Reborn in 2000, starting from the university website

At six o'clock in the evening, just as dusk was falling, two black Santana cars stopped precisely at the side gate of the university.

Except for Lao Ba Jiang Shuo, who made an excuse to go to the study room to reserve a seat and didn't come, the other seven people in dormitory 206 all came. Everyone specially changed into slightly more presentable clothes, and even Zhang Jian, who is usually unkempt, tucked his hoodie with the CS pattern into his pants.

The car drove directly to "Lao Chu Jia," a restaurant that was already quite famous on Wenzheng Street. As soon as we entered the hall, a rich aroma of sweet and sour pork mixed with the noise of the crowd hit us.

"Oh my, our top students from the university have arrived!"

Before you see him, you hear his voice.

The proprietress, Zheng Lan, was dressed in a well-tailored burgundy cheongsam with a cashmere vest draped over it, her hair neatly styled. She strode forward, without the fake politeness of a businesswoman, acting more like a friendly neighbor, reaching out to brush imaginary dust off Bai Yuhang's shoulders as he walked in front.

"Hello, sister-in-law, I'm sorry to bother you again," Bai Yuhang replied with a smile.

"What are you saying? We're all family." Zheng Lan's gaze swept over the group, her eyes bright. "Last time you came you looked like a student, but today you're all different. You've got the air of a little boss now. Come on in, Old Zhao and his buddies are waiting in room 201, 'Fu Man Tang'."

Pushing open the heavy wooden door of the private room, the room was filled with smoke. Around the large round table in the center, which could seat fifteen or sixteen people, a group of people were already seated.

Zhao Jianjun sat in the vacant main seat, flanked by Liu Qing, nicknamed "Fatty Liu," who had started his business as a butcher in the city; Zhang Qi, known for his fiery temper; Qian Jiangnan, nicknamed "Master Qian," who appeared refined but was actually ruthless, wearing gold-rimmed glasses; and Liu Bing and Zhang Haoyong, his two henchmen. These guys could shake the entire Harbin internet cafe scene with a stomp of their feet.

Seeing Bai Yuhang enter, Zhao Jianjun stubbed out his cigarette and his loud voice shook the chandelier: "Come on, everyone, stop being so formal. Let's reintroduce our Brother Bai and his buddies, Bai Yuhang. Today's gathering is a celebration banquet for Qihang Technology."

Fatty Liu was the first to stand up, his belly bulging out of the tablecloth. He held a two-ounce glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor) in his hand, his face a mask of grinning fat: "Not bad, brother. I thought you guys were just messing around with some students, but I didn't expect that software to be so useful. My two internet cafes switched to your system, and the machines haven't crashed at all these past two days, saving me, the network administrator, so much trouble. I'll drink this one, you can drink as you like."

Bai Yuhang didn't hesitate either, picking up the wine glass in front of him and taking a big gulp, his throat burning from the spiciness: "Brother Liu is so kind, I'll have to rely on you all for support in the future."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

These江湖人 (jianghu ren, a term referring to people with a sense of江湖义气, a code of honor among江湖义气) initially looked down on these college students, thinking they were just technicians doing manual labor for others, not much more capable than hired network administrators. But after a few drinks, and hearing Zhao Jianjun's intentional or unintentional revelation of Shi Hongchao's attitude at the Blue Speed ​​Club, these shrewd individuals immediately changed their tune.

"Brother," Qian Jiangnan adjusted his glasses and poured Bai Yuhang a cup of tea, "I just heard from Lao Zhao that your Qihang isn't just about selling software and building websites, there's something else going on?"

The room fell silent instantly, and several pairs of eyes turned to look at them.

Bai Yuhang put down his chopsticks, didn't rush to speak, and first sent out a round of cigarettes.

"Brothers, what kind of money do you make from running an internet cafe? It's from computer time fees, plus selling drinks, game cards, instant noodles, and sausages." Bai Yuhang lit a fire, his voice not loud, but exceptionally clear in the quiet private room. "But this money is earned slowly, it's just hard-earned money. As soon as a new one opens next door with better computers and lower prices, your customers will immediately disappear."

Zhang Qi slapped his thigh: "That's right! A new 'Surfing' restaurant opened in Daowai, and they've been waging a price war these past few days. It's driving me crazy. I'm thinking of ripping them off when I'm feeling really down."

