Damn it, I finally know who Yang Wei learned that amazing ability to control her emotions from!
"To be honest, I'm quite surprised," Mr. Yang said with a smile. "Do you know how much my newly opened casino is worth? And how much is your shell company in downtown Vancouver, which just rents a few offices, worth? And yet you're proposing not only to exchange equity but also to have me pay some additional cash? My God, you really amaze me."
I remained calm and said slowly, "But I believe you will agree, won't you?"
“Hmm…” Yang Er pondered for a moment: “Alright, I can pay you ten million US dollars. But the shares must be fifteen percent. Young man, you need to understand that our family's investment is tantamount to making you an ally of the Clover family. Do you understand the significance of this position?”
“I understand perfectly.” I smiled, but my tone remained defiant. I quickly replied, “Only ten percent, using one percent of your casino's shares, but the cash payment must be at least doubled! Twenty million in cash!”
"Twenty million in cash?" he laughed. "Twenty million in cash. I could open ten trading companies like yours in Vancouver."
“But without me, you can’t buy or sell a single penny of smuggled goods.” I said quickly, “That’s my bottom line.”
Yang Er sighed: "Cash payment is not a problem, but I must have 15% of the shares."
My heart was pounding, and I gritted my teeth: "Fine! Thirty million US dollars in cash! One percent of the casino's shares. I'll give you fifteen percent of Huaxing! But I have one condition!"
"What additional conditions?"
I didn't shy away from Yang Erdi's gaze, looking him directly in the eye: "Within three years, you are not allowed to sell or transfer your 15% stake in any form! Moreover, within five years, if you wish to transfer your 15% stake, I have the right of first refusal under the same conditions! That's all!"
I had barely finished speaking when I clearly saw an unusual gleam suddenly erupt in Mr. Yang's previously calm eyes! That gaze instantly enveloped me, as if carrying a power that shocked me! It was as if he could see right through me!
"Good!" Yang Er suddenly burst into laughter, his eyes now brimming with amusement. "I haven't seen such an interesting young man like you in a long time! Deal!"
I noticed that in his eyes, there was no concealment of admiration, but at the same time, there was also a hint of sharpness!
It's sold...
I felt no joy whatsoever. Indeed, I suddenly had thirty million dollars in cash in my pocket, and I also received a one percent stake in a casino in Las Vegas. The annual dividends from just that one percent stake would be enough to make me a millionaire.
But I couldn't feel happy at all... because it seemed like I had opened my own door and welcomed in an "ally" who was far, far more powerful than me!
I don't know if I'll regret doing this in the future.
But at least for now, I have no choice.
“Chen Yang, come on, let’s have a drink.” Yang Er smiled, as if mocking himself: “God knows, I used 30 million US dollars plus 1% of the casino’s shares to exchange for 15% of a small company that is worth less than a million dollars now. If this deal gets out, people will definitely think I’m crazy.”
“But with this 15%, you can have at least 15 million in net profit every year. If you think this price isn’t worth it… then three years later, I’m willing to buy back your 15% stake for 100 million dollars,” I said with a smile.
Yang Er blinked, looked at me and smiled, "No, no, no, that's three years from now, isn't it? At least for now, let's raise a glass and celebrate our first successful collaboration."
"Cheers." I swallowed the wine in one gulp, but my mouth tasted a little bitter.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. Yang Er frowned slightly and said, "Come in."
The man who had led me in stood at the door and said slowly, "Sir, something has happened in the casino downstairs. If it's convenient for you, could you go down and take a look?"
Yang Er remained calm and smiled, "I understand."
He turned to look at me and suddenly laughed, "Oh, right, this is a good opportunity for you to come down and take a look with me... After all, you own a part of this casino over here. Let's go see your new casino."
Without hesitation, I nodded.
Yang Er, seemingly treating me like an old friend, pulled me by the arm and led me out of the lounge. We went outside one after the other, and from a distance I saw Qiao Qiao sitting on a high chair, somewhat bored, holding a wine glass, looking around aimlessly, with a hint of impatience. When she saw me, her eyes lit up, and she immediately jumped off the chair.
"Xiao Wu, where have you been?" She walked up to me.
I smiled and said, "I just talked to Mr. Yang about something. Um, this is Mr. Yang Er, Yang Wei's uncle."
This time, Qiaoqiao didn't act recklessly. She greeted Yang Er in a very ladylike manner, and even managed to smile without showing her teeth in a dignified way.
I thought for a moment: "Can I bring my friend down for a visit?"
Yang Er chuckled casually, "Of course, no need to ask me. Remember, this is your casino too."
After we came out, four people immediately followed Yang Er. Qiao Qiao and I also entered the elevator with Yang Er and arrived at the large casino located in the basement of the hotel.
As I stepped out of the elevator, I couldn't help but sigh.
I've been to casinos before; I even went to the one controlled by Huan Ge back in China... But this place is at least ten times bigger than that casino!
Upon entering, there were at least hundreds of slot machines, also known as gamblers. Then came all sorts of gambling tables, large and small, a dazzling array, offering every type of gambling imaginable. Just this one outdoor gambling hall I saw was at least a thousand square meters! And there was more than just this one hall!
