The new game's ZR equipment wasn't very expensive, with headsets being the main component. With government subsidies, one would cost around two thousand yuan.
However, game cabins were expensive: the standard model had a procurement price of one hundred thousand yuan, the advanced version cost five hundred thousand, and the luxury version a million.
Uncle Wang's plan was to purchase 200 headsets and ten standard game cabins, as well as account for the renovation, with a total budget of around 2 million yuan.
Uncle Wang didn't say much, quietly waiting for Su Mo to finish looking over the budget sheet.
"I've taken a look, there are no issues, everything will follow your plan, but purchase an extra luxury game cabin for my personal use," Su Mo said.
Su Mo picked up his phone and directly transferred 3 million yuan to Uncle Wang.
"Alright, while we're at it, you should also sign this draft of the shareholder agreement."
Uncle Wang handed a shareholder agreement to Su Mo.
"Okay."
Su Mo signed without any objections, knowing that Uncle Wang would never accept one-sided help.
"I will start arranging personnel to begin the renovation now," Uncle Wang said enthusiastically.
"Okay, you go ahead with that, I'll be leaving now."
"Alright!"
Uncle Wang didn't indulge in pleasantries.
Su Mo left the dilapidated internet cafe, intending to go home. Yet he stopped suddenly, his gaze drawn to the bustling Star Game Cafe across the street.
It dawned on him that Uncle Wang's internet cafe surely wouldn't be ready in time for the launch of Star Ring Game.
Normally, he would just buy equipment to play at home.
But considering the current craze, even buying equipment would probably be difficult.
So Su Mo headed towards the Star Game Cafe, and as he approached, a youthful and vibrant aura hit him.
The attendants at the Star Game Cafe were all young, beautiful girls dressed in various costumes, including Catwoman, maids, Lolitas, OLs, and more...
"Welcome to Star Game Cafe, all you handsome guys and pretty girls, please line up patiently," said the attendants.
Two adorable twin sisters guided the new customers to queue up.
Su Mo cooperated and lined up accordingly.
After half an hour, it was finally Su Mo's turn, and he entered the Star Game Cafe.
He was immediately blown away by the interior decor.
The space inside was incredibly spacious, with all three floors of the building rented out and the interior fully opened up, featuring a central atrium.
The first floor had over a thousand headset devices, each paired with a genuine leather space lounger that allowed players to recline and relax all their muscles while entering the game.
In the center was a huge atrium platform, beneath which was the latest holographic projection equipment.
This device could connect to any equipment in the venue and display the game graphics inside, allowing real-time viewing.
There was also a large bar area set up, complete with drinks, snacks, and cigarettes.
The centered, hollowed-out second and third floors featured individual VIP rooms, which likely housed game cabins.
The scale of this investment touched Su Mo; it was a substantial outlay.
As for his own revamped internet cafe, it simply wasn't on the same level. It probably wouldn't be a competitor, as the target customers of each venue were different.
At that moment, a girl with a pure and elegant appearance, bright eyes brimming with liveliness and mischief, approached Su Mo to serve him.
"Hello, sir, our shop has just opened. There are bonuses for topping up your account. Top up 100 and get 20 extra, top up 1000 for an extra 300, top up 10,000 to get another 4,000, top up 100,000 to get an additional 50,000..." she said.
"Can I reserve a seat for the Star Ring launch the day after tomorrow here?" Su Mo asked.
"I'm sorry, sir, all reservations are already full," the girl answered with a smile, having glanced at Su Mo's attire.
Su Mo was somewhat disappointed, as there were no seats left. However, it was to be expected; despite the numerous machines here, the queue for reservations was just too long.
Just then, a stylish young man dressed in branded clothes and wearing a designer watch came through the VIP passage. He leaned against the bar and asked directly,
"Xiao An, are there any luxury game cabins left? I want to reserve two!"
"Isn't this Brother Hao? Of course, that's no problem, we still have some luxury game cabins available. I'll process your reservation right away."
Xiao An quickly responded with enthusiasm.
At this moment, Su Mo, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up, "Reserve one for me as well."
Instantly, Xiao An and the man known as Brother Hao turned their heads to look at Su Mo.
Brother Hao sized up Su Mo and nearly burst into laughter.
"Buddy, if you want to show off, at least do your homework first. I don't mean to look down on you, but do you know how much a luxury game cabin costs per hour?"
Xiao An hurriedly explained to Su Mo, "Sir, there are indeed vacancies for the luxury game cabin. But the price is quite steep, at 1000 yuan per hour. Moreover, our policy for first-time reservations is a minimum of twelve hours."
The reason Xiao An hadn't mentioned this to Su Mo before was because Su Mo didn't look like a wealthy person at all, dressed in the most ordinary clothes without any luxury brand watches, necklaces, or anything of the sort. Plus, he had arrived on foot, without a car. After all, 1000 yuan is equivalent to an average person's monthly salary, and most people can't afford such an expense. Xiao An didn't want any of her customers to feel embarrassed; in her eyes, all customers were equal.
"Brother, live within your means."
Brother Hao said with a smile.
Without arguing, Su Mo pulled out a stack of thousand-yuan bills from his pocket and placed them on the table.
"Top up, reserve one for me."
Xiao An was also stunned; this stack had to be at least a hundred thousand yuan. He was so wealthy?
Brother Hao's smile stiffened for a moment, then he shook his head and said self-deprecatingly, "I really misjudged you. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zhang Hao, what's your name, brother?"
"Su Mo."
Although Su Mo wasn't too keen on interacting with Zhang Hao, he still responded out of courtesy.
"Su Mo, I'll remember that. Let's play together next time we meet. I'm off now."
Zhang Hao turned and left straight away.
"Mr. Su Mo, I'll process your top-up and VIP card right now."
Xiao An quickly proceeded to assist Su Mo.
Soon, a delicate card was ready, which she respectfully handed to Su Mo. Her look had even changed a bit; while she had seen many wealthy individuals, finding someone so low-key and approachable was rare.
"Mr. Su Mo, this is for you."
"Thank you."
Su Mo took the VIP card and put it in his pocket, then turned and left.
--------------------------------------
Two days later, Su Mo finished his dinner and headed toward Star Game Café.
The vast Star Game Café was packed, with a large crowd gathered at the door trying to get in, only to be stopped by those lovely maids.
"Sorry, sir, all our seats are reserved."
...
Su Mo took out his VIP card and smoothly entered.
Inside the hall, everyone was waiting for midnight, all engaged in animated conversations.
"This time, I'm definitely going to come into my own in there."
"Exactly, I'm going to make a huge fortune."
"I've already joined the Brotherhood."
"Oh, the famous guild? 'Brothers in arms,' the one you told me about?"
"Right...."
...
Su Mo tightened his coat and walked straight to the bar.
"Swipe the card!"
"Sure, Mr. Su Mo, your room is VIP07."
Xiao An took Su Mo's card, swiped it, and replied respectfully. While handing back the card, she couldn't help but give Su Mo another glance.