Chapter 009: Everything Falls Into Place

This story is purely a work of fiction.

In front of a towering building in the bustling downtown of Dahe, the city square was alive with a festive crowd. Massive banners rippled in the wind beneath hydrogen balloons, and whispers drifted through the gathering—one company was holding its grand opening ceremony.

The entrance was lined with elaborate floral arrangements, warmly congratulating the prosperous launch of “Dahe Duhau Financial Services Co., Ltd.” Numerous police officers were on site to maintain order, while a band played a rock rendition of “Today Is a Good Day.” A renowned local female singer, whose voice carried a hint of Song Zuying’s style, performed for the crowd.

Onlookers had gathered in the square, murmuring among themselves. Security guards kept order, and someone called out, “Everyone assemble below the stage, the boss is about to give a speech!”

With efficient swiftness, the crowd formed up, and the senior manager stood before them to deliver his address.

Sitting nearby, Yating Gao sipped her red wine. Will clinked glasses with her before taking a drink himself. “I’ve heard as much,” he said. “The emergence of private bookmakers isn’t just a problem in our HZ region; it’s a nationwide issue that’s affecting our performance. But as I see it, that’s not the root cause. The real problem is the current state of Chinese football. The fans have lost their former passion—the market is sluggish. Stadiums that hold tens of thousands of spectators rarely attract more than a thousand, sometimes just a few dozen or a hundred people per match.”

Will listened intently as Yating Gao continued, “Some clubs can’t even make ends meet and are behind on players’ salaries, so morale is low. Now you’re taking bets not only on Chinese football but even on university matches, which gives these private bookmakers plenty of opportunities. They collude with domestic players, and due to the low level of play, external bookmakers have enormous influence at minimal cost. A player can be bought for as little as ten thousand yuan, and an entire team for only a bit more. The outcomes are all within their control. Some players, facing meager pay, bet huge amounts through offshore platforms. In the end, only the players and the bookies win, while ordinary gamblers lose heavily. They rig matches openly—scores like 8:0 or 16:0 are not unheard of. How would you deal with that? So, regarding your concerns, there’s really no need to worry. The solution is to take a low-profile approach. After all, we are a large, powerful company, and the OR European leagues are top-tier. Those small-time bookies won’t amount to anything.”

“So what needs to be done, or improved?” Will asked.

“The only thing we need to change is our method of collecting debts: stop using cash, move to credit accounts, and allow settlements weekly or monthly. We’re not afraid of players defaulting as long as we establish the necessary supporting measures: building and expanding our online network and loan institutions. Everything will be under our control. While I was away for this meeting, our team back home was steadily advancing this work—hardware for loan agencies, building skilled teams, and so on. In fact, I just received word that a new loan agency was holding its ribbon-cutting ceremony today, attended by several key local officials. We’ve covered all the bases. With their strong backing, our betting and lending operations will complement each other and flourish. You can rest assured,” Yating Gao reported confidently to Smith Will about their progress on the mainland.

“Now that you’ve explained it, I’m reassured. You’re truly a capable woman!” Smith Will praised her. “But don’t get complacent and overlook lesser events outside the major international fixtures. I want you to remember, never abandon the Chinese domestic league—even if the level is low, the market is enormous and ripe for the taking. Recently, we’ve already connected with the relevant people in China and reached an agreement. With their cooperation, controlling the matches will be no trouble. As for this year’s strategies and profit-sharing details, draft a proposal for me to review when you return, so I can arrange a visit to your region.”

“You’re welcome to visit Dahe anytime,” Yating Gao replied readily.

“Mr. Smith Will, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask you, if you don’t mind?” Yating Gao said.

Meanwhile, at the Dahe event, the host signaled the band to play the welcoming march, and as applause swelled, it was clear an important guest had arrived.

The host, speaking fluent Mandarin, introduced the guests. When a man stepped out of a black sedan onto the square, the host raised his voice: “Let’s give our warmest welcome to Mayor Bian, member of the municipal standing committee and economic affairs director, and invite him to address Duhau Financial!”

