MWC – Chapter 144 The Environment Is Not Good

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

Mingjia Entertainment’s Mingjia Grand Hotel has a casino in the basement, a nightclub on the second floor, and a sauna and massage on the third floor. There are dedicated elevators connecting the basement, second floor, and third floor, offering an all-in-one entertainment experience.

The Dragon Room is the largest and most luxurious private room in Mingjia Nightclub.

Lu Ming felt that the Mingjia Nightclub was similar to the Paris Moulin Rouge of the same era, mainly featuring dancers performing on stage. There were seductive stripteases as well as talented singing and dancing performances. Most of the guests’ tables surrounded the stage.

Additionally, there were eleven private rooms—one “Dragon” room and ten “Phoenix” rooms—positioned slightly higher around the stage, facing the stage. These private rooms had glass walls, allowing guests to watch the performances and enjoy the lively atmosphere outside, or they could draw the curtains for a private gathering or business meeting.

The Dragon Room was undoubtedly the most special, with its glass walls almost parallel to the stage, close enough to reach out and tip the dancers performing on stage through an open window.

The interior was even more opulent, with flashing neon lights and a separate small dance floor for guests to dance with the dancers.

At this moment, Lu Ming was sitting in the Dragon Room, in a corner, watching the men and women in the private room with some amusement.

The so-called “Mr. Bucklow” turned out to be young Bucklow, which was unexpected.

No wonder the voice sounded so young and arrogant, saying things like, “If you don’t come now, don’t come in the future,” which didn’t sound like something an elder Bucklow would say, but he wouldn’t voice these thoughts.

An event with old Bucklow present, as the chief member of the North District’s Seven-Person Committee, was essentially the highest administrative figure in the North District, akin to a mayor.

After all, Donghai could be seen as a small country like Singapore, but much larger. Even if seen as a large municipality in the previous life, the North District, called a town, was actually at the level of a prefecture-level city, essentially a city with hundreds of thousands of people, comparable to a major city in contemporary Europe.

If old Bucklow was hosting an event and invited Lu Ming, he had to make an appearance, regardless of any gossip behind his back.

Future interactions would depend on the circumstances.

At higher positions, one couldn’t act recklessly like a hothead, confronting everyone. One had to play their part well, so that in the future, others wouldn’t have much to say.

But he hadn’t expected the “Mr. Bucklow” to be young Bucklow.

Watching their disgraceful behavior with the hostesses, Lu Ming suddenly felt like staying a bit longer.

Only Gao Depei had no female companions and smiled as he sat next to Lu Ming.

“Mr. Bucklow is busy, please wait a moment…” Gao Depei said with a smile.

Lu Ming looked at him and smiled, “Yes, busy rolling dice. Also, isn’t that young Bucklow? Karl Bucklow, right?”

Young Bucklow, along with four other men and four hostesses, was playing a dice game, betting on whether they were bluffing.

Gao Depei still wore a smile and continued, “Actually, Mr. Bucklow and I hope to cooperate with you. There’s no need for a fight to the death. The world needs cooperation for a better future.”

“District 51 is a good place. You’re just starting out and full of enthusiasm. The people there have hard lives and need someone like Commissioner Lu to lead them to a prosperous path.”

“Commissioner Lu, you’re not even twenty and have already entered the North District Council, which is a miracle. Your future is limitless, but we need to start steadily. Honestly, when I was your age, I knew nothing. When you first announced your candidacy for the Third District, I thought it was a fantasy. But now, I think you’re well-suited for politics, and my party and I will fully support your candidacy for District 51 councilor.”

“Also, it’s been a while since I had tea with Elder Qing. Let’s arrange a meeting together sometime. The Justice Party and the Depeng Party are brother parties. As for Wang Zili, I’ve let him go and hold no grudges.”

Lu Ming nodded. The Bucklow family must have promised to support Gao Depei’s entry into the Seven-Person Committee, naturally elevating his perspective. Wang Zili leaving the Justice Party was no longer an issue; it could even be an opportunity to gain the Qing faction’s support, securing his place in the committee and avoiding any surprises.

Considering this, Lu Ming smiled, “Brother Gao, if Mr. Bucklow were here, I might consider what you’re saying. But… you’re indulging a wastrel, so forgive me for excusing myself!”

He stood up and walked toward the dice-playing group.

Some noticed him approaching but pretended not to see him, as young Bucklow had instructed.

Young Bucklow also glanced at Lu Ming but continued whispering to the dancer beside him, “Later, I’ll make that big spender coming over now bleed heavily, and it will all be for you!”

The dancer giggled, “Sure…”

By this time, Lu Ming had grabbed a large glass of black beer from a nearby table.

“If he offers me a drink, you block it and say each glass costs him a 100-dollar tip…” Young Bucklow whispered with a laugh, licking the dancer’s fair earlobe.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare… Ah…” The dancer moaned, feeling the lick.

Suddenly, an icy shower and ice cubes descended from above, drenching young Bucklow and the dancer.

The two, who had been cozying up, were caught off guard. The dancer screamed and stood up, while young Bucklow, stunned, turned to look.

