Pei Qian was in the conference room, playing with his mobile phone very calmly while waiting for the club managers to return after calling.
Zhang Yuan couldn't understand Boss Pei's true thoughts as he watched from the sidelines.
He had always known that Boss Pei's attitude was 'do good things, don't ask about the future', but Zhang Yuan still had to judge the situation and observe most of the time.
It was human nature to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages.
People who did not understand that probably had been eliminated throughout the hundreds of millions of years of evolution.
Take this incident as an example: no matter how one looked at it, the advantage was with the clubs.
The domestic esports industry was immature, and the esports circle was small. The clubs dared to ask for prices because they knew that no one would take over these GOG divisions. In the end, Boss Pei would have to spend tens of millions or hundreds of millions of dollars.
The low-level spectators and professional players had no say at all, and the organizers of the event actually had no way around it.
Anyone else would have long given up when they met with such resistance.
Moreover, many reasons could be found after giving up.
For example, to develop hand-in-hand with the club and jointly grow the esports industry; to take a long-term plan and move forward slowly for the current time was yet to ripe; and to make GPL proceed as scheduled without affecting the rights of players and spectators and seek a partnership with the clubs for a win-win solution...
No one could overly criticize Tengda's behavior if Boss Pei decided to take a step back as long as these reasons were given.
No one would know the real reason anyway. It was always easy to say beautiful things.
On the contrary, they might lose their reputation if they insisted.
There are still many points from where other clubs could attack.
For example: Tengda did not take into account the overall situation and excessively squeezed the clubs on some insignificant terms, destroying the entire esports ecology, shrinking the e-sports environment, reducing the number of participating teams, postponing GPL, and affecting the interests of the audience...
Could they be certain that these audiences would always be on Boss Pei's side?
Not necessarily.
It could even be expected that many people would definitely stand on the side of the clubs, accusing Boss Pei of always making a fuss.
Some people would say that even if there was a problem with the contract between the club and the player, it would be enough to settle in court. It would not prevent them from holding the game or the audience from watching the game. Why bother with such a small issue?
If what Boss Pei wanted to do now was an easy thing to do, then the domestic esports industry should have been doing it for so long before, and the organizers should have done it a long time ago. It would not be Boss Pei to do it.
Therefore, even though Boss Pei seemed to have a tough attitude and was about to win the game, he should also be under tremendous pressure...
Zhang Yuan looked at Boss Pei, who was playing with his mobile phone leisurely, and couldn't help feeling that Boss Pei was indeed a person that was really capable of doing great things. This psychological quality was indeed strong enough.
"Boss Pei, do you need me to do anything?" Zhang Yuan asked.
Pei Qian looked at him. Zhang Yuan's expression seemed to have a little admiration, but also a little tragic... and a little inexplicable.
What was running through his brain again?!
Pei Qian hurriedly said, "No.
"Just wait for these clubs to come back, talk to our colleagues in the Legal Department, and draw up a specific contract to sign with them.
"Oh, and there is no need to make news of the clubs' transfers."
Pei Qian was afraid that the news would spread too widely and arouse a lot of attention. All kinds of unexpected people might jump out to order, then there would be huge trouble.
It was best for a small group of people to know that even if someone were to want to buy it, they could only buy two or three of them, and the rest were all Tengda's. Wouldn't that be a good thing?
Zhang Yuan was also a bit confused about Boss Pei's true intentions. However, since Boss Pei said that he didn't need to worry, he could wait and do his own stuff.
After a while, the managers of the clubs finished their calls and came back one after another.
Pei Qian found that almost everyone was back. He put his phone away and looked around at the crowd: "So how were your considerations?
"If you are willing to sell, then we will sign a contract. I absolutely guarantee that everyone can sell at their own psychological price. If you don't plan to sell, then I will assume everyone's approval of the GPL's regulations and requirements."
Manager Li, who has received the support of his boss, became more confident and nodded and said: "Sell! However, if the contract is to be signed, the SUG club will add another 1 million, which is a total of 12 million."
This was also psychological warfare.
Add one million more to the already high premium. That was not a lot, which wouldn't cause Boss Pei to flip, but it would disgust Boss Pei and give him more pressure.
That was because Manager Li knew that most other clubs would also increase the price following his lead.
That immediately raised the total price by several millions or tens of millions.
This behavior itself made others uncomfortable, but in business, verbal promises were unreliable before signing the contract in black and white. There was nothing to blame.
Manager Li thought that even if Boss Pei did not show his true feelings, he would feel a little unpleasant when he heard an extra one million, right?
If Boss Pei did not accept this, both parties can continue to delay—which was not bad.
However, Boss Pei wasn't angry at all. Instead, there was some delight in his eyes.
Great job!
Other clubs would definitely follow Manager Li's initiative to raise the price, each adding one million yuan—which would also be a lot of money!
Pei Qian almost laughed out loud. He tried to control his expression and looked at the other club managers: "Do you want to increase the price, too? What are your demands? Tell me just like Manager Li did!"
The other managers looked at each other, not knowing how to answer.
Of course, they wanted to increase the price and earn an extra million. Where could they find such a good deal?
However, everyone was afraid that Boss Pei would hold grudges against them.
Manager Su of the H4 Club coughed slightly: "Ahem, Boss Pei there is still no need to increase ours. The previous amount has reached the expected price of our club."
Manager Su immediately felt a few contemptuous glances at him after he finished speaking.
He ignored them.
The owner of the H4 club was not as tough as the owner of SUG.
Manager Su received the instruction that the H4 Club was the first club to cooperate with Boss Pei and the club that gained the most exposure out of it. Tengda's regulations were nothing more than a standard contract, which did not cross their principles. It was enough to make a little trouble, but it did not really matter to them.
There was no reason for them to follow the other clubs in making Boss Pei their enemy!
Moreover, the owner of the H4 club didn't really want to really sell the GOG division. They were the champions of the Global Invitational after all.
That 13 million might be a lot, but it was a champion team after all. If it was really sold, it wouldn't be clear whether it was a loss or a profit.
