After listening to Qin Tian's blueprint, Zhao Mingyuan raised his head and drank a glass of beer, sinking into thoughtful contemplation.
Qin Tian said no more, casually eating skewers while waiting for his response.
The reason he proposed this cooperation to Zhao Mingyuan was precisely because he saw that Zhao Mingyuan had relevant experience, sufficient ability, and a long-term vision, which sparked the idea in his mind.
If Zhao Mingyuan didn't agree, it would mean he lacked the necessary courage, and Qin Tian would see no need to discuss the cooperation further.
As for whether what he had said would inspire Zhao Mingyuan to abandon him and monopolize the business, Qin Tian was completely unconcerned.
Firstly, without the foresight of a reborn individual, Zhao Mingyuan would find it very difficult to succeed on his own.
Secondly, for Qin Tian, there were many ways to make money, many of which were easier and offered higher returns.
If this cooperation could be reached, it would be great, but it was also fine if it didn't happen.
"Xiao Qin."
After a long while, Zhao Mingyuan finally spoke again.
"Brother Zhao, you say."
Qin Tian looked up at him, his still somewhat tender and young face adorned with a calm and composed smile.
Zhao Mingyuan felt an increasing sense of emotion and said earnestly, "To be honest, Xiao Qin, the grand vision you just painted is indeed very tempting to me, and I also know that without you, I would most likely not be able to accomplish this on my own."
He then changed his tone: "But as I said before, the cost is not small. Can you provide this capital for the cooperation?"
Judging by his attire, Qin Tian seemed to be a child from an ordinary family. Even if he could persuade his family to support him, he might not be able to come up with the money.
"I understand that."
Qin Tian nodded slightly and asked in return, "Brother Zhao, roughly estimate, how much money will be needed initially?"
"I can't say for sure."
Zhao Mingyuan rubbed his chin with his fingers, his expression serious as he pondered for a moment before continuing, "If we go for the high-end market, Yucheng is certainly not ideal. We should probably start in Jiangcheng."
"That's right."
Qin Tian nodded in agreement.
"If we want to go for a chain, we must quickly capture the Jiangcheng market. If we're going to do it, we should do it big. My idea is to open three stores simultaneously, located in the most prosperous pedestrian streets and commercial areas where there are more young people. It would be best to make a name for ourselves right from the start."
"According to the rent for properties there, and the renovation, equipment, all of which must conform to high-end internet cafes. Based on my years of experience running internet cafes, the initial investment would be at least two million yuan to start."
"If we split it fifty-fifty, that's one million. And that's with me finding ways to control costs as much as possible, for instance, by delaying computer payments for a few months. If things don't go as planned, it might be a bit more."
After speaking, he quietly gazed at Qin Tian, observing the changes in his expression and eyes.
One million yuan was certainly not a problem for him; it was even less than half of his bank account balance.
But for a teenager still in high school, this could be considered a colossal sum.
He recalled that when he was studying, his daily allowance was only a few cents.
Times were different now, but his own son, who was in middle school, only received a hundred yuan from him each week.
This was even with his adherence to the educational philosophy of raising sons frugally and daughters lavishly.
Even so, his son was already the envy of his classmates.
What shocked him was that the young man in front of him showed no signs of panic.
Instead, he was excessively calm, and there was even a hint of surprise in his eyes, as if he felt the amount was too small.
Little did they know, the required capital was indeed much less than Qin Tian had anticipated.
Before his rebirth, opening even one internet cafe in a bustling commercial street would have cost around this much, let alone three.
However, considering the current salary levels and prices, coupled with Zhao Mingyuan's rich experience in the industry, it didn't seem unreasonable.
"Brother Zhao, how many months will it take to prepare for this?"
Qin Tian asked.
Zhao Mingyuan was taken aback by the question and replied, "If the site selection goes smoothly, we can start construction in about a month. Various permits can also be obtained before the renovation is completed. I have connections for that."
"Brother Zhao, trust my words, give me two months, and I will definitely transfer one million yuan to the joint account before the college entrance examination ends."
Qin Tian solemnly guaranteed.
"This..."
Zhao Mingyuan showed a look of difficulty.
It wasn't that he was overly suspicious, but these words coming from a high school student lacked much credibility.
Qin Tian indeed seemed different from his peers, but he was still a seventeen or eighteen-year-old teenager.
This was a million yuan, not a hundred yuan.
Furthermore, he and Qin Tian had only met twice and were not very familiar with each other.
"How about this, Brother Zhao, I will try my best to bring thirty thousand yuan this month. Additionally, in the next few days, I will prepare a detailed project proposal for opening the internet cafe."
"If I cannot produce the money at that time, Brother Zhao, you can proceed alone or find other partners. I will still offer my advice."
"You also know that I am a student at Yucheng Fourth Middle School, and my home is not far from your internet cafe. With Brother Zhao's capabilities, you can find me anytime."
Qin Tian spoke his proposal in a calm and unhurried manner.
After listening, Zhao Mingyuan's face again showed contemplation.
It wasn't until Qin Tian had eaten quite a few skewers and drunk two bottles of beer that Zhao Mingyuan finally responded.
"Alright, Xiao Qin, your brother here will trust you. We'll do as you say."
"Thank you for your trust, Brother Zhao. Here's to our successful cooperation."
Qin Tian's handsome face broke into a brilliant smile as he raised his glass.
"Good kid, compared to you, my son is like trash compared to treasure!"
Zhao Mingyuan laughed and clinked glasses with him.
"Brother Zhao, how old is your child?"
"Fourteen, he's graduating from middle school this year too!"
"He's also studying in Yucheng? Then next year he'll be my junior?"
"Ah, with his grades, it's questionable whether he can even successfully get into Fourth Middle School. I might have to pay extra for him then."
Zhao Mingyuan said with displeasure.
"You don't need to worry too much. The high school entrance examination isn't that difficult. My grades were also quite poor before, and I still managed to get into Fourth Middle School!"
Qin Tian said with a light smile to comfort him.
"Sigh, let's hope so!"
Zhao Mingyuan sighed and drained the beer in his glass.
Looking at the promising young man before him, who could chat and laugh with him, and then thinking of his own unaccomplished son, he suddenly felt an urge.
Afterward, the two chatted and laughed while finishing the skewers, and the four bottles of beer were emptied.
Zhao Mingyuan had a good tolerance for alcohol; two bottles of beer had no effect on him.
Qin Tian's physique was robust, and he basically treated the beer like water.
Full and satisfied, Zhao Mingyuan went to settle the bill with the owner, while Qin Tian picked up his computer case and monitor.
They walked out of the barbecue restaurant together.
"Is this okay for you?"
Zhao Mingyuan looked at the computer case and monitor he was carrying and asked with a chuckle.
"It's fine, it's not heavy."
Qin Tian smiled and shook his head.
"Alright, then I won't see you off. Just call me if anything comes up. And let me know your number once you get a phone."
"Okay."
"In a couple of days, I'll go check out the commercial streets and pedestrian areas in Jiangcheng for suitable locations."
"Mhm, I still have to go to school. This matter will have to trouble Brother Zhao."
"It's fine, don't you have your own things to do? I'm looking forward to seeing the project proposal!"
"No problem."