America: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 149 Bar Auction

The four of them went into the courthouse together and found a seat near the front. Mary had already pre-booked and paid the auction deposit for the bar on the official website, so all she had to do was wait for the auction to begin.

Soon it was time for the auction. As the auction staff arrived, they turned on the projector and began to introduce the first item to be auctioned: an apartment building located on West Street.

"This apartment building has three bedrooms, two living rooms, one kitchen, and one bathroom. The owner was detained and sentenced for refusing to pay mortgage and utility bills, illegal drug trafficking, and assaulting others without cause. This foreclosed property is fully furnished and equipped with appliances, and includes a side-door garage and parking space. The starting price is $6, and each bid must be at least $1000."

Interested people raised their paddles to participate in the auction, while others who couldn't come in person participated online. The price soared, quickly reaching $26. Zhang Ailun couldn't help but gasp in astonishment.

These are just old apartments in ordinary neighborhoods, and the prices are already this terrifying. If it were a fully furnished detached house, and the area were closer to a bustling square, it would cost at least a million dollars. In wealthy areas, it's even more terrifying; there are no houses below two million dollars.

In even better upscale neighborhoods, like where Olivia works, the average house price in the Crown District is five million.

With these housing prices and income levels, it would be strange if ordinary people could afford to buy a house.

The house was quickly bought online for $325,000.

In addition to paying an auction fee, the homeowner also needs to pay an extra 0.8% property tax. The newer the house, the higher the property tax. Even though this house isn't new, it still requires a property tax payment of $2600, which is payable annually. Who can stand that?

After selling the foreclosed property, the court staff began introducing the next item to be auctioned, which was also a house, but located in the suburbs. The starting price was $18,000, and it was eventually sold to a tall, thin, middle-aged white man sitting in the back for $224,500!

The other party couldn't help but clench their fist and cheer.

Are you so happy?

Okay. Go pay your 1.2% local tax first.

The next item up for auction was much more ordinary, just a luxury car. But Zhang Ailun felt like he recognized it.

"This 21 Bentley luxury car was seized by officers from a criminal gang by officers of the Southern Precinct. It has now been registered and licensed by the DMV, and the auctioneer can enjoy exemption from vehicle purchase tax and will not have to worry about retaliation from the criminals. The starting bid is $35000, and each bid must be at least $2000."

Zhang Ailun and Mary exchanged a glance. "Isn't this your ex-boss's car?"

"It seems to be this one car."

Mary also felt it looked familiar. Apart from the license plate number and the paint color being repainted, the overall exterior and interior design remained unchanged.

Zhang Ailun never expected the officers from the Southern Precinct to behave so disgracefully.

You've already emptied someone's pockets, smashed their cars and houses, and yet you still didn't let them go. You just found a repair shop, paid some repair fees, and put the items up for auction to make money.

Those were Bentley and the Mexican guy who were riddled with bullets and rifles! Their spirit rings were still on them.

It's only been a few days since the seventh day after his death.

But if even bars can be auctioned off, then other valuable items certainly won't escape either; even the smallest ant is still meat.

The auction started quickly, and many people raised their paddles to bid. The price of the Bentley skyrocketed, and it was eventually sold online for $148,800.

The seller probably knew about the car's condition beforehand. Even for a Bentley, a used car with Soul Rings, this price is already quite high.

The main advantage is that it saves on purchase tax, and the price is also much lower than the market price.

The items auctioned off at foreclosure are indeed good value for money, but it's not advisable to take advantage of the situation without substantial financial resources.

Shortly after, the staff switched the camera to show a shot of Sanji Bar.

The film included outdoor scenes, interior scenes, the backyard, the work area, the backstage area, the office, and even the places where the bunny girls usually worked.

The description reads: "This is a well-known bar located near the Ipson neighborhood. The owner was arrested by police for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and operating an illegal casino, and his assets were seized. The location is convenient with moderate foot traffic. The buyer can enjoy a one-year property tax exemption. The starting price is $5000, and each bid must be at least $500."

No, that wasn't an arrest. The person was gone, and the Bentley still belonged to someone else.

It's unclear whether the villa has been put up for auction, but it seems that the Mexican also had several other assets, such as arcades, seized.

The tax-free benefits are quite good; otherwise, with so many people dying in and around this bar, it would be unlucky, and no one would dare to take it.

"$5500." Someone immediately raised their paddle to bid.

"$6500." Immediately, someone else raised their paddle to bid.

$7000.

Many interested people participated in the bidding, and the price rose rapidly.

"$15000!"

Someone else made a bid, beating the previous bidder. Zhang Ailun glanced at the man and saw that he was an older Black man.

But then someone online immediately offered $25000.

"Shit!!" Old Black couldn't help but curse, but still raised his paddle and offered a high price of "28000" US dollars.

Mary couldn't help but grip her boyfriend's arm tightly. "Are these two going to fight to the bitter end? Are we really going to be that unlucky?"

