Chapter 44: How About a Day Off?

Yun Ketian laughed and said, “It’s nothing, Secretary Zhang, thank you for your effort.”

“Not at all, it’s my duty,” Zhang Jianmin replied with a smile.

Yun Ketian nodded. “We still have some business to attend to, so we’ll take our leave now.”

“All right, but next time you come to Baofeng, remember to call me first,” Zhang Jianmin said to Yun Ketian and his companions.

“Certainly. Goodbye, Secretary Zhang.”

After bidding farewell to Zhang Jianmin, the group got into their car and drove toward the highway. Behind them, a line of police cars followed closely, their sirens blaring, escorting Lu Ming and the others in their battered Santana all the way to the highway entrance before finally turning back.

As Yun Ketian drove, he grumbled, “Damn it, that kid managed to squander all the money. That’s a bit disappointing.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Bing said, “It doesn’t matter. As long as I was able to avenge my father, I’m already very satisfied.”

Lu Ming smiled. “Don’t worry, the money will find its way back to us.”

Hearing Lu Ming’s words, Yun Ketian believed him without question. He didn’t care who would bring the money, for if Brother Lu said so, then it was as good as done.

Chen Bing, however, was a bit surprised. The money had already been squandered by Meng Changjiang—who would possibly return it? Though his father’s death had been avenged, Chen Bing was now disabled, his mother was in her twilight years, and he had no means of making a living. In truth, he still desperately needed that money.

The three of them drove on. As they neared the Xin’an County highway exit, Lu Ming’s phone rang.

He checked the screen—it was Futuo calling. A smile appeared on his face.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Lu, just now Chen Lei transferred six million to me, saying it was compensation from him and someone named Wei Wenbo for your friend. What would you like me to do?”

“I see. Add another four million to it and send it all to me. I have use for it.”

“No problem, Mr. Lu. Chen Lei didn’t cause you any trouble, did he? If you’re dissatisfied, I’ll go over there and skin him alive right now,” Futuo said in a low, serious tone.

“That won’t be necessary. There’s no problem. You don’t need to worry about it.”

“All right, Mr. Lu, I’ll transfer the money to you right away.”

“Mm.”

With that, Lu Ming hung up.

He had anticipated all of this.

If Chen Lei and Wei Wenbo were smart enough, they would return the money. After all, Meng Changjiang had spent a lot of money on both of them, and all of it was money Meng had swindled from Chen Bing. There was no way they’d dare to feign ignorance.

By now, their car had exited the highway and soon arrived at the Tianwaitian Hotel.

Lu Ming told Chen Bing to go see his mother first, while he and Yun Ketian made their way to the hotel owner’s office.

Zhu Weifeng, the owner, was sitting in his office, still pondering the events of the day. The more he thought about those two young men, the more impressive they seemed. Even the biggest bosses in Baofeng City treated them with utmost respect. If he could ever reach that level, his life would be complete.

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he called.

The door opened, and in walked Lu Ming and Yun Ketian.

Zhu Weifeng was startled and hurriedly stood up to greet them.

“What brings you two here? If you need anything, a phone call would suffice—how could I trouble you to come in person?”

He wasn’t joking. Even Zhang Jianmin treated these two with deference. As a small-time hotel owner, he could hardly afford to have them visit him personally.

Lu Ming smiled. “Please, Mr. Zhu, have a seat. We’re here to discuss something with you.”

Zhu Weifeng sat down, nervous as a guest in his own office, unsure of what business these two had with him. If they were dissatisfied with his hotel, he would be in serious trouble.

Lu Ming and Yun Ketian took their seats as well.

Lu Ming said, “Let’s not beat around the bush, Mr. Zhu. I want to buy your hotel. Name your price.”

Zhu Weifeng’s expression changed at once. This hotel was his life’s work—he’d borrowed over two million to build it, and it had taken years to pay off the debt and finally start making a profit. How could he bear to sell it now?

But he was well aware of the power these two wielded. If he said no, he might be forced to walk out with nothing tomorrow. The thought nearly brought him to tears.