Therefore, among these managers, Manager Su was the least determined and actively rejected Mr. Pei's proposal to increase prices, not wanting to make the scene too ugly.
The atmosphere in the conference room became subtle again.
Pei Qian panicked instead.
No, please don't break the momentum caused by Manager Li!
It would have been a great thing to spend millions more. No one dared to increase the price further this way. Wouldn't I be in an awkward position?
Pei Qian waved his hand. "How can that do?! We view everyone fairly!
"I think it's not that everyone did not want to increase prices, but you are too embarrassed to speak up.
"Zhang Yuan, let's do it this way. Raise the expected price of all clubs by one million; we'll sign the contract according to this."
Zhang Yuan froze for a moment. What do you mean? Was it okay for Boss Pei to take the initiative to raise the price?
However, he saw Boss Pei's firm eyes; he couldn't ask more on such an occasion. He could only record silently.
The look of contempt that had been cast at Manager Su before disappeared.
Since all clubs had their prices raised by one million, everyone was mentally balanced, and there was no need to worry about Tengda taking revenge on them.
Boss Pei initiated it himself after all!
Pei Qian was also very happy. He smiled and asked: "Okay, now I'll assume that everyone, like the SUG club, is determined to sell the club at this price, right? If no one objects, I will get the Legal Department to prepare the contract for everyone."
Pei Qian didn't plan to ask them one by one. He tried to muddle over and assumed that everyone would sell GOG divisions by default.
The club managers looked at each other, seeing confusion in one another's faces.
Boss Pei... which side were you on?
Why did it seem like you were on our side?
Why did he seem more anxious than us and wanted us to sell the GOG division as soon as possible?
What was his intention?
Manager Su of the H4 Club suddenly felt that the situation seemed a bit wrong.
Boss Pei was too confident!
The fact that he took the initiative to raise the price of the club was too outrageous, which shows that Boss Pei must have other plans in mind!
The H4 Club didn't plan to actually sell the GOG division. They just felt that it would be profitable for them to put pressure on Tengda together with other clubs to get rid of the restrictions imposed by GPL on various clubs.
However, Boss Pei seemed to be delighted while the other clubs did not realize something was wrong!
He might not know what Boss Pei's plan was, but they would most likely lose out if they were to sell now! Most likely, Boss Pei would gobble up all the profits!
Manager Su quickly stood up seeing that Zhang Yuan was about to write down all the clubs: "Hold on!
"Boss Pei, the H4 Club does not plan to sell the GOG division anymore."
The eyes of the other club managers instantly focused on Manager Su, with thirty-percent surprise and thirty-percent anger in their eyes.
How could you betray us on the spot?
What happened to advancing and retreating together?
Manager Su was unmoved. Don't drag me down with you to die?! My boss didn't plan on selling the GOG division. How was I to survive if I sold it for him on my own terms?
Pei Qian looked at Manager Su also with thirty-percent surprise and thirty-percent anger.
What the f*ck...? Were you here to wreck everything?!
Was there anything wrong to say in private? What if the other clubs won't sell it, following your lead here?
Seeing that two or three club managers were shaken by Manager Su's statement, Pei Qian hurriedly raised his hand and said, "Be quiet, everyone!"
"It's everyone's personal choice to sell or not to sell. Don't always be influenced by others. Don't you have opinions?
"Manager Li says to sell, and you all want to sell; Manager Su says not to sell, and you don't want to sell."
"Can you be firmer?!"
"Primary school students knew that they had to keep their words, and they all know that they have no regrets. Why did the problem become so complicated with you all?"
"Manager Li is very assertive; I appreciate it very much."
"That will be all today. Everyone, wait for Zhang Yuan to contact you and sign contracts one by one."
Pei Qian felt that the wind direction changed to his disadvantage so he stopped quickly.
These clubs had to follow Manager Li, not Manager Su!
Boss Pei's remarks fitted the managers' intentions, and it so happened that Tengda needed a certain time for the contract to be drawn up. They could use this time to reconsider.
Manager Su got up directly, ignored the other managers, and left on his own.
What else could he do since everything had reached this stage?
He was not afraid of offending the other clubs.
GPL would be launched soon enough after a while. These clubs were all for profit. Who would always hold grudges?
Naturally, other club managers would not say anything on such an occasion so they left silently.
Seeing that the club managers were all gone, Pei Qian leaned on the chair and let out a sigh of impatience.
Too gritty!
They have discussed it two or three times. Why haven't these managers made up their minds?
Hurry up and sell me the GOG divisions. Wouldn't it be good for you to happily make a fortune?
Forget it, anyway, it was almost the last step. After signing the contract, Tengda would lose the money.
Good things come to those who waited!
Pei Qian stood up and instructed Zhang Yuan again before he left: "Remember, the news of the auction of these clubs' GOG divisions should only be spread in a small area. Don't make a big fanfare."
Zhang Yuan nodded in confusion: "Understood, Boss Pei."
Chapter 711: Boss Li: Buy Two Clubs First!
November 1st, Tuesday...
Zhang Yuan did not supervise the training of the players of the DGE Club today. Instead, he was busy doing things that Boss Pei tasked him to do.
The legal department was taking the time to draft out the contract, to be signed with the clubs.
There would be no retreat for either party once the contract was signed.
Tengda must give these clubs the prices they asked for; otherwise, it would be a breach of contract. Other clubs must also sell the GOG division; otherwise, it would similarly be a breach of contract.
Of course, it did not mean that they could never go back, but they would have to pay liquidated damages if they were to breach.
The liquidated damages were thirty percent of the club's intended price, which was a figure acceptable to both parties.
For example, if the intended price of a club was 10 million, then the penalty would be 3 million.
If Tengda were to breach the contract, it would pay the club 3 million; if the club defaulted and did not want to sell, it would pay Tengda 3 million.
It was just that something interesting was about to happen as the contracts were about to be signed.
Two clubs changed their minds and did not want to sign like the H4 club!
Obviously, the managers of the two clubs went back, spoke with their bosses, and felt that they didn't really want to sell the GOG division. However, the signing of the contract meant that there would be no turning back. Either selling the GOG division or pay the breach—both were painful to them.
