Chapter 259: Destroy the Nightclub

As a professional soldier, Chief of Staff Tao was quite formidable. He did not back down from Zhou Ming. By 7 p.m., the start of the nightlife, several military trucks sped to the front of the Nanjiang nightclub. Approximately two hundred soldiers in plain clothes jumped out of the trucks and, led by an officer in similar plain clothes, rushed into the nightclub.

Despite the fierce demeanor of these soldiers, the security at the door shouted, "Hey! Who are you? What are you doing here?"

The security attempted to block them, but although they had once been soldiers themselves, they were now outnumbered five to two hundred and couldn't stop the active-duty military personnel.

The soldiers quickly broke through, and the security called out, "Stop! We're calling the police!"

But the soldiers ignored them and continued to charge inside. When they reached the bar area, a few people in police uniforms appeared to block their way. "Who are you? What's your purpose here? This is a legitimate entertainment venue. We are the local police. I order you to leave immediately!"

"Order?" The young officer in charge contemptuously sized up the police, saying, "Who the hell are you to give me orders? Get out of here now, or don't blame me for being rude!"

As the only violent force in the administrative system, the police were usually the ones being arrogant. They didn't expect to encounter someone more arrogant. The police were stunned, and the young officer pushed them aside. Realizing the situation, they tried to stop the soldiers again, "You can't go in…"

The young officer pointed at one of the police officers and said, "Get out of the way! Don't create trouble!"

The police officer was intimidated by the officer's imposing presence and dared not move forward. At this moment, another person walked out from inside and sternly addressed the young officer, "I'm Deputy Director Liu from the East Gate District Public Security Bureau. Which unit are you from? What's your purpose here?"

Upon hearing this, the officer frowned. "Hello, Director Liu. Please leave. We have things to do."

Director Liu raised his voice, "What are you doing here? You're military personnel, right? What's your purpose? I order you to leave immediately, or I will retain the right to file a complaint with your superior unit!"

The young officer was irritated. "What the hell is going on today? Why does everyone feel they can order me around? Director Liu, if you want to know why we're here, I'll tell you!"

With a wave of his hand, the young officer commanded, "Destroy this nightclub!"

Following the command, the two hundred soldiers dispersed into small groups, each looking for things to smash.

The clattering of smashing objects and the sound of screams mixed in the air, making Director Liu tremble with anger. He told the officer, "This is outrageous! You're simply lawless. I'm going to report you to the military district!"

"Director Liu, you can eat anything but not speak recklessly. Pretend you didn't see today's events. I'll invite you to dinner another day, but if you're disrespectful, don't blame me for being unkind," the young officer said.

…

At this time, Zhou Ming was in the reception room with Zhao Anmin, the Director of the Public Security Bureau, Zhang Heng, the Deputy Director of the Securities Market Construction Leading Group Office, and other administrative officials. They were having tea when the door was suddenly knocked open. A man and a woman rushed in; both were known to Zhou Ming. One was Vice President Wei of the nightclub, and the other was Security Manager Long.

"Boss Zhou, it's a mess outside. All the guests are terrified. If this continues, our business will be ruined!" Manager Wei said anxiously.

"Manager Wei, don't panic. Take your time and tell me what's going on," Zhou Ming said calmly.

Zhou Ming's calm demeanor had a calming effect on Manager Wei and Manager Long. Soon, they were composed. Manager Wei continued, "Boss Zhou, a lot of soldiers came outside just now. They're breaking everything they see. It's a complete mess out there."

"Are you sure they are soldiers?" Zhou Ming asked.

"I'm certain. Although they were in plain clothes, their execution and coordination make it clear they are military personnel!" Manager Long replied.

"Alright, I understand," Zhou Ming said, then turned to Zhao Anmin and Zhang Heng, "Director Zhao, Director Zhang, why don't you come out with me?"

Zhao Anmin and Zhang Heng agreed and followed Zhou Ming out of the reception room. When they reached the front, the bar was in a terrible state: broken glass everywhere, tables and chairs overturned, various liquors smashed, and a mix of alcoholic beverages spilled on the floor. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol.

The guests had retreated to the dance hall, and the bar staff huddled in corners, trembling. When they saw Zhou Ming, they all ran over, crying and complaining to their manager.

Seeing the young women crying, Zhao Anmin, as the Public Security Bureau Director, felt ashamed. He stepped forward and said, "I'm Zhao Anmin, the Director of Nanjiang Public Security Bureau. Which unit are you from? Why are you causing destruction here? Do you know what you're doing is illegal?"

The young officer approached Zhao Anmin and said, "Hello, Director Zhao. Didn't expect to see you here. I'm sorry, but please pretend you didn't see anything."

"How can I pretend I didn't see? I'm witnessing your criminal activities right now. I'll call people to arrest you!"

As Zhao Anmin took out a mobile phone to dial, the young officer quickly stepped forward, grabbed Zhao Anmin's phone, and smashed it on the ground, stomping on it.

Zhao Anmin was shocked by the young officer's audacity. He glared at him, but before he could speak, the young officer coldly said, "Director Zhao, I advise you not to meddle in things that don't concern you!"

This angered Zhao Anmin immensely. In his years in the public security system, no one had ever spoken to him like that, especially not a city bureau director.

"Such arrogance," another voice interjected. It was Zhang Heng. "You're from the military district, right? I advise you not to be too arrogant. I know your military inspection unit. You won't get away with this."

The young officer glanced at Zhang Heng. "Who are you?"

"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is if you know what you're doing. Can you justify your actions as a soldier?" Zhang Heng said.

The young officer laughed. "What's with today? Why is everyone coming to preach to me? It seems I need to do something to show you I'm not easy to mess with."

He then gave another order, "Now go destroy the dance hall over there!"

The two hundred soldiers moved towards the dance hall, and the guests, terrified by the military's aggressive advance, screamed and fled. An amplifier was ripped from the wall and smashed on the ground, then stomped on, shattering into pieces.

"Do you think I'm invisible? Stop right now. I know the military inspection unit. I'll report you!" Zhang Heng shouted.

The young officer pointed at Zhang Heng and said, "Shut up! Otherwise, I'll deal with you too!"

Manager Wei, who had come out of the Nanhu Hotel with Kong Xiaolin and was about the same age as her, was now in tears. "Stop destroying everything. How will we do business in the future? Manager Long, you're from the security department. Go get someone to stop them!"

Manager Long sighed, "Manager Wei, I'm as angry as you, but I'm powerless. They're active-duty soldiers, and there are so many of them. The officer clearly has a high rank and doesn't care about the police or military inspection. There's nothing I can do!"

He then said to Zhou Ming, "Boss Zhou, what should we do? We can't let them keep destroying things. Sister Lin asked me to take good care of the club. If it's ruined, how can I face her?"

Seeing her reaction, Zhou Ming admired Kong Xiaolin's leadership. He patted Manager Wei on the shoulder and said softly, "Manager Wei, don't worry. You're the future vice president of the largest nightclub in the country. Stay calm. Our nightclub won't be destroyed. We'll continue to grow stronger. Today is just an accident."

"But over there…"

Manager Wei wanted to say more, but Zhou Ming interrupted, "You've all done well. I'm the owner of the nightclub. They're here for me. I'll handle the rest. Go get me a microphone."

Zhou Ming's words were not meant to be dramatic, but to Manager Wei, Manager Long, and even Zhao Anmin and Zhang Heng, they were very reassuring. It was as if Zhou Ming was the only beacon of hope in the dark night.

Manager Wei brought the microphone to Zhou Ming, who took a deep breath and shouted, "Stop this nonsense right now!"