Seeing his expression, Yun Ketian knocked on the table. “Don’t worry, Mr. Zhu. We’re not here to force you. Just name your price.”

“That’s right, Mr. Zhu. We won’t let you take a loss. Just say your price and we’ll agree to it,” Lu Ming added.

Realizing he really had no choice, Zhu Weifeng still hesitated to speak. If he asked for too much and displeased them, he’d end up with nothing. If he asked for too little, he’d lose everything he’d worked for.

After weighing his options, Zhu Weifeng steeled himself. This hotel was his life’s work—he couldn’t just give it away. At the very least, he needed to recover his investment.

He took a deep breath and mustered his courage.

“To be honest, the hotel was built with borrowed money. I’ve only just paid off the debt. If you really want it, give me two million, and I’ll consider that I’ve gained nothing from all these years.”

He wasn’t exaggerating. He’d only just finished paying his debts and started making a little profit.

Originally, he could have continued running the hotel peacefully, living a comfortable life. If he sold it now, two million would be all he’d have left. In the long run, he’d be losing out.

But faced with such powerful buyers, he didn’t dare ask for more. Losing money was better than losing his life. He’d seen what happened to Wang Liu and the others—no point risking everything for more money.

Lu Ming chuckled. “You’re being modest, Mr. Zhu. This hotel is worth at least two or three million, and the annual profits aren’t small. You’re really selling yourself short.”

Zhu Weifeng forced a bitter smile. “Let’s not talk about it. If you two want to buy, that’s my lowest price. Any less and I really couldn’t survive.”

Lu Ming laughed heartily. “How about this: I’ll give you ten million. Mr. Zhu, do you think we can complete the paperwork today?”

“What? Are you serious?” Zhu Weifeng stared at Lu Ming in disbelief.

Yun Ketian grinned. “When has Brother Lu ever joked when it comes to business? If you agree, we can transfer the money right now and handle the paperwork.”

“Yes, yes, no problem!” Zhu Weifeng said, rubbing his hands in excitement.

Ten million—that was enough to open a hotel in Baofeng City. That would be far better than staying in this small county.

“Good, it’s settled then. Give me your account number, and I’ll transfer the money,” Lu Ming said.

Zhu Weifeng quickly gave him the account number, and Lu Ming began to operate his phone.

Futuo’s ten million had already been transferred. Lu Ming’s account was a fully encrypted, unlimited account—when he’d been a mercenary, transactions of tens of millions or even hundreds of millions were commonplace. A million was transferred in an instant.

Seeing the money arrive in his account, Zhu Weifeng could hardly contain his joy. He immediately urged them to go complete the ownership transfer, afraid that Lu Ming might change his mind.

Lu Ming smiled, found Chen Bing, quietly borrowed his ID, and the three of them headed straight to the business administration office to finalize the changes.

A few hours later, everything was complete. The hotel was now in Chen Bing’s name.

After returning, Lu Ming and Yun Ketian stayed in their room, discussing something in private. They didn’t emerge until dinner time.

They called Chen Bing and his mother, and together went to a private dining room. After ordering, they chatted idly as they waited for the food.

Soon, the dishes arrived. Lu Ming then said, “Let’s invite Li Xiujuan to join us. She’s a good person and has shown a lot of concern for you, Chen Bing. We should show our thanks. What do you think?”

Lu Ming looked at Chen Bing.

Chen Bing nodded. Li Xiujuan had indeed been good to him—when he returned home, disabled and penniless, she had encouraged him time and again, helping him through the hardest days. Inviting her to dinner was the least he could do to express his gratitude.

Seeing Chen Bing nod, Lu Ming signaled with his head. Yun Ketian immediately went out, and before long, returned with Li Xiujuan.

When Lu Ming saw her, he said, “Xiujuan, come and sit down. This meal is especially for you.”

Li Xiujuan quickly waved her hands. “I can’t possibly. I’m on duty—I have work to do.”

Yun Ketian laughed, took out a file folder, and handed it to Chen Bing. “Boss Chen, why not give your staff a little holiday?”