Chapter 133: Mayor Chen Arrives

Zhou Ming stood right in front of Hua Shao, and Hua Shao's changed expression couldn't escape Zhou Ming's notice. Zhou Ming said to him, "Hua Shao, are you surprised? In your plans, no matter what trouble you caused here today, you didn't expect the police to show up before you left, did you?"

Hua Shao glared at Zhou Ming with a gloomy face, not saying a word, but his expression spoke volumes.

"I know you're not an ordinary person, Hua Shao. Last time, you managed to get the comprehensive security office to shut down my shop, something that an ordinary person couldn't do. This time, since you came looking for trouble, you must have made even more thorough preparations. To avoid escalating the situation, the first thing you would do is stabilize the public security system, especially since you've experienced the severe crackdown storms. You know very well that once the police arrive, things won't end well for you."

As Zhou Ming spoke, Hua Shao's face grew increasingly grim because everything Zhou Ming said hit the mark. Indeed, before coming here, Hua Shao had informed the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the city, ensuring that no one would interfere when he caused trouble here.

Of course, Hua Shao hadn't considered that this could be entirely hidden from Du Peng and Zhou Ming, but he believed that his connections were stronger. Even if they found out, what could they do?

Du Peng's family had been rising quickly recently, but their roots were mainly in the north, where they had little influence in the south. In contrast, Hua Shao was much more familiar with this region. As for Zhou Ming, a mere businessman with no significant background, he was even less of a concern.

But unexpectedly, despite all his preparations, something still went wrong.

Hua Shao asked Zhou Ming, "How did you get the police involved?"

Zhou Ming smiled slightly, "It's actually quite simple. I admit that you made sure to inform the Political and Legal Affairs Committee. I also acknowledge that your family's connections in Nanjiang are strong, so much so that both Du Peng and I have to tread carefully around you. But because of your strong connections, you became overconfident and overlooked some things."

"What things?" Hua Shao asked quickly.

"Mayor Chen Yunfei of Nanjiang is also coming tonight," Zhou Ming replied, enunciating each word clearly.

"Mayor Chen is coming? That's impossible!" Hua Shao exclaimed in shock.

Hua Shao couldn't help but be shocked. He knew about the relationship between Chen Yunfei and the Du Peng family, but he also understood the rules of the political arena. No matter how good Chen Yunfei's relationship with the Du Peng family was, it was a matter of the previous generation. As an elder, Chen Yunfei might take care of Du Peng in Nanjiang, but he would never lower himself to build momentum for a young man. This made no sense logically!

But now, on the first day of Du Peng's nightclub opening, Mayor Chen was coming to support him. It was simply incredible!

"Indeed, it seems impossible, but that's only because your perspective is too narrow, Hua Shao. There are many things you can't see," Zhou Ming said.

Just as Hua Shao was about to retort, a commotion erupted at the door, and someone exclaimed, "Mayor Chen! Mayor Chen has arrived!"

In no time, the crowd at the door was parted by the police, and then Chen Yunfei and Public Security Bureau Chief Zhao Anmin walked in. Seeing Chen Yunfei enter, Hua Shao had nothing more to say. He turned to Zhou Ming and left a parting remark, "You win this time," before leaving with his entourage.

As Hua Shao walked up to Chen Yunfei, it was clear that Chen Yunfei recognized this powerful young man from Beijing with strong backing in Lingnan. Smiling, Chen Yunfei asked, "Comrade Chunhua, are you leaving already?"

Hua Shao's real name was Jiang Chunhua, but due to his prominent family background, few people dared to call him by his full name. He turned to Chen Yunfei and nodded, saying, "I didn't expect Mayor Chen to be so interested in even the opening of such a chaotic place. Mayor Chen, you're really here to join in the fun."

Although the words were blunt, Chen Yunfei didn't take offense. Instead, he replied, "Comrade Chunhua, that's a rather biased view. The opening of this Nanjiang nightclub marks a more colorful and diverse entertainment life for the people of Nanjiang. It's a new chapter in our reform and opening up, and at such a significant moment, of course, I, as the mayor, must come to witness it."

"Well, thank you for your hard work, Mayor Chen. You truly are a great mayor for our Nanjiang," Hua Shao said this last remark and then left the nightclub. At this point, Chen Yunfei approached Zhou Ming, who thanked him. Chen Yunfei waved his hand and said, "Advisor Zhou, you are the development consultant I selected. The opening of this nightclub will undoubtedly leave a historical mark in Nanjiang's development history. Such a meaningful moment, even if you didn't invite me, I would still come to witness it."

Zhou Ming and Du Peng didn't say much more. After all, this was in the bar on the first floor, and as the mayor, it wasn't appropriate for Chen Yunfei to stay here too long. So, Zhou Ming and Du Peng escorted Chen Yunfei to a private room on the second floor.

