Chapter 126: Do Not Act on Impulse

Qin Yuanjiu’s expression turned troubled the moment he heard Lu Ming’s words.

Lu Ming was a VIP whom President Huo had repeatedly and explicitly instructed them to treat with the utmost care. However, the Jiasheng and Haomei Groups were also highly prestigious and deeply rooted throughout the Sichuan region, making them equally formidable.

If he were to get into a dispute with the young masters of these two groups, it would inevitably implicate the Jiamei Group, a burden he could not afford to bear. This left him caught in a dilemma.

After a moment’s thought, Qin Yuanjiu suggested, "Mr. Lu, why don't we just yield? There are other private rooms available, and they have quite a nice view as well."

Qin Yuanjiu figured that it was better to give way than to incur the wrath of these two young masters over such a trivial matter. In business, harmony is the most precious thing, and as the General Manager of the Capital District, he had to look out for the interests of the Jiamei Group.

Lu Ming, however, just chuckled. "They are merely two spoiled brats. Even if they were given ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to act presumptuously in front of me."

As soon as these words were spoken, not only was Qin Yuanjiu stunned, but the dozen or so store managers were left speechless as well. Wang Zeyan and Liu Shaokun were top-tier young masters in the capital with formidable backgrounds; wasn't such a statement a bit too arrogant?

At that very moment, the people outside seemed to have lost their patience. A man pushed the door open violently and shouted, "Damn it, who is dragging their feet in there? Don't they know I need this room?"

The ones leading the entry were none other than Wang Zeyan and Liu Shaokun. Behind them followed Lele, Yaoyao, and seven or eight other young men and women, all wearing expressions of extreme arrogance.

As this group entered, Qin Yuanjiu and the managers exchanged glances, saying nothing. Since Mr. Lu had spoken so boldly, they would let him handle it.

However, just then, the once-arrogant Wang Zeyan and Liu Shaokun turned pale as if they had seen a ghost, their legs trembling uncontrollably.

Lu Ming leisurely picked up the tea at his side and took a slow sip.

The staff from Jiamei watched the two men’s reactions in utter astonishment. These two were notorious for their arrogance in the capital; why were they acting like this the moment they walked in?

Just then, Wang Zeyan and Liu Shaokun said in unison, "Master Lu, we didn't know you were here. Please, you must not be angry."

They knew Lu Ming’s capabilities all too well, and they also knew that in Lu Ming’s eyes, they were nothing but worthless scum. Yet, they had foolishly offended this powerful figure. If he were to get angry, Wang Zeyan and Liu Shaokun felt they might be wiped out, leaving not even a trace behind.

Lu Ming spoke slowly, "You two are still acting the same way, I see."

"We'll change, we'll change immediately! Please, don't be angry," the two said in a panic.

Lu Ming shook his head. "Get out of here. From now on, whenever you encounter the Jiamei Group, stay far away."

The two were shocked. So, this powerful figure was actually the man behind the Jiamei Group. No wonder Jiamei had emerged so suddenly and unstoppably. It was no surprise; with someone so terrifying backing them, who would dare to block Jiamei's path?

They nodded repeatedly, subserviently saying, "Absolutely, absolutely. Everything consumed by everyone here today is on my tab. Please, enjoy yourselves."

With that, the two bowed and backed out of the room, gently closing the door behind them.

Once they were gone, everyone in the room looked at Lu Ming with stunned expressions.

A single sentence had sent Wang Zeyan and Liu Shaokun packing; that was simply incredible. One had to know that, aside from the high-ranking heirs in official circles, these two had never yielded to anyone.

Seeing their expressions, Lu Ming said indifferently, "Can we serve the food now?"

Qin Yuanjiu finally snapped back to reality and hurriedly said, "Yes, serve the food!"

Although he didn't understand how Lu Ming had managed to drive away two powerful young masters with just one sentence, there was no longer any doubt about Mr. Lu's influence. Seeing how respectful and obedient those two had been toward him, this would be immensely beneficial for Jiamei’s future development in the Sichuan region.

Qin Yuanjiu now held Lu Ming in high esteem and finally understood why President Huo had given such strict instructions to treat him well. Someone with such immense power was someone everyone wanted to befriend.