"No way, we live in a society governed by law now, we need to change our approach." Bai Yuhang leaned forward, glancing at Jiao Liwei, and drew a circle on the table with his finger. "After Qihang starts, we'll not only provide the technology, but we'll also continue our in-depth cooperation with your internet cafes and organize the 'Harbin Internet Cafe Esports League'."

"A league?" Liu Bing was taken aback. "What's that?"

"Let's turn gaming into a competition." Bai Yuhang's eyes were gleaming. "Let's have a few big internet cafes take the lead and create a city e-sports league. We'll have CS, Red Alert, StarCraft, and Pro Evolution Soccer, with regional competitions. We'll start with preliminary rounds in your respective cafes, and the winners will go to the district level for the finals, culminating in a city-wide final. The venues will be drawn from your respective internet cafes."

"Will this work?" Zhang Haoyong asked hesitantly.

"Why not?" Jiao Liwei, who had been silent until now, understood and picked up the conversation. He was now increasingly exuding the air of an executive manager. "We'll set up prize money and honors. Those young guys, for the sake of pride, for that championship title, won't they be spending every day practicing shooting in your internet cafe? Then, your place won't be just an ordinary internet cafe; it will be a 'club,' a 'team base,' and these people will be tied to the internet cafe. Once this reputation spreads, who will still go to those small, shabby internet cafes with only a few dozen broken machines?"

"Furthermore," Bai Yuhang added sharply, "once you join this alliance, Qihang will provide you with exclusive advertising. At that time, we won't be competing for individual customers; we'll be setting the standard for the internet cafe industry in Harbin."

Qian Jiangnan's eyes lit up as he listened. He picked up his wine glass and raised it across half the table to Jiao Liwei: "That's a brilliant move! It's like turning a loose bunch into a ball and crushing those younger guys. Brother Jiao, if this goes well, count in a share for Red Star Internet Cafe. We can discuss the specifics later."

"No problem, Brother Qian. I'll finish the plan and deliver it to you personally later." Jiao Liwei wasn't intimidated and downed his drink in one gulp.

Liu Jing and Yang Bo weren't idle either. One was responsible for cracking jokes and livening up the atmosphere, while the other was responsible for supplementing the legal risk avoidance. This combination of tactics left the big bosses completely bewildered. Zhang Jian, Wan Lianghao, and Zhang Qingheng were too busy eating to chat at the table.

As the banquet drew to a close, everyone's faces were flushed from drinking.

While lighting a cigarette, Zhao Jianjun pulled Bai Yuhang to a sofa in the corner of the private room.

"Brother, there are some things I can't say in front of them." Zhao Jianjun exhaled a breath of alcohol, but his eyes were clear. He lowered his voice, "I heard that someone at the university is messing with you guys? I think his name is Chen Yuan?"

Bai Yuhang smiled and poured Zhao Jianjun a cup of tea: "Brother Zhao is quite well-informed."

"That's right, there are no secrets in Harbin." Zhao Jianjun's face darkened, and a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. "If that kid is up to no good, should I get a few friends to talk to him? These kids are just kids, a little scare and they'll behave."

"No." Bai Yuhang pressed Zhao Jianjun's hand and shook his head. "Brother Zhao, we're a legitimate company now, aiming to do big business. Using underworld tactics for a clown is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and it'll only cause trouble. I have ways to handle things at school using the school's rules."

"Really not going to?"

"Really, no need. This time he's learned his lesson. If he tries to play with fire again, I'll let him burn himself to death." Bai Yuhang's tone was calm, yet it carried a chilling, convincing quality.

Zhao Jianjun stared at Bai Yuhang for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "Okay, as long as you know what you're doing. Anyway, I'm telling you this: just say the word if you need anything."

Just then, the heavy solid wood door of the private room was suddenly kicked open with a loud bang.

The door slammed against the wall with a loud thud, startling Fatty Liu, who was enjoying his drink. He jerked his hand, spilling the wine from his cup all over his crotch.

At the doorway stood a young man in a black trench coat, reeking of alcohol, swaying unsteadily, followed by several shady-looking youths. The young man squinted and scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Bai Yuhang. He grinned, revealing a set of yellow teeth.

"Wow, it's quite lively here."