Who would still start a business seriously after being reborn?

Chapter 563 KFC's Strong Entry
Without Johnson saying a word, Cheng Yi guessed his intention.

Johnson smiled and said, "It's like this. A small investment fund under Microsoft recently completed the acquisition of Lianjiang Internet Cafe, but because of the agreement between us, we haven't changed the operating system of Lianjiang Internet Cafe. So I wanted to ask you for help to see if we can allow Lianjiang Internet Cafe to use our own Microsoft system."

Cheng Yi sneered inwardly.

Judging from Johnson's request, Microsoft really can't hold back any longer.

They were eager to bypass the ceasefire agreement and re-establish a foothold in the Chinese internet cafe market.

Seeing that Cheng Yi remained silent, Johnson's tone became serious, and he said, "We highly respect the truce agreement reached with your group last year. The agreement clearly stipulates that Microsoft systems are not allowed to enter the internet cafe sector in China. We at Microsoft uphold the spirit of contracts."

Cheng Yi sneered, "Mr. Johnson, if you really value the spirit of contracts, then I think the clause that Microsoft systems cannot enter the Chinese internet cafe sector is very clear. Regardless of how the equity structure of Lianjiang Group changes, as long as it still operates internet cafe businesses in China, it is part of the internet cafe sector. As for changing the system? I'm sorry, this violates the spirit of the agreement we jointly signed, and I cannot agree to it."

The breathing on the other end of the phone seemed to pause for a moment.

"President Cheng Yi," Johnson's voice suddenly turned cold, and he said in a deep voice, "You are abusing your market dominance. Microsoft is seeking cooperation with the utmost sincerity, but your answer is very unpleasant. Very well, very well indeed!"

"Beep...beep...beep..." The phone was abruptly hung up, leaving only the busy tone echoing in Cheng Yi's ears.

Johnson hung up the phone and slammed his expensive custom-made phone onto the sofa with a thud.

His face, which usually wore a polite smile, was now terrifyingly gloomy.

Cheng Yi's unyielding attitude completely enraged him.

"Damn yellow-skinned monkeys!" Johnson muttered under his breath.

The immense popularity of Audition Online in Samsung's offline channels and the surge in MSN users are all built on a large user base.

However, internet cafes, a massive pool of traffic with hundreds of millions of young internet users, became the biggest blank spot in the Asian strategic landscape of Audition Online and MSN, and also the most important growth engine, because of that damned ceasefire agreement.

If we wait until the agreement is terminated, who knows how many changes will occur?

Although he had high hopes for Audition Online, he never expected it to become this popular.

Most importantly, their users are now computer users, and their spending power is far ahead of the competition.

Right now, they have to open up the internet cafe route.

Even the most popular flagship store experience zones at Samsung have limited capacity. Only internet cafes can truly immerse users in the world of Audition Online and MSN.

We must take over the internet cafes!

We must get Audition Online into the biggest traffic pool!

“It seems we have no other choice.” Johnson made a firm decision and shouted, “George! Get me to the CEO of Yum China right now. I need to talk to them.”

One week later, at the headquarters of Yum China Holdings Limited in Zhonghai City.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was somewhat somber.

Clark, president of Yum China, looked at Johnson sitting across from him, feeling slightly uneasy.

Yum! Brands is just a small company, so what makes them stand out to be targeted by a giant like Microsoft?

Their market capitalization is only over $50 billion, while Microsoft's is nearly a trillion...

“Mr. Clark, I’ve come here to discuss a big deal with you,” Johnson said, getting straight to the point.

Clark was slightly nervous and said, "Mr. Johnson, Yum! is such a small company, we really don't know in what areas we can cooperate with your group."

Johnson laughed and said, "Mr. Clark is too modest. Your group's position in the Chinese fast food market is beyond doubt. With more than 2500 stores spread throughout core business districts and communities, you are absolutely an indisputable fast food giant."

Johnson's words carried a hint of flattery, which made Clark feel even heavier, because he knew it was just a prelude.

Microsoft's revenue from any single project can exceed that of Yum!, and he suddenly comes over to praise himself? This doesn't seem like a good person.
Sure enough, Johnson changed the subject and his tone became sharp: "But... McDonald's rapid expansion, Dicos' deep cultivation in second- and third-tier cities, the emergence of Wallace in China, and the continuous innovation of local fast food brands in terms of taste and marketing are all constantly squeezing your market share and profit margins. Am I right?"

