America: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 170: The Auto Repair Shop Transaction

After a quick breakfast, the Dongwu sisters chatted and laughed as they washed dishes and cleaned, while Zhang Ailun took a moment to glance at today's daily intelligence report.

[Daily News: Darren's Old Pick Auto Repair Shop is officially listed for sale at $66000. Includes repair tools, shop, and one year of property tax exemption.]

Is Darren planning to sell his auto repair shop? Zhang Ailun immediately decided to talk to him.

[Daily News: A streetwalker in Vienna, misdiagnosed with AIDS by a corrupt hospital, decided to take revenge on society by offering free services to passersby. She has already retaliated against 469 people. You might be interested in this.]

Zhang Ailun: ?

This isn't revenge against society, it's clearly giving back to society! This is the kind of benefactor she is on the streets of the West Coast!

However, the sect leader wasn't particularly interested in this. She had been misdiagnosed by a shady hospital, but what if she had actually contracted it during the act of giving alms?

[Daily News: At 3:42 AM last night, three theft gangs stole three luxury cars from an affluent neighborhood near the Kakin Bridge. The Silver Fox gang hid an $80,000 silver-grey Maserati in the second basement garage; the Big B gang parked a $50,000 Chevrolet Camaro at warehouse 564 on SkyDragon Avenue; and the Eagle gang parked a $60,000 Corvette at a car modification shop in District 7. Details: These vehicles are currently unclaimed; the owner is in jail and is expected to be released in about two weeks.]

[Daily Intelligence: A private jewelry store in District 13 has been involved in a zero-dollar job. The criminals have fled to the suburbs and hidden $100,000 worth of jewelry in a cowshed on a rural ranch. They plan to sell the jewelry in two weeks once the commotion subsides. Details: This case was orchestrated by the professional Black Boots theft team—long press to learn more about their background.]

Holy crap, that's a genius!

Zhang Ailun immediately searched online and found that this case had only happened in the last two days.

The Black Boots gang is a well-known theft group, famous for all members wearing black boots during robberies. The gang leader was sentenced to 80 years in prison, and the current second-in-command is responsible for planning the operations. Their resumes and price information can also be found on the Los Angeles 58 Black Market app.

1996年2月策划参与洗劫华人区周大福珠宝店，三月后被逮捕三人判刑12年。2006年8月参与零元购造成警员意外死亡，半个月后全员被通缉逮捕判刑，老大被判刑80年。2018年新的黑靴子团队策划参与摩根大通银行金库纵火案行动失败。被逮捕入狱判刑。

A few days ago, the second-in-command was released from prison and, in collaboration with an anonymous team, robbed a jewelry store. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

Members offer an average starting bid of $50000, with at least 40% of the profits going to the action team.

JPMorgan Chase Bank? Isn't that the site of that unfinished building from yesterday? So they were the ones who did it.

The reason there is no news now may be because the police have not found any clues to issue a public arrest warrant.

The jewelry store claims it has lost $160 million worth of gold jewelry and has posted a search and recovery request, but so far no one has been willing to take on the task.

No, wait a minute.

The ruthless bandits only took $10 worth of your goods, and you're claiming you lost $160 million? Is that even remotely reasonable?

Who could stand this? Tell me yourself how much you've embezzled in your daily life!

Black Boots collaborating with an anonymous member? This isn't robbery, it's more like settling accounts!

Otherwise, it might not have made it to the Los Angeles Morning Post's trending topics, and the police officers didn't seem to react much, nor did they actively participate in the arrest mission.

Something's wrong! This team has probably been internally cleaned up a long time ago, all the people have been replaced, and it's all about backroom deals.

After pondering for a long time, Zhang Ailun said goodbye to the two sisters, left the apartment building, and drove to Old Pick Auto Repair Shop.

When I arrived, I saw that the shop had been renovated. There were no cars inside, but there was a sign outside that said it was for sale.

Zhang Ailun walked into the store and saw Darren cleaning. He greeted him.

"Sir, are you here to get your car repaired? I'm sorry, we're closing down. This auto repair shop is about to be sold." Darren said with some regret when he saw his regular customer.

"I'm here to talk to you about the sale of your shop. I saw your auto repair shop for sale online, and I'm interested in buying it," Zhang Ailun said with a smile.

"Are you sure?" Darren became interested, not expecting someone to come and ask about the price so soon.

"That's right, I've always wanted to run a car repair shop or a modification shop, but this car repair shop is doing quite well, so why are you selling it?" Zhang Ailun asked knowingly.

"Because my father passed away, without him, I think it will be difficult for me to run this auto repair shop well on my own. Business has not been good recently, and I want to move to another place to live."