A dark shadow flew over and hit his chest with a thud. He groaned, his chest aching, nearly knocking the wind out of him.

Everyone was stunned, not knowing how to react.

Lu Ming had poured the large beer and ice cubes on young Bucklow and then threw the beer glass at his chest.

“Who do you think you are, wasting my time!” Lu Ming spat on the floor.

He turned to Gao Depei, “Mr. Bucklow? Mr. Bucklow? Does he deserve to be called Mr. Bucklow? Isn’t he just little Karl?!”

Seeing the shocked faces around, including a few Justice Party councilors, Lu Ming glanced at them, shook his head, and turned to leave.

“Bang,” the door fell, and a burly man stumbled in. Sun Lutian leisurely walked in and stood beside Lu Ming, escorting him out.

The burly man was young Bucklow’s bodyguard, slow to react, and just as he was about to move, Sun Lutian knocked him down.

The nightclub security quickly arrived but stopped in the corridor, recognizing Lu Ming. No one dared to block him.

After all, he was a black cardholder. When he arrived, his entourage had shown the card. Black cardholders’ bodyguards were allowed to carry weapons inside.

It was said that only Chairman Liu and two other major shareholders had these cards, as well as Liu Hanming, Liu’s most beloved cousin, but not even Young Master Liang had one.

The nightclub was frequented by many dignitaries, but allowing bodyguards with weapons would cause chaos, so only Mingjia Entertainment’s owners had such privileges.

Inside the Dragon Room, it took a while for young Bucklow to react. Clutching his chest, he yelled, “Catch him! I’m going to kill him!”

The previously paused room suddenly came to life.

Gao Depei hurried over to mediate, while some councilors quickly left, avoiding further involvement.

The dancers cleaned up the mess.

The dancer who almost received a 100-dollar tip cursed internally, wiping off the beer and feeling uncomfortable. She blamed young Bucklow for being a fool, thinking he could extort someone who clearly didn’t respect him.

…

On the TV screen was the logo of the “Kunlun” channel. The former Donghai Second TV Station had recently been privatized and renamed Kunlun Channel.

The show was a revamped variety program, with the host and guests acting silly and humorous.

Lu Ming found it unfunny, but Bess in his arms was laughing so hard her belly hurt.

“Kunlun Channel” naturally had Lu Ming’s investment.

The program was revamped based on his suggestions, though he didn’t personally intervene.

However, television shows couldn’t be easily compared to the past. Audience tastes were different. Nowadays, strange and surprising content was more popular, even if it seemed awkward to people from the previous life.

In contrast, slow-paced rural life shows from the past would have no market now.

Looking at the Kunlun Channel logo, Lu Ming shook his head. He now had bank loans exceeding 20 million, with daily interest costing thousands, equivalent to several years of an average person’s salary.

He wondered when he would see a return on his investments.

This was the nature of aggressive capital expansion.

The larger the scale, the more loans and funding one could secure, leading to further expansion. And so the cycle continued.

“Whoo, whoo, whoo…” With the familiar music, it’s time for commercials. The roll-on perfume advertisement featured a model in a bikini, with an extremely hot figure.

Lu Ming covered Bess’s eyes with his hand, and she giggled. “Uncle, I’m not watching.”

Hanzhu shook her head nearby, seemingly feeling that morals were declining.

“Uncle, am I eight years old today, or will I be eight after New Year? Mom has confused me!” Bess turned around, blinking her big eyes curiously.

“You’re already eight. After New Year, it’s considered the eighth year, and after your birthday, it’s a full eight years.” Lu Ming explained vaguely, then looked at Bess. “You’re unhappy because Mom isn’t here today, right?”

Every year, Pamela celebrated Bess’s birthday, but this year, the first time since knowing Lu Ming, she wasn’t with Bess on her birthday.

She had gone to a neighboring state for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Huaxia Garments’s first luxury bag boutique.

“No, Mom never lets me eat cake every year!” Bess pouted and then leaned over to whisper in Lu Ming’s ear, “Uncle, I want to play with Saori… but I’m afraid Sister Bizhu will be upset if she’s around…”

Lu Ming chuckled. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Kuroki Saori, timidly sitting in the farthest corner of the large living room. Her birthmark seemed to have faded a bit? But since he hadn’t seen her for a while, he wasn’t sure and had almost forgotten what it looked like before.

However, this five-year-old girl, despite not being punished, was sitting timidly, with a shiny little knife occasionally appearing in her hand, and then disappearing back into her palm and kimono sleeve.

Lu Ming shook his head helplessly. Isn’t this dangerous? Is she practicing her knife skills and speed just by breathing? She’s only five.

Looking at Hanzhu beside him, who was happily snuggling up to him, and estimating that Bizhu wouldn’t come out for a while, Lu Ming turned to Kuroki Saori and said, “Stop practicing, come and watch TV!”

“Yes, Young Master…” The little girl hurriedly stood up and bowed respectfully, then added, “Saori is following Young Master’s teachings and watching TV.”

Lu Ming was about to say something when Luo Yi came out of the main room with a phone, “Sir, a call from Director Wei Baozeng.”

