Chapter 333: Not Now

There is no standard answer to where a place for intimacy should be; it used to seem like it was just the privilege of couples in private quarters. But with the passage of time, unconventional places like public restrooms, wild outdoors, and bathhouses have emerged. Nevertheless, in an era when Japanese adult films haven't yet become popular, many places remain unexplored, not to mention interrogation rooms.

Both Zhou Ming and Kong Xiaolin understood this, though they had momentarily lost control of their passion. With Du Peng coming over and interrupting, it served as a timely reminder for them.

Zhou Ming felt a bit awkward, worried that his reputation might be ruined, while Kong Xiaolin blushed deeply, holding Zhou Ming's hand. This heroic woman, who had faced dozens of thugs without flinching, was now too embarrassed to even lift her head.

Du Peng, who had never seen Zhou Ming falter, was instantly energized and teased, "Zhou Ming, don't be so shy. We're all adults; I understand some things."

Zhou Ming and Du Peng were old acquaintances. To put it plainly, Zhou Ming could tell what Du Peng was up to with just a glance. Understanding his intentions, Zhou Ming laughed awkwardly and said, "Let's drop the subject. This isn't the place for discussions. We should go back to the nightclub and talk there."

Zhou Ming's suggestion was half a topic change and half a genuine reason. Firstly, this place was indeed not suitable for conversation, and secondly, he was unsure what the situation was at the nightclub and needed to check. Additionally, with Kong Xiaolin's embarrassment, Zhou Ming didn't want to continue joking with Du Peng.

When it came to work, Kong Xiaolin immediately got serious. She anxiously said, "Yes, Boss Zhou. That bastard Tao Guoling has falsely accused our South River nightclub of drug trafficking. I was arrested because of this, but it's absolutely false!"

Zhou Ming patted Kong Xiaolin's hand to comfort her, saying, "Don't worry. The innocent are always clear, and the guilty are always muddied."

Zhou Ming, Kong Xiaolin, and Du Peng walked out of the police station together. However, when they returned to the nightclub, they saw that the South River Public Security Bureau was in the process of sealing the nightclub's entrance.

Seeing this, Kong Xiaolin was immediately upset. She rushed to confront Director Yao of the Municipal Comprehensive Security Office, who was leading the team: "Director Yao, what are you doing? Why are you sealing my nightclub?"

"It's because someone here is involved in drug trafficking. According to the decisions of the municipal committee and government, your establishment must be closed for rectification. I'm just doing my job!" Director Yao said, though his tone was filled with schadenfreude.

Kong Xiaolin immediately countered, "What 'doing your job'? We have always operated legally, and there has never been any illegal activity. Today's events are clearly a frame-up. We have not been involved in drug trafficking; you cannot seal us!"

"Whether or not illegal activities are involved is not for you to decide; it's about evidence. If it turns out you haven't engaged in any illegal activities, I'll lift the seal. But for now, it must be sealed!" Director Yao provocatively asked, "Or do you, Manager Kong, want to resist the law?"

At this point, Director Yao suddenly had a realization and smacked his forehead. "I remember now, Manager Kong, you're the mastermind behind the drug trafficking and should be arrested. Come here…"

Before Director Yao could give the order, Zhou Ming immediately stepped forward and said, "I advise Director Yao not to issue this order. Or you could first call the bureau to check the situation."

"Zhou Ming, you're here too?" Director Yao was surprised. He dared to act tough with Kong Xiaolin but was wary of Zhou Ming. He quickly found an excuse to back off, saying, "Fine, since you're the development advisor for South River, I won't make things difficult for you."

With that, Director Yao turned and left, ignoring them. Kong Xiaolin tried to chase him but was held back by Zhou Ming, who shook his head lightly.

At this moment, a familiar voice came from nearby: "Oh! Zhou Consultant, your nightclub is sealed? Did you commit any illegal activities?"

"It's really a coincidence, Hua Shao. I didn't expect you to be here too."

Zhou Ming didn't need to turn around to guess who it was, but he was surprised to see another person when he did: "I didn't expect Tan Ge to be here too."

The two people were Tan Qianjun, a big shot from Beijing, and Jiang Chunhua from Lingnan. Tan Qianjun said to Zhou Ming, "We heard that this nightclub was sealed and came to check it out. I didn't expect it to be your place, Boss Zhou. It's such a pity. I heard this nightclub was quite good. I was looking forward to having Xiao Hua take me in when I came to South River, but it seems there's no chance now!"

