Chapter 329: Nightclub Crisis (Part 1)

At 7 p.m. in Nanjing City, the once bustling Nanjing Nightclub was eerily quiet. The reason was evident: a large area from the bar to the dance hall was cordoned off with police tape. Even though it was night, there were still a dozen police officers stationed there.

"Director Zhao, I demand that you and your men leave immediately!" 

Outside the police cordon, Kong Xiaolin, the nightclub's general manager, addressed Director Zhao Anmin. At that moment, Kong Xiaolin was dressed in a formal suit with her dark hair elegantly styled. Her face, lightly made up, showed pure anger. Her every glance and movement exuded the aura of a strong woman, making one almost forget she was also a beautiful woman.

Facing Kong Xiaolin's assertiveness, Zhao Anmin was somewhat troubled. "Manager Kong, the violent brawl at your nightclub last night resulted in eight deaths, and this is a serious case. The scene must be secured to aid in the investigation."

"This is just a gang feud. What more needs investigating? Everyone involved has been caught red-handed. Now, Director Zhao, your men are seriously interfering with the normal operation of my nightclub. As the general manager, I have the right to ask you to leave!" Kong Xiaolin's tone was very firm, and she pointed towards the door.

Kong Xiaolin's refusal infuriated Zhao Anmin. "Manager Kong, I'm a public officer. There's been a serious brawl here, and I have the right to seal off the area to ascertain the truth and protect public safety!"

Zhao Anmin added, "This is Governor Chen's decision!"

"I don't care whose decision it is. It cannot disrupt the normal operation of a business. This is national policy, and what you're doing is violating it!" Kong Xiaolin said.

Zhao Anmin retorted, "Special situations require special treatment. Given the severity of the incident at Nanjing Nightclub, we must take it seriously. Your actions are interfering with our law enforcement!"

Kong Xiaolin narrowed her eyes. "Are you going to arrest me, Director Zhao?"

This question left Zhao Anmin at a loss. If it were someone else, he might have ordered their arrest on the spot. However, he dared not do so with Kong Xiaolin. It wasn't that he feared her as a woman—despite her strong demeanor, she was only a woman. What made Zhao Anmin hesitant was Kong Xiaolin's ambiguous relationship with Zhou Ming.

As Zhao Anmin was unsure how to respond, a sarcastic voice interrupted, "Manager Kong, I suggest you listen to Director Zhao."

The voice made Kong Xiaolin frown. She looked over and saw a face she found repugnant. "Tao Guoling, did you have a hand in this?"

The person was Tao Guoling, dressed in a jacket and jeans, chewing on a cigarette. Compared to his past persona as Tao the Young Master, he now resembled a thug.

Tao Guoling's anger flared at Kong Xiaolin's question. In the past, he was well-regarded in Lingnan, and even the privileged youths from Yanjing had to show him respect. But now, he was ridiculed, even referred to as Little Tao.

Such a drastic change in treatment infuriated Tao Guoling, who blamed Zhou Ming for his downfall. His rage uncontrollably burst forth, and he cursed, "Damn you, do you think someone like you, a woman who climbed up by selling herself, has the right to call my name?"

"Tao Guoling! I warn you to watch your mouth!" Kong Xiaolin demanded.

"Watch my mouth? Sorry, I only need to be clean with clean people. I don't need to be clean with dirty women like you!" Tao Guoling leered at Kong Xiaolin with disgust. "Look at how provocatively you dress every day, isn't it just to attract men? Seems like Zhou Ming can't satisfy you. Want me to comfort you..."

Tao Guoling's words were cut short by a sharp slap. Staring at her flushed face, he gritted his teeth, "You dare hit me? You bitch dare to hit..."

Slap!

Before Tao Guoling could finish, Kong Xiaolin slapped him again. Coldly, she said, "Tao Guoling, I told you to watch your mouth. You provoked Zhou Ming and left like a dog with its tail between its legs. If it weren't for your father begging Zhou Ming, you'd be in jail by now. Don't overstep, even if the nightclub is facing issues, this is not a place for you to be arrogant!"

Tao Guoling's twisted psychology, worsened by recent frustration, made him lose control. "Kong Xiaolin! You bitch, how dare you hit me? I'll kill you!"

Tao Guoling lunged at Kong Xiaolin, but she was prepared and stepped aside before he could strike. Zhao Anmin immediately intervened to restrain Tao Guoling. Despite his earlier conflict with Kong Xiaolin, as the police chief, he couldn't tolerate violence in his presence. If Kong Xiaolin had been harmed, it would have been a disgrace to him.