Darren said regretfully, "If you want to take over this shop, you only need to pay me $66000. Don't worry, the shop is fully licensed, I just paid the property taxes recently, and now is the best time to buy it. Also, my employees haven't found jobs yet, so if you're interested, you can call them back to work for you."

"May I see your revenue item list?" Although he already wanted to take over this auto repair shop, Zhang Ailun still wanted to learn more.

"sure."

Darren presented the recent revenue items, which Zhang Ailun glanced at and found that they were basically not making much money. The monthly revenue was over $150,000, but the net profit was very low. After paying utility bills, operating taxes, and employee salaries, the net profit after tax was only a little over $10,000.

This income is not low for a legitimate auto repair shop, and the family is definitely middle class, but becoming rich is still a long way off.

But it doesn't matter. He never intended to run this auto repair shop as a proper car repair and maintenance business. The real money-making opportunity was in modifying used cars.

Darren doesn't make money mainly because he's too conventional, law-abiding, and doesn't do the street stuff.

Last time I helped the leader maintain his RV, I only charged him a few hundred dollars. There's no way you could make money from that. You're definitely a conscientious business owner.

But having a conscience doesn't guarantee you'll make money. Look at those black-owned modification shops next door; they're full of illegal parts, and you never know where they get them from. They don't care about their customers at all; they cut corners wherever they can, and all the money they save goes straight to the boss's pure profit!

"I think the price you offered is very reasonable. If it's convenient, we can sign the contract right now." Zhang Ailun readily agreed to take over the auto repair shop. "Don't worry about the staff. I have some skilled people here who have worked in the repair industry. Some of them used to specialize in repairing tanks and military vehicles, so they can handle this job."

"Are you sure you don't want to learn more?" Darren asked, somewhat incredulously.

This is the first time I've seen such a decisive buyer. They just came to take a look at the environment and revenue flow, and then decided to buy the shop.

"I suggest you come with me to see the overall layout of the auto repair shop first. After all, $60,000 is no small sum!" Darren, being dutiful, offered to show Zhang Allen around the auto repair shop.

"Okay." Zhang Ailun did not refuse his request and followed Darren to tour the interior decoration.

The house has a front yard, a back yard, and an office on the second floor, which also has a computer. There are murals of luxury cars on the walls.

The shop is fully equipped with all kinds of repair tools and equipment, which alone are worth thousands of dollars. To be honest, being able to buy a repair shop at this price is a real bargain.

In life, it's difficult to find loopholes; you have to rely on intelligence to exploit them!

The store's location is also relatively good, neither too far nor too far, in a moderate area with a lot of traffic.

After touring the entire facility, Zhang Ailun remained undeterred. "Let's draft the transfer agreement now. A fixed price of $66000!"

"Alright, since you're so agreeable, it would be redundant for me to say anything more."

Darren readily agreed and used the office printer to produce a paper contract that had already been prepared. Zhang Ailun downloaded the electronic contract on his phone and sent it to Dave for his reference.

Dave quickly responded: No problem at all. It's just a perfectly ordinary transfer agreement, including property taxes and tools, and even installment payments are possible. Are you sure you want to spend so much money to buy a repair shop? Are you planning to enter the auto repair industry?

Zhang Ailun: Of course, it can bring me more benefits.

After confirming that there were no problems with the contract, Zhang Ailun signed his name and then transferred $66000 to Darren.

Darren received the transfer notification and was overjoyed. He shook hands with Zhang Ailun, "I really don't know how to thank you. I was just worried about how to sell this shop, and you solved a huge problem for me. With this money, I can go elsewhere to fulfill my dreams. I hope your business thrives!"

"Thanks for your kind words, buddy." Zhang Ailun smiled as he saw Darren off.

You're overthinking it. At this price, in this location, and with a good reputation, anything under $8 is practically a steal.

Zhang Ailun sent a message to the Beggars' Sect disciples, asking if any of them had experience in the repair industry, so he could select the best candidates. He quickly discovered that several Beggars' Sect Clean Clothes Sect disciples had studied repair and had previously worked in repair shops and modification shops. They were all experienced craftsmen with more than five years of experience in the industry.

The Beggars' Sect is truly full of talented people!

Zhang Ailun immediately arranged for the technical staff to work here in shifts. They were paid the same hourly wage as regular employees, ensuring they were not treated unfairly.

Those with ability will stand out, while those without will hone their skills at the grassroots level. When the leader's business grows bigger, there will always be a place where you can be of use.

Soon, the Beggars' Sect disciples arrived at the shop. Apart from one older disciple who looked to be over fifty, the others were all able-bodied and in their early thirties.

He never went to high school and started working at a car repair shop in his teens, but was eventually fired for financial reasons.

Zhang Ailun appointed a member of the Dirty Clothes Sect as the technical director. Since he was clumsy and unable to do sheet metal work, he could only offer suggestions. The other Beggar Clan members were responsible for repairs and modifications.