They, therefore, secretly called Zhang Yuan and told him that they did not intend to sell anymore and fully accepted the GPL regulations.
Some clubs also came to listen to Zhang Yuan in private, wanting to know what Boss Pei's true thoughts were.
Was he really ready to give all the clubs a lot of money, or was he just bluffing and scaring the clubs into retreat?
Zhang Yuan was very tight-lipped about it.
Of course, he couldn't even if he wanted to... because he didn't know what Boss Pei was thinking!
Boss Pei's schemes were too deep.
If even Zhang Yuan himself was very confused, how could others hear accurate news from him?
Of course, some clubs—such as Manager Li's SUG Club—still decided to sign this contract.
Zhang Yuan took a look. In the end, six clubs decided to sell, including the SUG club and the EK club. These were old acquaintances.
The EK club won the runner-up previously but still wanted to sign this contract, which was unexpected to Zhang Yuan.
However, thinking from another perspective, it was precisely because the EK club took the runner-up that they were selling for the highest price at 13.5 million yuan.
A single GOG division sold at such a high price in the current domestic esports circle that was not yet mature... was very eye-catching.
The ideas of these clubs were actually very realistic: regardless of whether there was a third-party bidding or not, the price of the GOG division was already very high so they wouldn't be making a loss even if they were to sell them.
What was the big deal? They could always re-organize a new GOG division and get back into the GPL after the sale.
Wouldn't it be beautiful to make millions if they just flipped their hands?
Take the SUG Club as an example. It sold players from its own GOG division and transferred the rented training base and the GPL quota given by Tengda for free. It did not sell the SUG Club's name.
If it was the other clubs buying the GOG division of SUG, it must be a new club with SUG's original team.
SUG could always find some internet-addicted teenagers again and come back. The results would definitely plummet in the short term, but there was still a year before the World Invitational next year so there was no need to worry.
Most of these clubs even felt that Tengda would not follow through.
If no one bought it, then Tengda would only have two options: either to buy it all by themselves or to obediently pay a 30% penalty.
These clubs felt that the latter was very likely. After all, the magnitude of loss from liquidated damages was smaller.
They felt that Boss Pei might be 'bluffing' when he came out with this contract, and if they bought such 'bluffing', he would definitely make a fortune and win a big one.
Therefore, in their view, the risk was not big. However, the benefits were great, and it was worth a try.
Zhang Yuan sighed slightly. Experience told him that Boss Pei's plan was definitely not as simple as these clubs thought.
These clubs, who have been cooperating with Boss Pei before, have experienced the treatment of allies so they subconsciously underestimated the cunning of Boss Pei.
Dare to stand on the opposite side of Boss Pei now? Then, they would have to experience the treatment of the enemy.
Such a Boss Pei was not a friendly image of a 'win-win-win situation'.
Of course, Zhang Yuan knew that it was useless if he said it himself. These clubs would not listen.
Humans always felt that it's not over 'til it's over.
Zhang Yuan then quickly sorted out the information of these clubs' GOG divisions, including player information, player value, previous World Invitational results, base address, etc.—plus the club's expected quotation—and made a detailed table.
Boss Pei said that this news should only be spread within a small area.
How to define this 'small area' was a more troublesome question.
Zhang Yuan felt that it shouldn't be considered as a wide range as long as they did not deliberately buy hot searches and make the heat spread all over the internet, letting everyone know that GOG players from these clubs were on sale, right?
Since that was the case...
Then, send a notice to the various departments within the group company and tell everyone that there was no need to deliberately hype it up, so that companies closely related to Tengda would definitely get the news.
This should meet the 'small area' mentioned by Boss Pei, right?
...
Afternoon, Fu Hui Investments...
Li Shi and a group of investors each had a form in their hands, on which stated detailed information and quotations of each esports club to be transferred.
Li Shi was definitely the first to obtain such information.
Li Shi put the form on the table and said, "I sent someone to inquire about the situation. At present, this information is only circulated within Tengda and has not attracted much attention on the Internet.
"It was probably a deliberate intention by Boss Pei."
The other investors looked at each other with a puzzled look on their faces.
"Boss Li, is this unreasonable?"
"It states that there is bidding. In that case, the wider the news, the better; and the more people participating in the bidding, the better.
"For the clubs, they could transfer at high prices; for Boss Pei, it can also bring heat and attention.
"The interests of both parties in this matter should be the same?
"Why would Boss Pei just spread it in the small circle of Tengda Group?"
Li Shi chuckled: "Isn't this in line with Boss Pei's usual style? Only those who follow him the closest would be able to benefit. This is obviously a screening. All the people who follow him closely are screened out so that everyone can get the news in advance and can prepare to bid early!
"I think it's impossible to hide this. Even if Boss Pei doesn't publicize it, these clubs will definitely make noise to sell at high prices.
"However, Boss Pei's behavior is equivalent to giving us an information gap and a time gap, so that we can have more time to raise funds and prepare early. Won't we be able to pick the best club?"
The investors only understood after listening to Boss Li's analysis.
So that was why!
Knowing this information in advance might not allow them to spend less, but they could at least pick a satisfactory club in advance!
The quotations were not too different across the six clubs. For example, the EK Club wanted 13.5 million, and the SUG Club wanted 12 million. The former was the runner-up, and the latter was in the top four. It seemed like the former was more cost-effective.
Moreover, the bidding would not increase dollar by dollar. A transaction of tens of millions of dollars would start from at least one million yuan.
In other words, if Boss Li and others saw the EK club first, they could spend 13.5 million to buy it. The latecomer who wanted it would bid at 14.5 million. Compared with SUG of 12 million, it seemed very uneconomical.
This was equivalent to giving Boss Li and others a chance to strike first.
It was Boss Pei's consistent style of giving a benefit to those who followed him closely, but it did not make this bid unfair.
However, someone soon raised new questions.
"Wait a minute, Boss Li. This time, Boss Pei is going to sell the esports club!
"I heard that the domestic esports clubs are purely money-burning, and they can't make any money at all. What if you spend 10 million to buy a club without making money?
