MWC – Chapter 11 Entering the Thatched Cottage Three Times

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

“Wang Da’an Law Firm,” it turned out, was right across the street in a three-story building. The hallway was dark, and the signs for the businesses inside were all tattered. Places like recreation clubs and mahjong parlors had bald and tattooed people coming and going, giving the area a sketchy vibe.

When Lu Ming and Zhou Xiaobao went up, Wang Da’an hadn’t arrived yet. The office door was locked, suggesting that Wang Da’an ran a one-man show, lacking even the basic staff like clerks or receptionists to cut costs.

Through the glass window, they could see that the office was very small, with old and shabby furniture. The sign on the doorframe reading “Wang Da’an Law Firm” looked like it could fall off at any moment. Even more bizarre was the open door across the hall, where a heavily made-up woman, clearly a prostitute, was loitering.

“Let’s wait downstairs, let’s wait downstairs!” Zhou Xiaobao was a bit embarrassed, likely because this was his first visit as well. “He said he had to go to court early to handle legal aid cases. I thought he’d be back by now.”

They went downstairs and stood under a willow tree by the street. Zhou Xiaobao forced a smile and glanced at Lu Ming’s face. “How about I find you another place to affiliate with?”

Lu Ming smiled and said, “No problem, this is fine.”

“Alright then…” Zhou Xiaobao checked his watch. “Let’s go take a look at Ji Niao Tower. I’ve found out that there are some available office spaces there that would be perfect for your new company.”

Lu Ming smiled and agreed, “Okay.”

…

By the time they returned from Ji Niao Tower, it was already noon. Zhou Xiaobao was overjoyed inside.

Lu Ming was very efficient. He had chosen a five-room office suite on the twelfth floor of Ji Niao Tower and signed the lease contract on the spot. The annual rent was 1200 yuan. After all, Ji Niao Tower was located in the most bustling area of Beiguan, and as a fifteen-story building, it was one of Beiguan Town’s landmarks.

As the intermediary and guarantor of the lease, Zhou Xiaobao could earn a five percent commission from the 1200 yuan rent, which amounted to 60 yuan. This sum was equivalent to a month’s salary for a white-collar worker in Beiguan.

However, they didn’t expect Wang Da’an’s law firm to still be locked.

“This guy is really unreliable!” Zhou Xiaobao grumbled in annoyance. “Bro, let’s not wait any longer. I’ll find you another place to affiliate with!”

Lu Ming laughed, “I’ve heard that those who rely on legal aid for a living have to fight for legal aid cases in court every week, like going to war. It seems today isn’t the right day. Let’s come back this afternoon.”

“This guy doesn’t take things seriously at all!” Zhou Xiaobao was fuming.

However, he soon put on a smile again, “Bro, don’t worry. How about we go check out some used cars first? Also, I met with a trustee from Fervand Academy. Your admission to the academy is almost settled.”

Lu Ming agreed, “Alright, let’s go look at cars.”

…

The marble floor was so polished it reflected like a mirror. Various models and colors of cars were lined up in rows in the hall. Although they were all used cars, many of them were shiny and well-maintained, looking just like new.

This was the largest used car dealership in Beiguan. Zhou Xiaobao accompanied Lu Ming inside and said with a smile, “Let me know if you see something you like. Don’t worry, I’m well acquainted with the owner here. I’ve already talked to him, and if we pay in full, we’ll definitely get the best price.”

He added with a laugh, “Even if you don’t buy, feel free to test drive any car. We can go to Wang Da’an’s law firm later, and you can test the car on the way.”

Lu Ming suddenly stopped and looked at a very sleek black sedan that had a bit of a sports car vibe.

Zhou Xiaobao immediately laughed, “Bro, you have a good eye. This is the Xuelong Phantom, newly launched early this year. It has a powerful engine, the latest small-cylinder engine developed by the Empire, and the model is stylish and dashing, just like your distinguished appearance.”

Lu Ming nodded. Indeed, with its smooth lines, it looked like a beautiful vintage car to him.

In his past life, even with money, he couldn’t buy such a car.

This should belong to the prototype of the first generation of supercars. The design was truly beautiful, resembling the futuristic cars from sci-fi movies of the previous life, with a protruding front and a raised rear. The massive, bulging headlights looked like frog eyes, and the rear suddenly tapered off, creating a unique shape.

Of course, from an aerodynamic perspective, this design was not very scientific. In the previous life, supercars gradually abandoned such body lines.

Following Lu Ming and Zhou Xiaobao around was the dealership’s lobby manager, Mr. Fang. He wore a white shirt and a bow tie, and he was a middle-aged man who looked very composed.

Initially, he was quite bored, annoyed by these customers assigned by his boss. Even if he closed the deal, there wouldn’t be much commission, yet he had to serve them attentively. If he encountered picky customers who complained about him to the boss, it would be even more troublesome.