Clark did not deny that this is the biggest pressure Yum! Brands is currently facing.

He asked in a deep voice, "Mr. Johnson, do you have a solution?"

Johnson laughed and said, "Of course, we at Microsoft, together with Samsung, have created a wildly popular youth game called Audition Online in Asia, and we also have the explosively growing instant messaging platform MSN. And you, Yum!, have an unparalleled network of physical stores and a huge base of young consumers. Why don't we combine these three things in a way that's never been done before?"

"Combined?" Clark's voice trembled slightly.

Being able to collaborate with Microsoft and Samsung is something they never even dared to dream of.

But how exactly can they be combined? They certainly wouldn't want to become subsidiaries of Microsoft.

Johnson laughed and said, "We've acquired a large internet cafe chain with nearly a thousand locations in China. We want to convert this large internet cafe into a Yum! Brands member service center, providing your members with free internet access based on points. You can earn points by making purchases at your store and then use them for free internet access. What do you think of this marketing idea?"

Clark said, "Momo Group has been doing this all along, and our membership points can also be used to offset internet access fees at Momo Internet Cafes."

“There’s no Audition Online that young people like in Momo Internet Cafe,” Johnson said. “You have to believe in the appeal of Audition Online. Besides, Momo Internet Cafe’s points system costs one dollar per hour, and customers still have to pay 50 cents to one dollar out of pocket. But your membership center is different; members can access the internet for free.”

Clark fell silent.

On one side is Momo Group, the dominant internet cafe company in China, and on the other side is Microsoft, the world's leading IT company.

For the first time, Clark felt conflicted.

If he were overseas, he wouldn't have hesitated, but now he's in China.

He could guess Johnson's intentions. Microsoft wanted to deal with Momo Group, but due to the widely publicized ceasefire agreement, it had to settle for second best and use Yum! Brands' offline channels to sneak into the internet cafe industry.

This presents both an opportunity and a risk for Yum! Brands.

If I agree, it means I have to sever ties with Momo Group.

If they refuse, and Microsoft approaches McDonald's or Dicos, it will have a significant impact on their future development.

Most importantly, Johnson's idea of ​​creating a membership center is truly feasible. Audition Online is a game heavily promoted by Microsoft and Samsung, so the promotional channels and efforts are definitely not an issue.

Seeing Clark's silence, Johnson naturally understood Clark's concerns. He chuckled and said, "Imagine this! Every customer who comes to KFC and buys a designated meal will receive corresponding points! These points can be directly redeemed for free internet access at the service center!"

“As long as we break even, we can recoup our profits from Audition Online, and you can recoup your profits from the designated packages. We only need to cover the broadband and electricity costs.”

Johnson's words made Clark's eyes gradually light up, and he keenly grasped the key point.

drainage!

The massive user base of Audition Online was directly directed to KFC stores, and in a highly attractive way, customers could exchange meal deals for internet time.

Momo Group has proven that this path works, and they are simply copying its methods.

Johnson continued, "This is not just about going online, it's about socializing. The service centers we're building will become hubs for young people to gather! Once we've fully established ourselves, KFC will no longer just be a place to eat, but a super youth community center that integrates food, socializing, and entertainment. At that point, how high will your consumption frequency and brand loyalty reach? Have you thought about these things?"

Clark was indeed tempted and asked, "What do we need to give in return?"

Clark was somewhat uneasy, worried that Johnson might ask for shares in Yum China.

Johnson said, "You only need to cover the operating costs of the service center. That shouldn't be too much to ask, right? Take down the internet cafe sign, put up the KFC membership center sign, and have Mr. Chen Yongzheng from Microsoft China personally take charge of the operation and management to ensure a seamless connection with the KFC stores. That will complete the task."

Clark's heart began to pound.

This plan is too tempting.

By leveraging the resources of Microsoft and Samsung, and utilizing the shell of Lianjiang Internet Cafe, KFC can revitalize its offline traffic while simultaneously targeting Momo Group's core internet cafe business—a truly ingenious strategy that kills four birds with one stone.