"Moreover, Boss Li, what if someone's bid increased it to 20 million or even higher? Then, we wouldn't be able to afford it.
"Yes, there is too much uncertainty."
The investors fell into a dilemma again.
If it was other projects, they would all believe in Boss Pei's commercial talents.
However, this time it was an esports club—which was notorious for not being profitable, and it was sold by other clubs.
If it could really make money and was really worth so much money, why were the other clubs transferring it?
There were many suspicious points!
Li Shi coughed slightly, "Have you found that your views are contradictory?
"While worrying about buying something that would make a loss, you also worry about others raising the price.
"If someone raises the price to 20 million, it means it is worth 20 million!
"As for the esports clubs not making money, indeed. Previously, only some esports clubs could make money.
"However, after Tengda enters the stadium, all these are likely to change. The GOG Global Invitational is so successful, and Boss Pei has more plans in the future. Boss Pei himself even runs the DGE Club...
"In the long run, this is a promising emerging industry, and Boss Pei himself has entered the market so firmly. Do you still need to worry about whether it will make a profit or not?"
Investors nodded.
Made sense!
Boss Li was the one able to understand things perfectly!
Li Shi saw that everyone had unified their opinions and suggested: "I think, based on our current funds, we can consider dividing it into two batches and buy two clubs.
"Let's pick the two that are more satisfying. Whether someone will raise the price or how much will be raised is beyond our control for the rest.
"Quietly wait for Boss Pei to make his move!"Chapter 712: Boss Li: Give Me One Too!
SUG Club.
Several club managers who had decided to sell their GOG teams were waiting for Manager Li to express his opinion.
"Manager Li, why hasn't Boss Pei announced the transfer of the GOG teams until now? There's still no news on the internet!"
"That's right. Boss Pei's behavior is a little abnormal. Although we might not be able to sell it at this price, we have to advertise and look for potential buyers, right? Or has Boss Pei decided to take over the business himself?"
"Sigh, I don't know what to hope for now. Should we hope that a lot of people would bid for it or that no one would buy it..."
The club managers could not hold it in anymore.
That was because this matter was completely out of their control!
Initially, Manager Li had already made arrangements and informed the big clubs not to take over.
Manager Li had thought that Boss Pei would publicize this matter widely in order to knock them down. Many people would have been invited to bid for it.
However, if Boss Pei had done that, he would have fallen for Manager Li's trap.
Because of Manager Li's initial operations, no matter how much Boss Pei advertised, there would not be many people bidding for it. That meant that Boss Pei would have no choice but to fork out his own money to take over the teams. At the same time, it would also mean that the GOG teams had been wrongly valued at such high prices.
If that had happened, SUG Club would have taken the money and left. Then, they would change teams and fight their way back to the GPL. They would have been able to earn a few million yuan just like that, and it would have been great.
The other clubs had had similar thoughts.
Yet, Boss Pei was not doing any publicity at all!
Why?
Manager Li tapped the table lightly and fell into deep thought.
A moment later, he said in a low voice, "I understand Boss Pei's plan. He... probably wants to 'save the market'.
"He probably saw through our thoughts.
"Think about it this way. If Boss Pei were to publicize it with great fanfare but not many people bidded for it, it would mean that GOG's teams are not worth that much money. The show would not be able to continue.
"Thus, Boss Pei decided to close the market and only publicize it within a small area. He wanted the people around him to buy a little of it so that he could save the rest for himself. That way, it would give people the illusion that they were 'in high demand'.
"To put it bluntly, it's the same tactic used by certain merchants.
"Limit stock, and sell them bit by bit. Raise the transaction price and slowly 'empty the store'.
"That way, the market would not collapse, and they would earn more money!"
The other club managers were enlightened.
So that was why!
Boss Pei had already seen that not many people would take over the business, so he planned to cover it up himself. He purposely chose not to spread the news, creating the illusion that 'ordinary people would not be able to buy it, and insiders would be fighting for it'. That maintained the high valuation of the GOG branches and GPL's entry rights.
Once Tengda bought all of them, they could sell them slowly through other methods and in a closed market. That would create scarcity and raise the price.
"What should we do then?" Someone began to panic.
If Boss Pei really succeeded, the sellers would definitely suffer losses. It would be difficult to buy their teams back.
Manager Li laughed. "What are you panicking for?! We have our ways!
"The simplest solution would be to buy fake reviewers online and publicize the news with great fanfare. They could say that the GPL is about to collapse, and several clubs are transferring their GOG teams. Due to Tengda's unfair regulations, the league cannot be held!
"We have already spoken to the other big clubs. They will definitely not take action.
"It's human nature to buy up or down. As long as the 'down' expectation is formed, other capital would observe and not buy in.
"Then, Boss Pei's method of closing the market would collapse on its own!
"After all, the prerequisite for closing the market is that one has to make small transactions. If no one wants to make transactions, why would you close the market?"
The club managers' eyes lit up. "Alright, we'll arrange for fake reviewers!"
Manager Li could not help but sneer. "Hmph, Boss Pei, that's all there is to you."
"How can you be as powerful as the rumors say you are?"
...
...
November 2nd, Wednesday...
Pei Qian woke up as usual and went to Fish-Catching Internet Cafe to have his breakfast while scrolling through his cell phone.
He actually did not care about selling the GOG teams because there was no need to.
He was just waiting for Tengda to take over after all the teams failed to be sold!
He was browsing today's news when someone suddenly called.
Pei Qian looked closely. It was Lin Chang!
Why was he calling?
Fei Huang Workspace's new movie was not even confirmed yet!
Puzzled, Pei Qian picked up the phone.
"Hello? Boss Pei, I heard that the clubs in Tengda's GPL league are now transferring their existing GOG teams and GPL spots?"
Pei Qian's mind immediately filled with question marks.
?
He quickly said, "Lin Wan told you?"
Lin Chang smiled. "There's no need for Ah Wan to tell me. It's all over the internet!"
Pei Qian's mind filled with more question marks.
He quickly gestured for the waiter to bring his laptop over. He held his cell phone as he searched for relevant information online.
In the end, the news was all over the Internet!
