“Who?”
Su Ping Nan was still drowsy. He had a good night's sleep after a successful night with the three guys he hired. He was rudely awakened by the young punk in front of him.
“Li Ming Yi.”
Su Ping Nan felt the name was familiar but couldn't quite place him.
Zhang Tong, seeing Su Ping Nan's confused expression, knew his brother didn't recognize the guy. He quickly said, “Li Ming Yi, you know Wu Cheng Lao Jiao, right? He’s the one who started the distillery but got locked up for a few years.”
Su Ping Nan looked at Zhang Tong deeply. He realized the father and son were truly his lucky stars. With Zhang Tong's explanation, he finally remembered who Li Ming Yi was.
This guy was quite a mover and shaker. Back in 1985, he started a distillery and sold Wu Cheng Lao Jiao to all the towns within a hundred miles, including Wu Cheng. Unfortunately, at that time, the policies were unclear. His distillery was operating under the name of a state-owned enterprise. Later, the wind changed, and he was kicked out and spent a few years in prison.
If the policies hadn't loosened this year and he hadn’t been released early, he would have had to spend more time behind bars.
“How did you think of him?”
Su Ping Nan realized he truly couldn't understand this guy. Last night, Zhang Jian Guo specifically rushed over to tell him about the situation at home. This person definitely wasn't someone Zhang Jian Guo recommended.
Zhang Jian Guo hurried over to explain because he was afraid his foolish son would act recklessly. Xiao Hong Pao's reputation was unparalleled among his group of people. If his son went back and mentioned it to those ruthless fellows, Yang Qian Li and Guo Guang Yao, his elder son might end up with a broken leg and they wouldn't even know who did it.
Su Ping Nan chuckled wryly. He was already fully focused on developing his business and had long stopped engaging in those dog-eat-dog affairs. His guys were all very obedient, putting all their energy into work. How could people outside still think like that?
He sighed at the power of rumors and calmed Zhang Jian Guo down. Then, this morning, Zhang Tong enthusiastically recommended this guy.
Zhang Tong scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. Su Ping Nan smiled and threw him a pack of cigarettes, then lit one himself.
“Don't even mention your old man, he was here last night.”
Zhang Tong's face turned pale. He felt that someone had insulted Su Ping Nan, and he only deducted a plate of food from them. He felt he hadn't lived up to his brother's teachings.
“South Brother, next time, I won't hold back. I'll kill him!”
Su Ping Nan was startled. He could hear the sincerity in the young man's voice.
“Bullshit!”
Su Ping Nan's face darkened as he scolded. He felt a tinge of gratitude. This guy was a bit simple, but he was undeniably loyal.
“That’s all in the past. Swallow it down. If you dare mention it to anyone again, get out of here.”
Su Ping Nan's tone was heavy. He knew the character of his men. If this dimwitted kid blurted it out, something might actually happen.
Zhang Tong was a bit dazed by Su Ping Nan's stern tone. He also felt Su Ping Nan's seriousness and nodded weakly.
Zhang Li Hua ran in with a bright smile,
“Boss Su, we got Jin Xiu Restaurant!”
Yang Qian Li, with his heavy dark circles, followed behind. He had drunk enough alcohol to last him a lifetime in the past few days, and he finally managed to secure the deal before the auction.
Double happiness.
The Gao brothers had been anxious all afternoon. Wei Lao San said the other party was too busy and they'd have to wait a few days. Gao Lao Er couldn't stand it anymore.
“Alright, you’re busy. I'll deliver it.”
He brought along a dozen people, three per car, and even packed their tools. The other party, they heard, was pretty big, so they took precautions just in case. They headed towards Wu Cheng in a mighty procession.
Su Ping Nan looked at the three sleek black SUVs and two refrigerated vans, a rare sight in this era, and burst into laughter.
Gao Lao Er held the large package containing 700,000 in cash, suddenly feeling a bit hasty. He chatted for a bit, declined Su Ping Nan's offer to stay, and led his people back to Tian Du.
The people present were stunned watching Su Ping Nan expertly test driving, maneuvering, and reversing with ease.
Learn, just one word.
His men went crazy. Su Ping Nan simply asked Wei Lao San to bring back some veteran drivers to teach them hands-on, ensuring they learned.
On the 26th, Su Ping Nan, for once, changed into a black suit. Yang Qian Li and Su Wen Wen, among others, followed suit and also donned suits.
Wu Yan was a seafood tycoon. He was one of the first to achieve wealth in Wu Cheng. He arrived at the government guest house early this morning. Wu Cheng wasn’t big, and the circle of wealthy people in this era was even smaller.
He had already greeted quite a few people. Li Ru Ming had fallen, and several of his assets were truly lucrative. Getting them would be like having a cash cow.
If so, they could just discreetly agree amongst themselves, why go through the hassle of a public auction?
Being careful was Wu Yan's habit. He arrived so early to prevent any mishaps and to try and coordinate with others before the start.
He was also afraid of some overlord from out of town coming in to steal the spoils. That way, he could prepare beforehand.
It was 9:20, just ten minutes until the start.
Wu Yan sighed in relief. He had already contacted all the influential bosses and there were no unfamiliar faces.
Just then, three black Toyota Land Cruisers roared into view from the end of the road.
To Wu Yan's astonishment, a dozen men in black suits stepped out one by one, respectfully escorting a short-haired, tough young man as they strode into the guest house in a grand procession.