A few days later, his men handed Lin Zhaojiang an invitation letter along with information about Master Qiao.
"This Fifth Master Qiao has been involved in the underworld in Yun City for a long time. He doesn't have much influence in Yangcheng, but in recent years he has been infiltrating into Yangcheng."
"So," Lin Zhaojiang casually flipped through the documents, "he succeeded?"
"It wasn't exactly a success," the subordinate chuckled. "As you know, this area of Yangcheng has always been your brother-in-law's territory. Although Brother Shan is no longer involved in the underworld, his influence far surpasses that of Master Qiao. There's just one thing..."
"What?"
"This guy surnamed Qiao is very good at handling things. He has a good relationship with several local bigwigs in Yangcheng. As for Brother Shan, he doesn't care about gang affairs anymore. He's not one of them. According to the rules of the underworld, although Brother Shan has influence, he can't interfere in these matters."
"Furthermore, his business has always been in casinos and loan sharking. Whether in Yun City or Yangcheng, he has a portion of casino and loan sharking business. But Wu Qiang happens to be in a casino owned by Master Qiao, and his 30 million was borrowed from Master Qiao. Even if the other local thugs wanted to step in, they couldn't. This is Master Qiao's business, and they can't break the rules."
"Hmm..." Lin Zhaojiang frowned slightly and glanced at the invitation.
"A guy surnamed Qiao has an underground casino opening this weekend," his subordinate said. "He knows about your relationship with Brother Shan, so... so he asked you to meet him here."
Lin Zhaojiang nodded and responded softly with a single word, "Okay."
His subordinates left, and he lit a cigarette, the scent of nicotine filling the air. He used to be a heavy smoker and drinker, but he had given them all up after leaving Song Wan.
He was willing to change for her, just like this time, he was also willing to stand up for her.
Over the weekend, Lin Zhaojiang successfully met with Master Qiao. It was an underground casino, located in a secluded spot in the suburbs, with an abandoned construction site nearby as cover. The outside was dilapidated, but once inside, it was a completely different world.
Judging from the level of luxury, Master Qiao was very willing to spend money and also understood the psychology of gamblers.
After searching him, Qiao Wuye's men led him to a secret room. He pushed open the carved door and saw a man leisurely playing billiards amidst the swirling smoke.
He looked to be around fifty years old, with a string of red coral beads around his neck. He was somewhat overweight, but possessed an imposing presence. His expression was gentle, but Lin Zhaojiang could tell that beneath that gentleness lay a sharp edge, honed in the treacherous environment of the martial world.
"Fifth Master, our distinguished guest has arrived."
Uncle Qiao remained calm and played the last ball. The ball obediently rolled into the hole, and he smiled smugly, straightening up to look at Lin Zhaojiang.
"Hello, Fifth Master Qiao." Lin Zhaojiang nodded slightly.
"Mr. Lin," Fifth Master Qiao said with a smirk, "Your brother-in-law and I have always kept to ourselves. May I ask what brings you here today, Mr. Lin?"
Lin Zhaojiang did not answer directly, but smiled slightly.
"Does Fifth Master Qiao know my brother-in-law?"
"Brother Shan is a household name; everyone in the underworld knows him! But it seems that after he retired from the criminal life... he became an entertainment mogul?"
“My brother-in-law is exceptionally capable, chivalrous, and kind to people, so of course some people are willing to risk their lives for him.”
Fifth Master Qiao paused, squinting at him.
"Mr. Lin isn't here today... to persuade me to work for him, is he?"
“No.” Lin Zhaojiang looked into his eyes. “Master Qiao, I won’t beat around the bush. I’m not here for him, but to ask Master Qiao to do me a favor by using my brother-in-law’s connections.”
"What?"
"Master Qiao lent money at exorbitant interest rates to a man named Wu Qiang, right?"
Master Qiao frowned and thought for a long time, but couldn't remember this person.
"I delegate all these businesses to my subordinates," he said frankly. "I don't know how many people borrow money every day, how could I remember them all! But why are you asking?"
Lin Zhaojiang said in a low voice, "That Wu Qiang is lazy, greedy, and addicted to gambling; he's a scumbag. But unfortunately, he's my..."
He paused for a moment, then said, "He's my wife's brother-in-law."
"Your wife?"
“Yes.” Lin Zhaojiang smiled slightly. “Lin Zhaojiang is incredibly audacious. He actually dared to use my wife as collateral, saying that if he couldn’t repay the money, he would have Qiao Wuye’s men arrest my wife.”
"How could such a thing happen?" Master Qiao's expression immediately turned serious.
Then someone whispered a few words in his ear.
Master Qiao suddenly realized, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"So it turns out that the arrest of my two brothers a few days ago was your doing!"
Lin Zhaojiang remained calm and said, "They came to cause trouble for my wife. Sending them to the police station is already letting them off easy."
"Lin Zhaojiang, you..."
Suddenly, it dawned on Qiao Wuye that he had brought the police with him today as well.
At a glance from Master Qiao, his men immediately drew their guns, the dark muzzles all pointing at Lin Zhaojiang's head. Lin Zhaojiang's face was cold, his eyes exuding an imposing aura.
"Master Qiao, I've come here today to talk to you in good faith. Don't worry, I didn't bring any police with me!"
Master Qiao rolled his eyes, signaling them to put down their guns. Then someone brought over Wu Qiang's loan shark IOU.
It clearly states that if the money is not repaid, Song Wan will be used as a substitute, and Qiao Wuye will have no choice but to dispose of her as he sees fit.
"The IOU is here. Mr. Lin, do you want me to tear it up?"
“I’m willing to return the 30 million,” Lin Zhaojiang said coldly. “As long as Master Qiao agrees, I’ll transfer the money immediately.”
"This isn't a matter of willingness," Fifth Master Qiao sneered. "It's against the rules. The IOU is proof. If I really do as you say, wouldn't that be going back on my word? What face would I have left in the underworld! Besides, this money isn't just thirty million anymore. After dragging it out for so long, with interest, it's thirty-five million!"
Lin Zhaojiang's eyes darkened.
The price increased by five million in just a few days. This isn't usury; it's extortion!
“Mr. Lin, the money is secondary. The main issue is that if I promise you this time, I'll have to promise others next time. If everyone were to pay off other people's debts like you do, wouldn't my rules here be in chaos?”
“Heh, Fifth Master Qiao.” Lin Zhaojiang stepped forward.
He was a head taller than Fifth Master Qiao, and when he stood in front of him, he was particularly imposing.
"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Master Qiao, you need to think carefully: how long can this kind of business last? Can it really guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and luxury?"
What do you mean by that?
Lin Zhaojiang chuckled softly, slowly sat down on the sofa, his expression calm and confident.
"Loan sharking and gambling are both illegal in Yangcheng. Master Qiao's money is hard-earned, but he earns every penny with trepidation. If I had a way to not only make your money legitimate, but also earn you even more than you have now... would you still want this 35 million from me?"
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