Guo Licheng shook his head. "No, Boss Pei, I only requested for the most basic features."
Pei Qian felt reassured. He then turned to look at Chang You. Chang You, you b*stard, what do you have to say for yourself?! You did not fulfill the needs of others; why were you fooling around! Why would your crime be?!
Boss Pei had yet to say anything when Guo Licheng said, "I realized that these functions are definitely not needed. However, seeing these functions by Vice-President Chang, I realize that they are essential!"
Pei Qian turned his head towards Guo Licheng. TIPI
I thought you were on my side!
Guo Licheng did not notice Boss Pei's astonishment at all but continued to speak highly of the software made by Otto Technologies.
"These functions are so perfect, so useful!
"For example, this smart training arrangement could greatly reduce the workload of the personal trainers. We only need to make adjustments to each person's physical condition!
"There is also the check-in reminder. Customers can also use this reminder to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating, and other problems when they are not in the gym!
"The fitness zone is for our clients to share fitness experience, support and help each other out... to improve each other's confidence in persevering...
"Moreover, the interface of this software is also beautiful, the layout reasonable. It is convenient and smooth to use. It has all the functions that I did not experience previously! So amazing!
"Vice-President Chang, it is really hard for me to express my gratitude in words!" Pei Qian: "..."
Seeing Guo Licheng's excited expression, Pei Qian did not know what to say for a while.
If Party A-who raised the demand-was so satisfied, then what was there to criticize Chang You for adding on additional functions...? Chang You smiled slightly, but he did not fully accept Guo Licheng's gratitude.
"Boss Guo, Otto Technologies indeed put in a lot of effort into the software development process, and I should gladly accept your gratitude. But... I think you should still be grateful to Boss Pei."
Guo Licheng was at a loss. Moreover, Pei Qian was still at a bigger loss.
Be grateful to me?
What was there to be grateful to me for?
Chang You explained. "If it weren't for Boss Pei's hint to add some thinking into developing the application and then comprehensively improve on the request, how else could we have thought of so many functions?
"The specific work was important, but it is more important to direct the work!"
Guo Licheng showed a sudden expression of realization. He was a little puzzled before and felt that the happiness was a little unreal.
In reality, he intended to find an outsourcing team to make a piece of software. Even if the outsourcing team would make the functions the best, they would often make a mess of the application, filled with bugs.
After all, the minimum requirement was fulfilled. It was enough to make it and take the money; who would be willing to make it seriously?
However, Otto Technologies did not only fulfill the requirement well but also gave him a bunch of additional functions. Not only was the interface and operation very smooth, but it was stable and bug-free. They were obviously carefully crafted!
Guo Licheng was originally thinking that, even if it was a sibling department, the profitability would not affect each other so why work so hard?
Now, everything was clear.
It must be because of Boss Pei's hint to Otto Technologies that they would do their best!
Why else would Chang You attach so much importance to this and even come all the way here to introduce the functions of the application to me? How could Boss Pei appear in the gym 'on a whim' and ask about this application?
However... there was still a point of doubt.
Why did Boss Pei ask me 'are these all your requirements?'
He understood now.
It was equivalent to Boss Pei giving Otto Technologies a set of homework and asked me about it when checking his homework.
If it was completed by Otto Technologies and Deposit Fitness, then it would mean that Vice-President Chang did not complete his homework independently and that Otto Technologies would be discounted in Boss Pei's mind...
Right now, Otto Technologies had clearly fulfilled Boss Pei's requirements perfectly! It was all right now; everything was right now! Guo Licheng hurriedly said, "Thank you, Boss Pei! The software is really useful! Boss Pei had been really thoughtful, even thought of it in advance!"
Pei Qian looked at Guo Licheng blankly and then looked at Chang You again. Are you two... scheming together? What did this have to do with me? Why are you all thanking me?
Look at the sincere gratitude in Guo Licheng's eyes and looked at Chang You's meaningful smile... the two of them seemed to be waiting for Boss Pei to say something.
The corners of Pei Qian's mouth twitched slightly. "Actually, I did not..."
Guo Licheng and Chang You replied in unison, "Understood!"
Guo Licheng said happily, "Then, I will promote this software to all the members!"
Chang You patted his butt and stood up. "Boss Pei, I have something else in the company. I will leave first. Boss Guo, feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions about the application. We'll definitely fix it as soon as possible!"
Pei Qian: "..."
Why aren't you two listening to what others are saying?!
What was this? Throw the pot onto Boss Pei first so that Boss Pei could not throw the pot onto us?
Pei Qian was very speechless. Why did he feel like his employees were all evolving into Ruan Guangjian? Pei Qian fell into confusion, seeing Guo Licheng happily going to the gym members to promote this fitness application. What should he do then?!
The app had been made and done very well; I couldn't well stop them from using, right?
However, what would happen if he did not stop such a great application and the Deposit Fitness became popular as well? At present, if it is only used by gym users, it would not matter for the time being. After all, there are not many users in the gym, but it would be very bad if it spreads like 'Top Student, Come Quick'!
Their immediate task is to quickly prevent them from promoting this software on a large scale.
How to stop it...?
Uh... they did not seem to have plans for large-scale promotion. Pei Qian found that his thoughts seemed to have entered a dead end. This application was rich in features, and there was indeed a possibility of catching on fire.
However, Otto Technologies only developed the software and did not care about operations. Guo Licheng did not seem to have such brains to help with the software promotion.
Just emphasize to Guo Licheng, tell him not to promote this software? No, that would definitely have the opposite effect...
It was possible that he did not even want to promote, but he might have instead promoted them thinking that I'm giving him a hint...
Pei Qian got into a kink in the resting area on the couch. It seemed like the best way out now was to say nothing and let Guo Licheng not realize that he should take the initiative to promote this software, but treat it as a benefit for the gym membership.
Pei Qian decided not to say anything after weighing the pros and cons.
The branches of Deposit Fitness were now losing money as they should. He must not mess with it and cause it to accidentally become popular. It would be a huge problem then.
Observe for a while before thinking of a solution if he found something wrong.