Geese also grasped the Grand Master's hand, dribbling and charging at him. Zhang Ailun gave her a strange look.

However, seeing that she was genuinely nervous, he patted her on the shoulder to reassure her, "Don't worry, they won't dare to raise the price any longer!"

Bidding began, "$40000."

"...!?"

The old black man glared at him, his eyes wide.

Zhang Ailun gave him a disdainful look.

What are you looking at!

Add money if you have it, get lost if you don't.

Black guy, trying to imitate auctions? Why didn't the staff put you up for auction?

Times have really changed; even best-selling products can now sit in the auction hall and look quite respectable.

Old Black had never been insulted like this before. He was furious and wanted to raise the price again, but the online price rose once more, reaching $42000.

The old black man next to him rationally tugged at him, "Are you crazy? We didn't bring that much money."

Old Hei hesitated for a moment, then decided to give up the bid. He glared fiercely at Zhang Ailun and muttered a phrase in the elegant language of the West Coast.

Zhang Ailun retaliated by throwing the middle finger at her.

His tough stance made the older Black men really uneasy, and they felt itchy all over.

This is outrageous! Outrageous! Even Asians, who are considered fifth-class citizens, dare to provoke the Black Lives Matter movement!

Zhang Ailun then calmly raised his paddle to bid, "$45000!"

He casually took out his phone and sent a message to Sig.

Zhang Ailun: I'm assigning you a task.

Sig: ? What mission?

Zhang Ailun: [Location Sharing] I'm being targeted by some black guys at the auction house. Can you come and help me take care of them?

Sig: Where's your gun? Do they have guns too? Aren't they afraid of you?

Zhang Ailun: It's inconvenient for me to bring a gun into the courthouse; I left it in the car. Besides, there were two women with me, so it wasn't convenient for me to take action. What is my status, and what is theirs?

Sig: Which black guy is so blind? I'll take some men over there and kill him right now!

Zhang Ailun: I hope you keep your word. I want Old Black dead!

Sig: Forget it, I was just venting. I'll take some men and block the door right now.

Zhang Ailun had arranged everything and looked up to see that the price had increased by another $500.

He couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Fxxk, who on earth is buying this thing?"

Aren't you afraid of the Grand Master's curse?

Can you handle me reporting you?

Mary was also surprised that someone would offer such a high price without her being present. She said worriedly, "This bar is only worth $50,000. Even if the previous owner renovated it, it would be worth at most $60,000. Luckily, there's no property tax to pay, otherwise it would take a long time just to break even."

Zhang Ailun weighed the price and raised his paddle again to bid, "$46000."

The price quickly rose by another $1000.

"$49000." Zhang Ailun held up his sign.

What kind of discount? If you can add another one, then I don't want it! I'll just report you once and buy it again when the price drops next time.

The price remained unchanged for a long time. The staff immediately started counting down: "$49000 once, $49000 twice, $49000 three times!"

The hammer falls.

"Congratulations to the buyer of lot number 67 for winning the operating license for Sanji's Bar! Please pay the balance in the background to collect the bar's legal license documents, or continue to participate in the next stage of the auction."

The court staff applauded enthusiastically, beaming with joy. After all, they earned a commission from selling these items through their own staff.

Zhang Ailun was not interested in the upcoming auction and immediately led a few people to the backstage area.

Under the guidance of the staff, I signed a contract, paid the remaining balance using online banking, and obtained the bar's operating license.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw those old black men already waiting by the roadside. They immediately surrounded me when they saw me come out.

But they didn't dare to be too arrogant in front of the courthouse; they could only talk the talk.

"Hey bro! What were you doing in there just now? Were you trying to provoke me?"

"Yeah, what law says you can't be provoked?" Zhang Ailun found it amusing. "If you don't have money, don't come to the auction. What? Didn't your father teach you any manners?"

"WTF! Dude! I'm really angry! If you're so tough, be a real man and come fight me one-on-one! I'll be waiting for you in the parking lot over there!!" Old Black had reached his limit and issued a challenge.

Who doesn't know that Black people don't have fathers? You're clearly rubbing salt into their wounds!

"Fine, you guys go ahead. I'm not going. Then I, Sig, am your son!"

Zhang Ailun nodded.

"Very good! Sig! I'll be waiting for you!" Old Black immediately turned and left with his men.

Mary and Keith said worriedly, "Don't go! Those black people love to cause trouble!"

"Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. Don't forget what I do." Zhang Ailun smiled. This kind of trivial matter didn't need the Grand Master to handle it personally.

Every member of the Beggars' Sect is waiting to serve the Grand Master; with just a word, dozens of people can be summoned!

Soon, Sieg arrived in his car with five or six people. He got out and began looking around, asking, "Where is everyone?"

"There are about seven or eight people over there in the parking lot. That guy in black is pretty arrogant."

Zhang Ailun pointed out the direction to Sig and the others, advising them, "Don't go too far. Just break their arms and legs, make them kneel on the ground and kowtow to admit their mistake. Remember to record it on your phone and send it to me."

