Chapter 131: Grand Opening

On the afternoon of November 29, the Nanjiang Nightclub officially opened. As there were no official regulations banning fireworks and firecrackers in the city at the moment, Zhou Ming prepared a large number of fireworks and firecrackers, creating a commotion larger than the Spring Festival. However, this kind of celebration is only possible now; in a few years, attempting to set off firecrackers in the busiest commercial streets of Nanjiang would likely result in fines and detention!

The grand spectacle, combined with the fact that this was the most prosperous area in the center of Nanjiang City, quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers.

At the grand opening ceremony, Zhou Ming followed methods from later years and specially invited a modern dance troupe from Hong Kong. The sight of these girls in short skirts and black stockings performing energetic jazz dances on stage drew cheers from the crowd.

Despite the conservatism of this era, people's innate restlessness still existed. Especially for people in this era, who were suppressed by Confucian culture from a young age, the desire to break free from constraints was even stronger. Otherwise, entertainment venues like song and dance halls and karaoke would not have immediately become popular nationwide upon their introduction.

The makeshift stage was surrounded by people. Everyone was pushing forward, waving and shouting along with the girls dancing on stage. They seemed like the most passionate fans, though it was unclear whether they were admiring the new dance style or just captivated by the dancers' revealing outfits.

Backstage, Kong Xiaolin watched the excited crowd below and said with some concern, "Boss Zhou, is this a bit inappropriate?"

Hearing Kong Xiaolin's concern, Du Peng, who was also excited and shouting, said, "Manager Kong, you're being too old-fashioned. What's wrong with this? I think it's great! Zhou Ming, this idea of yours is brilliant. How did you come up with inviting this dance troupe for the opening ceremony?"

"Du Shao, wipe the drool off your mouth first. As a descendant of the red generation, you should be mindful of your identity."

Zhou Ming replied to Du Peng. He could anticipate Kong Xiaolin and Du Peng's surprise because, in this conservative era, many celebrations for store or hotel openings typically involved dragon and lion dances. Even if someone thought of adding other performances, they would usually involve singing or dancing traditional folk dances, with modern dance being quite rare.

The reasons are simple. First, there were no professional modern dance troupes in the country at this time. Second, due to recent crackdowns, no one wanted to risk getting into trouble.

Therefore, when Huashao's brilliant Golden and Brilliant Song and Dance Hall opened recently, they only hired a rock singer from the capital to perform.

Unlike later years, where many places would invite dance troupes for performances at openings, and car shows or certain exhibitions would hire many models dressed in revealing outfits, it's unclear whether they were showcasing products or just indulging in the models themselves. 

But Zhou Ming didn't want things to be like that. As this was the opening of a nightclub, representing modernity and fashion, even if he couldn't turn it into the money-for-pleasure trade seen in the future, he didn't want it to be done in such a traditional way. Thus, Zhou Ming ultimately hired a professional modern dance troupe from Hong Kong through Lin Muqing.

"Manager Kong, rest assured. This dance troupe is a professional and legitimate one from Hong Kong, and our event has been specially approved by Mayor Chen. There won't be any problems," Zhou Ming explained. Usually, when others were present, he would address her as Manager Kong, but when it was just the two of them, he called her Xiaolin.

After hearing Zhou Ming's words, Kong Xiaolin felt relieved. For her, the nightclub's opening was her opportunity to showcase her skills. If any scandal happened due to indecency, she would be heartbroken.

Watching the dance troupe on stage, Kong Xiaolin said to Zhou Ming, "But the girls from Hong Kong are so open. Their outfits are so revealing, and their movements are…"

Zhou Ming awkwardly rubbed his nose. In fact, Zhou Ming had chosen the outfits for the Hong Kong dancers himself. If it were up to them, even in their more revealing attire, it wouldn't have been as provocative. Zhou Ming thought those outfits weren't enticing enough, so he decided to dress them in styles similar to Korean girl groups from the future to achieve the current effect.

Fortunately, these dancers were from Hong Kong and had a relatively open mindset, so they could accept it. If they were domestic dancers, they would probably refuse, much like those actresses in "Journey to the West" who couldn't accept such revealing costumes.

Zhou Ming thought for a moment and said to Kong Xiaolin, "Manager Kong, don't be too critical of them. We'll need a dance troupe like theirs regularly at the nightclub."

