Chapter 20: The Little Devils Come Knocking

Lin Feng's expression changed as he carefully examined the notice. The notice from "Tianwen Literature City" required a 50 yuan public security management fee for each computer. With Lin Feng's current 195 computers, he would have to pay an additional 9,750 yuan per month, even if they were not turned on. This was just the current situation; if he added more computers in the future, the expenses would increase even more.

Lin Feng frowned. This was clearly a form of "extortion," just with a more pleasant name—public security management fee.

"May I ask for your name, sir?" Lin Feng quickly took a few packs of "Furongwang" cigarettes from the counter and handed them to the police officers. These were 48 yuan per pack, and although Lin Feng felt the pain, it was necessary to get rid of these "little devils."

"You can call me Officer Zhang!" The leader casually put the cigarettes in his pocket.

Damn! How natural. — Lin Feng cursed inwardly.

"Officer Zhang, as you can see, our internet cafe has always had good public security because we hired security guards. So... this public security management fee is not necessary, right?" Lin Feng's voice grew weaker as he spoke, fearing that he might anger these troublemakers and bring unnecessary trouble to the internet city.

"Ha ha, Mr. Lin, we are also thinking about the security and prosperity of the Lantian Special Zone. If our security is good, do you really need security guards? You can save a considerable amount of money each month." Officer Zhang did not get angry but instead laughed.

Save money? I think it will only add a huge expense. And if I fire the security guards, who will I turn to if something happens? You guys? By the time you arrive, who knows where the troublemakers will be. — Although Lin Feng was angry, he could only force a smile.

"Alright, Mr. Lin, we are just here to deliver the notice. Of course, this is just an intention. You don't have to pay, but if something happens, don't say we didn't warn you." The last sentence had a threatening tone.

"Of course, of course." After sending off Officer Zhang and the others, Lin Feng fell into deep thought.

Should I pay this money or not? This is a huge expense, and once I start paying this month, I will have to pay every month. It will amount to nearly 100,000 yuan a year. And if I add more computers in the future, the public security management fee will likely be the largest expense.

"What's wrong, little brother?" Chu Zhixuan also walked over.

"Big brother, take a look." Lin Feng handed the notice to Chu Zhixuan.

"Are you kidding? This is too much!" Chu Zhixuan was also indignant.

"Ah, the devil is easy to meet, but the little devils are hard to deal with. Big brother, what do you think? Should we pay or not?" Lin Feng was at a loss and could only ask Chu Zhixuan.

Chu Zhixuan was also at a loss. Once this money was paid, it would become a long-term expense, and it would be impossible to stop paying. Just as the two were at a loss, something happened at "Chu Feng Internet City" the next day.

Around 6 PM, during the peak hours, several police cars stopped in front of "Chu Feng Internet City," and the leader was Officer Zhang.

"Officer Zhang, what's this about?" Lin Feng quickly smiled and went out to greet him, naturally scattering more than ten packs of "Furongwang" cigarettes. Although he felt the pain, he couldn't be stingy at this moment.

"Ha ha, Mr. Lin, we received a tip that a wanted criminal might be here. We are here to investigate to ensure the safety of the merchants and the citizens." Officer Zhang smiled.

Lin Feng and Chu Zhixuan felt a heavy weight in their hearts. This was clearly a pretext to cause trouble.

"ID cards!" Several police officers immediately began checking the IDs of the customers.

After about ten minutes.

"Report, officer, no suspicious criminals were found." One of the police officers reported.

"Alright, let's go. Mr. Lin, sorry for the disturbance." Officer Zhang shrugged and apologized, then led the team away.

Watching Officer Zhang leave with a smile, Lin Feng almost punched him. But he held back at the last moment. If he really hit him, not only would the internet city be in trouble, but he himself would be in serious trouble.

After Officer Zhang left, the internet city was filled with complaints. Everyone was there to enjoy the internet, and being checked for IDs was a real hassle. Many people left, and "Chu Feng Internet City" experienced a rare empty machine phenomenon.

"Damn, they are just looking for trouble." Lin Feng cursed under his breath.

"Ah, little brother, I think we should pay." Although Chu Zhixuan also felt the pain, he knew that if they didn't pay, "Chu Feng Internet City" would not have peace.

They could use the pretext of a wanted criminal today, and tomorrow they could use the pretext of catching a thief to shut down the place. The saying goes, the people cannot fight the officials. He was just trying to make money, and the necessary expenses had to be paid.

Lin Feng also understood this, but it still made him uncomfortable. After much thought, Lin Feng had no choice but to agree. After Chu Zhixuan communicated through his connections, the so-called public security management fee was reduced to 15 yuan per computer per month.

The next day, Lin Feng paid the full amount for June. Of course, there were no more incidents of catching wanted criminals.

However, just as they thought they had dealt with the police station, the fire department came. They claimed that Lin Feng's internet city did not meet fire safety standards and required him to close for rectification. This was even worse than the police station, and Lin Feng had no choice but to grit his teeth and pay. Otherwise, if they forced him to close for three to five months, all of Lin Feng's plans would be ruined. Fortunately, this time 3,000 yuan was enough to settle the matter.

This was not the end. The State Tax Bureau also came, demanding that Lin Feng pay corporate income tax, or face closure for rectification. This time, Lin Feng was smarter. After some private negotiations, he agreed to pay a fixed 2,000 yuan per month in income tax without issuing invoices.

When Lin Feng thought all the "little devils" had come around, the Lantian Special Zone Community Committee arrived. This time, they were not there to cause trouble but to seek sponsorship, hoping that "Chu Feng Internet City" would support the community's daily activities. Lin Feng didn't say much this time. Since he had already paid a large sum, a small amount didn't matter. He directly gave 1,000 yuan to the Lantian Special Zone Community Committee as sponsorship.

After all this, Lin Feng carefully calculated that starting from this month, he would have to pay an additional 4,925 yuan per month. This would increase even more if he added more computers.

What a racket! — Lin Feng cursed inwardly, but this was how the world worked. Fortunately, the internet cafe was still profitable, and this additional expense could be borne.

By the time all these troubles were resolved, it was already mid-June, and the 2000 UEFA European Championship had started.

As Lin Feng sat in the internet cafe with Chu Zhixuan and many other football fans to watch the opening match between Belgium and Sweden, he suddenly had an idea, a plan that could greatly accelerate his initial capital accumulation.

Gambling on football! He could go to Europe to bet on the matches. With his memory of the 2000 European Championship, he might be able to make a fortune through gambling.

European Championship, you came just in time!