Chapter 0581: Ambition and Aspirations

Compared to Tan Kaixuan's impassioned fervor, Zhao Fusheng appeared quite subdued. The two of them were now like fire and ice—one burning with enthusiasm, the other cold and indifferent.

"Since you want to do it, start preparing," Zhao Fusheng said calmly, showing no sign of excitement, as if he were discussing an ordinary trivial matter rather than a project worth millions.

Huh?

Tan Kaixuan was dumbfounded. So you provoke me with a challenge, and now you're acting all nonchalant—what's that about?

Zhao Fusheng chuckled and said to Tan Kaixuan, "First, we need to hire people and find a location. As for the specifics, I think you might consider hiring a consultant."

"Consultant?" Tan Kaixuan was even more confused.

Zhao Fusheng sighed, exasperated by the guy's slowness. On second thought, opening a chain of internet cafes now was actually quite risky.

But the problem was that there weren't any good projects at the moment, and Zhao Fusheng had limited funds at his disposal. A few million yuan sounded like a lot, but when it came to actually doing something, it was just a drop in the bucket.

This wasn't a joke; the internet industry itself was a money-burning business. Not to mention a few million—even tens of millions thrown in wouldn't make much of a splash.

For instance, early video sites like Youku, Tudou, or Six Rooms—no matter how loudly they touted themselves, they were all just losing money for publicity.

So what Zhao Fusheng could do for now was to open internet cafes, accumulate some initial capital, and wait for the right opportunity.

After all, the internet bubble was already bursting, and a large number of small and medium internet companies were in trouble, including Chen Tianqiao's Shanda Technology.

And before long, that nationwide sensation of an online game would be landing in China.

That would be the real time for Zhao Fusheng to rake in money.

For now, Zhao Fusheng knew he had to endure a little longer.

His foundation was too shallow—that was his biggest problem.

Compared to those big shots who could easily come up with millions or tens of millions to start a business, all he had was his foreknowledge and a high-level perspective. With these two things, Zhao Fusheng could accumulate wealth and capital, and grab a share in the upcoming internet boom.

"Hey, you still haven't told me why we need a consultant and who to hire," Tan Kaixuan asked Zhao Fusheng.

He had expected Zhao Fusheng to explain, but the guy only said half a sentence and then sat there daydreaming, nearly driving Tan Kaixuan crazy.

Zhao Fusheng snapped out of his thoughts and smiled. "Simple: hire a retired public security bureau cadre."

Huh?

Tan Kaixuan was taken aback and looked at Zhao Fusheng strangely.

Sighing, Zhao Fusheng knew he hadn't figured out the ins and outs, so he explained seriously, "Do you think if we open an internet cafe, people will come to cause trouble?"

"Well, there will definitely be some," Tan Kaixuan replied after thinking.

Given the scale of a chain of internet cafes, it was inevitable to encounter all sorts of shady characters from both the underworld and the legitimate world. Some clueless people would surely show up.

"Right. If that happens, what should we do?" Zhao Fusheng said, adopting a guiding tone.

Tan Kaixuan frowned. "You mean let the consultant handle it?"

Zhao Fusheng waved his hand. "We're running a chain of internet cafes. You can't have the consultant walking the streets."

"Then what?" Tan Kaixuan was puzzled.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled. "Same old trick: learn from Wanda's approach. Our chain's employees should mainly be family members of deceased police officers, veterans, and dependents of martyrs."

Tan Kaixuan's eyes lit up. "And the consultant?"

"Naturally, a retired senior leader," Zhao Fusheng said with a sly grin. "Those old cadres have nothing to do anyway. Give them a consultant fee each year, and we'll have a bunch of protectors. What's there to fear?"

It sounded a bit far-fetched, but it was actually quite feasible. As for the specifics, that was Tan Kaixuan's problem.

Although Zhao Fusheng was better than Tan Kaixuan in vision and big-picture thinking, when it came to implementation, perhaps due to talent, Zhao Fusheng had to admit he was somewhat inferior to Tan Kaixuan.

Even with Zhao Fusheng's life experience from his previous life, Tan Kaixuan's skills in these matters were truly impressive.

The guy seemed to have an indescribable charisma, able to get along with anyone quickly.

In Tan Kaixuan's own words, it was his natural charm that he couldn't abandon.

Zhao Fusheng's response was that people simply couldn't see through his true nature.

"Alright, I know what to do," Tan Kaixuan said after thinking for a while, nodding to Zhao Fusheng.

He was smart, but sometimes people have blind spots—like a leaf blocking the view of Mount Tai. Now that Zhao Fusheng had enlightened him, Tan Kaixuan naturally knew what to do.

"As long as you have a plan. Later, I'll go with you to look at potential locations," Zhao Fusheng said with a smile.

Tan Kaixuan nodded and didn't stand on ceremony with Zhao Fusheng.

Although their division of labor had never been explicitly stated, they had developed a habit through long-term cooperation: Zhao Fusheng was responsible for planning, and Tan Kaixuan for execution.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The key is to make the best use of each person's talents and resources.

Tan Kaixuan was reluctant to admit it, but he had to say that Zhao Fusheng was indeed much better at planning. His judgment, especially in choosing projects, was truly on point.

"By the way, how are things with Cui Ying?" Zhao Fusheng asked Tan Kaixuan after he sat down.

Tan Kaixuan gave a faint smile and said nothing, but Zhao Fusheng already knew the answer.

Some things, though unspoken, were clear to everyone.

Given Tan Kaixuan's personality, if he didn't know what kind of person Cui Ying was, it was one thing; but once he knew, he naturally couldn't continue being with her.

In Tan Kaixuan's own words, even if he was a sucker, he wouldn't be a fool who gets cheated.