Kong Xiaolin was taken aback and pointed at the stage, asking, "Like them? Wearing such revealing outfits and performing dances like these every day?"

Zhou Ming nodded, "Yes, not only will we need dancers like them, but we'll also need regular singers. After all, this is a nightclub with a bar and a song and dance hall, representing a type of nighttime entertainment culture. We need to create that atmosphere for our customers."

"Goodness, won't this seem too decadent? What will people outside think of us?" Kong Xiaolin said with some concern.

"What others think is up to them. We just need to manage it well ourselves. If there were no such performances in the nightclub, that would be the problem," Zhou Ming said. "However, Manager Kong, some heavy responsibilities will fall on you. You must ensure that inappropriate activities do not occur. For this, it's okay to spend a bit more money."

Kong Xiaolin nodded seriously, "Boss Zhou, don't worry. I will make sure of it!"

...

After the Hong Kong modern dance troupe performed three songs and left the stage, Zhou Ming took to the stage. Looking at the countless eyes below, he said, "In the past, you could either stay home and watch TV or go out on the street at night. But now, I can tell you that from today on, you have a new choice—the Nanjiang Nightclub. You can drink, dance, and maybe even find a romantic encounter here!"

"Or," Zhou Ming continued, "you can book a private room and sing to your heart's content, experiencing the thrill of being a star!"

The crowd, still buzzing from the earlier performance, couldn't help but imagine themselves having romantic encounters or singing their hearts out in the nightclub. Regardless of the scenario, it excited them, and they raised their arms in cheers.

Feeling the enthusiasm from the crowd, Zhou Ming didn't delay and got straight to the point, "Let's not waste time. I officially announce that the Nanjiang Nightclub is now open! Welcome, everyone!"

With Zhou Ming's announcement, the crowd cheered again, and Zhou Ming gestured for them to enter the nightclub.

Watching the throngs of people entering the nightclub, Zhou Ming felt confident. He turned and walked off the stage, only to see Tang Ran arriving backstage. Zhou Ming approached her and greeted, "Ran Ran, you're here. Where are your colleagues? Didn't you say you'd bring them to support me today?"

Tang Ran hesitated and said, "Brother Ming, but there are so many people here. Maybe we should come another day."

Zhou Ming smiled and patted her head, "Silly girl, it's fine. I've already prepared a private room for you."

"But... won't that affect your business, Brother Ming?" Tang Ran asked.

Zhou Ming found this question amusing and said with a smile, "You think I'm short of this little money? Just bring your colleagues and follow Manager Kong through the side entrance."

Tang Ran obediently agreed, and Zhou Ming waved to Kong Xiaolin to take Tang Ran to the private room. Tang Ran asked, "Brother Ming, aren't you coming?"

"I have some things to handle. You go ahead, and I'll join you after finishing here," Zhou Ming said.

Tang Ran followed Kong Xiaolin through the side entrance into the nightclub. At this moment, Du Peng walked over and said to Zhou Ming, "Why don't you go with them and sing for a while? We have walkie-talkies here, and if there's anything, I'll call you directly."

Du Peng raised the walkie-talkie in his hand, which Zhou Ming had specially provided for the nightclub. Given the unpredictable nature of nightclubs, Zhou Ming had equipped ten walkie-talkies to address any issues promptly.

Zhou Ming shook his head, "Forget it. Walkie-talkies are not very reliable, and it might be too noisy inside. If I can't hear anything, it'll be troublesome. Anyway, it's not a big deal to spend some time with Ran Ran and the others. If necessary, they can come again tomorrow. It's not like there's only today. I believe they'll love this kind of entertainment after experiencing it once."

"Well, that's true. I don't know what kind of brain you have to think of such entertainment activities. Since the last time we sang at Nanhu Hotel, I've been itching to do it again," Du Peng said.

"Why don't you go to a KTV and book a room to sing?" Zhou Ming asked.

"I've tried, but it's really no fun alone. It's much better with more people," Du Peng replied.

"You're just a worrywart!"

Zhou Ming scolded Du Peng lightly, but at that moment, a Santana pulled up to the entrance

, and two familiar figures got out of the car, causing Zhou Ming to furrow his brows. "Hua Shao? What is he doing here?"