He did not know where it had come from, but there was even information about the prices of various clubs. A large number of netizens had been discussing it since last night!
He casually scanned through a few posts.
"Over ten million yuan? That's a lot of money!"
"Once I win the lottery, I'll definitely buy one. Pro players will play games with me!"
"EK wants to sell the runner-up? Are they crazy?"
"It looks like the news from a while ago is true. Tengda is squeezing the clubs too hard. The clubs are planning to quit together. That's why they're selling them! That means they're not playing with Tengda anymore!"
"I think Tengda is going to suffer this time. The starting price is so high – who would buy it? That's enough money to buy a small club and then some!"
"I heard that Tengda is going to back them up if they can't sell them? Is that true?"
"That can't be. Tengda doesn't have a bottom line. Do they burn money?"
The netizens were all discussing among themselves. Some were from the club while others were from Tengda.
Pei Qian felt light-headed.
Who did it?!
Who leaked the information?!
I just wanted to lose some money without making a sound, but now there's so much attention. What if someone comes to snatch the teams?!
Over the phone, Lin Chang said, "Boss Pei, did the GPL competition not go well? I saw the comments online. Those clubs don't seem to listen to you.
"Let's do this. I've discussed this with my second brother. The football club that he's raising has already spent a lot of money, and the publicity is quite good. I'll tell him to spend some spare money to buy a GPL team.
"In any case, I believe that Boss Pei would definitely be able to complete the GPL. Then, we would be able to see Shenhua's team in the competition. That would be great!"
Pei Qian's mind filled with more question marks.
Sensing that Lin Chang was about to hang up, Pei Qian quickly said, "No need! There's really no need! I have everything under control. I don't need any help!"
On the other end of the line, Lin Chang smiled. "Please, this is not considered helping. We'll buy a GPL team to advertise ourselves.
"Don't worry, Boss Pei. This is just a small sum of money. My brother's football club's transfer fee is 20 million yuan. It's quite worth it to buy a ready-made GPL team with 10 million yuan."
"That's it. I'll go to Jingzhou to drink with you someday!"
After saying that, Lin Chang hung up.
Pei Qian looked at his cell phone screen. "What the..."
He read the information online again.
Although most of the Netizens had negative outlooks of the game and felt that the GPL would be affected by the combined resistance of so many clubs, Pei Qian had a vague feeling that things would not develop as expected on the internet.
Sh*t!
There were only six teams in total. The more he sold to third parties, the less Tengda would have. That meant that he would have to spend ten million yuan less!
Without delay, he quickly called Zhang Yuan.
"Hello? Zhang Yuan, how many people have contacted you regarding the GPL teams recently?"
Zhang Yuan's surprised voice sounded from the other end of the line. "Boss Pei, there are at least ten buyers expressing their intentions to buy!"
Pei Qian's heart nearly dropped.
Ten companies?!
He had thought that two or three companies would have been good enough. Why were there so many people?!
Pei Qian quickly asked, "Who are they?"
Zhang Yuan answered, "Boss Li's Fu Hui Investments and investors want to buy two companies; Shenhua Real Estate's Boss Lin wants to buy one; that coal boss's rich second-generation heir, Xue Zhebin wants to buy one; Sun Strike Studios' Zhou Muyan wants to buy one...
"Other than that, there are also some big companies that wanted to work with us for a long time, as well as speculators who saw a business opportunity and wanted to sell the teams after the GPL quota fills..."
Pei Qian was silent.
If that was the case, there were more than ten companies!
He was just a little puzzled. Why were Xue Zhebin and Zhou Muyan getting involved?
Xue Zhebin had set up a restaurant with Boss Li, and he was a young man. It was understandable if Boss Li had tricked him into buying a club. Yet, what about Zhou Muyan?
Pei Qian said to Zhang Yuan, "Alright, find a time to arrange for everyone to bid. The sooner the better!"
Pei Qian did not dare to wait any longer. Things might change if he waited any longer.
The more people participated, the higher the price. That would be terrible!
After hanging up, Pei Qian immediately called Zhou Muyan.
He wanted to ask Zhou Muyan why he had come here to interfere!
Soon, the call went through.
"Boss Zhou, why did you come to buy an E-Sports Club for no reason?" Pei Qian was confused.
On the other end of the line, Zhou Muyan was a little stunned. "What's wrong? Can't I?"
"...Alright, but that's more than ten million yuan. It's not profitable for Sun Strike Studios to keep a club like that. What do you want?" Pei Qian was very confused.
Zhou Muyan smiled. "Oh, so Boss Pei is afraid that I've wasted money.
"You don't have to worry about that. Sun Strike Studios is a game company to begin with. Isn't it reasonable for it to raise a club to make their presence known in front of gamers, advertise themselves, and publicize their new game?
"Don't worry, Boss Pei. Our studio's income is more than enough to cover these costs."
Pei Qian: "..."
Indeed, Sun Strike Studios was a famous developer of games with paywalls. There were many games that earned more than a hundred million yuan a month. It was indeed a piece of cake for them to spend over ten million yuan on a club.
What Zhou Muyan said made sense. Pei Qian could not find a way to refute him.
"Alright." Pei Qian hung up helplessly.
Zhou Muyan looked at his phone with a confused expression.
Why did it feel like Boss Pei was not too happy about his support?
Chapter 713: Another Trick and Another Ten Million Yuan
After hanging up, Pei Qian began to worry again.
Why did the other companies that he was not familiar with want to join in as well?
Pei Qian guessed the answer very quickly.
He looked at the first few companies that entered. There were investment companies, real estate companies, second-generation heirs, and gaming companies. What's more, corporate giants like Shenhua Real Estate were among them!
What level was Shenhua Real Estate at? If Now that they were dabbling in the football league now, the transfer fee for each player would be more than twenty million yuan!
And it would be even higher in a few years.
At the beginning, the domestic soccer league was also half-dead. However, after Shenhua Real Estate and a few other large real estate companies entered the arena, they started to spend money crazily and instantly became famous. Although the clubs had been burning money the whole time, the corporations had earned big time from saving their advertising fees.