But now, seeing the customers stop in front of the Xuelong Phantom, Manager Fang’s eyes lit up, and he smiled, “You gentlemen have a great eye. Would you like to test drive it? Mr. Liu has instructed that you can try any car you like.”

Lu Ming rubbed his nose and said to Zhou Xiaobao, “Isn’t this car a bit too flashy?”

Zhou Xiaobao chuckled, “Not flashy at all, don’t worry. Young people in Donghai have different consumption habits. They might be fine with just drinking plain water for three meals, and some might not even afford to rent a place, but they still want to have a flashy convertible. Also, there are many car rental businesses. You’re so young, already have your own apartment, and you’re a lawyer. Driving any car is fitting. Besides, this is a second-hand car, right?” He then lowered his voice, “Just don’t drive it to school.”

Zhou Xiaobao had somewhat figured out this young benefactor’s temperament. Although this benefactor was young, he was cautious.

It seemed, like many wealthy people, he had come here to avoid trouble. This explained why he was determined to go to school. After a few years of operation, the materials in his file would make him look like a native.

So, although he was pleased with this luxury car, he still had many concerns.

“What’s the general price range for this car?” Lu Ming asked, “It was just launched this year, hasn’t been driven much, right?”

Zhou Xiaobao rubbed his nose. The car was priced at 5300 yuan when it was launched. He liked it very much and had studied it for a long time, but couldn’t afford it. He could barely scrape together that amount, but if he spent it on a car, his wife would kill him.

Seeing Zhou Xiaobao remain silent, Manager Fang smiled obsequiously at Lu Ming, “Sir, if this car were new, even at an internal price, it would cost over 5000 yuan. But don’t worry, although this car is only a month old, the price will definitely satisfy you. We’re selling it for just 4500 yuan. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. The previous owner needed money urgently and brought it in yesterday. It’s only on sale for three days. After that, we might use it to settle accounts.”

Zhou Xiaobao whispered in Lu Ming’s ear, “Don’t worry, 3500 yuan will definitely get it. If the debtor uses it to settle accounts, even the best car would go for half the price. Luxury cars in urgent need of being sold are the hardest to sell. Even if it’s only been driven for a month, it’s still considered second-hand. Anyone who can afford to buy a car like this wouldn’t mind spending a bit more for a new one. Those who buy second-hand luxury cars generally have weaker financial strength and care about face. But in a rush, it’s hard to come up with such a large sum.”

Lu Ming nodded silently.

In his previous life, he wasn’t really into cars, but this small vintage car, a first-generation supercar, had such beautiful curves that it made his heart itch. He finally understood the car enthusiasts a bit.

“Sir, why don’t you test drive it?” Manager Fang saw Lu Ming’s expression and knew he was close to sealing the deal, just needing a little push.

Lu Ming smiled, “No need to test drive.”

Manager Fang felt a surge of disappointment but then heard the young man in front of him say, “Let’s go to your office and discuss the price. You can also talk to your boss.”

Manager Fang was overjoyed, “Sure, sure, this way please, sir…”

…

In the afternoon, at Wang Da’an Law Firm, Lu Ming finally met the legendary lawyer Wang Da’an.

In the legal community of Beiguan, Wang Da’an was somewhat of a legend. He had been a lawyer for over thirty years and was still a junior advocate, also known as a first-rank lawyer.

In the Empire, lawyers were ranked in eight levels: junior advocate, intermediate advocate, senior advocate, high lawyer, superior lawyer, barrister, high barrister, and royal barrister.

Getting a lawyer’s license made one a junior advocate. To be stuck at the first level for over thirty years, neither advancing nor being disbarred, was quite a peculiar existence.

When Lu Ming entered the office, Wang Da’an was gnawing on a piece of hard black bread, scribbling something.

It seemed he was summarizing the key points of a case.

He was in his fifties, with graying hair and a very thin frame, looking quite unhealthy.

Lu Ming sent Zhou Xiaobao off to take care of his own business and introduced himself to Wang Da’an, also showing his residence permit.

Wang Da’an immediately smiled warmly, “Lu Bian, thanks to you, I took on two legal aid cases this time, one of which counts as yours.”

Lu Ming rubbed his nose. Legal aid cases paid very little, from 10 yuan to 50 yuan. After deducting expenses, there wasn’t much left, no wonder Wang Da’an didn’t even hire a clerk.

“Alright, please wait a moment, I’ll treat you to afternoon tea!” Wang Da’an’s face was sincere, clearly wanting to keep this partner.

“No problem, you carry on,” Lu Ming smiled and sat down, picking up a legal newspaper to read.

His first impression of Wang Da’an was quite positive. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know him better since he was now a partner in this firm.