Pei Qian got up to leave. However, it was at this exact moment that his phone shook. It was a message from the Manage Loss Trainee of the DGE Esports Club:
"Boss Pei, today Boss Zhang and Coach Yaling did not prepare any strength or physical training, but an entire day of mock competition. Coach Yaling said that it was to let the players rest."
Eh?
Change of training plan? It had never happened before. However, it did not seem that dangerous as well?
Coach Yaling's fitness plan was to separate the training of each muscle. Legs today, chest tomorrow, etc., so that the muscles of each part could grow fully.
It seemed reasonable for them to rest a day or not.
As for a day of mock competition... it didn't matter. Let them continue; no one was hosting a GOG competition now anyway.
Hmm...
No, even the smallest signs could not be taken lightly! The many lessons of the past had made Pei Qian continue his vigilance when he was about to relax.
"Ask Boss Zhang unofficially if there are any special event arrangements."
The Manage Loss Trainee replied after two minutes: "Boss Zhang said that it is a secret for now. He will give me a surprise in two hours." Pei Qian: "Two hours?"
Zhang Yuan, you're great, eh. You don't even dare answer the Secret Service's question now!
Do I have to announce special powers for the Secret Service then?
And what did you mean by there would be a surprise after two hours? What the hell!
Pei Qian suddenly panicked, but there was no helping it. The Manage Loss Trainee could not do anything if Zhang Yuan did not say anything in case he was revealed.
Pei Qian gave it a thought. He should bring out the mind map immediately now to ensure that the DGE Esports Club would have any links with the other departments! Maybe he could find some clues!
Guo Licheng felt warmth in his heart seeing Chang You and Boss Pei leave separately. These two came and left like the wind. They left without saying too much after extending a helping hand.
Was this what it felt like to be in a big family?
It seemed like Deposit Fitness was like a small sapling, and these already grown departments were like towering trees-sheltering the Deposit Fitness from the wind and rain...
The prospects of Deposit Fitness suddenly became so much more optimistic with the care of Boss Pei and the help from the other departments.
The customers of Deposit Fitness were basically stabilized now.
There were more types of fitness meals; fitness became easier to stick to. Anyone who had been with Deposit Fitness had obvious results. Their physical data indicators improved visibly.
Customers could now make appointments on their mobile phones with the application, without worrying about having too many people in the gym.
It seemed as though there was only one opportunity left to show everyone the magical effects of Deposit Fitness.
Guo Licheng was not sure how long the opportunity would last, maybe for a month or
two?
However, he firmly believed that everything was in Boss Pei's plan. The opportunity would definitely come back if he waited patiently!
Pei Qian immediately took out his notebook when he was back at Fish-Catching Internet Cafe and checked the departments to which DGE Esports Club might have connections.
After intensive investigations, Pei Qian initially locked onto three suspected departments, Tengda Games, Shang Yang Games, and Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. "DGE Esports Club did not have an IOI project so Shang Yang Games' suspicion is the smallest. Tengda Games... is quite possible.
no
"Fish-Catching Internet Cafe... seems possible now, but Xiao Peng told me previously that it would only open on Wednesday. Today is only Tuesday?
"It doesn't coincide with two hours'?
"Yes, I can ask the Manage Loss Trainees of these two departments to see if there is anything worth noting." However, Pei Qian's phone received a message when he was considering which department he should ask first.
It was from Xiao Peng.
"Boss Pei! Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 will officially open today. I wonder if you might have the time to attend the opening ceremony."
Pei Qian looked at this message with a question mark floated silently above his head.
He hurriedly asked. "Isn't today Tuesday? The scheduled time was Wednesday, right?"
Xiao Peng replied very fast: "Yeah, it was originally scheduled for Wednesday. But the preparatory work went smoother than expected, and today seems to be an auspicious day to start the business so I decided to advance to today.
"Boss Pei, don't worry, everything has been arranged. We'll be able to accumulate one more day of popularity if we are to open one day earlier!" Pei Qian: "..."
Auspicious day? Feudal superstition would kill people!
Chapter 551 Putting Words into My Mouth Right in Front of Me?!
By 12.30 PM, Pei Qian had finished eating and arrived at Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's Esports Live Museum. All the way, the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
"It seems like Xiao Peng wants to be eliminated by the first-place elimination system. In the past, all the heads had caused trouble secretly, and yet he dared to inform me about it!
"That wasn't even it. He also altered the timing and just informed me two hours in advance!
"Was he afraid that I would react too quickly, and he would not be able to hit me?
"I'll make sure you win the Most Outstanding Employee Award the next time so that you can accompany Zhang Yuan! Both of you can spend the rest of your days watching young, internet addicts building muscles!"
When he arrived at the fourth story of the shopping mall, Pei Qian still hadn't calmed down.
It was mainly because he had expended a lot of effort extracting this information from the Management Trainee. After that, he had analyzed a lot based on the report and then immediately found an answer. Yet, Xiao Peng invited him in the end.
He felt like an investigator who had cracked a case. Yet, at the final step, the culprit quit the game and turned himself in to the police! Even the audience had dispersed. No one was there to listen to his final hypothesis.
Who wouldn't be infuriated?!
That was exactly how Pei Qian felt now.
However, the moment he walked through the fourth story, his fury turned into shock. Why were there so many people?!
Why were there so many people?! There was a crowd on the fourth story. Many staff wearing Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's uniforms were maintaining order. The customers with invites were allowed in, but those that had not were only allowed to remain outside.
After all, Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's capacity was limited. They could not possibly all enter at once.
Still, those standing outside did not seem to mind. Instead, they bought snacks, drinks, and ice-cream from adjacent dessert and snacks stores and ate as they chatted. It was like they were waiting for a movie to start.
Through the crowd, Xiao Peng spotted Boss Pei.
He immediately approached Boss Pei and whispered, "Boss Pei! Please, come in. Put this on."
Pei Qian: "?"
Xiao Peng shoved something into Boss Pei's hand. On closer inspection, Pei Qian realized it was a custom-made mask that had Modest's features on it.
Pei Qian: "..." What the h*ll was this?! Wasn't this supposed to be Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0's opening ceremony? Why do I have to wear a mask?!
