Chapter 139: Raising Investment (Request for Monthly Ticket)_1
Zhou Chen’s sarcasm was clear in his words. They were all people in the Jingcheng circle; who wouldn’t know about each other’s affairs? This time, the “Daily at Seven” made a special feature for a deputy department-level official, indeed, it did raise a suspicion of purposeful publicity.
Zhou Chen’s words were naturally sarcastic. If the Zhou family had been like that in the past, Nie Zhenbang would have some reservations, but now? Nie Zhenbang didn’t care. Moreover, recalling the humiliation the Zhou family had subjected him to in his previous life, Nei Zhenbang felt suffocated. Now, it was time to settle the score.
However, Nie Zhenbang was very clear that in such a situation, at best, it was just about gaining small advantages and getting a bit of an upper hand verbally.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang turned to Zhao Xinglong and said, “Dragon Young, since he is Zhang Xu’s brother, he is also my brother. Tonight at the Dynasty Club, I will be the host and invite everyone. How about getting together?”
Indifference is the greatest insult because others simply do not take you seriously. Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s attitude, Zhou Chen’s face darkened, and he left with a wave of his hand.
Zhao Xinglong also laughed. He had heard about this kind of thing. Although he had always been abroad, this didn’t mean Zhao Xinglong didn’t understand the affairs of the circle. As the saying goes, where there are people, there is society. The Jingcheng families even divided themselves into factions, let alone their children. It’s impossible for all these rebellious figures to get along well.
What matters in the circle is clear-cut love and hatred. Those who try to please both sides will essentially end up displeasing both in this circle. Zhao Xinglong seemed to understand this very clearly.
Then, smiling, he said: “Third Young, you are too polite. I’ve heard that the Dynasty Club is the number one club in Jingcheng. This time I can have a look. At the moment, I haven’t done much. I wonder if Third Young has any good projects.”
At this moment, as time approached, a bald man, about 1.65 meters tall and slightly chubby, walked in surrounded by a group of people.
“Old Three, this is the owner here, a figure in the circle. Few people know his real name, they usually just call him by his nickname, Baldy.” As Baldy appeared, Nie Jiamin softly introduced him to Nie Zhenbang.
Zhang Xu also said in a deep voice, “Baldy is indeed a figure in the circle, from our generation. The children of ordinary families in Jingcheng are famously brave and dare to fight. Quite a few rebellious figures are afraid of this kid. A few years ago, he was sentenced to ten years for intentional injury and was only released last year. These types of people are not afraid of those who have everything. The rebellious figures are valuable and they all give him some face.”
At this moment, Baldy was walking towards Nie Zhenbang. Given Nie Zhenbang’s reputation and status in the circle, someone had naturally informed Baldy.
About thirty-five years old, with big eyes and a friendly smile. Before Nie Zhenbang could speak, Baldy was already saying with a smile: “If I’m not guessing wrong, this should be Third Young. Truly extraordinary. This is my first visit to this small shop. Later on, please kindly support me, Third Young.”
After ten years of imprisonment, Baldy has toned down a lot compared to ten years ago, becoming much more cordial. Today, it is a great time for economic development. Everything revolves around the economy, and Baldy is no exception. He understands the principle of making money through kindness.
At this time, Nie Zhenbang also said with a smile, “You’re too kind. In the circle, you’re a senior, we have much to learn from you.”
At this moment, with the arrival of Baldy, the dog fight officially kicked off. Dog fighting has a long history in Huaxia. Originating in the Song Dynasty, there were dedicated dog fighters who even held seventh-rank official positions. In Jingcheng, dog fighting has been ongoing since the Ming Dynasty, but now it’s becoming more and more professional.
A slender and bespectacled host, now wearing a white shirt and a red bow tie, had climbed onto the high platform. Along with the start of the sound system, after a blast of heavy metal music.
The host shouted, “Oh~~~~ Welcome everyone. Tonight, let me introduce tonight’s two heroes. The first one is Lars, an American Pit Bull with an excellent pedigree, a ferocious style, and a strong physique. To date, it has an undefeated record of thirty consecutive fights. The other one is Okada Ichiro, a Japanese Tosa dog. It originated in the Tosa region of Japan. After crossbreeding with the German Pointer, British Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Great Dane, and French Mastiffs, it has become even taller, agile and aggressive. This Tosa dog tonight, named Okada Ichiro, has an unbeaten record of 37 consecutive fights. Currently, the odds for Lars and Okada Ichiro are one to five and one to two, respectively. Interested guests can start betting, and if you’re interested, you can also make outside bets.”
Betting is the biggest source of income at dog fighting matches. The meaning of outside betting is to privately gamble with each other over winnings or losses. These bets are generally big, and dog fighting rings charge a certain service fee for outside bets. This is popular with the young rebels. Sometimes, without upsetting each other too much, winning a round and putting others down in such a place is a pleasurable thing.
