Chapter 546 - I Predicted Boss Pei’s Next Step!
Lin Canrong obviously improved his thinking.
At first, he felt that there was no need to be jealous of each other since Ming Yun Private Kitchen and Fish-Catching Take-Out were taking two completely different routes. He felt that Ming Yun Private Kitchen and Fish-Catching Take-Out could share the Gourmet Laboratory resources.
Moreover, he only understood Boss Pei’s true meaning now… that was to let the two F&B departments work together without any distinction between them!
Lin Canrong could not help but sigh. His previous view was too narrow!
No wonder he could feel Boss Pei being unhappy every time he mentioned opening a branch.
Obviously, Boss Pei had long hinted that Fish-Catching Take-Out was a cheaper alternative to Ming Yun Private Kitchen; why bother giving up something already in one’s hands?
“Create a… cheap alternative to the nameless restaurant?”
Rui Yuchen’s expression was obviously dazed. He obviously had not considered this aspect before.
Rui Yuchen frowned after thinking about it for a while. “Brother Lin, this thinking probably would not work, right?
“The positioning of Ming Yun Private Kitchen and Fish-Catching Take-Out are too different. Can it really work if they are forced to work together?
“Would it be possible that, in the end, Fish-Catching Take-Out fails to make it and then drags the reputation of Ming Yun Private Kitchen down, resulting in the double-loss?
“Most people feel that takeaways are synonymous with junk.”
Rui Yuchen’s concerns were obviously not without reason.
Brands were a very imaginary thing. It often depended on how people were associated with them. A high-end brand could vanish in an instant if it were to make a mistake. For example, an international first-liner luxury brand suddenly found a star that was not famous to endorse their brand. Their brand image would be destroyed immediately.
The reputation of the nameless restaurant was not something established overnight.
Food delivery might have been developing rapidly recently, but most people would link them as ‘cheap’, ‘unhealthy’, etc.
The positioning of Fish-Catching Take-Out was obviously higher than the other takeaways, but for people who did not know, they would still subconsciously confuse Fish-Catching Take-Out with other takeaways.
“Wouldn’t it become a huge loss if the nameless restaurant forcefully endorsed Fish-Catching Take-Out but could not bring its name up? It was even possible to bring it down with it!”
Lin Canrong nodded. “I know, of course, there are such risks. However, these can be man-made.
“We can consider it by looking from three aspects.
“First, we have to tell all consumers frankly that it is impossible for them to enjoy food at the same level as the nameless restaurant if they were to buy Fish-Catching Take-Out. We can only guarantee that it is a cheaper version of the nameless restaurant and not let them have high expectations about it.
“Secondly, we must strictly control the content of the food.” “Not all dishes from Ming Yun Private Kitchen are suitable for Fish-Catching Take-Out. Some dishes are delicious because the ingredients are good. It isn’t as simple as just changing to another ingredient.
“Some dishes require extremely complicated and cumbersome processes. It would take several hours to prepare, which is extremely difficult for ordinary chefs to achieve.
“We must demonstrate that the dishes of Ming Yun Private Kitchen can be used for takeaway. The chefs had to be cautious about retaining the deliciousness of the food under the condition of limited ingredients and chefs.
“Finally, we have to start from zero, to let people know this brand from scratch, to break free from their original concept of Fish-Catching Take-Out.
“Many people will mistakenly think that Fish-Catching Take-Out is the same as other ordinary takeaways, but a little more expensive and a little healthier. This thinking is very difficult to reverse; we cannot insist on it.
“We’ll create a new high-end brand on top of Fish-Catching Take-Out and separate the concept of ordinary takeaways when we promote it to make a difference in all aspects.”
Rui Yuchen nodded frequently. It seemed like Lin Canrong had indeed thought of the risks in this area and made plans in advance.
“The first two points were very clear. As for the third point… what should I do to create a new high-end brand?” Rui Yuchen asked.
Lin Canrong sorted out his thoughts. “This reasoning is very simple. It’s just like a car, building a luxury series above the mass market series.
“Luxury cars do not make a lot of money; they are purely to bring sales.
“Fish-Catching Take-Out is a popular brand name that has more affinity with the mass, but it is not high-end enough. I thought of a name: ‘Food Harmony[1]’.”
Rui Yuchen: “Food Box[2]? The lunch box that was used for delivery in ancient times?”
Lin Canrong shook his head. “It is this meaning, but the word has to be changed. The last word is as in harmony.
“Actually, if you want to establish a high-end takeaway brand in China, the best way is to associate this brand with some traditional elements.
“Actually, takeaways have existed since ancient times. They used to use them for delicacies when visiting friends, participating in poetry or literary clubs.
“In other words, the food box has a long history and is full of traditional and cultural connotations. Many food boxes are even regarded as exquisite works of art which were thought of to be high-end naturally.