Seeing Lu Ming nod, Luo Yi quickly ran over and handed the receiver with both hands.

“Qianxing, you’ve just done something big again!” Wei Baozeng laughed.

“The news travels fast.” Lu Ming smiled and asked, “What do you think?”

“Can I understand what you’re doing?” Wei Baozeng half-joked and then lowered his voice, “Qianxing, do you think this year Old Bucklow won’t be nominated for Chief?”

Lu Ming was taken aback. “Really? Is the news reliable?”

Wei Baozeng’s tone turned a bit helpless. “I’m asking you.”

Hmm? Lu Ming thought for a moment and realized that Wei Baozeng probably thought he had received some inside information from Christine.

Wei Baozeng was one of the few who knew that he often had meals with Judge Christine.

In fact, he and Christine never discussed such topics. 

He didn’t want to change the nature of his relationship with her, which was currently relaxed and equal. Mixing other elements into it would make it uninteresting.

However, he did hear from a secret business partner that this year, the person nominating the heads of districts and satellite towns from the Duke’s family might change.

The Chief Committee Member of Donghai, or the Prime Minister of the Greater Donghai Metropolitan Area, is nominated by the Duke of Donghai.

The heads of various districts and satellite towns, or mayors, are nominated by a designated family member of the Duke.

Usually, it’s assumed that this member is the Duke’s chosen successor, or heir apparent.

For over a decade, the Charles family’s nominations for city mayors had been made by the Duke’s eldest son, Christine’s older brother.

But he hadn’t received the title of Earl of Bo Hanhli, a key title in the Duke’s family, for over ten years.

Bo Hanhli is the old name for the western part of Donghai, and the Earl of Bo Hanhli is the Duke family’s most fundamental title.

Typically, the Duke holds this title, but once a successor is chosen, the Earl title is bestowed upon them, formally establishing them as the heir.

This hadn’t happened for over a decade, indicating that Duke Charles IX hadn’t truly decided which of his children was his ideal successor.

If the nominator for district and town chiefs changes this year, it would mean Christine’s elder brother is unlikely to succeed.

Such information was beyond Wei Baozeng’s reach.

However, Lu Ming wasn’t particularly interested in the trivial matters of the Duke’s family; they had little impact on Donghai’s political landscape.

While changes in district and town chiefs were significant, the nomination for the Chief Committee Member, or the Prime Minister of the Greater Donghai Metropolitan Area, was determined by the political and armed groups in Donghai. The Duke couldn’t make that decision alone.

The Duke could influence the choice significantly but couldn’t dictate it.

If he tried to override the majority political groups’ wishes, he could be dethroned, replaced by a more compliant family member, and serve as a figurehead.

This would be disastrous for all parties, severely undermining Donghai’s autonomous system and potentially allowing the Imperial capital to intervene. The central government had long sought to reclaim direct control over this wealthy city-state.

No one wanted to see such dire consequences, especially the central government’s intervention.

While the Queen’s Autonomy Charter once protected Donghai’s autonomy, a millennium had passed, and the Imperial capital likely no longer respected it.

Currently, the only deterrent was the potential backlash from reclaiming Donghai’s autonomy, which could trigger a chain reaction, causing other autonomous regions to resist, fearing the loss of their rights, potentially leading to civil war.

However, if Donghai experienced internal strife, the Imperial capital would likely intervene.

Lu Ming mused that the Empire was similar to the late Roman Empire, a federation of feudal lords, and the current world was smaller than the Eurasian continent, with fewer divergent beliefs, preventing it from fracturing under barbarian and heretic invasions. Instead, it evolved into a unified entity, akin to the EU, but with more integrated states than the US.

Lost in thought, Lu Ming replied into the phone, “Baozeng, it has nothing to do with nominations. I just found young Bucklow annoying. What’s his status? Acting high and mighty, discussing the election as if he were a decision-maker, summoning me? I thought it was his father, so I rushed over, almost dying of anger! He didn’t even realize it, trying to con me through a dancer? It’s absurd! I was merely teaching him a lesson on his father’s behalf!”

“Alright!” Wei Baozeng chuckled, “Though old Bucklow often scorns his son, with no regard for his feelings, and now has a good daughter-in-law, often scolding his son, waiting to raise his grandson, he’s still protective. He may scold him, but won’t tolerate others offending him. Be cautious, though you probably know this already.”

He paused and added, “This incident has affected Gao Depei the most, being the Vice Counsilor and associating with a playboy to curry favor with the Bucklow family, greatly lowering his status. Compared to you, he seems too humble.”

He felt that his younger brother, Qianxing, might have done this deliberately to achieve this effect.

But not wanting to think too ill of him, believing he had a deep, ulterior motive, he chose not to delve further, preferring to remain oblivious.

Lu Ming was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t considered this aspect. Now, some people might see him as more insidious.

Sigh, being a straightforward and upright person was really difficult.

He was always misunderstood, with malicious interpretations.

There was definitely something wrong with such a society.

Moreover, he had gradually developed a habit of hitting people. This environment was indeed problematic.