Shenhua Real Estate could buy an entire e-sports club with just one footbal player's transfer fee. What's more, they could get results directly. It was quite worth it.
Boss Pei was in charge of the GPL. If he succeeded, everyone would be happy. If he failed, they would just throw away the ten million yuan. They would not feel the pinch.
However, Shenhua Real Estate's entrance had become a windmark at once!
Previously, the television programmes had already been calling for more companies to work more with Tengda, promising that there would be no disadvantages. That was why Tengda's current actions were being watched by many large companies.
One move and they would immediately approach Tengda.
After all, Tengda had created so many business miracles and excavated so many industry trends. That was no lie.
On top of that, a famous economist had written about the 'Tengda business model'. Its appeal could not be underestimated.
Now that the GPL league slots and ready-made teams were being sold, these companies immediately felt like they had a business opportunity.
E-Sports Clubs had never made money before, but what had they been like earlier?
There were ordinary rich second-generation heirs who played games, young internet addicts who organized themselves, and those who had been developed by training workspaces... In short, there were no formidable rivals whatsoever.
Yet, what companies were bidding for GPL?
Shenhua, a local corporate giant. Shenhua Real Estate was a top player in the domestic football industry.
Although Xue Zhebin was also a rich second-generation heir, he was different from other rich second-generation heirs. His family was especially rich.
Sun Strike Studios was one of the top games studios in the country. Although it was not as famous as Tengda, it also made a lot of money.
What was this?
They were formidable rivals!
They were on a completely different level from the bosses and investors behind the previous clubs. How could they compare?
These people all felt that the GPL was promising, which meant that it was definitely profitable. Once they appeared on the scene, more capital would surely follow.
Therefore, all the companies that had been paying attention to Tengda immediately expressed their desire to bid.
They did not care about the public opinion at all.
Public opinion could be influenced and induced. What's more, how would ordinary netizens know the inside story? They were all just there to watch the show.
The ones who really decided how these companies would choose were the leading companies!
Pei Qian was instantly discouraged.
He was done for!
All those companies wanted to buy GOG's branches and join the GPL league. However, there were only six clubs prepared to sell GOG's branches. Didn't that mean that they had found third parties to buy all the teams on hand?
In other words, Tengda would not have to back the teams up or pay the penalty.
He wanted to vomit blood!
A good opportunity to burn money had been ruined by these people!
Initially, Pei Qian had been looking forward to the bidding. He had hoped that none of the GOG teams would be taken over. Then, he would happily accept them.
Now, it seemed boring.
That was because whether these GOG teams would sell or not would have nothing to do with him. Tengda could not compete with those third-party buyers.
Pei Qian sighed silently.
Forget it, I'll leave it at that. I'll just treat it as a wasted effort.
However, just as Pei Qian took two sips of coffee, his phone rang again.
He picked it up and saw that it was Zhang Yuan.
Pei Qian: "?"
He quickly answered the phone.
"Boss Pei! I just told the six clubs about the auction, and then... Ai, Boss Pei, you already guessed it, didn't you?"
Pei Qian: "?"
What do you mean?!
Can you not stop mid-sentence?!
Pei Qian was speechless. "And then...?"
Zhang Yuan said excitedly, "Then, three of the clubs decided not to sell!
Pei Qian was stunned.
Not to sell?
Can't you keep to the spirit of the contract? You said you were going to sell it. How could you change your mind?
Ai, that's not right. Didn't they already sign the contract?
Pei Qian was a little puzzled. "Didn't we already sign the agency contract? If they don't sell it, they'll have to pay the penalty fee!"
Zhang Yuan laughed. "Boss Pei, that's why you're so smart!
"Those clubs did want to sell their GOG teams at a higher price at the beginning. They planned to buy an internet cafe team at a lower price in the future to fight their way back.
"That was exactly why they signed the contract.
"However, the situation has changed completely!
"Shenhua and about ten other companies ended up bidding for the teams. Although they have not officially started bidding, the value of the teams would definitely increase by thirty to forty percent!
"That's not a good thing. Those clubs know very well that, although they could sell their teams for a high price now, a number of huge companies outside are also eyeing their GPL spots!
"Since there are already so many people fighting for GPL spots even before it's started, wouldn't there be more to fight for them in the future?
"They have figured it out. Once they sell their teams and GPL spots for about ten million yuan, it would be difficult to buy them back in the future – even if they offer thirty or forty million yuan!
"Yet, they could not just decide not to sell. They have signed the contract.
"That's why they would much rather pay two to three million yuan for breaching the contract than sell their teams! If they sold their teams, they would incur more losses in the future!
"Boss Pei, another little trick from you and we've earned another ten million yuan!"
As Pei Qian listened to Zhang Yuan's elated voice over the phone, he fell into a daze.
No, I added the penalty clause because I was planning to pay for it myself!
I wasn't trying to earn money from these clubs!
Still, it was too late to say anything now. The contracts had been signed. There was no possibility of Tengda breaching the contract now.
He could only take the ten million yuan from those three clubs tearfully!
At that moment, Pei Qian was speechless.
"Then... what about the other three clubs that insisted on selling their teams? Is SUG still selling their team?" Pei Qian asked.
Zhang Yuan: "SUG is still selling! Obviously, those three companies are being stubborn; they're still betting. They firmly believe that if they sell now, they can sell at a peak, and they'll have a chance to enter again in the future."
Pei Qian: "..."
He did not know if he should feel happy or sad.
Hearing no response from the other end of the line, Zhang Yuan asked, "Boss Pei, what about... the bidding? We were going to sell six teams, but we can only sell three now."
Pei Qian felt like he had nothing to live for. "What do you think?"
He could not think now. Since things had already come to this, he could sell whatever he wanted.
Or did Zhang Yuan have other ideas?
Zhang Yuan smiled and said, "Boss Pei, I think the same as you."
Pei Qian: "?"
The same as me? What do I think?
Zhang Yuan continued, "Did you expect that there would only be a small number of clubs left?"
"There are more than ten companies bidding now, but there are only three spots left. The buyers will definitely raise the price crazily!