Why have you turned this into a masked ball?!
Xiao Peng said in a low voice, "Boss Pei, I know you don't want to reveal your identity, and so I made this a themed mask event. If you want to make a speech later, you can do so. Otherwise, you don't have to."
Pei Qian immediately put the mask on and said, "I won't make a speech."
That looked like Xiao Peng was quite thoughtful. He had been afraid that Boss Pei's identity would be exposed, and so he purposely made everyone enter looking differently, with masks of different heroes.
Boss Pei's mask... had to be that of Modest.
It was no wonder that he had spent so long planning for a simple opening ceremony. "Alright, Boss Pei. Please come with me."
Xiao Peng led Boss Pei in, feeling emotional. Indeed, Boss Pei wouldn't give a speech, so that he could judge Xiao Peng's public speaking skills.
I must give a good speech, or I would be embarrassing Boss Pei.
As Pei Qian walked through the door, he saw a massive crowd. He began studying his surroundings.
His first thought was 'this is f*cking cool!'
It was Pei Qian's first time in Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. Before this, he had requested for Xiao Peng to look for an expensive, beautifully-renovated, and spacious location. Thus, Pei Qian had already mentally prepared himself for a fancy-looking internet cafe.
However, upon stepping in, Pei Qian's heart still thudded.
This was a bit too cool, wasn't it?
In addition to how crowded the place looked, Pei Qian was beginning to panic.
"Come, Boss Pei. You can sit here." Xiao Peng pointed out a seat in the first row in the resting area.
Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0's resting area was not huge, but it was not small either. There was a bar selling drinks, and there was enough space for teams to discuss their battle strategy here.
They were an hour away from the official start time of the event. Thus, the resting area was still empty.
"No, I want to sit right at the back."
Pei Qian shook his head and walked right through the seats, up the steps, and towards the corner of the last row.
When designing this rest area, they had considered that people would want to observe the competition while resting. Thus, the rows were designed to be on steps so that the last row would be elevated.
Pei Qian felt like he would be at the center of attention if he sat in the first row. It would be too dangerous. On the other hand, sitting right behind would keep him away from the spotlight, and so it would be safer.
Of course, Xiao Peng did not say much. He understood Boss Pei's mindset very well. The latter could be likened to a class monitor who could pay attention even if he was placed at the back of the class.
Xiao Peng walked towards Boss Pei, bent down, and whispered, "Alright, get some rest, Boss Pei. I'll ask the waiter to serve you a drink later. The opening ceremony will start at 1 PM sharp."
With that, Xiao Peng went about his own business.
The waiter pierced through the crowd and served drinks to the guests non-stop. Soon, he approached Pei Qian.
Pei Qian took the drink and asked a question on a whim. "You didn't serve drinks to those standing outside?" The waiter was stunned. "Boss Pei, we... were not the ones who invited the people outside. They're only here because they heard about the news. That's why we didn't prepare any drinks for them."
Pei Qian waved his hand. "Give them drinks. Give all of them drinks."
The waiter was stunned. "All of them?"
Pei Qian nodded. "Yes. No matter how many people there are out there, give them all drinks!"
Although it would not cost Pei Qian that much to distribute drinks to everyone, he figured that he could make all of them share his burdens since they were already there!
Boss Pei would never give up an opportunity to spend more money!
The waiter nodded. "Alright, I'll make arrangements at once."
Pei Qian pondered for a moment and pulled the waiter back. "Where's the nearest furniture store from here? Get someone to buy the most expensive foldable chairs! They have all made such long trips down. How could we allow them to stand? Give them seats!
"Request for delivery. The sooner they arrive, the better."
After regaining his composure, the waiter nodded profusely. "Alright, Boss Pei!"
Pei Qian had to spend the money anyway. There were so many people outside, and there was so much space. He guessed that there wouldn't be any problems with buying and setting up tens of foldable chairs.
Even if each chair cost seventy to eighty yuan, Boss Pei would at least be able to spend a few thousand yuan.
In any case, the chairs would become useless after being used just once. It'll be a waste for Pei Qian to let this opportunity slip past him.
The waiter walked briskly to Xiao Peng, leaned in, and informed him of what Boss Pei had instructed him to do.
Xiao Peng was stunned, but he nodded once he recovered. "Yes, Boss Pei has it all figured out! I'm at fault for not having expected so many visitors.
"Alright, call all the employees from internet cafes near furniture shops. Get them to settle this and send the chairs over as soon as possible!"
Pei Qian sipped his drink and observed the situation.
It was obvious that everyone attending the opening ceremony had been specially invited over. The standard to hit in order to be invited was not hard to guess either. They were probably old customers of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
The resting area slowly filled up. Obviously, the people seated there were being shown more hospitality. There was even a camera crew taking photos and videos. Three cameras seemed like such a waste.
As he sipped his cool drink, Pei Qian slowly calmed down.
"Yes, this crowd might be an illusion. Xiao Peng might have created this. Everyone came here from different parts of Jingzhou to watch the opening ceremony, only because Xiao Peng had invited them.
"Ordinarily, people who only wanted to surf the net would not bother traveling so far. What's more, the other Fish-Catching Internet Cafes were cheaper than Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. The system units were all the same. There was no special reason to come here...
"No, that seems too ridiculous..."
No matter how Pei Qian looked at the situation, he could not convince himself. All he could do was remain silent as he sipped his drink and observed the situation.
Soon, it was 1 PM.
Everyone present took their seats until the hall was almost filled. However, in the area facing the left of the sound-proof room, there were training rooms in a V-formation. None of those seats were taken.
The other people seated in the resting area like Boss Pei were obviously distinguished guests. However, all of them were wearing masks, and Pei Qian could not tell who was who.
Although people in the first row of the resting area seemed to be exchanging name cards, Pei Qian showed no interest.
At last, Xiao Peng picked up a microphone and walked to the front. Behind him was the sound-proof room, which was half-red and half-blue. The projector screen was already down, and a slideshow was displayed on it. Xiao Peng cleared his throat. Soon, everyone quieted down.
