Chapter22

Chen Tianming arrived at the park and strolled around as it was only four o'clock.

Parks nowadays were different from before. In the past, you had to buy tickets to enter, but now entry was free. People often came to the park during their leisure time to enjoy the fresh air and appreciate nature. It was a good reflection of the cultural spirit of the people. If some commercial buildings were built here, they would probably be in high demand.

"Hello, sir," Lin Guo greeted as he spotted Chen Tianming, who looked somewhat distinctive, but Lin Guo didn't dare to acknowledge him directly, so he just greeted him casually.

"Lin Guo, hello," Chen Tianming responded.

"Sir, I didn't expect you to be so young. You disguised yourself quite well last night; I almost didn't recognize you," Lin Guo confirmed that the man in front of him was the same person from last night.

"My name is Chen Tianming. Just call me by my name," Chen Tianming felt a bit awkward being addressed as "sir" repeatedly.

"Ming Ge, thank you for what you did last night. If you hadn't helped me, I don't know what would have happened," Lin Guo expressed his gratitude and admiration for Chen Tianming, who had generously given him 60,000 yuan without knowing him well.

"It was nothing, don't worry about it," Chen Tianming replied with a smile.

"I'll repay you the 60,000 yuan I borrowed as soon as I make some money," Lin Guo insisted.

"Lin Guo, what did you do before?" Chen Tianming asked.

"I used to be a soldier. After I retired, I couldn't find any work, so I worked as a bodyguard for some bosses. I've been in the streets for a long time, so I have some reputation in this line of work," Lin Guo explained as he sat down on the grass.

"No wonder you're skilled. You're a retired soldier," Chen Tianming also sat down on the grass.

"Your skills are impressive! You took down those guys the other night all by yourself, and you didn't even use any weapons," Lin Guo admired Chen Tianming's combat skills.

"Did you learn martial arts?" Lin Guo was curious.

"I didn't learn any martial arts. I just acted out of desperation," Chen Tianming modestly replied, not wanting to reveal his true abilities.

"I understand. You guys have your own reasons for not wanting others to know," Lin Guo didn't want to pressure Chen Tianming.

"Really, you don't have to repay the money. It was just a small token of appreciation," Chen Tianming insisted.

"No, I must repay the money I borrowed from you," Lin Guo firmly stated.

Chen Tianming admired Lin Guo's integrity and honesty. He realized that Lin Guo was a trustworthy person worth befriending. 

Suddenly, Chen Tianming had an idea. He offered Lin Guo and his brothers a job as security guards at a hotel he planned to rent and turn into a gambling den. Lin Guo and his men would be responsible for the security of the establishment. This was just the first step in Chen Tianming's plan.

Lin Guo agreed, and they discussed the details. Chen Tianming offered Lin Guo a monthly salary of 2,500 yuan and his brothers 1,000 yuan each, plus bonuses for extra work. Lin Guo agreed to gather his brothers and meet Chen Tianming the next day.

Chen Tianming also asked Lin Guo to bring his cousin, who had recently graduated from a hotel management program, to meet him. If she proved suitable, she would be hired as the hotel manager.

They agreed to go to the bank together to withdraw 1 million yuan to rent the hotel. Chen Tianming believed that the location of the hotel was excellent, and with proper management, it could be profitable. He was determined not to repeat the mistakes of the previous owner and would hire competent management staff.

Lin Guo agreed, and they proceeded to discuss the details. Chen Tianming offered Lin Guo a monthly salary of 2,500 yuan, while his brothers would receive 1,000 yuan each per month, with additional bonuses for extra work. Lin Guo promised to gather his brothers and meet Chen Tianming the following day.

Chen Tianming also requested Lin Guo to introduce his cousin, who had recently graduated from a hotel management program. If she proved suitable, she would be hired as the hotel manager.

They agreed to visit the bank together to withdraw 1 million yuan for renting the hotel. Chen Tianming believed in the hotel's prime location and potential profitability. He was determined to avoid the mistakes of the previous owner by hiring competent management staff.