After finishing his business, Zhang Ailun rested at the auto repair shop for a while, and soon after, he received two notifications of money transfers.

I glanced at it: a withdrawal of $8600 and a project income of $15500.

Sig and Dominic also sent him message reminders.

Sig: The goods have been delivered. The other party paid the balance, and you should have received them by now, right?

Zhang Ailun: I've received it. Thank you for your hard work; you did a great job. Come back soon; I have other things for you to handle today.

Sig: What is it?

Zhang Ailun: Of course it's a project that can make money!

Sig: OK.

The leader didn't say much, and Sieg didn't ask any more questions either, immediately driving back.

Zhang Ailun then opened the message that Dominic had sent him.

Dominic: That customer purchased the complete Eagle Gold Coin set, paying a total of $16000. The platform reasonably deducted a service fee of $500.

Zhang Ailun: I have already received the money. It would be better to collect cash next time.

If you're talking about making money as a platform, they've done absolutely nothing and are already raking in profits just by collecting service fees from merchants.

Zhang Ailun tallied his cash assets: $66000 spent today, leaving him with $155,219.

Considering that there was still $50,000 in outstanding debt, Zhang Ailun immediately urged the other party to pay up.

Zhang Ailun: Where's my money? Haven't you sold those things yet?

Tommy: Don't worry! I'm already working hard to process that shipment. I've already made $15000. How about I transfer that money to you first?

Zhang Ailun: Two days, I'll give you two more days! If you don't transfer all the money by then, I'll come over and cash it out! Transfer that $15000 to my account right now!

Tommy: Okay! I'll transfer it to you right now! You don't need to be so aggressive. I'm not a deadbeat who refuses to pay back debts; I'm an honest business owner! If you need my services, I'm available anytime! Whether it's filming, online marketing, or image services, I'm a professional!

Zhang Ailun: I have two friends who do legitimate live streaming. They used to be a physical therapist and a model. Do you have a way to make them popular?

Tommy: I can't do the proper stuff.

Zhang Ailun: ...

You son of a bitch, all you can do is skirt the edges, huh?

Tommy: Since it's a modeling and physical therapist profession, it means they're very confident in their figures and looks, so why not continue? I get it! Those two pretty girls are your sugar daddies, right? Okay! I could actually give it a try, but you'll need to pay me a marketing fee. I'll get my friends at the radio station to broadcast for you during prime time in the evenings, maybe even have you participate in an online entertainment program or something.

Zhang Ailun: What do you mean by radio stations and entertainment programs?

Tommy: Of course, it's the best show after the paid programs. I run a business dealing with adult film stars. Do you think I have the ability to get them on a regular talk show? Actually, being famous for being infamous is still being famous, and celebrities who become famous from this area have a very loyal fan base! You have to be able to take a joke to become famous.

Tommy: You should know Monica Bellucci, right? She also slept with a lot of producers and directors, and became famous by stripping naked on the big screen. That's how it is in Hollywood! You need someone to promote you. Do you think fans care about their acting skills? It's more about their figure and looks.

Zhang Ailun: Of course I know, but does that mean I can't become popular if I don't flirt with it?

Tommy: If you don't push the boundaries, you can only resort to racism and sexism, or you have to play ugly. You have to be in one of the hottest sectors. What's the use of talent if you can't make money? Pushing the boundaries is better—simple, direct, and glamorous. The fan base isn't that complicated; they're just simply attracted to beauty.

Zhang Ailun: This is such a hassle. These days, making money in the entertainment industry is harder than eating shit.

Tommy: They probably have actually eaten it. Most people wouldn't even have the opportunity to try it.

Zhang Ailun: ...Transfer the money over quickly.

Tommy: OK!

Zhang Ailun quickly received a $15000 transfer from the other party.

The assets were changed to US$170,219.

The leader also reminded him that he still had $35000 left, which he had to settle within two days, or else they would come and get rid of him!

Then I sent a message to the Dongwu sisters to ask for their opinion.

The two women had no questions about the suggestion. They came here to make money, and what's wrong with skirting the edges of the law if it's a profitable project?

Now, in order to survive, they have to perform their talents in front of the leader. Ordinary people don't have that kind of connections to become famous.

The two were extremely grateful for the leader's help and invited him to stay at their home again that night.

Not so good today. The Grand Master's energy bar was completely drained by those two little devils last night!

Zhang Ailun also chose to respect their decision and sent Tommy's contact information to the sisters. Of course, they paid for the marketing expenses themselves.

The leader only provides connections and a platform.

Zhang Ailun: You better behave yourself. Don't bully them, or I'll break your legs.

Tommy: ...ok.

My life is so hard.

(End of this chapter)