"Let go of me! I'm going to kill this bitch!" Tao Guoling struggled and shouted.

"Stay still! If you move again, I'll arrest you!" Zhao Anmin warned.

Several police officers came over, took Tao Guoling from Zhao Anmin, and escorted him out under Zhao Anmin's orders.

"Look out, Kong Xiaolin, you bitch. You dare to hit me today? One day, I'll make you kneel before me and see how I'll use my cock to slap your face!"

Tao Guoling's threats were cut short as he was forcibly removed.

Seeing Tao Guoling thrown out, Kong Xiaolin thanked Zhao Anmin, "Thank you, Director Zhao, for your help. But I will still file a complaint with Governor Chen Yunfei about today's situation!"

Zhao Anmin could only smile wryly in response to Kong Xiaolin's attitude.

Back in her office, Kong Xiaolin was briefed by the nightclub manager that she had confirmed that one of the brawlers from last night was called by Tao Guoling, whose sole purpose was to create trouble and make the incident as chaotic as possible.

"This vile person! Next time I see him, the security team will teach him a lesson!"

Kong Xiaolin said with anger, but before she could take further action, another incident occurred.

The nightclub's operating hours were from noon to midnight, with the dance hall opening only after 6 p.m. However, at 8:30 the next morning, Kong Xiaolin hurriedly arrived at the nightclub, and other employees were already waiting there.

Kong Xiaolin pushed open the door to the meeting room, took her seat under the watchful eyes of dozens of employees, and asked her deputy manager, "Manager Wei, what's going on? Did our employees get attacked by criminals last night?"

Manager Wei nodded. Kong Xiaolin quickly asked, "Were there any injuries? Were any female employees assaulted?"

"There were. Our female employees were intercepted and harassed on their way home. The security team fought with the criminals, and many were injured. But..."

Manager Wei hesitated. Kong Xiaolin prompted, "But what? Speak freely."

"Alright, Manager Kong," Wei said, straightening up. "These criminals deliberately targeted our employees. Their goal was to threaten them."

"Threaten? How so?" Kong Xiaolin asked.

Wei hesitated initially but then responded firmly, "These criminals surrounded our employees, regardless of gender, and said they were here to get revenge on Nanjing Nightclub. They wanted our employees to leave the nightclub and warned that last night was just a warning. They will not be so polite next time."

"Is that so?" Kong Xiaolin asked, glancing around at the employees. Even without direct answers, their expressions confirmed it.

Kong Xiaolin, after a long silence, decided, "Given this situation, for everyone's safety, I agree to let everyone leave Nanjing Nightclub. We will pay this month's salary in full, plus an additional month's salary as per the contract. This will give you enough time to find other jobs."

However, Kong Xiaolin's words were met with silence. Kong Xiaolin smiled and said, "Do you think the money is too little? But this is the contract, and I can't offer more."

Immediately, someone spoke up, "Manager Kong, I don't want the money. I want to stay at the nightclub!"

Others quickly echoed, "Manager Kong, we don't want the money. We want to stay at the nightclub!"

"But your safety is at risk. As your leader, I must prioritize your safety!" Kong Xiaolin said.

"I know you care about us, Manager Kong. We're not heartless. We care about the nightclub too. Clearly, someone is deliberately targeting us. If we leave now, how can we call ourselves people?" someone said, with others agreeing, "Yes, we can't abandon the nightclub now. It's our home!"

"But what about your safety?" Kong Xiaolin still worried.

"It's simple. We'll leave together with the security team. The men will first escort the women home, then return themselves."

Manager Long from the security team proposed the plan, which received unanimous approval: "Yes, as long as we stick together, those thugs can't do anything to us. We'll protect the women's safety even if we have to sacrifice ourselves!"

Seeing the employees discuss fervently, Kong Xiaolin, despite her strong demeanor, felt touched by their unity.

What a lovely group of employees! Although they came from all over and their names and languages varied, here, at Nanjing Nightclub, they were like one big, united family!

Feeling moved, Kong Xiaolin smiled and said, "Since everyone is so determined, I respect your decision. We'll continue to ensure your safety, and we'll do our best to resolve this situation."

The employees nodded in agreement, feeling reassured by Kong Xiaolin's support. They knew they were part of a team that truly cared for each other, and that sense of unity gave them the courage to face the threats together.

As the meeting concluded, Kong Xiaolin felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was proud of her team's dedication and resolve. Despite the difficulties and dangers, they were united in their commitment to the nightclub and each other. This shared spirit of camaraderie and resilience would be their strength as they faced the challenges ahead.