"Welcome to the opening ceremony of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's first Esports live museum, everyone. I am the CEO of Tengda Corporation's Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
"On behalf of Boss Pei of Tengda Corporation, I want to express my genuine thanks to old and new customers of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe, as well as friends of the media who have traveled all the way to be here!
"Today, at the opening ceremony, I don't just want to announce the opening of a new Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. In fact, there's a greater significance behind this event.
"Next, please allow me to give everyone some insight and predict the incoming Great Esports Ecosystem!"
There was a round of applause as Xiao Peng spoke.
Some 'distinguished guests' in the resting area began discussing in hushed tones.
"The Great Esports Ecosystem? That sounds impressive."
"Fish-Catching Internet Cafe has been ahead in this area. I guess they're going to be the next big thing in the internet cafe industry."
"It's not just Fish-Catching Internet Cafe; which of Tengda Corporation's businesses are not ahead of the game?"
"Quickly, listen closely. For all we know, this might be the next step in the plan that Boss Pei has for Tengda Corporation."
In the corner, Pei Qian's mind was filled with question marks. "???!"
The Great Esports Ecosystem?
What the h*ll was that?!
Xiao Peng, Xiao Peng... I have never told you anything like that. Don't put words into my mouth! If everyone ends up misunderstanding me, I will hold you responsible!
Xiao Peng calmly clicked his remote control and displayed the next slide in the slideshow.
"First of all, I want to make clear that everything I have to say about the Great Esports Ecosystem is my personal view on the future Esports industry and the direction that the internet cafe industry is headed in. It does not represent Tengda Corporation's stand whatsoever."
Pei Qian heaved a huge sigh. Good. I'm seated right here. Of course, Xiao Peng would not dare to put words into my mouth.
However, two minutes later, Pei Qian sensed that something was amiss.
On the surface, those words seemed to clarify what Xiao Peng was about to say. However, it sounded completely ordinary to the audience. No one took it seriously.
In fact, everyone seemed to ignore that sentence.
Two people in the first row of the resting area began whispering. "He can't expose everything. I understand, I understand."
"Yes, no one can guarantee 100% accuracy when predicting the future industry model. There's no harm in being careful.
"Still, he is the head of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe and someone who can speak directly to Boss Pei. That means at least a portion of his predictions probably came from Boss Pei. It's worth listening." Pei Qian gripped the cup in his hands a bit tighter. "What the h*li...?"
Chapter 552 May I Ask How I Should Cut My Losses if My Internet Cafe is Getting too Popular?
Although Xiao Peng had disclaimed that everything he was going to say about the 'Great Esports Ecosystem' was his personal view and not representative of Tengda Corporation's official stance, no one in the audience took him seriously.
No one had been expecting an official speech to be given at this opening ceremony. Instead, most people were just interested in listening to what Xiao Peng had to say. If it made sense, they would take it in. Otherwise, they would let it go. Nobody would take those speeches too seriously.
Many high-level company executives ran their mouths off. Those were more rampant in the mobile phone industry. Everyone had already become used to it.
If they really took Xiao Peng's word for it, they would be eaten alive.
Of course, Xiao Peng was quite serious about this.
Boss Pei had not told him those exact words. However, from the way that he was setting up businesses, it was obvious that he thought the same way!
Xiao Peng felt that he was only beautifying those concepts by wording them nicely.
"Next, I will briefly describe the Great Esports Ecosystem from three main aspects. "If one views the esports industry as a pyramid, then top-tier competitions would be its spire; various mid-tier competitions and esports clubs would be its middle; and a wholesome esports community culture would form its base.
"If any part goes missing, the esports industry would collapse.
"Obviously, the most important of those three parts is the base. That's because it forms the foundation of the esports industry and directly feeds the esports industry with outstanding new players, massive audiences and consumers, and other professionals related to the industry.
"If the esports industry develops into a huge commercial league in the future-similar to football, then the internet cafe would be akin to a bar where fans gather, as well as a stadium for children to train.
"So, Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 strives to build an esports live museum, attract the base-level esports talents in the region, and deliver fresh blood to the esports industry. "At the same time, it would provide a place for young people who love esports to gather together because of their common interest. This community would become a social platform and even a part of their lives!"
As Xiao Peng spoke on stage, everyone in the audience nodded. Obviously, everyone was buying into Xiao Peng's fancy speech.
On the other hand, Pei Qian could hardly stop himself from raising his arms and shouting, "Don't believe him, everyone! He's trying to bluff you!"
Xiao Peng clicked his remote control again, moving onto the next slide in his slideshow. "Next, I want to show everyone the hard work that Fish-Catching Internet Cafe has put into welcoming the Great Esports Ecosystem. "In all Fish-Catching Internet Cafe branches, gamers would be able to try a portion of the skins in GOG and IOI for free. What's more, they would enjoy discounts on their per-hour charges based on the length of time they spend in those games.
"Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0, in particular, would host regular competitions in GOG to encourage gamers to form teams of five and play the game. The competitions would be live-streamed in the internet cafe. At the same time, the winning teams will own their own training room in the internet cafe.
"The strongest of all teams will get to train in the highest seats in the internet cafe. They would represent the highest standards in the GOG arena, which is a great honor!"
Xiao Peng lifted his finger and pointed to the five highest and connected seats, which were arranged in a V-formation. At once, everyone gasped in amazement.
Obviously, the majority were imagining how awesome it would feel sitting in those seats. However, some people scoffed as well.
Xiao Peng was being too optimistic.
At the moment, esports was still relatively niche in China and around the world. Although there were many internet cafes at the moment and one could say that they were still looking everywhere, few people followed esports competitions.
What's more, almost all the esports Competitions were hosted in first-tier cities like Shanghai or Beijing, and gamers were only familiar with the few competitors who were ranked among the top few.
Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was hoping to make esports as huge as football? Were they even hoping to create a wholesome esports environment in second- and third-tier cities?
It seemed like a foolish dream.
Without sufficient players to support this so-called 'esports live museum', no one would watch any of the competitions. The beautiful dreams would fall to naught, and Fish-Catching Internet Cafe would ultimately be reduced to an ordinary and slightly-more-expensive internet cafe in the end.
