Chapter 101: "Zhou Ming, You Wait"

The disturbance caused by the Toyota guy had ruined the mood, so Zhou Ming and his group left the hotel shortly after. Zhou Ming and Du Peng each escorted their respective companions home. Since the Toyota guy was aware of Tang Ran's workplace, Zhou Ming advised Tang Ran to stay indoors as much as possible, and to go out in groups after work. If she noticed anything unusual, she should call the police immediately.

In the following days, Zhou Ming met with Kong Xiaolin several times to discuss the KTV and nightclub management. Kong Xiaolin mentioned that she could bring a few key managers from South Lake Hotel, all of whom were capable, responsible, and loyal. The rest of the staff could be hired as needed.

Kong Xiaolin also presented Zhou Ming with an employee incentive program she had developed based on the brainwashing theory he had mentioned previously. Zhou Ming reviewed it and noted, "Overall, it's fine, but in addition to motivating employees with their salaries, you should also align their interests with the company's success. Since our salaries are already higher than other places, they need to work hard to maintain those high wages."

Kong Xiaolin's eyes lit up as she realized her oversight, "You're right! I should have thought of that. I'll make the changes immediately."

Zhou Ming waved it off, "Don't stress too much. These things take time. Since no one has done this before, we'll have to figure things out as we go. We'll only know if it's right or wrong once we start."

Aside from dealing with Kong Xiaolin, Zhou Ming was also waiting for any possible retaliation. However, after the initial warning from the Toyota guy and Shenzhou Real Estate, there had been no further actions. It had been several days of calm. Du Peng remarked, "See, I told you. They were just bluffing. They won't do anything."

Zhou Ming shook his head, "It's always better to stay cautious. Keeping a vigilant eye is never a bad idea."

As they spoke, Du Peng parked the car on the side of the road. They were at Dongmen Commercial Street, the most bustling area in South Jiang City. Following the idea of placing KTVs and bars in busy areas, Zhou Ming and Du Peng had chosen a location here for their venue.

The storefront was directly across from the largest commercial square in South Jiang. Zhou Ming planned to lease two floors: the first for a bar and dance hall, and the second for KTV, or karaoke.

When Zhou Ming and Du Peng arrived, they were met by several people. A young official approached and said, "Mr. Zhou, Mr. Du, you're here at last."

"Sorry for keeping Director Xiao waiting," Zhou Ming said politely. He had been introduced to the person in charge, Director Xiao, who worked for the South Jiang City State-owned Assets Management Office—a new government agency responsible for managing all state-owned assets in the city, essentially what would later become the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

After exchanging pleasantries, Director Xiao led Zhou Ming and Du Peng through the floors, showing them around while explaining, "Mr. Zhou, we have cleared approximately 1,300 square meters as per your request. The last tenant moved out yesterday, so you can start the renovation anytime."

Zhou Ming reassured him, "Director Xiao, you don't need to worry. Although we did some land speculation, now that I am a development advisor for South Jiang, we won't be involved in that anymore. We are genuinely committed to setting up the nightclub. Otherwise, all that money would be wasted."

Director Xiao looked slightly embarrassed, "Of course, I would never doubt you and Mr. Du."

Zhou Ming joked but didn't dwell on the issue. He continued, "Director Xiao, since we are setting up a nightclub here, we'll need to demolish some walls and leave only the load-bearing columns."

"As long as this place is leased to you, it falls under the category of renovation. You can do as you please," Director Xiao replied.

"Thank you, Director Xiao. If you have any other matters, please go ahead. Mr. Du and I will take a look ourselves," Zhou Ming said.

Director Xiao nodded and left after apologizing. Zhou Ming and Du Peng inspected the space. Zhou Ming asked Du Peng if he had any thoughts, to which Du Peng responded, "Isn't this place a bit too big? We have to walk quite a distance just to get around."

Zhou Ming had a different perspective, "If not for other constraints, I would have wanted to lease the entire building and turn it into a 2,000 or 3,000 square meter nightclub."

