However, Chen Lei did not know that. He felt that Boss Ma’s was his benefactor and that there was no way he could ever repay the kindness that Boss Ma showed him.
Most of the crowd finally scattered at around 11 pm.
Pei Qian called Chen Lei over to one side and gave him a phone number.
“When you reach Shanghai, find this person directly. He is Huang Sibo, the manager of Fei Huang Workspace. You do not need to worry about anything else there. He will arrange everything for you.”
Pei Qian had already informed Huang Sibo about this. Anyways, Huang Sibo would be in charge of Chen Lei’s food and accommodation when he reached Shanghai. Chen Lei could do anything that he wanted to. Pei Qian thought through it and felt that the most Chen Lei would be able to achieve was to sing the theme song for documentaries. There was no way he could stir up any more trouble.
Furthermore, even if Huang Sibo’s documentary was able to profit because of the theme song, the amount earned would be within Pei Qian’s calculations. Sending Chen Lei over would reduce Pei Qian’s loss as compared to if he had stayed at the fish-catching internet cafe.
“Thank you, Boss Pei, for your nurturing.
“I will forever be grateful to you and Boss Ma for recognizing my talents and supporting me. If there is a chance in the future, I will definitely repay your kindness!” Chen Lei said while holding Pei Qian’s hands. His gratitude towards them was indescribable.
“There is really no need for that.” Pei Qian’s sincerity was piercing through his eyes. It was obvious that he said those words from the bottom of his heart.
…
Back at the fish-catching internet cafe, Ma Yang was still in low-spirits. Pei Qian walked to Old Ma and said to him, “Old Ma, you should be happy for Chen Lei that he can pursue his dreams. Stop being so sad.
“Moreover, your efforts this time did not come to waste!”
The sorrow on Ma Yang’s long face faded slightly. “My efforts… did not come to waste?”
Pei Qian nodded violently. “Of course, it was not wasted! You gave me a very important inspiration!”
Ma Yang looked at Pei Qian’s expression closely and thought that he did not seem to be lying about that. He forgot about his misery momentarily and listened closely.
“Old Ma, you do not know how much potential there is in this idea of yours! It’s a pity that this is just not the right time for it.
“The patrons giving the singer gifts as he sang… this mode could definitely be popularized. However, the stage at the fish-catching internet cafe is just way too small to bring this idea into play!
“Limiting this idea to the fish-catching internet cafe would instead waste your talent and limit what you could do. Do you understand?”
Ma Yang looked absolutely confused. “So?” he asked.
Pei Qian patted his shoulders and continued, “This creative idea could be used in live-streaming platforms! In about three to six months, you would be the CEO of the fish-catching live-stream platform!
“Therefore, you must believe that your work has value. It helps Tengda in ways more than you can imagine! Please continue to accumulate your power and display your talent in more appropriate places!”
Ma Yang’s gloomy mood immediately turned for the better. His hands were shaking from the tumbling emotions inside him. “Brother Qian, I…”
Pei Qian suddenly grabbed his hands and continued saying, “Old Ma, you don’t need to say anything else. I understand you! Please continue accumulating your power. In no time, you will naturally continue to shine on a much bigger stage!”
Chapter 161 - Rekindling Old Ma’s Passion
Pei Qian heaved a sigh of relief in the car after he left the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. He was absolutely treading on thin ice.
This is so tough for me!
Pei Qian recalled the things that happened today. If he had discovered it one or two weeks later, the situation might have gone out of control. When that happened, not only would problems crop up in the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe, but the efforts spent on all the other projects would also be wasted!
“Fortunately, I have everything under control in my hands and have resolved the situation before it took a turn for the worst. Not only did I successfully console Old Ma, but I have also managed to clear out all potential risks. This is simply a perfect strategy to resolve the situation.
“I am indeed a genius!”
Pei Qian was worried that this incident would deal a terrible blow to Ma Yang such that he would not be able to recover from the setback. Therefore, he built a castle in the sky for Ma Yang at the end.
Of course, Pei Qian’s words were not entirely true. However, the ‘castle’ that he had built for Ma Yang was different from what other bosses would say.
The ‘castles’ that other bosses built were complete lies. But, Pei Qian was different. He did plan on fulfilling his promise.
Ma Yang’s actions gave Pei Qian a reminder. It made him think of the live-streaming industry.
Pei Qian was certain that in the next few years, live-streaming would quickly become a valuable investment opportunity. The war between live-stream platforms would soon erupt. People’s lifestyles would be changed dramatically.
However, who said that investment opportunities would guarantee profits?
Choosing the right investment opportunity could indeed help one build a huge business empire. However, there was an even greater chance of being burned to ashes in the battle of financial power. In the end, most people would leave the scene in dejection.
After all, other people were not blind. If one could see this investment opportunity, others could as well.