Before long, a variety of local delicacies were brought in like a flowing stream. Qin Yuanjiu eagerly poured a drink for Lu Ming and said, "Mr. Lu, your influence is truly immense. A single word from you sent those two young masters packing. On behalf of all the colleagues of the Jiamei Group in the capital, I would like to offer you a toast."

As Qin Yuanjiu finished speaking, all the men and women at the table stood up with their glasses.

"We toast Mr. Lu."

Lu Ming picked up his glass and stood up. "We're all just having a casual meal, no need to be so formal."

With that, Lu Ming drained his glass in one gulp.

The others followed suit and drank everything in one go. Two of the female managers, who weren't used to drinking, turned bright red from the alcohol but held their tongues.

Lu Ming noticed this and said, "I have a low tolerance for alcohol as well, so I'll stop at this one glass. Everyone, please, eat."

Lu Ming picked up his chopsticks first and placed a piece of food on A-duo’s plate. Seeing him start, the others followed suit.

However, what followed was a display of Lu Ming’s appetite that truly shocked them. Under his constant use of chopsticks, the entire table of dishes was soon emptied. Seeing this, Qin Yuanjiu quickly signaled the waiters to bring more.

Various dishes were brought in continuously, and Lu Ming ate enough for more than a dozen people before he finally stopped.

Seeing the astonished looks of the others, Lu Ming smiled. "Sorry, I just have a rather large appetite."

Qin Yuanjiu quickly said, "Being able to eat is a good thing; it means you're in good health. It's a good thing!"

Just then, Qin Yuanjiu's phone rang. He glanced at it and said to Lu Ming, "Excuse me, Mr. Lu, I need to take this call."

"Please, go ahead," Lu Ming said calmly.

As Qin Yuanjiu stepped out, Lu Ming chatted with the others. Since Jiamei was something he had planned from the ground up, he wanted to know how it was developing. The others were happy to share everything they knew, giving Lu Ming a new perspective on the company.

A moment later, Qin Yuanjiu returned with a troubled expression.

Lu Ming noticed and asked, "What’s the matter?"

Qin Yuanjiu hesitated for a moment before saying, "Mr. Lu, you are one of our own, so I won't hide it from you."

"Feel free to speak," Lu Ming said indifferently.

"That was one of Zhao Huang's men on the phone, saying that the monthly protection fee is being tripled."

At the mention of the name Zhao Huang, everyone’s expression darkened.

Lu Ming frowned and asked, "What is this protection fee, and who is Zhao Huang?"

Qin Yuanjiu sighed, "Zhao Huang is the top 'Pao Ge' in the capital—the leader of the underworld. He rules the capital's underground world. As an outside enterprise, Jiamei has always paid a certain protection fee each month."

"There is such a thing?" Lu Ming found it strange; he had never heard of Futu doing such things.

Qin Yuanjiu smiled bitterly. "It's a bit different here compared to the mainland. The Pao Ge have existed here for a long time, and this rule has always been in place. Previously, it was within an acceptable range, so President Huo agreed to it. But for them to suddenly raise it so much will have a huge impact on Jiamei. I still need to consult President Huo to see what her thoughts are."

Hearing this, Lu Ming said calmly, "No need to consult President Huo. I can make the decision on this. From now on, don't give him a single cent."

"This..." Qin Yuanjiu’s face turned even more troubled.

Zhao Huang was not like Wang Zeyan or Liu Shaokun. While the latter two were powerful and difficult to deal with, any dispute with them could be settled through fair competition or business tactics. The Jiasheng and Haomei Groups were local giants, but Jiamei had the financial strength to not fear them in a commercial sense.

But Zhao Huang was different. He was a Pao Ge, the king of the capital's streets, and it was rumored that his martial arts skills were unfathomable. Furthermore, offending people in the underworld could lead to life-threatening danger; it was no laughing matter.

Qin Yuanjiu thought for a moment and said to Lu Ming, "Mr. Lu, I suspect you don't realize how dangerous Zhao Huang is. People in the underworld are not like those in the business world. Offending them could lead to loss of life. Please, don't act on impulse."