"After all, none of these companies are short of money. What's more, people tend to buy things with inflated prices rather than deflated prices. The scarcer the supply , the more intense the competition!
"We'll allow them to bid for the three slots first. We still have more slots for the GPL. We'll release two or three more in the next wave so that the companies can fight somemore...
"This cycle would definitely maximize GPL's profits..."
Pei Qian shuddered in fear. "Absolutely not!"
Zhang Yuan: "?"
Just listening to Zhang Yuan's description, Pei Qian could already foresee his tragic future.
Pei Qian heaved a long sigh. "How many GPL slots do we have left?"
Zhang Yuan was stunned for a moment. "Er, Boss Pei, didn't we plan to arrange for 12 to 16 teams at first? There are a total of ten established clubs in Jingzhou. Four of them are not for sale. Of the six that we planned to sell, three are intending to back out and pay the penalty.
"Therefore, apart from the GPL slots for the three clubs that we still have to sell, we still have two to six slots. You have decided how many we can release."
Pei Qian immediately said, "Throw out the remaining six slots! Don't leave a single one!"
If he really did as Zhang Yuan said and sold them one by one, he would definitely make more profits.
He couldn't allow that!
Those companies were already eyeing the GPL spots. Since he could not persuade them all to leave the market, he could only sell them all at once, while the price of the GPL spots was not very high.
He would earn more now, but less in the future, right?
He had to choose the lesser of two evils. Since they were both profitable, he had to choose the less profitable option.
Zhang Yuan was stunned for a moment. "Sell them all? It would be difficult to expand in the future, Boss Pei.
"What's more, if we release so many slots at once, the price of each slot would definitely be lowered. It's not worth it."
The more teams there were in the league, the more tightly packed the schedule would be. Sixteen teams meant that there would probably be one or two days of rest in a week. The rest of the time could be taken up by matches.
That was an unimaginable thing for the current E-Sports scene.
Most games did not even have a league. Even if they did, there would only be five or six teams fighting.
Yet, the GPL wanted 16 teams right from the start?
Was there a need?
Zhang Yuan felt that it would be best if there were 12 teams, and if he added one every year. That would be the best way to maximize profits.
Pei Qian was determined. "Don't think about the future. Sell all the slots now!"
Zhang Yuan: "Then... what would the base price be?"
Pei Qian pondered for a moment and said, "There's no base price. They'll bid as much as they can."
Zhang Yuan was stunned. "Boss Pei, we'll have to extend the deadline then, right? After all, we did not say that we would be selling GPL slots. Now that we suddenly decided to sell it, we'll have to give everyone a few days to prepare, right?"
Pei Qian was silent.
Plans could not keep up with changes.
Initially, he had not intended to sell the GPL slots. However, since the price would increase as time went by, he decided to sell them as soon as possible. It would be best if he sold them at a low price before anyone realized how valuable they were.
That would minimize pitfalls in the future.
"Give everyone three days, then. The auction will begin in three days. The GOG teams of the three clubs and the remaining six GPL spots will be auctioned together!
"We'll take as much as we can and do nothing to raise our prices!"
Chapter 714: Boss Pei is So Ruthless
In the afternoon...
Zhang Yuan was extremely busy.
Today was November 2nd, Wednesday. Boss Pei was only giving them three days. In other words, on November 6th, a Sunday, all GPL spots would be officially sold.
Not only would they have to bid for the GOG teams and their respective slots, but they would also have to bid for the other six GPL spots.
Within those three days, he had to give the various clubs advanced notice and arrange the relevant matters. Time was tight.
However, Zhang Yuan was not the most nervous. Instead, the companies that were bidding were.
That was because Zhang Yuan only needed to arrange the schedule, while the other companies had to make a decision.
Should they buy a ready-made GOG team or just a spot?
How much should they budget?
What was the quality-price ratio of different teams?
What was the expected price?
If they didn'tnt buy it now, what if they wanted to buy it in the future?
In just three days, it would probably be very difficult to think through these questions thoroughly.
What's more, some companies had to raise funds in advance and prepare ammunition before bidding.
Thus, Zhang Yuan began to worry about the companies that were bidding.
Yet, although he was worried, he could not be muddle-headed about Boss Pei's decision.
Zhang Yuan could only tell this news to all the companies that were participating in the bidding, including the clubs that were 'selling themselves' and the companies that were preparing to bid. He wanted them to prepare in advance and make a decision as soon as possible.
As for how much money they would be able to make, who would be able to obtain the GPL slots, and whether new companies would want to enter...
These were not things that Zhang Yuan could control or speculate.
Boss Pei's plan was too deep and unpredictable.
Therefore, he just had to execute it seriously.
...
SUG Club...
Manager Li frowned as he read Zhang Yuan's new message. He was at a loss.
Boss Pei was not playing by the book again!
For the past two days, Manager Li's mood had been like a tree branch in the sea, rising and falling as he suffered.
At first, he had thought that there was nothing much to Boss Pei.
Slowly, he realized that Boss Pei had signed a contract, but thought that Boss Pei was bluffing.
Now, he realized that Boss Pei was being serious! He had prepared a backup plan!
All of Manager Li's previous judgments had been based on the assumption that if there were not enough companies, Tengda would not take over.
However, to Manager Li's horror, there were people taking over the business, and many of them at that!
The other three clubs had backed out, and now ten bidders were vying for three GOG teams.
Moreover, most of those ten buyers had powerful backgrounds!
Now, Manager Li was conflicted again.
That was because he felt that this group of big shots would definitely be able to pay an astronomical figure if ten of them were to fight for three spots.
If he could really sell his GOG team for twenty million yuan, Manager Li would probably be able to give his boss an explanation. After all, the premium was too high, and his boss would find it hard to reject it.
As for re-entering the scene in the future... that would have to wait.
Who knew how good the GPL would be? What if its popularity gradually decreased and the GPL slots became cheaper?
It was entirely possible!
Therefore, after the three clubs backed out, Manager Li consulted his boss and decided to continue selling SUG's team because it would generate more profits.
Yet, in less than half a day, there were new updates.
Boss Pei had decided to sell six GPL slots at once!