Listening to Nie Jiamin’s analysis, Nie Zhenbang also smiled. Baldy indeed managed to thoroughly dissect the gamblers’ mentality. Just as he was about to speak, Zhou Chen’s voice rang out, “Okada Ichiro is indeed very resilient. He has won many rounds for me, so I’ll naturally continue with him. Gambling in moderation brings joy, while high-stakes gambling harms the body. So let’s play a smaller game, how about a bet of five hundred thousand on Okada Ichiro to win.”
Pausing, Zhou Chen’s eyes glinted with scorn as he glanced in Nie Zhenbang’s direction, adding, “Additionally, for the side bet, two million on Okada Ichiro. Anyone interested can take that up.”
Upon hearing Zhou Chen’s words, the host immediately yelled into the microphone. Whether it was the primary bet or the side bet, both were sources of income. As the master of ceremonies responsible for maintaining the atmosphere at the dogfighting arena, the host would not miss any opportunity to stir up excitement.
Nie Zhenbang chuckled, clearly Zhou Chen was targeting him. He casually replied, “I fancy Lars. Young and strong, the little Japanese simply cannot compete, didn’t you see them still licking American ass nowadays! For a little fun, I’ll place two million on Lars to win.”
Just as he was preparing to accept Zhou Chen’s side bet, Zhao Xinglong calmly interrupted, “Third Master, how about giving me a chance with this one?”
Frankly speaking, Zhao Xinglong is quite a decent guy. He is easy to deal with and more importantly, he knows how to behave. That is to say, Zhao Xinglong was showing respect to Nie Zhenbang.
At this moment, of course, Nie Zhenbang didn’t object, he simply laughed and said, “Young Master Long, since you are interested, you can take it. Please.”
Zhao Xinglong nodded and smiled in acknowledgment, then he offered, “A side bet of two million sounds interesting. Coincidentally, I studied in the United States. Consider it my second homeland. This time, I’ll also support the American Pitbull, I’ll place my bet on Lars to win.”
Once the bets were placed, two iron cages were pushed out from backstage. At this moment, iron mesh fences were lowered all around the elevated stage. There was one exit left on each side for the cages. The black cloths covering the cages were lifted revealing the two dogs, both of whom barked defiantly.
The dogfight was brutal. Regular dog fights are one thing, at least there are no deaths. However, this place, specifically set up by Baldy to cater to the thrill-seekers of Jingcheng, was designed to be bloody from the start.
Lars emerged as the ultimate victor. Okada Ichiro, the Tosa fighting dog from Japan, had his neck bitten off and died instantly on the spot. The pungent smell of blood filled the arena, triggering an even more ardent round of cheers and screams.
After losing twice, Zhou Chen’s face had darkened significantly. Nie Zhenbang stood up, watching as Zhou Chen walked past him. Nie Zhenbang casually remarked, “Young Master Zhou, leaving just like that, aren’t you lacking a bit of manners? Isn’t it just two million and five hundred thousand? Are you saying that Young master Zhou can’t afford this loss?”
In his past life, Zhou Chen had insulted himself in just this way. Gradually the insults escalated to slurs and finally, humiliation. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang wasn’t going to be polite. What needs to be taken back needs to be reclaimed.
“Haha. Isn’t it just two-point-five? I, Zhou Chen, can afford this loss. However, I must warn certain people not to be too complacent. It’s too early to say who the final victor is. There will be a day when I turn the tables.” Zhou Chen didn’t even realize his slip of tongue, saying “two-point-five”.
At this, Zhao Xinglong and others started laughing, and Nie Zhenbang laughed even more delightedly. He then said, “I didn’t expect Young Master Zhou to be so self-aware. Since you already know you are a ‘two-point-five’, that’s great. Young Master Zhou, you can take your time leaving, I won’t see you off.”
As Nie Zhenbang and others watched Zhou Chen take his leave in a huff, they stood up. There would be someone to handle the matter of the bets, Nie Zhenbang didn’t need to worry about it. The group arrived grandly at the entrance of the Dynasty Club. In advance of their arrival, a banquet had been prepared.
Nie Zhenbang had learned a few things about Zhao Xinglong. He was quite a restless character in compound number two of the Military Commission. He hated military life, but possessed a surprising talent in business. Currently, he has invested in numerous companies in the United States and is a well-known financier in their circle.
At this point, Nie Zhenbang began considering attracting an investment. He lifted his wine glass and said with a smile, “Young Master Long, nice to meet you. I’ll toast to you first. Just now, you mentioned investment. I happen to have a project in mind, I wonder if you would be interested?”
PS: Brothers and sisters, the current monthly ticket is 473. Although we only have an increase of 12,000 today, I hope my brothers can continue to support. Old Cai’s ideas and planning need buffer time if we maintain an increase of 15,000 every day, the quality will inevitably decline. This way now is already Old Cai’s limit. The battle of new book monthly tickets, every day is decisive. Each day, we lack a little and by the end of the month, the gap will be wide. However, if we can narrow the gap every day, by the end of the month we could push to the top. Please, brother and sisters, keep going. All monthly tickets are donated to Old Cai. Old Cai will go all out to provide everyone with the most exciting content.