In the internet age, one’s financial power determined if he could ultimately win this investment opportunity.
Many companies burned money in terms of hundreds of millions. Pei Qian questioned himself if he was willing to burn the money. The answer in his heart was a yes. Yet, the ultimate problem was that Tengda did not have enough money for him to burn.
Whatever the case, the most important thing was that he must be able to lose money!
Pei Qian knew many classic case studies where companies consistently lost money:
The ofo yellow bikes (a bicycle-sharing service), Didi Chuxing (a ride-hailing service), Meituan Food Delivery, Panda TV (a live-stream platform), JD Logistics…
Weren’t all these great examples of losing money?
Pei Qian felt that as long as he chose one of those case studies to copy, he would be able to lose money consistently. He could then use the system’s money to fill the money hole. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Pei Qian did not do these previously as he had to meet certain criteria before he could step foot into those industries. He did not even have the money to create a shell for the projects, not to mention the operating costs.
However, during this period, Pei Qian realized that his goal was gradually moving towards losing tens of millions. Therefore, he would naturally plan his projects with the aim of reaching this targeted amount in mind.
Of course, he had to contemplate further on his detailed strategies.
After all, the system regulated that the settlement date would be postponed in the event when there were unfinished products.
If Pei Qian decided to enter a certain industry unprepared and his capital chain ruptured in the production stages, he would not be able to reach a settlement. Neither would he have enough money to continue with the production. He would then be stuck in an awkward situation.
If he could successfully lose money during these two cycles, he would choose not to enter those industries for the moment.
If he had profited again for some unknown reasons…
Boss Pei would then go down the road of no return in terms of giving money away.
Amongst the many choices, live-stream sounded like a good option. Pei Qian wanted to comfort Ma Yang after seeing how upset he was. Thus, he decided to give Ma Yang the title of the CEO of Fish-Cat
ching TV.
He could also claim that the idea for Fish-Catching TV came from the display screen that Ma Yang placed in the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
…
June 3rd…
The other two Fish-Catching Internet Cafes had opened its doors to customers. Pei Qian was there personally. He was finally assured after seeing how empty the two stores were with his own eyes.
Ma Yang and Zhang Yuan were there, too. However, Ma Yang seemed a little confused and depressed.
Pei Qian pulled Zhang Yuan over to one side secretly. “I feel like Old Ma seems to be out of sorts.”
Zhang Yuan replied truthfully, “It’s fine, Boss Pei. Brother Ma has lost his goals temporarily. That’s why he appears to be a little depressed sometimes. Yet, his appetite did not decrease at all. His meal portions have even increased.”
Pei Qian thought to himself, “This is Old Ma for you. He is very tough psychologically indeed. Even after suffering such a huge blow, his appetite was not affected at all.
“What about the flagship store? How is it going?”
Zhang Yuan replied, “Business was okay. After Chen Lei left, we found a new resident singer. There were gifts occasionally, but the number of audiences is gradually decreasing.
“We still gave the singer a commission. The revenue now is better than how it was at the start. However, to turn our losses into profits… I don’t know how long it would take to achieve that.”
Pei Qian nodded his head. He could finally put down his worries.
As long as the stores did not turn their losses into profits, everything was good.
However, how could the revenue now be better than the revenue when the store just opened? That implied that giving commissions based on the number of drinks ordered was indeed a useful operating model. It could earn him profits. Therefore, this was ultimately still a hazard.
As Pei Qian looked at the frowning and gloomy Ma Yang, he suddenly had an idea.
Was there a way that he could settle the drinks commission issue over at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe while finding something new for Ma Yang to do so he could pick himself up?
An idea flashed past in a breeze in Pei Qian’s mind.
Some of those classic case studies to lose money needed hundreds of millions to work. He could not venture into those avenues currently. However, some projects did not need a lot of starting capital to operate.
Such as… food delivery services!
Pei Qian noticed that the branch manager at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was a chef. During the selection process for the branch manager, other than the four waiters, there was also a chef who raised his hand. He became the branch manager naturally.
He happened to be suitable!
“Zhang Yuan, call the branch manager of this store over. Call Ma Yang over, too. I have a new task for you guys.”
The four people sat down at the coffee area.
Ma Yang and Zhang Yuan were already used to this while the newly-promoted branch manager-cum-chef was still not accustomed to his role change. He appeared to be a little uneasy and fidgety.
“How do I address you, branch manager?” Pei Qian asked.
He had never paid attention to the names of the few branch managers. They were just human props to him. It did not matter what their names were.
Thinking about it from another perspective, this was a good thing. If he knew the name of a human prop, that would imply that this human prop had performed remarkably at work. That was bad news to Pei Qian.
This newly-promoted branch manager-cum-chef looked like he was in his forties. He did not appear as ‘greasy’ as most middle-aged men. In fact, he had maintained a toned body and had taken good care of his appearance.
