Chapter 23: A Little Gadget

After returning to Chushi City, it was already July 5th. Lin Feng checked the accounts. Last month's profit had reached 327,600 yuan. Including the 1,500 yuan profit from the bar and the 1,700 yuan profit from the coffee machine, the gross profit of "Chufeng Net City" in June totaled 330,800 yuan.

After deducting the 8,000 yuan for employee expenses, 1,200 yuan for various taxes, 2,925 yuan for the "public security management fee" to the Lantex District police station in July, 2,000 yuan for corporate tax (without issuing an invoice), and 58,240 yuan in dividends to the eight internet cafe owners, the total expenditure was 72,365 yuan.

However, starting this month, the electricity and water bills would also be borne by "Chufeng Net City." Lin Feng was unaware of the costs until he calculated them, and he was shocked. With 195 computers and air conditioning, they used 35,208 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which at 1 yuan per kilowatt-hour, amounted to 35,208 yuan. The water bill was only about 40 yuan, much cheaper.

Adding the 2,925 yuan for the "public security management fee" in June, 1,000 yuan for the Lantex District community support, and 3,000 yuan for fire safety training, plus the money spent on cigarettes for Officer Zhang and others, the total expenditure was 18 yuan.

After the final settlement, the net profit for June was 215,265 yuan. According to the agreement, Lin Feng and Chu Zhixuan began to share the profits this month. Chu Zhixuan's 25% dividend was 53,816.25 yuan. This income not only exceeded the money Chu Zhixuan had earned from running a bookstore for two years but also covered a significant portion of the electricity and water bills for the past three months.

"Brother, we should continue to expand the number of computers," Chu Zhixuan said, seeing the huge profit. He naturally wouldn't deposit this money in the bank; reinvesting it was the wisest choice.

"Sure, but this time we won't use all the money to buy more computers. We'll keep a small amount and add a small game room on the third floor," Lin Feng said with a mysterious smile.

"A game room?" Chu Zhixuan was taken aback. He didn't understand why Lin Feng wanted to use the third floor. The third floor had been used to store books, with a space of less than 20 square meters, and had always been used as a warehouse.

"Hehe, you'll see, brother," Lin Feng said, not wanting to reveal the secret just yet. He wanted to create a sense of anticipation.

After negotiating with Chu Zhixuan, Lin Feng kept a small amount for future use and used the remaining 200,000 yuan to purchase more computers. They added 30 more computers, bringing the total to 225. To ensure good air circulation and comfort, only 200 computers were placed on the first floor, and 25 on the second floor. Lin Feng estimated that with sufficient space, the two floors could accommodate up to 450 computers, which would be enough to handle the surrounding customer base.

After purchasing the computers, Lin Feng introduced a membership system. By prepaying 50 yuan, one could become a member of "Chufeng Net City" and enjoy an 85% discount, as well as participate in various activities organized by "Chufeng Net City."

Lin Feng had two goals with this membership system: first, to build a loyal customer base. Although there were no other internet cafes in the area for now, they would eventually appear, so Lin Feng wanted to capture the market early. Second, to prepare for his future plans.

The membership system was well-received by all the students. The 3 yuan per hour fee was relatively expensive for most students, but a 0.5 yuan discount per hour would save a lot of money over time. In just three days, "Chufeng Net City" had 1,500 members, and the number was growing rapidly.

Another unexpected discovery from Lin Feng's trip to Europe was that Liu Yishan had managed the internet cafe well in his absence. Although Liu Yishan was middle-aged and no longer had the ambition to expand, his stability and composure easily resolved any conflicts or friction within the net city, something Lin Feng lacked.

Lin Feng couldn't always devote all his time to "Chufeng Net City." His business was just starting, and it would continue to grow, so he needed to hire some help. Even the most capable general couldn't win a war alone.

After negotiating with Liu Yishan, Lin Feng decided to hire him as the official manager of "Chufeng Net City," responsible for daily operations. Lin Feng would handle the financial aspects himself. He didn't want his mother to be overworked, and while she was good at managing finances, it would complicate matters if Lin Feng wanted to make investments. So, for now, Lin Feng didn't plan to delegate financial control to anyone else.

With everything settled, Lin Feng finally had more free time. With 1 million yuan in cash, he couldn't let it sit and depreciate; he needed to use it to make more money and develop his business.

When he first reincarnated, Lin Feng only wanted to earn enough money to live a peaceful life with his family. However, his recent business success not only filled his pockets but also gradually changed his mindset. Especially after his trip to Europe, he not only earned 1 million yuan but also broadened his horizons.

Since I have the ability to earn more money, why shouldn't I? I want to control the real world like a game, just like Roman Abramovich (owner of Chelsea FC, often referred to as "Abu"). — Lin Feng set his most ambitious goal in life.

Lin Feng believed he could achieve this goal.

"Have you ever killed your own friend with your own hands?"

The next day, when everyone came to play, a large poster was posted outside "Chufeng Net City" — a dark room with several people standing inside. The phrase "Have you ever killed your own friend with your own hands?" was prominently displayed.

At the entrance to the third floor, a sign read: "Kill! — Welcome to the Murder Game."

"Boss, what's this?" Early in the morning, students who had skipped class to play were immediately attracted by the poster outside and started asking Lin Feng questions.

"Hehe, this is a deduction and intelligence game invented in Europe and America, called the 'Murder Game.' It tests both one's eloquence and analytical skills. I believe that anyone who can consistently win in this game will also be a winner in society," Lin Feng explained, linking the game to real life, which immediately piqued everyone's interest.

"Boss, boss, when does the game start? How do we play?" The crowd surrounded Lin Feng, asking questions.

"Hehe, don't rush. It will open in three days, but only for members the first time. If you want to play, please register at the cash register," Lin Feng pointed to the cash register.

"Miss, I want to register, I want to register." The crowd rushed to the cash register, all vying to sign up, leaving the cashier flustered. The poster outside was too tempting, and Lin Feng's half-revealed, half-concealed explanation made everyone eager.

Looking at the crowd rushing to sign up, Lin Feng knew that the "Murder Game" he was introducing would be a hit. He wasn't sure if "Murder Game" had already appeared in other parts of the country, but it was introduced in Chushi City in 2005. By introducing it in 2000, he could certainly spark a "Murder Game" craze in Chushi City.

The reason for opening the "Murder Game" in three days was to build anticipation. Additionally, he needed to train the referees over the next two days. Lin Feng couldn't be the referee himself, as that would tie him down, which would be a waste of his talents. Thirdly, he wanted to establish a "Murder Club" here, where only "Chufeng Net City" members could enjoy the game, thus boosting the business of "Chufeng Net City."

Internet cafes were undoubtedly one of the most profitable industries at the time. Although there were no other internet cafes in Lantex District to compete with "Chufeng Net City," Lin Feng had to be prepared. Compared to the city center, where the prices of several large internet cafes had dropped to 2 yuan per hour, "Chufeng Net City" maintained a price of 3 yuan per hour, which many students complained about. Introducing a free game that only members could enjoy would significantly reduce their resistance to the price.

Just as Lin Feng was preparing to make a big move, a phone call came in.

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