Chapter 2435: Northern Entertainment Capital?

Su Xinghui asked, "You say their connections reach the heavens—do you know which family in Jingcheng they're tied to? If you name them, maybe we know them too."

Yu Ruizhi, listening nearby, nodded and said, "Yeah, let's see who's behind this Guangda Trading Company."

Hu Quanyou said, "I really don't know, but they definitely have connections in Jingcheng—they can smooth over any problem; at least in Yanbei Province, nothing stumps them. When they pitched equipment to our power bureau, they got a top official in Jingcheng's power department to call us."

Su Xinghui nodded, "So their connections really are solid."

Hu Quanyou said, "Comrade Su, why are you asking about them? Planning to do business with them? I can still help you find one of their shareholders and make an introduction."

Su Xinghui said, "I'm not in business—I'm just like you. Yanfang Group owes Guangda Trading Company a lot of money, and I just want them to delay payment until Yanfang resumes production, then pay slowly."

Hu Quanyou nodded, "Comrade Su, you're putting so much effort into Yanfang Group's affairs—it's impressive. But Guangda Trading Company's background is no ordinary force; don't clash with them directly. You're not Yanfang's general manager—it's not worth it."

Su Xinghui knew Hu Quanyou meant well, so he raised his cup and toasted Hu Quanyou again.

After drinking, Hu Quanyou hesitated slightly, then said to Su Xinghui, "Here's an idea, Comrade Su—I know one of Guangda's shareholders. He's the son of Vice Provincial Governor Lu. He's a big shot in Yanbei Province, very straightforward, and gets along well with me. I'll put you two in touch—when can you have a drink together?"

Vice Provincial Governor Lu? Su Xinghui knew—he was Lu Keren, Yanbei's First Vice Governor, whose name also appeared on that whistleblower report. He must be tied to Yanfang Group's affairs.

Lu Keren's son? Su Xinghui would never drink with him. He was already Guangda Trading Company's mortal enemy—his name was surely known to all their shareholders.

Su Xinghui laughed it off, "Forget it. Didn't you say yourself, Comrade Hu? I'm not Yanfang's general manager—it's not worth my effort. Just getting the power restored is enough. I should thank you, Comrade Hu!"

Hu Quanyou said, "If you mention this again, you're insulting me, Comrade Su. Aren't we friends? Come on, let's drink another round!"

Su Xinghui laughed, "Alright, I won't bring it up again. Drink, drink!"

Drinking with Hu Quanyou today had been worthwhile, but it left Su Xinghui feeling heavy—Guangda Trading Company's depths were truly vast; what had surfaced so far was barely the tip of the iceberg.

After the drink, Hu Quanyou insisted on paying the bill, then declared grandly, "Let's go out and have some fun tonight!"

Yu Ruizhi and the others loved to party. They didn't know Yanzhong well and had found nothing fun these past days—they were bored stiff. Hearing Hu Quanyou wanted to take them out, they perked up immediately and asked where he'd take them.

Hu Quanyou had spoken boldly, but when he glanced at Yu Ruoqiu and the other girls, he hesitated. Yanzhong's economy wasn't developed; there weren't many entertainment venues, just an abundance of dance halls and bars—creating a distorted prosperity.

These dance halls and bars rarely stayed clean—most had hostesses, singing girls. Hu Quanyou usually took clients there without issue, but tonight's group was different: several stunning girls were among them. He was suddenly unsure.

But he couldn't hesitate long. He said, "Do you like singing? Yanzhong doesn't have much else—just a lot of karaoke halls."

Yu Ruizhi and the others weren't keen on singing, but among their companions were several girls who perked up at the word. In the late 90s, karaoke was nationwide craze, and Hong Kong-Taiwan pop was at its peak—each girl had her favorite singers and loved to sing a few lines.

They all exclaimed excitedly, "Great! Let's go singing—but find a place with great sound!"

Since the girls were interested, Yu Ruizhi and the others wouldn't dampen the mood, and Su Xinghui wanted to see Yanzhong's famed entertainment spots—so they all agreed.

Hu Quanyou breathed a sigh of relief. He truly wanted to build good relations with them, which was why he'd invited them out. If they'd rejected karaoke, it would've been awkward.

But choosing where to go still required thought. With these girls present, they couldn't go to any shady places. Yet in Yanzhong, few karaoke halls were clean and had good sound systems.

Hu Quanyou thought for a moment, got into his car, and told his driver to head toward Yanzhong's downtown, while Yu Ruizhi's vehicle followed behind.

Soon, they arrived at a chain karaoke hall called Aishang Karaoke. It was one of Yanzhong's few clean venues—legally operated, no singing girls—and still wildly popular.

Karaoke had become a nationwide trend. Shady halls attracted men, but this legitimate one drew both men and women who loved to sing.

Aishang Karaoke was a three-story building, huge in size, with over a hundred private rooms. Yet now it was packed—people even sat in the lobby waiting for rooms.

But this was no problem for Hu Quanyou, the power bureau chief. His driver got out, spoke to the manager, who rushed out personally, led them inside, and took them upstairs to a large private room.

The manager even had waitresses bring out several trays of fruit, sunflower seeds, and dried plum snacks, plus several crates of beer, and declared grandly that everything was on the house.

The manager dared not offend Hu Quanyou—the power bureau chief could cut electricity to the whole district. The hall's daily revenue was tens of thousands, maybe more.

The girls burst into song—the sound system was indeed excellent, or else the place wouldn't be so popular.

Su Xinghui and Yu Ruizhi drank beer. Hu Quanyou, keen to win their favor, opened a bottle and drank with them.

Watching the girls fully absorbed in singing, Su Xinghui said to Hu Quanyou, "Comrade Hu, you clearly know your way around these entertainment spots."

Hu Quanyou looked embarrassed. "Sometimes leaders or friends come to Yanzhong—I have to entertain them. That's why I've been here more often."

Su Xinghui smiled, "I've heard Yanzhong has a nickname—Northern Entertainment Capital."