Chapter 115: A Second Inspection

Chapter 115: Another Inspection

Though Ma Long’s face was etched with worry, he knew the business had to go on. "Brothers, keep your spirits up! We’ll get through this rough patch," he said, though he was really just trying to reassure himself. Damn it, what a mess. It wasn't easy running a clubhouse, after all.

"Yes, Brother Long, don't worry!" the men replied in unison. Despite the recent slump in business, they all believed that with persistence, a bright future awaited them. Moreover, the combat techniques Ye Feng had been teaching them were proving to be incredibly beneficial.

"Good. I need to see this kind of energy from everyone every day. Open the doors!" Right on time, Ma Long gave the order. A few customers wandered in, and Ma Long couldn't help but offer a bitter smile. He remembered when they first opened, they would have a flood of people; now, it was just a handful.

Ma Long did a quick inspection of the floor and, finding everything in order, headed up to the manager's office on the second floor. From there, he could oversee the entire clubhouse without having to constantly pace the floor. Since the reopening of the Chenlong Clubhouse, many improvements had been made.

As time passed, the number of guests grew. Ma Long, watching from above, allowed himself a smile. Damn, it looked like business was decent tonight. Things had been miserable lately, but he was finally seeing a glimmer of hope. "Zhang Wei, how’s it going down there? Any trouble?"

"None at all, Brother Long, don't worry. The boys are keeping a close eye on things. It’s quiet," Zhang Wei replied, thumping his chest. Ye Feng had suggested they use earpieces for better communication, making it easier for them to regroup and handle any issues immediately.

"Good. Stay sharp. If anything happens, report it immediately. I’ll be up here reviewing some paperwork," Ma Long said with a grin.

"Understood. Oh, by the way, Brother Long, want me to send a couple of beauties up to keep you company?" Zhang Wei asked with a salacious grin.

"Screw you! Do you think I’m that kind of guy? Keep your eyes on the floor and cut the chatter!" Ma Long barked, cutting the connection. Damn, even if he wanted beauties sent up, he didn't have to be so blatant about it. If they were actually sent up, he certainly wouldn't refuse, he chuckled to himself.

"Damn, acting all high and mighty," Zhang Wei muttered after being hung up on. "Alright boys, keep your eyes peeled!"

Seeing a decent crowd for the night put everyone in good spirits. The recent string of inexplicable inspections had dampened morale, so having business again was a relief. Plus, they could check out the ladies while working, which made patrolling the floor much more enjoyable.

Watching the men work diligently, Zhang Wei smiled with satisfaction, and Ma Long, watching the video feeds from above, felt a swell of pride. Getting the clubhouse on track was the only way to do Brother Feng justice. Ma Long couldn't quite explain why he was so submissive to Ye Feng, a man several years his junior.

"Nobody move! Kill the music! We’re from the Public Security Bureau conducting a routine inspection. Everyone, remain calm and cooperate!" Just as everyone was enjoying the night, a dozen uniformed officers burst through the doors, their expressions grim.

"Pfft!" Ma Long, who had been smugly sipping his herbal tea, spat it out. Damn it, what was going on? Business was finally looking up, and he had even checked the entrance earlier—there hadn't been any police cars. Could it really be this coincidental? Damn it!

"What’s going on?" "What happened?" "Holy crap, you've got to be kidding me!" The guests began to grumble, cursing their luck. They just wanted to relax in their free time; why was there so much drama? Their good moods vanished instantly.

"Everyone, quiet down! This is just a routine inspection. Please have your IDs ready. And who is the person in charge here? Step forward!" the lead officer, a middle-aged man with a stern face, commanded. He had never found anything wrong with this place, but orders were orders from above. If he didn't inspect, how could he justify his position?

"That would be me." Zhang Wei walked over from the crowd, smiling as he reached out. "Officers, you’ve had a long day. I’m Zhang Wei, the manager here. Here’s a little something for the brothers to have a drink on me. I hope you’ll accept it." Although the officer didn't shake his hand, Zhang Wei kept it extended, quickly pulling two large bills from his wallet.

"Manager Zhang, there’s no need for this. We are just conducting a routine inspection. We just need your cooperation," the lead officer said, his face as cold as iron. His eyes lingered on the money for a moment before he looked away.

"Yes, yes, of course, we’ll cooperate. By the way, officer, didn't you just inspect us last night? Why again today?" Zhang Wei was fuming inside. *What the hell is the meaning of this?* But he held his tongue. He had to be patient; you couldn't fight the authorities.

"Last night was last night, today is today. The pressure is on lately," the lead officer said, looking at Zhang Wei with undisguised contempt. In this day and age, whoever held the power was the boss. He decided when to inspect, and that was that. Did it matter what Zhang Wei thought?

Seeing the look on the officer's face, Zhang Wei wanted to jump him right then and there. "Pressure," his foot. It was obvious they just had it in for Chenlong Clubhouse, and they were using high-minded excuses to justify it. He cursed inwardly but kept a smile on his face. "Of course, of course. Thank you for your guidance, officer. Chenlong Clubhouse will fully cooperate with your work."

"Good, good. Men, start the search!" Following the leader's command, the officers fanned out to inspect the private rooms, checking IDs and looking for illegal activity. They also checked the guests in the main hall. The customers, naturally, cooperated, but as soon as they heard they were free to go, they bolted. Why stay and risk being caught on camera or identified?

Zhang Wei and Ma Long were stunned. Their promising night of business had evaporated in an instant. Once the police started their sweep, the customers assumed something was wrong and fled to avoid any potential trouble.