Financial freedom starts from graduation

Chapter 527 "Those in Power"

The guesthouse owner was called over again, looking completely bewildered.

When the boss heard Zhou Wang, who was sitting on the sofa, demanding "a refund and return of the deposit," he turned pale with anger.

Are you out of your mind?

He first cursed impatiently in the local Hakka dialect, then turned around and shouted something.

"Sanzai!"

As footsteps sounded, two burly young men with dark skin walked over and stood behind the boss with fierce expressions.

"I've made myself perfectly clear. You can cancel your stay, but I won't give you a single penny back. Since you've taken my kindness for granted, then you can forget about staying here. Get out of here now!"

Su Yajing and the other girls never expected that the boss could be so shameless. Not only did he still refuse to refund their money, but he was now trying to kick them out.

But seeing the two fierce-looking young men behind the boss, they dared not utter a sound. As for Zhou Wang, who had a calm expression, he was silently counting down in his mind.

If Huang Duming still can't arrive in time after Zhou Wang has already sent him a message in advance, then Zhou Wang needs to re-evaluate whether he is still worthy of his "special cultivation".

Fortunately, Huang Duming did not disappoint Zhou Wang.

Just as the guesthouse owner saw that Zhou Wang seemed to have "backed down" and was about to sneer and order his two nephews to throw the group's luggage out, Huang Duming arrived with hurried footsteps.

It was at this moment that the four girls finally witnessed what it meant to be "all bark and no bite".

The unscrupulous boss, who had been incredibly arrogant and had almost made them cry, instantly cowered the moment Huang Duming and his men appeared at the door.

The person who followed Huang Duming up was not Gao Xing, but a very thin-looking stranger.

After visiting many places, Zhou Wang has discovered that each region truly has its own unique appearance. Although there can be significant differences between individuals, some common physical characteristics apply to most people.

For example, the man following Huang Duming has a typical diamond-shaped face, slightly prominent cheekbones, a narrow face, and relatively thick lips. His wheat-colored skin, caused by years of exposure to ultraviolet rays, makes him look like a typical local from Guangdong.

Zhou Wang didn't know his name, but the guesthouse owner and his two nephews clearly recognized him. When Huang Duming respectfully nodded to Zhou Wang, all three of them changed their expressions drastically, and the guesthouse owner was even more surprised and uncertain.

"Master Biao, what brings you here?"

The guesthouse owner immediately took out a cigarette and offered it to the lean man, whose hand visibly trembled.

“Mr. Chen, don’t be so polite. According to the generational poem in the ancestral hall, I should be the one calling you ‘Uncle.’ You keep calling me ‘Grandpa Biao’ all the time. If the older generation hears this, I’ll be punished by the family.”

The man known as "Master Biao" waved his hand, chuckled, and accepted the cigarette offered by the guesthouse owner surnamed Chen, but refused his offer to light it for him, saying slowly and deliberately.

As he fiddled with his cigarette, Zhou Wang vaguely saw the dense, colorful tattoos on his forearm hidden in his sleeve.

"Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Biao, you... uh, you're right, Mr. Biao."

The guesthouse owner quickly said, then secretly glanced at Huang Duming behind Zhou Wang, swallowed hard, and said, "A-Biao, these guests are your friends, right? I was being presumptuous, I'll be right back..."

The lean man raised his hand, stopping him from speaking, and then respectfully bowed to Zhou Wang.

"Mr. Zhou, please go ahead. I won't take up your time. Leave this to me."

By this time, Zhou Wang had already vaguely guessed his identity. He didn't say much, just nodded and said "Thank you for your trouble." He then led the several astonished girls out of the room first, leaving only Huang Duming behind.

After Zhou Wang and his group disappeared down the corridor, the lean man slowly stood up, the smile gradually fading from his face. He stared at Boss Chen, whose face had turned deathly pale, and said calmly:

"Uncle, you're flattering me again. What am I to be worthy of being friends with someone like Mr. Zhou?"

……

Two black Lexus LM minivans and two equally black Mercedes-Benz S500Ls, all with Guangdong license plates, were parked quietly at the entrance of this old residential area.

Three drivers wearing white gloves and seven or eight men in black suits stood guard by the car.