In this world, you must win people over with virtue.

"Okay! I'll handle this." Sig nodded, put on his bulletproof vest, and immediately led his men over, casually pulling out his gun.

Zhang Ailun turned to the three stunned people and said, "Let's go check out the bar and discuss how to run it."

"Okay," Mary and Giss readily agreed.

"Dude, why didn't you say so earlier that you were a street hustler..." Mary's boyfriend immediately became much more subdued.

No, are your people pulling out guns in broad daylight on the street? Or in front of the courthouse?

Do the police officers at the station know about your arrogant behavior? What are you guys doing here?

"Just trying to make a living."

Zhang Ailun waved his hand, took the car keys, got into the car, started the engine, and drove the three of them to Sanji Bar.

Sig led his men directly into the parking lot, where they saw a group of swaggering black men. Without a word, the group surrounded them, gave them a good beating, and pointed guns at their heads, instantly stunning them.

"Who dared to be so arrogant just now? Where do you guys go from here?!" Sieg asked, cursing.

"Hey bro, we might have misunderstood something! We have nothing to do with gangs!" Old Black glanced at the submachine gun and instantly felt his legs go weak. Wait, you're even wearing a bulletproof vest? Did we break some cardinal rule?

I strongly suspect that these people are either plainclothes police officers or people engaged in special work, and they are conducting entrapment!

The elderly Black man guarding the parking lot watched this scene suspiciously, thinking that gang members were about to have a street fight, and immediately wanted to call the police.

But the Beggars' Sect disciples immediately stopped him and produced CCW identification, stating that they were all special personnel with legal gun ownership, and that the black men were criminals.

The elderly Black man immediately stated that he hadn't seen anything. Those black bastards deserved their punishment! I paid my taxes! I'm a law-abiding citizen of the Plain Black Banner!

Zhang Ailun drove to Sanji Bar.

During the journey, I received a video from Sig. I clicked on it and saw that the few arrogant black men who were originally very arrogant were kneeling there begging for mercy with their heads in their hands. Their faces were bruised and swollen, and they wouldn't even recognize their own mothers. Even though they surrendered, they were not spared a beating.

Zhang Ailun: Well done.

Sieg: Of course! But why do they know my name?

Zhang Ailun: I don't know either.

Sig: ...?

After parking his car on the side of the road, Zhang Ailun got out, removed the seal on the door, took out his key, opened the door, and went inside to take a look.

The decor, partitions, and private rooms in the back section are still familiar. The interior environment and items are well preserved, but some places need to be renovated, such as the bloodstains on the floor and sofa.

No, they can't even be bothered to pick up the spent cartridges?

Renovation and purchasing inventory will be another extra expense!

Everything else was fine, but the bare space above the countertop was a bit chilly.

You son of a bitch cop, you even took all my drinks? Why didn't you take the trash cans too?

Zhang Ailun was cursing and swearing. What a corrupt cop! A corrupt cop!! Absolutely lawless!!

Fortunately, Zhang Ailun doesn't have to pay for this himself; Geese and Mary will cover the cost.

Zhang Ailun paid the most money and acquired the bar, holding a 60% stake, while the other two each held 20%. However, the contract needs to be drafted with Dave later; for now, the bar belongs solely to Zhang Ailun.

Although the initial investment was quite expensive, at least we now have a foundational business, and from today onwards, this will be the Beggars' Sect's new stronghold.

"Boss, what would you like to drink?" Geese approached enthusiastically, dribbling and bumping into him.

"Anything is fine. Let me see the purchase list first; I'm not very familiar with the revenue streams of bar operations," Zhang Ailun replied rationally, his big head prevailing over his small head.

Gis quickly retrieved the project list from his office and poured him a Red Bull with ice.

Zhang Ailun sat on the sofa, glanced at the project, and immediately realized he had been scammed.

"The revenue from alcohol sales has been negative for the past few months?" I started to question my life choices.

"The real money-making projects are yet to come," Giss cautioned. "Selling alcohol can only guarantee a break-even point at best. We can continue to hire people to do some special services, and the previous owners will all choose to keep this business. There are also things like lottery machines, billiard tables, and boxing testing equipment that we can bring back."

Zhang Ailun glanced at the document; it was indeed very profitable. "You can handle the hiring. I don't have much experience running a bar. I'll buy the bar, and you'll be responsible for the renovation costs and the operation. That way, you'll be shareholders. I just need to see the subsequent profit sharing!"

Giss sat down on his lap, her eyes full of seductive allure, and suggested, "Boss, how about you give me an interview first? Let's set some standards?"

Zhang Ailun glanced at Mary and her boyfriend, "Let's do it another day."

"Alright." Geese stood up regretfully.

However, as long as Zhang Ailun remains the boss of this bar, it's only a matter of time before she overthrows him through a friendly match!

(End of this chapter)