Everyone on the first floor silently watched Chen Yunfei leave, and it wasn't until he disappeared from sight that they snapped out of their daze. They began to chatter, "That was Mayor Chen Yunfei of Nanjiang! I've seen him before, but I never expected to see him here today... I heard that our Mayor Chen is also the Vice Governor of Lingnan, a very important figure... That troublemaker just now, I know him. He's the owner of the recently shut down Jinbihuihuang Dance Hall. They say he's got a lot of connections, but as soon as he heard Mayor Chen was coming, he fled immediately!"

However, some had a different perspective, "But for Mayor Chen to be so respectful to the nightclub owner just now, doesn't that mean the nightclub owner is even more remarkable?"

This comment made everyone suddenly realize something. They recalled the conversation between Zhou Ming and Chen Yunfei, and they were enlightened. They all began to speculate about Zhou Ming's true background...

But Zhou Ming was unaware of this, as he and Du Peng were already escorting Chen Yunfei to a KTV room upstairs. After sitting down, Kong Xiaolin called a waiter to bring in a fruit platter and tea. Chen Yunfei glanced around, looking at the TV and DVD player in front of him, and asked Zhou Ming, "Advisor Zhou, is this the KTV you mentioned?"

Zhou Ming nodded, "Yes, this is KTV, a very popular leisure activity in the island regions of Minnan and Taiwan. Over there, they call it Karaoke, which is a direct translation of two foreign words. Essentially, it removes the original vocals from songs, allowing people to sing along with the accompaniment, fulfilling everyone's dream of being a singer."

Listening to Zhou Ming's explanation, Chen Yunfei said, "A simple yet interesting leisure activity. After all, everyone has dreams!"

"Exactly. Mayor Chen, shall I have someone sing for you first as a demonstration?"

Zhou Ming signaled to Kong Xiaolin, who promptly used the walkie-talkie to call in a waitress. This waitress was originally from their hometown song and dance troupe, had a beautiful voice, and was quite attractive. Zhou Ming had chosen her specifically for this occasion to perform for Mayor Chen.

While they were selecting a song, Zhou Ming spoke to Chen Yunfei again, "Mayor Chen, thank you for coming today. If you hadn't arrived in time, I'm afraid there would have been a big mess here."

To this, Chen Yunfei smiled and said, "You're quite the shrewd one, but your words are a bit exaggerated. From what I can see, whether I came or not, you wouldn't have suffered any losses today."

Zhou Ming spread his hands and said, "Mayor Chen, you have too much faith in me, but I don't share that confidence. After all, Hua Shao was ready to play hardball with me, and my connections and preparations were no match for his. You might not have known earlier, but he had prepared hundreds of people to confront me. If things had escalated, my business might have been shut down just as it opened!"

Chen Yunfei looked at Zhou Ming, "What are you trying to say? Do you want me to crack down on their underworld activities, or do you want me to set up a police station here?"

Zhou Ming chuckled, "Either would be fine. Mayor Chen, didn't you just say that my nightclub has historical significance? It certainly deserves some special treatment."

"You're sly!" Chen Yunfei scolded Zhou Ming, but he still agreed to Zhou Ming's request, saying he would consider setting up a police station here.

After that, Chen Yunfei added, "Now that your nightclub is open, you also need to speed up the construction of the securities market. I heard that you previously advised Zhang Heng to establish an oversight body independent of the securities market during its construction?"

Zhou Ming nodded, "Yes, the stock market crash in Hong Kong exposed the severe problems of lacking a regulatory body. Since Hong Kong has already faced such issues, we must learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them."

"That's true. A market without supervision is very dangerous," Chen Yunfei said. "Since you don't want to be involved in the construction of the securities

 market, you can focus on developing the KTV and nightclub. But the market must be established as soon as possible."

Zhou Ming sighed inwardly but still smiled, "Don't worry, Mayor Chen. Although I don't want to be too involved in the market, I'll still handle it."

"Good! I'll hold you to it!"

Zhou Ming couldn't help but think to himself, "What choice do I have when you, the Vice Governor, have already spoken?"

The two chatted while the waitress sang a popular song from Minnan. She sang well, and Chen Yunfei listened with interest. After the song ended, Chen Yunfei suddenly had the idea to sing himself. He chose a revolutionary song, his strong voice reverberating throughout the room. When he finished, the whole room erupted in applause.

Chen Yunfei finally felt satisfied and left the nightclub under Zhou Ming and Du Peng's escort.

With the mayor's presence, the opening of the nightclub went much smoother. Later that night, another person from the Public Security Bureau visited and agreed to set up a police station near the nightclub.