Occasionally, residents passing by would see this spectacle and instinctively keep their distance, yet they couldn't help but turn back to look curiously, seemingly unable to understand how such a luxurious motorcade could appear in their old, dilapidated place.

"Is it going to be filmed as a short drama?"

Young couples would discuss this because, in this day and age, seeing similar scenes always reminds people of the currently popular short drama culture.

Many popular urban dramas featuring underdogs achieving success or returning to power often include similar scenarios.

Zhou Wang was taken aback when he saw the car after going downstairs.

The two Lexus LMs were rented by Huang Duming before he left Shanghai. He had informed Zhou Wang in advance that one car was for Gao Xing, Xiao Wang, and others, and the other was for his use when he was active in the Guangzhou area, since he also had some official duties on this trip.

However, these two top-of-the-line S-Class Mercedes-Benz cars were not within Zhou Wang's expectations.

Xiao Wang and Xiao Qi were waiting near the vehicle. When they saw Zhou Wang appear with several girls, they quickly came forward and took the luggage from their hands.

The driver of one of the two Mercedes S-Class cars behind them also stepped forward, accompanied by several men in black suits, and respectfully greeted Zhou Wang.

"Hello, Mr. Zhou. We were sent by Mr. Mu to follow your every command."

When he heard the other party say "President Mu", Zhou Wang's previous guess was confirmed. He nodded and said no more. He first let the girls get into the business car, while he leaned against the car and quietly smoked.

"elder brother……"

At that moment, Su Yajing called out to him from the car window.

Zhou Wang turned around and saw Su Yajing holding up her phone, whispering, "I've received the refund and deposit, and he's also transferred the fare back to me..."

This result was expected, and Zhou Wang acknowledged it.

A short while later, accompanied by footsteps, Huang Duming and the man called "Master Biao" walked out of the stairwell.

Seeing that Zhou Wang was still waiting there, Biao Ye quickly walked a few steps to Zhou Wang, then took out a bulging envelope from behind his back and respectfully handed it over with both hands.

"Mr. Zhou, I have not failed you!"

"This is……"

Zhou Wang noticed that the envelope contained money and raised an eyebrow in surprise, since the room fee and deposit had already been returned to Su Yajing.

"There is 10,000 yuan in the envelope. It is Mr. Chen's compensation to everyone. Please forgive the delay, Mr. Zhou."

"Brother Biao explained."

Zhou Wang stared at the man for a few moments, but didn't take the envelope. Instead, he turned and waved to Huang Duming. "President Zhou?"

"I'll transfer 50,000 yuan to this Mr. Biao as a token of my gratitude..."

"Mr. Zhou, how could I dare to accept your money? You are Mr. Mu's friend, which makes you my great benefactor!"

After a moment of surprise, Mr. Biao quickly said with trepidation, "Also, you can just call me 'Biaozi'."

"Take it, you deserve it."

Zhou Wang didn't say much, he just smiled.

Seeing Zhou Wang's insistence, Biaozi could only sigh inwardly, feeling slightly helpless.

He knew that Zhou Wang only wanted to resolve the matter with "money" and did not actually want to owe him a favor.

However, it was just wishful thinking. Although Mr. Zhou looked young, the fact that he received such attention from Mr. Mu was enough to show his extraordinary nature. How could he possibly make such a basic mistake that only a young lad would make?
Soon, having composed himself, he could only hand over the prize.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Zhou... If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I do have some connections in Pengcheng..."

Zhou Wang nodded slightly, and Biaozi didn't press the matter further. He exchanged contact information with Huang Duming, nodded to the driver of the Mercedes, and then quietly disappeared.

Only when he was surrounded by his own people did Zhou Wang's expression suddenly turn cold.

Upon seeing Zhou Wang's expression, Huang Duming's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly and nervously began to speak:

"Mr. Zhou..."

"Who gave you permission to contact President Mu without my permission?"

The so-called "President Mu" is actually the behind-the-scenes boss of the No. 9 Building Club in Shanghai, a rather mysterious figure whom Zhou Wang has never met. He is not even sure what this "President Mu"'s full name is.

Although they have never met in person, the two sides have actually had quite a few interactions from afar.