Xiao Peng smiled as if he had expected everyone to react in this manner.
Fortunately, he had a back-up plan!
"I know that most people seated here have not watched large-scale competitions and cannot understand how people can appreciate or get so excited over esports competitions. Next, I would like everyone to enjoy a game between top GOG teams.
"Together, let's experience the esports live museum, that is Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. We'll experience what kind of change this internet cafe would bring to our lives!"
Once Xiao Peng finished speaking, the team members of DGE E-Sports Club walked up the stage from the sides. One by one, they entered the sound-proof room.
Zhang Yuan walked up to Xiao Peng and picked up a microphone. He looked like he planned to narrate the game. The screen no longer displayed the slideshow. Instead, it displayed the game, which was about to begin.
Whispers could be heard off-stage.
"There's a show!"
"Where did they find these teams from?"
"They don't look like professionals. They all look a bit too handsome."
"They're going to play a game of GOG right now?"
"Ai, did they even mention IOI? It seems like the competitions in this internet cafe would only be in GOG."
"It doesn't matter. I don't think many people are playing IOI now anyway."
At the same time, a lot of noise could be heard coming from outside.
"Please excuse me, everyone! Excuse me! Set up the chairs here!"
The foldable chairs had arrived.
The audience outside, who had been watching the big screen, looked pleasantly surprised as they took their seats.
Inside the hall, many people had already switched on their computers, entered GOG, and began playing
When writing the invitation, Xiao Peng had deliberately chosen the old players of GOG. Otherwise, the people on-stage and off-stage would be playing different games, and it would be an utter mess.
Even if he were to allow people to play games, he wanted as many people as possible to be playing GOG. That would make the video look neater.
However, those people were obviously uninterested in the upcoming GOG competition. Instead, they much preferred playing the game by themselves and seeing the legendary RGB lighting effects. The young internet addicts of DGE Esports Club had already been training their bodies for a certain period. However, they only managed to normalize their once-abnormal posture. In T-shirts and jeans, their muscles did not look obvious.
They were not as eye-catching as a group of fitness trainers. The audience only felt that those men looked too healthy to be esports professionals. Their impression of esports professionals was skinny or obese individuals with particularly-active fingers.
In short, everyone in the internet cafe switched on their computers and started playing while everyone outside the internet cafe played by ear. They were prepared to leave if the competition was not exciting.
As for Pei Qian... he had no idea how to describe how he was feeling.
The opening ceremony was going completely differently from what he had expected! Shouldn't ordinary opening ceremonies start with the leader giving a speech and cutting a ribbon, before everyone ate, drank, and played merrily?
How did Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 manage to give a live demonstration of its future competitions? In fact, the two teams on-stage were battling intently in the ranked mode!
It was no wonder that Zhang Yuan and Coach Yaling had not scheduled any training for all of them—they wanted the team to rest up to put on a good show!
Soon, the competition began on the big screen.
It was the best of five—the same as what the two teams from DGE Esports Club was used to for training
The system units off-stage were lighting up in all sorts of colors, catching the audience's eye.
"Is that the first kill?" "Eh, the lighting effect is different! Interesting!"
"The lighting effect for becoming legendary seems to be quite long."
"D*mn, this is too cool!"
The gamers in the hall immediately noticed how amazing the system units were. There were special RGB lighting effects that flashed along with developments in the game!
Actually, that was not hard to do. The question was who was meant to see those effects.
If one was at home, no matter how much the system unit flashed, only they would be able to see it. Soon, it would become boring. What initially seemed exciting would be reduced to pure light pollution.
However, things would be different if one was in an internet cafe!
That was because internet cafes were noisy and lively to begin with. What's more, everyone was playing GOG. Having the system unit flash would be akin to showing off in front of everyone else. In fact, it would be hard not to get other people's attention.
Even for the many others looking through the door, seeing the RGB lighting effects inside the internet cafe made them itch to try out a system unit themselves.
The gamers inside the internet cafe felt like they had some sort of buff thanks to the RGB lighting effects. They were filled with renewed motivation, which only intensified as they continued playing. They wanted to fight for as many kills and continuous kills as possible, just so that their system units would light up and others would pay attention to them.
If a beautiful lady just so happened to be sitting next to them... then things could develop out of their control.
Many of those people also came in groups. At the start, everyone was focusing on their own game, and no one was paying attention to the competition on the big screen. However, soon, the situation started to change.
"They're already trying to trap others at their first level?"
"It's obvious that he's a professional from his positioning!"
"The other party was prepared and didn't fall for it."
"Holy sh*t, look! That Ruan's movement is so impressive! How awesome!"
"All of them are very skilled and fast. They're no ordinary team for sure. I think they must be Great Masters at least!"
"That's impossible. I'm a Great Master myself. Even Great Masters would not be able to play like that."
Soon, more and more people were discussing the competition. Many gamers had originally intended to focus on their own games. However, they became distracted by the applause and cheers around them and ended looking up from time to time.
In the end, after seeing how exciting the big screen was, they became completely immersed. By the time they turned back to their own screens, all they saw was black and white and their teammates typing question marks at their corpses.
By the end of the first round of the competition, close to sixty percent of the people in the hall were gaming.
By the end of the second round, close to twenty percent were gaming.
By the time the third round started, no one in the hall was gaming anymore. Everyone was sipping their drinks and looking intently at the big screen. Every time something exciting happened, they would instinctively shout or cheer.
During the breaks, everyone would discuss the game, wishing for a replay of the most exciting moves in the competition.
The three cameras in the internet cafe recorded all the audience's reactions down. The atmosphere there was extremely lively.
Even the crowd outside was getting bigger!
At first, only people who had heard that Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 was opening today came to stand outside. All of those people were already seated on the folded chairs at the entrance of the internet cafe.
However, slowly, more people were drawn over from the shopping mall. As they asked around about what was happening, they whipped out their cell phones and recorded the scene.
Those who had just been curious slowly dispersed, but a significant number of GOG players remained behind. More and more people were gathered outside the internet cafe.