It was clear that this wasn't Qiao Qiao's first time at such a large casino, and I even knew it probably wasn't her first time in Las Vegas either. However, after she stepped out of the elevator, she deliberately lagged behind Yang Er with me. She tugged at me and whispered, "What did he just say? 'This is your casino too,' what does that mean?"
I sighed: "I now own a stake in this casino."
Qiaoqiao's eyes lit up: "Really? You're actually going to start a casino business?"
I immediately doused her excitement with cold water: "I only have a pitiful one percent of the shares."
Then I sighed and said, "Okay, I'll tell you the details when we get back."
Yang Er was already scratching his head and looking at me, laughing, "Interested in coming in with me to see something interesting?"
I immediately followed: "What's so interesting?"
Yang Er shrugged and said nonchalantly, "Whenever a new casino opens, other casinos naturally have to come and 'pay their respects.' That's the old rule."
Although he spoke calmly, I could detect a hint of unease in his voice!
call?
I see, they're probably here to cause trouble!
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Seventy-Nine: Battle
Afterwards, Yang Er led us to a VIP area at the back, into a large private room. Surprisingly, there was electronic testing equipment at the entrance to this room, as anyone entering was prohibited from carrying electronic devices or metal objects.
I know this is to prevent cheating using electronic devices, and also for security reasons; no one is allowed to bring firearms, goods, or weapons inside.
Of course, these VIP rooms are not usually open to the public; they are only used on special occasions.
The private room was already quite full, but it was very quiet, without the slightest noise.
This is a room of about 100 square meters, decorated in a simple style, but it's clear that every detail is exquisite. At a large round gambling table, I saw three people playing a game. Behind them, the room was divided into three sections, each with several chairs and sofas. Clearly, these represented three different factions.
The first thing I saw was Yang Wei sitting in the first seat on the sofa to my left. In front of him, at the gambling table, sat a middle-aged white man. Although the white man's face remained calm, there was a hint of worry in his eyes, and it was clear that he had far fewer chips than the other two.
As Yang Er walked in, I saw that, aside from the two gamblers sitting at the table, everyone else who had been watching had stood up. The group on the left was entirely white; the leader, a man in a white shirt, nodded solemnly at Yang Er from afar. The group on the right, however, was entirely Asian, and a dozen or so of them bowed deeply in unison…
Damn, I couldn't help but scoff... Japanese people. Only Japanese people would bow in such a stiff and rigid manner.
Yang Er smiled amiably and said lightly, "Please don't stand on ceremony, everyone. This place is newly opened today, and everyone who comes here is a guest. Please have a seat."
Although the other party came to cause trouble, they were all very restrained, and the atmosphere was at least on the surface calm.
Yang Er sat down next to Yang Wei: "How is it?"
Yang Wei glanced at me and Qiao Qiao, who were sitting behind Yang Er, and said expressionlessly, "It's not good. Five families came before, including the Fick family and the Snake family, who have already lost money and left. But the Japanese just brought in a more skilled player. Pete doesn't seem to be a match for him; he threw away all his previous wins and has now lost another ten million."
Yang Er remained calm, casually remarking, "Oh, Pete lost? Looks like he couldn't hold on." He seemed completely unconcerned about losing ten million... This behavior made me, sitting next to him, sigh...
Sigh, even though I've successfully risen to a higher position, compared to such a powerful family, I'm still not on the same level... Ten million, they just throw it away without batting an eye.
I suddenly felt that I might have offered too low a price when we were talking upstairs... Perhaps if I increased the cash payment by another ten million, Yang Er might agree...
As these thoughts raced through my mind, Mr. Yang carefully examined his team's gambling expert, the white man named Pete who was currently sitting at the gambling table. He stared at Pete's profile for a while, sighed softly, and said to Yang Wei, "Pete is done for. He's already feeling guilty and is just putting on a brave face. Let's take him off the table. There's no need to let him waste any more money."
Yang Wei nodded, then frowned and said in a low voice, "But if Pete loses, we'll be out of manpower. Do you think I should immediately transfer people from other venues?"
Mr. Yang thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Forget it, the other side came prepared. Besides, Pete is already one of our top men. Even if we bring in more people, we might not be able to win... Hmm, is that Japanese guy very good?"
At this moment, a poker game is underway at the gambling table. Pete, the gambling expert representing the Yang family, has already folded his cards in this hand, leaving only the other Japanese player and a gambling expert representing another force that came to disrupt the game to compete.
Clearly, judging from the table, the Japanese player has the most chips among the three, even more than the other two players combined. It's obvious who has the upper hand.
The dealer dealt the fifth card, but the Japanese player didn't even blink before throwing down a black chip.
The other one looked serious, glanced at his hole card, hesitated for a moment, and then folded his card.
The Japanese won this round again.
Mr. Yang frowned slightly: "Where did this Japanese man come from? Why haven't we seen him before?"
Yang Wei's expression changed slightly, and she said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, it was my mistake." She raised her eyelids and gave the Japanese man at the gambling table a deep look. Yang Wei narrowed her eyes, and it was unclear what she was thinking.