Zhou Ming nodded in regret, "It's indeed a pity today, but no worries, there will be more opportunities in the future!"

Tan Qianjun suddenly burst into laughter and said to Zhou Ming, "Future opportunities? Zhou Consultant, you're really confident, but I have a feeling this nightclub might not reopen."

"Is that so?" Zhou Ming said. "I would normally give you some respect for your words, but since you said that, I can't agree. My nightclub is the best leisure and entertainment venue in the country. Though some small-time schemers are making trouble behind the scenes, do you think these petty tricks can keep the nightclub closed forever? This is the most bustling commercial area in the city."

"I still think Zhou Consultant should not be so blindly optimistic. After all, drug trafficking is a serious matter. I've heard there was a significant amount of drugs involved. Even Governor Chen Yunfei might not be able to make this decision."

Tan Qianjun's words were meant to provoke Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming didn't respond, and Tan Qianjun continued, "As for this place, it's indeed very bustling. It's a pity to just seal it. How about you give it up to me? Don't worry, I will manage it well and make it even better than you did!"

Zhou Ming pointed into the distance and said to Tan Qianjun, "Tan Ge, do you see the hospital over there?"

Tan Qianjun looked in the direction Zhou Ming was pointing and nodded, "Yes, I see it. Zhou Consultant, are you suggesting that the situation can still be saved?"

Zhou Ming shook his head, "No, Tan Ge. I'm suggesting you go see a doctor because I think you're seriously ill."

Upon hearing this, Kong Xiaolin and Du Peng couldn't help but laugh, while Tan Qianjun's face darkened. To him, the laughter from Du Peng and Kong Xiaolin was like slaps in the face, harshly striking him.

"Alright, Zhou Ming. It seems you can only show off your rhetoric here. Let's see what you can do. I'll see how you manage to get the nightclub reopened!" Tan Qianjun said through gritted teeth and then turned to leave with Jiang Chunhua.

After Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua left, Kong Xiaolin approached Zhou Ming and asked, "Zhou Ming, do you really have a way to get the nightclub reopened?"

Zhou Ming nodded, but before Kong Xiaolin could be happy, he added, "But not now."

Kong Xiaolin's eyebrows furrowed at this addition: "Zhou Ming, is the situation really that bad?"

This question pleased Zhou Ming because it showed that Kong Xiaolin not only had talent in management but also political insight.

Indeed, business may seem like a market economy, but in the domestic context, nothing can be separated from politics. Even running a small shop on the street requires attention to domestic policies, let alone the South River nightclub, which is significant both politically and economically.

Therefore, as the nightclub's general manager, Kong Xiaolin needed to have some political acumen. Even if she didn't initially, after dealing with various people and experiences, she gradually learned.

"Boss Zhou, don't lie to me. I know," Kong Xiaolin said.

Zhou Ming understood that Kong Xiaolin didn't want to be given a dismissive answer.

So, Zhou Ming smiled slightly and said, "I would never lie to you. The situation is not as dire as it seems. Reopening the nightclub isn't too difficult; it's just that the timing isn't right."

"Really? I know you've been to university, so don't deceive me," Kong Xiaolin said hopefully.

Zhou Ming assured her, "Of course. Xiaolin, think about it. Since I could go to the police station to rescue you and even dared to shoot Tao Guoling and leave him there, doesn't that show I have confidence? It's just that reopening the nightclub now might not be a good idea."

Zhou Ming thought for a moment and continued, "The reason is simple: as long as the nightclub remains open here, people will constantly create trouble for us. Don't you think so?"

The realization struck Kong Xiaolin. Indeed, from the very first day of fights and deaths, troubles for the nightclub had been continuous. 

Perhaps before, it could be attributed to Tao Guoling's schemes, but with the appearance of Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua today, it became clear that Tao Guoling was merely a pawn and could not affect much.

So, reopening the nightclub would only lead to endless problems. 

Kong Xiaolin was more worried about the fact that these troubles would only become increasingly difficult to resolve. Zhou Ming had realized this, which was why he said what he did.

"Then what if we go after their nightclub instead?" Kong Xiaolin suddenly suggested.

"That won't work," Zhou Ming said. "Firstly, if we do that, we'd be sinking to their level of filth. Moreover, their nightclub is not their critical point; shutting it down won't really benefit us. It's just harming others without helping ourselves."

Kong Xiaolin felt a bit disheartened. "It's just so frustrating!"

"Don't worry. Everyone gets their comeuppance eventually. When the right time comes, I'll make sure they pay for it!" Zhou Ming reassured her.