Chapter 29: Civilized People Do Business

In the living room of Bruce's home, a dirty ceiling fan spun on the ceiling, blowing and making the posters of Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Lopez rustle.

The posters were oddly placed at a height where an adult's chin would be right in the middle when standing up.

The images of the two stars were damaged, revealing the wall color below their waists and legs.

Before Martin could analyze the situation carefully, Bruce walked quickly from the bedroom, looking unsatisfied and cursing under his breath, "You pervert! Why are you here so early? Do you know how much effort it took to convince Monica?"

Martin gave him the middle finger, "Watch your language!"

Bruce was searching everywhere, "Where's my gun? Today, I'm going to shoot you to bits!"

Martin said, "I have a cannon, want to borrow it?"

Monica, who was voluptuous, walked into the living room at that time, asking, "What are you guys talking about?"

Bruce immediately put on a different face, scratching his head, "Work stuff."

He took a newspaper from the drawer and tossed it to Martin, "This is the Atlanta Stargazer, Georgia's largest male-oriented tabloid. The Stargazer has been covering the conflicts between the Methodist Council and the Liberty Society since the protests in front of the state legislature, with many small stories. Apparently, it's been well-received. Monica has a friend who is a freelance journalist and knows someone from the Stargazer."

Martin flipped through the newspaper and indeed found related reports.

They concocted stories in a way that was difficult to legally challenge but easy for most people to understand.

These tabloids certainly weren't afraid of lawsuits; they were hoping to be sued by these well-known organizations.

Martin said to Monica, "Can you use your contacts to get in touch with a reporter from the Stargazer for a story on 'Animal House'?"

Monica, recalling the last check, immediately said, "I'll call and ask."

She got a positive answer from the other side.

"When do you need it?" Monica asked.

Martin thought for a moment and said, "In a couple of days. I'll have Bruce give you a call, and then I'll compensate you afterwards."

Satisfied with the previous payment, Monica smiled, "No hurry."

In the evening, female customers going to the Animal House club found that there was an event, and the club was giving away free badges. People wearing the badges could get a free beer at the bar.

The pin-style badges were mostly left on after being worn, likely only remembered when taking off clothes later.

Martin left the club at 9:30 PM and drove around West Street, visiting all the bars and nightclubs.

In every nightclub, there were women wearing the badges.

They were doing the same things after leaving the Animal House.

Martin, while bartending, had talked to many female customers and knew a bit about their group.

He also spoke to several men.

Most of them wanted to hook up with women at the nightclub, preferably for free.

The rest were gay.

......

At the Black Bar, the owner Boyette stood on the second floor, leaning on the railing, watching the crowd of customers coming in.

These people wore the same badges, and he asked curiously, "Which organization's women are these?"

The last time, the chaos between the individuals from the Methodist Council and ATL Liberty Society had left Boyette with a deep impression--it was terrifying.

Since then, Boyette had been a bit of a softy with his wife Betty.

The middle-aged Latin man, Diego, had been keeping an eye on it, "The Animal House opposite us is having an event, giving away badges and beer. These folks got worked up there and then came over here to socialize, leading to secondary consumption."

Boyette observed for a while, noticing those female customers ordering drinks or other items, increasing the bar's revenue.

He asked, "Has this been going on for a long time?"

Diego said, "Since the Animal House got popular."

As time passed, women wearing badges occasionally entered the Black Bar. When Boyette was calm, he thought clearly, "The crowd from the Animal House is in a hurry to find men. The closest nightclub to the Animal House is our Black Bar. These people are especially easy to hook up with, attracting more men and bringing more customers to our bar."

Diego laughed, "We are also benefitting."

Boyette stroked his black chin, seriously considering, "Is there a good way to draw all those customers from the Animal House into our bar to generate revenue for us? Or, should we add relevant activities to attract more female customers?"

Diego said, "I'll think about it."

Seeing two big-butted black women downstairs, Boyette's face bloomed, "You think hard, while I go hit on someone."

Diego could only watch his boss flirt while he struggled to come up with ideas.

He found that most of them didn't care about black or white.

A thought came to Diego--what if the boss brought a bunch of strong young black men from the south side to stand at the bar's entrance?

......

For three consecutive nights, Martin roamed around West Street and nearby bars and nightclubs.

What he saw and personally asked confirmed the high feasibility of his idea.

Martin didn't hesitate anymore and went to find the boss, Vincent.

Either way, if it worked, they would make a lot of money. If it didn't, they would still make a lot of money.

Martin had lived through enough hardships and was a man who dared to face challenges.

Arriving at Vincent's office on the second floor, Martin said directly, "Boss, I have an idea."

Vincent asked, "Can it increase customer flow by one-third?"

"Possibly," Martin said without committing fully, then explained, "The club mainly focuses on female customers. Atlanta's security is so-so, and women are worried about their safety at night. The number of people entering the club sharply drops after 10 PM, especially after 10:30, while the number of people leaving increases."

Vincent knew this and slightly lifted his cowboy hat, "Utilize the time after 10 PM?"

"Yes," Martin continued, "I contacted the media. I'm planning to pay for reports and prepare new club posters."

After the previous success, Vincent had some confidence in Martin, "Go find Dana for a check."

After some time, Martin went to the finance office and got some checks from Dana.

......

The next morning.

Martin found Bruce and had him contact Monica. Monica, through her freelance journalist friend, got in touch with an associate editor from the Atlanta Stargazer.

The two drove to the northern district and entered a cafe.

Monica and her journalist friend were already waiting.

After a brief conversation, Martin handed each of them a small check.

Spending the club's money didn't pain him at all.

The freelance journalist made a call, and a few minutes later, Barkley, the associate editor of the Atlanta Stargazer, arrived.

Monica and her friend tactfully left.

Martin exchanged pleasantries and then said directly, "Mr. Barkley, I need an article."

Barkley asked, "Do you have a draft?"

"Sorry, I can't write one." With only a basic education, reading books and newspapers was already an effort for him. Martin asked, "Can I tell you the theme and main content, and you write it?"

Barkley didn't say a word, slowly stirring his coffee, while his left thumb and index finger gently rubbed together.

"You'll be well compensated," Martin said, taking out a check and pushing it forward.

Barkley glanced at the amount and slightly shook his head.

Martin understood, "More money?"

Though the club was paying, Martin didn't enjoy spending his own money.

Martin took out another check.

Satisfied, Barkley picked up the checks, "Go on."

Martin nudged Bruce.

Bruce immediately reacted, pulling back his jacket to reveal a holster.

"Sir, journalism is a noble profession, and I have high ethical standards!" Barkley saw it clearly and, putting away the checks, swore, "You pay, I work. You have nothing to worry about."

Civilized people are reliable like that.

*****

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