“My thinking for the name Food Harmony is, on the one hand, it would remind the customers of ancient food boxes. On the other hand, separating these two words would add cultural value to them.
“Food is the most important to people; gentlemen seek harmony, not uniformity. The original pictographic meaning of the word ‘harmony[3]’ is to eat. “Moreover, ancient food boxes are basically made of urban bamboo and wood. They are all taken from nature and passed on from generation to generation, revealing a concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
“This… coincides with the idea of Fish-Catching Take-Out.
“The characteristics of Fish-Catching Take-Out are that the food is healthy, the utensils are all recyclable. That also had invisible harmonious thoughts. If this thought were to be extended and raised, would that not be the meaning that Food Harmony wants to portray?”
Rui Yuchen nodded. “Indeed, we must also work hard on the packaging, right? The food should at least be delivered in special custom-made food boxes in Food Harmony, which would be clearly distinguished from other takeaways.”
Lin Canrong nodded. “You’ll be in charge of this. I’ll go back to think about which dishes are suitable for Food Harmony’s menu seriously. We cannot make haste with this matter; we have to discuss it from the long-term!”
Many details were quickly finalized between the two in the short meet-up.
June 10th, Friday… Xiao Peng let out a long sigh.
“It is done! Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 and the new chassis of ROF Computer-Installation all perfectly meet Boss Pei’s requirements!”
The first store of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 was still opened in Jingzhou, in a shopping mall near Handong University.
Xiao Peng decided on this site after taking Boss Pei’s requirements into consideration.
Boss Pei said that Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 should only be opened in Jingzhou and a place with lower economic power than Jingzhou. At the same time, there must be fewer seats, more space, more expenses involved, and in a better location.
To put it bluntly, that was to only open them in big shopping malls of second- and third-tier cities.
Xiao Peng considered it for a while and finally chose a shopping mall near Handong University. It might overlap with Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 1.0, but the model for 3.0 was more suitable for youn
g people and those with strong spending power. Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 did not have many seats so there was no problem with this location.
What’s more, it was relatively close to Tengda’s headquarters. Xiao Peng often participated in the activities in these two Internet cafes. The chances of meeting Boss Pei were greater; that was very important.
Xiao Peng was now very satisfied with the completed Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. “I should find someone to take a look to give me some feedback. Who should I get…?
“Boss Pei?
“No, it is a little too abrupt, not to mention that Boss Pei is always very busy and may not have time. I’ll get Boss Zhang to take a look.” Xiao Peng felt that Zhang Yuan seemed to be the most suitable candidate because Zhang Yuan was the person in charge of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe previously. He was still passionate about the internet cafe and was rather knowledgeable. He would be able to give him some evaluation and feasible suggestions. He was now in charge of the DGE Esports Club which should not be too busy. He should have some time to spare.
Xiao Peng gave Zhang Yuan a call, and as expected, Zhang Yuan agreed immediately. He would be there in a short while, coming from Ming Yun Villas.
Xiao Peng sat down decisively and started one round of GOG.
Zhang Yuan came to the place according to the positioning sent by Xiao Peng. He came to the fourth floor of the shopping mall and found the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe that had just been renovated.
Zhang Yuan was attracted by the signage of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe from afar.
A small line ‘live museum for esports’ was below ‘Fish-Catching Internet Cafe’!
This time, not only was the interior of the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe renovated, but the exterior of the shop was done up as well. It created a cool gaming style that gamers liked. The deep black and various colorful outlines a youthful temperament. The outer wall had even been transformed into a huge display screen.
The interior was basically decorated into an esports theme. The use of painted glass, mirror floor tiles and mirror stainless steel, principles of light reflection, and refraction and diffusion of reflection were used to create a sense of future and technology.
The seat spacing was even sparser than in Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 2.0, but it had very clear divisions.
First, as soon as someone entered the door, they would be able to see the soundproof room divided into red and blue squares in the distance. The tabletop was obviously higher which should be a special competition battle zone. There was also a foldable projection screen above.
In front of the two soundproof rooms, there was a relatively dispersed battle area. All of which were irregular pentagonal computer tables, and every table could sit exactly five.
The arrangement of these tables was staggered, neither rigid nor relaxed.
When compared to traditional row-by-row mode this distribution seemed a bit theatrical for a party or cross-talk shows.
The edge of the computer desk was recessed inwards into an arc, ensuring that everyone could turn and observe the large screen at will. This structure also ensured that there was enough space for hand movements for the right-hand mouse. The space behind each display screen could be used for placing drinks or snacks.
In the depths of the internet cafe, a few separate cubicles were in a row of five. They were scattered and rising constantly, creating a sense of step.
The highest five consecutive seats were the most glamorous, and they were in an inverted V-shape. The position on the tip was like sitting on the throne overlooking all beings.
Zhang Yuan was shocked.
He heard that Xiao Peng was preparing for Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0, but he had never seen the designs; neither did he see the renovation process.
It was the first time he was here today. There was only a feeling… that was that Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 was much better than 2.0!