Pei Qian, who was seated at the innermost portion at the resting area, quietly retrieved his cell phone and opened Qiandu.
My newly-opened internet cafe seems to be getting too popular. How should I cut my losses? I'm waiting online because this is urgent!
Chapter 553 Mr. Ma who did not Want to be Named
Sure enough, Qiandu once again lived up to expectations and found a set of spam pages that had nothing to do with that problem.
Pei Qian sighed silently. He would just admit it if it was a bunch of advertisements. Sponsored partnerships were sponsored partnerships after all, but what the hell were they thinking with these rubbish garbage and advertisements with no link?
Of course, he could not just blame Qiandu. After all, there was a saying that the other search engines were ten times worse.
Pei Qian subconsciously wanted to ask for help from the almighty Bihu, but he realized that Bihu would only be opened to the public only two years later.
Moreover, even if he could bring his own problem to Bihu, he probably could not get the answer that he wanted.
He could only sigh silently and be the only transparent person in the audience.
The two teams did all they could on the projection screen, various personal operations, team battles, showed their tricks... the gameplay was simply brilliant.
Pei Qian looked at it seriously and found it to be actually rather interesting...
"There is no reason for there to be so many program effects, right? One game could have two or three twists?"
"Yes, I understand now. Most of them are set by Zhang Yuan, so that they would not be too one-sided. They tried to do some back and forth. After all, it is an exhibition match; there has to be an entertainment effect."
"Seeing these people gnashing their teeth in a team fight, they are all geniuses in their own rights."
"This Zhang Yuan, how can you ignore the competitive spirit?! I have to criticize him!"
The enthusiasm on the scene was getting higher, and every wonderful team fight at the end would attract an exclamation from the audiences inside and outside the Internet cafe. They were getting even more heated up than football fans in the internet cafe.
After more than three hours, the exhibition match was finally over. There were five games in total. It did not matter who won in the end since the audiences did not know who these players were anyway. It was good enough for it to look good.
At the end of the game, ten members came to the front desk under the leadership of Xiao Peng. The winning side had a face full of happiness while the losing side looked very downcast. The difference in their expressions was very stark.
The people in the audience continued to be surprised. "Eh, isn't this just an exhibition match? Everyone seems to be rather serious." "I can feel both sides going all out. There were basically no low-level mistakes. Otherwise, it would not be possible for them to play so well."
"These players are rather good-looking; where did Fish-Catching Internet Cafe find them? Could it be possible to find high-end passers-by from the Honor of Kings and then be screened again based on their physique? Did they reject those not in good shape?".
"How can it be possible? I feel that they are cooperating very well; it doesn't feel like a team formed at the get-go."
Some audience could not wait to enter into the game to play some good heroes after the exhibition match was over. They wanted to reproduce the good operations they saw in the exhibition match.
The other audiences continued to pay attention to these ten players.
These ten people had completely conquered the audiences with their performance which deserved applause.
The victorious five were enjoying the moment under the spotlight. The five on the losing end, however, were all downcast, but it was not only because of losing. The only thing that filled their brains now was that they had to continue practicing tomorrow!
Xiao Peng came to the front desk. "Next, please welcome Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's previous CEO, the current Manager of DGE Esports Club, Manager Zhang to introduce the strong collaboration between DGE Esports Club and Fish-Catching Internet Cafe!"
Many people did not know Zhang Yuan, but everyone started to connect the dots when they heard the title of the previous CEO of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
What would that imply?
The DGE Esports Club was now the upstream of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe, and that's why the original CEO was responsible?
Why else would the in-charge of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe become the manager of the Esports Club?
Was that hinting at Tengda's esports industry plan? Zhang Yuan smiled slightly. "Our DGE Esports Club is a club that uses professional training. All the players were high on ranking and had undergone strict training after joining the club..."
"As for the results of the training... please turn your attention to the big screen."
Zhang Yuan briefly introduced DGE Esports Club's training mode, especially emphasizing that the players had to undergo physical fitness training every day. It also showed the body changes of the players taken by Coach Yaling, demonstrating the difference between the DGE Esports Club and the other esports club.
Pei Qian's heart nearly dropped.
Comparison of their body's changes?
Wasn't that the pictures I asked Coach Yaling to take every day to monitor the training by the players?!
The before and after photos showed the huge difference in the players' figures on the big screen. The contrast was extremely obvious.
The figures of the players of the club were not as perfect as those of the personal trainers, but they were very slim and healthy. The results were simply remarkable compared with the previous appearance.
The audience was shocked once again.
"Is this really a group of internet-addicted teenagers? Were they really forced to become like this?"
"Sh*t, the improvements from the photos are too obvious. Are these people the same people as before?"
"I suggest that they debut immediately!" "Which gym is so good? I want to go there and try it out!"
"Didn't they tell you already? It is the Deposit Fitness that Tengda opened recently! There are quite a several branches in Jingzhou now!" "The effect is too obvious! I want to try, too!" The gaming media also began to greet each other. Their cameras flashed into a scene of white. Obviously, the transformation of these internet-addicted teenagers would make good news material.
Pei Qian, on the other hand, was in the resting area, silently crumpling the empty drink cup in his hand.
Play the exhibition match if you will; who asked you to promote Deposit Fitness?!
Aren't you just messing with me?!
How the f*ck would a group of internet-addicted teenagers know about fitness! Don't believe them!
However, Pei Qian had nothing to say seeing so many people take their phones out to take photos. No choice, the difference in the photos were too stark!
Zhang Yuan, who was on the stage could feel the difference between the before and after very clearly.
The audience responded with mediocrity when he said that these players underwent physical fitness training every day. However, the audience immediately raised their numerous cell phones, and wild flashes from the media reporters also began to shine widely when he showed the comparison of the players' physical fitness on the screen.
Obviously, a picture was worth a thousand words!
Zhang Yuan could not help but sigh. Boss Pei was indeed far-sighted. Zhang Yuan was still wondering why it was necessary for Boss Pei to ask Coach Yaling to take photos of these players wearing tight training uniforms every day.