Mayor Bian, all smiles and impeccably dressed, his shoes gleaming, smiled and waved as he walked through the assembled crowd. A few reporters scrambled to take his photograph; camera flashes sparkled. Unhurriedly, he joined the host, took the microphone, cleared his throat, and began:

“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends, today we gather to celebrate a memorable and auspicious occasion—the grand opening of Duhau Financial. On behalf of the municipal party committee and city leaders, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Duhau Financial, and warmly welcome all the leaders, guests, and friends who have come from afar to join our celebration!

“In recent years, Duhau Financial has adhered to its mission of serving regional economic development, building its reputation with integrity, boosting its market competitiveness and presence, and achieving the benefits of scale. The company has set an example for others in philanthropy and poverty alleviation, and has made positive, effective efforts to support the growth of small and micro businesses in our city, helping to solve the challenges of financing and loans, and invigorating our private sector. This, in turn, has greatly contributed to our city’s economic development.

“I believe that as Duhau Financial grows and accumulates wealth, it will become an industry benchmark and a giant in its field, further driving healthy development in the private sector through its regional brand effect. Soon, both domestically and internationally, a new Duhau wave will rise.

“A brand is a symbol of image and a way to amass intangible assets. It can represent the highest achievements in an industry, embody a nation’s spirit on the world stage, and is a measure of economic strength and civilization—a marker of international competitiveness. Step by step, Duhau has built a unique and dynamic brand. I highly commend Duhau Financial for its credibility and influence. After years of relentless effort, Duhau Financial’s steady and powerful pull has won it a loyal clientele and long-term support. My congratulations to the company!

“I am confident that Duhau Financial is a vibrant, imaginative, and innovative company. Through years of navigating the business world, it has cultivated a culture of integrity and a pragmatic approach to business. With the concerted efforts of everyone at Duhau, it won’t be long before its banner is raised across the nation.

“Finally, I wish all leaders and guests present good health and every success!”

Applause thundered through the crowd, drums rolled, and fireworks lit the sky...

“Whatever you need, just say the word—if I can do it, I won’t hesitate,” Smith Will agreed readily.

“I’ve taken a liking to one of your hotel’s waiters. His name is Yun Jiu. I was wondering if I could take him with me?” Yating Gao asked.

“Oh, him? He’s a fine young man! What’s this, have you set your sights on the youngster?”

“Not at all! I’m over forty now, well past those days. I value his professional skills. I hear he’s an excellent croupier and well-versed in betting operations, which is exactly what we need—especially as we expand our business.”

“I know you well enough to understand your intentions. It’s not easy to satisfy you. Even when we were together, I could barely keep up—after all, I’m not young anymore; I was already seventy. Still, I remember when I was sixty, we had just started our relationship, and I could still... enjoy those pleasures with you.” Will took a sip of brandy as he finished.

“You’re making me blush,” Yating Gao replied, feeling awkward at his presumption. “He thinks he knows me so well. That was just me playing my part for his sake. Hmph!”

“You’re a single woman in your forties—the desire must be much stronger. There’s a saying in China, isn’t there? ‘At thirty, a woman is like a wolf; at forty, like a tiger.’ You’re a tiger now—far fiercer than the wolf you were a decade ago!” Smith Will chuckled.

Yating Gao felt a strange discomfort and unease but refrained from showing it—after all, this man had helped her a great deal. She hadn’t expected her efforts to please him would make him so self-assured. “Please, don’t misunderstand! My reason for requesting the young man is strictly business. I need someone like him to help expand our operations in HZ. With our plan to develop online betting and baccarat soon, he’s the perfect candidate. I hope you’ll agree.”

“I’ll approve anything you ask. I’ll call HR and have them arrange it before you leave. But remember, he’s going with you for business—not as your personal property! Otherwise, I might get jealous, my dear!” Smith Will put on a serious face.

“Of course, of course! Thank you so much!” Yating Gao replied, delighted.

“It’s settled, then. As it happens, I have some free time now. I’m off to inspect HN region tonight, but it’s been ages since I’ve been with a woman.” As Smith Will spoke, he rose, walked over to Yating Gao, and, bending down, swept her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom…

(To be continued)