." I gritted my teeth and said, "In addition to the 1% of shares in your casino as a condition, you must also pay a portion of cash to purchase these 10% of the shares."
I didn't ask him for more shares in the casino because I knew that was impossible. And... to be honest, it wouldn't make a difference. With my current influence, the casino is not something someone of my level can even touch.
Mr. Yang was slightly surprised. This time, I finally saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes, but it vanished in an instant…