Now, it appeared to be killing two birds with a stone. They had an immediate effect on the brand of both DGE Esports Club, and Deposit Fitness!
That was simply the transformation of internet-addicted teenagers. The impact of the before and after comparisons were simply too great!
"In short, Fish-Catching Internet Cafe would work hard to create Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 in the future and bring Live E-Sports Museum in every city across the country. "Teams or individuals who performed well, be it in a team or individually, would have a chance to compete with DGE Esports Club or even be selected to enter DGE E-Sports Club and become a professional player! "The highest glory in GOG esports in the entire Jingzhou, China, and even the world is waiting for you!"
Zhang Yuan's speech was the last link of the entire news conference.
The linked recommendation of Great Esports Ecosystem, high-quality exhibition match, DGE Esports Club and Deposit Fitness...
There might not be many segments in the opening ceremony of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe, but every segment was filled with topics, and the content was rich enough to attract the attention of others.
Pei Qian was silent, seeing Xiao Peng and members of the Esports Club being surrounded by the media and enthusiastic customers.
Illusions, these are all illusions!
The popularity would naturally dissipate after two days!
Pei Qian was now very lost; he really wanted to go back to sleep it all away.
However, as soon as he walked to the door, a young man who looked like a reporter from the gaming industry went up to him. Obviously, it was because there were too many reporters around and he could not get in at all. He, therefore, decided to change his approach to interview customers on-site first.
Moreover, Pei Qian was one of the few trying to get out instead of in. "Hello, I'm a journalist from Amusement Times. Can I take up a bit of your valuable time to interview you?"
Pei Qian looked at the crowd outside moving like a tide and then into the sincere eyes of this reporter. He could only nod silently.
"How should I address you?" The journalist asked.
"I'm Mr. Ma," Pei Qian replied out of habit.
The journalist nodded. "Alright, Mr. Ma, do you agree with Boss Xiao's description of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe and about the Great Esports Ecosystem?"
Pei Qian shook his head immediately. "I don't agree with it."
The journalist pushed on. "But the facts have proven that Boss Pei has achieved success in many industries, which is enough to show his excellent far-sighted vision."
Pei Qian was speechless. "But I don't think this was Boss Pei's idea."
The journalist recorded it down quickly and changed the subject. "So do you think that this will have an important impact on your future life and become part of your life?"
Pei Qian laughed bitterly. "...it has already made an 'important' impact on my life."
Journalist: "What do you feel about the magical effect of Deposit Fitness?".
The corners of Pei Qian's mouth twitched. "I hope it is not overly glorified."The journalist nodded. "Alright, thank you very much for your cooperation!"
However, he just turned his head and saw a waiter running over to stop the 'Mr. Ma who did not want to be named that he just interviewed.
"Boss Pei, there is still..." He had yet to finish when 'Mr. Ma who did not want to be named' waved his hand and disappeared into the crowd.
The journalist quickly took out his cell phone while still in surprise. He only managed to take an image of his back.
"The person with the Modest mask was Boss Pei? Boss Pei was actually here throughout?"
The journalist was caught by surprise. He randomly caught a passerby to interview while everyone was wearing a mask and so happened to hit the jackpot?
He thought back to the questions that he asked and it seemed like the answers from 'Mr. Ma who did not want to be named' gave some whole new meaning...
"This will definitely become explosive news!"
Chapter 554 There was no Wind, Rain, or Sunshine even if He Looked Back at the Bleak Place
June 15th, Wednesday...
At around eleven in the morning, Pei Qian sat up from his bed, scratching his bed hair that was like a bird's nest now.
After stoning for half an hour, Pei Qian decided to get up and wash up. He then looked at the impact of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0's opening ceremony which was also the opening of the Live Esports Museum.
His mind replayed the nightmare yesterday as he brushed his teeth.
"Otto Technologies made this very feature-rich software for Deposit Fitness.
"Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 is made into a Live Esports Museum. It is very cool; even the lights on the computer were awesome.
"Xiao Peng threw an awesome concept about 'Great Esports Ecosystem', which binds gaming, esports, and the internet cafe together.
"DGE Esports Club did an exhibition match which verified Xiao Peng's concept of Great Esports Ecosystem and also promoted the Deposit Fitness.
"The last scene I had in my mind is of many media gathering around and interviewing Xiao Peng and the people in the club. "Ah, what a nightmare!" Pei Qian carefully recalled how the twists and turns of events yesterday during the press conference of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe became bad luck!
Pei Qian was also mentally prepared for the current situation after washing up.
This first Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 was probably going to become popular based on the existing information. Becoming popular as soon as it opened was setting the worst record since the establishment of the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
However, that was not a serious problem. Pei Qian already knew that Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was a high-risk industry when he opened it. Not to mention, many loyal users of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe were in Jingzhou so Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 would probably make it anyway. In addition, internet cafes were inherently expensive investments with slow returns. Even if they could start earning money from the get-go, it would take a long time to recover the huge investment in the early stages, including renovation cost and peripheral costs.
However, what Pei Qian could not accept was that Xiao Peng made such a big scene by directly promoting an esports club and Deposit Fitness!
Pei Qian would feel unacceptable if these two were to suddenly become profitable.
Therefore, Pei Qian opened his laptop on the sofa after he was mentally prepared. He intended to read related reports to confirm whether the esports club and Deposit Fitness were still safe.
Pei Qian found some reports after searching about DGE Esports Club and Deposit Fitness separately. "DGE Esports Club's work-life balance exposed; how to develop an esports god!" "Shocking! The Before and After Photos of DGE Esports Club Players; who underwent the greatest change?"
"In-depth interpretation of the new model of 'Deposit Fitness'; could this be a grand plan under Tengda?"
Pei Qian felt relieved after reading several reports. It seemed that the DGE Esports Club aroused heated discussions and gained some attention, but there was no risk of profits.
The situation with Deposit Fitness was bad; many reports advertised new models. However, judging from the evaluation below, many consumers were still skeptical about it. The prices and bundled fitness meals were unacceptable to many people after all.
In short, the popularity did greatly increase, and it would inevitably be converted into a part of profits. However, it seemed too early to say that it would overturn the losses.
