"Mmm, I’ll be right down."
Jiang Chen made sure to time his return to the hotel from the gym, changed his clothes, and headed downstairs.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked at the entrance.
Jiang Chen opened the door and got inside.
"Haojiang Governor’s Residence."
Jiang Chen’s brows slightly lifted.
This was the importance of networking circles.
Who lived inside the Haojiang Governor’s Residence was obvious.
For the general public, those were characters that existed only in news reports.
"Will that person help us?"
Lan Peizhi’s response was clear and concise, leaving no room for Jiang Chen to harbor any illusions.
Jiang Chen wasn’t disappointed and adjusted to find a comfortable seating position.
"Then he probably wouldn’t help others either, right?"
"Although he has a good relationship with the He family, he’s not involved in the gambling license competition, nor will he intervene."
Politicians, after all.
Are adept at playing all sides.
The He family might be the biggest in Haojiang now, but if they lost the gambling license, it would be a different story.
The gambling license was the foundation of this land, whoever held it could become the master of this territory.
Through a simple exchange with Lan Peizhi, Jiang Chen had already grasped the theme of this visit.
Putting oneself in someone else’s shoes, standing in their position, the wisest course of action, was no doubt to stay out of the affair and watch from the sidelines.
Even if he couldn’t count on the other party’s help, visiting the territory meant paying due respects—a necessary gesture.
This was a matter of courtesy as well as respect.
"Have you been staying in the hotel these past few days?"
Lan Peizhi, rarely showing concern, asked—a truly precious sentiment coming from her.
Jiang Chen smiled, "I walked around a bit. Have you toured this place before? Some areas here are quite beautiful."
As soon as he said it, Jiang Chen knew he had asked a pointless question.
She wasn’t the type to indulge in leisurely pursuits.
"Didn’t go to the casino?"
Jiang Chen shook his head.
"With your gambling skills, not to go and play would be a waste of talent."
Jiang Chen laughed dryly, very modestly, "I don’t have any skills, I was just lucky in Las Vegas, but luck doesn’t always favor the same person. Besides, someone once told me that a smart gambler never sits down at the table in person."
Thinking of Vera, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but turn his head, "It seems like some folks from Meilijian have also been attracted here."
"Not just Meilijian, the Ji Family from Canada is here too."
Jiang Chen had never heard of them.
"The founder of the Ji Family is Ji Huaitang, of Chinese descent. He left his homeland in his early years for Canada, where he united a large group of Chinese people in the shipping and casino business. Now, after three generations, they have become the biggest gaming company in Canada. Known as the ’Casino King of Canada,’ the Ji Family’s status in Canada is like that of the He family in Haojiang."
In life, one always needs mentors to guide the way.
In school, you need someone to teach you how to read and write; the same goes once you leave school.
Just like opening a window, Jiang Chen’s understanding of the world had broadened a little more.
"Truly guests from all directions."
"You should be able to see them later."
"See who? The Ji Family?"
Lan Peizhi confirmed, then added, "And Song Chaoge."
"Song Chaoge is here?"
Jiang Chen wasn’t surprised.
Those expected to come would always arrive.
And his trip to Haojiang was actually for the latter.
"He was a step behind you and visited the He Family Manor as soon as he arrived in Haojiang."
"Quite bold to come and steal from others yet dare to show up at their door, not afraid they’ve prepared eight hundred axemen for a feast," Jiang Chen jested.
"Guo Anle came with him, the youngest master of the Guo Family from Gangcheng."
It seemed she added this last explanation intentionally, knowing Jiang Chen was not familiar with it.
Lan Peizhi appeared to have a grip on Song Chaoge’s whereabouts.
"Song Chaoge must be seeking a partnership with the He family."
Jiang Chen looked inquisitive.
All old foxes, knowing so much insider information wasn’t surprising.
"Given the He family’s current situation, it’s virtually impossible for them to hold onto all three gambling licenses. Song Chaoge might be trying to persuade them to cede some of their interests."
"Easy to invite a god, hard to send one away," Jiang Chen continued smoothly, "Letting Song Chaoge get a foot in the door, and then slowly eroding their control—whether Haojiang will still bear the He name in the end is uncertain. It’s clever, boiling a frog in warm water."
He left the rest unsaid.
But had he been in that position, he surely would have done the same.
Usurping someone else’s nest, the most gentle and effortless way, at most, just takes a little more time.
That man who always liked to wear black-framed glasses surely wasn’t someone short on patience.
"If the He family really agrees, that could spell trouble."
Jiang Chen feigned a worried look.
Even if the two families joined forces, even if all the powers coming to Haojiang this time rallied together, he didn’t care.
Competing for the gambling license wasn’t about skill, it was about offering the highest price.
When it came to financial strength, Jiang Chen could confidently slam the table and quote the classic line from a movie.
No offense to anyone here, but you’re all trash.
Lan Peizhi was silent.
After all, she didn’t know the actual power of this "angel investor" she was working with.
Indeed, a union between the He family and Song Chaoge was possible.
It wasn’t that the women currently in charge of the He family were foolish and shortsighted.
Rather, given the He family’s current circumstances, they truly had no better option.