As the deputy manager of the public relations department of the No. 9 Building Club, Lao Ma's courtesy and attention to Zhou Wang all came from the attitude of the boss behind the scenes. Even the 606 room, which was almost custom-made for Zhou Wang, came from the other party's instruction.

When Zhou Wang heard the Mercedes driver mention "General Manager Mu," he knew where the bill came from.

Because, chronologically speaking, of the three clubs opened by this Mr. Mu, the Hangzhou club and the Shanghai club were opened later, while the Shenzhen club was Mr. Mu's original "headquarters".

In other words, Shenzhen is where this Mr. Mu started his career, and he must have had considerable influence there.

This can also be seen from the local tyrant "Master Biao".

In places like Guangzhou, where clan ties are extremely close, the power of a local tyrant like "Boss Mu" must far exceed what others imagine.

But even if this might be a simple matter for President Mu, it is not a reason for Huang Duming to ask President Mu to help resolve this matter without consulting him.

"Mr. Zhou, I'm sorry. It just so happens that I was in contact with Mr. Mu's assistant about the cooperation. When you gave me your instructions, I mentioned this to his assistant as well. I was just thinking... that this would be simpler..."

The "cooperation" Huang Duming mentioned originated from the cooperation between Building 9 Club and Wangyuan Chamber of Commerce, which was facilitated by Lao Ma in Shanghai. According to Zhou Wang's guess, Building 9 Club also saw the potential of "Little Blue Bottle", which is why it frequently showed goodwill to him.

This time, Huang Duming accompanied Zhou Wang south, not only to inspect factory sites in the south, but also to discuss cooperation with Pengcheng Clubhouse in Building No. 9.

"Easy?"

Zhou Wang said coldly, "Have you considered what kind of impression this will leave on President Mu? On my very first day in Pengcheng, I'm asking a small local guesthouse owner for help?"

"I……"

Huang Duming was drenched in sweat in an instant.

This was indeed a layer he hadn't expected.

Huang Duming was extremely annoyed at that moment.

Perhaps it was because everything had gone too smoothly since he followed Zhou Wang, especially during the time he spent alone in Beidu after Zhou Wang left. As Zhou Wang's representative in Beidu, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was "incredibly successful".

Moreover, thanks to the "power" Zhou Wang had accumulated in Beidu, everything he did went smoothly. Perhaps it was because of this smoothness that when Zhou Wang asked him to help solve a problem, he immediately thought of the easiest solution.

Moreover, he knew that President Mu would definitely give Zhou Wang face.

"I think you're really getting a little too cocky."

Zhou Wang said casually at the end, then turned and instructed Xiao Wang, "Go give them some tea money and have them pass on the message that they thank President Mu for his kindness, and that I will personally thank him later..."

Xiao Wang understood and immediately turned around and walked towards the Mercedes driver who was still waiting.

As for Zhou Wang, he didn't even glance at Huang Duming's mournful face again, turned around and got into the van, instructing, "Drive."

As driver Xiao Si started the vehicle, the second van that picked up Xiao Wang soon followed suit.

Only Huang Duming, dejected and looking somewhat lost, remained standing at the entrance of this old residential area.

Su Yaqing glanced in the rearview mirror. Because Huang Duming had picked her up and dropped her off in Beijing, she felt a little guilty and asked softly:
"Brother, are we just going to leave Assistant Huang here? Or... are you planning to fire him?"

Zhou Wang's tense expression relaxed a bit. He shook his head and said, "It's not that bad. There's an old saying that things shouldn't happen more than three times. Maybe three chances is an exaggeration, but I would definitely give him one chance..."

"Brother, did you do this on purpose?"

In a relaxed environment, Su Yaqing's quick wit seemed to resurface, a sly glint in her eyes. "I always feel that no matter how he resolves this trouble, you'll always find a reason to criticize him..."

"Have you seen all this?"

Zhou Wang glanced at Su Yajing with some surprise.

He really did it on purpose.

Even if Huang Duming handles the situation perfectly, he will still find fault with it; in short, he will never let Huang Duming have an easy time...

The incident naturally stemmed from some "rumors" he overheard coming from Beidu.

Regardless of whether Huang Duming was overconfident or not, he had to give the other party a warning.

Whether Zhou Wang likes it or not... this is a skill that "those in positions of power" must master.

(End of this chapter)