Pei Qian heaved a sigh of relief. Things had yet to become so bad in just one day. It had just budded.
Pei Qian began searching for reports on the opening ceremony of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0. However, the first thing that he saw was a piece of news from Amusement Times.
The title was "Exclusive news! Boss Pei of Tengda Corporation appeared at the Live Esports Museum and made such an interpretation..."
Pei Qian: "?"
What the hell? Did that journalist realize who I really was? Wasn't I 'Mr. Ma who did not want to be named'?
And what the hell was with this shocking news title?!
Thinking back to the unpleasant experiences in the previous interviews, Pei Qian naturally developed an instinct of crisis and hurriedly clicked it to view it. He really had to say that title sensationalism was rather useful.
Boss Pei was tricked into entering without any resistance.
"At one in the afternoon on June 14th, the opening ceremony of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0, the first Live Esports Museum under Tengda Corporation was held on the fourth floor of the South District of Hongde Mall near Handong University..."
There was nothing much to say about the front, it was mainly to introduce the situation of the event and some photos of the scene.
Pei Qian quickly skipped them and came to the most critical part at the back.
"What was not known was that Boss Pei of Tengda Corporation was also there on the day of opening. However, he had a mask on, was very low profile, and had no speech. He only watched silently from the beginning to the end of the ceremony.
"Luckily, the journalist at the scene interviewed a Mr. Ma who was unwilling to reveal his full name. The waiter confirmed afterward that this low-profile, handsome young man was indeed Boss Pei of Tengda Corporation!"
Pei Qian did his best to control the corners of his mouth, not to let an obvious smile show.
This journalist might have created a title sensation, but the key was in the report. It was still rather justified!
"He might have called himself 'Mr. Ma', but Boss Pei still gave an in-depth answer to the questions raised by the journalist. Now, let me bring you the firsthand information at the event!"
"When answering about 'Great Esports Ecosystem', Boss Pei said that he did not fully agree with Boss Xiao's concept. Obviously, the real Great Esports Ecosystem in Boss Pei's plan is more complicated. Boss Xiao's blueprint was just the tip of the iceberg of Tengda Corporation's vision.
"In response to whether 'esports will affect life' or not, Boss Pei said that the e-sports industry has a very profound impact on his life, which implies that he firmly believes that, in the future, e-sports, like traditional sports, would become an indispensable part of people's lives, just like the tremendous changes that Tengda brought to Jingzhou and how they affected all aspects of people's lives.
"In replying 'how you view the magical effect of Deposit Fitness', Boss Pei only smiled faintly and said it is not overly glorified."
Pei Qian was stunned.
What the hell was 'smiled faintly'?
Thinking back carefully, the corners of his mouth did subconsciously twitch. Therefore... did this Mr. Journalist actually know how to distinguish the difference between a helpless smile and a confident smile?
"Obviously, Boss Pei had always been worried about the exaggeration by the media promoting the effects of fitness, which would constitute a substantial misleading effect on consumers. Tengda had always treated people with sincerity and never engaged in any false propaganda.
"At the same time, Boss Pei was also telling consumers that fitness requires perseverance. No gym in the world can give you a perfect body. In the end, you still have to rely on yourself.
"I have to say that Boss Pei's Deposit Fitness advocates a healthy and scientific view of fitness.
"However, we must also note that the magical effect from the Deposit Fitness is immediate. Boss Pei's words have the wise mentality of 'under-promising'. "The journalist had a lot more questions to ask, but Boss Pei had already turned around and disappeared into the crowd."
"[Image]"
The picture might be taken with a mobile phone, but the photo quality was not bad; the focus was clear. It was a photo taken by a professional journalist.
The Live Esports Museum of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe was crowded. They were all enthusiastic spectators who had just watched their game and were full of excitement. Their expressions were different, some were eager, some excited, some with expectation...
A figure back-facing the crowd was among the countless people facing the camera. It was so eye-catching.
"Boss Pei's back scene reminded me of a poem: leave after things are done without revealing yourself.
"Boss Pei came to the event on the occasion of the opening ceremony of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 and Live Esports Museum to witness the beginning of the 'esports era' in a low-key manner. He walked away silently, without leaving any trace.
"Perhaps after many years, Boss Pei would look back at his huge esports empire and remember that it all started in a small internet cafe with two wonderful teams and their exhibition match.
"Boss Pei watched all of these silently, leaving all the scenery and applause in the center of the stage... leaving it to others while he himself retired to return to the masses.
"Moreover, is this back image not a good portrayal of Boss Pei and his style since he started on his entrepreneurial route? Humble, low profile, with little sense of existence; but having a subtle influence on all aspects of Tengda Corporation.
"It can be said that 'there was no wind, rain, or sunshine even if he looked back at the bleak place'!"
Pei Qian felt very complicated after he read the entire report.
What the h*ll was this?! A manuscript combined with several styles?
The title was obviously shocking.
Looking at the beginning, it seemed to be a chronological record.
In the last part, it suddenly turned into awkward poems which became lyrical!
"How can this journalist write this?! Other than the part about being 'low-profile and handsome young man', everything else is simply nonsense!
"Especially the last paragraph, it is even worse than making profits! Who will believe such a nonsense report? Don't make this kind of joke."
Pei Qian silently opened the comments section.
However, they were all praises, and the popularity was a lot higher than he thought!
"It seems to be true! Boss Xiao admitted later on saying that Boss Pei was indeed present!" "These shouldn't be Boss Pei's original words, right?"
"It must have been processed, but it should be pretty much the same."
"It's really written very well, especially the poetry, and this photo perfectly fit Boss Pei's temperament!"
"What is going on with this popularity, especially with the phrase of 'looking back at his huge gaming empire'? How domineering! It made me think so much!"
"I've set this photo as my wallpaper! To serve as a constant reminder to myself to be like Boss Pei!"
Pei Qian silently scratched his head and fell silent looking at the messages below. Many question marks appeared on his head at the same time.
It had been artistically processed, but it should be pretty much the same?
Very popular?
Set it as wallpaper?
Was something... wrong with this world?