After hearing Boss Pei’s question, the branch manager hurriedly replied, “I am Lin Canrong.”
Pei Qian nodded his head. He only remembered that his surname was Lin.
“Old Ma, I heard that you seemed to have lost your goals recently. That is fine because I have a new and very important task for you! This would further expand the blueprint of our Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. It is an integral part of Tengda’s business empire strategy.
“Are you confident to take on the task?”
Pei Qian looked at Ma Yang with encouragement in his eyes.
Ma Yang was instantly energized. “Brother Qian, tell me everything! I have been worried that I could not find an avenue to showcase my talent!”
Pei Qian nodded his head. As he had expected, a simple task was enough to rekindle the fire in Ma Yang’s heart.
“We… are going to continue invading the F&B industry!”
Ma Yang, Zhang Yuan, and Lin Canrong looked at each other.
Continue invading the F&B industry?
Indeed, they had already started their conquest with the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. The Fish-Catching Internet Cafe did serve food. Its menu had western wine on one side and home-cooked meals on the other.
Chef Lin’s previous job at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was to ‘catch fish (laze around)’—oh! No. His job was to cook for the customers. However, most customers at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe did not order food. Thus, Chef Lin was mainly ‘catching fishes’ every day.
Pei Qian wanted to continue on his conquest with just that?
Chapter 162 - Food Delivery with the Best Visuals!
Everyone was puzzled, especially Lin Canrong. His gaze was filled with confusion. Others might not know about the situation at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe, but he knew that very well.
There was absolutely nothing to do there!
The number of dishes he made every day could not even add up to ten.
Thinking about it, that was normal. The Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was very stylish and classy. Who would want to order home-cooked meals there?
The beautiful lady at one table ordered a nice-looking cocktail. She enjoyed her wine while looking at the scenery outside the window. If she took a selfie then, she could flaunt it on her WeChat moments directly.
Meanwhile, the dude at the other table was munching on a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes?
That just did not make sense!
If there was really someone who ordered it, the scent of the food would permeate the entire coffee area. If looks could kill, he or she would be murdered hundreds of times by those around him or her.
Therefore, there wasn’t a single person who ordered the food initially. Chef Lin merely stood on duty in the kitchen every single day. He was terribly bored.
After some time, the situation had a turn for the better.
To ensure the welfare of the employees, Pei Qian wanted the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe to provide lunch for all of them. Hence, Chef Lin would become busy in the afternoon. However, his job was still very laid-back. That was because the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe hired two more cooks. This work intensity was like a vacation as compared to ordinary restaurants.
Therefore, up until now, the F&B sector at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was almost non-existent.
Not only was it non-profitable, but there wasn’t even much patronage. It seemed to be gradually turning into Tengda’s employees’ restaurant.
How could he continue advancing with just that? Wasn’t he afraid of losing everything that he had?
Chef Lin could not figure out how they could continue advancing.
The three pairs of eyes stared at Pei Qian and waited for his amazing opinion.
Pei Qian coughed twice and said solemnly, “As the saying goes, the desire for food and sex is part of human nature. The F&B industry is closely tied to our everyday lives. It will never become outdated. Up until now, the food at the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe has won many hearts with its nutrition value, delicious taste, and how close to home the food was.
“Therefore, we must make use of this advantage that we have further. We should allow others who do not come to the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe to enjoy our delicious food in the comfort of their own
homes!”
The passion in Ma Yang’s eyes died down gradually. He looked at Pei Qian in confusion. “Brother Qian, after all that you have said, are you intending for the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe to offer food delivery services as well?”
“Why do you have to make it sound so complicated? You can just state directly that the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe will provide delivery services in the future…”
Huh? This rascal understood my words so well. My plan is indeed to offer delivery services…
However, this was not any ordinary delivery service!
Pei Qian had a solemn expression. “Old Ma, this is not the right attitude that you should possess. For example, in terms of singing, you sound like a funeral singer while Chen Lei sounds like his voice has been kissed by god. How could you two be the same?
“As long as you took things to the extreme, anything that you do could be the start of a great industry!
“Think about it. In the future, our food delivery empire will venture out of Jingzhou City to all the big cities in the country. It will drastically change people’s lifestyles. Will this then simply be a food delivery service?
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We are now about to take our most important first step!”
After listening to Pei Qian’s speech, Ma Yang, Zhang Yuan, and Lin Canrong’s expressions experienced a rollercoaster ride. It changed from disapproval to enlightenment… to being persuaded.
Lin Canrong could not help but feel sentimental.
Indeed, this was the result of having different horizons!
Boss Pei could conjure a future business empire from a simple food delivery service. He could reflect on the drastic changes to people’s lifestyles once food delivery services become the way of life.
He truly has great foresight!
It was no wonder that he became a company president at such a young age. Lin Canrong could only remark about his talent!
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