Chapter 102: The Light is Dim Here

East Gate Commercial Street is currently the most bustling area in Nanjing City. Originally, a department store occupied the space across from East Gate Mall. However, just a week ago, all the tenants on the first and second floors vacated, leaving behind an empty and eerie space, which starkly contrasts with the vibrant commercial street, making passersby stop and speculate.

"Hey, do you know why the department store across the street moved out? Wasn't it doing well? Compared to East Gate Mall, their stuff was cheaper and should have been making a lot of money," a couple discussed.

"Who knows? Maybe East Gate Mall had something to do with it. They might have pushed the other side out to monopolize the area," another person guessed.

Some were more informed, commenting, "I heard that a big boss from Hong Kong has leased the whole first and second floors. They plan to bring in products from Hong Kong."

"Leasing the entire first and second floors? That must have cost a fortune! I heard even a single shop space here costs several thousand. A big name like McDonald's only dared to lease a small space initially. This big boss leasing two floors is incredible!" another person exclaimed.

Amidst this chatter, a car sped up and parked in front of the vacant building. The enviable Hong Kong big boss, Zhou Ming, stepped out of the car. Alongside him was Kong Xiaolin, dressed in a professional outfit that made her look like a fantasy for any office worker fan. Her elegant presence was mesmerizing.

"Kong Xiaolin, this is the place we've leased?" she marveled.

"Actually, I think it's still a bit small! Compared to your old South Lake Hotel, I hope you don't feel like it's beneath you," Zhou Ming said.

Kong Xiaolin shook her head. "How could that be? The South Lake Hotel had a governmental aspect to it, but this is different. This is entirely for a night club, and it's all on you. Your commitment is impressive."

"I didn't bring you from South Lake Hotel just for flattery. If you can't manage this place well, I won't be lenient," Zhou Ming warned.

Kong Xiaolin replied confidently, "Given the location in the busiest part of the city, the novelty of KTV and dance halls, and your incentive plans, if I can't make this work, I wouldn't have the face to stay here."

"Good to know. I'm not going to say more. Since Du Peng and the others will be arriving later, do you want to check the place out and see if you have any ideas for the decoration?" Zhou Ming suggested.

Kong Xiaolin agreed, and Zhou Ming led her through the building, pointing out the areas. "The first floor will be for the dance hall and bar. All these partition walls will be removed, leaving only some load-bearing columns. The space will be divided into a dance floor and a bar, with a bar counter here, live bands there, and dance performers leading the way. There will also be rest areas and private rooms around, with waiters serving drinks directly."

Kong Xiaolin was impressed. "Your plans are so thorough; I can't think of anything to add."

Zhou Ming, having memories from the future, found this natural. "Let's check the second floor."

As they went up the stairs, Kong Xiaolin suggested, "I think it might be better to move the stairs from the middle of the bar and dance hall to the side. Adding some grand decorations, like golden splendor, could give people a royal feeling and encourage them to spend more."

"Great idea. You can discuss this with the decoration company," Zhou Ming agreed. "But be careful, the lighting here is poor. You might trip..."

Just as Zhou Ming spoke, Kong Xiaolin stumbled, and Zhou Ming quickly reached out to catch her. Unfortunately, his hand landed on her chest, and a button popped off, exposing part of her chest.

Although Zhou Ming was experienced, the sudden visual impact made him swallow hard. He could even feel a protruding point through the thin fabric.

Kong Xiaolin's voice, filled with shyness, broke the silence. "Um... I'm fine."

Realizing the situation, Zhou Ming quickly withdrew his hand, but Kong Xiaolin, reacting instinctively, grabbed his lower body, causing her to blush deeply when she realized what she had touched.

They stood awkwardly in the dim corridor. Zhou Ming, lacking experience, could only scratch his head and say, "The lighting is really poor here. How about we look at the second floor another time?"

Kong Xiaolin nodded, and Zhou Ming guided her down the stairs. He offered, "Do you want me to hold your hand to avoid another mishap?"

But Kong Xiaolin, still embarrassed, accidentally bumped into him, resulting in another awkward situation where her chest pressed against him.

Kong Xiaolin let out a soft moan, clearly affected by the contact. Zhou Ming, feeling uncomfortable, quickly apologized. "Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't trip. It wasn't intentional."

Kong Xiaolin, still red-faced, assured him it was fine. Zhou Ming, unsure what to do next, quickly led her out of the building.

As they exited, they encountered another Audi arriving, unmistakably driven by Du Peng. Zhou Ming signaled him, relieved to see Kong Xiaolin calming down a bit. He took a deep breath and waved at Du Peng.

Du Peng arrived with a middle-aged man, introducing him as Manager Rao from the Lingnan Decoration Company. Manager Rao greeted Zhou Ming warmly, praising him for his achievements.

After some pleasantries, Zhou Ming showed Manager Rao the building and discussed the renovation plans, with Manager Rao promising to give his utmost effort.

Just then, a snide voice interrupted, "Oh? Isn't this Zhou Ming? Planning to renovate a house today?"