Of course, there are risks. Putting aside the extent of Momo Group's reaction, the cost of the transformation alone is not low, at least equal to their total advertising expenses on major TV stations. Moreover, the management is very complex, and there are also questions about how long the game's popularity can last. These are all risks.

However, these risks are worth the risk compared to the potentially huge gains!
“Mr. Johnson,” Clark took a deep breath, a long-lost smile appearing on his face, and said, “I think we can begin to discuss the specific details of the cooperation.”

Ten days later, across China, billboards made up of red and white fried chicken buckets and colorful keyboards swept through almost all first-tier cities.

Inside the KFC flagship store in downtown Kyoto, banners and murals featuring futuristic blue-purple light strips and giant Audition virtual idols and MSN butterfly logos are displayed.

A brightly lit sign stands at the entrance: Member Points, Enjoy Dance Party, KFC Member Service Center Opens with Great Success.

Below the sign are the clear event details:
Points can be redeemed for free internet access at KFC Member Service Center.

50 points = 30 minutes of online time in the Member Center
100 points = 1 hour of online time in the Member Center + 7-day trial voucher for the Star Family costume in the game.
More surprises await! Scan the QR code to download MSN and unlock them now...

The prominent QR code is still there next to it.

The store was bustling with activity, but unlike before, very few people lingered there. After purchasing their set meals, they quickly left the store with their bags.

Their direction was towards the former Lianjiang Internet Cafe, located in the city center.

The Lianjiang Internet Cafe has now been converted into a KFC Member Service Center.

The chain license of Lianjiang Internet Cafe also applies to its service centers.

Because the term "chain internet cafe license" is just a colloquial term; its full name is "Internet Access Service Business Establishment Chain Operation License."

This license is applicable to any business establishment that provides internet access services.

Five hundred monitors flashed with the dazzling game graphics of Audition Online, while the rousing K-pop music faintly emanated through high-quality headphones.

The space bar on the keyboard was being struck rapidly, producing a rhythmic crackling sound.

Almost every computer had gamers sitting in front of it, their bodies moving unconsciously to the rhythm of the music, including many stylish young girls.

The air was filled with the aroma of fried chicken and the vibrant hormones unique to young people.

"Did you also buy a double dance combo? Let me use your points first, I'll pay you back tomorrow," a boy with dyed yellow hair shouted to his friend.

He had just finished a game and was almost out of points, but he was still in high spirits. The girl he had just met in the game was eagerly waiting for him to pay for her internet.

Waiters dressed in specially customized red and white uniforms were busy at work, not only delivering food but also guiding new players to redeem points and arranging their seats.

The store manager was sent by KFC. When he saw the soaring KFC sales data and the almost full number of cameras in the back-end system, he couldn't stop smiling.

Shenxia City, Huaqiangbei business district.

The Lianjiang Internet Cafe, which was originally deserted, has been completely transformed in just two weeks.

The old signboard has been replaced with a red signboard and white lettering that reads "KFC Member Internet Service Center," next to which are equally eye-catching Audition Online and MSN logos.

A tempting poster hangs in the glass window: Enjoy free internet access with your KFC membership points! Start your exciting dance journey!
For users without personal computers, this has become the perfect supplement and alternative to playing Audition Online.

The number of people has visibly increased.

"I've eaten KFC three times this week to accumulate points for internet access, I feel like I'm turning into a chicken! But, it's worth it for the Star Wings!" The accompanying picture on QQ Space was a half-eaten spicy chicken burger and a screenshot of a virtual character in a game wearing a shiny new outfit.

[Location: KFC in Zhonghai University Town. I met a pro at the service center who gave me a dance lesson! His moves were amazing, and his voice was so nice! I've added him on MSN~ So shy~]

[KFC's move is so generous! You can eat and play games at the same time, and you don't have to go to those smoky internet cafes anymore! Great environment, fast internet, and you can play for free!]

[The Audition Online Clan 'Shining KFC' is recruiting! Link your MSN account and earn KFC points for daily check-ins. Fight together for clan glory!]

On various forums, there are topics about Audition Online everywhere.

KFC's strong entry into the market has propelled Audition Online to another climax.

On MSN Spaces, players spontaneously uploaded group photos at KFC service centers and screenshots of exciting game moments. MSN's blue butterfly icon, along with fried chicken and hot dancing, has penetrated the social lives of China's younger generation at an unprecedented speed.

(End of this chapter)