Chapter 32: Monopoly Tactics

"Since the competition is so fierce, let's just drive some of the merchants out of the market," Lin Feng smiled slightly, pointing to the 32 'Killer Bars' on the data report.

"How do we drive them out? By lowering prices?" Liu Yingying was slightly taken aback. Lowering prices was indeed the best trump card; as long as they slightly reduced the profit margin on the flower tea supply, the 17 'Killer Bars' under their control would have the absolute confidence to engage in a fierce battle with the competition.

The 17 'Killer Bars' under the Lin Family Catering and Entertainment Company accounted for 53% of the 32 'Killer Bars' in Chushi City. If these 17 'Killer Bars' uniformly lowered their prices, the other 'Killer Bars' would have no choice but to follow suit. However, these individual merchants, in terms of risk-bearing capacity, were absolutely unable to compete with a consortium.

After driving out the individual merchants and monopolizing the Chushi City market, the 17 'Killer Bars' could then restore their prices. Although customers might complain, they would have no choice but to accept it. This tactic was commonly used by international conglomerates. It was unexpected that in a small city like Chushi, a company with only a million in capital could play such a game. Truly, business knows no size!

Lowering prices? — Lin Feng gave a mocking smile, I wouldn't even consider using such a tactic to deal with them.

Lin Feng took a crumpled A4 paper from his pocket and handed it to Liu Yingying.

Looking at the crumpled A4 paper, Liu Yingying frowned. How could a company use such a handwritten, crumpled paper for a formal meeting plan? It looked more like scrap paper than a document. If word got out that she had worked for this company, she would surely be laughed at.

Lin Feng gave a slightly embarrassed smile. Although he had now established a company and had a business card with the title of General Manager of the Lin Family Catering and Entertainment Company, he had never truly felt like a general manager. He acted on impulse.

Liu Yingying, suppressing the nausea in her fingers, unfolded the crumpled A4 paper.

Her eyes lit up!

"These are six advanced versions of the 'Killer Game.' You should periodically hand one version to the 17 'Killer Bar' owners under our control," Lin Feng said, already envisioning the other 'Killer Bar' owners cursing.

"Okay, I understand," Liu Yingying sighed, admiring Lin Feng's strategy and giving him a meaningful glance.

"By the way, I have a suggestion," Liu Yingying suddenly remembered something and said with urgency, "Since the flower tea is so popular and coveted by other merchants, why don't we promote it?"

"Adopt the same business model as the 'Killer Club.' We provide the flower tea, and they handle the sales and other aspects," Lin Feng's eyes lit up as he continued.

"Yes, just like Coca-Cola and Pepsi providing their products to McDonald's and KFC, we can earn the maximum profit with the minimum cost," Liu Yingying said excitedly.

"Alright, I'll leave this to you, and I'll be responsible for the flower tea supply," Lin Feng thought to himself that he should ask his master to prepare more varieties of the secret recipe. Of course, if they were to supply flower tea in large quantities, they would need to set up a small factory to ensure a steady supply.

Looking at Liu Yingying's determined expression, Lin Feng suddenly felt a bit melancholic. In a month, Liu Yingying would be going to school. At that time, he would not only lose an assistant but also a super talent who could handle any situation. But then again, a master's degree in business administration from Peking University was not something a small company like his could afford. Although he didn't know why Liu Yingying had agreed to intern at his small company, he had certainly gained a lot from it. Once Liu Yingying graduated from Peking University, her annual salary would be at least six figures, and seven figures would be normal. His small company couldn't possibly support such a high salary.

Sigh, no point thinking about it. With one month left, he would make the most of Liu Yingying's value in this last month. — Lin Feng gave Liu Yingying a sweet smile. However, to Liu Yingying, this smile was full of evil and malice, sending a chill up her spine. Even in the scorching heat of summer, Liu Yingying felt a chill as if it were the coldest winter.

"Alright, we've discussed the 'Killer Bar' issue. Now, let me share some of my ideas," Lin Feng again pulled out a crumpled A4 paper from his pocket.

Liu Yingying rolled her eyes. She wasn't without an assistant; couldn't they help him print and organize the documents?

Lin Feng also felt a bit embarrassed. However, his inspiration often came suddenly, and he would jot down his thoughts on paper without much formality. Even if there were rules, Lin Feng didn't want to follow them. After all, he was the boss and had certain privileges.

"I plan to open a large barbecue restaurant between the Lant Special Zone, 'Killer Bars,' and Chufeng Internet City. The investment will be around 150,000 yuan," Lin Feng handed the crumpled paper to Liu Yingying.

Liu Yingying reluctantly unfolded the crumpled paper, carefully deciphering the densely packed, crooked handwriting. After some thought, she went to the computer, quickly printed it out, and handed it to the accountant, Zhang.

After a series of calculations, Zhang nodded, "The cost will be between 130,000 and 135,000 yuan, with a profit margin of 40%."

"Currently, there are no barbecue restaurants in Chushi City. I think you could open a chain of them: one in the Lant Special Zone, two in the city center, and one near large residential areas like Chaoyang," Liu Yingying suggested, "This way, you can capture the market before other large barbecue restaurants follow suit."

"That's possible, but I don't have the manpower. How about you skip school and help me?" Lin Feng said half-jokingly, half-seriously. He had no choice; previously, he could handle multiple roles, but as the company grew, he needed someone like Liu Yingying to help. Just thinking about it gave him a headache.

Moreover, he couldn't just hire anyone from outside. Over the past period, although Liu Yingying often found fault with him, she was fully committed to her work, which Lin Feng greatly admired. He doubted he could do the same.

It's easy to talk about separating personal and professional matters, but it's incredibly difficult to do so.

The only downside was Liu Yingying's high level of education. If she had graduated from a provincial university, Lin Feng might have had the confidence to keep her. However, the name Peking University was too prestigious.

No choice, no choice!

Liu Yingying gave Lin Feng a disdainful look and huffed, "Sure, I'll do it for a market salary of 300,000 yuan per year."

Lin Feng was immediately disheartened. A 300,000 yuan annual salary was beyond his current means.

"Ha ha," seeing Lin Feng's distressed and pitiful expression, Liu Yingying couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Even if you offered me a million yuan per year, I wouldn't stay. My father, Liu... his wish is for our family to produce a master's graduate!" Liu Yingying said proudly.

"You know Su Xiaomei and Qin Sirong, right? They are both recent graduates from the marketing department of Chushi University. They've been following me around for the past month and have learned a lot. After I leave, you can entrust the work to them," Liu Yingying pointed to two gentle and delicate-looking girls on her left.

"Them?" Although Lin Feng knew Su Xiaomei and Qin Sirong's names, since Liu Yingying was responsible for their recruitment, he wasn't aware of their educational background. He was surprised to learn that they were both bachelor's degree graduates from the marketing department of Chushi University.

"Yes, in the remaining month, I will pass on everything I know to them. Although this is my first internship, I am a few years older and have more experience, so I have a lot to share," Liu Yingying said confidently.

The two girls had no complaints about Liu Yingying's words. Although they were all new to the practical aspects of marketing, Liu Yingying, being a master's graduate from Peking University, had a level of education and experience that Su Xiaomei and Qin Sirong could not match.

Lin Feng didn't know why Liu Yingying had suddenly become so generous and willing to share her knowledge with the two girls, but he didn't question it. He wouldn't lose anything by it.

Sometimes, it's better not to know too much. Otherwise, it might not be good for either party.

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