Xiao Peng hurriedly stood up from the random cubicle he was playing in when he saw Zhang Yuan.
“What do you think of it, Boss Zhang?” Xiao Peng asked, rather proudly.
Zhang Yuan asked in disbelief. “Is this plan from Boss Pei?”
Xiao Peng shook his head. “No, Boss Pei did not ask too much. He only gave me a general direction. The entire plan was thought of by myself. However, the reason why I could think of this plan is that I predicted Boss Pei’s next step in advance!”
Zhang Yuan was taken aback. “Predicted Boss Pei’s next step? What next step?”
“I’ve integrated the competitive relationship between DGE Esports Club, GOG, and IOI with the general direction given by Boss Pei. His next goal is definitely esports!
“Therefore, I decided to make Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 into a live museum for esports!”
[1] The characters used are pronounced as ‘Shi He’ in Mandarin
[2] The characters used here are pronounced as ‘Shi He’ as well, similar to the phrase above.
[3] This refers to the second character in footnote 1 here
Chapter 547 - Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was Ahead of Boss Pei
Zhang Yuan was shocked. Until now, he had not even thought about trying to predict Boss Pei’s direction. Everyone had been trying hard to figure out Boss Pei’s deeper intentions and what he would do in the future. It seemed more than what most people were capable of.
“Are you confident?” Zhang Yuan asked.
After some consideration, Xiao Peng said, “Of course, I’m not a hundred percent confident, but I feel at least seventy percent confident.
“Boss Pei did not give us any clear instructions for Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0, but there are clues for us to follow in Boss Pei’s other businesses.
“There are traces of his behavior in GOG and IOI. GOG is DGE Esports Club’s main event.
“If we combine both of these two clues together, it means that Boss Pei has a plan for the esports industry. In the near future, some of his businesses might be related to it!
“What’s more, at this critical juncture, Boss Pei wants us to set up a Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. Although he didn’t give us any specific requests, the internet cafe would definitely organize a combined event with the Esports Club in the future so that both can succeed together!
“Fish-Catching Internet Cafe would provide space for esports, and esports would bring attention to Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
“The first stage of the competition between GOG and IOI has come to an end. Both are updating their content like crazy, and GOG is not at a disadvantage.
“The fact that Boss Pei wanted to create a dog-eat-dog competition means that the battle would not end just like that. After this, the real fight will begin.
“They’ve already gotten to this stage, and there are only two things that they could do now: burn money to attract large groups of gamers by running publicity offline in internet cafes and online through live streamers, or organize an esports competition. “However, it would need enough gamers to organize an esports competition. That was because gamers needed to understand the game to understand the competition. “On the whole, I think Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 should be like a living museum for esports!”
Zhang Yuan could not help but nod. “Yes, that makes sense! However, strictly speaking, this isn’t a judgment call on our part. It’s all a part of Boss Pei’s plan.”
Xiao Peng nodded. “Yes, I know. No one can think further ahead than Boss Pei. That goes without saying.
“I mean Boss Pei has only taken the first step out of the entire plan. Although he has already planned the next few steps, he has not revealed them to us.
“I guess that Boss Pei has not taken the second step. That’s why I think Fish-Catching Internet Cafe should be made into a live museum for esports and be open before Boss Pei takes that second step in his plan!”
Convinced and cheerful, Zhang Yuan nodded profusely and yelled, “Awesome!”
Xiao Peng led Zhang Yuan in. “Come, Boss
Zhang. Let me show you Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. I’m thinking of turning this place into the land for professional gamers.
“For ordinary gamers, Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 2.0 is good enough to satisfy their desires to play games together. Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 should obviously cater to the more hardcore players.
“For example, some people love GOG so much that they formed a competition team. Apart from playing individually and in pairs, they also need to compete with other teams of the same standard as them to practice before the competition.
“To them, this is a very important hobby. It’s just like square dancing was to many uncles and aunties.
“Fish-Catching 3.0 would be perfect to fill up that gap! “Come, Boss Zhang. Let me show you the whole set-up for the internet cafe.
“The seats in the internet cafe would be in groups of five. That is the maximum number of members in each team, and that would allow five friends to play together at the same time.
“Free-seating would be allowed in the hall, but as much as possible, we should allow people to sit in groups of five if they want to.
“We’ll also organize regular competitions. Then, the entire hall would become a stage for the competition, and all participants would have to form groups of five. Only those who are shortlisted by us would qualify to enter other areas.
“Those rooms by the side are individual training rooms. Only members who are ranked among the top few in the internet cafe would be allowed to use them. Moreover, they would only be allowed to use the rooms if all members of their team are here. Otherwise, they would have to wait in the lobby.
“The highest and innermost seats in the internet cafe would be left for the exclusive use of the strongest team. The team leader can sit at the highest seat, and he would represent the upper limit of the members in our internet cafe. Everyone else is to worship him.
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