Du Peng was shocked, "2,000 or 3,000 square meters? Isn't that a bit excessive?"

Zhou Ming patted Du Peng's shoulder, "That's your current perspective. Once the nightclub is up and running, you'll find that 2,000 or 3,000 square meters isn't that large. For now, we have the space; the rest is just about renovation and equipment."

Du Peng agreed, "I've already arranged for the best units from Lingnan for the renovation and equipment, custom-ordered from the port city."

"That's good to hear," Zhou Ming said. Despite their current status as the first nightclub in South Jiang, Zhou Ming wanted to establish a strong reputation. Even if competitors opened new nightclubs later, he wanted to ensure they remained competitive.

After touring the building, Zhou Ming and Du Peng exited and noticed a group of people loitering outside. Among them was the same Toyota guy, Zhou Hu, who had previously disrupted Zhou Ming's singing session at the South Lake Hotel.

When Zhou Hu saw Zhou Ming and Du Peng, he threw away his cigarette and approached with a mocking smile, "Mr. Zhou, I've been waiting for you."

Du Peng immediately went on guard, but Zhou Ming frowned and asked, "What do you want?"

Zhou Ming observed Zhou Hu and his group. Although Zhou Ming had been focused on business, he still felt confident in handling any confrontation, given their location and the car nearby.

Zhou Hu sneered, "Don't be so tense. I just came to say hello since I heard you were looking at the property here."

"Well, now that you've said hello, can you leave?" Zhou Ming asked.

Zhou Hu seemed not to hear and continued, "I heard you leased over 1,000 square meters of two floors. What are you planning to do with it?"

Du Peng's temper flared, "What we do is none of your business. Are you the neighborhood watch?"

Zhou Hu glanced at Du Peng and said, "Mr. Du, calm down. I came here to tell you that, after our last encounter, you've angered our boss. He advises you to watch yourselves. But since we're old acquaintances, if you kneel and call me 'Daddy,' I might consider speaking on your behalf."

"Call what?" Zhou Ming asked suddenly.

"Daddy!" Zhou Hu replied.

"Good boy," Zhou Ming said, causing Du Peng to burst into laughter.

Zhou Hu realized he was being mocked and, enraged, shouted, "Zhou Ming, do you want to die?"

"Planning to make a move? The police station is right behind you. Do you want to spend some time inside?" Zhou Ming reminded him.

Zhou Hu glanced back and saw that the police were aware of the situation. He gritted his teeth in frustration and said, "Fine, Zhou Ming. Just wait. I'll make sure you end up crying before long!"

After leaving a cold snort, Zhou Hu and his group walked away. Zhou Ming joked to Du Peng, "Looks like you were wrong. It seems they weren't just warning us but were actually planning something."

Du Peng spat and said, "Damn it! It's definitely that Zhou Hu causing trouble."

Zhou Ming shook his head, "There might be his influence, but if they really wanted to teach me a lesson, they wouldn't be so worried about me. I'm sure their aim is to deal with me directly."

Du Peng sighed, agreeing with Zhou Ming's assessment. Given the powerful forces involved, the person was likely seeking revenge. Zhou Ming had disrupted their plans and caused significant losses, leading to this conflict. Zhou Hu might have further fueled the situation with his superior.

Considering this, Du Peng suggested, "No matter what, we should try to negotiate. Maybe a monetary settlement and an apology can resolve this."

Zhou Ming raised an eyebrow. Despite Du Peng's usually fiery temper, his willingness to make peace and apologize was surprising. This only reinforced Zhou Ming's belief in the significant power behind the situation.

"Since it's really that serious, let's try negotiating. If we need to pay something, so be it. Du Peng, you handle this," Zhou Ming said.

Du Peng agreed, "Got it. I'll take care of it. My grandfather is Du Zhongyuan, so he should give me some face."

"Let's hope so," Zhou Ming said.