Originally, ten buyers were to fight for three GOG teams; now, the ten buyers were to fight for three GOG teams and six GPL spots. The competition was now less intense!
In other words, the GOG teams would not be able to sell for a high price!
Thus, Manager Li found himself in a dilemma, completely embarrassed.
If he sold it, it would not fetch a high price.
If he did not sell it, he would lose three to four million yuan in compensation.
No matter which one it was, it would be very difficult to answer to his boss!
He would look very stupid and incompetent, especially if he incurred losses. He would be giving Tengda money for nothing.
The bosses of the three clubs who had given up were the ones who had made the decision. Those club managers would definitely have been scolded badly when they returned. They might even have been punished.
Manager Li did not want that to happen.
He frowned and gritted his teeth. "Boss Pei is so ruthless...
"He had predicted all of the nuances in my thinking.
"He's selling all six GPL slots at once just to lower the prices of our GOG teams and take revenge on the three remaining clubs.
"Does he have to be so vengeful?"
Now, he was in a difficult position. His best bet was to raise the price as high as possible, sell it at a price that his boss would not be able to refuse, and then let his boss decide to sell it.
That way, the responsibility would be split between his boss and him, and he would not be too harshly blamed in the short term.
After all, Manager Li was just an employee. It was impossible for him to consider everything from his boss' point of view. At a time like this, he had to admit that he was not that good at his job.
In E-Sports Clubs where rich second-generation heirs played, promotions and raises depended on one's performance in front of the boss. It did not matter if one made a mistake, as long as they knew how to cover it up.
At that thought, Manager Li made up his mind.
He could only continue to stir up the public!
He had to strive to sell the GOG team at a high price to satisfy his boss. He could only think about the future.
It was also wishful thinking on Manager Li;s part. What if he sold it at a high price this time, and the GPL failed in the future, causing the quota to become increasingly worthless?
Wouldn't he have made a fortune?
He could make himself seem more important to his boss at the same time.
Manager Li guessed that the other two club managers who were planning to sell their teams also had the same thoughts.
They were all stuck between a rock and a hard place. They could only solve the problem in front of them without thinking too much about the consequences.
Manager Li quickly called the managers of the other two clubs. He tried to reason with them and appeal to their emotions. Finally, they agreed to stick together.
...
On the other side, at Fu Hui Investments...
The investors were confused after receiving Zhang Yuan's notification.
He was going to sell the remaining six GPL slots in three days?
What's more, GPL's quota might remain at 16 for the next few years?
Initially, when the investors saw Shenhua enter the market and three GOG teams remaining, they decided to focus all their funds on one team.
However, now that Boss Pei had decided to release so many GPL slots, Li Shi felt that he could buy two of them.
Yet, he was confused. Why was Boss Pei so nervous?
In three days, he was going to sell all the GPL slots for the next few years?
Selling one every year would have been the most profitable option, right?
Everyone looked at Boss Li.
At that moment, everyone needed Boss Li to interpret Boss Pei's true intentions.
Boss Li remained silent for a moment. "I think... this is a huge piece of good news that Boss Pei has given us! We have to raise more funds. Even if we sell everything we have, we have to get two GPL slots!"
The investors were confused. "Huh? Why is it another huge piece of good news?"
It seemed like anything that Boss Pei decided was a huge piece of good news to Boss Li.
Boss Pei was not giving them any preferential treatment this time. What was so good about it?
Li Shi smiled. "Think about these two statistics: six GPL slots, three days.
"Do you think Boss Pei doesn't know how to maximize profits by selling the slots one by one?
"Yet, why is he selling them all at once, and in such a hurry at that?
"I think there are at least three reasons for this!
"First of all, we have to receive the news, raise funds, and participate in the auction in three days. That is actually an invisible threshold. There will only be two types of companies left: the first would be like us – those who have obtained insider information in advance, made preparations in advance, and been following Boss Pei resolutely. The other would be like Shenhua – huge and not lacking in money. To them, price would not matter.
"This would shut out companies that only want to make a profit and run off. The remaining companies would all be capable and willing to cooperate with Boss Pei to do well in the GPL league!
"Secondly, Boss Pei is showing off.
"Throwing all the slots out at once shows Tengda's determination to make the e-sports industry huge. The more teams there are, the more intense the competition would be. Then, the audience would have the best viewing experience.
"This would be a clear signal to all participating clubs: GPL will be a large-scale and high-value formal league in the future. Everyone can invest in it without worrying, and they will definitely be able to obtain generous returns!
"At the same time, it is a form of support that Tengda offers to its partners, who will get to share in its profits.
"Think about it. If the spots for the GPL league become more and more valuable like Boss Pei expects, and they sell them all now, wouldn't we stand to gain the most as the ones who joined him the earliest?
"Even if capital inflows get larger and larger, our club would still be able to sell its slots at a high price if it cannot carry on operations anymore. No matter what, we would not lose out!
"Lastly, I think Boss Pei is trying to generate some hype.
"If he only sells three slots, he would only earn fifty to sixty million yuan at most. However, selling all of them at once would easily earn him over a hundred million yuan!
"The unit price might be low, but the total price would definitely be high!
"Fifty million yuan and over a hundred million yuan are completely different in terms of publicity. The concept of 'over a hundred million yuan' alone is enough to generate hype!
"That would attract a lot of attention and make the GPL popular even before its premiere. How much in publicity fees would that save?
"As for whether there are other reasons, I think there are.
"It's just that I'm too inexperienced to guess."
The investors were enlightened. "I understand now. Boss Pei is actually giving us profits! Does he want us to put in more effort to make the GPL bigger?"
Li Shi nodded. "Yes, that must be it!"
"Therefore, we'll follow the same strategy as before and try to buy two GPL spots! No matter what, we have to buy them first!"
The investors pondered for a while. That was true.
If the bidding was three months from now, they would still have a lot of time to think about it.
However, there were only three days left!
What was there to think about?
It was just like how some limited edition products could only be sold for three days at a time. Anyone who missed the opportunity in those three days would not have such an opportunity for years to come.
Wouldn't they have to buy the slots at all costs?