I know that when Yang Wei shows this kind of expression, it usually means... she's starting to scheme against the other person!
The Japanese gambling expert looked to be in his early thirties, pale-faced and handsome, but his eyes gleamed with a hint of wickedness. He wore a lace-trimmed shirt, his hands resting on the table, his skin as white as a woman's. Noticing Yang Wei looking at him, the Japanese man suddenly smiled, his gaze falling on her, and said, "Beautiful lady, your man doesn't have many chips left. Do you want him to concede, or are you going to raise the stakes?"
As he spoke, his gaze towards Yang Wei held an undisguised, burning intensity. Seeing that look, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and let out a soft snort.
At this moment, Pete, a gambling expert under the Yang family, suddenly stood up and slowly walked to Yang Wei and Mr. Yang Er. This guy was also a very handsome white man, but at this moment the buttons on his shirt collar were undone, and there was a little sweat on his forehead. He nodded first, and then slowly said, "I'm sorry, gentlemen, I'm afraid I'm no match for him. So, although I don't want to say it, I still need to remind you that I think continuing to gamble, if I were to play again, would only be a waste of your money."
His face was very ugly. I knew that this kind of person must be a gambling expert whom the Yang family kept well to keep order. But now he had no choice but to admit that he was no match for his opponent. He must have been very frustrated. So although he was very unwilling, he was helpless.
Yang Er closed his eyes and thought for a few seconds, then opened them and said casually, "Alright, then let's admit defeat. How much are they asking for today?"
Yang Wei's eye muscles twitched slightly: "One hundred million."
Mr. Yang whistled, not angry but amused. He smiled and said, "That's quite a price." He seemed neither discouraged nor angry about the current setback, but instead looked at me with a smile: "Chen Yang, look, our casino just opened today, and we're already losing a hundred million US dollars. It's really a headache, haha..."
I looked at Yang Wei with a puzzled expression, somewhat bewildered. Yang Wei sighed and explained, "Well, it's like this. Our families are all in the casino business. Opening a new casino is like competing with each other for business, so there will inevitably be people trying to cause trouble when it opens. Both sides send their best players to gamble once, but to avoid a large-scale brawl, we set a maximum bet. Once you lose that amount, you lose. Of course, if we concede halfway through, we still have to pay the maximum amount."
I understood: "In other words, unless we win, if we lose, we have to lose the full 100 million. Even if we concede now, we still have to pay them 100 million?"
Yang Wei nodded and let out a sigh of relief: "This is the usual rule."
Qiao Qiao suddenly smiled sweetly and said, "Oh, since that's the case, if we're going to lose anyway, why not go all out and try? By the way, Xiao Wu, I heard from Li Wenjing that you're really good at gambling, why don't you go up and give it a try?"
A strange look flashed in Yang Wei's eyes, but she quickly calmed down, glanced at me, and said nothing.
I was a little surprised because Yang Wei was the only one among everyone who knew I had the lucky ring! If I wore the ring up there, my chances of winning would be very high! But from the moment we started until now, even though our side was clearly at a disadvantage, and I was also there, Yang Wei hadn't said a word about inviting me to go up... Could she have some other intention?
Mr. Yang chuckled, seemingly unconcerned about winning or losing. He patted my shoulder and said, "Young man, you actually gamble? That's quite unexpected... Well, this old custom is just a few old rivals who're annoyed by our new casino opening and want to demoralize us. They're just trying to save face; it's not a big deal. Usually, the wins and losses are only twenty or thirty million, sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. It's all a boring game to me. Even if you give them a sum of money at the beginning, as long as the casino operates smoothly, you'll make money. It's just a pointless game. But Chen Yang, if you really know how to gamble, why don't you try it out?" He paused, then laughed, "Anyway, this is your casino, after all. Hmm, it's just a pity that Li Wenjing has disappeared. I remember he was pretty good at cards; otherwise, it wouldn't hurt to let him play a few rounds."
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Eighty: Almost Perfect
When Yang Wei heard Mr. Yang say, "This is also your casino," a look of surprise flashed across her face. She couldn't help but glance at me. I smiled wryly and said, "Yes, Mr. Yang and I have just reached an agreement. Now I own one percent of this casino."
Yang Er patted me on the shoulder: "Alright, young man, go up and try your luck. Anyway, it seems like we're already doomed to lose, aren't we? Well, at most it's a hundred million, we can afford to lose that much money."
He actually pushed me up there! The guy named Pete frowned slightly as he looked at me, probably because he didn't have much faith in me. After all, this is Las Vegas, the world-famous gambling city! I'm just a young man, supposedly "good at gambling," but I look like the kind of kid from a wealthy family. People like that, when they say they're good at gambling, are probably just casually playing cards within their own circles. Pete certainly didn't believe I was a real gambling master.
However, he was just an employee; the Yang family were the real bosses. Since the boss had given the order for me to take the job, he naturally wouldn't object.
Soon, I was pushed onto the gambling table, and Qiao Qiao cheered softly, skipping after me. She even glanced at Yang Wei deliberately: "Honey, are you coming too? Let's stay with Xiao Wu and watch him play?"